Tips on getting around whilst travelling

 

BUS

Booking coaches over the internet can be tricky. When you're backpacking you mostly find that, a local travel agent or a booking desk is nearly always the best option. However, I've scoured the internet and manage to find this site, Coach Bookings. They offer worldwide booking options for coaches.

 

The thing to bear in mind when booking buses/coaches are that they can be a bit wild when it comes to departure times. If you are in a 1st world country, then generally you will get there at the time that is stated. However, from my experience in more developing countries, the conductors have no idea when they will get there. In my travel guides I have tried to provide a rough idea of how long a journey is, but of course, every trip is different.

 

I always take the coach as the last option, if I can fly or go by train it’s much better. For example, in Ethiopia, you can take the coach for $18 or fly for $39!! For a place like India, it is always better to take the train if you get the chance.

TRAIN

For me, the train is one of the best ways to travel. I find the journeys in general very easy and time flies by. If you are looking to book international train tickets, check out this website International Rail. It offers a range of rail passes around the world including Eurorail passes which are great value for money.

 

As a backpacker there are some great train journeys in the world, here are a few of my favourites. India's train is the best in the world in terms of value and its range. China has invested heavily in their rail system but booking a ticket can be complicated and availability can be difficult. The Trans-Siberian railway is a once in a lifetime journey stretching from Beijing to Moscow.

 

Europe and North America have good train networks and can be a great option to get around. Canada has a great rail network and is worth doing just for the views. My favourite in the world was the narrow-gauge trains in Burma, it’s very old-fashioned and slow but worth every minute, the views are amazing as you go.

CAR RENTAL

Renting a car can be a great option for seeing a country and getting about. It gives a lot more freedom to explore places of the country that most travellers will never see. I would always recommend using an international brand such as Avis or Budget, as they will be a lot more professional in general, than a local hire company. Before hiring a car, it is good to check out the local laws on driving. I've included warnings about this in my travel guides as some countries have very unusual laws when it comes to traffic accidents, you can be arrested on the spot. If you feel comfortable with the laws and want to go ahead then I would recommend going for a collision-waiver cover. In the event of an accident, you won't be liable for the damage.
Always check the small print and know what you are signing for. Learn the local driving laws as best you can and drive defensively at all times. The way people drive may differ greatly from what you are used to in your home country.