My notes


Transport

See here for my list of booking websites.

BUS/MINIVAN
  • The drivers might be competing with each other. They will rush you to their bus and then you wait forever for it to fill with passengers. Get inside buses that look almost full. If there are no passengers inside then it is unlikely to be leaving soon.
  • Scammers like to take advantage of confused foreigners and may try to sell a fake or overpriced ticket. If in doubt, ask other passengers.
TRAIN
  • Crossing borders by train is usually much more expensive than buying separate tickets to and from the border.
  • Rail passes can be convenient but in most cases they don't save any money.
  • In some countries you need a passport to board the train.
  • Best countries for (affordable) train travel. See Rome2rio or Seat61 for schedules and prices:
    - Former Soviet Union countries: Reliable, free hot water. 3rd class sleeping berths are great value.
    - India: Huge network, often late. "Unreserved" class can get very crowded.
    - China: High-speed trains are expensive, slow sleeper trains are affordable but sell out quickly. Booking site.
    - Thailand
    - Egypt (foreigners pay 5-10 times more than locals).
    - France: Ouigo sells high-speed train tickets for 10 Euro.
    - Czech Republic
    - Taiwan: The TR Pass is a good deal if you're a student.
    - Japan: Very expensive, but the Seishun 18 pass (available few times a year) is a good deal. Also check regional passes.
    - Indonesia (only Java): Booking site.
    - Sri Lanka: 3rd class can get very crowded.
    - Balkan Flexipass (Bosnia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Turkey, Greece + ferries to Italy): Might save money on longer distances, but the trains are often slow and unreliable.
    - Tunisia: Not very frequent, but cheap.
SHARED TAXI
  • It's a bit like hitchhiking but you have to pay. Wave down a passing car or tricycle and say where you want to go. Sometimes there is a government-fixed fare but usually you have to negotiate. The driver will pick up more passengers on the way. The drivers often wait at set points, e.g. outside a bus station.
TAXI/MOTORBIKE TAXI
  • Always negotiate the price in advance or use ride-hailing apps.
  • Never put your bag in the trunk.
  • Don't trust the drivers. Better stick to public transport or walking.
HITCHHIKING
  • Wait at intersections or places where cars need to slow down. Make sure there is enough space for a car to stop.
  • It is often better to keep walking down the road instead of waiting in one spot. This signals the drivers that you're not a lazy bum but a serious person who needs to get somewhere and is putting in effort.
  • Try to look friendly and harmless (especially if you're male).
  • Expect to wait longer if you are two or more people.
  • Be ready to chat with the drivers, they are often looking for a good conversation.
  • Don't get in the car if you have a bad feeling about the driver. Make up some excuse (e.g. "I need to wait for my friend").
  • In some countries, hitchhiking is just a form of public transport and you're supposed to pay (see "shared taxi").
  • The extended thumb gesture is most common but in some countries a different gesture is used (usually flat extendad hand).
BY SEA
FLIGHTS
  • Buying tickets early doesn't always get a better price. Buying a few weeks or even days before the flight is sometimes cheaper and makes it less likely that you miss the flight because your plans have changed.
  • To find a good price, be flexible with the date and the airport. Consider breaking a longer trip into stages and search them separately.
  • See the routes of low-cost airlines. Long-haul low-cost airlines:
    - Norse (Europe to the USA, Thailand, and South Africa)
    - TUI fly Belgium (Belgium to Africa and Caribbean)
    - Rainbow Tours (Charter flights. Poland to S-E Asia, Africa, N. America, and Middle East)
    - Wizz Air (Europe to Middle East and C. Asia)
    - Ryanair (Europe to Middle East)
    - Eurowings (Germany to Middle East)
    - Vueling (Spain to W. Africa and Middle East)
    - Level (Europe to the Americas)
    - French Bee (France to N. America, Reunion, and Tahiti)
    - Condor (Germany to the Americas, Africa, and S-E Asia)
    - Pegasus (Europe to Middle East via Istanbul)
    - Pobeda (Europe and Middle East to Siberia via Moscow)
    - Scoot (Singapore to Europe and Australia)
    - Airasia (Malaysia to Australia, Middle East, and Kenya)
    - Cebu Pacific (Philippines to Middle East and Australia)
    - Beijing Capital (China to Canada, Australia, and Europe)
    - Jetstar (Australia to Asia and Hawaii)
    - WestJet (Canada to Europe, E. Asia, and C. America)
    - Air Transat (Canada to Europe and C. America)
    - Spirit (USA to South America)
  • I don't get the point of paying hundreds of dollars for "more comfortable" flights. Would you buy a comfortable, 200$ chair if you can only sit in it for a few hours? Would you pay 1000$ extra for a "first class" bus ticket?
  • Airlines that provide more legroom fit fewer passengers into their planes, meaning that every passenger uses more fuel and generates more pollution. First class travel is the most harmful for the environment.
  • For better comfort, try to be the last person to board the plane. Sometimes you can find an empty row for yourself.
  • Avoid taking taxis directly from/to airports. If there is no decent public transport option, walk a few hundred meters out of the airport area and get a taxi or local bus from there.