Although your study abroad itinerary is going to be jampacked with amazing excursions, you still have to figure out what to do during your free time. No matter which city in the world you're in, there is always a chance to explore, but getting around foreign destinations can be troublesome if you don't know exactly where you're heading. Before embarking on this life-changing adventure, you may want to read up to get a handle on how to approach various forms of European transportation.
Walk it out
The one thing that you may find by roaming the streets while studying abroad is that walking is a staple activity in every country you visit. In many European cultures, going for a promenade is a daily event normally done in groups and following meals. This habit is not only recreational, but may times, it is also functional. Because cities abroad are typically more tightly packed than those throughout the U.S., locals find no need for motorized transportation, opting to go almost anywhere by foot – from markets to work.
Even though walking through picturesque locales is an enjoyable way to get exercise and breathe in some fresh air, it is not always possible to get from Point A to Point B on your own two feet. For this reason, you may have to look into your other transportation options for those times when you want to do a little independent sightseeing. Rick Steves explained that there are numerous means of speedy and reliable transport. All you have to do is familiarize yourself with these modes and you will be ready to master any international city.
Traveling down under
If you decide to duck underground, using the subway to satisfy your transportation needs, then you should do some studying. Every city has a different metro setup, all of which can be confusing to a first timer, as is the case with American subway systems. This means that you should take extra care to get your hands on a transit map, looking up the exact route you need to take before setting foot in any kind of tunnel.
Where can you find a map? Well, most locations offer them for free at tourist information or subway ticket offices. If you can't pin one down, then you can always ask the concierge at your hotel to see if they have a copy of even a basic map.
Bus about
The metro is not always going to cut it when it comes to getting you to where you need to be. In addition to taking the subway, you may have to take other forms of transportation like a bus. Occasionally, these modes of transport are linked together within the same system, depending on the city. If this is the case, you may not have to pay for multiple tickets, as one could for both the bus and the metro – provided that you are traveling within a certain window of time in which it is valid. You should not automatically assume this is true, though, and you will want to double check before you board any kind of public transportation.
This is particularly important so that you don't run into trouble during your summer study abroad experience. Public transportation relies mostly on the honor system, and tickets are examined only by sporadic spot checks made by authorities. In some cities, a number of locals use buses and subways without buying tickets, but you should not follow this custom. If you are caught without a ticket by incognito or uniform-clad checkers, you could be subject to a fine – and the "I'm not from here" excuse won't get you out of it. Be safe rather than sorry by both buying and validating your tickets every time.