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Any succesful initiatives for packaging material reuse? I find that we are having more and more things delivered as opposed to buying in stores. This winter a few cardboard boxes with 10kg of oranges, several books, and just this week a fridge. I was wondering is there exists any successful example, anywhere in the wo... | I think Amazon has a small set of box sizes that stack well on pallets.
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Is there a website that lists the environmental impact and/or carbon footprint of many products and practices? Perhaps a Q&A website like Sustainable Living? <Q> There are lots of websites but all sites I know are aimed at researchers (so not intended for the general public) and usually apply to a specific country only... | There are other carbon footprint calculators, such as Carbon Footprint .
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Pros and cons of solar panels over a parking lot? What are the net benefits to clearing a plot of trees, or grass to install solar panels?Isn’t it better to install the panels over parking lots? <Q> Yes, from a sustainability point of view it's better to place solar panels over parking lots because You save trees th... | Solar panels could shade the parking lot with artificial shade but the structure for the solar panels would be expensive. Those opposed to solar panels, because unfortunately plenty of people are, have less issue with them if they’re away from their homes in some field. The prohibitive cost of parking lot solar panels ... |
Sustainably waterproofing a rain jacket My raincoat was fully waterproof when bought some 8 years ago. Now it's like a cotton blouse in that it soaks up water immediately. I have washed it with technical wash and sprayed it with waterproofing spray. It did not help much so I have sprayed on some more. Surely there mus... | One option is to buy a product such as Otterwax , which has lanolin as one of its ingredients and is a waxy substance rubbed directly onto the fabric. Several are available; Nikwax TX being a popular brand which is at least water-based and PFC free.
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Why are new cars being built in the UK / europe without Start-Stop technology when it seems it can lower pollution? Everything I have read online seems to indicate that start / stop technology reduces air pollution, is (marginally) better for the engine, reduces emissions and is more economical ( link1 , link2 , link... | The actual benefit is limited by the number of years cars typically last anyway - it takes a long time for a mandatory feature to become a significant fraction of cars on the road Also, the weight and cost is too much with the larger hybrid systems.
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Are fuel cell electricity generators a sustainable way of making electricity? Since 75% of the universe is hydrogen, would it be sustainable to use fuel cell electricity generators? Fossil fuel generators won't last forever, because there is not an endless supply of fossil fuels, and solar power is only best when the ... | Hydrogen fuel cells may be a useful component of a total energy system but they are not a source of generation capacity.
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How to design a taxi rank to charge electric vehicles whilst waiting for fares? This post deals with the design of a taxi rank and how to reduce the pollution created by idling and edging foroward. A few answers suggested that making the taxis switch to hybrids, or even better electric vehicles, would help the whole... | If battery-powered electric-vehicles must be charged in a taxi line then they could have an overhead sliding device to plug into.
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Will there be a role for combined heat and power in an all-electric future? Beneficial electrification From the National Resources Defense Council “Beneficial electrification,” a new catchphrase in the energy world, refers to the growing recognition that using clean electricity to keep our homes and businesses runn... | Thermal power stations driven by fossil fuels have no future, but there is likely to be continuing demand for thermal power stations driven by bio-fuels or hydrogen, as these technologies provide an affordable means of storing energy until it is needed.
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What are some Caribbean cruises for October? My fiancée and I are looking for a good Caribbean cruise in October and were wondering which islands are best to see and which Cruise line to take? It seems like a lot of the cruises don't run in this month due to Hurricane season so I'm looking for other good options. EDI... | The Princess Cruise Line has a Caribbean cruise in the fall.
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How can I visit Antarctica? A year ago I was reading some magazine, and found out that there is availability to get a trip to Antarctica. Unfortunately, there was no info about how I could get there. Do you know anything about it? Best way to get there, best route, maybe some feedback? <Q> There are a few ways to visit... | I believe most of the most popular route is by cruise ship and the most common departure port is Ushuaia, Argentina . : Many companies run specialty expeditions which let you visit Antarctica exactly how you want.
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Best way to get from SeaTac airport to Redmond? Can anyone suggest the best way to get from Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) airport up to Redmond? I guess one option might be the new tram into the center of Seattle, then try to change onto one of the Express buses out to Redmond (e.g. the 545), assuming you don't have to walk to... | If you absolutely don't want to drive yourself, you can take a private taxi, although once you get to Redmond, you'll be pretty much stuck wherever the taxi drops you because things are very, very far apart. Redmond is a crappy place to be without a car of any sort. Seattle airport has convenient car rental directly ou... |
What are must-visit destinations for the first time trip to Argentina? We are considering visiting Argentina for up to ten days during mid-to-late December. What would be the top places to see / visit, especially during that time of year? Secondly, what is the best way to get around in Argentina (e.g. public transport... | You should also visit Patagonia , maybe with a small boat trip to explore the views. Recoleta cemetery is interesting, and La Boca district - and see a football match if at all possible! Ushuia - the end of the world, it's where the boats go to Antarctica, if you've got the cash - it's not cheap! You must go to a Tango... |
What are the best ways to avoid data roaming fees when travelling abroad? I'm looking for data plans I can use while touring different countries within a region without having to worry about being eaten by roaming fees. If such plans exist at all, I suppose mostly big telecommunication providers like Vodafone or T-Mobi... | Local providers almost always have the best deals, and buying SIM cards is relatively inexpensive.
