In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, American Express and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation have introduced the Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant Program, committing $5 million in grants to help small businesses rebuild. Announced on October 31, this initiative aims to provide 1,000 small businesses located in states such as Florida, Georgia,…
Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images To anybody interested in contesting the 2024 election: Go right ahead. But please take a lesson from (very) recent history. If you cross the line, there will be consequences. Here’s a handy list of some things you might be considering that are sure to land you in varying depths of shit.…
Canvassers for immigrant rights group Voces de la Frontera Action Ricardo Lopez-Garcia, left, and Alejandra Pavon Guajardo, right, knock on doors as they canvass to voters in the Bay View neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Friday, October 11, 2024Mother Jones illustration; Joel Angel Juarez for The Washington Post/Getty Fight disinformation: Sign up for the free…
Experimental travel is all about taking unusual routes and challenging traditional norms to create memorable experiences and innovative approaches to travel.
Mindful travel for example, focuses on engaging with the environment and culture through sensory experiences like local music, food, and traditions.
Reverse travel involves starting with a random location and letting that determine the itinerary, while Theme travel centers around specific interests such as cuisine, festivals, or street art.
Distance travel, on the other hand, involves exploring local areas. To immerse themselves in a different culture, travelers can stay with locals through platforms like Couchsurfing or participate in exchange programs. They can also use random route generators or apps to make spontaneous travel decisions. For a more rewarding experience, travelers can set personal travel goals, such as only speaking the local language or trying a new daily activity.
The essence of experimental travel lies in exploring unique ways to fully engage with the world, resulting in exclusive and unforgettable experiences. One important goal is to revitalize endangered cultures by promoting experiential travel. By actively engaging with local communities and traditions, travelers can contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable tourism, all while breaking away from traditional tourist activities.
When marketing experimental travel, we need to emphasize its positive impact on mental health benefits and overall well-being. Individuals can experience personal growth and enhance their psychological well-being by stepping out of their comfort zones and facing challenges. However, it is equally important to consider the environmental impact of travel. By combining these different approaches to travel, travelers can discover hidden destinations, have unique experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of the world.
Experimental travel involves exploring rare destinations to engage in immersive cultural exchanges. For instance, Kyoto, Japan, offers traditional tea ceremonies and a glimpse into the geisha culture. Reykjavik, Iceland, features breathtaking volcanic landscapes and Northern Lights tours. Vang Vieng, Laos, is known for its stunning limestone karst landscapes and river activities. Chiang Mai, Thailand, provides opportunities for cooking classes and ethical elephant interactions. Buenos Aires, Argentina boasts tango and gaucho experiences. Lisbon and Porto, Portugal, have Fado music and port wine tours. Havana, Cuba, offers a taste of classic culture and historic architecture. These destinations offer enriching experiences beyond traditional tourism, immersing travelers in local cultures and landscapes fully.
Remote work and travel are closely intertwined with experimental travel, offering freedom but may present some challenges. The advantages include the flexibility to work from inspiring locations, an improved work-life balance, and exposure to different cultures. However, there are also obstacles to overcome, such as the need for reliable internet, coordinating across different time zones, and maintaining a healthy work-life boundary. To succeed, digital nomads or remote workers should carefully plan their trips, stay organized with digital tools, and establish precise work hours and a dedicated workspace. They need to research their destination for resources and support, efficiently manage their tasks, and establish boundaries to separate work from leisure. Ultimately, this dynamic combination of remote work and travel can lead to a fulfilling and well-balanced lifestyle.
Remote work has become popular among many businesses, supporting employees who want to integrate travel into their job responsibilities. It is expected to find flexible work options, remote work policies, and benefits for digital nomads. Companies like 15Five, Buffer, GitLab, and Togg are recognized for their remote-first approach. Companies like Microsoft and Meta provide opportunities for both hybrid and remote work. Remote Year and We Work Remotely are specifically designed for professionals who have a nomadic lifestyle and offer various travel and hospitality options.
Platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr make it possible to work remotely and travel. Companies in the e-commerce industry, like Shopify and HubSpot, offer the option for remote work. Nonprofit organizations, creative industries, professional networks, and co-working spaces provide options for individuals seeking to work remotely while traveling.
Combining remote work with experiential travel may offer opportunities to work and explore simultaneously. Digital nomads can adopt several strategies to achieve a successful balance. They should select destinations that provide reliable internet and co-working facilities while immersing themselves in the local culture. Establishing a productive workspace with the necessary tools and utilizing co-working spaces can enhance efficiency. Managing time zones by adjusting schedules and maintaining clear communication is crucial. Staying organized with digital tools and adhering to deadlines is vital. Ensuring a stable internet connection and using a VPN for security is also essential, along with maintaining health through exercise and local activities. Preparing for unexpected situations with backup plans and travel insurance would also be necessary. Lastly, engaging with local culture and regularly assessing the work-travel balance is essential. One can reap the rewards of remote work and travel by implementing these strategies.
Combining remote work with travel can offer several benefits for personal and professional development. These include the rise of bleisure, quiet trips, enhanced work-life balance through flexible scheduling, and reduced commute stress. Working in varied environments can increase productivity and creativity, and visiting new cultures can broaden perspectives and create networking opportunities. Travel encourages personal development by instilling self-reliance and adaptability. It can promote better mental health by lowering stress and enhancing contentment. It offers new experiences, financial savings, enhanced work connections, increased flexibility, and learning possibilities. One can live a happier and more balanced life by managing work responsibilities and enjoying travel.
Combining remote work with travel might present additional challenges, including blurred boundaries and diversions, connectivity issues such as unreliable internet, and time zone differences that cause schedule conflicts. Unstable settings and a lack of routine may cause productivity issues. Legal and tax implications may necessitate work permits and tax administration in various jurisdictions. A lack of community and social support can cause isolation and loneliness. Health risks include irregular schedules and restricted access to healthcare.
Security concerns involve data breaches and personal safety risks. Maintaining professional ties is more difficult when working remotely. Visa issues and the search for adequate housing are examples of administrative challenges. Cultural and linguistic barriers might impede communication and adaptation. Managing personal finances is critical owing to rising travel costs and fluctuating living expenses.
The hospitality industry can provide tailored lodging options like long-term stays and work-oriented environments equipped with facilities for remote workers. Some accommodations provide co-working spaces and flexible booking policies, such as free cancellations and easy reservation changes. Improved connectivity will be a priority, with high-speed internet and technical support services available. Business services such as meeting rooms and printers will be provided, as well as wellness facilities and leisure activities to achieve work-life balance.
Networking events and community bulletin boards will foster connections among remote workers, while local cultural experiences and customized workplace packages will cater to the needs of remote workers. Health and safety measures, including enhanced cleaning protocols and contactless services, will be implemented. Integrating smart rooms and virtual concierge services will improve the remote work experience. Partnerships with remote work platforms and digital nomad communities can help the industry attract and support remote workers, making working from different locations worldwide easier.
Hotels around the globe provide an extensive array of health and wellness services for their guests, including those traveling for leisure, seeking unique experiences, or working remotely. In the Asian hotel industry, traditional practices are incorporated into the services offered, with a strong emphasis on health and wellness. Asia offers various opportunities, such as Ayurvedic treatments in India and Sri Lanka, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China and Hong Kong, and Thai massage in Thailand.
Spa facilities emphasize holistic experiences, such as Onsen baths in Japan and Bali-style spas. Regarding healthy dining, Asian superfoods, and farm-to-table dining is center stage. Fitness programs provide classes in yoga, Tai Chi, and martial arts. Zen spaces, mindfulness workshops, and cultural immersion are all part of mental wellness. Luxurious bedding and aromatherapy kits can enhance the quality of your sleep.
