Getting Around

I use a combination rather than relying on one app. Google Maps is useful for directions, walking routes and public transport in many destinations, while Citymapper can be excellent for navigating public transport in supported cities. For travel between destinations, I use comparison and booking tools such as Omio to check trains, buses, flights and ferries.

I also check whether the destination has its own official transport app, particularly for metro, train and bus networks.

Not always. Google Maps works in much of the world, but the quality of public transport information varies between destinations. Citymapper covers selected cities, while some countries and cities have excellent local transport apps that provide more accurate timetables, ticketing and live information.

Before each trip, I check which apps are commonly used at our destination rather than assuming the apps I used on my last trip will work just as well.

I download the transport, navigation, airline and booking apps I expect to use before travelling. Where required, I create an account, verify my details and add a payment method while I’m still at home.

I also save accommodation addresses, download offline maps and make sure important tickets and booking confirmations are accessible on my phone. It is much easier to do this before travelling than after arriving tired at an unfamiliar airport or station.

Payment systems vary considerably. Depending on the destination, you may be able to tap a contactless bank card or phone, buy a transport card, purchase tickets from a machine or use the local transport app.

I check how the system works before arriving, including whether each traveller needs their own card or ticket and whether a payment card needs to be registered in advance.

For many of them, yes. Live directions, current timetables, platform changes, rideshare apps, transport bookings and journey updates generally work best with an internet connection.

I arrange mobile data before travelling, usually with an eSIM, or buy a local SIM at the airport when I arrive if that’s a better option for the destination. I also download offline maps as a backup. Having internet access as soon as I arrive makes it much easier to check directions, contact a driver or accommodation and deal with unexpected changes.

I compare the whole journey rather than simply choosing the fastest or cheapest ticket. I look at where the service departs and arrives, the total door-to-door travel time, luggage restrictions, connections and how we’ll reach our accommodation at the other end.

When comparing a flight with a train or other transport, I also factor in the time it takes to get to the airport, check in, clear security, reach the departure gate and then travel from the arrival airport into the city. Once you consider the entire journey, a train or another mode of transport can sometimes be quicker, easier and more enjoyable.

A self-transfer can mean travelling on separate tickets, collecting and rechecking luggage, changing terminals and checking in again.

This is something that can be easily overlooked when booking flights online, particularly when several flights appear together as one itinerary. The biggest consideration is what happens if your first flight is delayed. Your onward journey may not be protected, which could leave you responsible for arranging and paying for a replacement flight.

I always check whether a connection is a self-transfer before booking and, if I decide to go ahead, allow plenty of time between flights.

I work this out before leaving home. Depending on the destination, the easiest option might be a train, metro, airport bus, taxi, rideshare or pre-booked private transfer.

I consider our arrival time, luggage, how far we’ll need to walk and whether the transport takes us directly to, or close to, our accommodation. I also check whether taxis, rideshares or private car can stop outside the property or if there is a designated pick-up and drop-off point nearby.

I always check our accommodation’s check-in time too. If we’re arriving well before we can check in, taking a slightly longer transport option can sometimes make sense rather than arriving early and having to drag our luggage around for hours.

The cheapest or fastest option isn’t always the easiest — I look at the whole arrival journey and choose what will make it as straightforward as possible.

I book transport in advance when the trip depends on a particular service or when availability may be limited. This can include flights, popular trains, ferries, hire cars and airport or private transfers.

Taxis and rideshares such as Uber are plentiful in many large cities, but they still have busy periods. If I need to be at an airport or station early, I prefer to book ahead and allow plenty of time. I also check whether a taxi or rideshare can collect us directly from our accommodation or whether we need to walk to a designated pick-up point.

Frequent local buses, metros and trams can usually be organised after arrival, but I still check how they work before leaving home. Knowing what needs to be booked and what can remain flexible makes travelling much less stressful.