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transportation
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Today one can enlist a large array of transportation modes. You may fly into a country and then use public transportation for the duration of your stay or you may choose to rent a car or moped for a few days to get off the beaten track. Throw in a camel trek across a slice of the Thar Desert and you to give your travel an exotic twist. Deciding how you will travel from one location to the next may entail many unusual options or be as straightforward as buying an airplane ticket. TRAVEL BY AIR Purchasing Airline Tickets Traveling by air is the most efficient way to get from one destination to the next. Today an individual may cross the Atlantic Ocean or Pacific Ocean in half a day, or day, by air. In years past, the same journey took a traveler weeks if not months to accomplish by sea. Getting an airline ticket may be one of the largest expenses you will incur when you decide to leave. How to get the best price on your airline ticket will depend upon how much you shop around for the best deal. I've always begun by looking at airline prices to my intended destination in the travel section of the Sunday paper. From there, I have a pretty good idea of the price range and approximately what I can expect to pay. How To Purchase Airlines Tickets Listed below are several different types of travel agencies and different avenues in which you may purchase your airline ticket. Discount Travel Agencies And Consolidated Flights Discount travel agencies buy a specific block of seats on commercial national and international flights. This means cheaper airline tickets, as much as twenty-five to thirty percent less than if you were to book your flight directly yourself. Ask your agent about consolidated flights to your destination and try to save yourself a handful of cash. Round The World Passes Many airlines offer a round-the-world-pass for a flat fee. Depending upon the specific airline and the restrictions and limitations it places on the ticket, most round-the-world-passes allow the ticket holder to fly to many destinations over the globe. Usually you will fly with one specific line and or their partner airlines. Most passes limit one to either flying in the Northern or Southern hemisphere and only traveling in one direction, not backtracking at any time. When I traveled around the world, I purchased a "Round-The-World-Ticket" for a hefty sum. I paid a lot for that ticket and learned it was rather limiting. I couldn't fly to the Southern Hemisphere and the airline didn't fly to many countries. The bonuses for this type of ticket are that it is a more refundable ticket and you may change your flight days and times when needed. There is more flexibility with this type of ticket but you pay for that flexibility. Bucket Shops In London, Bangkok And Hong Kong While in Europe I wanted to fly to Russia, Israel, and Kenya. I was a bit unfamiliar with just how to go about purchasing three airline tickets in England. Skimming the London newspapers, I found many travel agencies called "bucket shops." These travel agencies were the equivalent of our discount travel agencies. "Bucket shops" are abundant in London, Bangkok, and Hong Kong. If you find yourself in London or Europe, check out a few if you need to fly to your next destination. They usually offer good prices and are traveler-friendly. Inter Country Flights While in India, I flew several times, saving myself hours if not days of travel by train. The flights were inexpensive and fairly reliable. Discounted tickets were offered to those under the age of thirty. Inquire and check your guidebook as to the airline services offered in the country which you wish to travel. For those on a limited schedule, flying from one destination to the next may prove to be the most time-efficient way to go. Research Airline Ticket And Shop Around Keep a list of the travel agencies you have called, the agent you spoke to, the prices they have quoted and any restrictions or limitations to the ticket. Shop around for the best price you can. There is usually a great deal to be had. TRAVEL BY TRAIN Train travel is a delightful way to see the countryside. Throw your backpack into the overhead rack of the train compartment, relaxing into the seat, and then watch the scene unfold before you. What a great way to travel! Seeing the landscape, rivers, farms, churches, and roads from the train is one of my very favorite ways to travel. After the hustle and bustle of going about the city sights, it is priceless to board a train and just sit absorbing what I have seen as the landscape is passes. Trains not only offer a wonderful mode of transportation during the day but, as you sleep, they bring you closer to your next destination. Train And Rail Passes The Eurorail pass is the most popular railpass for those planning to travel to Europe by train. The Eurorail pass must be obtained before you go and may be purchased