Tag Archives: travel tips

What to Do If You Get Lost Abroad and Only Speak English

Paris directions What to Do If You Get Lost Abroad and Only Speak English

Paris directions. CC Image by Saket Vora (Flickr).

Many novice and even experienced travellers and tourists are unconsciously afraid of getting lost in a foreign country far away from a hotel or а guide. The main reasons of this fear are often lack of language skills and certain countries’ “bad” regions or seemingly strange customs. So, how should you explain to people around you what you need if you speak a language locals don’t speak or understand? What should you do if you are a new guest in a different culture?

First of all, do not panic. If you get anxious, people around you will notice it. Countries like Egypt, Turkey and United Arab Emirates are famous for regions with a large number of criminals. They usually hunt for confused tourists to make a profit, thus your panic might get you into troubles. Travel insurance policy is a good way to feel less vulnerable. Stay calm and don’t let your common sense let you down.

Second. Language barrier is not a barrier at all. The secret of speaking silently is very simple: behave like a child. Take a look at two or more small children playing together: they understand each other without words. Mothers always understand what small children want though children don’t talk. So, imagine you are a child: use gestures, emotions and spontaneity. Find a local resident and explain what you need using gestures. Hotel or street name can be enough to let the other person understand that you got lost and help you. If it doesn’t help, try to draw where you need to go with whatever you can find (pen, lipstick or stick) and draw your hotel on a paper, a napkin or on the ground.

For the greatest chance of finding your way, stay away from suspicious strangers and search for a group of tourists with a guide. Guides usually speak English and can help you with the right direction, street or bus station. No tourists around? Then take a closer look and approach an aged person (and unlikely a criminal who tries to rip you off). Aged people are usually well-wishing and ready to help, and if they don’t know themselves they may gladly ask other passersby about your destination. Third best option: women, young ladies or students, who tend to know about places, streets and buildings in a city. And undoubtedly it is safer to talk to unknown women than men (especially if you are a woman).

Whatever you do to get help, don’t take things on the chin. Do what you can with what you have, make the best of the situation and you’ll be on your way again.

Luggage Requirements on International Flights

luggage Luggage Requirements on International FlightsTraveling internationally can be stressful. Even with extensive planning, unexpected annoyances can create turbulence. The friendly skies may be smooth sailing once you’re in the air, but much of the frustration can occur before you even reach the gate. Since 2001, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has tightened restrictions on what passengers can carry in their luggage. And as airlines continue to face economic hardships, even more of the luggage burden has fallen on passengers. The key is to be prepared and know airline luggage policies before you go. Take a look below to learn luggage requirements on international flights.

Luggage Requirements:

1. Size: Luggage today is stylish but not always practical. With international travel, your best bet is to go with a standard shape and size. Most airlines will allow passengers to check two bags: one not to exceed 62 inches and the other not to exceed 55 inches. Maximum size is measured by the bag’s total circumference, meaning the total number of inches in length, width and height combined.

2. Weight: International airlines have limited the weight of checked baggage to 50 pounds. Airlines are trying to both save money and be more environmentally sound on fuel usage. While it is still possible to check a heavier bag, passengers face excess baggage charges, depending on the airline and the actual weight overage. However, passengers flying business or first class, or passengers with a high status in their frequent flier program, may be given a reprieve from excess baggage charges. When purchasing your ticket, you may want to figure these into your travel costs as well as to inform your choice of airline carrier.

3. Safe packing: TSA electronically screens every passenger’s baggage before it is placed on an airplane. But there may be occasions when an X-ray image is inconclusive and the luggage will need to be physically inspected. Many passengers feel safer locking their luggage for international travel and it is legal to do so. However, choose a lock that is TSA-approved. These locks can be opened by security officers using universal, master keys so that your lock does not have to be cut and destroyed and your luggage will be safe throughout your travels. The TSA also has an extensive list of prohibited materials for both checked and carry-on baggage. Check the list before you go and avoid being tied up at security checkpoints.

4. Carry-on luggage: The maximum size for carry-on luggage is 45 inches circumference. For example, a suitcase that is 22 by 14 by 9 inches totals 45. Make sure to measure with your own tape measure or ruler, as dimensions listed on the retail tag may be misleading by measuring the interior of the luggage, rather than the exterior circumference. If there are pockets, wheels, handles or compartments on the outside of the bag, these must be considered. Additionally, most airlines now limit the weight of your carry-on, some to as little as 11 pounds. Many wheeled carry-on suitcases can weigh as much as 14 pounds when they are empty! When purchasing a carry-on for international travel, make sure to pick one that has plenty of pounds to spare.

