A few months ago DoAhead Destination featured several fun travel apps. Recently I and the eldest Darling were able to take a short trip to the BIG city (NYC). Thanks to a tip from friend we were able to make use of yet another cool app. As the featured photo shows its called Uber.
I had never heard of it before. I’m not a globe trotter and the app is only available in large cities. Their website reads,
” Get a taxi, private car or rideshare from your mobile phone. Uber connects you with a driver in minutes. Use our app in cities around the world.”
In laymens terms the app allows you to contact your own private taxi. You install the app on your phone. Touch it and it will immediately begin searching for the nearest available driver. The screen on your phone will show you a map with a dot for “You are here.” and a dot for “Here’s your driver”. It will then tell you how many minutes away they are. A photo of the driver, their name and phone number will also appear on the screen. If you want them to pick you up you proceed!
Honestly, at first the idea kinda creeped me out. Not sure why. Could it be any worse than jumping into an NYC taxi cab? Probably not. But if my 6’3” son hadn’t been with me I’m not sure I would have tried it. Long story short we did and it was as amazing as it is touted to be.
Uber drivers (and vehicles) are promoted as being clean and consumer friendly. Our driver certainly held up to that standard. The vehicle was immaculate. He arrived in dress slacks and a pressed white shirt. Chilled, bottled water was offered once we were in the vehicle. If any of you have ever tried to hail an NYC taxi you also know how fruitless that can be. One touch of the button on Uber and within minutes our driver was outside the baggage claim area at La Guardia.
The fare was only slightly more expensive than a taxi. Quite frankly, the amenities and ease of “hitching a ride” were well worth it. If you are traveling to a large city you may want to check out their website. If you chose to use it just make sure you implement one little DoAhead…download the app on your phone before you leave for your trip!
Safe travels sweet Doaheads!
Your DoAhead Friend,
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