By Nicole Ferrito
It’s the holiday season and the train stations, bus stops, and subways are busier than ever, filled with people, packages, and luggage. It may seem like traveling would be overwhelming and chaotic, but with these 10 simple tips, your holiday city escapades will be easy and stress free!
1. Timeliness: Always arrive 15-20 minutes before your bus or train is scheduled to depart. This way you’ll have enough time to get yourself settled, double check the gate your leaving from, and even grab a quick coffee!
2. Think Before You Ask: If you aren’t sure where a bus or train departs don’t hesitate to ask, especially if you are in a rush! But always be cautious with who you ask. It’s safe to approach a police officer or someone who works at the facility. Asking a woman for directions is usually a safe choice as well.
3. Zip It Tight: You will be bumping into and passing tons of people during your commute. Double check to make sure your bags and luggage are zipped up all the way to ensure you don’t lose anything! Always hold your bags infront of you so you can keep an extra close eye on them, you can never be too cautious!
4. Pack A Lot in a Little: You don’t want to be lugging a ton of bags while weaving through the holiday crowds, so try to fit all of your belongings in as few totes as possible.
5. Essentials on Top: Of course your wallet and fully charged phone should be ready at hand. Butif you know you are going to be on a long train or bus ride home, don’t forget to pack your iPod, iPad, laptop, and other entertaining electronics in an easily accessible compartment of your luggage. This way you’ll have a chance to relax and listen to those happy, holiday tunes all the way home!
6. Double Check and Triple Check: Whether it’s a bus, train, or subway before and after your step on, make sure it’s going to the correct destination. Nothing is worse than pulling away from a station and hearing an announcement that isn’t where you are supposed to arrive. Your trip will not only be prolonged, but will be more expensive.
7. Delays aren’t Dilemmas: It happens! While public transportation is usually on time, delays do occur. If it does, just make sure to follow up on when the next time of departure is. Having your smartphone or iPad comes in handy here when looking up the next time. And of course, you can always ask an official.
8. Tricky Transfers: If a train is scheduled to leave at 1:42, it will leave at 1:42 on the dot! If you have to transfer from one train to another, there are times when you only have a few minutes and it can be stressful. Be prepared and know which platform your next train is leaving from. If you miss it, again, check when the next train departs, sit and wait where there are plenty of people around, and enjoy a magazine! Time will pass by quickly.
9. Stash Extra Cash: It’s always safe to carry a little extra, emergency cash, you never know when you may need it!
10. Keep in Contact: Every parent, boyfriend, aunt, uncle, friend, or other loved oneis always concerned about your safety. To ease their minds, send them a text every once in a while updating them on where you at in your travels. Even a quick message will be much appreciated.
Following these few pieces of advice will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip home for the holidays!
Photo Source: http://dguides.com/newyorkcity/attractions/cultural/new-york-penn-station/