in July/August 2005
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The Little Book of Travel Wisdom
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32. Asking for Directions
"Ask more than one person for directions," says Lonely Planet editor Don George, in a twist on the old tailor's rubric: measure twice, cut once. "In certain cultures, particularly in Asia, it is impolite for a local to say 'I don't know.' It can be a cause of embarrassment to a local if he can't provide an answer for you, so his natural response is to say something, anything, even if it isn't correct."
33. Protect Your Plastic
Use a credit card for big-ticket items like jewelry, rugs, and artwork—or whenever there might be a problem. Credit card companies won't cover buyers' remorse, but will protect against unauthorized charges, billing errors, and misrepresentation with proper documentation (e.g. certificate of authenticity, signed description from retailer). Expect one percent currency conversion fees from Visa and Mastercard and two percent from American Express on purchases. Read the fine print: Some banks add a surcharge of up to three percent of the converted amount.
34. Cheap Thrills for Drama Queens
Try not to pay full price for tickets to art events such as plays, musicals, and operas. In New York City, for instance, half-price day-of-show tickets are available at the Times Square TKTS kiosk. San Francisco and London have similar agencies. For spontaneous theatrical adventures while traveling, pick up a local English-language newspaper and make your plans on the spot. In Prague, for example, buy a copy of the Prague Post and check out the opera and concert listings. Then stop by the box office (prices here are often half of what consolidators charge) or stand at the theater around showtime. Even if a concert claims to be sold out, just wait: Ticket touts will find you.
35. Light Eating
At resorts, where meals can cost you up to $70-100 per day, consider spending extra money and booking a club-level hotel room. Amenities usually include a breakfast buffet (with juice, danish, fruit, cereal), midday refreshments and snacks (cookies, fruit), and hors d'oeuvres and cocktails in the evening, which might just save your bottom line in the long run. You'll also have an opportunity to mingle with other guests on your floor. If you want to try a fancy restaurant, the breakfast and lunch menu will be cheaper than at dinnertime; or in large cities, ask the tourism office for dates of "restaurant weeks," when some eateries offer deals on prix fixe lunch and dinner menus.
36. Think Smaller, But Still Go Big
Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone: America's most striking natural wonders are also among its most crowded (combined they drew more than 10.5 million visitors last year). The National Park Service is working to increase awareness of the 57 national parks and reduce the negative impact of overuse on the biggies. Visit http://nps.seeamerica.org for maps, itineraries, and links to deals on parks. Another underutilized resource: the 192 million acres of national forest, mostly in the West, where natural resources are protected and managed. Visit the website of the U.S. National Forest Campground Guide for
recommendations.
37. The Tipping Point
While you'll never make an enemy by leaving a big tip, it's not always necessary or expected. Generally, tips reward good service. While in the U.S. a tip is an expected part of a server's income; in many other nations tips are small grace notes underscoring your appreciation. In America, of course, it is customary to tip 15-20 percent (of your un-taxed total bill) at restaurants, bars, and in taxi cabs. In Germany and France, service charges are included in restaurant checks (verify this with your server), and tipping becomes more of an ad hoc gesture—consider giving five percent of your bill, or simply rounding up the total of your check to the nearest full euro. Bartenders receive small change or none at all. Tipping is generally not expected in Japan and other Asian countries. Some general tipping guidelines: Assess the state of the local economy, determine the local currency equivalent of $1, and tip freely. Tip bellhops and porters $1 per bag; hotel maids should get about $1 per day of your stay. A concierge receives a tip of $5-10 for each request, with an additional gratuity for special services or favors. If your tour guide and driver have been especially helpful, offer $2-5.
38. Shopping Savvy
Buy items that the area or city is noted for. For example, in Oaxaca, Mexico, purchase handmade pottery; in Hong Kong, buy custom-tailored clothing; in Florence, bargain for leather goods. Compare prices in several locations before you buy, and avoid shops near train stations and in heavily touristed areas.
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