for specific increments of time ( one, two, or three month passes). Travelers under the age of twenty-seven years may buy a second class train pass, those travelers over the age of twenty-seven years must purchase the first class train pass. Although the first class pass was a bit pricier found the larger seats and less congested compartments worth the extra money. One may activate the pass in any country participating in the Eurorail pass system. Once you have activated the pass, it is good for the allotted time for which you have paid. For example, if you have a one-month pass, then it is good for one month from the time you activated it. The Eurorail Pass is good in most European countries. Be sure to check the countries in which the Eurorail pass is accepted and the countries in which it is not valid. Eurorail RailPass Seat Reservations While in Europe and traveling in the first class compartments, it was required that we make a seat reservation for our journeys. This guarantees you a seat on the train but it is an extra fee. I paid for a seat reservation only in France when taking the TGV (fastest train in Europe) to Spain. At first I thought I was being treated unfairly as I had already paid for the rail pass. After trying to understand a part-French-and-English explanation, I paid the reservation fee and waited for the train to arrive. It is customary on some high-end trains that one must pay the extra seat reservation fee. Japanese Rail Pass Japanese Rail passes are available to tourists and travelers to Japan. If you plan on traveling by train in Japan, purchase a rail ticket at home before you leave. Japanese rail passes are not available in Japan. Save yourself a lot of money and buy a pass. Train travel in Japan is expensive. I purchased two one-week passes, and dividing my trip into two parts. I activated one pass and visited the Southern Island of Japan and ended my one-week journey in Kyoto. I stayed in Kyoto a week, then activated my other pass and traveled to the Northern island of Hokkaido. Having two one-week railpasses gave me the opportunity to see the South and the North and be able to spend some quality time in historically-rich Kyoto. RENTING A CAR ABROAD Renting a car in Europe was a lot easier than I ever thought it would be. While in Britain, Valerie and I decided to rent a car and drive about England and Scotland. We figured it was cheaper than the train tickets and offered us a whole lot more freedom. We called around to several agencies and found them competitive in price but some were not willing to rent to people who were unused to driving on the left side of the road. We finally found an affordable agency that would rent to us "right-sided road drivers". Driving on the left really wasn't so hard after all. The only times it was difficult was when there weren't any other drivers on the road and we'd find ourselves driving back on the right-hand side! Yikes! Four eyes on the road are always better than two when driving with a friend in England. When Renting A Car Inquire About The Following
International Driver's Licence Some countries require an individual to possess an international driver's license in order to drive or rent a car. In other countries, carrying a driver's license issued from the state in which you reside is adequate. International driver's licenses are easy to obtain at the Department of Motor Vehicles. TRAVEL BY FERRY Ferries are a popular means to cross great distances of water in Europe. If you don't take the ferry your only other option would be to book a flight. Ferries between Ireland and England, the United Kingdom and Europe, Italy and Greece and from Athens to the Greek Islands are all well used. Many ferry tickets are included in the Eurorail Pass. Thus you do not have to pay for the ferry ticket if the Eurorail Pass is valid for that journey. Reservations may be needed and an extra charge will be incurred for a seat or berth reservation. Most ferries depart port in the evening and arrive the next day at the point of destination. Sleeping Berth vs. Seat Reservation The option to reserve a sleeping berth may sound like a good idea to some travelers who would like to pay the extra cash and get some shuteye. How the rooms are presented to you in the reservation offices of the port are remarkably different once you see them in person. When traveling from Brindesi, Italy to Patras, Greece, an overnight and all-day ferry ride, Valerie and I paid for a sleeping berth for two. The berth looked pretty comfortable in the reservation office and we decided it would be a long journey and a berth would give us some rest. After boarding the ship we were escorted down into the bowels of the ship to our berth. Being a bit claustrophobic myself, I began to question being so far down in the ship. I began to perspire. Our berth was so tiny it looked more like a habi-trail for gerbils than a sleeper for homo sapiens. We tried to manage our two bodies and our backpacks into the shrinking space. Not only was it a sub-human space and would make anyone feel trapped, the heat under that ship and in that corridor was stifling. I felt like a ripe tomato on a kabob skewer set on the grill. Obviously, I would not strongly recommend a sleeping berth unless you are of the reptilian family. Sleeping in a seat, on the floor, or on deck works pretty well. Let's face it: At some point you will fall asleep, right? Although one may not feel completely rested at dawn's light, feel in good company, nobody does. Have another cup of coffee, look out into the deep blue ocean and relax. Ferry Traveling Tips