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What should I know about "Around The World" flights? I have heard rumours of such things, and have had a difficult time find information on "around the world" flights. Are they worth it (do you have a limit between usage, do you save money.. etc.) and are there easy ways of getting more informed on them (specific site... | Most airline alliances and occasionally single airlines offer around the world fares. Apparently, there are only a certain number of cheap flights available and once those fill up, you have to buy more expensive ones.
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Cheapest mobile operator in Europe Possible Duplicate: What are the best ways to avoid data roaming fees when travelling abroad? Is where any default cheap mobile provider across Europe?I want to buy sim-card in one country (East or Nord Europe), and use it in other (West Europe). Is it possible? <Q> No it isn't -... | Vodafone are the only company I know of that have their own network across essentially all of Europe.
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What kind of questions should I be asking about tropical destinations? Tropical destinations have to be one of the most popular categories, which means there are always deals popping up, so it's hard not to be driven by these deals. If I'm merely looking at the destination, and not the deals to be had, how do I find o... | Looking at different travel forums will also help this as well as looking at reviews of different locations.
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Where to find good cave-swimming? I'd love to travel to a place that has a good cave-swimming adventure.* I'd like it to be: Safe Warm Fun Suitable for an amateur Good for photography is a bonus I'd love it if it's a cave that's connected to the ocean. Anywhere in the world is fine, as long as it is generally ... | "The Grotto" on the Bruce Peninsula (Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada) could be a good choice.
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Are there advantages to using private car service over taxis from the airport? When planning a trip I've seen people say private cars are scams and other people say they can be better than city taxi's because you know how much it will cost ahead of time. Are there any other advantages that a private car may have over a... | The only advantage of a private car service is that the cost is fixed unlike a taxi where the price on the meter (if there is one) can vary depending on the route, how long it takes or how much the driver feels like charging.
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Is it possible to get a permit to travel to Tibet (Lhasa) from Beijing by train, without a tour guide? I am confused about how I go about getting a permit for two people (a British and a Swedish national) to visit Lhasa, intending to travel there by train. Is it possible to get a permit without having to have a tour gu... | You can get the permit without a guide, but you must be accompanied by a guide in the Tibetan area -- the government doesn't allow solo foreign travelers.
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Is it safe to travel in Japan considering the nuclear situation? Are there any areas that should be avoided and are there any steps I should take to protect myself from radiation? <Q> An american software engineer living in Japan gives a good overview of how big Japan is and why you shouldn't be afraid to travel ther... | The rest of Japan, as background radiation is concerned, is no issue at all. You might just want to avoid the Fukushima area, even though going there for a day or two should be OK.
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Flight deals from the UK Can someone recommend a good website with flight deals from London/UK, which I could subscribe to? I mean promotions in different airlines, e.g. bmi used to have a bmifriday promotion (not sure if its still ongoing). <Q> After nearly 4 years taking many, many flights I have a method: <S> It s... | Groupon and LivingSocial occasionally do UK flight deals Finally - and this one takes the cake for me - Subscribe to the TravelZoo newsletter If you have a weekend in mind when you want to travel, head to skyscanner.net's weekend planner.
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Tel Aviv a good base to see Israel & Palestine? I'm planning to spend 3 weeks in Israel & Palestine. I'm open to seeing all of the region apart from the Gaza Strip. I'm told the region is relatively small and I could feasibly stay in Tel Aviv and explore the whole country from there. Is that wise? If not what other ci... | Tel Aviv has the advantage of being on the coast, and therefore closer to Haifa, the other large city in the north (away from the Gaza Strip), meaning that it is the better base for visiting Israel alone. I recommend that you make a plan of what you want to see, and then choose several bases accordingly.
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Best time to buy Airline tickets to Shanghai/Hong Kong from USA (Dallas/Fort Worth)? My boyfriend and I are looking to visit Shanghai and Hong Kong in December, and we were wondering when the best (the cheapest price) time to buy tickets would be. Should we go ahead and purchase now, or is it possible that better deal... | If you have flexible dates, the trip is "optional", or you are flying a popular route you could try waiting on the chance to catch a sale.
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How do I choose a travel agency to book tours from in Hanoi, Vietnam? I am travelling to Vietnam in December and would like to book with a travel agency in the Hanoi area. There are so many to choose from, what are things that I should consider when picking a travel agency (additionally to avoid getting ripped off). <... | My experience with Vietnam was that it really didn't matter - there are literally hundreds of travel agencies and many of them share the same tour operators.
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How to insure checked luggage? I know that you are not supposed to put valuables into checked baggage, but in some cases it is necessary. For example if you have large valuable items that do not fit in carry-on or if you have enough valuable items that you can not fit them all in carry-on. My understanding is that wh... | I think your best bet is to take out a travel insurance policy.
