I found 10 lines that qualify, listed here alphabetically, with samples of posted one-way fares. Most lines employ capacity-controlled pricing: As buses fill up, fares for remaining seats increase. Most lines also offer a variety of round-trip, multi-ride, frequent-traveler membership, student, and similar discounts. Most require reservations, and pick up and leave travelers on public-street loading zones, or sometimes at hotels.

Editors’ Note: Included fares are accurate at time of publication.

BestBus

BestBus is one of the many bus lines that operate between New York City and the Washington, D.C. area. Although most of its trips use conventional intercity buses, one or two daily trips feature “Prime” service that offers the necessary luxury mix. At least one trip operates most days nonstop between New York Penn Station and Washington-area drop off points at DuPont Circle and Union Station and three stops in suburban Virginia. The Prime fare for February starts at around $47 one-way, compared with $38-40 for the regular service; trips take four hours and more.

Amtrak offers frequent competition, with trips taking from a bit under three hours (Acela, from $155) to 3:30 hours (Northeast Regional, hovering around at $115 with fares below $100 available on specific dates).

C&J Bus Lines

C&J operates at least two daily trips, all with luxury buses, on two main routes:

• Connecting Boston with Dover, Portsmouth, and Seabrook New Hampshire. Trips take 55 minutes to Seabrook, at $13.99, to 1:30 to 2 hours to Dover at $14.99, and on average 1:15 to 1:30 to Portsmouth at $14.99.
• Connecting New York with Andover, Massachusetts as well as Seabrook and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Trips take 4 hours to Andover, fares are $74. Trips to Seabrook take between 4:30 and 4:45 and trips to Portsmouth take roughly 5:15, fares for both are $84.

Concord Coach Lines

Concord operates several trunk routes, but offers its luxury “Plus Bus” on one daily round trip each on its route connecting New York City with Portland, Maine (6 hours, $79).

Amtrak connects New York with Portland, but a train trip requires changing trains and stations in Boston. The shortest connection for a trip in early March takes six hours and costs $84, including bus transfer between stations in Boston. Competitive air service to Portland for a similar time frame starts at $45 one way.

Dartmouth Coach

Dartmouth Coach operates luxury bus trips at least once daily with extra weekend service between New York City and Hanover/Dartmouth and Lebanon, New Hampshire. Trips take about five hours; fares start at $89. This company is affiliated with Concord Coach Lines and appears to offer a similar luxury product. Dartmouth also operates from the Boston area, but only with conventional buses.

Amtrak does not go near Dartmouth or Lebanon. Flights from New York to Lebanon start at around $134 one way, and require about four hours with a plane change at Boston.

Hampton Jitney

The Hampton Jitney operates between New York and the main eastern Long Island centers, including three to four daily luxury “Ambassador” service trips to/from Montauk, with additional trips to/from Amagansett. Montauk trips take 3:15; fares start at roughly $45.

The competition to the Hamptons is the Long Island Rail Road Montauk line. Montauk trips take 3:15 and cost $22.25 off-peak, $30.50 peak.

Red Coach

Red Coach operates a complex network linking Miami with Tallahassee while also serving key intermediate stops. Although it also operates conventional buses, Red Coach operates luxury First Class runs several times daily between Miami and Tallahassee via Orlando. Miami-Tallahassee trips take about nine and a half hours, with fares starting at $99; Orlando-Miami trips take about 4 hours with fares starting at $45.

Red Coach competes with Amtrak, Brightline, and Tri-Met between some South Florida stops, but no rail line operates to/from Tallahassee or between Atlanta and Florida. Miami-Tallahassee nonstop flight fares start at roughly $150 round trip, taking two hours nonstop or over five hours with a layover.

Tripper Bus Elite

Tripper Bus is one of the many lines that operate between New York City and the Washington DC area. The line runs between two and seven trips each day, and on most days one of those trips uses a luxury “Elite” bus. Trips run between New York City Penn Station area and stops in suburban Bethesda and  Arlington. Travel time is 4:00 hours; Elite class fares start around $60, compared with regular fares which start at $27. See “BestBus” entry for Amtrak and airline competition.

Vamoose Gold

Vamoose is yet another New York-to-Washington bus line that operates a luxury service. “Gold Bus” trips operate three to four times per day between midtown Manhattan and stops in Bethesda, Maryland, and Arlington and Lorton, Virginia. The trips take 4:00 to 4:30 hours to/from Bethesda; 4:40 to/from Arlington; and 5:00 to 5:30 to/from Lorton. Gold Bus fares start at $79, depending on time of day; regular fares start at $49. See “BestBus” entry for Amtrak and airline competition.

Vonlane

Vonlane operates an extensive network of all-luxury bus routes connecting Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Atlanta, and San Antonio. All stops are at city-center hotels except for Dallas, where the terminal is at a Love Field hotel. Sample fares from Houston to Fort Worth are $129; the trip takes four hours.

All Vonlane routes are serviced by multiple airlines, including Southwest. Sample nonstop airfares for Houston-Dallas in late February start at $154 one way, decreasing to under $100 for select dates in March. Amtrak operates one train daily between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth and one train daily Dallas-Austin-San Antonio. Coach fares Dallas-San Antonio start at $37 for a 10-hour trip.

Washington Deluxe

Washington Deluxe is the fourth (on my list) New York-Washington bus line that offers a deluxe option. “LUX” buses operate less than daily between New York/Penn Station and Washington/DuPont Circle. The trip takes 4:00 to 4:30; the fare starts at $35. See “BestBus” entry for Amtrak competition.

The post A Guide to 10 ‘Luxury Bus’ Lines You Can Take Instead of Amtrak appeared first on SmarterTravel.

When you start traveling again, why not try exploring Miami car-free. Kiss goodbye to the expenses of car rentals, parking spots, valets (and parking tickets) by trying these cheap or free-of-charge alternatives:

Freebie

Freebie is a private chauffeur-driven golf buggy service founded by two University of Miami graduates. And as the name suggests, Freebie is completely free. These eco-friendly electric vehicles are only available for short rides but the network includes over a dozen different service areas across Miami, so it’s perfect for getting between your hotel and the beach or local restaurants.

Download the app, select your destination and confirm your pickup spot. Then you can track your ride in real time, just like with Uber or Lyft. You can even select your favorite music (from hip hop to jazz), so your ride has a party vibe – well, it is Miami after all. The app also offers deals and discounts on destinations including restaurants, bars and hotels across the area.   

Operation hours vary by service area.

Price: Free

Trolley

This is another totally free transport option in Miami. The Miami trolleys comprehensively cover all the major areas, including Downtown, Midtown and South Beach. Trolleys in Miami look like quaint vintage streetcars on the outside, with traditional wooden seats and leather straps inside, but they are all new vehicles and run on the road, not on rails.

You can find City of Miami or Miami Beach trolley stops every couple of blocks. There could be a 15-45 minute wait but if you keep an eye on the real-time trolley location tracker via the City of Miami Trolley app or Miami Beach Trolley app, you can plan your time better.

Take a trolley from Brickell to access the parks and beaches of Virginia Key and Key Biscayne. Or hop on the guided Homestead trolley to access the Everglades and Biscayne National Parks. The guided National Park trolley service even includes free admission to the parks and is available every weekend from January 2 to April 4 and December 26 to 31.

City of Miami trolleys operate daily from 6.30 a.m./8 a.m. to 8 p.m./11 p.m. You can view schedules here. Miami Beach trolleys run daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Price: Free   

Metromover

Free, modern and driverless; Miami’s Metromover system operates on its own independent structure elevated above the city streets. This makes it a good option for getting about when the roads are clogged with rush-hour traffic.

