Research before you photograph – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

You’re planning a trip to a foreign country. Of course, you’re going to pack your camera to capture the people and places that make the country special. But before you go, do a little research.

In some countries, it’s illegal to photograph certain places. For example, in Britain a terror law makes it illegal to photograph police. Alternatively, it may be culturally or religiously offensive to photograph certain people or locations.For example, photography in Tibetan monasteries and Muslim mosques is forbidden without permission. Photographing local women in some Muslim countries is taboo.

Do your research, ask permission and, above all, be respectful.

Save money for the departure tax – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Having never traveled to a foreign country, I didn’t realize I had to pay a departure tax when leaving St. Lucia. Check with your travel agent or with the airline before you leave, so you’ll know how much you’re required to pay in taxes and other fees not included with the price of your ticket.

Pro tip: learn the method of payment that’s allowed before reaching the airport. Most places will not accept credit cards.

Don’t forget the toilet paper – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Although Americans are accustomed to sit down toilets and a full roll of toilet paper within arm’s reach, not all countries provide the same luxuries.

South Korea, for example, is infamous for its hole-in-the-ground toilets, with complimentary toilet paper rarely seen in bathroom stalls.

To avoid a potentially messy situation, always carry a travel-sized roll of toilet paper with you. A pocket-sized box of baby wipes also offers gentle soothing support if the country’s local cuisine doesn’t agree with you.

Use an “I can’t eat this” card – Dining out tip

by Gadling Staff on

Before you go out of the country, make a few wallet-sized cards that list what you can and can’t eat in the native language(s) of the country you’re visiting.

I like to list what I’m able to eat on one side of the card… and list the foods I can’t have on the other. This makes it so the server and kitchen can’t easily mix them up.

This is especially helpful for vegetarian and vegans, people with religious dietary restrictions, and people with food allergies.

To tip or not to tip – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Just because you might drop a few bucks on the table after eating dinner in the States doesn’t mean that’s appropriate behavior everywhere. It’s best to check local customs before deciding to do the same in another country.

Some countries, such as New Zealand, Australia and Japan, don’t customarily tip and the result can be confusion for your servers. In other countries, such as France, the tip is added to the bill automatically.

Take the time and check online or ask locally if tips are customary before making the gesture.