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Freight travel in the Caribbean - Can it be done? Is it cost-effective? When I began to research travel by freight boat, I was hoping it would be a cheap alternative to air travel, but it turns out you can expect to pay US$80-140 per day and voyages are often five days or even longer. However, I'm curious whether anyb... | Another option is to go with privately owned boats, like sailboats and yachts.
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What times of the year are best for visiting France? When I visited Rome, Italy, I ended up visiting during August which seems to be a time when most Italians have fled the city to cooler areas. This was nice because there was less traffic so we were able to move around better. At the same time, it was really quite hot... | During summer touristic places are open everywhere, even in the South, the warmer the better. I have heard that many people in France take their holidays during August, and hence many shops/business will be closed and many tourist accomodations will be busy and booked out.
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What is the difference between Eurostar first class and French TGV first class? I've checked the costs of first class travel by high speed train in France and to UK. According to pictures, first class seats in the Eurostar and TGV look similar in terms of legroom and width, while fares are not. I am not a business trav... | The choice is not between Eurostar Standard Premier and TGV First Class, the choice is between Eurostar Standard and Standard Premier.
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Is it safe to travel to Socotra, Yemen? I have been wanting to travel to Socotra, Yemen to see the dragonblood trees and bizarrely beautiful landscapes for a while now, but given the current instability in the rest of Yemen, is it advisable? Are Socotrans heavily involved in the current goings on or are they somewhat... | From the Australian Government's Travel Advisories for Yemen : There is a high risk of piracy in the coastal areas of Yemen. As of March 2015, nearly all flights in and out of Yemen have been suspended due to the ongoing war and bombing by Saudi Arabia. Felix is a new airline and has taken over all flights to Socotra, ... |
When and where do I have the highest chance of seeing auroras? I'm wondering what time of year is best, and what locations might be best, for catching the aurora. I'm currently thinking of February up at Sweden's ice hotel, but since the whole point of the trip is so that my wife can see the Aurora, I want to pick a l... | If your just picking a date and hoping try to go as close to a new moon as possible the less light pollution
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What is the safest way to travel from Tehran to North-Pakistan? What is the safest way to go from Tehran to Hunza (North Pakistan )? Travelling mainly by bus and local transportation wherever possible. Note: I am aware it will not be 100% safe anyway. <Q> I would recommend PTDC (Pakistan Tourism Development Corp... | I would prefer to hire a local to and take public transport to travel. The most dangerous parts of the country are northern Baluchistan, the North West Frontier Province and Sindh, but you will skip the worst by taking the train.
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Hodophobia ... Scared of doing things or going to places that is dangerous Places like India, Thailand or some African countries are sometimes contain risks for travellers. It probably will be fine if we stay in the main town area, but some interesting places to visits are really creepy when viewed from TV. Some dange... | Don't be scared, be cautious.
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How can I find a guide that will take me safely up Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Elbrus? Where/how can I find a local/professional guide that will take me safely up Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Elbrus? <Q> You can book with a travel company that is licensed to run tours but these will often be a little more expensive. <S>... | For Mount Kilimanjaro you have to book your trip through a Kilimanjaro trekking agency/climb operator that has been approved by the Kilimanjaro park authorities.
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Is there a list of free accommodation resources? I want to travel abroad cheaply and I would prefer to find some place to stay through a person or website, rather than book a hotel or hostel. There is couchsurfing.com , which I know about. Can you recommend other resources where I can find free accommodation? <Q> Hon... | Couchsurfing and Hospitality Club are the most common, for sure.
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How good is Public Transport In the USA? I am planning a Round-the-World trip and my first stop will be the USA. I am from England where public transport is quite good and covers everywhere. I have already purchased Greyhound tickets for inter-city travel, so my main question is how good is the public transport in the ... | The trains are generally reliable, and provide fast and easy access through the main parts of the city, operating out of 3 main hubs within the city, and provide access to most of the suburban areas. I think in general, you will find that the schedules of US public transportation will be a bit looser than you are used ... |
Can you go to the Maldives without assistance of a travel agency? Organizing your travel without agents is almost always cheaper and more fun.But does that also apply for Maldives? Can I just travel to the Maldives? Do you have some tips or experiences to report? <Q> So the answer is: yes, you can , if you really want... | The only places you can go without a permit are the capital Male, which is pint-sized and notably lacking in all the things that make the Maldives great (white sand beaches, clear water, gorgeous coral, overwater bungalows etc); and the resort islands, which are for guests only. so when it comes to the Maldives I would... |
What seasonal work can fund travel? I'm fond of the travel strategy that involves arriving at a workplace near your destination and doing seasonal labor until you've saved enough to have fun in and around the same geographical area. The archetypal way of doing this is to get a job at an Alaskan cannery or fishing oper... | If you're a highly educated type who would still like to see the world and do some travel, you might want to have a look at "adventure travel" companies.
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Are there any good, cheap bus companies to use for traveling around the western United States? A few years ago, I used to ride Greyhound for short trips, but I remember them being crammed and sometimes smelly. In the Midwest, I've learned of and used Megabus, which has seats like an airplane, outlets to plug things in,... | There are many scheduled intercity bus companies in the Western US.
