Travel Tip Tuesday : Avoid Unpleasant Food When Traveling
By now you know that I’m a traveling foodie. But that doesn’t always mean that I the most adventurous eater.
In fact, there is a limit to what I will eat ( no brains, intestines, testicles or eyeballs for me!) even if it is considered a delicacy. Not really into snails either.
I always like to arm myself with correct menu translations so that I can avoid any unpleasant foods while traveling.
No embarrassing culinary mishaps for me thankyouverymuch.
Up to this point, I have always recommended the The Marling Menu-Master , which is certainly a great resource.
But now, with the magic of modern technology, there is a new eBook on the scene that would give you the same result, but in a new downloadable format.
Passeport Gastronomique offers foreign menu language translations for France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Sweden and The Netherlands- and even a few combo editions.
It’s a great way to get the info and security, but at a fraction of the cost (under $10) – and with the ease of having it on your Smartphone or eReader (Nook, Kindle) – it means never having to pack or carry around a bulky guidebook. And never having to wonder which of the cow’s stomachs you just ate.
Think you might be interested in downloading any of the Passeport Gastronomique eBooks? If so, I’ve got some great news!
I partnered with the folks over at Travelight books and they have graciously offered my newsletter subscribers a 30% discount on the books for a limited time!
But, you do need to be a Mélange Travel Newsletter subscriber in order to receive the discount.
Not a newsletter subscriber? No worries – just click here to join my newsletter and details on this exclusive subscriber-only offer will be on the way later this week!
Do you remember a time that you wished you had a menu translator? Share it in the comments!
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I wonder what travel tips Cherrye is cooking up today?
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Travel Tip Tuesday : Don’t Forget To….
Have you ever noticed that the busier you are, the more you seem to accomplish and the less you miss? Similarly, I also notice that the more often I travel, the more I have a flawless routine and the less I’m likely to forget something. Practice makes perfect, right?
Conversely, when you don’t travel for a while, it’s very easy to forget those basics that were once ingrained in your brain and used to come naturally to you. It is so easy to forget those simple, basic things that are often ignored, assumed or just taken for granted. It takes time to get your groove back.
This Travel Tip Tuesday, I thought I’d remind us all of some basic travel tips, that can always benefit from repeating!
1. Keep your passport in a safe place. The same place every time. One that you’ll remember. Pull it out from time to time to check the expiration date. Nothing squashes your excitement for a last-minute International trip more than realizing your passport has expired!
2. Take advantage of early, on-line check-in if your airline offers it. I know you may intend to do it, but when you’re running around getting ready and packing, you may just forget. Mark your calendar or set an alarm – make it happen.
3. Call your credit card companies and bank (if you intend to use your ATM card) and inform them of your travels. Always.
4. Make lists. A packing list. A general to-do list. A list for the housesitter or dog walker. Check things off as you go. Revise them. You’re less likely to forget, it puts your mind at ease and can often deter that feeling of ‘I feel like I forgot something’.
5. Wear slip on shoes to the airport. You’ll save time and dirty looks from those in line at airport security.
6. Double, triple and quadruple check your flight times. Trust me on this one, I learned the hard way.
7. Program your airline’s important phone numbers into your cell phone before you leave. At the rate flights are canceled or delayed and with missed connections – you never know when it will come in handy. It’s never a bad idea to call before you leave for the airport, just to make sure there haven’t been any changes to your flights either.
8. Hold your mail at the post office. Especially during long trips.
9. Write down and bring the name, address and phone number for your hotel. You’d be surprised how many forget it – and perhaps how many taxi drivers don’t know where that hotel is!
Now it’s your turn. I’d love for you to share a tip in the comments.
What is something basic that you always forget when traveling? And how do you avoid missing the basics?
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Get your second dose of travel tips from Cherrye!
Travel Tip Tuesday : Italian Hand Gestures
Whether you have been to Italy, have Italian-American neighbors, watched Italian films or read many memoirs about Italy – you’ve surely heard by now that many Italians speak with their hands. In fact, they have their own brand of sign language. They are the masters of the unspoken art of the hand gesture.
