Learning about your host country’s culture

You hear a lot about some Europeans perceiving people from the United States as “Ugly American.”  Well, that has not been our experience and we have visited many European countries … in fact, we are visiting Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary this summer.

When we travel outside the US, we always remember that the most compelling reason we are visiting is because the country is different from ours, at least that is my philosophy for traveling.  Traveling is an experience.  So, before we go, we do a little research on the local beliefs, values, and practices of our host country.  Remember, not all people think and behave the same, so don’t stereotype.  But, you can learn what to expect and how to behave.

The following suggestions may help you avoid the “Ugly American” label:

• Don’t expect your host country to adapt to you.  That’s arrogant.
• Learn key phrases.  Some people really appreciate this, even when they speak your language perfectly.
• Tip the way locals do.  Leaving a tip on the table is not universal.
• Watch your hand signals, you may inadvertently insult someone or think they are insulting you.
• Don’t get upset with your host country when they don’t have 24 hour services that you want.  Some business close for lunch, because they consider things other than money important.
• Accept gifts like drinks and sweets from locals … drink and eat it too!  This is a very kind gesture on the part of your host.
• Be polite!  Being overly demanding probably won’t help … just as it usually does not help in your country.

Remember, when in Rome, do as the Romans do … to some extent.

InsideTrip … a new way to search for flights

I am not a big fan of info-posts, but InsideTrip may be worthy.  This sight … still in beta … allows you to search for flights based on the criteria of speed, comfort, and ease.  Each category lets you further specify more criteria.  In other words, you get to search based on more than price, which is, of course, important.

Just to test this innovative service, I searched for an one way trip from Lexington, KY to Los Angeles, CA.  I have already booked this flight.  The second choice the InsideTrip provided was the one that I purchased.  Not bad.  The one concern that I have is that the purchasing engine or service is Orbitz … I have not had much luck making travel arrangement through Orbitz.

Word of caution, if you navigate away from the site, such as to InsideTrip’s blog, it can be a little tricky returning to the site … InsideTrip, put a link back to the site on your blog!

Tips and suggestions for your travel

Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, a little advice from a fellow traveler can be helpful.  As a frequent traveler, I am always open to learning how to travel better and smarter.  For instance, last year someone mentioned that their parents always travel with extra bags so that they can pack and transport home gifts that they buy.  Wow, what a good idea!  So, I’ve started a Tips & Suggestions page. 

I welcome your comments and additions.

Lodging in Europe … the European way

Finding a place to stay in Europe or anywhere can be a challenge, especially if you are making your own lodging arrangements, which we like to do.  But, one reason we have a challenge in finding a place to stay has to do with avoiding American chain hotels … not that there’s anything wrong with American hotels, we stay in American chain hotels all the time in the United States.  But, why stay in an American hotel in Europe.  Part of the experience of visiting Europe is staying in a European owned hotel.  We are big fans of the European breakfast.  [Just an aside, we don't travel thousands of miles to stay in a hotel, but we do need rest after a day's exploration.]

So, how do we pick European hotels?

• First, we check Frommer’s or Fodor’s [usually Frommer's].  Frommer’s is not always 100% reliable.  When we were in Lisbon, Portugal, both Dom Pedro and the York House receive 2 out of 3 stars.  Dom Pedro deserved the rating, if not better, the York House did not.  [The York House had character, history, and great food, just crummy rooms.]

• After checking Frommer’s or a similar travel site, we visit Expedia to read what other travelers have said about the hotel.  Again, not all travelers are reliable, so we consider a “preponderance” of opinions.
• We tend to make reservations with hotels that have websites, but if the hotel does not have a site, it’s not the end of the deal.  A hotel that does not have external photographs is probably not likely to get our money.
• We tend to make reservations through Expedia or Travelocity, but if we have to make reservations through the hotel, they have to have a secure site and accept credit cards.  There are many hotels that take reservations through a non-secure site … no thank you.  Our credit cards provide some relief if things do not work out.
• We also consider location.  In Europe, public transportation is very reliable and extensive … unless there’s a strike, so you don’t have to stay in the center of the city or have a car.  Just pick a location near a metro station.
• Services, such as a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are important too.  While we don’t necessarily prefer to eat lunch or dinner at a hotel restaurant, sometimes, it is necessary, and sometimes these restaurants have really good food.  We like to stay somewhere where there is a staff to ask questions.

These are some of the criteria we use to select a hotel when traveling abroad and for the most part it has worked for us.  We hope our luck continues for Europe 2008!

Traveling to Europe without breaking the bank

This summer we are traveling to Europe and will be visiting three countries:  Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungry.  We are traveling while the dollar is very weak compared to the Euro … and most other currencies, but we are traveling anyway and intend to do so as if the dollar was strong.

Yesterday, I suggested that using Europe’s extensive rail system is one way to minimize or decrease your transportation costs and it truly is.  Of course, time is always a factor, as in, do you have enough time to take the train.

