Locals in the Know

What Items To Bring On A Trip To Canada

admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Deciding on what items to bring on a trip to Canada completely depends on where you are going and when you are going there. Obviously, you need to bring things like an ID, your passport, medication, money, basic toiletries, etc., etc. When it comes to clothing, though, it depends on what you are going to need. If you are going in the Summer time, it’s going to be hot and it’s going to be humid, for the most part at least. With that in mind, bring loose, clothing like shorts, t-shirts, short dresses, etc. You can bring pants and a sweater for night time, and since rain is not out of the ordinary for summer, bring a umbrella and/ or a poncho.

In terms of winter weather, the further North you go the colder it is going to get. Things like sweaters, coats, long pants, scarfs, gloves, and other cold weather gear is fine for the southern parts like Toronto and Vancouver, but the further North you go the more intense cold weather gear you will need. For example, going up to Winnipeg, Edmonton, or the Yukon territory calls for a layering with some very serious jackets and sweaters for cold weather.

What Items To Bring On A Trip To Japan

admin — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A good thing to bring to Japan with you is some Yen. Yen is the currency that is used throughout Japan, so it is a very good idea to always carry Yen on you. Some places in Japan may not accept credit cards, so this is another incentive to bring Yen around with you wherever you go in japan. Exchange your dollars for Yen before you leave the airport in your country.

This may sound dumb, but try to bring comfortable shoes that you can easily slide on and off. The reason for this is because many places in Japan likes to make sure guests have their shoes off indoors, as this is Japanese culture.

Pack loose fitting clothing. The reason for this is because a lot of restaurants in Japan require guests to sit down on pillows or mats. Wearing loose fitting clothes provide more comfort than tight clothes if you have to eat sitting down on pillows or mats.

Another thing you will want to pack for your trip to Japan is a handkerchief. This is a good idea because most Japanese bathrooms have no hand towels or hand dryers, so you’ll be able to user your handkerchief to dry your hands.

What Items To Bring On A Trip To China

admin — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

China is a beautiful country that is certainly more than just a Great Wall. With several dynasties worth of monuments and temples there are no shortage of destinations. However not every area in China offers the same items you might expect. There are a few things you can pack before you leave in order to make sure you spend your time looking at the sights rather than looking for a store.

When traveling in the US and Europe you may take for granted how easy it is to hop down to the corner store to buy aspirin or something to help an upset stomach. Depending on where you are in China you may have trouble finding the standard over the counter remedies. Given the water quality in China it is quite possible that you may experience some bowel issues so be sure to bring something to help with that.

Secondly, be aware of the season in China. With a country as large as China you can experience a wide range of temperature so be sure to pack your clothes accordingly.

Lastly if you plan on bring electronics such as a computer or phone be sure to purchase the correct power adapter otherwise your battery life will be short lived.

With some smart packing you are sure to have a fantastic visit.

Travel Wirelessly

www.localsintheknow.com — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0000

While a good vacation should feel wireless in the “no strings attached” sense of the word, in terms of technological advancements, wireless internet is changing the way people travel the world over. From cell phones to shiny new tablets, there’s no right or wrong way to access the internet at home, on the move or abroad, rather a plethora of methods at your disposal. However, with more opportunity comes a greater risk that either coverage plans or the technology itself will be misunderstood, resulting in unwanted, unintended charges. Here are a few tips to safeguard against common wireless internet user errors.Turn off data roaming For most wireless provider packages, your data usage plan will not apply internationally. Instead, you will most likely be subject to the local service provider and whatever default charges are offered (generally not in your best interest). As a result, minimize your data consumption when traveling outside the country. This includes internet usage and many apps you would otherwise use with frequency.Use free wireless when offered Many airports, such as Las Vegas, for example, offer free WiFi service. When available, this will enable you to switch out of data usage mode and instead rely on free internet. This can provide some relief in airports abroad, or other similarly generous establishments, helping to circumvent outrageous aforementioned data charges.Let friends and family know you’ll be gone When your phone rings less and/or you’re receiving less emails, the temptation to use your wireless device as you normally would is reduced accordingly. Plan ahead and handle any pressing matters in the weeks before your trip.Though technology is meant to reduce stress and, in some cases, actually save money, coming home with a large wireless bill as your most expensive souvenir is no way to cap off your travel experience. Remember, there’s really no such thing as a “smart phone,” only smart people.

