Question and Answers

 

 

If you are anything like me, before I travel I have 1,000 questions to answer. I honestly don’t think there is any stupid questions, just one’s that are left unanswered or even worse, not asked. This page may allay a few fears, provide a little help or just take you one step closer to that seat that you secretly wish you were sitting in. 

Questions & Answers

I don’t know if I can do it (travelling alone)

I’d say why not. I can honestly say after I had booked Japan for my first solo journey, I had the same doubts (but was stupid enough to go ahead and do it then worry). Once I was there and got over the initial fears, I was fine. Challenging yourself is half the fun of travel and more importantly, living life. If you are comfortable sitting back in a armchair watching life go by, then you are probably not even reading this. Give it a go, what’s the worst that can happen?

I don’t know the language

I’ll let you into a little secret, neither did I nor still don’t (it has been said I struggle with English as well at times haha). I have about 5 words in Japanese, 10 in German and a French phrase that translates to “I am an Australian, I do not understand/comprehend”. I have been perfectly fine in a range of countries and have been able to make myself understood in 98% of cases (in the 2% I moved on and solved the issue within minutes). 

I personally use apps such as Google Translate when I am at a loss to communicate with someone or simply don’t understand a sign. Just type in your request in English, translate it into the given language you require and you have bridged the communication gap. The same applies for signs, just hold your camera to said sign and you will have a pretty accurate translation. The app is downloadable to your phone.

How do I go about organising my trip?

This is a bit of a multi-layered section so better to answer it in more specific areas. This could deal with how do I book? Where do I look? What will help me to read up on a certain place or even? Should I use a travel agent or not? When it is all said an done, you will pick the model that suits you. Personally, I am an “organise myself” person for reasons that I will pell out below. I know other people who like someone to map out a trip for them. There is no right or wrong way, just the best way that suits your purposes as well as preferences. You can check the general links page for sites that will help in the planning of your trip. If you want more specific information, visit the pages dedicated to the countries featured on this site.

Why do you choose to organise your trips rather than going to a travel agent?

Personally I like to organise my own trips. IMHO, the joy of travel is not only during the trip but is also in the planning. The reading and research opens up possibilities that you wouldn’t have thought existed until you actually sit down and think about it. I remember being in Paris in 1989 on a 3-day coach trip that myself and wife had booked on the spur of the moment while in the UK. One of the destinations on the trip (which I will say in all fairness, was fun) was a perfume factory, adjacent to the Paris Opera House. The entire time we were walking through the perfume factory, all I could think about was how much I wanted to be walking either in or around the Opera House. It was at that point I decided if given the chance, I would plan where I wanted to be, when i wanted to be there. There is nothing wrong with a ‘store bought‘ trip, it just doesn’t suit me. If I make a mistake, I learn from it rather than missing an opportunity which may not come again.

How easy is it to access the internet while I'm overseas?

I will deal with the issue of specific access in each of the individual country pages. Needless to say, having access to wifi will make life easier where language issues are in play. Generally speaking, airports and major transport hubs will nearly always offer free wifi along with major shopping centres and food outlets.

One tip I would give to anyone travelling, be it overseas or domestically, is to arm yourself with a VPN. If you are intending to use any form of public wifi, using a VPN is essential in protecting yourself against cyber theft. Do your research as to which company is best for your purposes and budget, but it would be a  potentially costly mistake to underestimate its importance. Go to the general links page and check out the social media section. Some of the reviewers are sponsored by VPN companies so there may be a deal in the offing.   

Another advantage of maintaining a VPN during the planning stage, is the potential to save money on your ticket purchases. Set your location to different countries and view the difference in the cost of your flights and/or accomodation. The savings can be definitely worth the time spent.

How safe will I be?

Obviously this will vary between city to city, country to country. Generally speaking, if you keep your wits about you and do a little research (as to where not to be and/or what time not to be there), you should be fine. There is always the chance that you will be in the wrong place at the wrong time, but bad luck can happen as easily at home as it can away.

Here are a few common sense things you can do to limit the risk of theft or confrontation

  1. Unattended or loosely held bags can be an attraction to thieves so make sure to pay attention when travelling through crowded areas or on public transport. 
  2. Do a bit of research on the areas you are going and the common scams that occur i.e. petition signing
  3. I tend to travel during the cooler months which means I can carry what I need on my person. Make sure that the jacket you buy has inside pockets (the more the better). That way you can keep your valuables in an area that is harder for pickpockets to get at.
  4. Avoid parks at night and small streets. If an area seems a little sketchy, better to be safe than sorry.
  5. Well known landmarks attract crowds which in turn can attract pickpockets and scammers. Be aware of your surroundings and you should be ok.
What do I do about my phone?

