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By Harriette Halepis

Moving to a new city can be intimidating – especially if you have to rely on a public transportation system that you’ve never used before! Which way do you go? What do you do if your bus or subway is out of order? Are there alternative routes? If public transportation has you confused, take a look at these tips before you hop on the nearest bus.

1. Look online for a map of a city’s public transportation system. Every public transport department has a website, and most of these sites are packed with helpful information.

2. Purchase a guidebook. While nobody wants to wander around with a book in hand, this is often the best way to get to know a transportation system. Once you become familiar with the different stops and lines, then you won’t need to keep your guidebook with you when you travel – then again, it never hurts to keep this type of reference book nearby.

3. Have enough change for any bus or metro that you intend to take. You can find fare information online, so you’ll never have to worry about not having enough money to get where you need to go. If you have a small change purse, it’s a good idea to throw any loose change inside it. This way, you’ll never go without the right amount of change.

4. Consider carrying a GPS tracker. Just in case you get lost, your loved ones will be able to locate you. These small devises won’t weigh you down, but they will provide you with some comfort when you need it.

5. Last (but not least), make sure that you always tell someone where you are going. No matter where you wind up, it helps to know that someone is thinking about you. Leave a note, make a phone call, or travel with friends.