Did you know that some of the most memorable travel experiences begin after you step off the train? As an experienced Amtrak traveler, I’ve learned that planning your transportation after reaching your destination is essential. While renting a car may seem like the only choice for first-timers, there are many cost-effective and convenient ways to get around without one. Let’s look at these options to make your travel experiences smoother and more enjoyable.
Background of how to get around your destination article
A Facebook follower, Sue (a fantastic person and past co-worker), asks me how she can get around after arriving at her destination. I never considered explaining this topic because it’s second nature to me now. Sometimes, I forget that what is second nature for me is new and possibly confusing for others.
After reading her suggestion, I thought, Sue, what a great idea.
The advantage of Amtrak travel
The advantage of traveling by train is that many train stations, like those in Chicago or Philadelphia, are in the city’s heart, while others, such as Charleston, SC, are like airports and nowhere near the city center. Fortunately, some large and small communities connect their stations and airports via public transportation, such as rail or bus.
Airports are typically not found in downtown areas; however, Toronto is an exception. Additionally, not all airports offer sufficient public transportation to and from them.
Option 1: Get rides from friends and family
Having friends or family pick you up is an economical way to get around, and it can be fun—depending on your friends or family. My sister and I have always relied on each other for transportation when visiting. Since she married and moved away from Wisconsin, she and her husband have been incredibly kind, often picking me up and dropping me off at train stations or airports.
Tips to Make Everyone’s Life Better and on the Same Page
Keeping everyone on the same page will improve things for all.
Dates & Schedule
Confirm dates and schedules before booking to avoid confusion and ensure everyone is on the same page. Doing this more than once may seem annoying, but it provides clarity and avoids misunderstandings. Involving the person picking you up in the planning and booking process can be very helpful.
How You Can Share Your Details
Use electronic calendars, such as Google Calendar or any other electronic calendar you can share, to ensure everyone has the correct dates and times. This way, they can check the schedule at their convenience. Remember to keep the calendar up to date to avoid confusion.
Tracking trains
In addition to your arrival dates and times, share route numbers to help the other person track your journey and determine whether you are running on time. If you are unfamiliar with this, I have a post to help you learn how to track Amtrak trains. Additionally, you can set up alerts when booking, or whoever is picking you up can sign up for Amtrak text or email alerts for significant delays at any time.
A small gift or offering to buy a meal, coffee, or a drink can help show your appreciation and improve the other person’s experience.
Option 2: Walking around your destination
Walking is my first choice when traveling because it’s cheap, good for you, and helps you familiarize yourself with your surroundings faster. I have walked in major cities like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and others, as well as smaller communities like Galesburg, IL, and Battle Creek, MI.
What Goes Into My Decision to Walk
The main factors determining whether I walk are distance, weather, safety, and physical well-being at that time.
Storytime: An Omelet Po-boy from Killer Po-Boy
Here is an example of when I say I use walking to familiarize myself with my surroundings.
I took Amtrak’s City of New Orleans from Chicago to New Orleans. After arriving, I stepped off the train and walked to my hotel using GPS and some tunes. I was almost at the Hotel Dauphine when I noticed a restaurant I wanted to visit: Killer Po-Boy.
I could have found Killer using Google Maps or other means once I got to my room, but seeing it on my way sealed the deal. Deciding where to eat is often one of the most challenging parts of traveling.
Before long, I had a cheese omelet (with bacon) po-boy in front of me, with a little Crystal hot sauce and a cold brew to finish the deal. Instead of wasting time in my hotel trying to decide where to eat, I quickly agreed because I saw how close I was to it.
Keeping your eyes open while walking may help you find a great “hole in the wall” you might miss when getting a ride.
Side note: Killer Po-Boy’s Cheese Omelet is an excellent choice. Here’s the Killer Po-Boy menu (just in case).
Option 3: Public transportaion
My second choice for getting around is public transportation. Over the years, I have collected transportation cards from cities nationwide. It’s not a bad collection, saving me time and money when I arrive.
Having my cards loaded beforehand allows me to start my experience as soon as I hit the ground, making me look less like a tourist. Nowadays, you can also use tap credit or debit cards; I like the option to use both just in case something happens to one while I travel.
Public transportation can initially be intimidating, but you’ll be a pro after several uses. Before traveling to a new city, you can often find YouTube videos or websites discussing the local public transportation system and the information you need to use it effectively.
Tips for using public transportation
- Research Before You Go: Look up the public transportation options in your destination city. Websites and apps can provide maps, schedules, and fare information.
- Get a Transportation Card: Many cities offer tap cards that work on all or most public transportation systems. These cards can be loaded with fares in advance, saving time and making it easier to navigate the system. Calculate whether a day or weekend pass, a transport card, or a tap credit/debit card is the best option for you.
