Vacationing On Transit

Written by Judy Bortman

Remember the fun of putting on a costume, hiding your identity and being playful, even downright silly. Was the last time that happened on Halloween? Was it recently or when you were a kid? Perhaps you felt that way on your last vacation. I did.

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."
-Neale Donald Walsch

A recent getaway had me wondering why vacations bring out that sense of adventure and the confidence to try something new. Escaping from our routines, familiar people and settings sets us free and brings an infusion of Indiana Jones bravado to explore new places, foods, ideas and behaviors. In Australia, I gave in to culinary curiosity and tried kangaroo jerky, hiked up hills to dig for geodes, walked on a rope-bridge adventure ride and navigated a foreign transit system.

Taking public transit on vacation can be an adventure, especially for first-time or infrequent users. Transit systems in metropolitan cities, domestic or foreign, are typically user-friendly and cost-effective. Consider the expense of renting a car, paying for gas and parking. (Many hotels charge a parking fee which is often $40 or more per night.)

Inspired by need and convenience during my vacation, I decided to take the train to a family get-together. I walked about five minutes to a suburban station to catch the train to a nearby city. Just to be on the safe side, I arrived early to ask questions, get a ticket and see where to electronically “touch on” my ticket and ask where to “touch off” upon exiting. Electronic signs and billboards let me know how many minutes until the train would arrive and which track to watch. The train ride gave me a chance to relax, see the sights, and reminded me how relaxing and efficient it can be to take public transit.

Wikihow has tips on using public transit when traveling that include getting or printing a map in advance, searching for local transit stations and selecting a hotel near a station or one with shuttle service.

Walking, where feasible, is also a great way to see local sites. Plus, bike share systems are continuing to pop up in many urban areas. Some cities even have bike tours geared for tourists. Just think, using public transit, walking or biking on vacation can save money and leave more in your get-away budget for seeing sights, dining and new adventures that get you out of your comfort zone.

Your experience with public transit may even carry-over to post-vacation life. Consider commuting by train or bus even a few days a week. Just think how nice it would be to have a less stressful ride to and from work, catch up on reading, prepare for a meeting or just relax. Taking public transit for an outing to New York City and walking to your destination is another way to bring that vacation feeling home.

It’s been said that vacations, even if you never leave home, help you unwind, de-stress and recharge. The time away from your routine is often a time to regroup, gain insights, generate new ideas, build confidence for trying new things and bring renewed energy when you return to “real life.”

Whether you’re exploring a U.S. or foreign city, jumping in the water at the Jersey Shore, taking a long bike ride, visiting an amusement park, gazing at exhibits in a museum or observing life while strolling through a nearby city, take a moment to recharge your battery and, if the Halloween spirit moves you, venture outside your comfort zone. It’s certain to be the reason you return to work with a calmer demeanor and a mellow smile, what my daughter calls “vacation glow.” You can try to savor that feeling for as long as you can, or you can bring part of your vacation home and make transit travel an everyday reality.