5. Packing liquids: As most frequent travelers are aware, the current limit for carry-on liquids is 3.4 ounces. All of these must fit into one small, quart-size, zippered, clear plastic bag, which most – but not all – airports have on hand. Save yourself and other passengers the trouble and do this packing at home. If you must bring a liquid that is more than 3 ounces, pack it in your checked baggage. There are exceptions for medical substances, but give yourself extra time to go through security, as these items will need to be hand-inspected. A note from your doctor – especially if it is notarized – will save you time and effort. The best plan is to pack as light and as small a carry-on as possible, bringing on-board only the absolute necessities.

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7 Tips For The First-Time Traveler

Girls finding their way through an ancient place 7 Tips For The First Time Traveler

Girls finding their way through an ancient palace.

By ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

Embarking on your first trip to another country is undoubtedly on of the most exciting things you’ll ever do. So, to make sure that you get to enjoy every minute of it, we’ve found some tips that will help you make your trip so much smoother.

1) Pack Light
You never need as much as you think. In fact, the general rule is to take exactly half of that. To achieve this, pack out everything that you want to take along on your bed. Go through it and get rid of anything you can absolutely do without. Whatever else remains should be halved and packed. That’s your luggage.

2) Travel Insured
From luggage getting lost, to your camera getting stolen, it always helps to travel insured. And it doesn’t have to cost you much to do so. Simply snoop around online for a cheap travel insurance provider that provides you with great cover at low premiums. Apart from just medical coverage, also make sure your policy covers legal expenses, baggage and passport, personal liability and cancellation and curtailment.

3) Make an Itinerary
There is nothing worse than feeling lost in a foreign place. An itinerary will help you plan your trip down to the last detail and provide you with a clear idea of what to do and the places you should visit. The key to a good itinerary however, is to make sure you don’t over-fill it with activities. Trying to squeeze in as much as possible into a short time will just lead to frustration.

4) Double Up Your Documents
Make sure you always leave photocopies of your passport, visas and flight ticket with a family member or friend. That way, should you lose the original, you can ask them to send it to you. We also suggest leaving a copy of your itinerary with them, so that they always know where you are.

5 Use Public Transport
This is not only the best way to get around in foreign city, it’s also the cheapest. Of course you should always check schedules to ensure you know where you’re going. However, if you’re planning on hiring a car, we suggest booking it online before you go. This is cheaper and when done with a reputable car hire site, you’re assured a car when you arrive.

6 Know the Language (a bit)
Knowing some French before going to France will make your travels so much easier. This allows to get around by yourself much easier and will help should your map fail you with directions. If you don’t know the language, get a pocket translator and make sure that you know useful phrases off by heart.

7) Take More Money
Seasoned travelers will tell you to always take more than you budgeted for. This will act as insurance should something go wrong or when you just see something can’t leave without. We suggest never carrying more cash than you need for a day. Also, make sure to inform your credit card company that you will be leaving the country and to expect purchases made in a foreign country.

These travel tips were brought to you by Essential Travel, the award winning travel add-ons provider.

Tipping Etiquette: How to Tip Successfully Abroad

french restaurant Tipping Etiquette: How to Tip Successfully Abroad

By EMYR THOMAS

Tipping can be socially awkward, cause endless embarrassment and be highly inconsistent and irrational, especially since it is based on the amount of a transaction instead of the quality of service.

It is imperative to remember that tipping is a gesture of appreciation for services rendered – if the service is impressive, then it deserves to be acknowledged and rewarded. More important, perhaps, is to remember to tip generously if you are a regular, as this will go a long way to ensure consistently good service and additional perks.

Deciding whether or not to tip is the easy part; the real problem lies in deciding how much to tip. Tipping is inherently linked to social custom and, as such, can vary between different cultures and countries. An inadequate tip could be considered an infringement on etiquette or an insult to a lifetime’s work.

In a country where a tip is considered a supplement to an income and not a constituent part of a wage, do not be afraid to not leave a tip if the service was not up to scratch – an important lesson for obliging Brits, perhaps.

UK

In restaurants, particularly the high-end establishments, 12.5% is usually already included on the bill, with anything between 10% and 15% being customary. In bars, it is normally at your discretion, although no tip is expected in a pub, but cocktail bars will normally add 12.5% for table service.

For hairstylists, anything between 5% and 10%, given in cash, is acceptable. In London taxis, political and economical musings come at a price, with rounding up to the nearest whole pound or up to 10% of the fare being standard. For hotel staff, a couple of pound is acceptable for maid service and for assistance with luggage.