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Avoiding air travel sickness without Dramamine/Dimenhydrinate or other drugs My wife is very prone to motion sickness, especially on air flights. In the past we've handled this with Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate), which helped quite a bit. Unfortunately, my wife's reaction to the Dramamine was invariably to fall into a d... | Antivert (meclizine) is a drug that we commonly prescribe for motion sickness. I always take melatonin on long overseas flights to make sure that I arrive at my destination well-rested and ready to do stuff! :) I take the "natural" version of Gravol which is derived from ginger.
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Travel insurance with regards to luggage being stolen/lost I am looking for answers to how people have recovered from having their luggage stolen/lost when arriving at their destination. And further to this, how they have ended up packing in the future to lessen the blow. How did you progress having your travel insura... | My suggestion for flights is to always pack the essentials in a carry-on. If you lose anything report the lost to your insurer straight away.
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What rights do passengers have when flights in the USA are delayed? What rights do passengers on delayed flights in the USA have? In some countries, depending on the length and type of delay, passengers can receive a free phone call, meal ticket, lodging, booking on alternate carriers etc. Are there any rules in the US... | The only time you are due compensation is when you are bumped from a flight for overbooking.
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Is the border between Georgia and Russia open to citizens of other countries? I know the one border between the Republic of Georgia and Russia that is not in a rebel province was officially opened in the last couple of years... but reports are conflicting as to whether people not from ex CIS countries can cross. So ca... | Apparently a Russian law or rule or regulation was recently repealed and there had not been a restriction on this border crossing at the Georgian side.
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Is it possible to travel through Burma (Myanmar), entering at one border crossing and exiting at another? I know that it is possible to enter Burma/Myanmar from several border crossing with neighbouring countries, and I'm pretty sure that from some of them at least you do not have to be on a package tour. But I have b... | If the question is whether you can enter from one country and exit into a third, this seemspossible from China into Thailand as long as you have the required permits to visit usually off-limit areas.
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Can I apply for a Russian visa from the country Georgia? I will be in Georgia in the Caucasus in a few months and am considering a side trip to Russia; either via the Black Sea to Sochi or across the one land border that is apparently open to foreigners . But considering the recent history and delicate political situ... | As of June 2016, I can confirm that a foreign non-resident can apply and receive a tourist visa to Russia in Tbilisi, Georgia.
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What measures can one take to keep a motorcycle safe during a road trip? I'm mostly thinking in terms of theft prevention. I have heard solutions from, "Keep her chained in the parking lot," all the way up to, "Get a ground floor hotel room and ride/push the bike inside the room." What measures can one take to keep a... | I went on a 5,000km bike ride around western europe, and used disc locks, and a chain(ish) to lock our 2 bikes together. Greatest tip for securing a bike is to have a "crappy" bike or make it look like it's not valuable.
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What's the cheapest transport to get from Ataturk International aiport to the Taksim Square area of Istanbul? I'm flying to Istanbul tomorrow afternoon and would like to know the cheapest way to get from the airport (Ataturk) to the Taksim Square area. I'm sure there are many options and some will be easier or more com... | Take the metro to Aksaray and transfer to a bus going to Taksim. Municpal bus 96T is probably the cheapest, at 3.00 lira (~$2 USD), but it takes very long (~1.5h at times) and is often packed. There are three public transport options if you are trying to minimise costs.
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How to overcome the language barrier when visiting France and Spain? I may be traveling to France and Spain for business purposes, and I'm likely to mix some pleasure with that business trip. I do not expect many language issues during the business conversations. However, when I go out sightseeing or touring the coun... | According to my experience if you learn a few phrases and start the conversation using French or Spanish you can switch to English after a few sentences. I think you should get the travel-guide books for your journey, both in your language and local language - just for ease the searching during sightseeing. Bring a com... |
Can I pay for my Turkish visa on arrival at the airport in Euros? I'm Australian, flying into Istanbul Turkey tomorrow (Ataturk airport) and I know from last year's trip that I must pay a visa fee upon entry. But last year I crossed by land from Bulgaria and this year I'm flying in from Korea. I didn't manage to chang... | You can pay in EUR or USD (cash-only), the price schedule is posted in both currencies (link) .
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Can we get by as English speakers visiting Iceland? We're going to Iceland for the first time in September. Will we be able to get around ok just speaking English, or should we try to learn some rudimentary Icelandic? And is that even what their language is called? <Q> Yes, most Icelandic people speak very good English... | With regards to learning a few Icelandic phrases, as with anywhere, people appreciate non-native speakers making the effort.
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Is it safe to travel in Greece during the riots about government spending cuts? I am travelling to Athens, Greece, shortly, and have seen reports of recent unrest . Should I be worried? Should I cancel my trip? Update It's fine, taxis are currently on strike, but Syntagma Sqaure is fine: <Q> I suggest you don't canc... | My advice if you are worried would be: If you ever happen to see or hear unrest, just walk the other way and take a taxi to your hotel.
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Are there any standard clothing restrictions when visiting mosques? I know from visiting many catholic churches that many require knees and shoulders to be covered, so dressing appropriately is essential for hassle-free travel. Are there similar rules that might apply when visiting a mosque? <Q> The most common rules (... | Everyone is asked to take their shoes off at an entrance area. It does depend on the specific country and the norms of the place.
