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Table of contents
What to Pack for Copenhagen......................................................................... 2
Getting Around Rio de Janeiro ....................................................................... 4
How to Avoid Big Phone Bills Abroad .......................................................... 6
How To Avoid Getting A Parking Ticket ....................................................... 9
How to Avoid Credit Card and ATM Fees While Traveling Abroad .......... 12
Learning To Communicate With The Locals In Argentina - Some Tips For
Expats ............................................................................................................ 14
Russian 101 for Tourists - Russian language tips ......................................... 17
Learning To Communicate With The Locals In Italy - Some Tips For
Expats ............................................................................................................ 19
Ive Missed My Flight! Heres what To Do ............................................... 22
Keep Your Cool: What to Do If Your Passport is Lost or Stolen While
Traveling ....................................................................................................... 24
What happens to lost luggage? ...................................................................... 26
How Do I Get to Antarctica? ........................................................................ 30

What to Pack for

Copenhagen
Copenhagen is well known for its famous Little Mermaid statue but there is far
more to this cosmopolitan city with its illustrious history. It dates back to the 11th
century, and with it intriguing painted, harbor-front buildings, its delightful
restaurants and cafes, its trendy shopping streets as well as its natural wonders,
its goes without saying that you are in for a splendid time.
What to pack for Copenhagen will be determined by the time of year you choose
to visit, and it is no secret that Copenhagen is particularly awesome to visit during
summer.
Add in some eye-catching accessories. Whether you visit in winter or summer, a
trendy pair of sunglasses will help to improve your vision and protect your eyes
from glare when you are on the beach or taking part in the many outdoor
activities on offer. For both men and women, a sturdy, functional everyday
shoulder bag is a great idea for putting in all your personal items as well as
putting in a hat, light jacket or extra pair of socks.
The weather is far milder in summer, the days longer and there is a lighthearted
aura which settles over the city. It is a wonderful time to visit because this is the
time when plenty of outdoor festivals and markets create a festive carnival
atmosphere. People ride bikes, enjoy picnics in the park and head for the
beaches.
What to pack for Copenhagen in the summer will be much the same as summer
clothing in other cities around the world. Just add in a light, waterproof jacket.
Summer is from June to August and a daytime average temperature in June for
instance will be 19 degrees Celsius. July and August are also the wettest months
of the year so bring a waterproof but light coat.
Get Your Hiking Footwear Sorted:
The Scandinavians may wear casual clothes, but these are always well fitting,
chic and stylish. Attractive t-shirts, shorts, sandals, light-weight long pants, jeans,
sneakers, long and short skirts, short sleeve shirts and blouses are ideal for
packing into your Copenhagen luggage if you want to enjoy your summer
Copenhagen getaway.
Hiking and walking are popular in Copenhagen and there are even some special
footpaths in the city. If you want to escape the city though, there is the Green

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Path for hikers; 9 km long and which is known as The Norrebro route. If you love
walking, packing in a sturdy pair of walking shoes is essential.
If you want to go on walks also bring a pair of thick walking socks as well as a hat
and sun screen. Getting soaked in the rain, whether you are out walking or
sightseeing in the city can sometimes be fun on holiday, but if you want to avoid
being drenched with a sudden downpour, pack in a rain coat, some rain pants as
well as an umbrella. Remember that while winters are always freezing, summers
are less predictable, and while they are mostly pleasantly warm, you will always
need to pack in a warm jacket for an unusually chilly or windy day.
Winter May Require Going a Bit Overboard for Warmth:
Winter in Copenhagen begins around October or November. The Christmas
market at Tivoli are all about Christmas trees, lights and lots of shopping and
eating. Some essentials would include a warm coat or a full zipped fleece jacket,
gloves, boots, a scarf and warm pants.
If you want to get the most out of your getaway in Copenhagen, make sure that
what you pack for Copenhagen is appropriate for the season's different
temperatures. Layers always work best.
Source: goscandinavia.about.com

