One of the more stressful parts of traveling is landing at the airport and figuring out how you’re going to get to your hotel. A lot of major international airports will have taxis, shuttle busses, and mass transit stations to help travelers find their way out of the airport.
But if you’re not sure how to get to your hotel, especially with a language barrier, airport transit can be a confusing commotion.
One of the great things about hiring a travel agent is that he or she will reserve airport transportation for you. Most agencies have shuttle services specifically for their clients — so you don’t have to wait in long lines or haggle for a reasonable price for a taxi ride. (Can you feel the stress melting away already?)
Be sure to ask your travel agent what your options are, because there may be a more scenic way to get from point A to point B. A great example of this is Venice.
The Venice airport is on the northern coast of Italy, but to get to Venice proper, you have to cross the lagoon. There are taxis that can take you across the bridge just south of the airport, but a more scenic route would be to take a ferry. The upside is that Venice has a public transit system that is composed entirely of watercraft, so taking a ferry is convenient and cheap. The downside? Public shuttles tend to be crowded and dirty, and it can take quite a while to get to your destination.
A great alternative is to hire a private boat to cross the lagoon. Private ferries are a bit more expensive (some can cost up to 90 Euros), but it is well worth it. The private boats are clean, quieter, and a lot more efficient. By taking the private boat, you’ll enjoy the whole travel experience more. Just think: no worries about hauling luggage, no noise, no pressing crowds. That extra cost is an investment in a more pleasant trip.
The other nice thing about paying for a private boat is that they take a direct route from where you are to where you want to go. Most of the hotels in Venice are located right off a canal, so the private boats can offer dockside drop off! This can easily cut your travel time in half, giving you more time to shop, eat, and enjoy your time in Venice.
Once you find your hotel and get settled, the best way to travel within the city is by foot. There are hundreds of side streets and alleyways that lead to hidden plazas with shops and cafes. Be sure to get a good map, because it’s easy to get lost in the twists and turns of the medieval streets — though getting lost in Venice can be its own magical adventure! But if you navigate well, walking is the best way to experience the floating city.
If you want a break from walking for a while and want to ride through the city in true Venetian style, consider taking a ride on a gondola. Gondola rides are pricier, so paying for one is more about the experience than the travel. Gondola rides can be as simple as taking a ride down a canal and seeing the beautiful waterfront architecture, or as fancy as a candlelit dinner on the river as the gondolier sings softly in the background. Either way, taking a ride on a gondola is a must when visiting Venice!
One of the many perks of using a travel agent to plan and book your travel for you is that they take care of your airport transfers ahead of time and can advise you on the best ways to get around the city you’re visiting. They know the ins and outs of all the options and will help you choose the option that is best for you. And — bonus — they will ensure you get the best possible price.
Not only do travel agents save you money, and a LOT of time, they also make your trip more enjoyable by removing the hassles and headaches, custom tailoring everything to your needs, desires, tastes and budget, and ensuring that you don’t miss out on any of the best experiences that that particular destination has to offer.
For your next trip, use the search tool below to find a fantastic travel agent that specializes in the type of trip that you want to take.
