Subways, Taxis or Buses

What is the best way of getting around a city?

I have used all three, as well as walking!

Here are some thoughts?

Subways (Underground Railways)

Normally fast, and inexpensive.

A couple of downsides.

  • You can’t see anything in a tunnel.
  • Those subway maps are easy to read but don’t give you much idea about the relative positions of places you want to visit. (I have travelled on two different subway lines to actually get between things that are only a short distance apart)

Taxis (or Ubers)

Direct from where you are to your destination.

You do get to see some of the sites as you travel.

Slower than the subway, and the most expensive way of city travelling.

Buses

Generally the slowest transport, but inexpensive!

As you are higher up you do see more as you travel.

Overall

I tend to only use Taxis to travel between Hotel and airport, or train station.

This makes things fairly simple when carrying luggage and when you might be tired.

For the first few days I like to use the Buses as they help me get a a better idea of the city layout.

The higher view also means you see more.

Once I have got a better idea of the city I am more likely to use the Subway.

Luggage Covers – What Is The Point?

As I was standing at the carousel I saw a case come past with this zipped nylon cover.

I had never really noticed these before so I was intrigued and did a bit of research.

Typically they cost between $25 and $35.

The retailers say ‘They provide your luggage with the ultimate level of protection and being water resistant you don’t have to worry about an unexpectedly rainy day ruining your belongings.

Five reasons why I won’t be buying one

  1. I buy waterproof luggage, without zips so water isn’t a problem.
  2. I never have anything in my checked luggage I’m not prepared to lose.
  3. The cover material doesn’t look as resistant to damage as my luggage so everything is going to look scruffy quickly . . . . unless I keep spending more money on more covers.
  4. Although it may stop scratches its unlikely to be strong enough to protect the luggage from drops and hitting hard edges.
  5. I actually think a few marks on your suitcase are expected if you are a regular traveller.

Basin Plug

One thing that is always in my toilet bag is this rubber multi size basin plug.

After many years of travels its now comes as no surprise to me to either find the basin , or bath plug, is missing.

That makes it a problem to shave, wash your face, or launder your clothes ,unless you have got your own plug handy.

Use With Integrated Mixer and Basin Outlet

I have even found it useful when I have been faced with an integrated mixer and basin outlet with a leaking seal.

As you will see from the photograph below many of those fancy chrome units just lift out so you can use the rubber plug.

Additional Travel Hack

If you can’t lift out the basin outlet duct tape will provide a waterproof seal.

Special Occasion – Let Everyone Know

I often hear about people keep quiet about special occasions.

They could be missing out!

My wife and I usually go away on anniversaries and birthdays and aren’t shy about telling others about it.

Here are some of the free things that have resulted from letting people know:

  • Bottles of champagne from flight attendants.
  • Bottles of champagne in the room.
  • Flowers in the room.
  • Chocolates.
  • Limo Hire.
  • Best table in a great restaurant.
  • Room upgrades.

Suit Carriers

Twenty five years ago suit carriers were the ‘go to bag’ for frequent flyers.

Now you rarely see them.

In the late 90’s I was living away from home for 2 years and used my suit carrier every week for the whole period.

These days I rarely wear a suit, or business shirts and some airlines are weighing carry on so it doesn’t come out so often.

It has not been completely forgotten as I would still use it 2-3 times a year, mainly for me and my wife on an overnight stay.

Advantages

  • Great for times when you need to travel with formal clothes.
  • Quick and easy to pack.
  • Great in the hotel room; just lay it on a counter or hang it in the wardrobe

Disadvantage

  • Much heavier than my Go To Carry On.
  • Not as ‘Trendy’ as the wheeled bags

Overall

I would never get rid of my suit carrier even though it’s not my main bag. . . . its still useful for certain trips

Shaving

Over the years I have tried most of the options for shaving.

I started with mains powered electric shavers . . . but too heavy.

Next it was battery electric . . . . but the battery always went flat at the wrong time.

Next was wet shaving with foam . . . . but the foam is expensive and after 9/11 you could only take the tiny and expensive foam canisters.

Now

Its just a BIC 3 bladed disposable razor and a shaving brush.

I also have half the blade container to protect the blades, and a plastic bag for the shaving brush.

I don’t need soap as I just use the hotel soap, or shampoo.

The whole kit costs around $10 . . . so it gets left behind it’s no problem!