Getting Around Rio de Janeiro

The best way to get around Rio is by foot or taxi. Major attractions, such
as Lapa and Santa Teresa, can easily be reached on foot. Other popular sites and beaches
are easy to reach by taxi, which are not difficult to hail on the city's main streets. For a
hassle-free means of transportation from Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG),
you'll want to catch a taxi. The subway is another affordable and safe way to get around
to main attractions. City buses are also convenient, but unfamiliar riders can be thrown
off by the non-English-speaking bus drivers. Keep in mind many bus routes branch into
Brazil's unsafe favelas, which you'll want to avoid. Renting a car probably isn't the best
mode of transportation, as traffic is heavy and the roads are packed with disorienting
street signs and pedestrians.

Subway

Taxi

Bus

The Rio subway system is cheap, clean and easy to navigate. Single train
tickets are priced at $3.70 reals and expire two days after purchase. A variety
of metro-bus combination ticket options are also available. Combination
tickets are particularly useful when visiting far away attractions like
the Jardim Botnico that require a bus-metro transfer. Subway stations also
offer rechargeable prepaid fare cards instead of tickets. If you prefer public
transportation, you may want to consider this option, which costs an initial
$10 reais ($5 reais for the card with $5 reais loaded) and will help save you
time. Trains operate from 5 a.m. until midnight Monday through Saturday
and 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. Sundays and holidays. Overall, the subway is an
affordable transportation option; however, it has a limited reach throughout
the city.
At night, it's best to travel by taxi. Taxis are abundant, easy to flag down and
have a standard meter rate regulated by the city. The meter should read "1"
Monday through Saturday between the hours of 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and "2,"
after 9 p.m. and all day on Sundays. Depending on the destination and route,
rates can range from $10 reais to $50 reais. Keep in mind most Brazilian taxi
drivers do not speak English. We recommend that you write down your
destination's address to prevent confusion.
Riding Rio's city buses can be dangerous, particularly at night. Apart from
serving as a hot spot for pickpockets, city buses run throughout the city,
including favelas (shanty towns). So, stay alert and only take the bus if you
know the exact route to your destination. Some routes are frequented by
tourists and are safe to use during the day. These include Routes Nos. 583
and 584 that run from Copacabana to Corcovado train station. Or Routes
Nos. 512 and 511 that run up Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Since Rio is hosting the 2016 Olympic Games, a Bus Rapid Service has
recently been implemented in the southern part of the city with designated
bus lanes and express service. Fares start at $2.40 reais and must be paid in

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cash. Note that when catching the bus, you must indicate for the bus to stop
even if you are standing at a designated stop. Premium coach buses are also
available for certain routes and airport transportation for $9 reais.

Van

Car

Rio Onibus (website in Portuguese)

Va da Onibus
Premium Auto nibus (in Portuguese)

In addition to buses, public minivans operate along Av Rio Branco to as far

as Barra da Tijuca, past Ipanema Beach and Copacabana Beach daily. Ideal
for travelers residing in the Zona Sul district, these public vans are
affordable, quick and easy to identify from the beach. Van fares start at
approximately $2 reais.
Rental cars are easy to reserve, but driving throughout the city is not
recommended. The main roads have confusing street signs, weaving cars and
traffic jams. Popular rental car companies are located in the city and daily
rates can start at $20 to $30, but you'll also have to pay for parking
throughout the city.

Source: travel.usnews.com

How to Avoid Big Phone Bills Abroad

T+L offers seven money-saving strategies for beating the high
cost of staying connected on the road.

Whats the best way to make a call when traveling outside of the United
States? is one of the most common questions Im asked. The answer is
not so simple, as I discovered recently when my daughter Caitlin left to
study at the University of Seville. There is a bewildering array of options,
from using your own cell phone or handheld device in a smarter way to
making the Internet work to your advantage. Here are seven of the best
choices. Read on to find the one thats right for you.
Roam like a local by changing SIM cards.