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Will I be able to travel around India speaking only English? I am to travel around some Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and others. Will I have trouble speaking only English, or should I learn some phrases in Hindi? <Q> I have backpacked around a fair bit in India - I grew up there, by the way - and <S> yet I s... | Now, for southern parts of India - Bangalore, for instance, as you mention in your itinerary - you will find less people capable of speaking and understanding Hindi, and in addition to the regional language of the state English is the de facto second language. But in most urban areas such as the ones listed above, Engl... |
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Istanbul? Is the water from the tap/faucet potable in Istanbul or must I buy bottled water? If not, what are the specific contaminants in it? <Q> I asked my Turkish friends and here's what they had to say: although major cities do have water filtration plants and water is considered... | In most places you could cook / wash with tap water, but if your location has particularly bad tasting stuff you may even prefer cooking with bottled water. Water is always available on the street and for the home 20 litre water jugs are delivered usually within minutes of ordering, for 3-6 Lira, and you just keep thos... |
Are there cheap GPS or other navigator devices with downloadable maps for the whole world? I don't need a recommendation or a list but my knowledge of GPS and "navi"s and the differences between them is an utter mystery to me. But often I'm lost in backstreets in random countries where access to something like a live ... | MapDroyd gives you downloadable offline maps but this is limited to Android phones.
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Are there any analogs of the Malbork castle in Poland or Germany? Some time ago I was in Malbork castle and was amazed by its size and beauty. I want to know - are there some castles similar to the Malbork's, may be not so famous. I'm interested in castles in Poland or Germany (may be Czech Republic). Main measure to t... | If you're willing to travel a little further afield to Lithuania, there is Trakai Island Castle .
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Is it usual for Japanese sentos to offer cheap overnight stays like their Korean counterparts (jjimjilbangs) do? Japan and Korea both have similar concepts of communal bath houses. In Japan they are called sentos and in Korea they are called jjimjilbangs . In Korea it is usual that jjimjilbangs offer very cheap o... | You can find cheap accommodations at onsen ryokan, or Japanese style hot spring inns, if you can find one that will allow you to reserve without meal service. I have never heard of a sento that offered overnight accommodation.
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Visa for European countries for US passport holder I'm a US passport holder. What documents do I need when I fly from the U.S. to Germany? Assume I'm going for a few weeks of vacation. Obviously I need my passport . What about a " visa "? Anything else? <Q> Germany is part of the Schengen area , so the visa requi... | Once you're in the Schengen area, all you need is your passport to pass through to different countries, and you often don't even need that.
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How can I get to Gatwick Airport from London at 5am? A friend has booked some cheap flights that mean we need to be at Gatwick airport at 5am to catch our flight. We can stay in London the night before, but how can we get there as cheaply as possible? (A taxi is a last resort!) <Q> Get the 4am Southern train service ... | There's also a 4.30am Gatwick Express that'll get you in
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View the Grand Canyon by helicopter - is it real? I going to visit the United States and its famous geographic places, such as the Grand Canyon.I heard that there are some helicopter tours are available during visiting the Grand Canyon. Is this true? How much does it cost and what firms are noted for their services?... | A variety of Las Vegas - Grand Canyon helicopter tours and private charters. Maverick Aviation Group , ☎ +1 888-261-4414.
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What class of travel is suitable for a woman travelling alone on Indian railways? What class should a lone woman travel on a sleeper train to be safe at night? <Q> Non-airconditioned classes tend to have less strict ticket checks starting with the lowest class and gradually increasing till the highest class. <S> Thre... | For solo women travellers, safety in second/sleeper class depends on what region you are travelling in: as a rough guide, most trains running or originating south India are 'safer' than ones running or originating in north India. Look out whether the destinations you want to travel to/from are serviced by 'Duronto Expr... |
Traveling to USA with tripod attached to my camera bag I like to travel with my DSLR and I have nice slingshot bag for it which I can take with me on the plane along with my carry on. This picture shows what I want to do while boarding the plane. Would it be OK/legal for me while flying from Canada to USA? <Q> I just... | You should not have a problem, from my experience most airlines allow two carry-on articles.
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How far away can I get with my car starting in Amsterdam? It is a question I have been dreaming about since I can remember. Could I for example drive to Argentina from Amsterdam, or can I drive all the way to South-africa? What are the extremities of a get-as-far-as-I-can-get road trip and what are the typical routes. ... | If you accept ferries to ship you car from Europe to Africa, the answer to the 'as-far-as-you-can-get' question is: everywhere (except Antarctica).The Russia to Alaska route has been done, but it was an mayor-expedition type trip.
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Inexpensive way to use my US iPhone's data connection in Turkey? I want to use my AT&T iPhone – specifically the data connection – while in Turkey in September. What's the easiet, cheapest way to make my phone work in that country? How good is the service? Is it even worth it outside of Istanbul? <Q> You probably do... | Buy an unlocked iPhone. Considering two facts that you are mainly interested in data connection and buying a SIM Card is quite complicated for foreigners in my country, I would switch my phone to flight mode and look for mobile wifi rental options in Turkey. If you're not staying abroad too long, and you don't travel a... |
Motorbikes in Thailand and Laos Does anyone know of a place to hire motorbikes in Thailand, say Bangkok or Chiang Mai, and ride them into Laos and back? The trip will be self-guided and should take no longer than two weeks. <Q> Yes, it is possible to hire motorbikes in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. <S> I haven't done this my... | Hiring a motorbike in Thailand isn't a problem. You will definitely need to have an IDP to drive around in Bangkok as police keep a watch out for tourists.