Bringing Back the Travel Basics

www.localsintheknow.com — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

What is the safest method of travel? Without a doubt,the field trip. After all, society takes particularly well thought out precautions in regards to the safety of our youth. Though most adults have outgrown traveling in large groups by school bus to destinations chosen by authority figures, perhaps some traditions can be borrowed from the school-year glory days to ensure safety, even when traveling abroad. Traveling to a foreign nation particularly one with significant cultural or language barriers, is inherently dangerous in that there is no way to stay as alert or aware as you would if you were fully cognizant of the signage and customs surrounding you. As a result, consider the following safety advice in order to practice “field trip” safety throughout the full field of travel.Follow the Plan Teachers may not schedule your trips and set the itinerary, but this does not mean your travels should be completely on a whim. Research your trip prior to booking and make sure the local climate (both politically and seasonally) is one suitable for travel, potentially in less heavily trafficked countries. Many things taken for granted in the western world, such as government stability, are not as firmly reliable in much of the world. Yes, there is a place for spontaneity, but that place is within the relatively familiar borders of your native country.Buddy System It’s true there is strength in numbers. Traveling in groups of 2 or more greatly reduced the risk you’ll be bothered or taken advantage of by those out for harm, instead opting for more easily outnumbered targets. Pair up before beginning your travels or taking any planned excursions so as no one is left behind or alone in an uncomfortable situation. It is strongly recommended that women, in particular, avoid traveling solo in areas with which they are not familiar, as they more often fall victim to street crimes.

Save a Few Bucks While Abroad

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:53:07 +0000

Any international trip, whether business or pleasure is a little bit better when you have some more money to spend floating around in your wallet. At the same time, travel can be very expensive between costs of transportation and lodging, forcing people to strictly budget their activity while on the road. For those who want to perhaps pick up an extra souvenir or two at a gift shop, or cut loose from the strictly allocated expense account, here are a two money saving tips to keep in mind.Shop/Eat at places you recognize Any shop or store near a hotel will most likely have higher than market prices. Take Mexico for example. Just because a place has a Spanish sounding name, doesn’t mean it caters to locals or will be any less expensive. For basic items you may have forgotten to pack, in addition to generic food and drink, consider making your way to Mexican Wal-mart (yes, they have Wal-marts in foreign countries, and just like at home that’s really where most locals shop). Almost all major chains are actually international, especially in the fast food realm. If you feel like you’re selling yourself short on the international experience, consider that Mexican McDonald’s has many local menu items not available in the states, including McPatatas (not just another word for fries), McMolletes, Pollo Escabeche, guacamole topped burgers and a variety of spiced up egg combinations for breakfast, just to name a few but beware, though El Pescador sounds fancy and exotic, it’s just your standard Filet-O-Fish.Stay away from the hotel bar A beer tastes the same whether it’s store-bought or poured by your hotel bartender, the only difference is in the price. Even if you factor out a tip, which may be added on without your knowledge, a hotel beer is likely 5 times as much as you would pay at a supermarket or convenience store. This is partially due to the convenience factor of not having to leave hotel grounds to grab a beverage, not to mention stores often sell in bulk, reducing the price of individual items purchased.

Hostel vs. Hotel: the Extra ‘s’ is for Social

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:52:18 +0000

Hopefully Eli Roth hasn’t terrified too many travelers from the horizon-expanding cultural experience staying in a hostel can provide (not to mention Eastern Europe all together, which is quite lovely to be honest). Less expensive and more sociable than traditional hotels, hostels cater particularly well younger crowds, at least those young at heart, who might be more budgeted in their sightseeing, not to mention more open minded and appreciative of meeting new people along the way. Traditional hostels are rental based operations, allowing newcomers to rent a bed or bunk bed in a dormitory type-setting, often sharing a bathroom, lounge and or kitchen with the other occupants. Though the term “Youth Hostel” is commonly assigned most hostel accommodations, it’s actually a misnomer. In most countries, there will be no I.D. checks to make sure any renter is under a certain age (not to say you won’t need some sort of identification just to check-in).Of course, with a hostel’s more relaxed, informal environment, those who choose to stay there must be more careful with their possessions. While it can be great to meet interesting new people over the course of your travels, bear in mind that these people are, in fact, still strangers. Common sense should apply in regards to leaving valuables out in the open or in easily accessible hiding places. Careless young travelers are easy targets for pickpockets and small-time thieves. Also, privacy may be an issue for some, as shared accommodations creates a more open environment, less shielded to excessive noise or lifestyle choices some may find unappealing. On the other hand, for many college students and recent graduates who are perhaps more accustomed to similar living situations, a hostel is little more than a familiar cheap stay in a land far away. For anyone with a sense of adventure and limited checking account, a hostel is arguably the best way to see a foreign country at an affordable price.

