Exploring a new city in a different state or foreign country is a thrilling and enriching experience! You’ll come across new people, unique restaurants, fun attractions, opportunities to learn about the culture, and so much more in your travels.
When it comes to maneuvering through a foreign city, public transportation is usually the most convenient and cost-efficient way to get around. As a tourist, however, it’s important that you take a few extra measures than you would traveling in a familiar area to stay safe on public transport!
DO check the schedule first.
Just as you should with most aspects of traveling, you’ll want to plan ahead when taking the bus or train around the city. Not looking up the schedule and route ahead of time is a surefire way to end up lost, stranded, and vulnerable!
Make sure you know which routes you need to take to get to your destination, any connections you’ll need to catch, and when they’re all expected to arrive and depart. Purchase a map of the city or, if you’ll be able to use your smartphone, there are plenty of helpful apps to help you stay informed and organized.
DON’T lose sight of your belongings.
As a tourist on public transportation (or anytime you’re in an unfamiliar area), you should hold onto your purse, backpack, luggage, etc. at all times. Travelers are easy targets for petty thieves, so you don’t want to give them a chance to swipe something by leaving it unattended.
Keep your bag on your lap when you’re on the bus or train or wear it on the front of your person. Don’t tuck it underneath the seat or set in on the one beside you. If you need to set it on the ground because the bus is crowded, keep a hold on it with at least one hand.
DO keep your valuables hidden.
Playing with your phone, rifling through your wallet, and even wearing flashy jewelry is a good way to draw attention to yourself as a potential target for those slick thieves we mentioned. Leave these valuables in your hotel if you can, or at least in your bag while you use public transportation.
Have your fare ready to go before boarding so you’re not fumbling with your wallet or displaying any cash or credit cards. Once you’re on the bus, don’t pull anything out of or unzip your bag. Whatever you need, it can wait!
DON’T engage with strangers.
If you’re naturally friendly and inclined to chat up the locals, try your best to hold back when you’re using public transportation. Unfortunately, you never know what someone’s intentions are, and it’s not a risk worth taking in an unfamiliar situation!
Avoid unnecessary conversation as you commute around the city or even any eye contact that might invite it. There’s no need to give out any personal information about where you’re going or coming from, or to give any shady individuals around you the chance to overhear it.
DO stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
It’s important to pay attention to what’s happening and who is around you when using public transportation in a foreign city. Being distracted in this situation leaves you vulnerable to being taken advantage of or could make you miss your stop and end up lost.
Don’t bury your nose in a book or your phone like you might on a normal commute where you know the area. And no matter how tired you are, don’t fall asleep!
DON’T be afraid to ask for help.
The best way to ensure you’re taking public transportation safely and efficiently is to ask someone who knows about it beforehand! Talk to the staff at your hotel, airport personnel, or even the bus driver if you have any questions about routes, times, or the best way to get to your destination.
You should also know important numbers or have them stored in your phone, in case of emergency. Have the local emergency number (911 equivalent), the number of your accommodations, and any other relevant contacts you might need in a pinch.
The team at Las Vegas Bus Sales values your safety. That’s why we provide shuttle, coach, school, and transit buses of the highest quality to fulfill your transportation needs.
For more information about the makes and models we carry, give us a call at 877-456-9804
