On a trip to Seattle a few years ago, a quick Web search on public transit produced two very worthwhile pieces of information: 1) the public monorail system was not working, and 2) the downtown bus system was free for the entire length of downtown. Not surprisingly for Seattle, it rained all weekend, and those buses proved very useful in making short trips of a few blocks, for which you would not want to drive, but neither did you want to slog through in the rain. (Editor’s Note: Seattle’s downtown buses are no longer free.)

A bit of research online before you leave will also allow you to check fares, print transit maps and plan your itinerary.