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Where can I get information on freighter travel? I want to go from New York City to any destination in Europe on a freighter. The only place I've found information for doing this requires a round trip. I don't want to go round trip. I want to spend some months in Europe and I don't care where in Europe I start. <Q> ... | Kapitän Zylmann is based in Germany and lists a ship in which you can book a cabin from New York to Bremerhaven or Rotterdam .
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Can I drive in OR state with CT license? I have a driving license from CT (Connecticut), and a vehicle registered with my name in OR (Oregon). So Can I drive in OR with my CT Driving License? And for how long I can drive? <Q> However, if your residence is no longer in CT, then you must get an OR driver's license. <... | You can drive temporarily in any US state with a drivers license from any other US state.
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How to get into and travel across Tanzania I'm interested in visiting Tanzania - the capital of it (Dodoma) and Kilimanjaro park, and I didn't find any info about any airlines to get into Tanzania and about local transport - buses or taxis. Is it safe to use taxi? <Q> Taxi Taxis don't have meters, so negotiate price ... | I have traveled to Tanzania a couple of times I personally likes bus services as it's pocket friendly. Most hotels will be happy to arrange for a transfer, but it will most likely be pricier than getting a taxi.
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Do I have to visit the Chinese consulate in person to get my visa? I'm planning a trip to Shanghai to visit some friends in about 5 months. I understand that I will need to get a visa issued so that I can travel to China. This will be the first time I've applied for a visa, so I'm not 100% sure how to go about doing ... | We ended up using China Visa Service Center (mychinavisa.com), and we now have our visas. I discovered the other day that there are companies who will do the footwork for you (for a fee).
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Which credit cards have global coverage? While traveling I ran into two situations where my credit card was not accepted. I mainly use MasterCard. In China (although 10 years ago) Visa was accepted in most stores, but MasterCard was not. In the US, my MasterCard was rejected multiple times because it was a non-US CC nu... | Visa and Mastercard seem to always have the most coverage, Visa usually more often.
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What's the easiest way to find a vacation rental? I've rented a few vacation homes and really liked it but it always takes hours and hours to find a good one. It seems like there are 100+ different sites that all list different homes (some with a lot and some with fewer nicer ones) and I keep thinking I'll find the per... | I have good experiences with AirBnb and Only appartments .
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How far into Washington, DC should I drive before taking the Metro? I plan to drive to Washington, DC, but my understanding is that the Metro is far better than driving for actually getting around downtown DC. First of all, is that assumption correct? Assuming the Metro is indeed the way I should ultimately get to my... | I can tell you riding Metro in the city is the way to go. My advise, go as far in as you can until you hit traffic, and if the beltway has no traffic, get as far south as you can, because that's where you're headed anyway!
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Northern Cyprus - way to visit and what problems can I have with Republic of Cyprus after that? I know that Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey, and not other countries. So how can I visit this republic - only from Turkey, or there are some other ways? Will I have problems with getting Cyprus visa after such t... | If you have a Turkish passport then you'll need to get visa and then fly to Greece and then to Cyprus. For tourist trips of up to 90 days, citiziens of European Union (EU) nations, Turkey, USA, Canada, Mexico, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Australia, New Zealand do not require visa.
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Repeated reminder email from EasyJet for API document I'm flying to Geneva (Switzerland) in few days with EasyJet with my wife. I have provided both our passport details for advance passenger information. But keep on getting emails from EasyJet to add these API documents before travelling. Is this normal? I would h... | I'd say don't worry about it, and just bring the documents when you check in.
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Where to go in Thailand in September? I am going to Thailand this september. I can read everywhere that it's the rainy season over there. Can you guys advice me on what part of Thailand is usually less rainy during this season ? North (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle) or South (Phuket anc co...) ? <Q> Generall... | So looking at the places you listed, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Udon Thani etc will be less wet than, say, Phuket where the weather can often prevent speedboat services that take you to nearby islands / beaches.
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What's a good alternative to Dopplr? From the Dopplr website : Dopplr is a service for smart international travellers. Dopplr members share personal and business travel plans privately with their networks, and exchange tips on places to stay, eat and explore in cities around the world. Since Nokia bought Dop... | I have never used Dopplr but from what I see it seems very similar to TripIt , which is a popular option for itinerary tracking/planning. I also use Foursquare to keep a log of places I have visited, and it can sometimes be good for recommendations too.
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Denmark and Schengen - border controls As I know, Denmark is going to re-impose the border controls . I want to know, what exactly it means for the tourists who are on a Schengen visa? Can I visit Denmark with the Schengen visa, or I need some additional documents? I'm a Russian citizen. <Q> From the linked article: ... | yes , you can still visit Denmark with your Schengen visa and you don't need additional documents. But as long as you have a valid visa, and you are not in possession of anything illegal, you should be fine.
