In 2021 there are a bunch of options you can choose from when it comes to getting from A to B. However, you always have to remember the safety precautions that were implemented in 2020 to stop the pandemic. Before COVID-19, we could just book flight tickets, and the next day we could have been on the other side of the world.
Unfortunately, now we have to be a lot more careful and pay attention to all the restrictions. Moreover, they can differ even in various regions of the same country. So what is the best type of transport you can use in 2021?
Lyft
The days of taking taxis are diminishing due to the creation of rideshare services like Lyft or Uber. If you need a ride after a party, or you are just late for work, you can order a ride using only your smartphone. It’s easier and more time-efficient than calling for a taxi or catching one on the street.
One of the best features added to the Lyft app is the option to schedule a ride in advance. Previously, booking a vehicle ahead of time was only possible with for-hire car services. It is an excellent choice if you want to make sure that you can get anywhere on time. If you don’t know how to do it, you can always check out a guide on how to schedule a Lyft ride in advance.
But why Lyft, you might ask? When using Lyft, you can always tip your driver using the app, as it is a lot more convenient than leaving cash.
Speaking of money, you may think that the costs of using Uber and Lyft are the same, and in most cases, it is true, but a recent study showed that, Lyft actually has a smaller surge fee in those business cities like New York and San Francisco. Users also mention that Lyft has a smaller minimum charge than Uber so that you will pay less on short distances.
Moreover, if you want to rent a car for a weekend trip easily, you can now do it through the Lyft app. As advertised, renting a car this way is much more convenient than renting it from a rental company. You can say goodbye to lengthy paperwork and long waits. You can take your phone right now, click on it a few times, and enjoy your new (temporary) car!
Train
Traveling by train takes a lot longer than flying, but in 2021 it is much more comfortable, cheaper, and safer. Most trains allow only 50% of passengers so that you can feel safer than on the bus. Generally, trains have dedicated travel paths that are quicker than sitting alone in your car, which can cut down travel times. You don’t need to make stops for sleeping or eating; on the train, you can go to the dining car and enjoy a warm meal during your trip.
Sleeping on the train is also much more comfortable than sleeping in a car. If you plan a longer trip, you can always check if the train has sleepers available for passengers. If it does, you can lie down and relax for the whole night.
Additionally, when traveling by train, you don’t have to worry about traffic or concentrating on the journey ahead. There’s not always a lot you can do with your hands at 10 to 2, but you can do whatever you like inside a train. Watching a movie, working on your laptop, or reading a book is not the slightest problem.
Traveling by train is also the greenest option we can choose from (aside from walking and cycling of course). The Guardian researched that train travel is responsible for a mere 1.8% of the commute CO2 emissions comparing to the airplane industry about 12.3% of CO2 emissions, so if you care about the planet, it is high time to ditch flights and choose rails instead.
Campervan
With most hotels closed, it is always nice to have a place to sleep when on the road. A campervan may be the best choice for extended travel in 2021, as you don’t have to worry about all the restrictions and social distancing.
Campers come in various shapes and sizes, so you can go alone or take your whole family with you. A campervan is like a home on wheels. You can find them with bathrooms and kitchens, so you won’t have to stop at a gas station every time you want to take a shower or eat something warm. They are designed so that you can have everything you need on a daily basis.
During the pandemic, most companies decided to switch to remote working, so now people have the opportunity to travel while working. You just need your laptop and a mobile WiFi connection, and a router you can buy from any provider. If you are an outdoor lover, and you miss the freedom of going wherever you want without worrying about social distancing, a camper could be the answer to your prayers.
You drive it to any national park and stay there for as long as you want. Nothing is limiting your freedom with a mobile home office, so go online, rent a camper, and prepare yourself for the life-changing experience!
The Bottom Line
The Coronavirus pandemic changed the world we live in today in so many ways. We can’t go outside without masks, borders with other countries are closed or limited, and many flights are banned. We have to continually find new ways to deal with limitations and restrictions, without endangering ourselves and others.
This past year changed how we live and travel, but we can make the most out of the situation. Some changes may be temporary, but some may stay with us longer than we first thought. Looking on the bright side, we can now experience new things and embrace adventures we wouldn’t have considered before.