Read signs in Japan, even if you don’t know Japanese – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Afraid to visit Japan because you can’t read the signs? Are you intimidated by all the Kanji? Don’t worry! First, buy a Nintendo DS, and then, buy a Japanese/English dictionary cartridge called: Kanji Sonomama Rakubiki Jiten.

No matter how bad your Kanji stroke order is, and no matter how sloppy your handwriting, this dictionary helps you read Kanji in a light and compact way. After you write the character, it will show you the various English translations.

It also breaks down the Kanji into hiragana and katakana for a simple read for those with limited Japanese language training.

Make a scrapbook travel diary – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

The worst part of getting home from an awesome vacation is figuring out what to do with all the papers, brochures, receipts, unique candy wrappers, news articles, postcards, and other things that have accumulated in your bags along the way. So next time, just bring some tape and scissors with you and paste those items in your diary or Moleskine as you travel.

It’s a great way to pass time waiting for your next bus or sitting on a train. Once home, you’ll open up your travel journal and have all sorts of colorful memories to share.

Restuarants may be closed during holidays – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

When traveling in Europe over major holidays, you may find the restaurants closed for dinner. Most hotels, even smaller pension-style places, will take pity on you, however, and let you use their kitchen or help you heat up food.

On a recent trip in Annecy, France, we bought delicious pre-made dishes from a gourmet traiteur (deli) and the hotel manager happily heated them for us. We set out a nice table in the hotel bar, shared a glass of champagne with another traveling couple, and the hotel staff brought us slices of Christmas cake for dessert: a wonderful Christmas dinner!

Consider hitchhiking – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

On a recent trip to Ireland and London, I discovered that the best way to get to know the local people is to hitchhike. In addition to meeting some rather interesting people, it definitely beat paying for a rental car or idling away your time on a bus ride.

In many parts of the world, thumbing can be as safe as traveling on a bus or by yourself. If it’s your first time, then be sure to hitchhike with a friend as it can ease your mind, increase your security, and feel safer.

Be sure to learn the cultural norms before embarking on a hitchhike: learn whether the drivers expect to be tipped… or if they do it for karma points.

Ditch the wheelie-bags and grab a pack – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Plan on enjoying the cobbled streets of Barcelona? Taking the metro around Paris? Then ditch that wheeled suitcase and pack in an interior frame backpack or a large bag with shoulder straps.

Wheelie-bags are great in the airport or for wheeling from the car up the paved drive to the hotel, but not if you’re exploring less accessible destinations. Their wheels catch in cobblestones and brick, they overturn on sidewalk curbs, and they’re hard to maneuver in tight quarters.

Strap on your backpack and you’re ready to walk to the train station or take the metro.