I am attracted to the idea of utilizing alternative transport methods (or at least alternative for me) to move Natalie and I from one place to another. So far, we have used traditional or standard methods of transport such as planes, trains, cars, buses and ferries. Although effective, these forms of transport are more comfortably utilitarian than experiential. I like comfortable transport, so I am not complaining.

Often backpackers and budget travelers use traditional transport methods because popular wisdom dictates that it saves money. Flights are expensive. Buses are cheap. Never rent a car. Hitchhike when possible. Walk everywhere. Although popular wisdom on the backpacker trail is helpful, it pays (both in experiences and expenses) to investigate other possibilities.

To that end, today, we embark on a 17 day repositioning cruise from Sydney to Singapore. Although this sounds like an expensive way to move from Australia to South East Asia, we discovered, thanks in no small part to the recession, that last minute cruise tickets are only slightly more expensive in this instance than flights. Admittedly, I feel a bit awkward about using a luxury relocation cruise as a glorified ferry in order to get to South East Asia and the non conformist in me is slightly appalled at the idea of getting on a cruise ship. Whatever my personal reasons, spending 16 days on the slow boat to Singapore beats airport security lines any day.

Okay, so a cruise ship is a rather posh non traditional transport option but I am also interested in less comfortable, but possibly more exhilarating, forms of transportation. I am looking forward to riding on an elephant in Thailand, crewing a yacht across the Pacific, riding a camel in the desert, and driving a motorcycle across China. Some of these options won’t work out (Natalie is not very keen on the motorcycle idea) but moving from one place to another utilizing different modes of transport can lead to exciting adventures.

When your traveling, try to avoid getting stuck in the same old transport ruts. Trust me, there will always be another bus. Alternative forms of transport are not for those on a strict time table however, so if you need to get somewhere in a hurry take a plane. Then again, being in a hurry while traveling will often cause you to miss the very things you left home to pursue. Slow down. Take your time and use transportation to enhance the journey instead of simply a way start it.

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