USA

In the United States, many service sector employers pay their workers on the assumption that tips will contribute to an acceptable wage, therefore the custom of tipping is of paramount importance. Tipping is a big issue in the US in general, especially during the holiday season, with almost everyone receiving a monetary tip, including personal trainers, dry cleaners and teachers!

In restaurants, between 15% and 20% is expected, which is higher than most places, but this is more likely to go directly to the staff. Continuing with this trend, around 15% is considered standard in bars and pubs, with at least $1 per transaction. If using a taxi in New York, be prepared to add between 10% and 15% to the final bill, but don’t be afraid to dispute ill-judged journeys, as you shouldn’t have to pay for a driver’s error.

If you have a haircut, you might have to forgo the blow dry, as you’ll need an extra 15% or 20% to pay for the tip. For hotel staff, a couple of dollars is acceptable for maid service and bellboys.

France

Parisians will tell you that there is no standard for tipping in Paris, and that the French will only tip if they deem a service to be worthy. Service is normally ‘compris’, or already included, in restaurants, but excellent service can be rewarded with a further 5% left in cash.

Tips are not normally given to taxi drivers, but generally used to make giving change easier. With hairstylists, a 5 Euro tip is standard, whether the haircut costs 20 or 80 Euros.

For hotel staff, it is completely at your discretion, with a few Euros being more than sufficient. When it comes to bars, it is not customary to tip in Paris, unless, as one friend put it, you are feeling particularly guilty.

Spain

Tipping is not generally mandatory in Spain, but tends to vary with the type of venue – an upscale establishment, for example, will be more likely to expect a tip. In restaurants, service is sometimes included in the prices, but this may not make its way to the waiters, so it is acceptable to leave a further 5% to 10% in cash. When looking at a menu, be careful to note whether tax at 7% is included in the prices, or this will also be added to your bill, by law. In a casual tapas bar, tipping is not normally expected, but leave a few Euros if the service was worth it.

Tipping taxi drivers is by no means obligatory, although between 5% and 10% is considered good etiquette. The same can be applied for hair stylists, especially if you visit the same one regularly. In hotels, a few Euros for staff is more than acceptable.

Hong Kong

Tipping is not generally a large part of Hong Kong’s culture, except in hotels, where tipping is considered mandatory. HK$10 to HK$20 should be given to bellboys and maids, and remember to tip your concierge if you make use of the service.

In restaurants and bars, 10% is usually automatically added to the bill, but you should still leave a further 5% to 10% in cash for the waiters. Hairstylists will usually expect between 5% and 10%, and although taxi drivers don’t expect a tip, it is widely accepted that you should round up to the nearest dollar, or leave an additional dollar, at least.

Italy

Unlike many European countries, tipping is not generally expected in Italy, but it is, of course, always appreciated. In restaurants, a cover charge is normally already included and they tend to charge extra for bread, both of which are considered to replace the usual ‘tip’ or service charge. However, if you think that the service was worthy of reward, a tip of between 5% and 10% is gratefully received.

It’s not obligatory to tip a taxi driver, but rounding up to the nearest Euro is considered good etiquette. For hotel staff, a couple of Euros is acceptable for maid service and for assistance with luggage.

Turkey

Tipping is not generally a large part of Turkey’s culture, with modest tips being perfectly acceptable.

In restaurants and bars, you should leave 5% to 10% in cash for the waiters, and although taxi drivers don’t expect a tip, it is widely accepted that you should round up to the nearest Lira. For services that are used on a regular basis, such as hair stylists, a tip of 10% is advisable as this usually helps to ensure consistently good service.

Portugal

In Portugal, tipping is usually considered as a supplement to an income at a restaurant, therefore a tip of 10% would be greatly appreciated, although a fine dining restaurant may include up to 15% on the bill.

Taxi drivers normally expect a 10% tip on top of the fare. In hotels a few Euros should be given to bellboys and maids, and remember to tip your concierge if you make use of the service.

Emyr Thomas is the  founder of Bon Vivant, a concierge and lifestyle management company in London. For further information on Bon Vivant, visit their website at http://www.bonvivant.co.uk or their blog at http://bonvivantliving.wordpress.com/

This guest post was featured in Simonseeks’ post on European Cuisine. Simonseeks.com is a website where a community of travel enthusiasts, experts and celebrities can upload travel guides and share their tips on the best places to stay, eat and visit around the world. Ranging from the cheapest Rome Hotels to the best nightlife in London.

10 Ski Holiday Tips by bmibaby

ski lift 10 Ski Holiday Tips by bmibaby

By BMIBABY

• If you are not taking your own equipment on holiday, then pre book your
ski/board hire.

