Coolest transports in the world that will surprise you

It is always exciting to travel to a new destination that you have never traveled before. At the top of your mind, you will be bombarded with thoughts on where to go, what to see, where to stay, and what not. But, have you ever thought about how you will get around the new destination? Something new to think about right. If you do think about it, you will absolutely be thrilled to see there are the so many different modes of transportation in each destination. Here are the coolest transports in the world that you should definitely try on your visit.

Though you may recognize a few of these transports, I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised towards the end.

22. Tanga -Pakistan, India, & Bangladesh

Drawn by horses, Tanga or Tonga as it is called is a light carriage that is used as a means of transportation in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Majorly used to carry hay, the passengers can enter the carriage from the rear and there is some space for luggage between the tires. Ride Tanga to experience the authentic charm of the place.

21. Cyclo – Hanoi, Vietnam

Introduced in Vietnam during the French Colonial time, Cyclo is a three-wheeled bicycle with two wheels at the front and one at the back. Popular among the tourists, Cyclo is one of the coolest transports in the world and is a great way to go on a tour around Hanoi. Make sure to negotiate the prices before going on a ride.

20. Underground Funicular – Turkey

Connecting Beyoğlu with Karaköy, the Underground Funicular in Turkey is one of the oldest surviving underground railway lines in the world. Traveling roughly at a speed of 25 km/hr, the inclined Underground Funicular will nevertheless be a historical experience.

19. Canal Taxi – Thailand

Immensely crowded with the tourists, a great way to get around Thailand without getting stuck in the traffic is via Canal Taxis. These express boats pass through the heart of the city of Bangkok giving you an insight into the daily happenings that take place in the city.

18. Barcos de Totora – Lake Titicana, Peru

Crafted by the fishermen from bundles of dried reed, Barcos de Totora has been in the usage for over 3,000 years now. Primarily used as a means to transport nets and to catch fish, the iconic Barcos de Totora is eco-friendly and is an increasingly popular transport among the tourists.

17. Matatu – Kenya

Brightly painted with all sorts of colors, Matatus are privately owned minibuses that travel both inter- and intra- city. Locally referred to as the makanga or manamba, these decorated minibuses play loud music, run on unpredictable schedule, and feature portraits & slogans of famous people. Have a local experience of Kenya by riding on a Matatu.

16. Felucca – Egypt

While sailing around Egypt on a cruise or a ferry is a common thing to do, try opting for the less crowded traditional wooden sailing boat of Felucca. Incredibly relaxing, Feluccas are a perfect way to catch a soothing breeze on a hot summer night. Ideally, Feluccas can carry ten passengers with two to three crew members.

15. Suspension Railway – Wuppertal, Germany

Set at a height of 12 meters above the river Wupper and 8 meters above the valley road, Suspension Railway is one of the oldest elevated electric railway transportation that helps move 25 million passengers annually. Experience Wuppertal from the top by riding in this unique system of railway transportation. It’s absolute bliss!

14. Hydrofoil – Aegina, Greece

Mainly used to get around the islands in Greece, Hydrofoil resembles a boat, fitted with a wing-like structure beneath the hull. If you are looking for a faster way to get between two points on water, then Hydrofoil is the best choice. On the flip side, while the Hydrofoil propels water faster, be prepared to encounter few bumps on the way.

13. Autorickshaw – India

A common mode of transport in the Asian Subcontinent and many developing countries, Autorickshaw is a well-known mode of transport in the world and needs no introduction. Brightly colored, Autorickshaws are easy to identify and offers you a swift ride, not to forget the thrilling death-defying moments.

12. Maglev – Shanghai, China

I am sure most of you would have surely traveled by train but have you had the experience to ride on a Maglev? Functioning on the concept of magnetic levitation, Maglev’s are incredibly fast and Shanghai Maglev is the fastest high-speed electric train in the world. Traveling in Shanghai Maglev will literally make you fly!

11. Gondola – Venice, Italy

Covered in water, traveling in Venice is a huge challenge for tourists and the ideal way to get around Venice is on a Gondola. Flat-bottomed, the traditional rowing boat is well-suited for the Venetian lagoon and is a great way to discover Venice. And don’t worry, it comes with a gondolier.

10. Terra Bus – Athabasca Glacier, Canada

Looking gigantic in size, Terra Bus is an absolute beast. Powered by a 250 horsepower Detroit Diesel engine, Terra Bus travels at a top speed of 25 mph and provides all-terrain support. The hybrid monster truck is the best way to get around the Columbia Ice field in Canada’s Jasper National Park.

9. Jeepney – Philippines

Jeepneys are the most popular means of transport in the Philippines. Overtly decorated, Jeepneys are originally made from U.S Military jeeps, left over from World War II and are always seen spilling with people. If you are the one who looks for a lot of privacy while traveling, then Jeepney is totally not for you.

8. Houseboat – Alleppey, Kerala

Handcrafted by the localites, Houseboats in Kerala are a common way to get along the waters. While it looks regular from the outside, the houseboats are fully equipped with everything that you need and are in huge demand among the tourists.

7. Dog sled – Alaska

Interested in adventure? Speed away through the ice and snow in Alaska on a Dog Sled. Pulled by one or more ferocious dogs, Dog Sleds have been in the usage since thousands of years and the people of Alaska are so obsessed with it that they even have Dog Sled racing! Dog sled is definitely one of the coolest transports in the world.

6. Hovercraft – Portsmouth, UK

Hybrid in nature, the air-cushioned vehicle of Hovercraft can travel over varied terrains of land that includes land, water, ice, mud, and other surfaces. While they are primarily used as a rescue vehicle during disasters, there is one Hovercraft that is still running from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight.

5. Habal Habal – Philippines

Modified to fit in more passengers, Habal Habal in Philipines is a variation of a motorcycle. If you think Uber is the most economical way to travel within a city then you are in for a huge surprise. Just look at the picture and you will know how crazily interesting traveling on a Habal Habal is.

4. Ice Angel – Wisconsin, US

Powered by air-propellers, Ice Angel’s are ice boats that help in transferring people from Wisconsin’s Madeline Island to Bayfield during the winter. During this time, Lake Superior begins to freeze and the ice is neither too thick to support a vehicle nor it is fluid to allow a ferry, which is where Ice Angel comes in. Rescuing the passengers!

3. Cocotaxi – Havana, Cuba

Resembling a floating helmet, Cocotaxi is a unique type of auto-rickshaw taxi in Cuba. They feature a fiberglass body, bucket style seats and can generally fit two to three passengers at a time. Predominantly painted in yellow & black, Cocotaxis are comparatively cheaper than taxis.

2. Bamboo Train – Battambang, Cambodia

Operating from O Dambong to O Sra Lav, Bamboo Train is an ultralight way to travel in Battambang. Set across two single sets of wheel axles, the Bamboo train is surely one of the most interesting and coolest transports in the world.

1. Toboggan – Madeiran, Portugal

Topping the list of the coolest transports in the world is the traditional, very old transportation of Toboggan. Used primarily to travel downhill right from the 19th century, Toboggan is driven by two men dressed in white, wearing straw hats. And for the brakes, they have their black rubber boots. How interesting!

What’s New?

Looking like they are ripped right out of sci-fi movies, the flying water taxis in Paris are the next big thing. Going by the name SeaBubble, these futuristic water taxis are propelled by electric engines which are in turn powered by solar energy and are absolutely free of CO₂ emissions. SeaBubbles carried their first test this June and public demonstration can be expected during September 2017. Fingers crossed!

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What’s your favorite from the lot? Let us know in the comments section below.