I’m not Italian, but I fall into the category of being very animated and often flail my hands about when I’m speaking. The difference with me is that I’m sure no one could actually understand what I’m trying to say with my hand gestures. Unless of course you’re the dude that cut me off of the road the other day. In that case, I’m sure everyone could understand that universal hand gesture. But, I digress.
If you’re like me, and have always wondered what some of these hand gestures are and what they mean, I suggest you pick up a copy of Speak Italian: The Fine Art of the Gesture
The book covers many gestures ranging from “Do you have a cigarette?” to “Call me”. It shows you how to ask for a drink and how to mention that something is excellent.
I’m certainly not suggesting that hand gestures should replace your study of Travel Italian for your vacation, or that you should even attempt to communicate using some hand gestures. But, what I do think is that it may come in handy knowing some of these gestures and it may help you prevent any misunderstandings, embarrassment or worse yet – insulting the locals.
One example that comes to mind is the difference between how Americans and Italians count using their hands. When Americans want to use their hands to show the number ‘one’ – we hold up our index finger and count up from there. When Italians count, they start with their thumb as the number ‘one’. So while you’re holding up your index and middle fingers to indicate ‘two’, this may be confusing, as this would be ‘three’ for Italians, as they would start the count with their thumb.
So, while you think you’re giving someone the ‘thumbs-up’, Italians may thinking you’re counting. And when you may be flashing a peace-sign – they may think your saying ‘I really have to go’.
While this certainly isn’t harmful or insulting to anyone – it’s just a small nuance that may or may not be a little confusing. And that might not necessarily be a bad thing. In fact, it may lead to a rather funny and memorable exchange.
So what do you think? Do you have a favorite Italian hand gesture? Would you attempt to try any hand gestures during your travels to Italy?
Travel Tip Tuesday : New Tourist Tax for Rome
Starting January 1, 2011, the city of Rome will be enforcing a new tourist tax for visitors – both foreigners and Italians who aren’t residents of Rome.
According to the new law passed on December 23rd, a fee from one to three euro per person, per night, will be added to your hotel bill. The amount of the tax will vary based on the value of your accommodation. Campsites will have a one euro tax and four or five-star hotels will face the maximum fee of three euro.
And if you think that you can avoid this fee by staying in a bed and breakfast or apartment – think again. The tourist tax applies to those as well.
Families with small children can rest a little easier though, as children under 10 years of age are exempt.
The tourist tax will also apply to sightseeing bus tours and boats on the city’s Tiber river.
Supposedly, the tax money collected – an estimated 70 to 80 million euros - will go toward improving public transportation, street cleaning and the maintenance of archaeological sites, while 5% of what’s collected will be reinvested to promote tourism in Rome.
When I see pictures and read about the recent collapse of ancient ruins in Pompeii, it truly breaks my heart. And though I am not a money tree, I certainly don’t mind helping to do my part to keep the same thing from happening to important ancient structures in Rome. So, if it’s true that this levied tax will, in fact, be used to prevent such destruction in Rome, then I’ll happily fork over the dough.
My advise to you when booking your upcoming accommodation, would be to ask the hotel, b&b or apartment directly what your tax rate will be. This way there are no surprises upon check-out, and you can plan for the tax in your budget – since it can add up quickly with several in your party or for a lengthy stay.
So,what about you? Will this deter any plans you have to stay in Rome, or perhaps shorten your visit? Will you happily pay the tax to help with upkeep of the historical monuments in Rome?
Travel Tip Tuesday : Three Free Paris Holiday Events
The holiday season is in full force both here and Europe. Recently I posted about Christmas Markets in Paris, but this Travel Tip Tuesday, I wanted to share a few more free holiday festivities to take advantage of if you happen to be traveling to Paris from now through the end of the year.
1. Paris Illuminated. It’s no secret that the Champs-Elysées is a spectacular sight with its energy-saving lights on the 400 trees that line the grand boulevard from Place de l’Etoile to the Place de la Concorde during the holidays. But during the months of December and January, many other neighborhoods join in the celebration. Over 100 streets and squares in Paris, in almost every arrondissement, erect Christmas trees, decorations and colored holiday lights – each one prettier than the next. Check the ParisInfo.com website for details and specific locations.
