You know, zipping around different countries is fantastic, but figuring out how to get from place to place using their buses or trains? That can be a whole other adventure. I’ve learned a fair bit over the years, mostly by just doing it, and sometimes, well, by not doing it so well at first!
I remember when I first started traveling internationally, I was probably a bit too trusting, a bit too naive. I’d just hop on whatever looked like it was going in vaguely the right direction. Didn’t really think too much about it. Figured it’s just like back home, right? Wrong. I had a couple of moments where I felt pretty uneasy, nothing terrible happened, thank goodness, but enough to make me think, “Okay, I need to be a bit smarter about this.”
There was this one time, I was on a crowded tram, somewhere in Europe, I think. I was tired, a bit disoriented with all the new signs and language. My bag was just sort of slung over my shoulder. Later, I realized someone had tried to unzip a side pocket. Luckily, there was nothing valuable in there, but it was a real wake-up call. That’s when I decided I needed a proper system for myself.
So, This is How I Roll Now
It’s not rocket science, mostly just common sense stuff I’ve picked up. But sticking to these little habits has made my journeys way less stressful.
First off, before I even get on a bus or train, I try to do a little homework. What are the main routes? Are there any known no-go zones or times? Just a quick look online or in a guidebook can tell you a lot. Knowing roughly where I’m going helps me look less like a lost tourist, which is always a good thing.
When I’m at the station or stop, I try to be aware of who’s around me. I don’t bury my head in my phone. I look for a spot that’s well-lit if it’s dark, and maybe near other families or groups if possible. If things feel off, I’ll move. Simple as that.
Getting on the actual transport? Patience is key. I always let people get off before I even think about getting on. It’s just polite, and it stops that mad crush where pickpockets can have a field day. And if a bus or train car pulls up and it’s absolutely packed, like sardines in a can? I’ll often just wait for the next one. I’ve learned that avoiding those super overcrowded vehicles or train compartments is a big stress reducer. It’s much harder to keep an eye on your stuff and yourself when you’re squished.
Once I’m on board, here’s my routine:
- My bag with valuables – like my passport, wallet, phone – stays right in front of me, often on my lap or between my feet where I can feel it. Never on the overhead rack if I can help it, and definitely not just hanging loose on my back.
- I try not to flash expensive stuff around. My camera stays in my bag unless I’m actually using it. Same for my phone, I try to be discreet.
- If I can, I’ll grab a seat where I can see the doors, or at least have my back to a wall. It just makes me feel a bit more secure.
- I keep my headphones off or at a very low volume. I want to hear what’s happening around me.
Sounds like a lot maybe, but it becomes automatic after a while. And honestly? It means I can actually relax a bit and enjoy the ride, watch the city go by, instead of being on edge the whole time. I’ve had so many great little moments just people-watching or seeing new neighborhoods this way, all because I wasn’t constantly worried about my stuff or my safety. It just makes the whole experience of being in a new place that much better. That’s why I stick to it.