- Watch Tutorials: YouTube videos and online tutorials can provide helpful visual guides on using the local transportation system. That is how I learned when I started traveling.
- Download Apps: Many public transportation systems have apps that offer real-time updates, payment options, route planning, and other helpful features.
- Ask Locals: Don’t hesitate to ask locals for advice or directions. They can provide insider tips and help you avoid newbie errors.
Option 4: Free or hire shuttles
Some larger hotels and hostels occasionally offer free or economical shuttles. Check with your hotel to see if you need to make reservations for the shuttle service and whether it will pick you up at an Amtrak station or connect you to Amtrak service.
Sometimes, you can hire shuttles, too, like GO Rightway in the Midwest. Other shuttle services offer rides to airports and train stations, so check for a service in your area.
If your hotel or hostel doesn’t offer a shuttle, it may have suggestions for local shuttle services. These services can be a little pricey, but they specialize in transporting travelers.
Travel Tip: Reserve Early
Reserve your shuttle early and confirm your reservation a day before your ride. If there are delays, let the service know as soon as possible. This way, no one has to wait for you if your plans change.
Option: Taxis and rideshares
Hiring a driver can include options like Uber, Lyft, taxis, rickshaws, horse and buggy, or whatever else may be available in your area.
I have only hired a taxi once and used rideshares a few times. Rideshares are more accessible if you are away from bigger train stations, at least for me. What I like about rideshares over taxis is that I can book them using an app, which is less intimidating.
Taxis
Taxis often wait at stations and airports, making them a convenient choice if you are in a hurry. They are typically available 24/7 and often wait for passengers in bigger cities. While taxis may not be the cheapest option, they can be reliable, especially when rideshares are unavailable.
Rideshares
Uber and Lyft are the two leading rideshare companies. To get a ride, you use an app to request a car, and someone will pick you up and take you to your destination. Rideshares are often more affordable than taxis and provide the convenience of cashless transactions and ride tracking.
Option 6: Renting a car
Some train stations, like Los Angeles, have car rental companies, so you can walk off the train and leave the station by car. Some companies, such as Enterprise, will even pick you up with your rental car (some restrictions apply, and the service is unavailable in all areas).
Renting a car has advantages, such as the freedom to go wherever you want, but it also has downsides. I have never rented a car because it can be more expensive and cumbersome, especially for a solo traveler like you.
Downsides to renting a car
- Expense: Renting cars can be costly, with hidden taxes and fees accumulating.
- Parking: Parking in large cities can be costly, and sometimes fees are higher than renting.
- Additional Fees: Be aware of potential hidden taxes and fees.
When to rent a car
- Mobility Issues: If you have mobility issues that make other forms of transportation challenging.
- Extended Day Trips: These are for trips where other transportation options might not be available.
- Rural Areas: When visiting rural areas with limited public transportation.
Some hotels charge for parking, which is common in cities like New Orleans and San Francisco. If your hotel does not have parking, you may need to use street parking or a nearby garage.
Parking in cities like Chicago can cost $40 or more daily. Before renting a car, research the parking costs at your destination. You might find public transportation, rideshares, or taxis cheaper in the long run.
Money-Saving Tip
To save money on car rentals, group your destinations together. Instead of renting a car for the entire trip, rent it only when needed and for as long as necessary.
Option 7: Bike rentals
Renting a bike can be an excellent compromise for getting around your destination. It is cheaper than car rentals, faster than walking, and more flexible than public transportation.
Many major cities now have bike rental systems.
How bike rentals work (in a nutshell)
- Sign Up for a Membership: Many bike rental systems require you to sign up for a membership or a day pass.
- Pick up a bike: Go to the rental location and pick up a bike.
- Return the Bike: Return the bike to any rental site when finished.
Hostels (if you stay at one) or local bike shops may also offer bike rentals. A quick Google search will help you find a bike quickly. From my travels, I noticed that the hostels I stayed at in the U.S. and Canada offered bikes at very reasonable rates.
How to Navigate Your Destination Wrap-Up
I hope this article on getting around your destination helps you with your travel plans. I like walking because it is good for me and helps save money.
Nowadays, it is easy to discover your options for getting around any given community in just a few moments with a search engine.
Travel tip
If your destination is a smaller town, be aware that there may not be a car rental agency where you need one. If this is the case, consider getting off a stop before or after your destination and then driving to where you need to go. Alternatively, check if the rental company will deliver to your location. Renting a car and driving the rest of the way may not always be feasible, but it can sometimes be practical and worth checking out.
We only have so much travel money; let’s use it wisely!
Safe Travels!
Kev
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