How to find the best transportation for any trip

I have traveled to over 50 countries world wide, so I am a seasoned traveler.  Below are my methods to find the cheapest vacation :

Research your vacation between Monday to Wednesday.  Most people are usually working on these days and normally don't book their vacations during this time. --  Travel companies know that.

Transportation Research
1) Find out how to get from your home to the airport.  There are 4 ways.
a) ask a friend for a ride b) take the bus c) take a taxi d) take your own car and park at the airport e) Greenbeeparking.com - this site allows you to park your car at hotels near the airport.  There are shuttles that will transport you from the hotel to the airport terminals.

1) If your destination is within your country, research car rentals.

2) If it's outside your country, find out what the most popular mode of transportation.  In South America, it's a taxi.  In Europe, it's the subway.  In Asia, it's a little of both.

3) Find out how to get from the airport to the hotel and vice versa
Most hotels offer free shuttles. 
If you're part of a tour group, there is normally a representative that will pick you up from the airport.
If you're planning to take a taxi, approach a taxi driver yourself.  In Brazil a man approached me asking if I needed a taxi.  Turns out he was part of the Mafia just asking for referral fees from the taxi drivers.
If you're planning to take the subway, make sure you're flight lands during the time the subway is open. You also don't want to take the subway in the middle of the night when it may be dangerous.

4) Find out how to get around the city.  For cities where the attractions are spread out, it may be easier to hire a tour guide to drive you to all the attractions.  For others, a subway may be sufficient.

5) If your flight is going to land in the middle of the night, make sure you exchange your money before hand.  Most foreign exchange depots at the airport close around 9pm.  You will need money for transportation to your hotel.

Written by Johnson Huynh