Travel a City

Chances are that at least part of your next trip, no matter what far off land you jet off to, will take place in a city. Not only do larger cities boast cultural and historical sites that are often must-sees, but they’re also major transportation hubs that make your trip logistically feasible. I’m a city girl at heart, and I love the distinct vibes from each global capital. But of course, traveling in a city requires its own set of tips, far different than pitching a tent in some uninhabited mountain village. Here are a few ideas to make the most of your city travel:

Watch Your Belongings

Let’s get the downer out of the way—you’ll be surrounded by throngs of people. And although we’d like to believe everyone has the right intentions, it’s just not the case. It only takes a split second for someone to swipe your valuables and put a damper on the rest of your trip, so keep a close eye out and take precautions. Check out our tips specifically for avoiding being pickpocketed here.

Familiarize Yourself With Public Transportation

While walking is a fantastic way to get the lay of the land and discover new shops and restaurants in an unfamiliar city, it’s sometimes not feasible to go everywhere on foot. Head to a tourist information point for a map of the local transportation system, or look on station maps or your smartphone. The metro is often the easiest way to get around since you basically follow one colored line to a stop or another colored line. Buses can be a bit trickier but will do the job as well. Also, if you think you’ll be on public transportation more than a couple times, it’s usually worth it to invest in a day or multiple-day pass, which will cut the cost of each journey.

Hit Nearby Landmarks on the Same Day

In big cities, like London, you could spend more time below ground than above. To avoid zigzagging all over the city on the metro, take a look at the map ahead of time to plan on seeing nearby landmarks in the same day. It makes for less spontaneous travel, sure, but logistics-wise it could save you valuable hours.