Whatever you do, don't get paranoid, take ownership of your tiny space. I just returned from Italy where they have no practice of Queing up to check out where we may normally find lines here in the states. Know what you want and then stand firm as you inch your way forward. I am reminded of a trip to a department store in Germany. I had, what German's might have considered, too much personal space (infront of me). Before I knew it, a woman had placed herself between me and the person I was waiting behind. Unfortunate for me, but lesson learned, get close. Remind yourself when you travel - "when in Rome, do as the Romans do". It may help to remind yourself to be less like yourself and more like the locals where you are.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Personal Space
After traveling to several countries, I must state that our beloved country's citizens allow for far more personal space then in others. 
Whatever you do, don't get paranoid, take ownership of your tiny space. I just returned from Italy where they have no practice of Queing up to check out where we may normally find lines here in the states. Know what you want and then stand firm as you inch your way forward. I am reminded of a trip to a department store in Germany. I had, what German's might have considered, too much personal space (infront of me). Before I knew it, a woman had placed herself between me and the person I was waiting behind. Unfortunate for me, but lesson learned, get close. Remind yourself when you travel - "when in Rome, do as the Romans do". It may help to remind yourself to be less like yourself and more like the locals where you are.
Whatever you do, don't get paranoid, take ownership of your tiny space. I just returned from Italy where they have no practice of Queing up to check out where we may normally find lines here in the states. Know what you want and then stand firm as you inch your way forward. I am reminded of a trip to a department store in Germany. I had, what German's might have considered, too much personal space (infront of me). Before I knew it, a woman had placed herself between me and the person I was waiting behind. Unfortunate for me, but lesson learned, get close. Remind yourself when you travel - "when in Rome, do as the Romans do". It may help to remind yourself to be less like yourself and more like the locals where you are.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Tuesday Travel Tips
The War Eagle Travelers team has created Tuesday Travel Tips to help our alumni and friends as they travel near or far. We hope that these tips will help you be efficient, safe and inspired as you see the world on your War Eagle Travelers tours or personal adventures. If you have any comments or suggestions, we would love for you to post them or share them with us. We are the Auburn family and are here to assist however we can. Check out the blog for more info on our upcoming tours, testimonials from travelers or just some fun facts. See you soon. TUESDAY TRAVEL TIP #2 Bring an inexpensive, rubber door stopper. Use it on the inside of your hotel room door when you go to sleep at night. It's easy to pack and gives you added security.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tuesday Travel Tips
Tuesday Travel Tips: #1
Carry small bills to pay taxi drivers: They often don't have change, and it's easier to negotiate down a price with 1's than 20's!
Carry small bills to pay taxi drivers: They often don't have change, and it's easier to negotiate down a price with 1's than 20's!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Cash, Credit or Traveler's Checks Overseas
Consider the many different ways to pay for your travel expenses while traveling overseas.
Cash is best for the first 24 hours of your trip, it will tide you over until you can find the nearest ATM. Foreign currency can be ordered from your local bank or at the destination airport.
Traveler's Checks and check cards are best for emergency backup if you can't find an ATM. There are few merchants that accept Traveler's Checks these days. You're probably better off using a debit card instead of the check cards higher fees.
The safest and most effective way of carrying currency is the credit card. The ATM card may be the best way to get currency for the best rate, but the credit cards have the added security measures such as purchase protection.
Here is some added advice about how to effectively use your credit cards and debit cards.
- Stick to widely accepted credit cards like Visa or MasterCard.
- Call the credit card and ATM card issuers and let them know your travel destinations and the dates you are traveling. If you have not done so, it is possible they could suspend your account.
- Ask your card issuer what sort of fees to expect with every withdrawal or transaction. Every card has a different foreign exchange fee. If you have more then one card, take the card that gets the best rate for withdrawing money and making transactions. You may get a better exchange rate with one card but it may be useless if you are charged high fees for taking out foreign currency by your card issuer.
- Get the card issuers number for international calls should anything go wrong. Ask your card issuer about arrangements if your card is lost or stolen.
- Keep all receipts.
- Prior to departure make sure to check your expiration dates and credit limits of your cards.
Prepaid cards are sometimes given to younger travelers. The cards are easy to carry around, they have the PIN for added security and the ability to reload. However, the prepaid cards have extremely high transaction fees often as high as 7% of your transaction. The prepaid card can be difficult to use abroad, especially at foreign banks' ATM machines.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)