International Travel Without Flying

Hello all. I am hitting the road in March or April of 2011 for an indeterminate length of time. I plan on seeing the country (United States) and making my way slowly all the way back around again.
My question is this: I have been looking into going abroad. (I have wayyy too many friends overseas that I am dying to visit.) I know I could fly over, but the price tag is a little steep for me. Once I get to Europe, getting around can be done economically, but getting from the States to Europe is a pricey affair. Besides freighter ships (which I am still researching) does any one know of any cheap ways to cross the pond? If anyone has used freighter ships before, does anyone have any advice or experiences (good or bad) to share? All help is greatly appreciated. Peace & Love all.

 

jet pack

 

I really think plane is your best bet.

 

I've wondered this before too! Good luck!!

 

ya price wise a plane would be best probably. but i dont fly so when i cross later this spring when the snows gone it will probably be some sort of boat. but congrats on doing this. I just backpacked north america this past summer and looking forward to the rest of this earth

 

Bargain plane tickets can be found. It is probably your best bet. Technically, you will only need two - one to get you across the atlantic, and one across the pacific.

Basically, the days of traveling cheap, or working for your ticket, on board a freighter are long gone. These days they accept passengers for a no-frills cruise, sometimes in luxury cabins, sometimes in basic cabins, and are meant to be a way for the shipping company to make a few extra dollars on overseas voyages. It will be a lot cheaper than a regular cruise liner, but more than a economy airline ticket.

Check the smaller airlines. They may not be as nice, and they may not be on time, but they may be cheaper. Fly stand-by if possible. Check out the ads in places like craigslist or the classifieds in the papers. They are out there, you just have to look for them.

Just a quick check of Orbitz found April tickets from NY to either London or Frankfurt for about $400. Use a site like orbitz, and then check actual airline websites. It's a good way to compare prices.