Transportation

Whether local or long-distance, hourly, daily, weekly or monthly, most travellers move about at some sort of pace. Getting around is an essential part of the travel experience. Move about using the advice of fellow travellers, the example of local citizens and occasionally the ideas of a local or tout you trust. Consider speed, comfort, cost, and most of all, safety.

Reservations for mass transport may be necessary and tickets may need to be purchased in advance, but this is not necessarily the rule. Whatever your method of transport, settle on fees before you leave, if not before you climb aboard. You may wish to consult locals on fares to ensure you are getting the just price, although fares can fluctuate depending on class of travel and times of day, week and year.

Beware of the hitch. What seems safe may not be; in some countries you are vulnerable as an obvious foreigner. Be aware also that when local citizens offer rides, it may still be customary to pay for this service.

Local transportation

Buses, subways, rickshaws, skyrails, minibuses, dalla-dallas, taxis, motos, riverboats, rafts, tuk-tuks, streetcars... Methods and characteristics of local transportation in and between cities vary the world over. Consult your guidebook or the advice of locals with whom you interact for details on transport in your visited city.

Using the same transportation methods used by locals is generally the most economic, and at the same time, gives fabulous opportunities for exposure to the local culture. Some of the best travel stories you will come home with involve being squished as the third person on a seat for two with coconuts as your foot rest, a chicken as your head rest and the child of a woman three rows back sitting on your lap. Local routes, while possibly painfully slow, can actually provide you with a city or rural tour of local sites you may not otherwise get to see. Low costs of these transportations can also afford you privileges of hopping on and off on a whim. Beware, however, of pickpocketers in crowded situations. See Safety, Scams and Precautions.

Public transportation may offer a variety of opportunities. Ask locally for maps and schedules, as well as payment options. Some cities public transportation operates on the honour system, while others offer single passes that allow for on and off privileges within a time limit or a geographical zone. Make sure you punch your tickets or passes accordingly - penalties for misuse can blow your budget or land you at the local police station. Ask locals or officials for help. If you plan to use local transport in bulk, consider any available day, multi-day or weekly passes, or discounts on bulk ticket/token purchases. You may be able to resell leftover tickets or tokens to other travellers.

Private transport is a whole different ballgame, and sometimes the only, or more efficient and speedy option. Look for situations where you can share a taxi or tuk-tuk with others in order to lower your costs and provide safety in numbers. Look for road or river worthy vehicles and sober, licensed operators. Before hopping aboard, bargain for your fee to your destination in unmetered vehicles. If your vehicle does have a meter, make sure it works. If language barriers present themselves, consider writing down your fare to avoid confusion upon arrival. Carry small change to meet the fare and provide tip if necessary. Drivers may claim to, or actually not have change to give you. Carry your valuables on your person and when space permits, take your baggage inside the vehicle with you. Never leave your baggage with the vehicle unattended (such as when you run inside the hostel to see if they have a room for you).

Be cautious with advice given by the driver. Influences they have on the guesthouse or hotel you end up may end up costing you inflated accommodation fees in order for the driver to take commission. They can wield their influence too by telling you the guesthouse you have chosen has closed or burned down, or perhaps full if you admit to not having a reservation. Always insist on them taking you to you desired destination to see for yourself. Carrying a map and pinpointing your destination helps immensely. Drivers try similar tactics on sightseeing trips too; telling you the temple you are heading for is closed for afternoon prayer may result in them driving you further afield and charging you more money. Finally, beware of secluded and dangerous or more expensive roundabout routes, as well as unplanned stops at local craft or jewellery shops between your point of origin and your destination.You may want to specify 'direct route' when quoting you desired endpoint.

Bus travel

Bus travel is often the most economical method of transport for longer distance journeys. Consider the time of travel relative to other options, and the comfort level presented. In many countries, a smaller physical stature of the local people may mean smaller seats and less leg room on buses, presenting problems for taller travellers.

Consider the length of the bus ride. For longer trips, do a little research on the drivers. Overnight trips especially should have more than one driver taking turns driving, and each driver should pass the sobriety test before you leave. Don't be afraid to have a chat with the driver before you stow your bags and climb aboard - if the situation doesn't jive, search out another bus company, another departure time or another method of transportation.

