Moving in Style: Beyond Regular Transport

[TrailJoe]

I've enjoyed cycling trips in countries like Portugal, Norway, and South Korea. While these experiences were fantastic, I'm now interested in trying some unique modes of transportation in other countries after reading this https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/quirkiest-public-transport-around-world. I'm particularly excited about riding the gondolas and vaporetti in Venice. Are there any other unique forms of transportation you'd recommend I try in Italy?

[Mr joe]

In Naples, you can check out the funicular railways. They're historic cable cars that climb up the city's steep hills, giving you amazing views of the Bay of Naples. And if you're heading to Bergamo, try the century-old funicular that connects the lower and upper parts of the city. Both options offer great photo ops and local vibes. Though not quite as quirky as some of those wild options in the National Geographic article, they're still pretty special ways to get around Italy. Or you can look for car tours as well.

[TrailJoe]

(11-11-2024, 11:31 PM)Mr joe Wrote:  In Naples, you can check out the funicular railways. They're historic cable cars that climb up the city's steep hills, giving you amazing views of the Bay of Naples. And if you're heading to Bergamo, try the century-old funicular that connects the lower and upper parts of the city. Both options offer great photo ops and local vibes. Though not quite as quirky as some of those wild options in the National Geographic article, they're still pretty special ways to get around Italy. Or you can look for car tours as well.

Thanks for the suggestions, @Mr joe! I hadn't considered funicular railways, but they sound perfect for combining transportation with sightseeing. I'll definitely add these railways to my list. A car tour could also be a fun way to see more of the local area. Since I'll be in Naples, I came across some interesting private car tours on https://gowithguide.com/Italy/naples/guides that might be perfect for exploring the rest of Naples. Thanks again for the help!

[Mr joe]

You might want to split your time - take the funicular for city views, then maybe book a guide for a driving tour to places like Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast that are harder to reach by public transport.

[TrailJoe]

(11-12-2024, 11:35 PM)Mr joe Wrote:  You might want to split your time - take the funicular for city views, then maybe book a guide for a driving tour to places like Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast that are harder to reach by public transport.

That's a great suggestion to combine both transportation options! Balancing the trip with both the funicular railway for city views and a guided car tour for farther destinations sounds like a perfect blend. I'll definitely look into booking a guide for a day trip to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.

[Jesper]

(11-12-2024, 11:35 PM)Mr joe Wrote:  You might want to split your time - take the funicular for city views, then maybe book a guide for a driving tour to places like Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast that are harder to reach by public transport.

Thank you for that advice. I have been in Italy multiple times and have not done that type of transport. Next time I will.

[williscreg]

Cool article.

[TrailJoe]

(11-21-2024, 09:28 AM)williscreg Wrote:  Cool article.

Indeed, it is, @williscreg! Have you tried any of those modes of transportation mentioned in the article before?

[williscreg]

Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance yet, but now I'm excited to add it to my "must-do" list for the future! Honestly, I thought I’d traveled a lot, but I hadn’t even heard of some of these transportation options

[TrailJoe]

(11-22-2024, 07:43 AM)williscreg Wrote:  Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance yet, but now I'm excited to add it to my "must-do" list for the future! Honestly, I thought I’d traveled a lot, but I hadn’t even heard of some of these transportation options

That's so relatable! Every time I read about some new unique experiences, my travel bucket list just keeps growing longer. It's amazing how there are still so many undiscovered gems out there, even for experienced travelers. 🌍

[GirishH]

Thanks, @TrailJoe for sharing the article.

In italy, I tried various versions of their trains before making our way to Cinque Terre. Their train system is pretty good.

I am lucky to have grown-up in India, so experienced many forms of transportation.

Some quirkiest ones from around the world are:
1. Bullock cart rides in the rural parts of India.

2. Crossing Rio Grande officially between Big Bend NP and Mexico via a "public boat" that takes a few strokes.

3. Public escalators in Comuna 13 in Medellín, Colombia. CRAZIEST THING. The attached picture with a green marking points to a bit of the roof of this public escalator. This is in a poor, poor area that in the past was hit hard by violence.

4. Public gondolas as part of Medellín's public transportation. We took one to go to a wildlife sanctuary/park Parc Arvi. Ans, this was just like Boston MBTA or NYC Subway system..

5. 4x4 snow-mobile ride in Utah when I was lucky to get permits for The Waves, Kanab, AZ. This was middle of winter and we're told we could not go in our rented sedan. Some locals offered to take us along..

(11-24-2024, 10:07 PM)TrailJoe Wrote:  

(11-22-2024, 07:43 AM)williscreg Wrote:  Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance yet, but now I'm excited to add it to my "must-do" list for the future! Honestly, I thought I’d traveled a lot, but I hadn’t even heard of some of these transportation options

That's so relatable! Every time I read about some new unique experiences, my travel bucket list just keeps growing longer. It's amazing how there are still so many undiscovered gems out there, even for experienced travelers. 🌍

[TrailJoe]

Thanks for sharing your fascinating experiences, @GirishH! Those are some incredible transportation adventures, especially the public escalators in Comuna 13 and the gondola system in Medellín.

[GirishH]

@TrailJoe, Thanks. I was truly impressed when I learnt the reason behind the public escalators and the history of that part of Medellín.

Increíblly sad history or near past with a profound transformation. This Wikipedia article even mentions Pablo Escobar's control over this area..but now, tourists can visit the area by just taking public transportation or a taxi.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comuna_13,_Medell%C3%ADn#:~:text=Comuna%2013%20suffered%20for%20years,and%20go%2​0out%20at%20night.

(11-26-2024, 09:19 PM)TrailJoe Wrote:  Thanks for sharing your fascinating experiences, @GirishH! Those are some incredible transportation adventures, especially the public escalators in Comuna 13 and the gondola system in Medellín.