The network covers Downtown, Brickell, Park West and the Arts and Entertainment District. These areas include popular attractions such as the American Airlines Arena for concerts, Bayside Market Place for shopping and mojitos and Wynwood for street art, craft breweries and hip boutiques.

The Metromover also takes you to the perimeters of the Miami Design District, where you can admire the striking architecture, browse designer stores, wander around art galleries and visit the Miami Institute of Contemporary Art. 

Operation hours are daily from 5 a.m. to midnight and security guards patrol the stations.

Price: Free

Citi Bike

Miami’s Citi Bike rental service is quick and easy to use. You can rent a Citi Bike from a solar-powered bike station for 30 minutes, by the hour, by the day or for even longer periods.

There are dozens of bike stations all over Miami Beach, as well as across the mainland (between the I-95 and the water—pretty much every area that’s of interest to visitors).

It’s legal to ride your bike on the sidewalk in Miami but there’s also an extensive cycle lane network which includes some nice routes by the water and through several parks. You can check out a Miami cycle lane map here.

Citi Bikes come with handy baskets on the front, but as with all bike baskets, don’t place anything valuable (like your wallet) in them while you ride—a backpack is a safer bet.

Price: From $4.40 (30-minute pass) to an unlimited monthly pass for $35. It’s better to book a longer pass than to exceed your rental session—otherwise it’s $4.60 for every additional 30 minutes.

Metrorail and Brightline

Miami’s Metrorail service covers 25 miles of track, including Miami International Airport, Downtown, Coral Gables and beyond. It runs daily from 5 a.m. to midnight and has free wifi on board. The downside is it doesn’t extend to Miami Beach, but you can easily transfer to a bus or trolley from Downtown or Edgewater to get to Miami Beach.

The Metrorail also links up with the high-speed Brightline rail service, so you can zip up the coast to Fort Lauderdale in 30 minutes or West Palm Beach in just an hour for a change of scene. Eventually, the service will go all the way to Orlando in two hours, but that section is still under construction.

Price: Metrorail from $2.25. Brightline from $17 (For Lauderdale).

Metrobus

With 93 routes and services operating 365 days per year, you’re probably not going to have a problem finding a Miami bus to take you to any destination. All the top tourist attractions, beaches and places of interest are covered, as well as Miami International Airport (MIA)—making it probably the cheapest way to get from MIA into the city. There’s even a fleet of 33 zero-emission electric buses on the network.

Services run 24 hours a day on some routes, but times can vary, so click on each route schedule to see the service hours.

Price: From $2.25 for Metrobus fares or short Shuttle Bus fares from $0.25. 

Hiking

Wait, we have good reasons to include this one on the list. Let’s face it, so many American cities are a nightmare to walk around, often with inexplicable disappearing sidewalks (I’m looking at you, L.A.). But there are decent sidewalks and walking paths pretty much everywhere in Miami—and even some urban hikes.

For example, the picturesque 2.5-mile-long path along the historic Venetian Causeway takes you right over Biscayne Bay, from Edgewater to South Beach. While you enjoy this tree-lined walk, you can discreetly ogle multi-million dollar pads, but it’s the bay views that steal the show. Over at South Beach, stroll down the beachfront sidewalk on the famous Ocean Drive and admire the Art Deco architecture, which includes the club from The Birdcage (at The Carlyle hotel and restaurant). 

For a longer hike, try the 10-mile Miami River Greenway, which starts at the 2,000 year-old Miami Circle at the mouth of the Miami River. Or start from Downtown Miami and walk along the Rickenbacker Causeway to the barrier islands of Virginia Key and Key Biscayne, taking in the quieter beaches and parks, ending at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park’s historic lighthouse.

Price: Free

The post How To Get Around Miami Without A Car appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Getting around Australia takes a little planning. It’s a huge country, only slightly smaller than Canada and the U.S., with big distances between major cities. Fortunately, low-cost airlines offer competitively priced flights on the main domestic routes, and highways connect most of the country. Long-distance passenger trains (plus buses that connect at train stations for travel to outlying areas) are also available in some parts of Australia. Read on to learn everything you need to know about Australia transportation.

Australia by Air

Getting to Australia is a long haul—approximately 14 to 16 flying hours from the West Coast of North America, and another four to five hours if connecting from the East Coast. Flights from Europe typically connect in Asia and take nearly a full day.

The majority of North Americans will arrive at Sydney International Airport (also known as Kingsford Smith), Melbourne, or Brisbane. Major airlines connecting the two continents include Qantas, United Airlines, Air New Zealand (via Auckland), Virgin Australia, and Air Canada.

Flying within Australia is easy between major cities. The Sydney-Melbourne leg is the busiest with plenty of services, and fares for this 1.5-hour flight are quite competitive. Flights between Sydney and Brisbane also take 1.5 hours, while it’s five hours in the air from Sydney to Perth.

Qantas, its low-cost subsidiary airline Jetstar, and competitor Virgin Australia have most of the country covered. As all three carriers also operate international flights, it’s important to ensure you’re at the correct terminal for the correct flight.

Virgin Australia and Jetstar started as as low-cost, no-frills airlines where passengers paid extra for food and beverages (apart from tea/coffee/water). Nowadays Virgin Australia offers complimentary snacks and beverages (as well as meals on select routes), and allows passengers to check a single bag for free. Jetstar is more restrictive, with a strict carry-on baggage allowance (and hefty fees if your hand luggage is overweight) and no food included. Jetstar permits one complimentary checked bag. Fares on most Australian airlines are cheapest when booked online.

A handful of smaller regional airlines also serve country towns and remote Outback areas. Regional Express Airlines, known as REX, flies to towns in New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, and Victoria, with limited service in Western Australia; Skytrans flies to remote regions in northern Queensland from a base in Cairns; and Par Avion operates in Tasmania. Aircraft on these regional airlines are often quite small, and fares can be expensive, as there may be little or no competition on the route.

Renting a Car in Australia

Car travel is popular in Australia, and most Aussies take to the road over Easter and during the six-week holiday season from mid-December to the end of January. North Americans will find it easier and cheaper to travel outside of peak season, particularly between February and April (before Easter) and in October or November when prices are cheaper and the weather is pleasant.

All the major international rental car brands are based in Australia. An international driver’s license is not required if your own driver’s license is written in English. Prices can be quite high, with lower rates for seven-day hire. Low-cost companies charge less, but they may use older cars and/or restrict the areas of travel. Local company Bayswater Car Rental, which has depots in Sydney and Perth, is popular for its low rates and affordable insurance.

All rental car drivers will incur a charge, called an excess, if they damage the vehicle. This excess can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and insurance can be purchased to bring down this cost.

Australians drive on the left side of the road and should only use the right-hand lanes on freeways when overtaking. Speed limits vary from 70 to 110 kilometers per hour (between 43 and 68 mph) on freeways and from 40 to 60 kilometers per hour (25 to 37 mph) on city and suburban streets. School zone speed limits (usually 40 kph) are rigorously enforced. Police regularly carry out random breath testing (RBT) for drivers to detect alcohol levels. If you’re caught with more than a 0.05 alcohol reading, you’re under arrest.

Most metropolitan motorways in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne charge a toll, paid electronically via an e-tag device attached to a car’s windscreen. Overseas travelers must pay toll costs or be fined. Visitors can pay online or purchase a 30-day toll pass through a service called Linkt. To get a pass, drivers go online, pay a small set-up fee, and register their credit card and the license plate of their rental vehicle. The freeway toll machines detect the vehicle, then charge the toll back to the associated credit card.

Prepare for long distances if you’re driving in Australia. From Sydney it’s a 10- to 12-hour drive to Brisbane and slightly less to Melbourne, although no one should attempt to drive such long distances on unfamiliar roads all in one trip. (We recommend making at least one overnight stop along the way.)

