The sharing economy is the new kid in travel town that everybody wants to meet. Sharing is caring, and I know this sounds completely cheesy but it’s true. Especially the care for your bank account, because next to the geographical and personal connections you’ll make, it will also save you a lot of money. The most well-known sharing concepts are probably Airbnb, Uber and Blablacar. But there is a whole world to it to discover. Provide a home-cooked meal for travelers, camp in someone’s backyard or swap lives for a few nights – the possibilities are endless. If you’re curious about the type of accommodations this world of sharing is offering, take a look here. The next question is, how do you to get to the location… Below you find 4 options that should definitely be on your bucket list.
“The sharing culture in the transport sector isn’t as new as it seems.”
Transport Sharing
Imagine… sitting comfortably in a soft chair, reading a book, emailing your grandmother or working on your emails while someone escorts you to your destination. Sounds like heavenly sharing concept, doesn’t it? Well, it’s called a train and has been around for a while. Hence; sharing culture in the transport sector isn’t as new as it seems. Of course we all know Busses, trains, carpooling and the subways but the days of on-size-fits-all-needs transportation is coming to an end. With the help of new technologies and internet we are able to connect more easily to fellow travelers and thus will faster find a way of traveling that exactly matches our needs. Sharing transport enables us to decrease travel costs without compromising on our traveling preferences; you can effortless choose the time, transportation type and (traveling) companions which fit your own needs. See below to find out more!
Car & Ride sharing
Don’t own a car but still want to experience that freedom feel of a road trip? Car & ride sharing is your low budget option;it reduces each person’s travel costs, is a lot of fun, and, above all, it’s also a more environmentally friendly and sustainable way to travel. There are different companies who offer trusted ride sharing, for example BlaBlaCar and Liftshare. BlaBlaCar even makes sure you have a pleasant trip as you can specify your car ride preferences. For example you can specify if you have a hairy, barking travel buddy, allow smoking in your car (as car owner) and how blabla (talkative) you are. Not in the blabla-mood at all? You can also just rent the car for someone nearby with Getaround.
Jump in!
Bike Lending
Prefer your hair in the wind, working out while traveling and enjoying the surroundings to the fullest? There are a million of companies providing easy bike lending and renting. I would love to make a list for you, but you can easily check it out yourself at this Google Bike Map. Almost every big city has it’s own city bike system, like Bcycle in the USA. You don’t have to return the bike to where you got it same spot, just find a station nearby your destination. For the more personal thouch you can use Bike-Sharing or Spinlister. Both companies enable you to rent bikes from locals, which coincidentally also is a perfect way to get some free city advice. So bye bye tired feet and expensive taxis and hello bike!
Taxi Alternatives
Probably one of the most comfy and easy way to travel around but notoriously pricey in most countries. Some even charge tourists 2 to 4 times more than they will charge locals. Apps like Lyft and Uber provide a set price prior to pick-up by using an mobile application. This way you don’t have to stand outside, waiting till you see the ‘Free’ sign on a car. It’s a easy, comfortable and safe way to travel. In some cities, UberPool even makes it’s possible to share your car with strangers that have to go in the same direction. Again, you split the costs and it’s better for the enjoyment.
Flight Sharing
I know, I know, we were talking about budget option but seriously, how cool is it to fly in a private jet or airplane for a really acceptable price? Taste the life of the Kardashians without the sky-high price tag. Surfair and Blackjet let you fly with fellow club members. The best part is that you don’t need to know anyone to profit from his or her luxurious jet set life. Through an online platform of mobile application you can easily book your seat. As BackJet says, life looks better from the window of a private jet.
Adios Amigo’s
Explore the world on your way with the different possibilities of the sharing culture. Now that you know the options for affordable accommodations (my last article) and creative transport opportunities, what’s your excuse to stay home?
Love,
Eva
*Eva is one of our guest bloggers from Amsterdam. She’s a city girl who only leaves her heals at home when wearing a backpack. Living by the urge to be where she’s not, to explore, experience, fall and get up. You can follow her on Instagram
