Language Issues When Traveling Abroad

Posted on Monday, March 21, 2011

If you are planning to travel to a foreign country, why not "dive" into the culture a bit and learn some of the language. 

English is spoken by many in Europe, but to be a real traveler, you should learn a few words of that foreign language... no need to purchase a language program (unless you want to,) but learning some key phrases will make it fun, and foreigners appreciate when you try to speak their language.  Learn hello, good-bye, please and thank you at the very least.  It's just polite to do that. 

Also learn how to ask (in their language) if they speak English... or try to ask your question in the local language.  They will appreciate the effort.  Often they will volunteer, "Would you like to speak English?"  And if they don't speak English, they will probably try to find someone who does.  Other useful phrases are how much is it? Where is a bathroom? What time is it?

Carry a phrase book.  It will help to be able to point out a phrase if the local person you're asking doesn't seem to understand you.  Don't just speak louder... that isn't going to help.  Remember English is a foreign language to them!  Even if you're trying, your pronunciation might leave them scratching their heads or blushing as you've said something you didn't want to.  To be a traveler, you need a sense of humor... especially about yourself.  If they don’t understand you, don't be embarrassed.  Point to the word in the phrase book. 

Take a chance.  People are forgiving of tourists.... even the French who have an undeserved reputation for not being helpful.  The key is to be GRATEFUL that they speak a little English to help you... not to expect it.  When you're speaking English, speak slowly and avoid slang. 

Don't be intimidated by signs in a foreign language, as you can usually figure things out without asking.  Does it look similar to a word you're familiar with?  If it says "farmacia" instead of "pharmacy", take a guess... you're probably looking at that pharmacy.  Is there a sign with a picture that might help solve the mystery?  A green cross or a pharmacist's scale would be a good clue. 

Remember, you went on this trip to experience something different... so revel in that foreign language, learn a few words and enjoy yourself!  If traveling in a tour group, of course your guide will help you get around and can give you language tips as well.

Spain Tours 2011

Posted on Thursday, December 09, 2010

From Barcelona to Seville, Loris Fusco found Spain fascinating. Here she shares her experiences and offers tips and recommendations for those planning to visit this remarkable country.

"My Spanish vacation started with a flight to Barcelona, a vibrant city with an eclectic mix of art and architecture. From there I took the overnight train to Seville then the high-speed train to Madrid, using each city as a home base from which to tour the surrounding area."

"Taking a city tour is a good way to start as it introduces you to the main sights and city layout. After that I like to walk and use local transportation to explore further."

"Day tours are an efficient way to see the highlights of the city as you learn so much from the well informed guides and transportation is included. Guides are particularly good in Europe where there are strict requirements to become a guide and they are extremely well educated."

"Many people like to explore Europe by rail however the infrastructure in Spain is not very extensive. Again an organized tour is a good idea for seeing many local sites of each region of the country on one vacation."

Highlights

• Montserrat: The town of Montserrat was magnificent. You take a cable car, a furnicular and then walk 200 ft. to get to the beautiful monastery with spectacular views. The café here is excellent with great food. There are many hiking trails including one with called stations of the rosary with alcoves dotted along the way with religious symbols and statues.
• Madrid: The beautiful capital of Spain was one of my favourite places. The Prado Museum is one of the finest art galleries in the world. I spent an afternoon there studying the old masters. Dining is excellent in this city and there are many fantastic wine bars. I took a city tour and a delightful horse drawn carriage tour before setting off on my own.
• Barcelona: This center of art and architecture is absolutely delightful; there is so much to see from Miro to Gaudi to Picasso. It is a really lively city and also has great dining and wine bars. The harbour cruise was very enjoyable with so much history and good views of the city. Cirque du Soleil was playing and I caught a performance which was another memorable experience.
• Toldedo: This old university town is a World Heritage sight and really fascinating. It is not far by train from Madrid. I spent a delightful day exploring. Within the city, the Zocotren (a small, Disney-like train) winds through the narrow streets of the Old Town and the surrounding area. It is an efficient way to get around without walking everywhere.
• Seville: The capital of the beautiful region of Andalucia with its white towns set amongst the hills, surrounded by clementine trees. This is the center of Spanish culture where Flamenco flourishes. There are shops dedicated to flamenco products and all the embroidered shawls and fans you could want. The rest of the city is western, cutting edge and trendy. I took a city tour and wandered the streets.
• Gibraltar: I spent a very interesting day in the English colony of Gibraltar. I took a taxi cab tour which was really worthwhile as the driver took us to places we would have missed on our own. We had an excellent visit to the Rock and the Barbery Apes and I was able to have my picture taken holding one! They were very friendly. The fare for the cab tour was very reasonable. It is certainly not always cheaper and better to do it on your own.