Take particular care when driving in the Outback or other remote regions. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended (and some rental car companies won’t let you take other types of vehicles into the region). Bring plenty of water, especially if you’re traveling during the hot summer months. Keep in mind that gas stations are few and far between, so you’ll want to fill up when you can.

Australia Campervans, Motorhomes, and Caravans

Campervans, motorhomes, and caravans can be rented from a variety of outlets (note that it may prove costly to choose a caravan, as you’ll also need to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle to tow it). Campervans are perfect for a couple without much luggage who don’t mind roughing it. The cheapest versions will simply turn the back area into a sleeping area; other vans have a pop-up enclosed roof where the double bed is fitted.

Motorhomes are more luxurious and usually have a bed above the driver’s cabin, another bed that assembles on the kitchen table, and often a small bathroom with toilet. There are many camping and caravan sites (called caravan or holiday parks) dotted along the coast of Australia and in regional towns, providing bathroom facilities, power, barbecue areas, a convenience store, and often Wi-Fi.

Jucy and Britz are two of the most popular local operators.

Australia by Train

Two of Australia’s most iconic train journeys are the Indian-Pacific (IP) and the Ghan, privately run tourist rail services operated by Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions. They are far from cheap but well worth taking for the sheer experience of traveling the length and breadth of the country in comfort with fascinating stops along the way.

The aptly named Indian Pacific links the two oceans from Perth to Sydney over four days and three nights. The Ghan links Adelaide in the south with Darwin in the north in a journey spanning three days and two nights. You can opt for a longer journey with the Ghan Expedition, which runs over four days and three nights.

Journey Beyond also recently introduced its Great Southern service, which runs between Adelaide and Brisbane over up to four days.

Queensland Rail offers great scenic train journeys on coastal and Outback routes at affordable rates. One of our favorites is the Spirit of Queensland, a 25-hour, 1,044-mile route between Brisbane and Cairns. There are traditional tourist trains as well, providing jaunts on barely used railway lines in remote areas that include tours and stays in country hotels.

In NSW it’s possible to take trains in four directions from Sydney—north, northwest, west, and south—to cities including Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra, the Blue Mountains, and the Outback towns of Moree and Broken Hill. Economy and first-class cabins with sleepers are available on long journeys such as the 11-hour and 14-hour trips to Melbourne and Brisbane, respectively.

In Victoria trains travel from Melbourne to the gold fields towns of Bendigo and Ballarat, the Murray River town of Swan Hill, and the Great Ocean Road town of Warrnambool, with buses feeding off the main rail arteries.

In Western Australia, Transwa links destinations such as Perth, Kalgoorlie Boulder, and Kalbarri.

Australia by Bus

Traveling long distances is also possible by coach (bus), with some trips cheaper than train travel. Greyhound Australia has the country covered, while smaller companies such as Premier and Murrays operate in certain regions. Greyhound has travel passes for hop-on/hop-off options. Vehicles usually have restrooms, USB charger points, and Wi-Fi. The only way to get around Tasmania without a car is by coach. Tassielink connects most of the state, with services supplemented by regional operators.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 25 Ways to Save on Australia Travel
• 10 Ways to Survive a Long-Haul Flight
• The Best Places to Stay in Australia, from Wilderness Lodges to Beach Resorts

Original reporting by Caroline Gladstone. Sarah Schlichter contributed to this story.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Getting Around Australia appeared first on SmarterTravel.

East Coasters know that the oft-traveled Boston to New York to Washington, D.C. route can be a pricey one whether you take a car, plane, train or bus. Travelers who opt to drive between the cities in an effort to save money may now be rethinking that option considering fluctuating gas prices and the maddening traffic jams that are common along the way. In addition, heated competition among JetBlue, Delta, and American Airlines has made flying a much more affordable option. Here we outline four ways to travel to the cities, including the cost, travel time, and pros and cons of each.

Traveling the Boston to New York City to Washington, D.C. Route by Air

Who: Delta Airlines (via La Guardia, JFK, Newark, BWI, Ronald Reagan, and Dulles), American Airlines (via JFK, LaGuardia, and Reagan), and JetBlue (via LaGuardia, Newark, BWI, and Reagan) offer nonstop service between the three cities. United operates the Boston to Newark route and to Dulles and Reagan in D.C. Note that JetBlue does not offer flights from the New York City area to D.C.

Cities Served: Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Cost: Prices and fares vary dramatically based on availability and on the date and time of your flight. However, round-trip fares to and from all three cities tend to stay at or below $150. You should also take into consideration transportation to/from the city center and each airport when comparing prices for Boston to New York City to Washington, D.C. via air to other modes of transportation, which typically operate closer to urban centers and points of interest.

Travel Time: Depending on your route, a nonstop flight can last anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours, not including travel time to and from the airport or check-in.

Pros:

• Many departures. All of these airlines have departures all day long, but you may pay more for prime time. Less expensive fares can sometimes be found early in the morning or late in the evening.
• You’ll earn frequent flyer miles.
• No traffic (except getting to and from the airport).

Cons:

• American, Delta, and JetBlue operate from New York’s LaGuardia Airport, which is the least convenient of the city’s three airports if you are planning to go to Manhattan via public transportation. However, it’s the closest airport, and the least expensive to travel to and from if you plan to take a taxi or car service.
• Finding the best fare can be time-consuming with so many possible airport combinations, particularly if you’re flying between New York and D.C. as each city is served by three major airports.

Traveling the Boston to New York City to Washington, D.C. Route by Train

Who: Amtrak offers both Acela Express and regional service between the three cities, plus Philadelphia.

Cities Served: There are daily weekday Acela Express round-trips between Washington, D.C. and New York, as well as several daily weekday round-trips between Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. Weekend service runs approximately once every hour between New York and Washington, D.C. about as regularly to/from Boston.

Cost: In comparison to airfare, train service between Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C. is oftentimes just as expensive, if not more. Amtrak operates both a regional service and “express” service, or the Acela, and charges more for the faster service.

The lowest one-way fares from Boston to New York City on the regional service typically start around $56, while the Acela starts around and $97. The lowest one-way fares from New York City to Boston on the regional service typically start around $54, as compared to about $137 for the Acela service. Prices fluctuate during busier travel times and time of day. The lowest one-way fares from Boston to Washington, D.C. on the regional service typically start around $81 for regional and $144 for Acela. Prices fluctuate during busier travel times and time of day. Unlike with airlines, prices tend to only go up the closer you get to the travel date as select train times sell out. Follow Amtrak on social media as it typically offers fare sales around holidays and during other times of year. Check out its deals page here.

Travel Time: For Acela Express service, plan on about three hours between Washington, D.C. and New York, about seven hours between Washington, D.C. and Boston, and about three and a half hours between New York and Boston. For regional trains, add 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your route. Click here for the Acela Express and Northeast Regional timetables.

Pros:

• On Acela Express, “Quiet Cars” make for a comfortable and peaceful ride, and conference tables and power outlets allow passengers who wish to work to do so easily. An onboard bistro offers several food and beverage options.
• The train stations in each city are easily accessible from other points in the city.
• For travelers concerned with the environmental impact of their travel, trains are the most eco-friendly option.
• There is free Wi-Fi on the train routes.
• Larger and more comfortable seats than an airplane.

Cons:

• Regional trains are much less luxurious than the Acela Express, and they stop more frequently.
• With the abundance of flight options, taking the train may prove both more expensive and more time-consuming than flying.

Traveling the Boston to New York City to Washington, D.C. Route by Bus

Who: Greyhound, “Chinatown” bus services, and several newer bus services. The “Chinatown” buses are called this because they are most often operated by Chinese tour companies and have a pick-up or drop-off point in the city’s Chinatown area. There is also BoltBus, which runs between New York and Boston, and New York and Washington, D.C. (and also stops in Philadelphia). Megabus, which also operates between major U.S. cities; Peter Pan, which operates between major U.S. cities; and Lucky Star, which operates between New York City and Boston.

