Part of the excitement of travel is finding new ways to do it; or, perhaps, old ways. International flights have never been more numerous, or easier to take. But for travelers looking to enjoy getting there as much as being there, travel by ship is an exciting alternative.
Europe
- Europe has at least 40 low-cost air carriers, making air travel between cities cheap and time-efficient. But consider instead the adventure of going from London to St. Petersburg or from Italy to Turkey on small cruise liners.
Asia
- Flights around Asia can be exceptionally cheap, but the ship routes through port cities in the continent's southeast allow you to explore the regions' history firsthand. Travel from Singapore to Indonesia or Malaysia, or consider a two-week cruise from Bangkok to Hanoi.
Australia
- Adventurer Charlie Boorman proved that crossing from Indonesia to northern Australia can be literally sickening in "By Any Means," but he also showed the excitement involved. Some freighters traveling between Indonesia and Australia offer passage for tourists, but space on board is usually negotiated personally. Contact local ship's captains and try to arrange passage.