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Where can I find a guidebook of Menorca? I'm looking for a guidebook to visit Menorca. For other travels I used to get the "Lonely Planet" guide, but there isn't any of Menorca, and I think that get one of "Spain" is too wide. Where I can find a good guide of Menorca? <Q> I like Eyewitness Travel Guides by DK. <S> T... | One good place to start looking for interesting places in Menorca is http://www.travelmenorca.co.uk/guide/index.htm
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Khojand to Dushanbe - cost vs danger? Currently in Khojand, Tajikistan and wanting to take a taxi or something tomorrow to Dushanbe. The taxi drivers here are like vultures - I was surrounded by the horde of them at the station outside town where the border taxi guy dropped me off. I've been quoted US$40 for a ride t... | General rule: Don't ever trust a taxi driver. The current price for a taxi from Khujand to Dushanbe is from 120 to 150 Somoni (24 to 30 USD).
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How long does it take to renew a US passport? For US citizens living in the United States, how long does it typically take (from start to finish) to renew a US passport? If the expedited fee is paid, how fast can it be done? <Q> I believe it depends on the issuing authority, but usually about two weeks if you pay the f... | According to The Bureau of Consular Affairs , 4-6 weeks or 2-3 weeks if expedited. If you are out of the country and renewing through your local embassy, give it several months either way.
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Paris Gare du Nord to Gare Montparnasse, by public transport but without lots of walking? In a couple of weeks time, I'm off to the Loire by Eurostar + TGV, which means a cross Paris change. The Eurostar uses Gare du Nord, while the TGVs down to the Loire are at Gare Montparnasse. One option is to take a taxi, but tha... | Line M4 went fine for me as a direct connection between the Gare du Nord and the Gare Montparnasse.
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Shoes for long flight Does anyone have recommendations for great shoes for a long flight? I usually wear running shoes, but my feet often get very uncomfortable after a few hours. <Q> You might also want to look into a good pair of compression socks. <S> Also, take a look at this page for a list of exercises you c... | While I haven't used them, some people advocate wearing flight socks that prevent your feet and ankles from getting sore.
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Places to see wildlife near Melbourne Does anyone know of any places near metropolitan Melbourne where you can see wildlife? I have been to the Healesville Sanctuary and have seen kangaroos in various places. However, I'd like to see more Aussie animals especially koalas and platypuses. <Q> It's along the Great Ocean... | It's a bit of a drive, but when I was there I saw lots of wild koalas at Kennet River.
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Penalty for overstaying tourist visa in Taiwan In Taiwan, what is the penalty for overstaying a tourist visa with legitimate reasons (for example, a flight was cancelled or delayed, or a transportation closure made someone miss getting to the airport in time)? What fines or barriers to future travel would someone face?... | From my understanding, the only way you can overstay your visa is by government mandate (quarantine, jail, etc). Penalties are levied via a fine.
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Trans-Siberian Express: Stopping along the way? I'm planning a trip on the Trans-Siberian Express. I've already received excellent advice on a related post , but I've got a couple more questions. My plan is to head from Moscow to Beijing. It's six solid days of train travel, and I'm looking to break up the trip wi... | When I did the trip a few years back, I stopped in Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk (side trip to Baikal is definitely worthwhile), and Ulan Bator. Yekaterinburg is not a particular exciting city, but it provides a very nice (practically necessary) stop over.
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"Flight mode" phone use banned on Ryanair. Is this a worldwide phenomenon? On a couple of recent flights with Ryanair I've noticed that they require phones to be turned off during the whole flight even if they are in the "flight mode". Pretty annoying that you can not use your phone as an MP3 player, a gaming device or... | Ryanair is one that I've come across that has a blanket ban; I've also encountered the same rule on Tiger Airways (which operates in South-East Asia / Australia sector). Air NZ recently announced people would be able to make calls from their cellphones while in flight...
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Are there any museums in Stockholm for children? (not Junibacken) I heard about museum near the Stockholm in which children can make some experiments in chemistry, physics and so on, but I completely forgot its name. Can you help me to find some information about it (in English, if available)? Are there any analogs of ... | Also - Tekniska Museet has an interactive part called Teknorama with lots of fun and learning things to do. There's a similar sort of thing that I've been to in Cardiff, the UK, called "Techniquest": http://www.techniquest.org/start/
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What is a good country for a working vacation? My job allows me to work from my laptop. I was thinking of traveling this winter to a warm location and working from the beach for a few months. What country has: Warm weather during North Americas winter. Reliable internet access. Cheap places to live by the beach. ... | Palawan, Philippines : Not only does it fit your criteria, it's also home to a couple of the UNESCO world heritage sites. Wifi - almost everywhere - every hostel and most restaurants and cafes have it.
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Downloadable maps of China Have met travellers cycling in Tajikistan, and they're hoping they can download maps of China - either road or cycle tracks (or both). They've searched high and low, and haven't found decent road-level quality maps. Any suggestions for easily downloadable maps for a laptop? <Q> You could loo... | While I was there I used nokia maps. The best map for China IMHO is from Baidu, and this article describes an option to download maps for offline usage and how to use it.
