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You have decided this year you will travel to
someplace you have only ever heard of. Like many, you are still dealing
with some economic constraints and uncertainty. But do not despair;
there are economical ways to travel. When you arrive at your travel
destination consider using its public travel systems.
The independent traveler often will use the country’s
public travel systems. There are three main reasons; first it is
economical and environmentally friendly. Second, it is a wonderful way
to access and become intimate with the local culture and its people.
Finally, it allows the independent traveler to see a part of the country
he or she has traveled to that is not always on the Tourist Guides
Agenda.
Public travel systems include buses, subways, ferries, taxis, streetcars,
and trains. A good example of a public travel system is London England’s
red buses, or Montreal Canada’s subway system. Any traveler who journeys
to these locals--whether they are trying to economize or not--will want
to access these modes of travel; since, they are so much of the overall
travel experience.
With many public travel systems it is best to buy
your admittance in bulk form. Tickets, or a month long pass, will be far
more economical then if you purchase individual fares. You can pick up
maps of the whole system from the main public travel fares office. That
way you will not get lost.
Using the public travel system of the country you are
vacationing in also allows you to witness more of your travel experience.
For example, if you choose to use the rapid transit in the Lower
Mainland of British Columbia Canada, you can sit back in your window
seat and enjoy the lovely sea to mountain scenery. If you were driving
in a rented car, you would not be able to focus on nature. Instead you
would have to do battle with the local drivers on Highway1.
Public travel systems have schedules. This fact can
be very helpful as you plan your daily travels. Make sure you know when
they close down for the day; you do not want to use a taxi if you do not
have to. Some public travel systems run all night, like New York City.
That will really encourage you to access it while you are traveling.
Finally if you choose to use the public travel system
while on your vacation you will not have to worry about the following.
* Car rental insurance
* parking costs and where to find it
* fuel costs and filling up
* damage issues should they occur
* different road rules then what you are accustom to
* the economics
* the environment
* accessibility issues
* focusing on the travel experience
* engaging with the local people
So if this is the year when you want to have a travel
experience that will not break your bank account, then why not use the
public travel system of the home of your travel experience. |