Taxi cabs are a convenient way to get you (and your luggage) to and from the airport. Rather than dragging and lifting your own luggage onto and off of buses or trains until you reach your destination, you can simply toss your things into the back of a cab and go from door to door without lifting a finger. After a long day of shopping, a taxi is also the best way to get your bags and boxes conveniently and safely back to your home or hotel.
Taxi drivers are knowledgeable about the local area, traffic, and the best ways to get around, and can often save you time and headaches over renting a car. Even with an onboard navigation system, getting around a new city on your own can be extremely challenging. There are construction projects to contend with, local events you may not be aware of, and city-specific traffic patterns that can cost you time. An experienced cab driver will know which areas to avoid in order to get you to your destination on time.
For even short trips at night, safety is a serious consideration. Particularly in an unfamiliar area, calling a taxi to get you from one place to another is always a better idea than walking.
Kelly Drill is a freelance writer and stationery designer currently living in Dallas. She blogs about her experiences as a work-at-home mom and artisan at http://macaroniandglue.com.