Use a pocket-sized notebook for maps & notes – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Don’t want to look like a lost tourist, consulting a giant map in a public place?

Before you leave home, buy a small pocket- or purse-sized notebook. Copy maps of each destination (break a city into smaller areas) and reduce them down to notebook size; glue them into your notebook, folding out if needed. Highlight important places, like your hotel, and include directions to/from airports or train stations.

It can also be used to write down anything you want/need to remember like addresses and memorable experiences. It keeps all your important information in one place and is small enough to carry everywhere.

Related: 5 tips for spicing up your travel journals, or how to get beyond “Today I ate breakfast at…”

Appreciate and understand – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Americans are notorious for not understanding foreign cultures that come to our country. We sometimes use tacky and thoughtless phrases — such as, “Speak English!” — or we question foreign cultures’ parenting practices. However, after doing this, we venture to foreign cultures and expect everyone to conform to our ways and language.

Before leaving home for your trip, grab a book about that country’s culture and practices. You won’t be an expert, of course — and the locals don’t expect you to be.

However, demonstrating that you respect and admire their culture goes a long way to getting along with the locals. I’ve found in most countries I’ve visited — even ones that “Don’t like Americans” — people would love to talk to you as long as you come across as appreciative and understanding.

Don’t get ripped off by taxi drivers – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Here are three tips for avoiding getting ripped off by taxi drivers in foreign countries:

1.) Before getting in a taxi that doesn’t use a meter, make sure you agree on the fare with the driver so you won’t get a surprise at the end of the ride.

2.) To avoid misunderstandings, have the hotel staff write the addresses of your destination and the hotel in the local language so you can show it to the taxi driver. Also, carry a map with the locations circled to show the driver in case they are not in a popular area.

3.) Carry bills in small denominations and change to pay; drivers often don’t carry change for large bills… or say they don’t.

Don’t pay in dollars – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Like it or not, the gold standard for international currency payment is now the Euro.

The United States Dollar is still being used, but it doesn’t hold the prestige it once did. There was a time when you could purchase goods at a great discount if you paid with hundred dollar bills. However, nowadays, merchants will increase their base price and round up figures to give you can even dollar amount. Merchants do not want $5 dollar or $10 bills. Whatever you pay will be rounded to the next $20.

So pay with local currency — or pay with Euros.

Counterpoint: Bring American dollar bills – International travel tip

Use index cards to communicate – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you’re unfamiliar with the native language of the country you’re visiting, index cards can be your best friend.

Before I travel, I always write down common questions and sayings on index cards in the native language to make communication easier. Write the questions or sayings in the country’s native language on one side and on the side, write the English translation. (This way, you don’t accidentally ask the taxi driver where the ladies room is.)

Things you should include on your card include asking about bathrooms, police, hotels, and any other issues you think you may face. Also, be sure to write down your allergies, medical conditions, and medications.