Summary
- Transportation options for traveling alone, with friends, or with family.
Voice of Experience
How to Choose Transportation for Your Travels
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About 40 years ago, John Hughes wrote and directed Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. Starring John Candy and Steve Martin, the movie is about two strangers who unite for a trip home for the holidays. It was based on Hughes’ personal experience traveling from New York to Chicago during stormy weather. Watch it on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Paramount+, or YouTube Premium.
Carefully choose transportation for stress-free travel. Rank alternatives by cost, convenience, comfort, and distance. Reserve at least 6 months in advance to ensure availability and the lowest price. Use the following checklist and resources to choose transportation for your travels.
Checklist
- Autos – best for family travel and togetherness; reduces exposure to contagion and crowds.
- Buses – good for tight budgets and traveling short distances; available worldwide, but uncomfortable.
- Cruise Ships – excellent for multiple destinations; fare includes lodging, meals, and entertainment.
- Ferries – essential for travel to islands in Asia, Europe, and North America; buy tickets in advance.
- Lyft/Uber – used for inner-city transport; Uber is available worldwide, and Lyft operates in USA and Canada.
- Planes – convenient for business and weekend travel; be prepared for air traffic and weather delays.
- RVs – costly to rent and difficult to drive; consider for outdoor adventures.
- Trains – great for relaxing and scenic trips across America, Canada, and Europe.
Conclusion
Carefully consider alternatives when booking transportation for your travels. Although flying can be tempting, other options may provide a better experience. Use the resources below to avoid the travel nightmares that Hughes portrayed in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. Stay safe, and enjoy your trip!
Apps
Articles
- Jen Lyons, How to Choose the Right Means of Transport, Trusted Traveller, Feb. 4, 2022.
- Barry Parker, Inside the World’s Top Ferry Lines, Maritime Reporter, Feb. 2019.
- Stefanie Waldek, Mistakes to Avoid on a Cruise, Travel & Leisure, Apr. 17, 2023.
- Staff, Air Travel Tips, Dept. of Transportation, Jun. 2, 2024.
- Staff, Tips for First-Time Train Travelers, Amtrak, Jun. 9, 2021.
Books
- Douglas Ward, Cruising and Cruise Ships, Insights Guides, Nov. 14, 2023.
- Nicky Gardner, Europe by Rail, Frommers, Jun. 7, 2022.
- Jay Loomis, The Complete North American Train Travel Guide, Chicago Review, May 16, 2023.
- Staff, Compact Atlas of the World, National Geographic, Jul. 11, 2017.
- Various, USA on the Road, Insight Guides, Sep. 13, 2022.
Websites
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