If you must stow your bags on the roof or underneath the bus, choose a seat on the bus which lets you keep an eye on where the bags are unloaded in order to ensure your baggage doesn't walk away without you. Keep your valuables and unreplaceables with you on the bus. If you store anything above you inside the bus, make sure it is fully closed so nothing falls out, and that it is somewhere where you can keep an eye on it. Keep with you something warm to wear in case the temperatures drop, especially the case for air conditioned buses or overnight trips. Carry a snack and a book, and perhaps a neck nest, or a rolled towel for the same purpose. Overnighters may find an eyeshade and earplugs useful, especially considering the loud, foreign-languaged videos that have been known to play on some bus trips. You may want some form of a makeshift dust mask (hankie?) for open-windowed journeys in some parts of the world.

You may want to choose a seat on the bus based on where the best views and photo opportunities will be presented. Consider also which side of the bus the sun will be shining in on if you are concerned about temperature. Consider locations of ceiling fans, vents, open windows, window obstructions and bathrooms when choosing your seat. Also, sitting over the wheels not only cuts down on you leg space, but allows you to feel every bump in the road your bus travels over. If you suffer from motion sickness, choose a seat near the front with a window that opens, and keep your eyes on the horizon. Avoid reading and avoid heavy meals, dry crackers are a good idea to ward off hunger.

Rail travel

Rail travel is often quicker and safer than bus travel; prices are generally comparable or higher. Reservations and advance planning may be more of a factor if you choose rail travel as well. If you decide to take the train, double check which station your train leaves from, many cities have more than one depending on your travel destination. Once you are in the station with ticket in hand, find your platform in plenty of time and make sure you board directly on to your assigned car to avoid squeezing yourself and your backpack through narrow, crowded aisles on board. Some station platforms have signs that indicate where the various cars halt. Settling in to and staying in the vicinity of your assigned car is important as some trains split enroute for different destinations. If you plan to store luggage at the station, using a locker will help you avoid time-consuming queues at manned storage facilities

If you don't have an assigned seat on the train, choose based on which side will offer you the most scenic views and photo opportunities. Avoid noisy and busy bathroom and galley areas. On overnight trips, or trips where you may nap, choose a window seat to discourage thieves who must reach across to get to you and your valuables. Window seats may also have a small writing table. Extra cautions should be taken on overnight trips - food and drink may contain drugs that knock you out long enough for thieves to take advantage - don't accept anything from strangers. Carry your own toilet paper and your own purified water for drinking and teeth brushing. Choose the top level if you have a sleeping bunk - it if often cheaper and limits access to thieves. In any case, consider locking up your bags with a padlock or chain and carry your valuables under your clothing.

Finally, don't step off the train even for a moment without your passport, money and ticket.

Boat travel

Your choice of boat travel is often based on necessity. Apply the same principles in making your decisions as you would in bus and rail travel. Ensure you are seated near access to lifeboats and lifejackets. Fresh outdoor air, a horizontal position and a gaze on the horizon will help you avoid motion sickness.

Flying

Sometimes, long distances are best and most simply covered in the air. In cases of border closures and danger areas, it may just be the only option. Comparison shop and buy your ticket from established travel agents - look for licensed outfits, at least ensure your agent has a door to their facility (i.e. a roadside stall is risky!) Find out about the refundability and the possibility for change on your ticket, as well as the reputation for the airline and whether or not there are any stopovers on your route. When you pick up your ticket, ensure your own name is properly spelled as it is in your passport, and check that the dates and times are correct. Beware of so-called transferable tickets with someone else's name on it - these will likely do you no good. Book your seat ahead of time if possible - window seats are better for sleeping while aisle seats are better for leg room and nicer for the claustrophobic types. Avoid centre seats where elbow room can be at a premium. For the taller traveller, emergency rows are great for leg space. For flights over mountain ranges, consider asking which side the better views can be seen from.

Reconfirm, reconfirm, reconfirm. Even if you think you already have or that you don't need to, reconfirm again with an affiliated travel agent or by phone. Show up in more than plenty of time before your flight and check in immediately, especially for longer flights or for when you don't have an assigned seat already. Airlines in developing countries are notorious for overselling and various other screw-ups. Even when you possess a seemingly valid ticket, you may not be guaranteed a spot on the plane until you are actually sitting in it while the plane rushes along the tarmac heading for takeoff. On the other hand, if you are not fussy on when (and where!) you go, you may want to volunteer to be bumped for incentives like a discount, a coupon for a future flight or other compensations. Check into the options for your airline and before you volunteer, you may wish to find out when the next available flight is.

When checking in, take care of the film you allow to be exposed to x-ray machines. In most cases, security attendants will allow you to carry film through by hand. It helps to carry it in a clear plastic bag, which will also protect it inside your pack. The other option is to carry the film in a lead lined bag designed specifically for this purpose. This measure will also protect your film in your checked baggage, as sometimes checked bags are subjected to x-ray as well.

