Session 09: Transportation

Introduction

Short trips do not require too much planning and are completed in the same day
You might want to do extra planning if you are:
- Using a type of transportation that is new to you
- Going to a part of town or other location you have never been to before
- Doing something else totally new as part of the trip, like going with new people or using a new mobility device
- Using several types of transportation for the trip, such as using a bicycle for the first part but then returning home on a bus
It is easier to overcome barriers on short trips if you have an emergency contact or support network to help you engage safely and comfortably
The larger your town, the more transportation options you may have available to you
In smaller communities you may have to rely on yourself, your personal vehicle, friends, family or neighbors for rides

When you visit an unfamiliar location there might be different rules and transportation options, which means you may want to do research in advance to set yourself up for success
Have extra money stored safely on you, a cellphone you keep charged, and let people in your personal circle know where you are going
You may need more money for food, especially for longer trips
For longer trips, you may need to use a combination of travel: walking, bus, train, renting a vehicle, flying, and so on
You may want to plan each part of a trip before committing to buying tickets for any one part of the journey

There can be a variety of reasons you might want to learn about your local area and surrounding community
The more you learn about transportation, routes, landmarks and other areas of interest that surround you, the easier it may be to find your way to destinations, and back home again
Businesses, transportation options, and smaller landmarks are always changing around you
It is a good idea to observe your local area, know the street names and numbers, and have a sense of the businesses and organizations near you