• Buy an annual multi-trip insurance policy with free winter sports option
(online) as this can often save you money.

• Call into the resort’s tourist office, as they often have local
information and promotions/discounts. It’s also a way to speak to some locals.

• Buy your equipment at the end of the season, because prices are cheaper.

• Be flexible with travel dates as some dates are cheaper than others due
to availability and time of the year.

• eBay your old ski equipment and clothing and put the money towards your
new items.

• If you’re travelling in a group, hire a big car – such as a people
carrier – and get as many people in as possible.

• When skiing with young children, take a back pack with drinks and food.
This will save on having to buy expensive snacks on the mountains.

• Put a free classified ad on World Radio Switzerland if you are looking for car-sharing from Geneva to your ski resort.

• Visit the ski shows before you book to search around for the best deals.

Check out the bmibaby website to find out more information on some of your favourite ski destinations and how to holiday on a budget.

Travel Tips For Female Solo Travelers

female travelers Travel Tips For Female Solo Travelers

Pack half of what you think you’ll need, make an effort to learn the language (before and during your journey), travel partly without plans, go with the flow, dare to go off the beaten path, have faith in yourself, remember to stop and smell the roses, trust locals and fellow travelers but listen to your gut instinct if something feels wrong, bring a notebook and a pen wherever you go (you’ll thank yourself for it afterwards), take photos of people and not merely places, move out of your comfort zone every day, treasure the little things as much as the incredible experiences (the ‘wow’ moments of your trip), keep a positive attitude no matter what happens, view mistakes as valuable lessons, and learn to appreciate all types of weather (because you’ll never know what the next day may bring).

Those were the tips I sent in to HostelBookers short survey of women travel last month. They asked readers to share their travel stories, plans, top places to visit and best tips for female solo travelers.

I especially liked one of Sara Bell’s travel tips:

Have no expectations of places you visit, be content in being surprised.

And Carolyn Gindein’s top ten tips were all terrific. Three of my favorites:

1. Become an actress – sign language & acting skills are a must for communicating in a foreign language you don’t speak. A little language (phrase book) so you can work out signage and ask for the basics helps but don’t be afraid to add your acting skills when in doubt.

4. Be flexible – don’t worry if plans change, flights are delayed or other seeming obstacles occur. You’ll get to your destination eventually and getting upset changes nothing but your stress level so carry a book and an Ipod and enjoy the downtime.

7. Be sensible not scared – in places reputed to be risky visit during the daylight hours rather than after dark and look as if you know what you’re doing/where you’re going, even if you’re sightseeing (you know this is working when people start asking you for directions).

I particularly agree with Carolyn’s advice about acting as if you know where you’re going – regardless of time and place. When I first arrived in Paris, around 11 pm a Saturday night, I had memorized the way to my hotel – only two blocks from Place de la République – before the train reached Gar de´l Est. As I walked past restaurants, bars and late-night shops, I pretended to be a local who’d returned home from a vacation abroad. Whenever I visited a new city by myself I did the same thing; acted as if I had lived there for years and knew my way around the neighborhood (often far from the case). One time in London, near the upper sections of Regent’s Park, a woman asked if I wanted help and I realized I needed more practise. When people started asking me for directions, I knew I did well.

To read all featured travel tips in HostelBookers’ survey, visit Reader’s Tips for Women Travel.

5 Surefire Ways to Offend the Locals

local 5 Surefire Ways to Offend the Locals

By ANIL POLAT

Travelers don’t usually want to offend the people living in the places they’re visiting. However, many of you end up doing it, and despite your best intentions it’s possible to piss off the locals without even meaning to. It’s often the things you don’t do that can get you into trouble and make you feel more like an invader than a tourist.

You don’t want to leave your new favorite city or country feeling guilty about being an unintentional jerk. Fortunately these mistakes, made by travelers novice and experienced alike, are easy to avoid if you keep a few things in mind.

1. Neglecting to Learn the Local Customs

Most seasoned travelers figure they’ll just pick up the culture through observation as they go along. While you don’t need to take an anthropology course before venturing to a new place, brush up on the local faux pas. Know the basics like not putting your feet up in front of others in Arab cultures, throwing the ‘V’ sign in England, or throwing the OK sign in Brazil for example.

2. Criticizing Home

Going to other countries and saying how much you hate where you came from without a good word to say is a quick way to get under peoples’ skin. Some travelers think they’ll endear themselves to the locals, especially if they’re not as well of as you, but that can make you sound demeaning and spoiled. If you don’t appreciate where you are from it’s hard to appreciate where you’re going.

