All Questions
48,063
questions
11
votes
2
answers
326
views
Longer latency on GPS connection depending on which country I'm in?
I've recently traveled over Europe with a GPS-enabled mobile phone.
In Italy, it took around 10 minutes for the mobile phone to connect to a satellite, while in Latvia it took just 10 seconds.
How ...
- 351
14
votes
4
answers
1k
views
When travelling overland in Russia I hear you must register with the police in each new place, but does this cost money?
When travelling overland in Russia (i.e. not on the Trans-Siberian) I hear you must register with the police in each new place, but does this cost money?
I know there are some gotchas with ...
- 78.3k
61
votes
11
answers
13k
views
Are international driving licences really necessary for any country?
When I first started travelling internationally about 20 years ago I was young and naive and bought an international driver's license for my trip to the United States.
Then I discovered that it was ...
- 78.3k
27
votes
6
answers
36k
views
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Istanbul?
Is the water from the tap/faucet potable in Istanbul or must I buy bottled water? If not, what are the specific contaminants in it?
- 78.3k
28
votes
3
answers
4k
views
Should I purchase rental car insurance? What protection does my credit card provide?
We just arrived in Hawaii this afternoon, and when I went to pick up the rental car, I discovered I hadn't done my homework with regard to the insurance options.
I recall that my credit card will ...
user82
5
votes
1
answer
704
views
Tipping etiquette in different countries [closed]
What are the tipping etiquette in different countries? How much tip should I give to a waiter/waitress?
- 1,306
5
votes
2
answers
2k
views
What do I need to know or do in order to rent a car in Spain?
I'm a US resident and am looking to rent a car in Spain.
How do I get a license to drive there?
- 640
9
votes
1
answer
283
views
Third party shore-excursion operators in the Western Caribbean
Cruise ships usually offer shore excursions that can be booked for an additional fee. These can be more expensive than going with a 3rd party, since the cruise line takes a cut. Is there a list of ...
- 391
13
votes
1
answer
1k
views
US Customs Pre-clearance in foreign airports
Recently, I was traveling back to the US through Vancouver, BC, Canada. I was delighted with the fact that I was able to get pre-screened through US Customs before even getting on the plane. What ...
- 391
4
votes
2
answers
3k
views
What key sights to see in one week in France? [closed]
I have a one week trip next year to France. What would be some of the highlights I should try to see in the country while I am there?
- 391
56
votes
5
answers
31k
views
Will I be able to travel around India speaking only English?
I am to travel around some Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and others. Will I have trouble speaking only English, or should I learn some phrases in Hindi?
- 3,672
15
votes
5
answers
2k
views
Are there any standard clothing restrictions when visiting mosques?
I know from visiting many catholic churches that many require knees and shoulders to be covered, so dressing appropriately is essential for hassle-free travel. Are there similar rules that might apply ...
- 3,672
8
votes
1
answer
2k
views
What's the cheapest way to convert British Pounds into other currency?
I'm travelling around Europe and want to convert some money to Euros. What's the most cost-effective way of doing this? Should I convert as much as I think I'm going to need in one go, or withdraw ...
- 3,672
29
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Is it safe to travel in Greece during the riots about government spending cuts?
I am travelling to Athens, Greece, shortly, and have seen reports of recent unrest. Should I be worried? Should I cancel my trip?
Update
It's fine, taxis are currently on strike, but Syntagma Sqaure ...
- 3,672
9
votes
1
answer
996
views
I have lost my residential permit while travelling in India - what should I do?
I am staying in India for 6 months, so have had to register with the Foreigners Registration Office in Bangalore. I was given a residential permit which I have misplaced, and am expected to surrender ...
- 3,672
13
votes
1
answer
2k
views
China visa issue after traveling to Taiwan
I flew from China to Taiwan a while back. I have an extend-able visa to Taiwan. Upon arrive in Guangzhou, I was informed I needed a Chinese visa to visit to Taiwan (which if you are up-to-date with ...
- 4,163
17
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Is there a definitive reference guide to cell phone standards by country?
I have an AT&T iPhone 3GS, and am wondering if I should switch to something else for use when visiting other countries.
- 826
0
votes
0
answers
325
views
How can I use my US iPhone (AT&T) in a foreign country, specifically Iceland, without paying through the nose? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What are the best ways to avoid data roaming fees when travelling abroad?
