Travelling is about moving around. It is rarely glamorous and is usually hard work. It can be frustrating, unpredictable, tiring, uncomfortable and sometimes you have to remind yourself that “it is about the journey not the destination”. It it is also the way you get to meet most locals. It shows you the country. So, be prepared to relax about it. Don’t over stress (you do that when you have too tight a schedule). Don’t rely only on technology to help get you around, have a Plan B.
“The journey not the arrival matters”. Elliot
SOME GENERAL TIPS
Overcharging on transport, is common in many countries and there is little you can do about it. Nobody likes being ripped off but if that's the price, you have to pay it and if it is a little inflated then why should a few dollars extra ruin your day/trip. That said, always arrange a price before you get into a taxi or any other mode of transport (ask a local or check out before you arrive). Some drivers are very good with 'as you like' or 'cheap' type sayings,with this the only English they know. Be firm - don't get bullied. If there is no meter, agree a fair price before you set off. If you can’t get out of the taxi.
Don’t arrive in a new place after dark: If you do, take a taxi- splurge or arrange a hotel pick up. You have a greater chance of being stressed, ripped off and lost.
Watch you day pack: Never leave it unattended and watch for accidental “bumps” in crowds which would allow someone to slice it open. Leave valuables in internal zip pockets- not loose.
Wear a seat belt: More Aussies die of road accidents overseas than anything else. Don’t be one of them!!!Be as safe as you would be at home even when there is no law to make you do it.
Know where you are going and don’t be persuaded: In some countries everyone from touts to taxi drivers will try to tell you that your chosen hotel, restaurant or shop is closed…but there’s another, even better one you should visit, where they can pick up a commission. Sometimes touts will hang around the taxi’s or buses and find out where you are going and say they are from that hotel and will walk with you so you don’t get lost. They then try to charge you for the service.
Take photos before your hire anything (preferable with the renter in them). That stops hire places claiming you have damaged their property and trying to get you to pay for repairs. Don’t rent directly from small hotels or guest houses.
Be ready to change plans. The plan you made before you left home can never prepare you for the reality. So let the plan bend and flex with weather, tips you have heard and how you feel.
Boarder Crossings: Can be tricky. Don’t be clever, look rough or rude. Follow the locals and be prepared. Smile sweetly and look “gentle”.
Visas: Know what is expected and NEVER try to outstay your visas. Get them beforehand if possible as delays and bribes happen if they know you are on a deadline.
Tickets out: Make sure that immigration does not require a ticket out to let you enter. Common now and a disaster if you turn up on a border and don’t realise. Sometimes you need evidence of cash- a credit card can be enough (sometimes both).
TYPES OF TRANSPORT
A to B -Buses: Night Buses are loved and hated. Basically you get on a bus in the evening and the theory is you wake up in a new place, saving a day’s travel and a night's accommodation. What really happens is you don't get much sleep on most bus, end up with a sore back or neck (especially in your 50’s), greatly increase your risk of an accident or theft (your bag gets taken off in the middle of the night while you are sleeping), save very little on your accommodation, lose a day because you sleep the next and freeze if AC is left on all night or worse still a TV/ loud conversation plays out beside you.
Bus Trips: There are lots of bus trips (some hop and hop off options for single or multiple days) which may appeal. Usually they are expensive and there are in reality very few places you can’t get to independently. They often mean following around 30-50 inexperienced travellers, behind a large man with body odour and a red flag on a pole. But if you are on your own, have limited time or want to go somewhere tricky- they have their place. Just know what you are getting. Choose a mini bus if you can. Keep bag hooked on the seat in front or hooked on your leg (especially if you are dozing).
Mini Buses: In most short haul trips these are better as they cover the distance more quickly. The closer to the front the better- cover your bag as it will probably be put on top- but ideally have hand luggage only. The down side is seats are smaller, leg room generally less and the number of people allowed on is often less predictable.
Car hire: Can be a good option if there are a group (even a couple), have limited time, have extreme weather, have vast distances or want to see out of the way places. You will see more but mix with the locals less. Be careful over the ‘fine print’ as sometimes you have very few rights if there is an accident. I’m writing a whole post on this because we are using cars more and it is SOOO hard to work out the “insurance” on rental cars. We use rental cars much more now and in reality it doesn’t not always work out any more expensive than buses.
