The trip is planned and now you are ready to leave.
I know it is fun to start reading favorite blogs and websites for additional region 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 that people ask me, whether the trips are for business or leisure. The answers to these questions are not readily available by social media.
And remember, if you arrive in the evening or over the weekend, people in tourism and information centers will most likely NOT be available to help.
Where is the toilet, bathroom, or restroom?
Don't get caught with your pants down...Picture taken at Gilroy Hot Springs, CA Courtesy of DW |
My tip, 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 this because I know even New York City is very different from Los Angeles and San Francisco.
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?)
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 towns 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.
On my trips, I ask where the local public libraries, coffee shops, or internet cafes are located. By doing this, I get the additional benefit of talking with the local people by doing this.
Where may I charge my smartphone?
This is an active question now. Even 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 more re-charge stations per chair?
There are many lightweight, inexpensive, emergency smart phone re-chargers available now. I use these to recharge my phone while on the plane or at dinner. I keep my phone with me which eliminates a chance of someone stealing the phone.
There was one hotel in Germany that I stayed at with a lobby bar that had phone/computer charging stations in the center of their tables - how cool is this?
I also try to buy equipment like small cameras with re-chargeable batteries. Don't forget the cords! You may put cords in your extra socks and shoes to keep organized.
I hope this helps to get prepared for your next trip! Let’s go! ~ The Fun Tour Guru
More tips - read My Hit and Miss of my Last Trip and Trip Planning Advice
I want to go on vacation now! My latest trips to go on are at my website. Ask.
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Thank you with your interest!