2. Holiday Lights at Paris’s Department Stores. If you think the holiday department store windows in New York are something special, just wait until you see what the French have to offer! End of the year festivities at Paris’s big department stores include decking out their facades in colorful lights and enlisting the help of designers to create their inventive and elaborate window displays; themes change every year. Visit the big four – Le Bon Marché, BHV, Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. And don’t forget to visit the interior courtyard of Galeries Lafayette where you can drool over their massive 20 meter high Christmas tree which glows with over 5,000 lights!
3. Christmas Sound and Light Show. Notre-Dame hosts a daily spectacular light, music and ’nativity in art’ show on a giant screen hanging in the nave. On-going performances happen about every 30 minutes and feature recordings of Notre Dame’s choir and organ. An added bonus is viewing Paris’s Christmas tree, which graces the square in front of the iconic cathedral. Admission is free, but donations are always welcome!
What are your favorite free holiday events in Paris? Share in the comments.
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Travel Tip Tuesday : Ila Wedge Door Alarm
I have traveled solo before. And though I am not the type that scares easily, or reads too much into those creepy sounds and bumps in the night, I can understand how some would-be-solo-travelers might be a bit freaked out at the thought of sleeping alone in a strange place. Especially when the desk clerk looks a bit sketchy, other guests look creepy, the neighborhood seems dicey or the hotel room door is paper-thin with flimsy locks.
Regardless of gender, not being able to get a good night sleep because you are a nervous wreck is no way to spend a vacation or perhaps a business trip. Especially if you need that good night’s sleep to be your best at that important presentation the next morning.
So, when the folks responsible for the Ila Wedge contacted me to see if I would be interested in reviewing their product, I was happy to do so. And I was immediately hopeful that I would not only like the product, but that it would offer solo travelers an extra layer of security during their travels.
When I received the Ila Wedge, I noticed right away how lightweight and portable it is, only 3.6 oz., which is especially important to me, being a carry-on traveler. Another bonus was the fact that it worked right out of the package. No batteries to buy or install. I like that. Really like that.
I tested the wedge under two different doors in my house, by slipping them under at a 90 degree angle. In both instances, when the door was opened, the high-pitched 130 decibel alarm sounded immediately and the wedge made it impossible for the door to be opened any further. The only thing I would caution against would be pushing the wedge too far under the door – as that sets off the alarm. So tread lightly.
© Ila Wedge
My home has hardwood floors throughout, so it wasn’t possible for me to test this on a carpeted surface. But given the design and rubber grips on the bottom of the wedge, I feel it would work just fine.
And though I’m sure they are trying to reach the female demographic, the wedge is a bit too girlie for a man to carry around, in my opinion. Perhaps Ila would introduce a solid color model that would be more attractive to a wider audience.
Sleep may come a bit easier and certainly more soundly for nervous solo travelers that have this helpful gadget. In fact, it would make an excellent holiday gift for a special traveller in your life! The Ila Wedge is available at the handpickedgiftstore.com or dailygrommet.com .
Disclosure : I received a complimentary Ila Wedge for the purpose of this review. I received no other compensation and as always, the opinions expressed here are completely my own.
Do you have experience using a product like this? Tell us about it. As a solo traveler, would you feel safer using a door alarm?
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Don’t forget to visit Cherrye for your double dose of travel tips today!
Travel Tip Tuesday : Five Free Android Apps for Travel
I know that some may feel you’re no one without an iPhone these days. And I’m sure the folks involved with Android certainly don’t agree. Up to this point I have been drooling over the thought of purchasing my first iPhone, but I haven’t succumbed to making that purchase.
But now that I hear people, important people, singing the praises of Android smartphones, I’m really considering jumping off the iPhone bandwagon and onto the Android one.
My own Verizon contract is up next month, and I have been considering an Android phone. This means, I’ve also been researching (read drooling over) all the cool apps available. And that got me remembering last month’s post 10 Free iPhone Travel Apps on which Andi commented and asked me to do a post about Android travel apps.
