Getting around

Getting around the world is very different wherever you are. We can't all simply hop on a plane and point to the next destination. For one, the average gap year student would be financially crippled in about a week. But logistically, in many places flights are simply not an option. Here I will try to illustrate how myself and Lauren got around in each of our travels and what, in my opinion, are the best ways about it.

Again, this blog is prone to purely subjective opinions and as such I wouldn't take my scrambled ramblings as gospel!

Europe:

Best method is by train. Interrailing is possibly the best way to get around. Usually you can get around for one fixed price and have a number of destinations. That way you can both get to any place you want in Europe, but have all your travel pretty much sorted.

Definitely check it out as it is a million times cheaper than just paying for flight after flight.

Driving is also an option. However, renting is pretty damn expensive and here is a big no-no. NEVER RENT A CAR IN ITALY. The system is totally corrupt. All you need is a google and you will see loads of cases of extra 'charges' such as speeding etc. sent months after the car was returned. Suspicion is that the rental companies are in league with the police and getting extra money in from the tourists - but obviously that has been met with vehement opposition. Thanks Berlusconi...

South East Asia and China

There is only really one main method to get from place to place in Vietnam and China – night trains. They are pretty cheap and as such I would definitely recommend getting either 2nd or 1st class. Cattle class is just that. Not ideal but when you want to get a long way away, driving is not an option and flights are almost impossible to get as well as vastly expensive.

Thailand and especially Cambodia don’t have the greatest infrastructure and as such you will mainly be stuck in coaches. The quality isn’t great but hey, that’s kind of the only option! You can book either private or normal coach. My advice would be to go for a slightly nicer quality coach as 1. The ride is not awful, 2. Not as overpriced as a private coach.

Cambodia’s roads are bad. Expect a 6-hour coach ride where normally it would take 2. Luckily, the country is small so 7/8 hours is probably the longest ride you will have to endure. One thing, be careful when organising a coach trip, try to get official assistance, as there is a lot of corruption regarding rides. Keep an eye on your stuff and tip the drivers/ helpers. Not much, but something.

Finally, the roads are insane. Vietnam traffic especially. Rule one: DO NOT DRIVE YOURSELF. You will only end up completely lost or in a pile of scooters and death. The locals know how to do it – with zero regard for safety or road rules. I had no issues, but keep an eye out. You find yourself quickly adapting to the nature of traffic, and the that the only way to cross from one side of the road to the other is to simply step out and walk. Don't hesitate, don't stop, and the motorists will simply arrange themselves around you. Terrifying at first, immensely satisfying once successful.

South America

One method is used above all else – Coaches. South Americans love to use coaches – it is not uncommon to have a 24hr coach trip. The ride is great though, usually you get food, drink, toilet facilities and a really comfy chair with leg room. Far cheaper than flights and the only way the locals travel.

If you must fly, Lima to Cusco is the most necessary. A flight is not too expensive and only takes 2 hours. Compare that to the 26hr coach trip and any money is worth it!

Other than that, driving is also an option, but not in Brazil. They drive terribly, as do the Argentinians and the chance of death on the road is horrifically high. I could bring up the statistics, but this is a family blog.