In today’s age, cars are considered a basic commodity, and owning one is similar to owning a phone. Our lives have been drastically shaped by this innovation and its widespread use, which leaves a few of us without a car in an unpleasant situation. Nevertheless, there are alternatives and many other options available, allowing you to move around with ease. The short answer to the above question would be: yes, it’s possible, and in the text below we’ll discuss the possibilities open for everyone.

Calling for a ride 

In the time of Ubers, you can simply call the driver and enjoy the ride alone with headphones on. Of course, this has many advantages, as you can focus on other things like answering emails, reading a book, or planning your schedule for the day without having to keep your eyes on the road. These apps make it possible for you to be picked up in front of your home, job, or wherever you are, a luxury previously available only to the rich. In the “old days,” you would have to wait for a cab to pull up and take you home.

Of course, everything comes at a price, but depending on how often you use this service and how far you go, the price could equal what you would otherwise spend on gas and car maintenance. 

You can always rent a car 

Nowadays, it’s possible to simply rent a car if you need one and finish whatever job you had in mind. Renting a car is perfect for people who need some kind of transport for minor tasks like doing the groceries every other week, maybe going on a quick road trip, or just getting around if you have a lot of things on your “to-do” list. As the folks at Mates Rates Car Hire explain, every shopping trip is easier with a car next to the store, and the best part is that there are no credit card or booking charges, the deposits are refundable, and you get instant confirmation when making the “appointment”. Renting, since its popularization, has grown to become a multi-million dollar business, all due to its efficiency and many benefits. 

Renting has proven extremely useful for tourists in foreign cities when they are in need of transportation, and especially if they desire to visit specific places only reachable by car. So, yes, it is possible to get around even without your own car, but is it affordable? In most cases, it is. The price depends often on the model you choose. The initial deposit gets refunded and you get a full gas tank. It’s not an alternative to owning an actual car in the long run but can prove extremely useful when you are in need of one. 

Public transport 

Although many hate the thought of public transport, in major cities, it is the only way to get around for less money and really fast. Major cities like New York, London, or Tokyo have a well-connected underground metro, allowing you to go from point A to point B in no time, and although you own a car, you’ll avoid a lot of the traffic by taking the bus or train. 

But even if you live in a smaller city or town, going by public transport is an alternative that allows you to move around without a car and still enjoy the nice views while passing by. And, similar to taking Ubers and Lyfts, you can do other things as well, but you’ll need to pay a bit more attention; otherwise, you’ll miss your station. 

Getting your bike out of the basement

It is environmentally friendly, it’s cheap, and it helps your health – what is it? Bikes have been a reliable means of transportation for ages, and their many benefits are well-known to most. You’ll save a lot of money (it’s even cheaper than public transportation), you’ll stay fit and healthy as many studies have proven the benefits of regular cycling, and you’ll contribute to fewer CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. And, another benefit is exposure to the sun, as it helps your skin and feeds your body with vitamin D. Regular cycling, breathing the fresh air, absorbing the sun while being aware of the fact that you contribute to the preservation of the environment, creates a more positive mindset, which also means you’ll be emotionally more satisfied. And don’t worry, it’s hard the first few weeks, but you’ll get used to it. If you don’t live close to your workplace or need to get places quickly there are a lot of e-bikes built for speed. 

As said, it is possible to get around and live without a car, but you’ll have to be a bit creative with your options. We recommend a combination of everything above, depending on your needs – renting a car for grocery shopping, riding a bike to work and back, taking an Uber when you have planned a night out with friends, and maybe public transport when you need to get somewhere in the city really fast.