Strange Transports

Skip the taxi and try one of these strange transports around the world.

Balsa

Balsa boat made of totora reeds © Mrpeak | Dreamstime

Balsas are boats constructed out of Totora reeds native to South America, particularly around Lake Titicaca. The Uros tribe of Bolivia, an indigenous people that pre-date the Incas, make these impressive boats, and use them to move around the lake’s manmade islands, also made of Totora reeds. Lake Titicaca is a popular destination for travelers, where the locals sell their handicrafts to visitors.

Dogsled

International Lanaudiere Dog Sledding Race, Quebec, Canada © Mircea Costina | Dreamstime

Dogsleds use highly-trained canines to glide your sled over snow and ice. There aren’t many places you can participate in this activity, but it has become a popular wintertime sport in Japan, Germany, and Norway. Dogsleds have been used for thousands of years, with evidence dating back to the 10^th century. Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are the most popular breeds for the sport. Dogsled trips through Saltfjellet-Svartisen and Jotunheimen National Park in Norway are popular. If you want to see the top dogs and mushers in action, check out Alaska’s Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race where competitors race more than 1,000 miles through blizzard conditions.

Cgo Yong

Cgo yong tuk tuk in Cambodia © Siriusthestar | Dreamstime

This Cambodian staple translates literally to “robotic cow.” Created out of necessity, cgo yong are a hodgepodge of recycled machine parts put together to engineer some of the strangest automobiles in the world. Used to transport both people and goods, getting a ride might not be safe, but it will definitely be interesting.

Junk Boat

Junk boat in Hong Kong © Leung Cho Pan | Dreamstime

Junks are traditional sailing vessels of China, a design still in use today. They were invented during the Song Dynasty, around 1,000 years ago. The simple construction is popular with small sailing crews, allowing them to avoid being on deck for rough weather and minimizing repair costs. Today, junk boats surged in popularity for leisure and booze cruises. Hong Kong visitors can ride on the Duk Ling, the last authentic Hong Kong junk by visiting the website. Saffron Cruises also offer a variety of leisure trips by boat.

Camel Caravan

This was once the primary mode of transportation in Africa and the Middle East. Camels are capable of surviving 17 days without water, though only if they stocked up before their journey. These animals can drink more than 100 liters of water in less than 10 minutes. Although it’s not as popular as it once was, the tradition has been kept alive for both practical and tourist purposes. Camels are an important part of these cultures, where people depend on the animal for milk, food, wool and fuel. If you’re interested in joining a camel caravan, click here for adventures through Morocco’s desert. The Pushkar Camel Festival is also a sight to see, drawing more than 10,000 camels to Rajasthan, India.