Apr 29th, 2012 at 11:00AM: This is a debate I encounter all the time, whether on the road or at home talking to friends. Technically, if you drive to the store to buy milk or go for a jog around the block you're "traveling," but what about the perception most people have of what travel really is?
After asking many people about this topic, it seems as though the answer often depends on what kind of travel experience the ...Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
internationaltravel posts
Is Traveling Without A Passport Really Traveling?
Apr 29th, 2012 at 11:00AM: This is a debate I encounter all the time, whether on the road or at home talking to friends. Technically, if you drive to the store to buy milk or go for a jog around the block you're "traveling," but what about the perception most people have of what travel really is?
After asking many people about this topic, it seems as though the answer often depends on what kind of travel experience the ...US Airports Spend Billions On International Expansion
Apr 18th, 2012 at 4:00PM: The American airports of tomorrow are being built today as ongoing projects take shape to handle an increasing number of fliers. Around the country, projects are being considered, underway or nearing completion as travelers from around the world make their way to the United States.
As reported by Aviation Pros, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's nearly $350 million comprehensive ...Photo of the Day: Duty free Flamenco
Feb 16th, 2012 at 7:30PM:
After many years of international travel, I've learned that duty free isn't necessarily a deal. Unless you're a smoker or live in a country where alcohol is heavily taxed (like Turkey), you won't find much value among the jumbo-sized Toblerone bars or rows of designer perfumes. But I still enjoy the ritual of browsing through the shop, trying some free samples, and maybe taking home a tasty ...Ask Gadling: Your name/nationality/religion/race makes the locals hostile
Oct 11th, 2010 at 3:00PM:
In a perfect world, every place would be friendly and welcoming to foreigners, no matter their background or lifestyle. However, history, politics, religion, and just plain ignorance means some countries can be hostile to certain travelers based on race, faith, nationality, sexual orientation, or gender. While careful consideration should be given before traveling to potentially hostile ...Women travelers have the world at their fingertips with Pink Pangea's website
Aug 24th, 2010 at 2:00PM: I'm usually allergic to pastels and anything labeled "women-specific," but Pink Pangea has won me over. The new women's travel site was launched in June, by world traveler Rachel Trager and two similar-minded female friends. The trio work for an organization that finds overseas volunteer/internship placements for young adults.
Named for the supercontinent that existed 250 million years ago, ...Bring bourbon - International travel tip
Jun 24th, 2010 at 11:03AM: Many countries have limited access to American-made Bourbon Whiskey, but people outside the U.S. love the stuff. With the American dollar at an all-time low, it's a good idea to have something to barter with overseas.
Some Japanese will spend the equivalent of $40 for a handle of cheap whiskey that costs $20 or less in America. So, bring a few bottles of your favorite bourbon to your country of ...Stay with missionaries when traveling - International travel tip
Jun 23rd, 2010 at 11:03AM: If you're affiliated with a church group, contact the missionaries in the country you want to visit. Staying with them will offer you the opportunity to see life as it's lived daily by "real" locals; provide a rent-free (or very inexpensive) place to live; and if you offer to help the missionaries with some projects (something as simple as babysitting to give them a day off), you will endear ...Trade souvenirs when traveling - International travel tip
Jun 22nd, 2010 at 11:03AM: That White Sox hat you're wearing above your "I hiked the Grand Canyon" t-shirt may be a hot commodity in some countries. Many items we take for granted are both unique and highly sought-after in many foreign nations.
If you find something at a vendor's stall you like, offer that vendor something of yours in exchange for that good. Maybe he'd like your hat, or that extra shirt in your bag. ...Workout with the locals - International travel tip
Jun 21st, 2010 at 11:03AM: I'm a black belt in Kenpo Karate and I hate missing a workout. The workouts keep me sane and balanced during periods of long travel. During one particularly long stint, I covered 22 countries in 18 month's time. At every stop, I asked the hotel concierge to book a karate program with the local master.
