Through the many years, I have been blessed and fortunate to appreciate my own share of horse-drawn carriage rides.

For some excited must-try-it-all travelers, they are an essential part of the tourist experience. Some categorically dismiss them as little more than tourist traps. Whatever the reason, many would still argue a carriage spin is something one ought to try — even at least once in a lifetime.

My first memorable encounter was in New York City. After a grueling series of one-night stays across the East Coast to promote attendance at what was then the world’s largest travel and tourism convention in the late 70s, our worked-to-the-bones team gamely decided we had earned a reward. The unanimous choice: a carriage rendezvous through the iconic Central Park. 

Then there was the alluring city of Seville. As spring surrendered to summer, we celebrated the fabulous gorgeous weather. Drawn by magnificent Andalusian horses, our magnificent carruaje roamed through the historic center of landmarks such as Plaza de España and the city’s famous house of prayer, the Catedral de Sevilla. 

After visiting the Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges, Belgium — which houses a crystal vial said to contain a piece of cloth stained with the blood of Christ — we gladly climbed aboard one of the city’s once-traditional mode of transportation. The route wound through cobblestoned streets, ancient bridges over romantic canals and charming squares.

Petra in Jordan was hot — so very hot! On my first visit, there was simply no way we were going to walk the entire distance through the narrow Siq leading to the famed Treasury, immortalized by Hollywood films. Horses and mules had long pulled tourist wagons to the archaeological site, and we gratefully accepted the offer. Returning years later, however, practicality won. We opted for the newer golf-cart service, which was definitely faster as it involved fewer stops.

Closer to home, I accompanied a much-admired not-easy-to-satisfy travel editor of a leading newspaper in the West Coast around the Walled City of Intramuros after spending four years to persuade him to finally visit the Philippines. A kalesa was the ideal introduction as we admired churches, plazas, and remnants of Spanish colonial Manila.

Another remarkable jaunt took place in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. We accompanied an influential international tour operator with a fervent hope our islands would be included in their next travel brochures — then a bible for indecisive travelers who knew they certainly needed a holiday, but did not know where to go. Our guests were industry trendsetters — inclusion would put us on the world map for retail travel agents! Naturally, another kalesa tour became part of the introduction as we visited Calle Crisologo, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Plaza Salcedo, Plaza Burgos, and other heritage landmarks which have made Vigan one of the country’s most beloved destinations.