FAQ

Absolutely. I designed Vector + Vista specifically for people who are new to transit travel.

Guides will include:
→ Directions (with photos)
→ How to Pay Your Fare (app, fare machines, etc.)
→ What to look for when using the system
→ What to do if something goes wrong

If you can follow GPS directions in a car, you can follow a vector. The apps make it even easier—real-time tracking, voice directions, the works.

Start with an “easy” city like Seattle, Portland, or San Francisco. Build confidence. Then try more challenging systems.

You’ve got this.

Yes. Significantly.

RENTAL CAR (typical 3-day trip):
→ Car rental: $180 (3 days × $60)
→ Parking: $105 (3 days × $35/day average)
→ Gas: $50
→ Total: $335

TRANSIT (same 3-day trip):
→ Day passes or pay-per-ride: $20-40
→ Occasional rideshare: $20
→ Total: $40-60

SAVINGS: $275-295

That’s not theoretical. That’s real money you can spend on:
→ Better hotel
→ Better food
→ Another trip
→ Literally anything else

Plus: no parking stress, no navigation anxiety, no rental car return hassle.

You won’t stay lost long.

Modern transit apps have:

→ Real-time GPS (shows exactly where you are)
→ Step-by-step directions
→ “You are here” maps
→ Service alerts

If you do get confused:

1. Open the transit app
2. See where you are
3. Find the nearest station
4. Get directions back home, to your hotel, etc.

Worst case: Take an Uber back to your hotel. Costs $15-30 once vs. $335 for a rental car you didn’t need.

Also: Transit staff exist. Ask them. They help people all day.

Getting lost is part of discovery. Some of my best finds happened because I missed my stop.

Generally, yes—just pay attention to your surroundings.

Transit safety depends on:

→ City (Seattle is safe, some cities less so)
→ Time (daytime vs. late night)
→ Line (main lines vs. isolated routes)
→ Your awareness (same as anywhere)

That said, I’ve taken hundreds of transit rides across numerous systems. The vast majority were completely fine.

Follow what other travelers are doing. Plan out where you’re going before you head out. Know the route you need to take and its destination.

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Take a different route or grab a rideshare.

Transit handles luggage fine.

Most systems allow:

→ Full-size suitcases (no restrictions)
→ Multiple bags
→ Large backpacks

Tips:

→ Avoid rush hour if you have a lot of stuff
→ Use elevators instead of escalators
→ Board cars with luggage areas (often marked)
→ Keep bags with you always
→ Don’t block doorways or walkways with your luggage.

I try to travel with only a carry-on, which makes everything easier. But I’ve also taken full-size suitcases on metros, trains, and buses hundreds of times.

It works. Again, just pay attention to your surroundings.

Experience + design + photography.

Most travel blogs:

→ Might not have experienced the system or traveled the route(s)
→ Focus on luxury hotels or budget extremes
→ Assume you’ll rent a car
→ Use mediocre photography or badly created AI

Vector+Vista:

→ I’ve traveled on systems I write about
→ Experienced many situations from the perfect trip to challenges I’d never expect
→ Designed by someone with 25+ years experience
→ My goal is to be transit-first if possible, especially in metropolitan areas

Plus: I have 684,300 miles of aviation data (and counting) on 55+ airlines, spanning 13 countries and 113 airports. I’ve traveled over 25,000 miles on Amtrak, VIA Rail Canada, train service in Europe, local light rail, and many local bus routes. That depth of knowledge is rare.

For the most part, so far, yes. The United States has so many cities to explore from a transit perspective. At the same time, I’ve explored and experienced plenty in Europe as well. I’m writing about experiences as they take place.

That expertise means:

→ Better recommendations
→ More accurate information
→ Understanding of local context
→ Ability to update guides regularly

Also, North American car-free travel is underserved. Everyone covers Europe (which has good transit), and I’ll still cover myself, too. Few people prove it works here.

I’m proving it works here.

Not yet, but soon.

Currently:
→ I’m designing various city guides
→ Use them to plan your trip yourself
→ Everything you need is documented

Down the Line:
→ Custom trip planning service
→ One-on-one consultation
→ Personalized itineraries
→ Photography location scouting

Join the newsletter to be notified when I launch these services.

Selectively, with full transparency.

My principles:
→ I only partner with brands I actually use
→ Full disclosure always (you’ll know it’s sponsored)
→ Editorial control stays with me
→ No sponsored “reviews” (those aren’t reviews)

If a tourism board wants me to cover their city:
→ I visit on my terms
→ I test everything personally
→ I write honest assessments
→ Sponsorship is disclosed

Integrity > money.

If you see me recommend something, it’s because I genuinely think it’s good, not because someone paid me.

Personal use: Yes (with credit)
Commercial use: Let’s talk

PERSONAL USE (free):
→ Wallpapers for your devices
→ Inspiration for your trip
→ Sharing on social media (tag @vectorandvista)

COMMERCIAL USE (requires licensing):
→ Tourism board marketing
→ Business websites
→ Publications
→ Advertising

Email hello@vectorandvista.com for licensing details. Or, in the future, perhaps I’ll launch a Vector+Vista shop with prints/downloads for sale.