Educational opportunities include health discussions, cultural well-being sessions, and cooking workshops. Sustainability practices focus on eco-friendly certifications and local products. Specialized wellness packages include detox retreats and recovery programs. Some Asian hotels strive to provide their guests with a unique and enriching health-oriented experience by embracing regional traditions.
The European hotel industry integrates contemporary luxury with age-old traditions to provide a diverse array of health and wellness options. These offerings encompass spa services such as thermal baths, saunas, and unique therapies rooted in European heritage. Additionally, fitness initiatives, including yoga sessions, personal training, and outdoor pursuits in beautiful locations, are highly sought after. Culinary choices emphasize health, featuring farm-to-table meals and European superfoods tailored to various dietary preferences.
Mental wellness is prioritized through mindfulness workshops, tranquil spaces, and cultural experiences designed to promote relaxation. Enhancements for better sleep include premium bedding, sleep kits, and thoughtfully designed rooms conducive to rest. Educational programs focusing on health, cooking, and wellness retreats contribute to a comprehensive wellness journey. Furthermore, sustainability efforts and tailored wellness packages enrich the overall guest experience. Traditional wellness practices, like thermal bath rituals and herbal therapies, provide a distinctive element to European hotels, distinguishing them in a competitive landscape.
Integrating health and wellness services within the African hotel industry presents an opportunity to create distinctive experiences that reflect the continent’s rich cultural and environmental diversity. Such opportunities may include the incorporation of traditional wellness methods such as herbal remedies and cultural ceremonies, the establishment of spa facilities designed with African aesthetics and sustainable practices, the provision of nutritious dining options featuring indigenous superfoods, the development of fitness and recreational programs set in natural surroundings, an emphasis on mental well-being through mindfulness activities and cultural engagement, improvements in sleep quality through premium bedding and sleep enhancement kits, the organization of educational workshops focused on health and wellness, the implementation of sustainable practices, and the creation of tailored wellness packages. These strategies can meet the growing demand for wellness-oriented travel experiences and celebrate Africa’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
The South American hotel industry is elevating guest experiences by incorporating health and wellness services that showcase the continent’s rich cultural and natural diversity. Opportunities for South American hotels include the introduction of traditional wellness offerings, such as indigenous healing practices, classic massage techniques, and ayahuasca ceremonies. Hotels can feature spa amenities by incorporating tropical elements, hydrotherapy options, and sustainable practices.
Culinary experiences can emphasize healthy dining with South American superfoods and local dishes, while fitness initiatives may include outdoor excursions, cultural dance lessons, and yoga classes. Services for mental wellness and sleep improvement, educational workshops, sustainability efforts, and tailored wellness packages can further enhance the guest experience. These offerings provide a distinctive and unforgettable stay that honors South America’s cultural legacy and natural splendor.
The Middle Eastern hotel sector has a unique opportunity to deliver health and wellness services by integrating traditional practices with luxurious spa amenities, nutritious dining choices, fitness initiatives, and additional offerings. Key strategies may involve traditional wellness therapies such as Oriental medicine and Turkish baths, highlighting healthy Middle Eastern superfoods in their culinary selections, providing outdoor activities alongside cultural fitness classes, and improving sleep quality through premium bedding and sleep kits. By embracing these services, hotels in the Middle East can craft distinctive experiences that meet guest expectations while honoring the region’s vibrant cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.
Health and wellness services within the U.S. hotel sector are increasingly appealing to travelers who wish to sustain or enhance their well-being while traveling. Hotels now provide various options, including spa treatments such as massages and holistic therapies, and fitness centers equipped with advanced machinery and diverse class offerings. Additionally, they are introducing healthy dining options, mental wellness initiatives, sleep improvement strategies, educational workshops, sustainable practices, tailored wellness packages, and technology-driven solutions.