Taxis: Only travel with licensed taxis if you possibly can. Ask if there is a metre, agree on a fee before starting out and don’t pay until you get where you want to be. Shared taxis are popular in Asia. They leave when full from an agreed place- so departure time can’t be guaranteed, have limited bag room and can be crowded.
Trains: I love trains, but hate that they are now often the more expensive option (even more than flying). They are great because their routes and times are more reliable. Sleepers can be excellent value. They are social and you can get up and walk about. Love, love, love trains. So does the Man in Seat 61- who has everything you could possibly want to know about train travel all around the world. https://www.seat61.com
Planes: As internal flights get cheaper and trains and buses more expensive, internal flights are taking over. Of course, it is a totally different experience and often we chose to go overland and pay more and take longer, just so we can see more. That said, with time restraints and in the name of sanity and budget, there is often no reason to do 3 day bus trips if there is a 2 hr flight! Know what you want to pay (what is OK for you) and book it when you see it. Don’t risk hoping to get a cheaper one later and end up paying more. Once its booked- stop looking and don’t beat yourself up if it gets cheaper. Be flexible with days and times can save a fortune. Early and late flights and mid weeks are often cheaper. Low season (around April and October) are sometime half price. The days of last minute deals are gone – the season seems to be a bigger indicator. Avoid local holidays and be flexible with your destination. Consider indirect flights. Sometimes it is better to go into a nearby hub (eg Amsterdam, Frankfurt of NY) than try direct. Sometimes staying overnight saves a lot more than you spend in accommodation.
Search engines. There are lots and they change monthly! Ask around and other travellers will let you know the ‘hot ‘ ones. They are also better ones for different destinations. Make sure they are not affiliated to the airlines and make money from adds not commissions and watch that they don’t charge credit card fees or commissions. We like Skyscanner and Momondo. Once we find a flight with them we do cross check with the actual airline website as we would rather book with the airline if the price is similar. If you book with some obscure travel agent you must go directly to them if there is a problem and you will probably find no one answers the phone or email. If you do book with a travel agent, check out their rating, read reviews and look for a large known company. Remember that some countries advertise fares excluding taxes and others are required by law to show the full final price.
Low cost carriers are excellent but make sure you know where they fly into as it is often not the main airport and you could be stranded. Baggage isn’t usually included, nor will be blankets, meals or water or movies. You have to bring everything yourself. A checked bag can double the price of the ticket! You will often have modern aircrafts with basic fittings. Seats will have the minimum leg room. Delays are more common as they have very little space between flights and getting a refund if the flight is cancelled can be difficult (some just give a credit to be used in 30 days)! Really! Watch for credit card fees and additional taxes that suddenly appear at the end doubling the fare!
Buy one ways or open tickets: If you can manage it don’t lock yourself into return tickets as to change them is often very complex and expensive (done by the travel agent) once you leave home). Today, most flights are in sectors and you often pay the same- but do check it out as sometimes one ways are the same as a return
Air Miles: if you are lucky enough to have these they can be amazing. Equally they do have lots of rules and restrictions.
Flying: We wear our heavy shoes to reduce weight but have our sketchers with us to change into. Keep a zip bag with what you need on top of your bag so that you can take it out and put your bag up. Don’t we all hate the person up and down 20 times in the flight to get something they should have kept down. I keep a light, a sarong or blanket, a coat to make a pillow, a pen for possible Immigrating forms, water and sox. Blow up neck pillows are great on night flights but a coat in a drawstring bag does the same job. I often use mt sarong to make a sling to hang over the table to allow me to get my feet up higher. It is common knowledge now to try and drink more water and less alcohol, to set your watch on the local time where you are going as soon as you get on to avoid jet lag and to walk every few hours and elevate your legs when you can. Compression sox seem to help some people and as you get older are recommended as circulation is slower anyway.
Ferries: I love boats almost as much as trains. I love islands so ferries come up often on my itinerary. We use Ferriesdirect.com as a great initial search for ferries. Remember that passengers in a car pay extra, vehicles are charged by length and ferries at crazy hours are often cheaper. Book ahead when you can and check the rules if you have a rental car.
Cruising: I have a whole post on this because we LOVE cruising as a way to get from A-B and have a holiday on the way.
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