Seems the universe is trying to tell me something. I guess now might be a good time to list some cool travel apps for the Android. And because I like traveling on a budget, I’ve picked freebies. {Clicking on the links below will bring you to the download screen for each app.}
1. One of my favorite travel online search engines, Kayak, has a free android app. Perform many of the same functions like searches for flights, hotels, cars, deals and flight tracker. It even has an airlines directory, which is great for getting in touch with an airline quickly if you need too.
2. Though I can’t promise the conversion appearing in larger than life numbers on the screen will make you happy, I can promise that it will at least be accurate. My favorite currency converter Xe.com is available for free on the Android. The shake to refresh is a cool bonus.
3. Trip Journal is a cool way to track your vacation. The sleek and easy to use app tracks your movements with the GPS chip in the phone and any photos you take along the way. You can also insert photos, video and notes. The lite version is free, but for 2.99€ you can get the full app which allows integration with Picasa, Flickr and YouTube. I don’t know that it will take the place of a hand-written journal, but I’d be willing to bet it will for some.
4. Better than a phrase book and cheaper than a personal translator is the free Android app Talk to Me. It makes traveling to a foreign country easier. This app allows you to speak your word or phrase in English, and the translator will say the words back in whichever language you choose. Now you’ll have no excuse for not conversing with the locals!
5. The lightning fast Geodelic app allows you to effortlessly browse your location and surroundings to instantly find the nearest restaurant, bank, theater, shop and more. Restaurants come loaded with menus, even a tip calculator. Travel options include tracking of flight departures and even luggage restrictions. The best part is the learning feature, which offers an exclusive personalized experience; the more you use, the smarter it becomes – it becomes more you, without any effort.
And of course, I’ll keep you updated with new travel apps I discover if I do end up getting that Android based Smartphone.
Now it’s your turn to share your favorite Android travel apps in the comments!
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For your double dose of travel tips, head over to Cherrye’s blog.
Travel Tip Tuesday : Italy’s Free Museum Nights
As a huge proponent of budget travel, I get excited when I see things pop up for free or very cheap in Europe. And I get even more excited about sharing them with you.
This Travel Tip Tuesday I am happy to announce that Italy is hosting a special event called Martedi in Arte, which translates to Tuesday in Art.
The Italian government is sympathetic to the economic woes of travelers, and as such has decided to give art and culture lovers a little break by offering free admission to select museums on the last Tuesday evening of the month between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m..
The program is only running through the end on the year, which means that you’ll only have three possible opportunities to take advantage of the discount; October 26th, November 30th and December 28th, 2010.
Many popular museums in Rome, Venice, Florence and Tuscany are included, as well as a few in other regions like Campania, Emilia-Romagna and Puglia.
For a complete listing of museums check the Martedi in Arte list.
Do you think you’ll be taking advantage? Which Italy museums would be on your ‘free’ list?
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Travel Tip Tuesday : Three Packable, Stylish Travel Totes
You know how I’m always on the lookout for functional products that make life easier? Well, I am. And when said products enable folks to pack lighter and keep the planet green, while remaining somewhat stylish, it makes the Carry On Queen in me happy.
This Travel Tip Tuesday, I wanted to share a few packable, eco-friendly, stylish totes that can be used during your travels as a purse, day-pack, market bag, beach tote or just some extra space for travel souvenirs when you have no room left in your luggage.
Here are three affordable options that you should consider bringing along on your next vacay.
1. Baggu Bags
© Baggu
These totes fold flat into a 5″ x 5″ pouch, which makes them perfect to tuck into that top pocket of your suitcase or in between your t-shirts. Made of rip-stop nylon these machine washable totes are available in an array of rainbow colors, stripes and florals. But perhaps the most stylish is the recent addition on the No. 6 line – a colorful collection of animal prints. Grrrrrrroooowl. Priced from $8 – $12.
© Flip and Tumble
These little cuties pack up into a tiny ball, the size of a pair of socks – which makes them the perfect size to toss into your luggage. They have several styles, many of which sling over your shoulder, which are better than the short handled version. They come in both solids and prints and range in price from $5 to $12, making them a great buy. And the best part – when you feel you’ve gotten your money’s worth – you can send them back to the company and they’ll recycle them.
