GETTING AROUND

TRAVEL TIPS

GETTING AROUND

You've just landed - now what?

CASH

Have some on hand,

hit the ATM at the airport when

you land.

Always have at least $50 worth of local currency for immediate travel needs.

Be safe, but do what it takes to see what you want and see what you need.

"I flag down the only thing I see: a guy throttling a motorbike with a two-wheeled carriage, an authentic Cambodian tuk-tuk. The whole thing looks unstable. I throw my luggage in anyway and adjust my large American frame into the center of the carriage seat. The seat wobbles to an equilibrium. Am I that fat or is this thing that small? The driver, whose helmet says “Lucky” on the back, seems unfazed." 

- Look For Me There, Chapter 11, Cambodia

AIRPORT TRANSFER

The ride to and from an airport is something that should always be researched.

Most major cities have trains and buses to the city center. Other places, it’s much easier to use a ride share or taxi cab. In developing countries, many hotels catering to tourists will arrange an airport pickup for a decent price. This can be comforting when you don’t know the language or customs.
Learn more

This is a paragraph. Writing in paragraphs lets visitors find what they are looking for quickly and easily.

This is a paragraph. Writing in paragraphs lets visitors find what they are looking for quickly and easily.

Learn more
Never take a ride from touts in the baggage claim, it's usually a bad idea. If in doubt, you can always look for an information desk at an airport for help.

Beware touts

  • Trains are most always a good option. Many countries pride themselves on their rail networks whether long range or just a city’s metro. They’re affordable and many places offer an all you can use rail pass. Most countries have their rail maps printed in English. Check online first and research. If not, there’s usually an attendant at each station that can point you in the right direction.
  • Always buy a ticket or have enough money to get one on board. Some places target tourists and fine them for not having the right ticket. 

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

  • In places where rail service is lacking, buses may be the only option. Prior research is best, check out routes and the areas they serve. Within a city, they’re fairly easy to figure out. Buses between cities are sometimes a good call, especially in Latin America—but always count the hours. For example, a nineteen-hour bus ride that saves you just a little money…probably better off to fly or rail.
  • Be mindful of crossing a border by bus, oftentimes passengers have to disembark at the border and clear customs which is more difficult to do than at an airport or train station. 
  • Uber operates in a lot of countries around the world and is a great option because it eliminates the need for cash. Understand the exchange rate before booking. Uber is controversial in some countries because taxi unions don’t like it—if you’re in a place where this is a case, be inconspicuous where you use it. For example, if you’re staying at a hotel with a taxi stand, walk a block or two away and don’t draw attention to your Uber ride. Some countries may not have Uber or Lyft but their own version of a rideshare. Look into that.
  • Taxi prices very greatly by country. In European cities like London they can be very costly. In Latin American cities like Bogota, very cheap. Taxi crime is a problem in some places, if concerned, use a taxi stand or grab one from a hotel. If at a restaurant, they can call you a cab too.
  • Tuks-Tuks, scooters, bus-vans etc. Many places have their own unique local form of transportation. Don’t be afraid to explore them. Tuks-tuks in Asia are an especially efficient way of getting around. 

BUSES

RIDESHARES/TAXI

LOCAL RIDES

TRAINS

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