Using local transport

Our main strategy is to wander down to the bus/train/ferry station nearest where we are, look at whatever map is on the wall, and travel to some far-flung destination, just to see what's there. If there's nothing much of interest, we pick another direction and head off again. We try to avoid peak hour (why add to the crush?) and also check our guidebooks for any areas which are said to be dangerous, so we don't end up there (probably a bit whimpy, but who wants trouble on a holiday?).

Tip: Try to find the Visitors Centre before you hit the transport system, there may be a discount travel card available and it may be the case that you HAVE to use some sort of pre-paid ticket or card on some forms of transport. They should be able to tell you where you can buy those and / or top up the stored value.

Tip: Sometimes a sign on the bus stop will say that "exact change" is required, and you should take this quite literally. For instance, if the fare is $1.50, don't assume you will be allowed to hand over a dollar note and 50 cents in change. You may be required to offer the entire fare in coinage. Also, there is often a slot that you have to put the money in - the driver won't take it from you. This measure is there to reduce the risk of the driver being robbed. Make sure that you have sufficient change if you are travelling by bus.

Some good commuter trips in Australia

* Sydney - The North Shore train line is the most scenic, and any of the ferry trips are great. The bus trip to Palm Beach is terrific (pick a sunny day). Don't try to travel in the morning or evening peak hour, it won't be pleasant.

* Melbourne - Take a tram from the City to St Kilda (get off at Toorak if you are a shopaholic).

Some good commuter trips in USA

* Boston - Boston is really a walking city, but if it is too cold, the "T", which runs under ground a lot of the way, is a very efficient way to get almost anywhere, and it's sort of fun looking at all the crusty old superstructure down there! DON'T try to drive in Boston. Absolute madness awaits all those who try.

* San Francisco - The BART's good - take the trip out to Walnut Creek (nice scenery on the way, good shopping centre 15 min walk from the station, or there's a free connecting bus). Try the ferries here too. Take the cable car to Fisherman's wharf, everyone does it. Take something warm to wear. No matter how hot it is in central San Francisco, it is always breezy and sometimes freezing cold at the cable car stop at the Wharf! Walking is also good in SFO, but the hills can be a bit taxing!

* Washington - Washington is NOT a walking city - everything is just too spread out! The best way to cover the distance in between all the famous places you want to see is to take the train. Clean, modern, efficient.

The London Underground beckons

* London - You can't go to London and not take the Underground. Of course, you might find some of the stations are closed... but the next one is never all that far away. It goes everywhere, give it a try.