Category "tips-and-tricks"

Long term travel without being wealthy - how is it possible?

Some people are practically most of the time traveling, from country to country, for a very long periods and sometimes even years. How could one be able to tr

2FABE - the 'secret' international travel postcard stamp code?

I was told about this about three years ago, that if you were desperate and didn't have time to buy stamps for a postcard, merely putting the code '2FABE' would

What can I do to prevent passport stamps being put on blank pages?

I'm running low on blank passport pages which are sometimes needed for full page visas such as those issued by Armenia, India, and Vietnam. When I crossed the

What technique do you use to remember city names in foreign languages?

When I try to remember where I traveled or where I have to go to catch a bus, train or something else, I always have great difficulties to remember city names i

How to use sinks with separate hot/cold taps?

I just traveled to Ireland. I was amazed to find that water sinks (at home, restaurants and public) have separate taps for hot and cold water. If you use only

OK we're all adults here, so really, how on earth should I use a squat toilet?

OK so for anyone that's travelled beyond North America and Western Europe you know what I'm talking about. Left: Romania, last year. Right: Turkey, last night.

Using Occupy Wall Street as a travel hack - any downsides?

So it occured to me after looking at a trip up to Auckland for a brief instant after joking with a friend about staying at their place, that alternatively you c

Tips for getting a visa when there's no embassy in one's country of residence

I'm looking for general tips about how to get a visa cheaply when there are no embassies in one's country of residence. This has prevented us from getting visa

What is the most efficient way to pack a bag?

On trips of four days or less, I try to travel with a shoulder bag containing my laptop, electronics, etc. and a rolling, carry-on bag for everything else. Wh

What is the best way to pack a suit to reduce creasing?

When traveling for business purposes, it is often necessary to pack formal clothing, often within a small carry-on bag. What is the best way to compactly pack a

How do I prevent my head from drooping while trying to sleep on a plane?

Even with the seat back lowered as far as it will go, my head droops forward when I try to sleep. This causes me to soon wake up with either a stiff neck or bec

How to choose a guide book for your next trip?

So I have decided which country I want to visit next and go down to the local travel book store. On the shelves they have over ten different travel guide books

What is the most effective advice to avoid/minimise risk of illness when travelling in Africa?

I'm considering some trips to Africa at some point in the future and a major concern is protecting against illness. Obviously, as with other places, the contine

What do you do when you're on-the-road and you cannot shower?

Let's say you're backpacking and you're staying at a super-cheap hostel. Either because you have a lot planned for the day or you're catching long distance bus

Best way to make my ears pop?

What is the best way to make my ears pop when landing on a plane? The hold-your-nose-and-pitch method is very painful; are there any other methods to pop ears?

What to do with your valuables on a low-cost holiday while swimming/diving in Central America?

I am planning to go to central America (Costa Rica + Panama) for a rather budget holiday, and I am wondering what people usually do with their documents, money,

How to document travel expenses?

I have found that many travelers write down their expenses while on a trip. I always however found it difficult personally, because there are so many situation

What are some tricks you use to buy cheap airline tickets in Europe?

I have been flying with Wizz Air, Ryanair and easyJet for some time and have found that there is really a lot to be learned about how to achieve the lowest pric

OK we're all nerds here, so really, how on earth should I use a Japanese toilet?

OK so for anyone who's traveled to Japan you know what I'm talking about. They're devices that are a textbook example of excessive featuritis. But I want to u

How to avoid paying for musical gardens if visiting Versailles Palace on a Tuesday?

We plan to visit Versailles Palace on May-8-2012, which is a Tuesday. Unfortunately the official website states that the garden is not free for entrance on that