When I arrived in Florence, Italy, two months ago I had never used public transportation on my own before. Very quickly after moving in I realized the importance of being able to use the busing system though. Getting around on the trams and buses is a lot of trial and error, partially because I don’t speak Italian well, but also just because every city has its own quirks when using their transportation options.

At home I drive everywhere, so having to utilize vehicles with preset schedules and delays has been an adjustment and a lesson in planning to say the least. For the most part, the buses are on time or even early and get you exactly where you need to go. Google maps has been my best friend in this regard, I am able to type in my destination, choose the transportation setting and get directed exactly which bus stop and bus line I need to be on and for how long. Without that option I would have had exponentially more problems.

The bus system is wonderful, but be careful, if you forget to validate you credit card by tapping upon entry, the ticket police are quick to fine you upwards of $50 for a 10-minute bus ride. With that being said though, learning how to use these amenities coming from a midwest town has been eye opening and so helpful for my stay in Florence. Mastering this system has made me feel capable and given me confidence when traveling anywhere else as well.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Florence University of the Arts