Tips

• Food and wine are a bargain in Spain. Out of all the European Union countries, you'll find the best prices here. Wine is plentiful and very good for just 4 to 8 Euros a bottle.
• The Spanish still take time for Siesta in the early afternoon. Be sure to keep this in mind when planning as businesses, shops and museums will close at this time.
• From June to September Spain is more crowded with visitors and it can be very hot. Better to visit in the spring or fall but note that the swimming pool at your hotel may not be in use at these times. I found out when I got there that the pool at my hotel in Madrid was not filled until June 1.
• There are ATM machines everywhere you go in Spain - and Europe for that matter. No need to bring the travelers cheques. You get a better exchange rate and the fees are lower than cashing cheques.
• The high speed train from Madrid to Seville took just 2.5 hours. I recommend this experience when traveling in Europe as it is a unique way to travel with reasonable comfort. Sleeper trains have additional amenities and some compartments have private facilities.
• Downtown Barcelona is easily seen by walking. Driving to sights out of downtown didn't work for me as signage was very poor. It was better to take the train or organized tours to see the surrounding sights.

Written by:  Susan Milne
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Tips for Securing your Home Before Travel

Posted on Sunday, January 31, 2010

As you get ready to travel?

Here are some tips to give you peace of mind while you are away and make sure you do not make your house as a target of opportunity. These are some simple precautions from the experts.

• Be mindful of who is around when you are discussing your trip - there is no need to let too many people know or draw attention to the fact your house might be empty for a period.
• The best deterrent is to have someone housesit. If that is not possible, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take in the newspaper, mail, and any other deliveries and keep an eye on the house. Give them your trip plans and an emergency phone number so they can reach you in case of an emergency. You can also arrange with the post office and newspaper to suspend delivery for the time you are away.
• Lock doors, windows and secure sliding doors (a metal rod or a broomstick in the sliding door track is an inexpensive lock), as well as the garage, the basement, and the attic. Some people even disconnect the power to motorized garage door openers.
• Move any valuables from plain sight.
• Check on your appliances, unplug anything that doesn't need to be on while you're away. Lower air conditioning/heating units to energy-saving levels.
• Set timers to turn on lights if you do not have someone staying at the house.

Travel Tips

Posted on Friday, December 04, 2009

General Travel Tips

• Make sure your passport does not expire within six months of your date of travel. Some countries insist that your passport be valid for at least a six-month time period.
• Place an envelope in one of your checked bags containing copies of your passport, birth certificate and a back up form of photo I.D. in case your passport is lost or stolen.
• Place a copy of the detailed itinerary of your trip inside each piece of luggage. If your luggage is lost, this will help the airline locate you while you're traveling.
• If you are on Medicare and traveling outside the United States, be aware that Medicare does not cover any of your medical bills abroad. It's a good idea to get a travel protection policy that will cover these costs.
• Plan at least a day or two after your return home before scheduling any commitments; you may be tired after your journey.

Don't Forget

• Stow away some antibacterial wipes-they're a convenient way to clean up on the go.
• Bring a voltage converter with you, along with an adapter (to fit electrical plugs into foreign outlets). Note that some adapter kits don't include converters.
• Pack an extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts in case they are lost or broken.
• Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are a must. Never pack new shoes.
• Wrap a long strip of duct tape around a pencil and bring it along for the ride. Duct tape is the magic fix for everything from torn suitcases to a broken sandal strap.

Click here for over 50 posts with helpful travel tips and advice.

Creative Packing Tips

Posted on Monday, September 21, 2009

Please share some of your unique ideas!