Transportation Options for Traveling

Getting around a big city is something you need to plan especially if you are arriving at an odd time. Don’t just hope for the perfect way to get around a city. Plan ahead.

Tips for Choosing the Right Transportation for Your Vacation

Transportation Options: Taxi

Sometimes a taxi is perfect. If you are in the heart of the city where taxis routinely gather and are traveling at a time where taxis are out and about then a taxi can be easy.

** Calling ahead can have a taxi waiting for you outside without having to wait for a free one.

**Consider the size of your party. In Europe, taxis are often small. If your group has more than 4 people, or you are carrying a lot of luggage, then you might need two taxis – double the price!

If you are headed to Greece, I can recommend some wonderful taxi drivers. Read about taxis in Greece – Alex, in Athens.

Transportation Options: Walking

Walking can be a great way to get around in certain cities that are walking friendly. Consider staying in the city center, near the sights, and then walking to your destination. When you walk you have no worries about traffic!

If walking is high on your list then be sure to use good shoes! Read more about shoes and socks here and think about getting physically ready for more walking than you do in your regular day to day life.

Transportation Options: Mass Transportation 

Buses and trains can be really great for getting around. Let someone else do the driving! No concerns about parking either. Both also allow you to stretch your legs and move around more than you would get to in a car. LOTS of people in Europe don’t even own cars so mass transportation is easily available, easy to use, and cheap.

Be local! Ride the metro.

Need train information from Greece? You are in luck! We took the train from Athens to the Meteora area.

Transportation Option: Renting a car

Some cities, like Paris, recommend you do NOT drive. Even if you did…how would you like to try to get out of this parking space? Photo and funny post on driving in Paris by Norman R. Ball.

Renting a car can be an option, but there is  LOT to consider.

If you choose to rent a car-

**Check into your insurance at home to see what is covered while you are on vacation.

**Check into driver’s license requirements. Will yours from home work? Do you need an international driver’s license? In Europe you need an international driver’s license.

**Check for parking situations. Some cities have odd numbered license plates allowed on certain days and even numbered license plates on other days. Be sure to know the rules so you don’t get towed or ticketed.

** Know where you are going before you leave. Can you imagine trying to read the signs and drive at the same time?

**Some streets won’t be anything like what you are used to. Some are super teeny tiny like this one.

Transportation Options: Hiring a car and driver

Hiring a car can be the perfect solution sometimes! Depending upon the size of your group, it can be very reasonable cost wise. Sit back, relax, and let a professional driver get you where you need to go. Once, in Spain we found that a private car allowed us to leave Ronda, spend time in Gibraltar while the driver kept our bags, and then took us to the ferry dock for us to leave for Morocco – all with a BETTER price and WAY better timing than we could manage any other way.

We hired a private driver to take us from the Meteora area, through Delphi, and to our hotel in Athens from Visit Meteora.

Transportation Options: Eurail 

Ride the train between countries when you can! Trains give you lots of room to spread out, restrooms,

and  a wonderful view of the countryside.

Transportation Options: Bike rentals 

Some cities have bike share programs or bicycle rentals. If your chickadees are old enough for this and you are all fit enough (more power to you! I don’t think I would manage this!) then saddle up!

Transportation Options: Uber

Have you heard of uber? Download the ap and you will be connected with someone in the area who can drive you to the next destination. This works really well in spots where taxis aren’t easily available. You use credit cards so no cash exchanges hands. I have not tried this but the business is growing like crazy so clearly it is working for lots and lots of people. They are in 45 countries already!

Whatever transportation you choose: Be flexible. You never know what the perfect solution to getting around might be! Camel ride anyone?

What are your getting around town experiences?

Happy Travels!

Natalie, The Educational Tourist