By integrating these services, hotels can fulfill modern travelers’ expectations, elevate their overall experience, and differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape. The U.S. hotel industry has the potential to expand its customer base by incorporating a range of services that are successfully utilized in other countries. Diverse wellness practices have replaced traditional spa and massage offerings.
Guests now anticipate innovative experiences, and hotels that introduce new service offerings can create and maintain a competitive edge. Consequently, as long as hotels follow these trends, they will continue attracting guests interested in wellness services, unique experiences, and remote work options.
Reprinted from the Hotel Business Review with permission from http://www.hotelexecutive.com/.
The start of college football’s closing month adds a sense of urgency to the mix. Can you get to six wins and bowl eligibility? And if you’re in contention for a conference title or seat at the expanded playoff, can you lock things up?
With two full months in the books (and most of the local FBS schools off this weekend) now is a suitable time to check in with the power conferences (now four instead of five). Who legitimately has postseason hopes? Who’s dealing with a nightmare instead of a dream season? And how are each conference’s “new kids” finding the neighborhood their first trip around?
SEC Hopefuls: Eight schools in the Top 25, with No. 2 Georgia owning the highest ranking and No. 10 Texas A&M standing as the only team still unbeaten in league play. Other contenders include No. 6 Texas, No. 7 Tennessee, and two-loss teams LSU, Ole Miss and Missouri, as well as Alabama (who still controls their path to the College Football Playoff).
Sad Sack: Woe is Mississippi State, who’s dropped seven of their first eight games while starting league play 0-5. First-year Head Coach Jeff Lebby has his work cut out for him.
New Kids: While Texas has mostly held its own, the Longhorns melted on the field in their first half against Georgia and melted off the field in the second half when fans threw bottles from the stands to argue a call. Oklahoma (4-4, 1-4) hasn’t been that good, spiraling out of the rankings with three straight double-digit defeats.
Big Ten Hopefuls: Five schools in the Top 25 with three in the top four (No. 1 Oregon, No. 3 Penn State, No. 4 Ohio State) and perhaps the best story this fall residing at No. 13 (8-0 Indiana). And the best thing this fall is that there is no West Division to suffer watching.
Sad Sack: Purdue (1-6, 0-4) may be two years removed from playing Michigan for the conference championship but they’ve have coughed up 50, 52, and 66 points in losses to Illinois, Wisconsin, and Notre Dame. Thank goodness they had Indiana State on their schedule (49-0 win).
New Kids: Take No. 1 Oregon out of the mix and the trio of Washington, USC, and UCLA are 10-11 (5-11 in the league). While much has been made of the two-time zone travel that league expansion has created, the Bruins are 0-3 at home in the Big Ten.
Big 12 Hopefuls: Four schools in the Top 25 including a pair of unbeaten teams in No. 9 BYU and No. 11 Iowa State. And No. 23 Colorado after a September slip is surging.
Sad Sack: Oklahoma State (3-5, 0-5) played for the conference championship last year and had hoped to take advantage of a league without Oklahoma and Texas, but so far this fall they’re without a league win.
New Kids: Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah are a combined 8-11 in league play with the Utes going from Top 10 contender to .500 pretender thanks to four straight losses. Their only conference win was Oklahoma State.
ACC Hopefuls: Four Top 25 teams with one from the pre-Big East raiding era as No. 11 Clemson has recovered from their season-opening loss to Georgia. Both No. 5 Miami and No. 18 Pitt have won national championships, albeit in pre-ACC form (while Tony Dorsett and Clinton Portis remain “ACC legends”) and No. 20 SMU’s lone loss is to unbeaten BYU.
Sad Sack: Florida State (1-7, 1-6) is already out of bowl contention one season after getting robbed of a playoff berth at 13-0. I believe their mojo somehow got misplaced with their luggage on the way to Dublin, Ireland, for their season-opening loss to Georgia Tech.
New Kids: While the Mustangs haven’t missed a beat, the Bay Area duo of Cal and Stanford is a combined 1-8 in league play.