3. Bringing Up Sensitive History

Learning more about a nation’s history is a good way to learn about the culture before you encounter it but that doesn’t mean that the locals will interpret events as you’ve read them. It’s best to listen to the locals talk about war, politics, and national figures if they bring it up rather than talk about it yourself. Use your best judgement when asked your opinions but be mindful and avoid extreme positions on the issues.

4. Not Going Along With It

One of the best ways to adapt to the culture is to immerse yourself in it and go with the flow. Don’t resist bargaining, thinking it’s only done when someone is trying to rip you off, or get upset by varying personal space around the world, or refusing to try any of the local dishes. Going along with the flow begins with what I mentioned in #1 above, knowing what the customs are to go with the flow with.

5. Assuming It’s All The Same

A surefire way to piss off a local is to say that their (country, culture, people, etc.) are “basically the same” as somewhere else. The more you travel the more you realize how similar we all are, but you shouldn’t tell a Norwegian that they are Swedes living in a different country. Customs also differ regardless of physical distances, don’t assume a nearby town is as liberal as the beach resort you are staying at so dress and act appropriately.

Woman 5 Surefire Ways to Offend the Locals

Woman in Darjeeling, India.

Other Potential Offenders

  • Not knowing any of the local language - This varies but a traveler should always learn these 6 basic words: hello, goodbye, please, thank you, yes, no.
  • Treating the locals like 2nd class citizens of their own country - Don’t talk down to anyone or be the all-knowing traveler.
  • Not trying some of the local cuisine - Yuck, gah, gross, and reactions like these at first sight or smell limit your experiences as a traveler as well as offend. Give it a try, you might like it.

Don’t Get Offended Yourself

In every new place you visit there will be customs you are unaccustomed to, individuals who give the locals a bad name, and travelers who’ve made these mistakes above – giving you a bad name! If you’ve done your very basic research and committed yourself to being a part of the local culture while respecting the locals you won’t be likely to offend anyone. Best of all you’ll end up being a good ambassador for other travelers but your fellow compatriots back home as well.

Photo credit: whl.travel

Smart Travel Tips: Reduce Your Exposure to Common Germs

travel pillow Smart Travel Tips: Reduce Your Exposure to Common Germs

Scandia Down's travel pillow is perfect for sleeping on the plane, then slipping over your hotel pillow.

For many who travel the nagging feeling that you may get sick often lurks in the back of your mind. From planes that recirculate air, have crumb-laden seats, and rarely washed pillows and blankets, to hotels with sheets, pillows and mattresses that have been used by hundreds before, the amount we come into contact with other people’s germs and bacteria is astounding.

According to an article from the Wall Street Journal, most airlines only give planes a deep-cleaning every 30 to 90 days on average. And those blankets and pillows you’re grabbing from the overhead compartment? Often they’re only cleaned at the end of that 30-day cycle.

One can hardly fault the struggling airlines – the smart traveler comes prepared. There are several things a person can do when traveling to maintain their health from the beginning of their trip to the end.

1. Travel Pillow/Blanket

Healthy sleeping habits promote a healthy immune system, sleeping on someone else’s dirty pillow does not.

How many heads do you think have slept on that airplane pillow? Several flights a day, packed planes, 30 days in a row…

Bring your own. The Hotel Travel Pillow from Scandia Down is small enough to fit in your carry-on, and conveniently, unfolds into a down-filled pillow case to slip over your hotel pillow when you arrive at your destination. The company also makes a Travel Attaché that can be rolled up to function as a pillow or unrolled, a throw- sized down-filled duvet.

2. Hand Sanitizer & Wipes

A study by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2004 found that 12.7% of the planes tested, had tap water that tested positive for coliform bacteria. Use hand sanitizer instead, and bring along some clorox wipes to go over all non-porous surfaces within arms reach.

3. Water

Arid cabin air dries out your nasal passages leaving you more vulnerable to infection, so drink water throughout your flight. Flying is extremely dehydrating and leaves you vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. Purchase bottled water at the airport and drink as much as possible during your flight.

3. Airborne/ Emergen-C

They may have gotten a bad rap for not really performing lately, but kindergarten teachers still swear by them, and a few vitamins are generally a good thing. Take a few in the days leading up to your trip, as well as while you travel.

4. Plane Shoes

Keep on a comfy pair of slip-on shoes with a rubber or leather sole when walking around the airplane. Socks will not protect you from the germs on the floor of the bathroom or the cabin.

Wear shoes that slip on and off easily. Never walk around the plane barefoot. Fratelli Rosetti’s satin slip-ons, $265, are perfect for travel, and Donald J Pliner’s ballet flats at $285 are fashionable and comfortable.