Getting Safely to Your Foreign Destination: Planning for Airport Transportation
Traveling to any new destination can make it difficult to know how to get around, but traveling to a foreign country can be even more complicated. Use this guide to help you learn about the different options you have for transport to and from the airport and how to stay safe as you travel.
Research the Airport First
Many foreign airports have websites that provide information in English to help visitors plan their trips. Research the airport you will be arriving at and learn about the different travel options available to you from the airport to your final destination. This will help you to find the location of airport shuttles such as Broadway Cab, vans, and buses you can use to safely arrive at your destination.
Learn About Pricing
You may be able to pay for your airport shuttle in advance, or you may have to pay with paper money. Knowing this in advance will help you as you plan how much foreign currency to bring with you on your trip. Foreign ATMs may carry extra fees, and your credit-card company or bank may charge additional fees for exchanging money, so it's a good idea to have any money you need for an airport shuttle handy.
Investigate Your Options
Your hotel may offer a complementary airport shuttle service to and from the airport. If it does not, you may want to use an airport shuttle or bus that operates in the airport. These rides are shared with other passengers, so it might take a little longer to reach your final destination. This isn't always a bad thing, as the longer trip can give you a way to see some other areas of the city and country you are visiting.
Familiarize Yourself with the Area
Get familiar with the area your hotel is located in before you travel. This will help you if you have to take a taxi when no shuttle is available. Learning the route to the hotel and the different landmarks will help you know if the taxi driver is taking a wrong turn, and it will also let you know when you are nearing your destination in a taxi or airport shuttle. Go online and use street view–style maps to learn the major landmarks in the area surrounding your hotel. This can also help you when you leave your hotel to go do some sightseeing.
Doing your homework first will make it easier to enjoy your trip and ensure a safe journey to and from your airport. Look for reputable airport shuttle services when possible, and make sure you know where you are going in case you have to take a taxi.