Once aboard, count the number of rows to the emergency exit in case your vision is impaired in an emergency situation - you will still be able to find the exit. Have your passport with you at all times and carry warm clothes. For longer flights, consider carrying snacks and purified water, moisturizer, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and a contact lens case and glasses if you require such. Carry on your valuables and unreplaceables, and any heavier items if there are weight restrictions on your checked baggage. Eat lightly, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol to make the flight a more comfortable experience.

Car rental

In some parts of the world, renting a car might be your most feasible option. If local transportation is unattractive (slow, infrequent, dangerous, expensive, non-existent), if driving in the area is civilized enough that you feel comfortable on the road, if car rental is in fact available and if you have the cash to spare or people with which to share, then don't discount the possibility of renting a private vehicle. Sometimes, your own private vehicle might be the only way to visit more remote areas. Some cars will come with a driver (!) but otherwise, you or whoever is going to do the driving must have either a valid driver's licence from home or an IDP (see Paperwork: Travel's Bureaucracy) and must be probably at least 25 years of age. The driver also needs to make sure they are familiar with the rules of the local road, written and unwritten, as well as being comfortable with the driving conditions they might encounter (busy highways, rain, snow, gravel, etc.).

When choosing a vehicle to rent, you will want to consider more than just the reputation of the company. Choose a vehicle that will meet the needs of you and your posse - a compact car, a minivan, a four wheel drive or high clearance truck. Find out about hidden costs not included in your daily advertised rate; per kilometer charges, daily insurance rates, contract fees, additional driver costs, fees for dropping the car off in a location different from where you picked it up, etc. Consider carefully the insurance options - the costs of daily insurance and the amount of excess you would be responsible for. Remember that even if you opt for the 'zero excess' rate, meaning you are not responsible for any damage, you will still be charged for any damage due to your own negligence. Check to see if that 'zero excess' includes tires and glass. Read the fine print before signing the rental agreement and ensure that any (even small) damage on the car prior to your rental term is recorded on the contract. Also record on the contract the amount of gas in the tank as well as the number of kilometres already on the car (unless you have an unlimited kilometer allowance). Make sure you are familiar with the cars operation (lights, alarms, etc.), and know where to find the emergency equipment (spare wheel, jack, emergency triangles) before you drive off the lot. Take with you a phone number of who to contact should you break down, have an accident or want to change the number of days on your rental contract. Find out ahead of time what the procedures are for any of these circumstances. To avoid any additional charges, return the car reasonably clean and with the same amount of gas in the tank that you started with - fees charged by the rental company to wash or fill up for you are usually much higher than if you were to do it yourself.

Crossing borders

There are special considerations for border-crossing journeys, whether by air, wheel, water or foot.

It is your responsibility to know and abide by the entry requirements for each country you visit. Visa-less arrivals can result in high costs or you may be turned back at your own expense. Know the exit requirements too - overstaying your visa can lead to high fees or even jail time. At the border, dress, act and speak respectably in order to facilitate the red tape processing as well as to encourage any officials to see you as an acceptable risk for entry into their country - you don't want to appear as a potential burden. Make sure you have ready access to your passport that is valid for at least 6 months, any required visas or additional identifications, your requirement-meeting immunization records (to avoid fees or last minute vaccinations in less than hygienic facilities), and proof of adequate funds required for entry into some countries. Educate yourself on the legalities implied by your birth, marriage or naturalization that may lead to you being regarded by another country as one of their citizens who must legally do military duty, pay special taxes, etc. Be aware too of any implications one countries' stamp in your passport may have on your entry into another country - you may be able to request a temporary stamp on a sheet of paper that can be removed from your passport when you leave.

Depending on your point, time and method of entry into a country, you may wish to acquire some local currency ahead of time. If you will not be returning to the country you are leaving, spend your coins before you leave as coins are generally not exchangeable.

Remember that you are subject to the laws of the country you are in. Don't let the fact that drugs are readily available and commonly used in some foreign countries mislead you into thinking that authorities will not arrest offenders (users or possessors) - in some cases the very people who sell them also tip off police for rewards. Keep a close eye on your baggage before crossing borders - unattended packs are vulnerable to have drugs or the like slipped into for you to smuggle and for the perpetrators to subsequently retrieve on the other side of the border. Certainly don't carry any type of packages, clothing or any items across a border for anyone, local and fellow traveller alike. Be weary of crossing borders in other people's vehicles - you may be guilty by association. And guilty in some countries is guilty until proven innocent.

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