Saturday’s Games:
Virginia (4-4, 2-3) may be idle, but Kippy and Buffy will most definitely be busy this weekend. Pumpkin patch perusing and apple picking are on the docket as well as wolfing down the candy not handed out on Halloween. To complement their sweets, they’ll be enjoying a glass or two from their bottle of Royal Oporto Late Bottled Vintage Port.
“Deep in color, it offers a complex bouquet of berries and spice, enriched by luscious notes of red fruit and raisins,” according to its website. “On the palate, it presents a refined experience with firm, round tannins that underscore its robust structure.”
Virginia Tech (5-3, 3-1 ACC) at Syracuse (5-2, 2-2), noon, CW
Bowl eligibility goes to the winner at the JMA Wireless Dome, where in addition to numbers honored for the likes of football’s Jim Brown and basketball’s Pearl Washington, musician Billy Joel is saluted for performing more concerts than any other artist at the venue. The Hokies haven’t won there in the longest time (2000), although they’ve played here sparingly since moving out of the Big East two decades ago. The Orange learned they were only human in a 41-13 loss at No. 18 Pitt last Thursday, as quarterback Kyle McCord threw three pick-sixes. Will they get a second wind?
Pressure is a priority for the Hokies who are tied for the ACC lead with 26 sacks. Despite issues running the ball (16th in the ACC) or stopping the pass (14th in efficiency) this fall the Orange are the second-best team on third down at moving the chains (50.4%) AND keeping teams from reaching the marker (29.3%). It’s also homecoming and can the Syracuse faithful delude themselves into thinking they can beat a Hokie team that’s heating up (three straight wins by double digits)?
Sometimes a fantasy is all you need. Don’t ask me why.
Presto’s Pick: You may be right but the Hokies win 34-30.
Navy (6-1, 4-0 AAC) at Rice (2-6, 1-3), 4 p.m., ESPN2
The Midshipmen look to bounce back from their loss to Notre Dame and the Owls are a great team to try to bounce back against. Head coach Mike Bloomgren guided the program to consecutive bowl games but was fired this past week after losing to Connecticut (don’t knock these Huskies: they’re 5-3 with one-possession losses to Duke and Wake Forest).
The offense has been an issue this fall as the Owls rank near the bottom of the conference in scoring, rushing and total yards. But they boast a quarterback in EJ Warner (son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner), who at Temple carved up Navy for 402 yards and four touchdowns passing last fall. Injury kept the junior out of the loss to UConn while freshman Drew Devillier threw for just 88 yards against the Huskies. But the Owls despite all of their faults are good at keeping their QBs upright, allowing less than one sack per game.
Navy’s won four straight in the series and even though this is their first meeting as AAC foes, one feels the trend will continue.
Presto’s Pick: Midshipmen bounce back with a 47-17 blowout.
Georgetown over Lehigh, Howard defeats Delaware State, Richmond tops Towson, William & Mary wins over North Carolina A&T, Morgan State edges Norfolk State.
Last Week: 8-3.
Overall: 51-29.
