You have the trip planned and now you are ready to go. What are your questions during the trip?
I know it is fun to start reading your favorite blogs and websites for additional destination stories and information. Yet, I wonder, why am I still asked the same, repeat questions from travelers during their trips?
I chose three of the most frequent asked questions from people to discuss today, regardless of whether the trips are for business or leisure. I find the answers to these questions are not readily available by social media.
And remember, if you arrive in the evening or over the weekend, those people working in tourism information centers will most likely be unavailable.
The first question, where is the toilet, bathroom, or restroom?
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| Don't get caught with your pants down...Picture taken at Gilroy Hot Springs, CA Courtesy of DW |
A tip is don't forget the many variations in each language of “restroom” and “bathroom”. An example is Spanish may be different in Spain and Mexico. And, the definitions of these words are different in each country.
This is even true when you travel across the USA. I giggle as I mention, yes! Even New York City is very different from Los Angeles and San Francisco – and the cities in the north, south, east, and west.
This is a list of how to ask in five of my favorite languages:
- German: Toilette
- German = Wo ist die Toilette, bitte? (Vo ist dee toy-LETT-uh, BIT-uh?)
- Spanish: Bano (North American Counrty)
- Spanish = Perdone/Disculpe, ¿Dónde está el baño?(Formal) (Per-DON-eh, DOHN-deh es-TAH el BAHN-yo?)
- Italian: stanza da bagno
- Italian = Mi scusi, dov'è il bagno?
- Greek: τουαλέτα
- Greek = Parakalo, pou ine i tualetta? (Πού είναι η τουαλέτα;)
- French : Salle de bain
- French = pardon, où sont les toilettes? (pahr-DAW, oo saw lay twah-LETT?)
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| Gilroy Hot Springs, Gilroy, CA Courtesy of DW |
Do you have wi-fi? And, how much does internet access cost, what is the code to use to connect?
I admit, I am spoiled living in Silicon Valley and Northern California where most cities offer free (complimentary) wi-fi , or connection to the internet. I take it for granted. This is not always provided for you or sometimes a challenge to find the code access. Luxury hotels and resorts charge for this additional service. Less expensive hotels usually provide this service, yet sometimes it is only provided in the lobby.
I ask where the local public libraries, coffee shops, or internet cafes are located. And, as I have mentioned before, I get the additional benefit of talking with the local people by doing this.
Where may I charge my smartphone?
This is a very active question now. Even for people locally ask this question when they attend meetings and conferences. There is not that many electrical outlets available. And, if you are traveling internationally, you may not have the right plug-in connection.
Modern airports now have more convenient outlets to use in the sitting areas, how many times do we see someone sitting in a chair next to an outlet yet not using it? Should we add a sign on the chair saying, 'reserved for those wanting to re-charge'? Or add re-charge stations now?
I found this lightweight, inexpensive, emergency smart phone recharger which works for me. I can recharge my phone while on the plane or at dinner. And, I keep my phone with me which eliminates a chance of someone stealing the phone.
Please use my link above to purchase a couple to take with you. You do need to carry additional batteries – which I do because of my camera. They are now available in assorted colors to match and blend with your fashion pieces or travel gear. It does help me.
I hope this helps to get prepared for your next trip! Let’s go! ~ The Fun Tour Guru