I would like to be able to use my iPhone for text messages, short voice calls, and a few 10's of ...
- 826
42
votes
4
answers
91k
views
Can we get by as English speakers visiting Iceland?
We're going to Iceland for the first time in September. Will we be able to get around ok just speaking English, or should we try to learn some rudimentary Icelandic? And is that even what their ...
- 826
14
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Are there Italian customs that a North American should be aware of? [closed]
I'll be traveling to Rome and Venice in late September; are there any physical gestures, meal customs, thanking policies, and so forth that I should be aware of?
- 673
20
votes
5
answers
1k
views
Can anyone recommend a good trekking tour for Machu Picchu?
I'm planning on heading to Peru to visit Machu Picchu next year. I heard there are some amazing and beautiful "long way around" treks that take you up and around to Machu Picchu the long way through ...
- 2,109
16
votes
3
answers
7k
views
Can I pay for my Turkish visa on arrival at the airport in Euros?
I'm Australian, flying into Istanbul Turkey tomorrow (Ataturk airport) and I know from last year's trip that I must pay a visa fee upon entry. But last year I crossed by land from Bulgaria and this ...
- 78.3k
26
votes
6
answers
8k
views
How to overcome the language barrier when visiting France and Spain?
I may be traveling to France and Spain for business purposes, and I'm likely to mix some pleasure with that business trip.
I do not expect many language issues during the business conversations.
...
- 2,136
16
votes
3
answers
1k
views
What's the cheapest transport to get from Ataturk International aiport to the Taksim Square area of Istanbul?
I'm flying to Istanbul tomorrow afternoon and would like to know the cheapest way to get from the airport (Ataturk) to the Taksim Square area. I'm sure there are many options and some will be easier ...
- 78.3k
8
votes
1
answer
410
views
Language schools that teach Mayan languages around Lake Atlitlan, Guatemala?
I've been to Guatemala several times and always spend some time around Lake Atitlan. This is maybe the third most popular place to study Spanish in the country and has many language schools for ...
- 78.3k
18
votes
3
answers
6k
views
Will Armenia and Azerbaijan permit a tourist to enter if they have the other country's stamp in their passport?
I know that there are certain pairs of countries (which do not get along with each other) where a traveller will not be permitted into one country if they have a stamp in their passport from a visit ...
- 78.3k
11
votes
2
answers
468
views
What time of the year is the cheapest to cruise in/around North America?
What times of the years are optimal for getting the best prices on cruises within North America?
- 564
12
votes
8
answers
6k
views
What measures can one take to keep a motorcycle safe during a road trip?
I'm mostly thinking in terms of theft prevention.
I have heard solutions from, "Keep her chained in the parking lot," all the way up to, "Get a ground floor hotel room and ride/push the bike inside ...
- 2,136
12
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Is it worth getting a one-week public transportation pass for Rome?
My friend and I are first-time travelers who will be visiting Rome for a week in late September. According to Rome.info, a week pass could be gotten for 16 Euros. Is it worth buying a week-pass? More ...
- 673
13
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Can I apply for a Russian visa from the country Georgia?
I will be in Georgia in the Caucasus in a few months and am considering a side trip to Russia; either via the Black Sea to Sochi or across the one land border that is apparently open to foreigners.
...
- 78.3k
14
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Are there any ferries currently running on the Black Sea between Romania and Georgia?
I plan to visit Romania and Georgia this year and would love to consider the possibility of travelling between them on the Black Sea. I know both countries have various ports and have or have ...
- 78.3k
15
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Is it possible to travel through Burma (Myanmar), entering at one border crossing and exiting at another?
I know that it is possible to enter Burma/Myanmar from several border crossing with neighbouring countries, and I'm pretty sure that from some of them at least you do not have to be on a package tour.
...
- 78.3k
20
votes
5
answers
4k
views
Is the border between Georgia and Russia open to citizens of other countries?
I know the one border between the Republic of Georgia and Russia that is not in a rebel province was officially opened in the last couple of years... but reports are conflicting as to whether people ...
- 78.3k
4
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Is the weight limit for AJ Hackett's Macau Tower bungee jump followed strictly?
The official website for AJ Hackett's Macau Tower bungee jump states in its conditions that:
Must weigh 40 kgs
This seems to be a really low limit, and I was wondering whether anyone has ...