Another way travel suggestions is to stay in a neighborhood outside the city center.  Europe has an excellent public transportation system.  There are usually excellent and authentic cafes near hotels outside the city center if the hotel does not have a restaurant.  Of course, you don’t want to be 50 miles aways and you have to be smart about the area you are staying … just as you would at home.  I am a big believer in reading travel blogs about other travelers experiences.  Some you have to be judicious about believing, but they tend to be very helpful.  Expedia and Frommer’s tend to be the best sites to explore.  Frommer’s has suggested some questionable places, so always cross-reference with what other travelers have said.

So, my suggestions for lodging is to avoid the city center, American chain hotels [which typically are more expensive], and full service hotels [bellhop, concierge, and so forth].  Look for hotels that are near metro stops and that show pictures of the inside as well as the outside.  I am always concerned when a hotel doesn’t provide pictures.  I also consider it a positive if the hotel allows me to book my room through a travel service, such as Expedia or Travelocity, or if the hotel accepts credit cards through their SECURE site.

Europe 2008 … travel planning

July 2008, I will be visiting three countries in Europe:  Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungry.  Of course, I am traveling during a time when the dollar is very weak against the Euro.  The last time I was in Europe, June 2007, the dollar was much stronger.  So, what are we going to do so that we travel in the style that we like?

Many think that traveling to Europe or outside their home country is expensive … and it is!  But, international travel is not prohibitively expensive.  Well, the most expensive component of most trips is actually getting there, that is, air travel cost.  So, I am going to talk about transportation in this post. 

Our trip to Europe this summer is complicated because we are traveling from one domestic airport and returning to another and we are also arriving in one international airport and departing from another.  In reservation talk, we are planning a multiple city flight.  Oh yeah, I’m making all the arrangements too … for those who do not want to engage in teh agnozing process of searching for a flight may want to consult a travel agency.  I’m not the biggest fan of travel agencies when it comes to planning an entire trip, for example, lodging, activities, and so forth.  Last year, my trip was just too complicated for me to plan myself, so I had United make my flight arrangements. 

So, in searching for the best deals, I checked Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, and the major domestic airlines with service to Vienna.  This time Travelocity offered the best flights.  Travelocity was over $2,500 less expensive.  Wow!  When it comes to airlines book early, watch fares, and consider a frequent flyer program or an awards program.  Using reward points I saved almost $800.  [Yeah, there are issues with thess programs, which is why you have to do your homework.  American Express is excellent.  By the way, I do not work for American Express.]

In the past when I have visited multiple countries during one visit, I have used that countries domestic airline, but this time I thought what about using Europe’s rail.  Wise decison and much less expensive than an airline ticket.  Besides, if you have the time, you get to see more of the country this way too.  Europe’s rail system is also much better connected than what we have in the U.S.  Rail Europe provides official fares and schedules for Europe’s rail system.  Of course, you can buy your rail passes and make reservations securely at the site.  Do your homework here to find the best pass for your trip.  In our case, it is the European East Pass.  If you want to ride coach, a pass for 5 days use within a month will cost you around $220 and a first class pass will cost you around $330.  Much less expensive than an airline ticket and not much more timely when you consider having to check-in at the airport and retrieve your bags.  Remember to make your reservations.  Rail passes only provide access to trains, but does not promise you a seat on a particular train.  It’s been quite some time since I have taken an European rail, but the views are often beautiful.

So, if time permits and funds are limited, consider taking the train.  It may be less confusing and more interesting than a flight.

AAA Travel … okay, that was dumb

In early May 2008, I will be going to Colorado Springs, which I am excited.  Like so many of my travels, there’s a glitch.  Delta cancelled my departing flight from home.  The second glitch … I used AAA Travel to make my flight arrangements.  Since this is a business trip, it is easier to get reimbursed when I use the University’s official travel agency.

The first glitch … that happens when you travel.  The second glitch … well, that was just dumb.  Everything started fine.  I used AAA Travel to make my flight arrangements, paid for the ticket, and received my itinerary.  Some time after making my arrangements, a travel agent called to inform me that a segment of the flight was cancelled.  Okay.  She asked will it be okay to change your departure itinerary.  I asked, do I have any options if I wanted to get to Colorado Springs on the same day … of course, I didn’t.  So, the agent says you will be departing from Cincinnati on the same day.  Okay, thank you and I’ll wait for the confirmation.

I must admit that I am partly at blame because I did not ask about my return flight and probably did not attend too closely to what the agent said.  My other problem was not immediately checking the new itinerary closely.  So, I accept some blame, but who would have someone flying out of one airport and returning to another airport 80 miles away!  Apparently, the AAA agent who was trying to help me.  Now, this may make sense for O’hare and Midway or LaGuardia and JFK, because they are close and both cities, Chicago and New York City, have excellent public transportation that you can take to the airport or you could even use a taxi, but airports that are 80 miles apart.  That’s dumb!