Transportation can sometimes be one of the most expensive aspects of traveling. After paying hundreds of dollars to get there, you really don't want to pay a lot more to visit other neighboring areas. Trains and buses are known to be reasonably priced but there are still other cheap ways to get around.
Hitchhiking- The word alone evokes the image of someone standing next to a highway sticking their thump out with a sign indicating their destination! And yeah that's it! One of the disadvantages is that you never know if you'll be picked up and how much you'll end up walking! Once in the Bahamas in a group of 4 we tried it and ended up walking the entire way... In Romania and Bulgaria I tried it again with a friend and someone took us to our destination!
Carpooling - In many cities and countries carpooling websites are becoming more and more popular. With the rising cost of gas, many drivers enjoy having someone to share the toll/gas expenses with. Unlike trains and planes, you don't have to reserve far in advance to find a cheap ride. Most prices are fixed and depend upon your start and destination. Once a train ticket from Paris to Lyon was going to cost me 100€. Instead, I carpooled and paid 25€!!
Obviously, getting in the car with complete strangers or people you met off the Internet can pose certain risks! So be sure you ALWAYS travel safely!! With most carpooling sites, you can read reviews of the drivers to get an idea about them before choosing who you will go with. While hitchhiking, NEVER get in the car with someone shady. Alternative modes of transportation opens the door to be able to learn more about the locals and the region while at the same time traveling on a cheap budget!! 