Transportation

  • If the cab is not metered, ask in advance how much it will cost and agree to a price before you leave.
  • Rethink the round trip. For example, instead of getting a cab to go into Otavalo, Ecuador from our lodging 2 miles outside of town, we took a leisurely 45-minute walk downhill, did our shopping, and then took a cab back uphill. We saved money and got a little exercise.
  • Always double-check your bus tickets. We bought ours from Quito to Baños, Ecuador and were instructed to go to platform 28. Once we got on the road, however, that bus was from a different company than what was on our ticket. We had to pay for the entire trip again on the bus. Thankfully it was only a $7 mistake (we love Ecuadorian bus prices) but we learned to verify our ticket with the driver before getting on. One poor man was going the opposite way and had to be let out on the side of the road to catch another bus!
  • Buy refundable tickets (where possible) – in attempting to get out of Pasto, Colombia we bought one-way tickets to Cali. However, when the first flight was cancelled we called and they agreed to change for a flight 2 days later. When that flight was also cancelled we were able to call and simply get our money back. Believe me, saying goodbye to $200 was NOT something we were ready to swallow so having the peace of mind to be able to get a refund was very nice.
  • Sleep on the bus (if you can) – Overnight buses mean that you will not need to pay for a hotel room (at least not financially).  The next morning you may be tired, but your bank account will be better off.  Splurge for the “full cama” (fully reclining seat) in South America if you are given the option.  The price difference is typically quite small but the comfort difference is significant.
  • Learn the bus system – when we first got to Lima, Peru we took a cab home one evening.  The cost of that one cab was 10 times the cost of the bus/combi (a combi is a minivan bus in South America).  Once we figured out the system we used only local buses and combis to get all over town.
  • Look for unconventional ways to travel. It can both save you money and add to your adventure. Find out how our boat trip from South America to England all came about here.
  • Buy transportation in advance if a discount is available – we always knew this about plane tickets, but the same applies to train & bus tickets in Europe.
  • Go on tours that include transport and accommodation – Surprisingly enough some tours can actually save you money, particularly if you’re looking to get from one destination to the next. There are plenty of tours available in most countries and some that will depart from one location and finish up in another. When combining the cost of accommodation and transport, sometimes it is only slightly dearer to take a local tour which will also include stops at some of the most popular attractions in the area, which you might not see otherwise. Certain destinations are popular with discounted group trips, particularly with Asia, Europe and South America tours. Many of these can be booked directly at your hotel as well, which often leads to better discounts.

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