When I'm planning a trip, one of the first questions is "how do I get from the airport to my hotel?" Getting into town is always a balance between ease and cost -- the easier it is, the more it costs. Public transportation is usually the cheapest option, but when you arrive in a strange city, jet-lagged and with luggage in tow, figuring out the system, buying tickets, negotiating stairs and waiting on train platforms might be the last thing you want to do.

The most expensive method is usually a private shuttle. Nothing like stepping off the plane and finding a driver holding a sign with your name on it to boost your ego and drain your wallet. Not quite so ritzy, and not quite so expensive, are shared shuttles. These often strike the perfect balance between ease and cost for the single traveler.

For two or more people traveling together it may be just as cheap or cheaper to take a taxi, though. To estimate taxi fares ahead of time, I use the World Taximeter, a fun site that also shows you the route on a map. Print it out, and you'll know whether the taxi driver is honest or taking you for a ride.

Tags: Taxi