The Pros and Cons of Using Public Transit on Your Trip

By Josh March 4, 2008

When in Rome…

You’ve heard that before. Usually it’s an excuse for doing something in excess while traveling. But, the “when in Rome” idea can save you money when it comes to transportation. That is because the easiest and cheapest way to get around most places is on local transportation. I’m not talking convenience or comfort here, just the black and white issue of cost.

That said, some of my best travel experiences have taken place on the back of crowded, non-air conditioned buses with my fellow passengers, some of whom were poultry. In general, local people respect tourists who take local transport. Or at least they feel sorry for them. I can’t count the number of times I’ve shared a conversation or a snack with a local passenger. What’s not to like? You end up getting to where you want to go (usually), you’ve saved money, and you’ve made a friend.

In most cities, buses or trains are the way to go. New York’s subway is a heck of a lot cheaper than relying on taxis. The same could be said for any major city.

Taking local transport takes a bit of planning. I’ve often felt out of my element while trying to find my way from point A to point B. But, once one gets the hang of a city’s transportation system, using it becomes an act of instinct more than logic.
And of course, there is the cheapest form of transport. Feet. If you’re lucky enough to have two, or even one, you can get plenty of places for free. Experiencing a city on foot is quite different from doing from inside a vehicle. You’re not going to jump from the window of a train so that you can explore a particularly interesting-looking neighborhood. Walking opens up plenty of doors that would otherwise remain closed. Author Graham Greene was said to have walked several hours a day before sitting down to write.

So, taxis or rental cars may be the most convenient way to get around. But they surely aren’t the cheapest. Think of all the fun you’ll miss while sitting in traffic.
There are many ways to find cheap hotels online and if its something as specific as pet friendly hotels then you may want to book your hotels online. You can also get discount hotels as well as five-star hotels as well.

Topics: Budget Travel Tips |