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Virtual Reality In Education Global Market 2024 To Reach $61.55 Billion By 2028 At Rate Of 39.1% – Technology Today – EIN Presswire
AI-assisted summaryMisunderstandings are common when traveling internationally, especially with language barriers.While translation apps can be helpful, they shouldn’t replace basic language learning or cultural awareness.Assumptions about shared customs, like date formats or measurement systems, can lead to confusion and frustration.If you’re reading this article in English, lucky you. You can travel the world and still be understood by many people because 20% of the world also speaks English.Sorta.Damian Comito remembered ordering a coffee at a restaurant in Rome recently. Instead, his server brought him a steaming plate of fried zucchini. Cominto, who owns a limousine company in Berth, Washington, had no idea how the server thought he wanted a plate of frittelle di zucchine instead of a cappuccino.”Fortunately, a helpful local stepped in,” he recalled. “We laughed about the incident.”It goes both ways. Stephanie Rytting recalled her first visit to Paris after she learned French. She visited a cafe and confidently ordered a ham sandwich called a croque-monsieur. Only she called it a croque-madame, which is a ham sandwich with an egg on it. (Talk about having egg on your face!)Enjoy your worry-free vacation: Best travel insurance policiesCheck out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn’t want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don’t tell anyone!”The waiter politely corrected my faux pas,” recalled Rytting, a travel consultant who specializes in France. “And I sheepishly accepted the sandwich.”Are we having more lost-in-translation moments? No question about it. More Americans are traveling to far-flung destinations where fewer people speak English. Places you wouldn’t dare go without a phone, a strong 5G signal and Google Translate.Then again, maybe you would.So, let’s talk about what’s behind these linguistic meltdowns and how to fix them. I know you’re already reaching for your translation app, but trust me, that’s only half the solution.Planning a fall getaway?Here are the 5 biggest mistakes to avoid in 2024New strategiesfor avoiding vacation rental ‘gotchas’What’s causing these translation screw-ups?Many translation problems don’t happen where you think they do. For as many funny “I ordered the wrong dish” stories as you can find – and you can find a lot – most restaurant orders are fairly easy. (Here’s a pro tip: Most dishes have a number next to them. Use the number to order what you want; don’t try to pronounce the dish name.)Bill McGee, a frequent traveler and airline policy expert, says some of the worst translation problems are based on assumptions.”Sometimes it’s nuts and bolts stuff, such as the metric system. Or 24-hour rather than 12-hour clocks in airports and train stations. Or dates written day-month-year. Or elevators that have a ground floor as well as a first floor,” he told me.And too many Americans simply assume things are done like they are back home: That they use the imperial system, the 12-hour clock, that they write their dates month-day-year. (And the elevator? Heck, I don’t even know what the elevator is saying to me half the time.) “The stigma of the ugly American still lives on, and it will continue for as long as we fail to recognize that much of the world does things differently,” McGee said.Can a translation app help avoid a mistranslation when you travel?Americans go through several phases when they’re abroad. First, there’s the assumption that everyone speaks English because people around them are trying to speak English – maybe they’re practicing their English? The second phase is a realization that the English they speak is often limited to “yes,” “no,” “please” and “thank you.” And that’s when they reach for a translation app like Google Translate.”Translation apps are not a replacement for organic fluency,” said David Koo, the director of operations for Global Rescue. “But they can help cross important communication barriers when it comes to local navigation, reading menus, managing public transportation, shopping or getting help, even in case of emergencies.” Koo, who speaks several languages himself, also reaches for a translation app even when he knows a language fluently. That’s because he’s heard too many stories like the fried zucchini or the egg sandwich. And because he works for a company that specializes in security services, he knows that bad translations can be dangerous. For example, try telling a doctor at a hospital in Rome about your medication allergies. If you get something wrong, I promise you won’t be sharing a laugh with the staff.Do you have luggage rage?Here’s how to know – and what to do about itPlanning a trip?Don’t get destination-dupedHow to avoid getting lost in translationGetting zucchini instead of a cappuccino is one thing, but sometimes, clear communication is essential when you travel. I’ve almost made the day-month-year mistake when booking hotels in Europe. Always, always double-check to make sure you have the correct date, and remember that outside the U.S., they use the day-month-year format for bookings.”There are situations when traveling where precise