Using public transportation while travelling abroad can be challenging and stressful. Relax take a deep breath and you will find that most European countries share similarities in the way that their public transportation operate.
As savvy senior travellers we make the most use out of the public transportation offered by different countries. The public transportation system in most European countries are quite extensive in their coverage of the tourist areas, as well as the outlying areas. In many countries you can take advantage of the senior discount fares.
Vending machines are available for ticket purchases. Most European countries use the BKK vending machine. The most important thing you need to remember, is that once you purchase your ticket you must validate it. There are heavy fines associated with not purchasing a ticket and not validating your ticket. Make sure to watch the youtube video on how to use this machine. It is very useful and will save you time. Vending machines will have several options. Don’t panic when you first look at the screen and can’t figure out the instructions. Somewhere on the screen you will see a box with the word “English” on it. If all the jibberish looks the same to you and you are a visual person like me, than look for the British flag. If you have no clue what the British flag looks like, I’d suggest you do so, before you embark on your trip. If all else fails, stand there, stare at the machine and look pathetic. Block the ticket machine, until the babushka grandmother behind you, grabs you by the arm and drags you to the information center, as was my case in Czech Republic. Oh, and don’t forget to take your credit card out of the slot, as you’re being dragged away.
