FOR YOUTH

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How do I get from X to Y?

There are a lot of ways to get from X to Y depending on the amount of money you have and your preferences about ways to travel. Here are a few different ways to move around, going from more to less expensive:

• Plane: While flying is expensive, there are some inexpensive ways of doing it. In some cases, if you can get a good deal, it can be cheaper in the long run than other forms of travel (and obviously a lot faster). A good way of searching for the best deals is to use some of the online search tools such as Travelocity.com, expedia.ca, or orbitz.com. Remember, though, to check i.d. requirements. Often a valid passport is needed. For info on getting a passport in Canada see Passport Canada, and in the States see U.S Department of State.
  
  
• Bus/subway/train: Within a city, depending on the amount of travel you need to do, it could be worth getting a monthly transit pass. You should figure out how much you spend on public transportation on average and decide if it's worth it. Bussing it between cities or taking a passenger train can be good ways of covering a lot of distance, depending on your budget. For bus travel, to get an idea of prices go to Greyhound.ca or Greyhound.com for the U.S. For train in Canada see ViaRail and in the states see Amtrak.
  
  
• Buying a car/van: Some people, particularly those looking to cover a lot of distance, will get together their money and buy an inexpensive vehicle - often a van, to travel. Some points to consider about doing this are (i) the expense: even the cheapest vehicles will still be several thousand dollars usually, (ii) the cheapest vehicles are far more likely to break down and require costly repairs, (iii) gas is expensive, (iv) you will be legally required to have insurance, which is also expensive (v) you will need a valid driver's license.
  
  
• Hitchhiking: Hitchhiking is regarded by some as the travel method of choice, given that it is free. It is a means of travel that, while free, does have some risks and discomforts. These risks and discomforts include those caused by humans (risk of getting tickets or being arrested since hitchhiking is illegal in many areas; risk of being trapped in a car with someone who assaults you) and those caused by the elements (being stuck without a ride for long periods in the rain, snow, etc.; being dropped off in places where you can't find food or shelter). Some ways of travelling well this way include (i) Look clean or otherwise not scary to Joe public, (ii) Don't have a ton of baggage, (iii) Bring food, water, and clothing keeping in mind that you may end up stranded outside for a long period, (iv) Make a sign with a fat marker saying where you are going. To travel more safely: (i) Travel in pairs, (ii) Tell someone where you are going, (iii) Don't drink/use and hitch, you may need your wits about you, (iv) If you have doubts or worries about a ride, don't get in the car - trust your instincts, (v) Start by asking the ride where she/he is going, and tell them exactly where you are going - be suspicious if they will go a long way out of their way to drop you off somewhere, (vi) If the driver drives recklessly, get out, (vii) If you are travelling alone and you are female, you will need to be even more cautious on all of the above points. For more hitchhiking tips see DigiHitch World. Remember, the risks and benefits of hitchhiking vary depending on the country and region. In some places it is extremely dangerous. When in doubt, ask others about it.
  
  
• If you want some directions, or to generally lay out a plan for yourself, you can use Map Quest.
  
  
• For information and tips on how to travel light (without much stuff), go to One Bag.
  
  
• If you have decided that you want to go back to a family member and need some help with traveling an money for travel, you may be able to get assistance from Operation Go Home (in Canada) Operation Go Home or through the National Runaway Switchboard in the U.S. For a listing of international numbers, see Homeless Runaways.