communication is a must,” said Aleksander Alski, who manages U.S. sales for Vasco Electronics, a developer of translation devices. “Getting lost in translation may affect our travel experience.”That’s true. Last summer, while I was hiking around southeast Asia, I asked a pharmacist in Chiang Mai, Thailand, if they carried salicylic acid, a medication that helps remove warts. She nodded enthusiastically – and handed a box of Cialis. “Oh no,” I said. Everything is fine, you know, there, I said, looking down. The problem was a little lower – my feet had blisters on them from hiking around. She turned several shades of red before finding the salicylic acid.So, how do you avoid a lost-in-translation experience?Learn the language. No, not the entire language – but enough so that you can say “yes” and “no” at a minimum. Another helpful phrase: “Where is the bathroom?” In Japan, my most-used phrase was “excuse me.” These small efforts can eliminate a lot of confusion.Don’t assume anything. Don’t assume everyone speaks English (even if the locals you meet pretend to). Don’t assume they do their dates and measurements the same way. Assumption is the beginning of a misunderstanding when it comes to language.Get an app and use it. Download Google Translate or buy a Vasco translator and use it when you travel, even when you think someone understands you. Remember, people will often answer your question with “yes” when they don’t understand what you’ve said because they’re trying to be polite. Instead, type in what you want and show it to them.Here’s what I think is going on: It’s English, really. Everyone thinks they know it, or they think they should know it because they took a few semesters of it in school. So, people are muddling through their conversations and getting a lot wrong. At the same time, Americans often want to use their high school Spanish or French. And that sometimes works, except when it doesn’t.As a result, it feels like everyone is talking past each other when they travel – even when they’re speaking the same language. It’s something to be aware of when you go abroad.The trick is to take it all in stride. The next time you’re traveling and find yourself accidentally ordering a plate of fried zucchini instead of coffee, think of it as a culinary adventure instead of a translation failure. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite dish.Christopher Elliottis an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He foundedElliott Advocacy,a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishesElliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and theElliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you canreach him hereor email him at [email protected].
AI-assisted summaryMisunderstandings are common when traveling internationally, especially with language barriers.While translation apps can be helpful, they shouldn’t replace basic language learning or cultural awareness.Assumptions about shared customs, like date formats or measurement systems, can lead to confusion and frustration.If you’re reading this article in English, lucky you. You can travel the world and still be understood by many people because 20% of the world also speaks English.Sorta.Damian Comito remembered ordering a coffee at a restaurant in Rome recently. Instead, his server brought him a steaming plate of fried zucchini. Cominto, who owns a limousine company in Berth, Washington, had no idea how the server thought he wanted a plate of frittelle di zucchine instead of a cappuccino.”Fortunately, a helpful local stepped in,” he recalled. “We laughed about the incident.”It goes both ways. Stephanie Rytting recalled her first visit to Paris after she learned French. She visited a cafe and confidently ordered a ham sandwich called a croque-monsieur. Only she called it a croque-madame, which is a ham sandwich with an egg on it. (Talk about having egg on your face!)Enjoy your worry-free vacation: Best travel insurance policiesCheck out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn’t want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don’t tell anyone!”The waiter politely corrected my faux pas,” recalled Rytting, a travel consultant who specializes in France. “And I sheepishly accepted the sandwich.”Are we having more lost-in-translation moments? No question about it. More Americans are traveling to far-flung destinations where fewer people speak English. Places you wouldn’t dare go without a phone, a strong 5G signal and Google Translate.Then again, maybe you would.So, let’s talk about what’s behind these linguistic meltdowns and how to fix them. I know you’re already reaching for your translation app, but trust me, that’s only half the solution.Planning a fall getaway?Here are the 5 biggest mistakes to avoid in 2024New strategiesfor avoiding vacation rental ‘gotchas’What’s causing these translation screw-ups?Many translation problems don’t happen where you think they do. For as many funny “I ordered the wrong dish” stories as you can find – and you can find a lot – most restaurant orders are fairly easy. (Here’s a pro tip: Most dishes have a number next to them. Use the number to order what you want; don’t try to pronounce the dish name.)Bill McGee, a frequent traveler and airline policy expert, says some of the worst translation