3. ChicoBag
© Chicobag
ChicoBag’s original model may be a bit boring, so opt for the Vita, or the Vintage, Nature and Karma collections which all have fun graphic designs. Though they may not be quite as compact, one feature the other two brands mentioned don’t have is the addition of a lightweight aluminum carabiner on each little storage pouch. The idea being that you can ‘clip’ your ChicoBag somewhere and never loose it.
For travel, this might work well if you attached yours to your suitcase. As part of ChicoBag’s Zero Waste Program consumers are encouraged to send in reusable bags, functional or not, so that they can either distribute them to low income families or recycle them into useful products. Bags range from $6 – $13.
Would you use something like this when you travel? Have you used one of these bags before?
Tell us about it in the comments.
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Don’t forget to pop on over to see Cherrye’s travel tips!
Travel Tip Tuesday : Ten Free iPhone Travel Apps
I’ve written about plenty of travel apps for both the iPhone and Blackberry before. Specifically apps for Rome, Paris and free Blackberry apps.
But, with technology moving at the speed of light – there’s always something new that pops up. In fact, right after I hit that ‘publish’ button on a post - I’m sure somewhere, someone has just released a new travel app.
This Travel Tip Tuesday, Kelly is sharing ten of her favorite iPhone Travel Apps. And the best part – they are all free!
Here’s Kelly -
It’s finally happened. This formerly loyal Blackberry girl is questioning her devotion and all because of apps.
Over the summer, my gluten-free father and I took a road trip to attend a family wedding. I figured our biggest problem would be finding places he could eat, but with two swipes of his finger across the iPhone’s screen, he had a list of restaurants friendly to his diet.
It was enough to have some palpable envy brewing on my part, jealous of all those vagabonds and nomads able to use their iPhones as they trot the globe.
If iPhones are your style, hopefully you’ll find these free (who doesn’t love a freebie) apps to your liking :
This is a great one! 165 countries listed and broken down so you won’t find yourself stepping on local toes. It has everything from Personal Space to Gender Issues, Taboos to Greetings. If you’re looking to blend in – this is the app for you.
Ever been to Scotland in January? I wouldn’t recommend it unless you fancy blue toes. This app certainly would have helped me and my best friend as we braved one of Scotland’s coldest winters. Don’t travel without it!
3. Skype
The wanderer’s best friend. Instant message anyone on the globe and call fellow Skype users for free! Easy, fast and excellent for travels long and short. A few bugs still exist in the video function, but once that is fixed this app will be perfect.
4. French Travel Free / Italian Travel Free
This is a sample version of an app you must pay for. It covers basic translations from greetings to emergency services and offers real voice translations so you know just how long to roll those Rs. It sounds like a good introduction for those looking to pick up a few key phrases along their travels.
5. Currency
When I lived in Florence, I was constantly watching the currency yo-yo back and forth. An app like this would have suited me well back then and still would today. With over 100 currencies to compare, this app is guaranteed to keep you financially on track.
6. Tripwolf
Now here is a great find! This app combines the best information from trusted travel guides – leaving you with access to thousands of points of interest. You can write reviews, add photos and star favorite places too. Worried about Wi-Fi charges? You can download your travel guide before you leave and browse offline at your leisure.
Nothing is better than reliving your abroad adventures and this app lets you do just that. Write, take pictures and map your experiences as you go. So when you find yourself craving the sight of the Italian countryside or the sun setting behind the Eiffel tower, it’s all just a click away!
8. TripDeck
Built for the busy business traveler and the organizationally challenged. This app keeps it all under control. Hotel reservations, car rentals, flights, restaurants – your entire itinerary is in the palm of your hand.
9. Travel Yoga
Talk about a unique app! Created by Darrin Zeer, who spent seven years in Asia studying the Eastern arts of healing, this app ensures that you arrive by plane, train or car feeling relaxed. Namaste.
10. Flook
From quiet pubs to quirky cafes, this app helps to find them all. It’s a great way to dig deep into a city and find those local haunts that will make your trip unforgettable.
Know of any free travel apps we didn’t mention here? Tried any of these and found them lacking?
Share your knowledge, traveler!
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Written by : Kelly Gallucci Photo Credit : Gonzalo Baeza Hernandez
