“Tips on tipping for travelers: when and how much depends on where you are”

by Drew Limsky via “Yahoo! News“

“Tipping has become so ubiquitous (some would say excessive) in the U.S. that it’s not uncommon to see a tip jar next to the register at the corner deli. (Call it the Starbucks effect, but since Starbucks is considered a luxury product, the coin cup seems more apt there.) All that tipping, and its representations in exported American movies and TV shows, has impacted countries around the world. Here’s some guidance on tipping while traveling.

Europe

Americans are beloved in Europe because we tip. We seem almost constitutionally incapable of not tipping. I’d like to agree with most commentators and say that it is not expected, but American habits have changed that calculus. So go ahead and leave a euro at the restaurant or hand a euro to the bellman. For pricier dinner venues, check the menu—it’s supposed to note if the gratuity is included.   . . . .”

“Tips for Preparing Teens for Overseas Travel This Summer”

via “Salem News“

Encourage culturally sensitive and appropriate dress. For example, short shorts and tank tops don’t travel well in most developing countries.

A company that for over 30 years has delivered meaningful international travel experiences for teens offers tips for families sending their children internationally this summer.

“Health precautions, securing documents, packing and communications are at the top of every traveler’s list. There are so many things parents can do in advance of a trip to help things go smoothly,” says Scott von Eschen, President of Adventures Cross-Country (ARCC – http://www.adventurescrosscountry.com/).

Since 1983 Adventures Cross-Country has provided domestic and international cultural experiences through travel that combine service projects, adventure and sometimes language immersion for students ages 13 to 19.

The seasoned professionals at ARCC have combined the best tips and precautions they’ve given parents and teens over the past 30 years and offer this sage advice for the international traveler:

Documents:

•  Keep all important documents (passports, plane tickets, emergency contacts, etc.) organized together in a sealable plastic pouch.  Always know where this pouch is and, if possible, keep it with you at all times.
• Make sure the Passport is valid for 6 months after the return date to the United States.  Countries have become increasingly focused on this requirement in recent years.
• Make 2 color copies of the passport. Keep one copy at home and keep the other in a bag separate from the passport.  These copies will be invaluable for getting a replacement if the passport is lost or stolen.
• Confirm if the country your child is visiting requires a Visa for U.S. citizens.  In some instances (ex. Cambodia and Egypt) you can easily get a visa at the airport when you arrive at your destination.  In others, (ex. China and Vietnam) you will need to get a visa from the nation’s Consulate in the U.S. in advance of departure.  Sometimes this process takes weeks.
• If your child has a serious allergy, carry an explanation of the allergy and warning in the country’s language so restaurants, first responders, etc. can be informed. Select Wisely (www.selectwisely.com) is a service that prints such warnings on cards in multiple languages.

Health Precautions:

• Visit the CDC for health information on your child’s international destination (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list).  Be especially aware of any immunizationsrequired for entry into a country and for current outbreaks (e.g. Yellow Fever card is required to enter Tanzania).  Be sure to do this well in advance of travel as some immunizations require a waiting period before they are active.
• Pack a mini-medical kit with Band-Aids, ibuprofen, motion sickness meds, “traveler’s stomach” remedies, electrolyte powders, etc. (consult your doctor for additional advice on what to pack). . . . .”

“How to Dial “911″ Around the World”

by Carlos Alcos via “Matador Network“

 

Perhaps it’s the “it’ll never happen to me” syndrome why many of us travelers aren’t as prepared as we should be. If you’re in Thailand, Spain, or Bolivia, would you know what number to dial to get some emergency service?

Some history

In 1937, London became the first city to introduce a system where callers could dial a short 3-digit number to get immediate help. They chose 999 as it was difficult to accidentally dial on the old pulse-dial phones. Calling 999 alerted a switch-board operator by sounding a buzzer and flashing a red light.

The first 911 system in North America was set up in Winnipeg, Canada in 1959 and, nine years later, Alabama and Alaska followed suit to bring it to the US. It wasn’t until the 1980s that 911 became a standard under the North American Numbering Plan.

There were many obstacles to overcome such as being routed to the wrong jurisdiction, but with switching technological advances, almost every single location in North America has an accurate 911 service today. . . . .