Cities Served: Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.

Cost: Bus fares vary, starting at a measly $1 each way up to about $45. The majority of the “Chinatown” buses cost $15 each way for travel between Boston and New York and about $20 each way for travel between New York and Washington, D.C.

Travel Time: About four hours between Boston and New York in light traffic and about five hours between New York and Washington, D.C. However, all three cities have notoriously heavy traffic patterns, and you’re lucky if your trip is this short.

Pros:

• The price of the bus is less than you would pay in gas and tolls, and you won’t have to deal with parking once you get to your destination city.
• The “Chinatown” buses require no advance purchase, though many are sold out during rush-hour travel times.
• There are several companies to choose from in each destination city.
• With so many options, you’re unlikely to get shut out, even on busy travel days.

Cons:

• Travelers are at the mercy of traffic and there may be limited onboard entertainment (although some lines now have added electrical outlets and Wi-Fi to newer buses).
• The “Chinatown” buses can be less reliable than other options, as breakdowns do occur.

To search fares on multiple bus companies at once, try Busbud.com.

Traveling the Boston to New York City to Washington, D.C. Route by Driving

Who: You, traveling in your car. (Under certain circumstances you may want to consider renting a car instead, like if your own vehicle gets poor gas mileage, for example, or if you are leasing your car and don’t want to put too many miles on it.)

Cities Served: Boston, New York, Washington, D.C. and any destination in between.

Cost: Depends on your route and the gas mileage of your vehicle. Assuming you get 25 miles per gallon and gas costs $2.50 per gallon (according to the national average), you’ll pay about $53 to drive one way from D.C. to Boston. Don’t forget to add in tolls, parking expenses, and rental fees (if applicable). You’ll also want to keep in mind the less tangible wear and tear on your vehicle.

Travel Time: About four hours in light traffic between Washington, D.C. and New York or between New York and Boston.

Pros:

• You can make your own travel schedule, departing whenever it’s convenient for you and stopping as necessary for food and bathroom breaks.
• The more people traveling in your group, the more cost-effective an option this is.
• If you need a car in your destination city, driving yourself is almost always cheaper than renting a vehicle once you get there.

Cons:

• You’ll be at the mercy of traffic along your route, particularly if your trip coincides with rush hour in any of these cities.
• Parking downtown in any of these three cities can be inconvenient and expensive.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Top 11 Places to Visit in New York City
• 10 Fun Things to Do in Boston
• 23 Must-See Washington, D.C. Attractions

Editor’s note: This article has been updated since the date of its publication with the input of NYC & Company. Originally written by Genevieve S. Brown; updated by Sarah Schlichter and Ashley Rossi.

The post Traveling the Boston to New York City to Washington, D.C. Route appeared first on SmarterTravel.

There are plenty of helpful hacks that will let you see the world for less. But some budget travel rules are simply myths touted by businesses that benefit from them. Others are created by well-meaning travelers who mistook an exception for the norm. Here are 11 budget travel lies you should be wary of.

Myths You’ve Been Told about Budget Travel

Budget Travel Myth # 1: “Unlock Your Phone”

Talk of enabling your phone for international use (dubbed “unlocking”) usually centers around avoiding hefty roaming fees. But most budget travelers don’t need to unlock their phone anymore thanks to Wi-Fi calling and downloadable apps.

Only set up an international phone plan if you know you’ll absolutely require phone or data service on your trip—meaning, if you’ll need to make voice calls on-the-go, or won’t have any reliable Wi-Fi. If you’re staying in lodging that has Wi-Fi or will be visiting a city that has public networks, you can easily make calls on apps like WhatsApp and Viber, and should download offline travel tools like CityMaps and Google Translate guides. GPS location works on your phone without data enabled, and even your entertainment can be pre-downloaded now.

Editor’s Note: CityMaps, like SmarterTravel, is a part of TripAdvisor Media Group.

Budget Travel Myth # 2: “Rental Cars Are So Cheap There”

It feels like I hear this budget travel myth every time I go to Europe or the United Kingdom. Most people share it with good intentions and are simply used to driving everywhere in the States. But, considering the price of gas outside the U.S. coupled with the popularity of ridesharing and rail passes in Europe and beyond, renting a car should be a last resort. Instead, utilize public transit and rail passes. Both are flexible to your time schedule, and the latter can double as lodging if you’re taking a long overnight journey. Bonus: You won’t need to learn to drive a stick shift or on the other side of the road.

If you truly need a rental car, it’s possible to get one for cheap or free in many destinations thanks to Transfercar, a free rental car relocation service, and BlaBlaCar, which sets up drivers who have empty seats with passengers willing to pay for them. While rental prices might be low, gas by the liter probably isn’t.

Budget Travel Myth # 3: “Stay Outside the City”

It can be nice to stay outside an expensive city if you prefer peace and quiet, and if there’s cheap and reliable public transit to get you into town. But this shouldn’t be a budget travel rule. If you end up spending the difference on getting into the city every day, why waste your vacation time?

Average hotel prices in hubs like San Francisco and London can be sky high, but there are usually cheaper options like rentals that are still within the city limits. Even hotel deals are pretty easy to find: A new hotel booking service called SnapTravel offers exclusive rates on hotels, and some of the best savings are in big cities. It also doesn’t hurt to take a look at Airbnb options (which tend to be cheaper than hotels overall) before you exile yourself.

Budget Travel Myth # 4: “Exchange Money Ahead of Time”

I’m not sure why or how this lie still persists. There’s nothing budget travel about buying foreign currency or exchanging your own cash ahead of time: You’ll almost surely get hit with hidden fees by the service, and it only saves you a minimal amount of time, if any.

The best way to get foreign currency is to simply go to an ATM to withdraw cash upon your arrival, or use a credit card that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees (remember to notify your bank of travel plans ahead of time). You’ll be charged a small ATM fee for withdrawing cash, and should therefore try to minimize the amount of times you use an ATM—but it beats using a service or bank that can take a sizable percentage as a service cost. If you don’t already have a bank that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, switch to one.

Budget Travel Myth # 5: “Book Early”

Booking far in advance is more likely to save you money on a hotel than it is on a flight. Airlines usually start listing their prices months in advance at a premium, and then reduce them until they hit a low about six or seven weeks before—which is the best time to book. Slightly after that you could get lucky if your travel dates are flexible and seats don’t fill up, but a good rule of thumb is to book no more than two months out.

Budget Travel Myth # 6: “Book Last-Minute”

While booking a flight at the last minute is rarely going to save you money, booking a hotel at the last minute depends largely on the destination. Big cities almost always have rooms that need to be filled, so it could be wise to wait for a deal. In smaller locales, you’re more likely end up without a place to stay if you wait too long.

Hotel search sites and apps like Hotel Tonight can often get you a great deal, as long as being unprepared in a big city doesn’t bother you. But don’t depend on short-notice booking options if you’re in a small beach town during peak season. If you find yourself without a room on a whim, the room-booking app Overnight might be able to help.

Budget Travel Myth # 7: “Tours Aren’t Worth the Price”

Most tours and trips that book accommodation and transportation for you are usually pricey. But there are some budget travel bundles and tour options that could save you both money and time. Some have added bonuses, like a seasoned local guide that could make your trip an unforgettable one.

Bundled vacations like those on Groupon Getaways, for example, can go on sale for crazy-low prices, like London and Paris airfare-inclusive trips from $900 if you leave from New York. Even without airfare included in a tour, you can snag incredible value on dream trips like an African safari—which would usually cost thousands. Geckos Travel, a tour provider for travelers ages 18 to 29, for example, offers a Journey Through Botswana safari ending at Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls from as low as $1,050. With local guides, meals, transport, and nature walks included, you’re unlikely to find a better value.