- 38.4k
4
votes
1
answer
524
views
Getting from Astrakhan, Russia to Aktau, Kazakhstan
I'm in Astrakhan, Russia. There's very little information out there on buses or trains to use to eventually get to Aktau, Kazakhstan.
bahn.de shows a 75 hour train with 3 changes, so I have no idea ...
- 159k
32
votes
4
answers
5k
views
What rights do passengers have when flights in the USA are delayed?
What rights do passengers on delayed flights in the USA have? In some countries, depending on the length and type of delay, passengers can receive a free phone call, meal ticket, lodging, booking on ...
- 5,666
13
votes
3
answers
359
views
Travel insurance with regards to luggage being stolen/lost
I am looking for answers to how people have recovered from having their luggage stolen/lost when arriving at their destination. And further to this, how they have ended up packing in the future to ...
- 561
38
votes
24
answers
5k
views
Which European cities have bike rental stations for tourists?
During my last vacation in Barcelona I found out that some bicycle stations are made for citizens, where they can pick up a bike, ride on it to the other station, and leave it there. Unfortunately, ...
13
votes
4
answers
9k
views
Avoiding air travel sickness without Dramamine/Dimenhydrinate or other drugs
My wife is very prone to motion sickness, especially on air flights. In the past we've handled this with Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate), which helped quite a bit.
Unfortunately, my wife's reaction to ...
- 2,682
12
votes
7
answers
2k
views
Are there any good, cheap bus companies to use for traveling around the western United States?
A few years ago, I used to ride Greyhound for short trips, but I remember them being crammed and sometimes smelly. In the Midwest, I've learned of and used Megabus, which has seats like an airplane, ...
- 535
40
votes
5
answers
9k
views
If I visit Los Angeles, am I better off renting a car or not?
California has a pretty notorious reputation for having bad traffic, so I am wondering if it would be worth my time to rent a car when I visit there. If I stay within the LA area, is public ...
- 1,333
25
votes
7
answers
5k
views
How can I protect my vehicle when left at a trail head for an extended period?
Previously when I went backpacking, the vehicle I left behind at the trail head was, erm, not particularly worth stealing. I'm looking at new vehicles now, and somewhere in the back of my mind is "do ...
- 650
29
votes
4
answers
5k
views
How can I protect camera equipment in checked baggage?
While I usually take my camera equipment in a carry-on when I fly (within the US), that's not always an option (small plane where no carry-on other than my purse is allowed, travelling with too much ...
- 650
13
votes
3
answers
623
views
References for tipping etiquette in different countries? [closed]
Where can I find information about tipping etiquette in different countries? I'm hoping for a comprehensive database so I don't have to ask about the countries one by one here.
- 1,306
26
votes
6
answers
566
views
What seasonal work can fund travel?
I'm fond of the travel strategy that involves arriving at a workplace near your destination and doing seasonal labor until you've saved enough to have fun in and around the same geographical area.
...
- 1,556
14
votes
1
answer
902
views
Using status across other Star Alliance airlines?
If I have a status on one member airline in Star Alliance (SA), do I automatically get the same status on other SA airlines?
If I don't get it automatically, can it be requested?
- 1,964
17
votes
3
answers
955
views
What part of Great Wall of China is easier to visit, starting from Peking?
I'm interested in visiting the Great Wall of China, but don't want to face many tourists during my trip.
Are there such parts of it?
Are visitors allowed to walk on it?
- 22.3k
15
votes
2
answers
266
views
Where would be the optimal place to watch the Nov 2012 Solar Eclipse from?
There's a solar eclipse going across northern Australia on November 14th, 2012:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_November_13,_2012
Given that climate and weather varies substantially ...
- 159k
20
votes
5
answers
3k
views
Can you go to the Maldives without assistance of a travel agency?
Organizing your travel without agents is almost always cheaper and more fun.
But does that also apply for Maldives? Can I just travel to the Maldives? Do you have some tips or experiences to report?
- 319
80
votes
9
answers
7k
views
How do you avoid "tourist traps" when traveling to a country where you do not speak the language?
Too many easily accessible restaurants and attractions cater heavily to tourists, and, in doing so, create an environment that they feel will be comfortable to people from other cultures.
Spending ...
- 2,682