Rent a car or use the local transport? There is no right answer to this question, as it depends on the country where we are and our traveling companions.

In some cases, local transport is out of the question. We do not have many options when traveling with a person with reduced mobility or in a country with high accident rates. But when you have a choice, how do you determine how to move around?

Pros 

1. Save on costs

No need to get extra insurance, to have an international permit (required in most countries) and to buy gasoline.

2. We can rest

You can relax or admire the scenery. South America is one of the most extensive bus networks I had the chance to experiment. Frequent and comfortable buses 24 hours a day. In Argentina, the seats fall down to 160°. In addition, a meal is often included in the ticket price. Yum!

3. We can sleep

In a train, during a night trip, there is often a choice between a bench or a bunk bed depending on the class chosen.

4. We can plan our itinerary

We must always maximize our free time.

5. We are less stressed

No need to learn about the rules of conduct that may be different from one country to another. No need to be attentive to the road to be sure not to miss an exit. A GPS is not always useful sometimes, to get to a tourist attraction, it is necessary to leave the paved roads inscribed on these small machines. Do not forget the left-hand drive in England and Australia, to name a few. A challenge when you have never experienced it.

6. We do not need to worry about traffic

We have access to a priority lane when traveling by bus and no traffic possible on the rail tracks or a boat.

7. Accidents

We avoided creating accidents and we do not cause them. Tiredness, searching for the right way or simply hesitating on a maneuver can cause an accident.

8. Bust-up

A woman and a man in a car for a long period of time can create friction and irritation in the couple. I think this should one be on the top of the list.

Cons 

1. We have less latitude

We are constrained to a pre-established schedule. Impractical schedule as in Portugal, where there were no early morning or late evening departure for some touristic cities, delay without explanation or cancellation of a trip at the last minute. It is, therefore, necessary to plan accordingly and always have a plan B or C.

2. Off-center location

Although it is rare, sometimes the bus or train stations are not located in the heart of the city. In this case, you have to consider the taxi.

3. Communication problem

We are not always fluent in the language of the country we visit, which can lead to frustrations. I was stopped on the roadside for 2 hours in Ecuador without knowing what was going on. At least we were offered a small snack. To solve this problem, you can take a look at my article that deals with learning a new language.

4. Thievery

Some trips are more dangerous than others and larceny in night buses are commonplace. Always stay on your guards.

5. Comfortless

During rush hour, it can be dangerous to take the buses or metros. And if we decide to choose a more affordable transport company or take the 3rd class to save money, we also have less room at our disposal.

6. We have to carry our suitcases

The stone roads are nice to look at, but much less cute when we are walking on them with your suitcases.

7. We are constrained by our luggage

There is a restriction on quantity, weight, and size. Better to inquire before departure.Train: often restricted by the top compartment. Bus: not all buses have a luggage compartment. Boat/ferry: we often have to keep our luggage with us. In Egypt, my suitcase was attached to the roof of a minivan during a 3 hours trip in the desert. In Peru, there were so many waves on Lake Titicaca that we nearly capsized, we would have been unable to move with our backpack on our knees.

8. Traffic

Sometimes, even with priority lane, you have to suffer traffic during rush hour, especially when you are traveling by bus.

Conclusion

Personally, I prefer local transport. I love the contact with the locals and to see how people live every day. This adds a little extra to my travel experience.

If I could rent a car with a driver for the same price as public transport, it might be different!

And you, what do you prefer?