Budget Travel Myth # 8: “Clearing Search History Doesn’t Do Anything”

Clearing your cookies, or search history, is a good habit to have as you browse hotels, research suggests. This fact is considered by some to be a myth, or at least an unsupported claim—but it turns out there is some truth to it. Northeastern University researchers have found that some popular hotel booking sites present slightly cheaper results to users without any hotel search history stored—though only by an average of about $12 to $15 dollars. Still, why not simply clear your history every now and then if it’ll save you a few bucks?

Budget Travel Myth # 9: “Stick to Budget Airlines”

Budget carriers like WOW air and Norwegian get a lot of the credit for record-low transatlantic fares that have come to define modern budget travel, but more and more mid-range airlines are competing with them, and some have a lot more to offer. Don’t discredit them without keeping an eye out for deals, especially since you can usually rack up more frequent flyer points for better rewards if you fly with a mid-range airline.

Most of the under-$100 international fares advertised by budget airlines like WOW are on near-impossible travel dates or don’t include hidden fees. The actual price for your travel is likely to be higher, and a bag bigger than 16 inches and heavier than 22 pounds will cost you $40 to $100 with WOW Air. Don’t discount other airlines, which often have flash sales and seasonal deals that could get you a lot more comfort for less than you might think.

Subscribe to fare alert newsletters (like our City-to-City and Departure City Alerts) to hear about the best deals in real time, and keep an eye on new routes you might want to subscribe to alerts for. Here are seven new airline routes to consider for cheap flights.

Budget Travel Myth # 10: “Don’t Eat Out, Grocery Shop”

Whoever says this probably doesn’t live in a city. Grocery stores can charge an arm and a leg for basic items in city-proper areas, but tourist-frequented destinations usually have cheap-eats spots worth sampling. Noodle shops in Asian hubs and doner kebab spots in cities around the world serve up huge-yet-affordable meals that are also part of experiencing the local culture.

Even if you’re not worried about trying new food and want to cook for yourself, get the ingredients at farmer’s markets instead of a grocery chain. Buying from local vendors with much lower prices than the middle-man stores will make up for the savings divide, and you’re more likely to experience the local food culture first-hand.

Budget Travel Myth # 11: “Skip Insurance”

Whether it’s passing up medical coverage abroad or insurance on a car rental, the person that gives this advice as a budget travel tip is probably not a frequent traveler. The more you pass up insurance, the more likely you are to need it one day. Some don’t realize that insurance can be as affordable as a few dollars a day. Car rental and health insurance should be at the top of your list, especially if you’ll be traveling abroad. Coverage could save you thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars in an emergency.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 10 Rookie Mistakes People Make When Booking a Flight
• 7 Stupid Travel Mistakes We’ll Never Make Again
• The Worst Travel Advice We’ve Ever Heard

Associate Editor Shannon McMahon writes about all things travel. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post 11 Budget Travel Lies You Should Stop Believing Right Now appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The beauty of day tours is that they give you two or more destinations in one. If you’re trying to accomplish more on your next trip, check out these 10 cities around the world. They stand out for their proximity to nearby attractions and for the increased value they can add to your itinerary.

Best Day Trips from London, England

While there’s plenty to see in sprawling London itself, there are also many easily accessible nearby options that allow you to get out of the city and explore more of the country’s heritage.

• Brighton: This seaside town is especially popular in summer. It’s great for thrift shopping, casual dining, and the beach.
• Oxford: Oxford is best known as home to the famous university. From here you can also explore Blenheim Palace (Winston Churchill’s birthplace) and the Cotswold region.
• Cambridge: Another famous university town, Cambridge is also known for its picturesque river.
• Bath: The UNESCO-designated city of Bath is home to ancient Roman spas. It’s also possible to book a tour that combines Bath with nearby Stonehenge.
• Harry Potter Studio Tour: Take a self-guided or an interactive tour of the sets, costumes, and props from the franchise.

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Best Day Trips from Boston, Massachusetts

Since most of Boston can be seen in a day or two, it’s one of the best cities for day tours. Capitalize on your visit to the Commonwealth State with any of these day tours.

• Salem: This pretty city has a sinister past as the home of the famous Witch Trails in the late 1600s.
• Provincetown: Accessible via ferry from Boston, this gay-friendly beach town is home to beaches and amazing seafood restaurants.
• Coastal Maine: Lighthouses, lobster, and a stop in Kennebunkport make for a quintessential day out in New England.
• Newport Mansions: Explore the summer homes of the Gilded Age rich and famous in Rhode Island’s coastal town.
• Plimoth Plantation: Visit the historic site of the Pilgrims, see the replica of the Mayflower ship, and scout Plymouth Rock, all on the south shore of Massachusetts.

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Best Day Trips from Paris, France

Just outside Paris, you’ll find gorgeous chateaux, palaces, and gardens worth a day trip.

• Versailles: You can’t go to Paris without tacking on a day tour to this famed palace. Make sure you book a skip-the-line tour though.
• Champagne: Visit wineries and attend tastings in this famous sparkling wine region.
• Chantilly: This idyllic town is best known for its Renaissance-era chateau.
• Fontainebleau: With its town, forest, and historic chateau, Fontainebleau offers plenty of reasons to visit. The Royal Chateau de Fontainebleau is a medieval castle that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Giverny: Monet’s home and gardens are open to visitors. It’s a quick trip but it can get crowded; so consider booking a day tour that skips the line.

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Best Day Trips from Cape Town, South Africa 

Make the most of your trip to the southernmost part of the African continent and see the coastline and wildlife outside the city.

• The Winelands: Go on a day tour and taste the wines of South Africa’s wine region in the towns of Paarl, Franschoek, and Stellenbosch.
• Cape West Coast: Go wine and olive tasting, visit West Coast National Park, see local villages, and more all in a day tour to this region.
• Aquila Private Game Reserve: This game reserve is the closest area to Cape Town where you have a chance to see the “Big Five” game animals.
• Hermanus: Hermanus is the perfect jumping-off point for whale watching near Cape Town.
• Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point: Take a full day to see the coastline and highlights like Simon’s Town (home to the African Penguins).

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Best Day Trips from Dublin, Ireland

You can see many of Ireland’s most famous attractions on a day trip from Dublin thanks to the country’s small size; here are some of the best offerings.

• Cliffs of Moher: A must-do if you’re going to Ireland. While it’s a long trip from Dublin, you can minimize the driving by going on a day tour.
• Giant’s Causeway – Game of Thrones: Hit Giant’s Causeway and more famous natural spots in Northern Ireland—many that fans will recognize from the show Game of Thrones.
• Belfast: See where the RMS Titanic was built on a day trip to Northern Ireland’s capital.
• Wicklow Mountains National Park: The mountains, forests, and lakes of this national park make for a gorgeous backdrop for a day of leisurely hiking.
• Carlingford: Hike the nearby Cooley Mountains and visit this small Irish village.

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Best Day Trips from Sydney, Australia

You’ll encounter incredible natural parks and beaches just outside of well-known Sydney.

• Hunter Valley: This is New South Wales’ wine region, and is a popular day tour.
• Blue Mountains: See the Three Sisters, go on an exhilarating tram ride, and learn about the Aboriginal culture on this day tour from Sydney.
• Royal National Park Tour: Spend a full day hiking and exploring this national park just outside Sydney.
• Manly: Just a ferry ride away are gorgeous beaches, fun shops, cafes, bars, hiking, and surfing.
• Port Stephens: Head up the East Coast for an exciting day of dolphin and whale watching. You can also go on a 4WD tour or sandboarding on the dunes at Stockton Beach.

