Sunset off the coast of Ochos Rios, Jamaica
Hints & Habits
I have been to many countries, with many more on my list. I have traveled with both large and small groups alike, and have even ventured out into the world by myself. I have been caught up in the hustle and bustle of the big cities as well as finding myself in places with no one around for miles. And through it all, I have been fortunate enough to have had travels that are not only safe but also without incident. This page is dedicated to sharing some hints and some of my habits while I'm travelling both domestically and abroad.
Thoughts on Getting AroundGetting around in far away places all depends on you. I tend to prefer going on foot if possible. If I am out to see the city, I think boots on the ground gives you the best bang for the buck. But, using public transportation is not out of the question. When I was in both New York and Beijing, the subway systems were very convenient. Taking buses and taxi cab can be a little bit more difficult. Especially when there is a language barrier involved. I remember trying to catch a bus from Beijing to one of the suburbs. The biggest problem I had was trying to get the bus driver to understand where I was trying to go. And, I was not sure how much the fare would be. Finally they just told me to go sit down and they would deal with me later. I think that's what they were trying to say anyway.
Depending on the city you are in, you may have to buy a type of metro card and put money on it. Then swipe it each time you are getting on the subway, bus, or tram. Some offer one way ride passes, such as New York City. There are typically vending machines at the subway terminals where you can purchase them. If you have a rechargeable card, there are often stores, like mini-marts and such, that can recharge them for you,too. When in Rome...Here we go, some things to keep in mind while visiting new places:
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Planning is the KeyWhen you are planning your own trip, there are lots of things to keep in mind. Things include:
Do your research! With such wonderful tools as Google Earth, you can pretty much go on your entire trip without even leaving your home. And I like to do that. It gives me an idea of how to get around and where things are geographically. I can tell if the distances are reasonable for walking or if I would need to find transportation. If you are going to a country where there is going to be a language barrier, certainly look into a translator app for your phone. I used Google Translate when I went to Borneo. Be sure to download the language file so you can use it offline if necessary. It is a bit rough because it is doing its best to translate for you and the translation may be fair at best, but it beats nothing at all. If your message is not getting through, try rewording your question or statement in the translator app. Use different words and make sure your sentences are written correctly. Going it on Your OwnExploring the world on your own can be a great time! I really enjoy it. I have visited China, Japan, Mongolia, Malaysia, and many cities across the United States on my own. There are some benefits and also some downfalls of traveling alone.
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