Avoid roaming charges and higher rates by using an international SIM

card in your unlocked GSM tri- or quad-band phone or device. Buy a
card online at sites like cellularabroad.com (from $39 with up to 100
minutes). Cards include starter minutes that can be topped up. Be sure
your phone has the right GSM frequency for your destination (e.g., 900
1,800 MHz for Europe and most of Asia).
Pros: Per-minute rates are usually less than a dollar; incoming calls are
often free.
Cons: You cant keep your regular mobile numberyou get a temporary
international one with your SIM card.
All major U.S. providers have agreements with foreign carriers to let you
use your phone in their service areas. Some companies offer plans with
discounted roaming rates abroad for a monthly fee, such as AT&Ts
World Traveler ($5.99 a month).
Pros: This is the most convenient way to use your own device while
travelingyour number doesnt change and theres no need to swap SIM
cards.
Cons: Even with the plans, roaming rates can still be high; local calls
are billed at international prices.

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Make your laptop your phone.

Skypewhich lets you make voice and video calls from your computer
over the Internetis great if youre traveling with your laptop. You can
connect with other Skype users for free or call mobile and landline
phones for a small fee.
Pros: No service plan is required; software and computer-to-computer
calls are free.
Cons: You have to be near your computer and it must be turned on; free
calls are possible only with other Skype users.
Roam online.

If you have an Internet-accessible device, like an iPhone, iPod Touch, or

Nokia smart phone, you can create an account with Truphone
(truphone.com). Download the free Wi-Fi software and make
international calls for as little as 2 cents a minute. Alternatively, a few
companies sell dedicated Wi-Fi phones for $100$200.
Pros: Wi-Fi calls are inexpensive or free; you dont have to change
anything about your phone or your plan.
Cons: To avoid additional charges, you must be in a Wi-Fi hot spot.
Buy prepaid calling cards.

Before you leave home, shop online for an international calling card
with discounted rates for your destination, typically less than 10 cents a
minute. Or wait until you arrive and get a prepaid card at a grocery
store, gas station, or newsstand.
Pros: Theyre easy to use, and you pay up front.
Cons: Per-call fees, activation charges, rounding up of minutes, and
peak-time surcharges can add up fast. Also, if youre calling from a hotel
phone, expect a high charge to your room for the call, even to a toll-free
number. And finally, lets face it: there are fewer pay phones on the
streets these days.
Make a credit card call.

You can call the United States from any phone in 150 countries by using
a local AT&T USADirect number before dialing your party. The fee is a

flat rate of 99 cents a minute plus a service charge of 89 cents per call,
all billed to a credit card.
Pros: No special phone or service plan is required.
Cons: You cant make calls within a foreign destination, or from one
foreign country to another, at this rate.
Talk via satellite.

A satellite phone doesnt depend on cell towers, so its more reliablein

the mountains, on a cruise ship, even at the South Pole. These phones
cost $600$1,500, so renting ($7$20 a day plus airtime) may be more
practical than buying.
Pros: The signal is consistent; no roaming fees apply. These are
recommended for travel to very remote places.
Cons: They work only outdoors, and are clunky, heavy, and expensive
to use ($1$2 per minute of airtime).
Im leaving soon on a business trip to Munich and Moscow, so Ive
signed up for an international roaming plan for my BlackBerry. And in
the end, my daughter and I decided to use Skype. Its the best option
for now.
Source: travelandleisure.com

How To Avoid Getting A Parking Ticket

Jim Gorzelany ,
CONTRIBUTOR

Parking tickets have long been a bane of existence for those

living in urban environments, but theyre being written with
increasing frequency these days as cash-strapped cities
attempt to tap every available source of revenue. Not only are
municipalities making parking costlier and more restrictive,
according to the International Parking Institute, proceeds
which traditionally were reinvested in parking and
transportation-related maintenance and services are now
being tapped to fund other programs.
According to AAA Mid-Atlantic, with an estimated
population of just 617,996 Washington D.C. raised a
whopping $92.6 million in revenue by issuing 1.6 million
parking tickets during the 2011 fiscal year. Thats an average
of nearly six written per minute and 2.6 tickets per resident.
If the city were to stack the amount of parking fines
collected in single dollar bills, it would nearly reach to the
average altitude that a commercial airliner flies above the
surface of the Earth, says the AAAs John B. Townsend II.
For the record, it should surprise nobody that New York City
leads the nation in sheer bulk with over 10 million parking
citations issued annually.
Though habitual scofflaws may not want to hear it,
Ticketing isnt designed to be punitive. Its about fairness
and turnover, explains Isaiah Mouw, general manager of
Republic Parking System. Successful downtowns depend on

