When I bought my first car, I didn't care about maintenance at all. Instead of carefully checking the oil and watching the wear on my tires, I drove it mindlessly into the ground. However, after junking my first car after only five years, I learned how painful it was to start the entire process from square one. The fact of the matter is that car repair is important. In addition to keeping you safe, car repair can also save you money. As you look through the articles on my website, I hope that you can find tips to help you along the way, so that you can hang onto your investment.
Relying on a taxi to get around on vacation is a convenient transportation option that provides more privacy than other public transportation methods. In addition, taxis are typically a less costly form of travel than renting a personal vehicle. Taxis are easy to find in most cities around the United States, so you never have to worry about whether you'll be able to find a ride when you need one. And with the right methods and techniques, you can save some of your hard earned money on taxi travel while adventuring on vacation. Here's how:
Map Each Trip
If you don't have a specific route in mind to take when you get in the taxi, your driver has the opportunity to take whichever route they prefer, which can mean traveling a longer distance or dealing with more stoplights that necessary – both of which can rack up the cost of your ride. But, you can avoid having to travel further or taking unnecessary routes by mapping out your travel plans before you're ready to head out.
If possible, use the Internet to view all possible travel options to your destination and use the information to mark a map that you can take with you to show your driver. Otherwise, you can simply study the map and mark your preferred route based on available logistics. This gives you all the control during your ride, and ensures that you are taking the shortest possible route. The less time you spend in your cab, the less your travel expenses will be overall.
Share Your Ride
If you find yourself in need of a taxi at a public location, take the time to ask others if they want to share a ride with you. Even if the taxi is shared for only part of your travel, you can save a few bucks for spending money at your next destination. Make a small sign with a pen and piece of paper saying something simple and easy to read such as "share a taxi?" and then jot down your destination so others know which direction you're going. This way you can reach a large number of people without feeling pushy, and let others approach you if they'd like to take you up on your offer. Spending five minutes with your sign may be well worth a handful of saved cash when all is said and done.
Make Multiple Stops
You may find that it's necessary to stop at multiple locations on the way to your destination, like when you're on your way back you your hotel but you need to stop and get food for the kitchenette. Instead of taking a taxi to the store and then taking another taxi to your hotel, ask the original driver to wait while you run inside and grab your groceries. This will enable you to avoid the initial boarding fee most cabs charge, which can save you a few dollars on your overall ride, even if your driver waits with the meter running. Of course, you'll want to stick with quick stops (convenience stores or fast food restaurants) on the way to your destination to keep the waiting meter from running too long.
Travel Early or Late
Try to schedule your taxi rides when rush hour isn't happening during the day. Traveling early in the morning and during evening hours gives you a better chance of missing the traffic than if you were to travel when everyone is coming to and from work, or when people are typically out and about for lunch. The taxi company you're using should be able to give you an idea of the best times to travel so that you aren't stuck paying for a running meter in a taxi that's in stop and go traffic.
The money you save on taxi travel can be used for more exciting things while on vacation, like snacks, theater tickets, and of course, souvenirs.
For more tips and information, contact a local taxi service, like San Gabriel Transit.
Share2 March 2015