In Tokyo, I worked with Shorinji Kenpo in an elementary school; in Stockholm I worked out at ...Travel by bus - International travel tip
Jun 21st, 2010 at 11:03AM: Americans are used to either flying to a destination or driving on the interstate. However, don't pass up the chance to take the bus when traveling abroad.
Many bus companies offer more luxury accommodations than the national airline. Moreover, the cost is usually comparatively low -- even for long distance travel. Additionally, bus travel gives you the chance to see the local scenery and meet ...Travel to U.S. off 5 percent in 2009
Mar 27th, 2010 at 3:00PM: The numbers are finally in: international visitation to the United States reached 54.9 million last year, down 5 percent from 2008. The top markets, as usual, were Canada and Mexico, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Commerce, both of which posted year-over-year declines. South America, Oceana and Asia, meanwhile, put up the strongest growth in travel to the United States in the ...Brush your teeth with bottled water - International travel tip
Mar 24th, 2010 at 10:25AM: When traveling in certain countries, it's important to drink bottled water in order to prevent illness, right?
What many people don't realize is that they should also brush their teeth with bottled water. Even though the water from the tap is usually not swallowed when brushing, dangerous bacteria can still enter the mouth through contact. ...Restuarants may be closed during holidays - International travel tip
Mar 10th, 2010 at 9:54AM: 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 ...Use a prepaid travel card - International travel tip
Mar 4th, 2010 at 11:09AM: Everyone knows about taking traveler's checks when they travel, but what about taking prepaid travel cards? They're easy and convenient to use, and many major credit card companies offer them now, like Visa and MasterCard.
They work just like debit cards, and you can use them the same way you use an ATM card. They also offer the same security as traveler's checks without having to exchange them ...Seek local flavor by creating a food "theme" for your travels - International travel tip
Feb 24th, 2010 at 10:56AM: Find a way to link the unfamiliar with the familiar.
While honeymooning in Greece, my husband and I discovered oregano flavored potato chips at a local supermarket. Thus began our quest to seek out "locally-flavored" chips wherever we traveled -- paprika chips in Hungary, Maui onion chips in Hawaii, seaweed chips in Hong Kong, jalapeno chips in Mexico...
Find your own tradition and each ...Keep your wallet in your front pocket - International travel tip
Feb 21st, 2010 at 11:08AM: Time and again, tourists come home from vacation having had their wallet stolen. In many countries, the locals have certain tricks to distract you so they can steal your wallet. Keeping it in your back pocket is potentially a bad idea, because you can't see it or feel it if someone moves it.
Be smart while traveling in unfamiliar places: transfer your wallet to your front pocket. Consider ...Don't forget the toilet paper - International travel tip
Feb 19th, 2010 at 9:15AM: Although Americans are accustomed to sit down toilets and a full roll of toilet paper within arm's reach, not all countries provide the same luxuries.
South Korea, for example, is infamous for its hole-in-the-ground toilets, with complimentary toilet paper rarely seen in bathroom stalls.
To avoid a potentially messy situation, always carry a travel-sized roll of toilet paper with you. A ...Carry a notepad - International travel tip
Feb 4th, 2010 at 1:06PM: When traveling in countries where you don't speak the language, always have a notepad and pen handy to help you communicate with others.
Written communication is clearer than spoken communication when there is a language barrier to overcome. The French train ticket agent might not understand what you are saying, but when you write your destination on a piece of paper, there will be no ...International travel tip: get your hotel's phone number
Jan 17th, 2010 at 12:50PM: To make the most out of your international trip, whether business or pleasure, skip the bus and taxi. Sure, they make getting around easier, but you'll miss the flavor and excitement of your destination. Instead, ask your hotel concierge or front-desk clerk for a map and directions. Review them a few times to be sure you're clear, and highlight your route -- then hoof it.
But the most important ...Check your insurance - International travel tip
Jan 13th, 2010 at 6:18AM: One the most important -- and overlooked -- things to do before traveling abroad is to check into your medical insurance coverage.
Call your insurance company to see if you and your family are covered overseas. This is especially important for destinations where disease and illness is more common, or for trips where a lot of physical activity occurs. If your medical insurance doesn't extend ...