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Best Day Trips from San Francisco, California

Northern California is home to a jaw-dropping coastline, world-famous wineries, and national parks; luckily San Francisco is an ideal starting point for these attractions. 

• Napa and Sonoma Wine Country: Discover the different vibes of these two neighboring wine regions on a full-day tour of visiting wineries and tasting rooms.
• Muir Woods: This nearby coastal redwood forest is a must if you’re staying in San Francisco.
• Monterey, Carmel, and 17-Mile Drive: Cruise down Highway 1 for the day, with stops in seaside towns and at landmarks.
• Yosemite Tour: This is a long day trip, but worth it if you’re looking to cross this national park off your bucket list. Day tours pick up from many San Francisco hotels.
• Berkeley Gourmet Food Tour: Explore neighboring Berkeley through its famous food scene.

[viator_tour destination=”651″ type=”3-mod” tours=”5112P5,5850DINNERTRAIN,36001P1″]

Best Day Trips from Reykjavik, Iceland

There are endless day trips you can take from Reykjavik, and many travelers use it as a home base for exploring elsewhere in Iceland.

• Golden Circle: See the majority of Iceland in a day with stops at waterfalls, the Geysir, and hot springs. Depending on time, you can also add on stops to the Blue Lagoon or even snorkeling between tectonic plates.
• Northern Lights: Capitalize on the chance to see the Northern Lights. An easy way to do it is via a four- or five-hour night tour from Reykjavik.
• South Coast: Stops on this day tour include the black sand beach (Reynisfjara), Skogafoss Waterfall, Solaheimasandur Glacier, and more.
• Langjokull Ice Cave: This day trip includes stops at an ice cave, hot springs, and lava falls.

[viator_tour destination=”32804″ type=”3-mod” tours=”2970AH11,2970AH33,2970P67″]

Best Day Trips from Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has plenty of scenic and historical attractions to offer travelers in its surrounding area.

• Sintra: This municipality is home to the famous Pena National Palace, villages, and parks.
• Porto: Explore the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and taste the namesake drink.
• Fatima, Nazare, and Obidos: Head out to the countryside and admire medieval villages, a monastery, and a fishing town.
• Arrabida and Sesimbra: Drive over Europe’s longest bridge, tour a castle, see the country’s coastline, and explore the wine region. 

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Best Day Trips from Tokyo, Japan

With Japanese bullet trains to speed you to your day trip, you can see even more of Tokyo’s surrounding area in a day than ever before. 

• Fuji: Many day tours to the famous mountain also include stops at Lake Ashi, the Mt. Komagatake Ropeway, Hakone National Park, an onsen (spa), or Gotemba Premium Outlets.
• Kawagoe: Take a walking tour of this Edo-period castle town with its preserved merchant homes and traditional warehouses.
• Katori: Visit this small town with a famous shrine, and cruise down its canal. (Insider Tip: It’s also known for its sweet potato treats.)
• Nagano: If you want to see snow monkeys bathing in a hot spring, this is the Tokyo day trip for you. Note that this is offered seasonally in winter.
• Nikko National Park: The park is home to a UNESCO-designated shrine, a waterfall, and a lake.
• Kamakura and Tokyo Bay: This day tour from Tokyo includes a visit to two temples, a bamboo grove, and the Great Buddha.

[viator_tour destination=”334″ type=”3-mod” tours=”2142TYO_F880_F830,2142TYO_F300_F308,2142F990″]

More from SmarterTravel:

• 6 Weird Tours You Couldn’t Pay Us to Take
• The World’s 9 Best City Walking Tours
• Top Travel Destinations for 2019

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

The post 10 Best Cities for Day Trips appeared first on SmarterTravel.

When exploring a new city, you can save money and get around like the locals by relying on public transit—but in some places that’s easier than others. Cities with the best public transportation have networks that cover all the neighborhoods you want to see, with reliable, frequent service at an affordable price. The ideal public transit system is also easy for visitors to use, with features like color-coded subway lines and signs in multiple languages.

The 10 cities below offer some of the best public transportation in the world.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo’s subway map looks impossibly complex at first glance, especially because the trains are operated by multiple companies. Fortunately, the system is easier to use than it appears: When you buy a reloadable card (such as Suica or Pasmo), you can use it on any train or bus, regardless of which company operates it.

English-language signs are plentiful throughout Tokyo’s major stations, and the system is so extensive that you can get just about anywhere in this sprawling metropolis. A recent study by McKinsey & Company, Elements of Success: Urban Transportation Systems of 24 Global Cities, placed Tokyo in its top three cities for rail infrastructure, noting that 80 percent of the city’s jobs and population are within a kilometer of a rail station. Tokyo’s trains and buses operate frequently and are scrupulously clean.

Where to stay: Located near bustling Shibuya Station (with its famously busy pedestrian crossing), the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is a great choice for travelers seeking city views: All rooms are on the 19th floor or higher.

Paris, France

The venerable subway system in Paris—with its distinctive art deco-style Metropolitain signs marking many of the stations—has been carrying visitors and locals across the city since 1900. Its color-coded lines are easy to navigate, and the organization that operates the Metro, RATP, offers an app (iOS | Android) that works offline to help visitors find their way around.

Paris was McKinsey & Company’s top-ranking European city for public transport, with particularly strong results in affordability and rail infrastructure.

Where to stay: The stylish Hotel Le Six is located near multiple Metro stations for easy access to the rest of the city.

Hong Kong, China

Pretty much every list of cities with the best public transportation includes Hong Kong, and for good reason. Clean, comprehensive, and efficient, Hong Kong’s public transit network includes buses, trams, subways, and overland trains.

McKinsey & Company praises the city’s rail infrastructure, which reaches just about every corner of the city, as well as its high-tech ticketing and affordability. Visitors can purchase a reloadable Octopus card that can be used not only on most forms of public transportation but also for shopping and dining around town.

Where to stay: The elegant Pottinger Hong Kong has a handy location within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the city’s central train station.

Montreal, Canada

Between its color-coded subway lines and wide-ranging bus network, Montreal’s public transportation will get you just about anywhere you need to go—without being over-complicated. Its website has a handy list of major landmarks for visitors, such as Vieux-Montreal (Old Montreal), Saint-Joseph Oratory, and Jean-Talon Market, along with the nearest subway station and bus stop to each one.

Fare options are flexible: You can purchase tickets by the ride, buy a 10-trip package, or snag an unlimited pass for anywhere from one day to four months.

Where to stay: Hotel Bonaparte offers charming rooms—many with wood floors and exposed brick walls—in Old Montreal, within walking distance of Notre-Dame Basilica and the Place d’Armes station.

Moscow, Russia

From mosaics and stained glass to bronze chandeliers and metal sculptures, Moscow’s Metro stations are full of art—and many are so beautiful that there are tours dedicated to exploring them.

Fortunately, they’re also part of an affordable transit network that is currently undergoing a major expansion. According to McKinsey & Company, 61 new Metro stations were built between 2010 and 2017, and the city has also significantly added to its dedicated bus lanes. Foreign visitors benefit from a recent effort to increase the number of English-language signs throughout the Metro system.

Where to stay: The Mercure Arbat Moscow offers reasonably priced rooms in a central location within a five-minute walk of a Metro station.

Sydney, Australia

Encompassing trains, buses, light rail, and ferries, Sydney’s public transportation system offers a reliable and cost-effective way to get around the city. It’s gotten easier and cheaper to ride thanks to the Opal card, a reloadable smartcard that offers discounted fares and can be used on all modes of transit.

McKinsey & Company ranked Sydney in the top five cities for public transit affordability based on the local cost of living—and you can’t beat the ferry rides for fresh air and city views.

