Articles

Travelling to your Caring Job

12/09/2016

One of the questions which will spring into your mind after the initial excitement of being allocated a new client is how to get there.

If you are flying in from another country then you will have booked a flight into whichever airport you can from your country, probably using the most cost effective route. You then might find that having booked your flight into Gatwick, your new client is situated in Crewe or even further afield.

Should you travel into Heathrow or Gatwick Airports you will need to make your way to an overground station to continue your journey. The easiest and quickest way to do this is by using either the Heathrow Express or the Gatwick Express. The Heathrow Express will take to you into Paddington Station while the Gatwick Express will end at Victoria Station. To book your tickets for either of these – and you must produce them before travelling – you can buy online and collect at the airport. Both Expresses are easily accessible and speedy, and a safe way for you to travel.

Other airports like Stansted, Luton and Birmingham International have a direct train service to other stations. If you are unlucky enough to have to fly into East Midlands airport and miss the bus which will take you into the main station, you will be looking at a £30 taxi ride! Best not to be on a rigid time frame there!

Should you have to travel through or around London you will need to familiarise yourself with the Underground system. This is an underground train which gets you where you want to go in as fast a time as possible. You should pick up a map and you will find these at every station. You can even download them and print one off so you have it before you arrive. Trains will be shown as running to the destination, so check where you want to go and make a note of the end station. Be aware that if you have to change between lines there are no escalators and lifts, just stairs! You should pack with this in mind. Not everyone will stop to help you with luggage!

Overground trains in the UK are plentiful and relatively cheap to use. Again, you must buy your ticket before you board, otherwise you will be fined. You can buy it online and collect it from the station just before you travel. Remember that the debit card you use to purchase your ticket must be the same one as you use to collect the ticket. Don't let your husband buy your ticket using his debit card! Should you need to change trains there are lifts at most stations apart from very small ones, in which case you will be faced with dragging yourself and bags up the stairs, across the bridge and down the other side.

National Rail is a great way to travel! The coaches are always lovely and clean with comfy seats. Tickets can be bought online or from the driver (risky if the coach if full). Sometimes any bags on wheels must go in the hold, even small ones so take your book and bag of snacks out first!

Taxis can normally be found outside stations, they will take cash and will be happy to give you a receipt on the back of their business card.

Whichever way you have to travel, be sure you have tickets already purchased and cash. It will make the journey a lot less stressful!