Get a Fair Shake for Cab Fares but Safety First (continued)

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:51:34 +0000

Request GPS Ask if the driver has a GPS device he or she can enter the destination into, ensuring your ride covers the most exact destination. If you are unfamiliar with the city this will prohibit drivers from adding unnecessary miles to trips or taking higher traffic routes.Pay by Credit Many cabs now take credit cards, though some may claim the machine is broken or that they do not in fact take charge. Verify with the cab company whether or not this is true prior to calling a cab. These machines are implemented by cab companies to provide convenience and additional driver accountability. Furthermore, an additional trip by the ATM will add both miles and time to the meter.Is this actually a taxi? Depending on your destination, a seemingly harmless activity like hailing a cab can be a more dangerous activity than you might realize. In less developed countries, use common sense in regards to soliciting a taxi. In some places, taxi scam operations have resulted in kidnapping and even homicide, with women at a higher risk than men. Inebriated tourists are also more vulnerable. Make sure any vehicle you set foot into clearly indicates its taxi company affiliation, preferably a company you have heard of, seen around town or at least with some sort of professional lettering and authentication certificate. Even if your cab seems legitimate enough from the outside, do a quick visual check inside the cabs interior. Check for door handles to make sure you can open the door from the inside. Also, make sure the tabs on the locks haven’t been filed down in an effort to make pulling them up to the unlocked position either difficult or painful. If you are particularly worried about potentially dangerous cab, stick to taxi stands or have your hotel arrange your taxi accommodations for you. While a good price is always nice, remember, safety first.

Get a Fair Shake for Cab Fares but Safety First

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:50:46 +0000

Getting around for many vacationers, particularly those under 25 (when car rental is as much of an option as early retirement), can be a hassle in and of itself. Taxis are often the most common mode of transportation for travelers without the means or requisite international driving qualifications to provide their own vehicle. The taxi industry feeds off of or preys upon tourists, depending on your perspective. Not to say there aren’t plenty of honest taxi drivers out there, but the ride rental system is often manipulated easily, resulting in an accelerated meter or unwarranted additional charges. Here are a few tips to make sure your cab fares stay well, fair.Get away from the airport Assuming you aren’t carrying an excessive amount of luggage and can verify that you are in a reasonably safe area of town, venture a ways down the road before hailing a cab. Maybe even stop off at a restaurant a few blocks away and have a drink or meal with your travel companions. The price many airport cab drivers charge is often more appropriate for door to door limo service, even when cab companies offer a flat rate airport charge. Not to mention, a driver looking to take advantage of tourists would immediately target airport arrivals, as most are new in town and unfamiliar with standard pricing.Carry smaller bills Carrying smaller bills will prevent a cab driver from claiming he or she doesn’t have change for say a 20, 50 or 100. Though this may be true, it could just as easily be a trap in hopes of a more than generous tip. Also, in foreign countries, try to pay with local currency if possible as taxi exchange rates will most likely favor the person doing the math. It may help to negotiate your fare in advance, avoiding any surprise charges along the way.

Funding Your Fun

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:50:02 +0000

While traveling to new and exciting places can be one of the great joys in life, finding yourself stranded and penniless in a place you are unfamiliar with can be not only annoying but dangerous. In addition to allowing for amenities and souvenirs throughout your trip, access to finances are essential in providing for your basic mobility and resulting safety. Of course, a lot of less experienced travelers expect for the same general checking and withdrawal processes to hold true, even overseas. Before you leave home, follow this general money guide to be sure you’ve accounted for the necessary funds to guarantee your fun.Know Key Info About Travelers Checks Travelers checks, contrary to some people’s popular belief, are not as good as gold. Actually perhaps the best analogy would be credit cards, as there are several different brands of travelers checks, many of which are accepted in different places, others not so much. First, find out what types of travelers checks are accepted within the country you’re visited, not to mention how common they are/ widely they’re used. Major tourist destinations are more likely to take travelers checks universally, but if you go off the beaten path a bit, be sure bring auxiliary payment methods with you.Let Credit Card Companies Work For You Having a credit card denied is uncomfortable whether you’re across town, across the country or across the ocean. Unusual spending habits, as often occur on vacation, not to mention credit card use in unfamiliar locations, is a code red for your plastic protectors. Be sure to notify credit card companies where you will be and how long you will be gone. In addition to dialing back security precautions, the company can also let you know approximately how widely their credit card is accepted in your destination and if it is accepted at specific venues.Use the ATM wisely ATMs, in foreign countries especially, may not be as prevalent or easy to locate as you are accustomed to. Make sure to stop by before you are out of money as not to find yourself thirsty for cash with no watering hole. Also, ATMs will dispense cash in local currency so stay up to date on conversion rates to be sure it makes sense to withdraw as opposed to paying with dollars or charge.