Where to stay: The colorful luxury suites at the ADGE Apartment Hotel are located in the Surry Hills district, within walking distance of Central Station.

Zurich, Switzerland

As you’d expect in a country with a reputation for cleanliness and efficiency, Zurich’s public transportation network—which includes trains, buses, and trams—is top-notch. Within the city, you’re rarely more than 300 meters from the nearest bus or tram stop, which may explain why 40 percent of all trips in Zurich are made using public transportation, according to a recent Greenpeace study. And the cost is quite affordable by Swiss standards.

A Zurich Card entitles visitors to unlimited travel on all public transportation in the region, as well as free or reduced admission to dozens of area museums, for either 24 or 72 hours. Day passes solely for public transit are also available.

Where to stay: Located in the heart of Zurich’s old town, Hotel Helmhaus is within walking distance of both a tram stop and a train station.

Singapore

McKinsey & Company describes Singapore’s public transportation system as “best in class” thanks to its affordability, efficiency, comfort, and convenience. Cheap, clean trains whisk travelers from one top attraction to another, including Chinatown, Gardens by the Bay, and the upmarket shops of Orchard Road.

Where Singapore’s trains don’t go, the buses do—and an EZ-Link card gets you access to both networks.

Where to stay: There’s a transit station directly under the Hotel Jen Orchardgateway, which offers a rooftop pool and a location right on Orchard Road.

San Francisco, California

The City by the Bay snagged the second-place spot in a recent list of transit-friendly U.S. cities from Walk Score, which measures the convenience and frequency of public transportation. The city’s transit system, Muni, operates subway and bus lines as well as San Francisco’s famous cable cars and street cars—which might not always be the fastest way to get around town, but are certainly the most fun. You can buy Muni tickets in various ways, including by using its mobile app (iOS | Android).

Muni connects to regional train services such as Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and Caltrain, which can take you to other key spots in the region like Oakland, San Jose, Palo Alto, and San Francisco International Airport.

Where to stay: Treat yourself to a room with a fireplace at the White Swan Inn, located near Union Square and multiple Muni stops.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo’s traffic is notoriously terrible, and its attractions are scattered across the city, so many visitors opt to get around via the comfortable and convenient subway system (called the Metro). At the time of publication, a single-ride ticket cost just 4.00 Brazilian real, or about $1.06 USD—which makes getting around incredibly cheap.

The system’s five color-coded Metro lines serve the city’s key tourist attractions, including the Museum of Art (Metro stop: Trianon-MASP), the Sao Paulo Cathedral (Metro stop: Se), and the Monastery of Sao Bento (Metro stop: Sao Bento). Most major stations have transportation offices with staff who can answer questions or help you buy a ticket.

Where to stay: The contemporary Royal Jardins Hotel is just two blocks from the Trianon-MASP station.

More from SmarterTravel:

• The World’s 12 Most Walkable Cities
• The 10 Cities with the Worst Traffic in the U.S.
• The 10 Best U.S. Cities to Visit in 2019

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

The post The 10 Cities with the Best Public Transportation appeared first on SmarterTravel.

For most travelers, a city-to-city bus journey is the lowest option on the transportation ladder. Buses are usually dirty and crowded, get stuck in traffic, bump and sway, and are slow. They’re for those on a budget, only—but that may be quickly changing, thanks to sleeper buses.

Greyhound and MegaBus express options have long serviced much of the country with low, advance-purchase fares that are sometimes faster, and typically much cheaper, than Amtrak—although both set an admittedly low bar. Most trips offer onboard bathrooms, Wi-Fi, seating in pairs, electrical outlets, and little legroom or seat width to work with.

But not all buses are like that now. New bus lines operating luxury or lie-flat sleeper buses offer accommodations and services far beyond what Amtrak, airlines, or other bus lines can.

Sleeper Buses: “Moving Hotels”

A new service called Cabin is offering lie-flat sleeper buses overnight between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Trips in either direction leave at 11:00 p.m. and arrive at about 7:00 a.m., give or take traffic. Cabin’s sleeper buses feature cubicles on each side of an aisle, stacked two high and equipped with full foam mattresses and bedding. Cubicles are 75 inches long, 25 inches high, and 26 to 31 inches wide, with individually controlled air conditioning, electrical outlets, privacy light shades, and USB ports. Vertical space is so limited that all you can do in one is lie back and maybe read a little or work on a computer or tablet. If you want to be more vertical, Cabin’s buses also have small lounge areas for use before/after sleeping. Cabin buses, which it calls “moving hotels,” also provide onboard snacks, a restroom, and Wi-Fi. The fare is $115 each way.

A contributor to the blog The Points Guy tried Cabin, and found everything to be shipshape and as advertised. He also found, however, that sleeping wasn’t easy due to constant highway curves and bumps.

When a Sleeper Bus Is Worth It

Paying $115 for a trip you can make on Southwest for less than $50 doesn’t initially sound like an attractive value proposition. But the $115 bus fare covers an overnight accommodation that would likely cost you at least $100 in either Los Angeles or San Francisco. In fact, Cabin is re-creating what was once a very common travel model, especially among business travelers before the 1950s: Leave a city late evening, climb aboard a sleeping car on a train, and arrive at your destination the next morning in time for another day’s business. For the most part, Amtrak doesn’t run trains like that anymore, although a few overnight segments on Amtrak’s long haul routes allow similar schedules in limited cases. Amtrak’s single daily Los Angeles to San Francisco trip, however, is by day.

You can identify dozens of routes where the Cabin concept would be feasible, at least from a scheduling standpoint. Whether the concept will succeed as a product concept, however, remains an open question.

Luxury Bus Options

Lots of bus companies install leather seats into what would otherwise be a conventional bus arrangement and call it “luxury.” By my measure, however, a true luxury bus has roomier seating, with only three total seats per row—two on one side of the aisle, one on the other—and extended legroom. Here are several lines that meet that standard:

• LimoLiner runs several daily round-trips between Boston and New York. Trips take just over four hours, which is essentially the same time as Amtrak’s Northeast Regional trains and about a half hour slower than the Acela Express. Fares start at $79, which is higher than Amtrak’s starting point of $49 on Northeast Regionals, but cheaper than Acela’s $120. LimoLiners offer Wi-Fi, mobile phone service, snacks or a light meal, an onboard restroom, and an attendant.
• Vonlane runs a similar service linking Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, plus College Station for football games. Dallas to Houston trips take three hours, 45 minutes, with fares starting at $100 each way. As with LimoLiner, flying may be cheaper and faster, but slightly less convenient.
• RedCoach has a first class bus option on routes linking Miami with Tallahassee via either Orlando or Tampa. Miami to Tallahassee fares start at $67 each way. There’s no Amtrak service to Tallahassee, and the first class bus fare is less than half of what you’d pay to fly—making this option a worthwile one.
• Vamoose Bus Gold Buses operate several daily trips each way between New York City and the Washington, D.C. area (Bethesda, Arlington, or Lorton). One-way fares start at $40: A lot less than Amtrak or flying.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 8 Travel Luxuries Even Cheap People Should Splurge On
• What Customer Rights Do Hotel Guests Have? Not Many
• Congressman Introduces Passenger Bill of Rights Legislation

Consumer advocate Ed Perkins has been writing about travel for more than three decades. The founding editor of the Consumer Reports Travel Letter, he continues to inform travelers and fight consumer abuse (including hotel guest rights) every day at SmarterTravel.

The post Are These Luxe Sleeper Buses Better than Flying? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

A record 68 million people visited Orlando in 2016, earning the City Beautiful the impressive distinction of being the country’s most popular destination. With so many people coming and going from the theme-park capital of the world, it begs the question: What’s the best way to get around once you arrive? Here are four of the best Orlando airport transportation options. 