problems are based on assumptions.”Sometimes it’s nuts and bolts stuff, such as the metric system. Or 24-hour rather than 12-hour clocks in airports and train stations. Or dates written day-month-year. Or elevators that have a ground floor as well as a first floor,” he told me.And too many Americans simply assume things are done like they are back home: That they use the imperial system, the 12-hour clock, that they write their dates month-day-year. (And the elevator? Heck, I don’t even know what the elevator is saying to me half the time.) “The stigma of the ugly American still lives on, and it will continue for as long as we fail to recognize that much of the world does things differently,” McGee said.Can a translation app help avoid a mistranslation when you travel?Americans go through several phases when they’re abroad. First, there’s the assumption that everyone speaks English because people around them are trying to speak English – maybe they’re practicing their English? The second phase is a realization that the English they speak is often limited to “yes,” “no,” “please” and “thank you.” And that’s when they reach for a translation app like Google Translate.”Translation apps are not a replacement for organic fluency,” said David Koo, the director of operations for Global Rescue. “But they can help cross important communication barriers when it comes to local navigation, reading menus, managing public transportation, shopping or getting help, even in case of emergencies.” Koo, who speaks several languages himself, also reaches for a translation app even when he knows a language fluently. That’s because he’s heard too many stories like the fried zucchini or the egg sandwich. And because he works for a company that specializes in security services, he knows that bad translations can be dangerous. For example, try telling a doctor at a hospital in Rome about your medication allergies. If you get something wrong, I promise you won’t be sharing a laugh with the staff.Do you have luggage rage?Here’s how to know – and what to do about itPlanning a trip?Don’t get destination-dupedHow to avoid getting lost in translationGetting zucchini instead of a cappuccino is one thing, but sometimes, clear communication is essential when you travel. I’ve almost made the day-month-year mistake when booking hotels in Europe. Always, always double-check to make sure you have the correct date, and remember that outside the U.S., they use the day-month-year format for bookings.”There are situations when traveling where precise communication is a must,” said Aleksander Alski, who manages U.S. sales for Vasco Electronics, a developer of translation devices. “Getting lost in translation may affect our travel experience.”That’s true. Last summer, while I was hiking around southeast Asia, I asked a pharmacist in Chiang Mai, Thailand, if they carried salicylic acid, a medication that helps remove warts. She nodded enthusiastically – and handed a box of Cialis. “Oh no,” I said. Everything is fine, you know, there, I said, looking down. The problem was a little lower – my feet had blisters on them from hiking around. She turned several shades of red before finding the salicylic acid.So, how do you avoid a lost-in-translation experience?Learn the language. No, not the entire language – but enough so that you can say “yes” and “no” at a minimum. Another helpful phrase: “Where is the bathroom?” In Japan, my most-used phrase was “excuse me.” These small efforts can eliminate a lot of confusion.Don’t assume anything. Don’t assume everyone speaks English (even if the locals you meet pretend to). Don’t assume they do their dates and measurements the same way. Assumption is the beginning of a misunderstanding when it comes to language.Get an app and use it. Download Google Translate or buy a Vasco translator and use it when you travel, even when you think someone understands you. Remember, people will often answer your question with “yes” when they don’t understand what you’ve said because they’re trying to be polite. Instead, type in what you want and show it to them.Here’s what I think is going on: It’s English, really. Everyone thinks they know it, or they think they should know it because they took a few semesters of it in school. So, people are muddling through their conversations and getting a lot wrong. At the same time, Americans often want to use their high school Spanish or French. And that sometimes works, except when it doesn’t.As a result, it feels like everyone is talking past each other when they travel – even when they’re speaking the same language. It’s something to be aware of when you go abroad.The trick is to take it all in stride. The next time you’re traveling and find yourself accidentally ordering a plate of fried zucchini instead of coffee, think of it as a culinary adventure instead of a translation failure. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite dish.Christopher Elliottis an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He foundedElliott Advocacy,a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishesElliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and theElliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you canreach him hereor email him at [email protected].
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