Effective transportation is at the heart of any travel experience. That’s what takes you from one place to another and ensures that you enjoy your travel activities. The last thing you want to do is leave your transportation issues to chance, as that alone can ruin your experience. Therefore, it’s important to plan your logistics to avoid delays, disappointments, frustration, and travel-related stress. So if you’re planning a trip anytime soon, use these tips to sort out your transportation before setting off.
1. Plan around convenience and safety
Convenience and safety are the first two things you should think about when planning your transportation. Research the transportation ratings (in terms of convenience) and accident statistics to give you an idea of which options to avoid. Of course, your budget also counts, but you don’t want to compromise on safety and convenience because of budget limitations. However, this is not to suggest that some transportation options are accident-free. Each option comes with some level of inconvenience and risk, so take the time to decide what will work best for you, which leads to the next point.
As the folks from Boston Coach add, setting clear objectives is a key step in event transportation planning. This means defining your key goals and objectives for the event so that all decisions made around transportation align with them.
2. Identify what transportation options are available
Before settling on the best way of moving around in your destination, you should know what options are available. Common transportation options may include cars, trains, air transport, motorcycles, bicycles, and water transportation options. Research what’s offered in your destination and plan accordingly. Each option will have advantages and disadvantages, so consider what fits best in you rplan here (again, don’t lose sight of convenience and safety). For example, hailing a taxi may be more expensive but more comfortable and faster than a bus or train ride.
3. Prepare for airport transfers
Airport transfers can be very frustrating if you fail to plan for them, and unfortunately, many travelers overlook them until it’s too late. Once you arrive at your destination airport, you need a plan for reaching your accommodation. Most destinations have shuttles, waiting taxis, and different types of pre-booked transportation. But don’t wait until you get to your destination to decide. It’s best to start planning now and make all your arrangements and pre-book before you set off. If your hotel is located in New Jersey for example, it’s easy to search online for airport car service locations that are nearby to your accommodation. This way, you won’t end up frustrated in a line at an airport trying to get a ride to your hotel. Pre-booking airport transfers or arranging pickup with your hotel can provide peace of mind and save you from the stress of finding transportation upon arrival.
4. Determine your transportation schedule
Figuring out your transportation schedule is one of the first things you have to do, even before you pre-book any ride. Start by noting when you’re traveling and to which airport, as that’ll determine the first type of transportation you’ll need. Next, find out if you’ll need to book a flight that includes a connecting airport. That will be important if you’ll be flying into one airport and leaving another. However, if you expect to stay in one city during your trip, you’ll only need to sort out your transportation from the airport to the hotel and back to the airport. Also, if you plan to drive to the airport, it’s best to figure out if you need to pay any parking fare for leaving your car. Don’t also forget about your travel itinerary and what transportation option will allow you to move around easily during your activities.
5. Set aside a budget for transportation alone
Yes, your budget still matters, even though you need to think about safety and convenience. Believe it not, about 44% of all travel funds go into transportation alone. If you still have time left before your trip is due, consider saving money for your transportation expenses. Decide the best and safest way to want to move about, find out how much it will cost you throughout your trip, and start saving for it. This way, you wouldn’t have to worry about sacrificing safety and comfort for affordability. Remember that transportation expenses can quickly add up; they’ll eat into your travel budget if you fail to prepare adequately for them.
6. Consider walking
Many people may frown at this option, but walking is always worth considering after you reach your destination. Of course, whether or not to walk will depend on many factors, like the distance you have to cover, how much luggage you have, your health, and the weather. But if all these factors are in your favor, there’s nothing wrong with going on foot and enjoying some fresh air. In fact, it has its benefits, as you can save some money. Moreover, you’ll get to enjoy the sights and sounds of your destination even better with more up-close experiences.