Orlando Airport Car Rental

The U.S. News & World Report recently declared that cars are the best way to get around Orlando, and therefore the best Orlando airport transportation option. Why? Because many of central Florida’s attractions are scattered throughout the region, making its network of highways the easiest way to access them all. If you’re arriving by plane, it’s wise to book an Orlando airport car rental so you can be on your way as soon as you land. Once you have a car, try to avoid driving during commuting hours due to heavy traffic, particularly on congested Interstate 4.

Orlando Airport Transportation: Public Transit Options

Orlando offers a number of public transportation options, from the Amtrak rail system to the popular hop-on, hop-off I-Ride Trolley, which exclusively serves a resort area called International Drive.  LYNX is the city’s public transportation system, and SunRail is a commuter rail system offering service beyond Orlando.

Public transportation isn’t exactly the fastest method of travel—unless your timing is spot-on, you’ll usually have to wait for a ride. Your ride also may require transfers, and not be direct depending on where you’re heading. It’s possible to get around without a car, but it’s not the fastest.

Orlando Airport Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services

Stationed at airport exits and throughout downtown Orlando, taxis offer a stress-free way to ride. It’s not as easy to find a taxi outside of well-traveled areas, however. If you’re struggling to hail a cab, your hotel concierge can call one on your behalf, or you could keep a cab service number in your phone. As with trains, trolleys, and buses, however, you may have to wait for a ride—especially on rainy days or during busy seasons.

As ride-sharing apps grow in popularity, options are expanding for Orlando travel. A 2017 law change made it possible to use Uber and Lyft for both pick-up and drop-off at Orlando International Airport. You can also use these services for transit around town.

Disney’s Magical Express

Select Disney properties offer a free Orlando airport shuttle service known as Disney’s Magical Express, with stops at Orlando International Airport and select Disney properties. You’ll need to make arrangements for the shuttle, which also offers complimentary luggage delivery, in advance. Some Disney properties also offer free transportation to the parks, ranging from ferries to monorails.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Orlando Travel Guide
• 6 Things to Know Before You Visit Orlando
• 10 Cheap Florida Hotels in Amazing Locations

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Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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Why would you spend four and a half hours on a bus from Washington D.C. to New York City, watching trees pass by and using (gasp!) a bus bathroom when you could fly instead?

With a reputation for being slow, unclean and uncomfortable, public buses are a transit option that’s overlooked by most travelers (or at least by those old enough to have outgrown their backpacks). But if you haven’t taken an inter-city bus in a while, you just might be surprised by how they’ve changed — especially here in the U.S.

The American Bus Association reports that in 2010, buses were the fastest growing mode of inter-city transportation, outpacing both air and rail travel for the third year in a row. With extremely affordable rates and new amenities — like free Wi-Fi and extra legroom — Greyhound and other companies are making bus travel more enticing than it’s ever been. And buses are often a safe and inexpensive transit alternative overseas, too.

Get There for a Buck

Buses are almost always the most affordable way to get from one place to another, short of using your own two feet! Several bus companies in the U.S., including BoltBus (owned by Greyhound) and Megabus, offer special $1 fares on their services throughout the Northeast Corridor. While these ultra-low fares can be tough to find (for best results, book well in advance and choose a non-peak departure time), even the normal rates are surprisingly low; think $15 – $25 each way between Washington D.C. and New York City. Compare that to $49 each way for an Amtrak ticket or more than $100 each way to fly. And taking the bus instead of driving yourself saves you money on gas, parking and tolls.

Overseas, New Zealand’s InterCity bus service also touts $1 fares on many routes. In Scotland, you can travel between two major cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, for 3 pounds each way (about $4.88) on the Scottish CityLink bus, saving you a pretty penny over the ScotRail train (11.30 – 12.20 pounds each way, or $18.39 – $19.85). In the Caribbean, the contrast is even more dramatic: you can drop $50 or more per day on a rental car and gas, or simply hop on the local minibuses for a buck or two.

More Comfortable Than You’d Expect

Okay, so it’s not news that buses are cheap. But how much comfort do you have to sacrifice?

In the U.S., the debut of companies like the aforementioned BoltBus and Megabus has spurred a fresh commitment to onboard amenities. Greyhound has rolled out new buses that feature electrical outlets, free Wi-Fi and more legroom — all of which are also offered by BoltBus and Megabus. Buses from all three companies have seatbelts too. And with buses this new, you can expect them to be both modern and clean. (Note that Greyhound’s new buses are not yet available on all of the company’s routes; call ahead to check.)

Overseas, of course, the level of luxury can vary widely, ranging from cramped “chicken buses” in Central America to comfortable coach-style buses across Europe and Australia. But extravagance can be found in unexpected places; for example, Mexico’s ETN buses have plasma TV screens, self-service cafeterias and reclining seats with footrests.

A good guidebook will give you an honest idea of how comfortable — or not — the local bus options are.

Liquids and Gels Welcome

If you’re not in a rush, a bus can be a great alternative to flying — and not just because it’s cheaper. Instead of dumping your shampoo and hand lotion into 3.4-ounce containers and arriving two hours early to allow time for pat-downs and check-ins, you can pack as you please and arrive 20 to 30 minutes before your bus leaves.

Once on the road, you’ll be able to see the scenery instead of flying over it — and you’ll typically be dropped off right in the heart of your destination city, rather than at an airport 15 miles out of town.

An Eco-Friendly Option

For travelers interested in minimizing their environmental impact, the bus is one of the best transportation options around. Airplanes are notorious for their hefty carbon footprint, and driving your own car isn’t much better (particularly if there are only one or two people in it at the time).

Because they carry so many passengers, buses have lower emissions per person than planes or passenger cars — and many bus companies are making special efforts to become even more eco-friendly. According to Greyhound’s Web site, the company’s new fuel-efficient engines generate nearly three times less carbon dioxide per passenger, per mile than a hybrid vehicle. And Peter Pan Bus Lines, a company serving the Northeast Corridor of the U.S., uses ultra low sulfur diesel and biodiesel fuels in its buses, making them twice as energy efficient as Amtrak trains.

Meet the Locals

Want to travel the way the locals do? In many destinations, the bus is the way to go. On past trips, I’ve shared brightly colored minibuses with Caribbean schoolgirls and struck up conversations with native New Yorkers on buses en route to the Big Apple. Particularly in countries where buses are the only form of public transportation available, there’s no better way to live like the locals.

Bus Travel Tips

• Read the terms and conditions of your ticket carefully. Where does the bus pick up and drop off? How early do you need to arrive at the departure point? Does your ticket entitle you to a seat reservation, or is it first come, first served? Will you be charged if you miss your scheduled bus?
• Come prepared with your own food and drink. Rest stops aren’t guaranteed, and they may only feature typical convenience store candy and junk food.
• And speaking of being prepared … bring your own hand sanitizer and tissues for the bathroom, just in case.
• Allow plenty of wiggle room in your schedule so that a traffic jam or unexpected breakdown doesn’t derail the rest of your itinerary. If you can, schedule your trip to avoid rush hour.
• Pack light. Bus companies vary in their baggage policies, but many will only permit one checked bag and one or two small personal items aboard the bus. Call ahead or check the company’s Web site before you show up with three suitcases and a bag of golf clubs.
• Check your bus company’s safety record. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintains statistics on speeding violations, accidents and other safety measures for interstate carriers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Most bus lines have strong safety records, but there are exceptions — such as Fung Wah, one of the many “Chinatown buses” serving the Northeast Corridor. As of this writing, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration notes several recent safety violations for Fung Wah, and gives it only a “conditional” safety rating (Greyhound, in contrast, rates as “satisfactory”). Overseas, guidebooks and travel message boards can be very helpful in finding and evaluating local bus services.

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