They say it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. Well, in my case, it’s about the cute props I strategically place to suggest that I might one day consider a journey. The truth is: Second Life offers a dizzying array of vehicles you can actually drive, fly, and crash into someone’s lawn. But me? I treat them like expensive handbags. I don’t use them. I display them.

Not out of disdain, but out of pure self-preservation and a deep respect for the talented creators who make them look so good that even parked, they bring a region to life.

Here’s a quick review of three very different ways to travel in Second Life, if you’re braver, more coordinated or simply more inclined toward high-speed adventures than I am.

 

The Ultra Sports Buggy: Cute, Curvy, Completely Stationary

Ah, my little white sports buggy. It purrs like a kitten and looks so damn good parked in front of my Bellisseria Ranch it should charge rent for elevating the entire aesthetic. It’s sporty, slick, and makes it look like I might go racing after brunch.

Have I ever driven it? Once. I made it six meters before crashing into my neighbour’s bushes and emotionally traumatising their plastic flamingo. But let’s be clear: it’s a fantastic piece of virtual machinery. Engine sounds, clickable doors, working lights, it has it all. I just happen to think it also works beautifully as a lawn ornament. Like a gnome, but more aerodynamic.

 

The Tiny Red Plane (Or Maybe Spaceship?)

This… thing. It’s red. It has wings. It might be a spaceship. It might be a plane. Either way, it’s impossibly adorable and looks like it should come with a Happy Meal and a sense of daring adventure.

I rezzed it once at an airfield, climbed in, felt incredibly powerful, and then promptly ran out of fuel. Apparently, you need to top it up? With what? Dreams? Hope? Aviation-grade drama?

It has room for one pilot and zero friends, which is fine because I’m not about to risk public embarrassment trying to take off in front of witnesses. I now keep it on my sky platform, looking futuristic and smug. If anyone asks, I tell them I just landed. Which is technically true, once.

 

The Bicycle: Functional, Dutch, and Somewhat Inconvenient

As a proper Dutch avatar, I naturally own a bicycle. Not riding one would be a betrayal of my national identity and possibly a criminal offence in Amsterdam. Mine is simple, no frills, and perfect for puttering through towns with names like “Quaintwater” or “Fluffycove.”

Downside? It has no basket. No panniers. No milk crate strapped to the back. Where, pray tell, am I supposed to put my virtual groceries? My lettuce? My decorative wine bottle? I tried balancing a baguette and crashed into a lamppost.

Also, for me, steering requires approximately the same coordination as flying a helicopter in a wind tunnel during an earthquake. It’s all very immersive, and if you’re into that, honestly, good on you.

I now use the bicycle as a tasteful accent near the front porch, leaning against the mailbox.

 

Conclusion: Why Drive When You Can Decorate?

Yes, all three vehicles are fully scripted and beautifully made. Yes, you can absolutely use them. And if you’re the kind of resident who loves the open road, airstrip, or cycle path, I truly admire you. There’s a whole world of fun and community out there for Second Life vehicle lovers!

Personally, my Second Life is chaotic enough without trying to steer a tiny jet while answering group chats, adjusting my hair, and wondering why my shoes just vanished. So I strike a pose next to my car for pics on Primfeed and Flickr, let the plane be a conversation starter, and allow the bicycle to whisper “wholesome local” from a safe distance.

Drive safely. Or just don’t drive at all.
Parking is free either way.

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