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US Dollar (USD) to Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO) exchange rate I have heard that the exchange rate of Nicaragua's currency is "pegged" to the US dollar, and varies at a fixed, predicable rate rather than varying naturally with the markets. What is the rate currently, and how can I find what the rate will be for a given date... | For the current rates, try Google: USD in NIO
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Is it possible to recharge an OV-chipkaart without a Dutch banking card? I have an anonymous OV-chipkaart (Dutch public transport electronic card). I don't have a Dutch banking card. (In other words, I'm a foreigner who goes to the Netherlands occasionally.) What are my options to recharge the OV-chipkaart, either wi... | You can now recharge your OV Chipkaart using VISA, Mastercard or American Express creditcards at almost any NS Ticket machine, and with no extra charge!
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How can I fly with a guitar? During my upcoming holiday to the USA I'm thinking about buying a new guitar as the exchange rate is extremely favorable. Excuse my naivety but I have never flown with a guitar before. What is a recommended way to go about this? Could I take it as carry on luggage or would it have to be che... | Many low-cost airlines either force you to check-in or buy a full-cost seat for it. You need to check the airline you are flying with.
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What are Ireland's top places to visit with a toddler? I am planning a visit with my daughter (2 years) and wife around Ireland (and Northern Ireland) for ten days. We start from Cork and finish in Dublin. What are the most interesting places to visit? In particular we are not interested in stuff not suitable for child... | In Cork, Fota Island Wildlife Park would be well worth a look, and Dublin Zoo when in Dublin. there's SO much to see in Ireland - Cliffs of Moher, Giant's Causeway, the Dingle Peninsula. However, if you're after things specifically that children may enjoy - 'history' stuff is probably out ;) There are so much to do whi... |
Is it possible to apply for a Chinese visa while travelling outside your home country? For some countries you can only apply for a visa in your home country (Russia is such a country) Is China also such a country? I was thinking of applying for a visa in the Republic of Georgia or possibly Kazakhstan. I'm already trav... | As a fallback go to Hong Kong instead, I've got several visa's from Hong Kong for China, you can usually get them in less than a day through a travel agent or about two days through the official office.
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Time needed to visit the Seattle Space Needle I'm planning to take a day trip to the Puget Sound area. One of the places I'm interested in visiting is the Space Needle. How much time does going into the Space Needle typically take, and how much would you recommend in general? <Q> Just to see the view? <S> An hour, tops... | If you only go for the view then maybe an hour or an hour and a half.
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Is it possible to visit Abkhazia by land from Georgia? Is it possible currently (November 2011) to visit the rebel province of Abkhazia from the rest of the Republic of Georgia? (Russia regards it as independent since 2008 but most or all other countries regard it as still part of Georgia) I had heard that it was not ... | In April 2012 I entered Abkhazia from Zugdidi on an EU passport with a printed permission from the Abkhazian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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What is the most time and cost efficient way to get from Buenos Aires to Iguazu falls? Google Maps estimates the distance at 15 hours driving time, which is probably more than I'd like to spend non-stop at the wheel. What transportation options are available / common? What are the relative costs, and are reservations a... | You can indeed save time by flying, but if you're not in a hurry, buses are comfortable and a lot cheaper. At least Via Bariloche also operates the Buenos Aires – Puerto Iguazú route The two airlines that fly this route are LAN and Aerolineas Argentinas.
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Which Australian bank/account incurs lowest fees using an ATM card overseas? As per this question about US banks , I would like to know if any Australian bank offers an account with an ATM card (or Visa/Mastercard debit card) with no or low fees for travellers using them in foreign cash machines. This includes whethe... | However, if you have a NAB Gold account (which has a monthly fee unless you pay in a lot each month), then there are no foreign transaction fees (including no fees on foreign cash withdrawls).
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What is required of an Australian citizen to get a visa for Ukraine? I am an Australian citizen and I know that for some ex Eastern Bloc countries like Russia and Belarus I need an invitation and other difficulties to obtain a visa. Ukraine looks easier than those but not quite as easy as Eastern Europe or Turkey - b... | You do need a visa to enter Ukraine, either a tourist visa or a transit visa.
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Entertaining family stopovers on a driving trip from Pittsburgh, PA, to Chicago, IL We are planning on driving to Chicago in November. We will be taking a 14 month old toddler, so driving straight through, stopping only for gas and food, is probably not going to be practical. I'm looking for suggestions for fun ideas... | Toddlers aren't going to be particularly interested in attractions (unless you stop in a zoo perhaps, but that seems like too long of a stop); what they need is running around . If you want a "change of pace," it might be worth taking a small detour to see some lake views.
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Are there low cost airlines to travel within the US? I'm from Europe where there are a lot of low cost airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, etc... But these operate mainly in Europe. Then, my question is if there are airlines which provide cheap flights within the US. <Q> There is one airline, Spirit Airlines , which is ... | "Ultra" low-cost (no-frills) airlines: Allegiant Air - Domestic Routes and International Charter JetBlue Airways - Domestic, Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America
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