Travel Tips

Why isn't it safe to swim on Goa's beaches in the "off season" (June-September)

Why isn't it safe to swim on Goa's beaches in the "off season" (June-September)

1/8/2018 9:02:18 AM I looked around for some more information and found this study from 1997 conducted by the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa which evaluated 17 beaches all over Goa and concluded: “Based on observations and analyses, it is calculated that swimming during June to September is unsafe at all Goa beaches.” Mostly due […]

Why do airlines gate check bags when there is still overhead space?

2/2/2015 6:23:30 AM Sometimes airlines do require carry-on baggage to be checked for weight-and-balance reasons, but I’ve only ever heard of it being for front-to-back balance, usually in small commuter jets. Left-to-right balance is almost never an issue for airplanes: the dominant factor is the fuel tanks in the wings because of how far out […]

What is the fastest way to go from Warsaw to Moscow via Lithuania and Latvia by bus/train?

8/17/2015 7:08:38 PM As I understood from your original question, you think that you can’t use a train because of lack of the Belarus visa, but you can get the transit Belarus visa, and with it you can get to the Moscow in 18 hours! with train Warshaw – Moscow (in Russian, live timetable in […]

How to receive goods ordered on the internet, while in the USA

8/5/2014 2:29:18 PM Most of the courier services (UPS, FedEx) will hold packages for pick up at their office, similar to the General Delivery service from the post office mentioned earlier. Depending on where you are visiting, some cities multiple branches in town, some have only one. You can specify which branch if you are […]

"Tropical beach" in continental Europe?

8/15/2015 10:15:18 PM If you’re looking for warm weather, crystalline water and amazing scenery I would suggest either Corsica or Sardinia. Corsica has wonderful beaches in the north western and southern part of the island. In the north Ficajola comes to mind although the island is amazing all around. In Sardinia the Costa Smeralda in […]

What does Flight Pending Government Approval mean?

12/2/2015 4:53:33 AM It quite literally means that the airline is planning on launching an international route, but can’t legally operate the flight until various government approvals are received. In international flights, the originating and destination countries must agree to grant an airline the right to operate a route (often including the departure and arrival […]

Air Asia and Air Asia X on same flight, what's the difference?

8/7/2015 4:55:53 AM Same tickets. No difference in service. There is a difference in service between the budget and the flat bed class, but no difference otherwise. As you point out, the A330 suggests AirAsia X and the fact that it’s a flight over 4 hours also suggests that; so it’s an AirAsia X flight, […]

Security issues for a girl travelling solo around Europe

8/7/2015 10:01:25 AM This answer is an overview since the question is broad so I’m making it a “community wiki” so we can all just edit and perfect a single broad answer. There are three factors to your question: Europe, Travelling alone, and Safety issues for female travellers. Let’s look at them. Europe It’s big. […]

Entry to U.S with criminal record

7/11/2014 12:58:12 PM You are sort of right. People who don’t need visas to enter can be turned away if the agent believes their visit will be for the wrong reasons, such as being a “stay risk” who wants to immigrate rather than visit. People who show up with visas can be turned away if […]

Does the FL1 train now go directly to Termini in Rome?

Does the FL1 train now go directly to Termini in Rome?

10/18/2015 11:52:53 AM Being the FL1 a regional train operated by Ferrovie dello Stato, I would trust their official FS site more than the ATAC journey planner (or Google for that matter). The FS page on the Airport train services says that the FL1 takes you from Fiumicino to most train stations within Rome. These […]

How to dry out a wet passport?

10/5/2020 11:04:50 AM Using an iron on a low setting with a dry towel in between the pages works good. Then place a weight on top of the passport while it is still wrapped in the towel. It will look clean and pressed when finished. Just did it for the 2nd time in 6 months. […]

Does Turkey no longer offer visa on arrival to Australian passport holders?

8/2/2015 5:32:35 PM Most people from countries that used to get visa on arrival in Turkey now have to apply for an e-visa and are advised to do so before traveling. This site has the information on the e-visa and who can apply. And this page has the information what kind of visa Australians need […]

Place to store luggage for the day in Tokyo?

3/19/2018 7:58:26 AM There is a recent service called Ecbo Cloak which eliminates two of the biggest unknowns regarding coin lockers in Tokyo. You can usually check large items; and, you can also make a reservation so you don’t have to hope that there’s an opening. It basically hooks you up with a nearby restaurant, […]

How to get from Haneda airport to Narita airport?

12/16/2018 3:14:54 PM You can take the airport shuttle (Airport Limousine Bus) direct from Haneda (International Terminal) to Narita (Terminal 1 then Terminal 2) for 3,100 JPY. It comes fairly regularly (roughly hourly) and takes around 95 minutes. The earliest departure is 06:25. Alternatively you can take the train. The best route depends on time […]

Can I get a temporary/pay-as-you-go EC card for use in Germany?

Can I get a temporary/pay-as-you-go EC card for use in Germany?

9/4/2017 9:57:46 PM I am familiar with the problem: in many places I too have found that only an EC card is accepted by the vendor’s card-machine, or by the shop, petrol station etc. I have spent much time researching this. I have been unable to find any bank or institution in the UK which […]

Is it a good idea to use liquid soap to wash dishes when travelling?

8/11/2015 11:20:14 AM The main difference between liquid soap and dish washer detergent is price. So not a good idea in general, but only because liquid soap is more expensive. One recipe for liquid soap is given here – note olive oil, coconut oil, essential oils. Some of the ingredients for a well-known brand of […]

Are there any night bus companies, with beds, in Europe?

6/18/2014 9:07:48 PM With eurolines (http://eurolines.com), you can travel overnight between many countries. There are no beds, but rows of seats like in a plane, there is slightly more space and they recline more, so you can very well sleep. Seats are not as comfortable as in colombian buses, though (I’ve tried both). You could […]

Should you use English or (possibly broken) Japanese in Japan?

10/2/2014 8:48:33 AM As in any country, try to use the native language even if it’s broken. It gives a good impression as it shows your interest in their culture making you an above-average tourist. I would recommend Pismleur to get your broken Japanese 😉 What are the requirements for a minor (16) traveling alone […]

Are there tours to the UTA Flight 772 Memorial in Niger?

7/30/2015 2:48:33 AM The area where this memorial was built does not appear to be accessible to tourists at this time; as of 2014 the area was off-limits due to terrorist activity, and virtually every Western country warns its citizens against travel to Niger as of today. The foundation representing the crash victims and organizing […]

What are the requirements for a minor (16) traveling alone from Russia to the USA and back?

5/12/2014 1:33:06 AM She will need to apply for a non-immigrant visa just like an adult Russian would, using the DS-160 form, which is done here. She will be required to go to an interview and have her fingers scanned as part of the application process. Below 14 years children travelling with a parent (who […]

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