If you thought that trains, airplanes, cars, and buses are the only modes of transportation around the world, then you might have to rethink! Buses, subways, cabs and local trains are the most common modes of transportation in many parts of the world, but there are many other countries with their own peculiar modes of travel.
If you want to experience the cultures of different countries, a ride on these unique modes of transportation has to be on your itineraries. Take a look:
1. Jeepney, Philippines
One of the most popular modes of transportation, Jeepneys represents the Philippine culture in a fascinating way. These are modified from the surplus army jeeps that the Americans troops left behind after the Second World War. The locals used their creativity on the jeeps by adding shade roof and used them as a public mode of transportation in the country.
2. Tuk Tuk, Thailand
Tuks are open-air, three wheelers that can be found sputtering around the streets of the cities in Thailand. It originates from an old-fashioned rickshaw during the Second World War, so riding a tuk-tuk is an experience rather than just a practical way to travel.
3. Bamboo train, Cambodia
Cambodia’s one-of-a-kind Bamboo Train takes its passengers through the pastoral tracks on bamboo-lined flat trolleys. With a wooden platform attached to a small engine, it is one of the most efficient and cheap ways to travel around the country.
4. Coco-taxi, Cuba
Coco-taxi is a coconut-shaped ‘auto rickshaw’ in Cuban capital, Havana. The taxi has a two-stroke engine that runs quite fast and frame of the body rests on three wheels just like auto-rickshaws. It carries two-three passengers at a time in bucket-style seats set behind the driver’s seat.
5. Cyclo, Vietnam
Cyclos are three-wheel bicycle taxi that appeared in Vietnam during the French colonial period. Now operating mostly in Hanoi area of Vietnam, Cyclo has a double seat for passengers, supported by two front wheels with the driver sitting behind the passenger seat.
6. Dog Sled, Alaska
An age-old mode of travel, Dog Sled is now used as a tourist attraction. The sled is pulled by a pack of 4 to 6 highly trained dogs and is a definite joy-ride for the tourists.
7. Felucca Boats, Egypt
It is one of the most historically rich means of transports and has been around for thousands of years in Egypt. Integral parts of Egyptian culture, Feluccas are traditional wooden sailboats. These boats depend on the direction of the wind.
8. Junk Boat, Hong Kong
Junk Boats are used as sunset boats for booze cruise and private charter for tourists. They have an ancient Chinese sailing vessel design from the 2nd century Han Dynasty. Located along the Victoria Harbour, these boats might not be primarily used for transportation, but offer leisure and break from the city life.
9. Trams, Kolkata, India
With oldest running trams in Asia, Kolkata is the only city in India with an operational tram network. One of the cleanest and environment friendly modes of transport, the first electric Tram in Asia started in Kolkata in 1902. In Kolkata, it is being operated by the Calcutta Tramway Company (CTC).
10. Barco de Totora, Peru
Simply called Totora boats, these are reed watercraft, resembling the form of a dragon. These boats are used for locals cruising on the salient lakes of Peru.
Get your itineraries updated and make sure you experience a ride on these ‘vehicles’ when you are on your trip to any of these places.