Once you arrive in a city for the first time, you probably can’t wait to start exploring. Maybe you want to see a specific sight, or perhaps you simply want a change from your mundane daily life for a while.
Regardless of why you’re in a new area, you’re going to need to get around. When you and your girls decide how you want to move through the city, you should always consider your safety.
After all, safety is the number one concern among women traveling alone or with a group of female friends.
So, if you want to stay safe and have fun at the same time, below is a list some of the best and safest ways to navigate the streets of a foreign city.
This way, you don’t have to worry about wandering into a dodgy alleyway or getting hassled by some grody men.
1. Use Public Transport
One of the best ways to see a city the way the locals do is to use public transportation.
Most large cities have buses or metro networks that you can use to take you to some of the most popular neighborhoods or sightseeing spots in the area.
If you can, download an app for the bus and train. This way you know exactly where to go and have easy-to-use directions.
Just double-check and make sure public transportation is safe to use at night, since safety varies greatly from one destination to the next.
Additionally, public transport is great for anyone on a budget since it is generally much cheaper than ordering a taxi or an Uber. Who knows, you might even meet some locals along the way.
If you’re feeling daring and have no set plans, you can buy a ticket and decide to get off after a set number of stops.
For example, maybe you get on and say, “We’re getting off at the fifth stop”. That’s how I accidentally discovered a local cafe with lovely croissants just a short walk away from Park Güell in Barcelona!
This is easily one of my favorite ways to explore a city spontaneously.
2. Rent a Car
Do you have a valid driver’s license or an international driver’s license? Then why not rent a car and find your own way around town?
It gives you the ultimate freedom to explore beyond the city limits and stop wherever you want.
Yes, renting a car is a lot more expensive than taking public transport. But, it is well worth it if you are traveling with a group.
You can also plan local road trips, work around your own travel schedule, create a playlist, and explore lesser-seen areas in comfort. You can also blast the a/c when it is hot out.
Just be sure to do your research first. Some cities have tons of traffic and limited parking. As a result, a rental car may not be the best idea in these places.
You also need to remember that if you don’t drop your car off in the same place that you picked it up from, you could be charged additional fees. So, keep this in mind before booking that rental.
Most major cities have rideshare apps like Uber, Lyft, or Grab available. When you use a rideshare app, multiple people can book a car to take them in the same general direction.
It is more affordable than a ride-hailing service, where your group pays for the whole trip, but just be aware that there are some reported safety issues linked to rideshare platforms.
Always make sure you carefully read the description of the car and driver, and don’t share your rideshare details with any strangers.
It’s also worth noting that not every rideshare app is available in every city.
Therefore, it’s worth doing your research and determining which Rideshare apps are available, this way you can download them ahead of time and will be ready to go before the start of your trip.
I would also price compare, since sometimes it’s actually cheaper to take a taxi than it is to use a Rideshare app.
4. Rent a Bike
Why not get a bit of a workout while navigating the city? Because, believe ir ot not, most tourist areas have bike rentals available. This is a fun and slower-paced way to explore the city.
Just be sure to have a helmet handy. This way, you can stay safe and enjoy all that cities like Amsterdam and New York City have to offer.
Not gonna lie, renting a Citi Bike is one of my all-time favorite ways to explore Central Park. It is VERY affordable and a great way to take in all of the natural beauty of New York City,
The best part? Renting a bike is usually very affordable and a super scenic way to get to know a new place.
That being said, you’ll always want to review the rules of the road and make sure that you are comfortable biking through the traffic-filled streets of busy cities before you rent your bike.
5. Go for a Walk
I love going for a walk while traveling, either by myself or with a free walking tour hosted by locals.
It is one of the best ways to quickly become oriented and also discover new hidden gems that didn’t make it into the guidebooks.
You can download an offline version of Google Maps to help you figure out where to go and which restaurants, stores, or services are nearby. Plus, you’ll easily get in your 10,000 steps for the day.
Additionally, try to take a photo of the street name and the building you are staying at.
That way, if you get turned around and you don’t speak the local language, you can show it to a taxi driver or shop owner and figure out how to get home.
All in all, walking is easily one of my favorite ways to explore any city. Not only do you get a lot of exercise, but it is totally free and helps you save a ton of money on taxis.
6. Hire A Driver
If you’ve got the budget for it and want to get around in style, you can hire a personal driver to take you around the city of your choice.
This will be especially useful in cities where there isn’t a good public transport system, or it is unsafe to walk around by yourself.
Make sure to research the company and read reviews before confirming your booking. You can even ask your hotel for recommendations. And make sure to agree on a price before you even open the car door.
We did this when we were traveling from Georgia to Armenia, and it was awesome. Our driver took us to cool spots along the way, and it helped make the 5-hour drive a lot more enjoyable.
The price also worked out to be cheaper than if we had booked a flight for two people.
Conclusion
You’ve booked your plane tickets and your accommodation, and you’re ready to go! But before you set off, make sure you have a plan on how to get around in a new city (whether domestic or international).
You probably want to hit the ground running, but you don’t want to get lost in unsafe neighborhoods or without an idea of where to go.
Public transport, walking, or biking are perfect for budget-friendly travellers, while car and driver rental might be a good option if you have some money to spare.
But, no matter what, always do your research. Figure out what is safe and what is not before you even arrive.
You’ll also want to consider the needs of your group and your travel style. Because when it comes to transportation, you ultimately need to do what is best for you.