Category: Travel pr0 tips

Beware of money changers

Sorry that it has been a bit quiet lately here on the blog. But have no fear, more content is soon to come. I just got back from a trip to Hanoi and Manila and will be sharing my impressions shortly. In the meantime, I’d like to share some observations...

Travel pr0 tip #3: leaving touts elegantly behind you

Who doesn’t know this feeling: you’re exploring a place on the (very much) beaten path and every ten metres you are approached by a tout. Now, the five second pick up line varies by country but usually starts with “hello friend / brother” (my favorite being in the Philippines “Hello...

Experiment: Ordering a taxi in Thai with Google Translate

I’m off for a weekend in Thailand soon, this time off the beaten path apparently. After booking the hotel I enquired with them for a taxi for the transfer from the airport. No reply to three e-mails. Please cross your fingers that the hotel is actually still in business. After...

Travel pr0 tip #2: foreign currencies

One of the advantages of the European Union is that it laid the foundation for the Euro Zone. While it has its disadvantages as well, it has made travel a lot easier. Gone are the days of having 19 (current number of Euro members) different foreign currencies in your drawer. Asia...

Travel pr0 tip #1: communication with the taxi driver

Under the series “travel pr0 tips”, I’ll start compiling some advice for the road that I have personally found really useful. Today’s post is about communication with taxi drivers in foreign countries. Unless it is a country where I feel confident communicating in the local language or taxi drivers are...