BUS TRAVEL Most countries around the globe offer bus transportation. Not to say that it is always terrific, on time or comfortable but it is offered. Usually the most inexpensive way to travel next to walking or bicycling, bus travel gets you right in there with the native people and to your next stop. The overall quality of transportation, what condition the buses are in and how well the bus system operates is generally dependent upon the economics of the government. A guidebook of the specific country will give further information regarding the bus system, its reliability, and safety. Buses Break Down Buses break down just like your own vehicle. If you are planning on traveling in parts of Asia, do not be surprised if you break down a couple of times in one journey. A flat tire one time and a broken hose the next, it's as if you are playing a game called "bus breakdown roulette." Take a deep breath, enjoy the scenery if there is any and just be patient until the problem is resolved. Bus Travel Tips
Bags And People Ride On Top Of The Bus In India And Nepal While making journeys by bus in India and Nepal, our backpacks went up on the roof while we sat in the bus. Oftentimes people would ride up on top as well to lay down, catch a breeze, or just to feel safer. If the bus was to get into an accident, they could leap from the roof. When we would stop to refuel or take a break, I would often get off the bus and make sure no one was walking away with my backpack. After a few stops, I decided to quit being overly paranoid but, still, I got out and just took a look around. Don't leave any valuables in your pack if it must go on top of the bus roof, transfer them to your day pack, and carry it with you at all times. RENTING MOPEDS And MOTORCYCLES Mopeds Renting mopeds to cruise around small towns, islands, or countryside can prove to be a grand adventure. Easy to maneuver and fun to ride, a day cruising around for adventure on a moped is great fun. In Serrento, Italy, my friends and I rented mopeds for the day to take to the small Italian island of Capri. After receiving basic instruction from a young Italian woman who spoke with an Australian accent, we sped off for the ferry ride to Capri. Indigo bays of water, hilly avenues lined with cobblestone walls, and quaint pizza cafes were all a part of our day spent on Capri. We were so free with our mopeds and we loved it. The rental fee of the moped was around thirty U.S. dollars, well worth the money. Motorcycles On the tropical island of Kho Pan Nang off the east coast of Thailand, my friend Joe and I rented motorcycles to cruise the tropical paradise. Although I'd never driven a motorcycle, I wanted to ride my own so I learned quickly how to shift and change gears. Joe gave me the basics and I practiced a bit up and down the main dirt road. Before setting off I inquired about the helmets. The Thai man looked back at me as if he had never been asked this question before. He smiled and replied, "No helmet, be careful." So I was careful and didn't do more off-road motor biking than I thought my experience would allow me. I met up with another motorcycle rookie from London and we spent the rest of the day together exploring the island. Moped And Motorcycle Rental Tips
RENTING BICYCLES Cycling about small towns and country roads may be a nice break from motorized transportation. Slow down, pedal your way through the small town streets of southern France, and have a picnic by a newfound stream or pond. In many countries, you will be able to rent a bike by the hour, day or week. If you plan on renting for more than one day, negotiate for an entire week of rental at a better price. The tips for moped/motorcycle rental and use apply to bicycle rental as well. CAMEL TREKKING Camel trekking through the Thar Desert became one of my most memorable adventures in India. Never having been on a camel, I found the experience somewhere between hysterically funny and frightening. When racing Max the camel across the sandy desert floor with a fellow camel trekker, I couldn’t decide if I was laughing because I was going so fast and enjoying the ride or so scared I would fall off it was hysterical. I guess between laughter and hysterics there is a good place to be and that is where I was. If you are up for some adventure, then try a camel trek. The experience is truly unique.
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