Like most people these days, we are attached to our phones. Having access to things such as maps, train timetables and if you are going to a country where there are language barriers, google translate, having access to your phone is essential. Really, I think this specific area comes down a range of factors.

  • How long you are going to be travelling for?
  • What are you willing to pay?
  • What options are you most comfortable with?
  • Where are you travelling to?

Now while I am not a genius in regard to this, I have had to struggle with this area myself and the above factors are things that I have had to weigh up. I will try and deal with these one by one.

How long you are going to be travelling for?

This can be a factor that sways you from certain options. If for example you are going away for a week or two, your normal carrier may have a deal that suits your purposes. Consider the daily data available to you and cost. Most carriers offer a $5 a day charge which when over a fortnight, is comparable to other offers out there. The one added bonus is that you don’t have to go changing anything on your phone. If you have difficulties with technology, maybe this is the way to go.

If you are going to away for a period of time, maybe looking at an alternative could be the go. 3 weeks at $5 a day is starting to get up there in cost and other options may what you need to start looking at.

What are you willing to pay?

If money isn’t an option, then knock yourself out. If it is, then this is when alternatives come into play. Having an extra $100 to spend on a present or a night out may be something that you would prefer.

What options are you most comfortable with?

This has been partially dealt with in the first consideration. Are you a technophobe that will faint the first time you will have to do anything remotely technical with your phone? Have you come to terms with the 21st century and are becoming more comfortable with your device?

(a) Well, you can either go with what your provider at home offers you (as stated earlier). They are relatively fair deals which offer you a hassle free (in most cases) option.

(b) You can buy a sim while you are overseas and swap your normal sim that you would use at home. You can get some good deals for a month or more while you are there. The only real hassle is storing your normal sim so when you get home, you are right to resume normal transmission.

(c) You can try an e-Sim. This will come down to your phone and the compatibility of this option. Simply install the e-Sim via a QR code (in most cases), turn off your normal sim and you are right to go. No need to take anything out so it negates the issue of storing a sim card for the trip.

There is one other option, portable wi-fi router which I will deal with in the next section.

 Where are you travelling to?

This is a real consideration as some areas are not necessarily covered by the same Sim. Take into consideration that you are travelling to Britain & Europe. Brexit changed the complexion of phone coverage in Europe and for travellers. Do your homework on this one as there are lot of sims that will only cover the UK or Europe, not necessarily both. If you are only travelling in Europe, you should be fine but go and check the marketplace.

When I travel to Japan, I have in the past used a portable wi-fi router. The speeds you get are very good and you have coverage throughout the country. I have used Japan Wireless in the past and have no hassles with them but there are other options. Japan is different to other major destinations as free wi-fi is not as readily available. All the options that have been dealt with above are available in Japan and it definitely is a help to have a map to help you … Tokyo can be a little confusing at times.

What is the best way to deal with money when abroad?

This comes down what you are comfortable with and where you are travelling to. Places like Japan are still very much a cash-based society. Arm yourself with some yen before you travel leave so you can hit the ground running. On the other hand, I found last time I was in England that card payments are becoming more and more the norm. This is in part a hangover from covid so be prepared.

Personally, there is a school of thought that says it is best to retain the cash you didn’t spend for your next trip. This will come down to your future plans and whether or not travel is for you. Having some foreign currency stashed away does help when dealing with the ebbs and flows of foreign exchange rates. If you are in a period where the conversion rate is good, take advantage of it.

When it comes down to cards, there are so many varied options out there. Some banks will store a range of different currencies which is great if you are travelling to countries that the card covers. Another thing to take into consideration is your card part of a global banking facility. Recently I lost a card in an overseas ATM and was not covered. The problem was solved by a few phone calls home but maybe, the hassle could have been saved if I could have dealt directly with a branch in the country, I was in.

Anyway, check what your card offers, what fees do they charge (if they do at all), does it offer travel insurance and can you get some points with them. The banks do ok with your money, get some benefit out of the service you are invariably paying for.