10

available parking to allow customers to patronize shops and

restaurants and get where they want to go.
So short of taking public transportation, walking or biking to
a given destination (all terrific alternatives, by the way), how
can motorists already in competition for what is often
becoming a dwindling supply of spaces avoid parking
tickets? Here are a few tips courtesy of the International
Parking Institute in Fredericksburg, Va.:
Pay the meter. This is a no brainer, but its surprising how
many motorists think they can simply switch on their cars
flashers for a quick run in and out of a store or office to save
a couple of quarters. If anything, the flashing lights will
attract a parking enforcement officer.
Pay electronically. A growing number of cities are allowing
motorists to pay for street parking by credit or debit card or
via mobile smartphone apps. A bonus is that mobile apps are
often able to send a text alert when your allotted time is
about to expire.
Carry quarters. The classic coin-op meter still prevails,
especially in smaller cities and in suburbs, so its prudent to
carry a roll of quarters in the glove box for when the need
arises.
Find a Garage. If youll be leaving the car for an extended
period of time, it may be a better deal to park the car in a
nearby garage at the hourly or daily rate. If nothing else it
will certainly cost less than having to pay the cost of a
parking ticket in case you dont make it back to feed the
meter in time.
Heed the signs. Always check for no parking signs and/or
curb markings before leaving your car. In some areas parking
may be prohibited at certain hours or on specific days, and
signs to that effect may only be posted every few hundred
feet. Also ensure the car isnt blocking or is within a ticketworthy distance from a fire hydrant. Likewise, check to see if

11

its illegally occupying a handicapped zone or is blocking or

has been parked too close to a crosswalk.
Never hesitate to appeal a parking ticket, particularly if you
feel one was written in error some cities allow you to do
this by mail. Explain the circumstances and include a photo
that helps state your case if possible. Some municipalities
can get dicey about issuing tickets for obscure violations or
for parking in restricted areas that are not well marked and
may cut you some slack. We were once written and later
exonerated from paying for a ticket for parking slightly
more than a foot away from the curb (the legal limit, as we
later learned), even though a truck parked within a legal
distance from the curb behind it stuck further out into the
street. We likewise got out of a ticket issued for a street
cleaning violation via a snapshot that revealed the nearest
posted sign was a half block away and was facing in the
opposite direction to traffic.
Finally, if youre a habitual violator, take measures to break
the ticketing cycle. Be sure to take advantage of any amnesty
or payment program your city may have in effect that can
reduce your indebtedness or at least allow you to whittle it
down without incurring further penalties. Some cities have
zero tolerance for scofflaws. In Chicago, for example, it takes
only three unpaid parking tickets to be eligible for the
dreaded Denver boot and subsequent towing to an auto
pound.
Source: forbes.com

12

How to Avoid Credit Card and ATM

Fees While Traveling Abroad
Rogue Parrish, studioD
Credit cards offer a convenient way to pay as you go on overseas trips, and
credit and debit cards allow you to obtain cash advances in the local currency.
Though the cards make international payments much easier than in the days
when travelers had to rely on traveler's checks, fees can add up and cause an
unpleasant surprise when you study your post-trip bank statement. You can
readily adjust your cash and buying strategies to avoid credit card and ATM fees
on your trip abroad. The main thing to remember is, even if you prefer using a
credit card at home -- to get airline miles, for example -- the debit card rules when
traveling abroad.
Step 1
Call the local or toll-free number on the back of the ATM card issued by your
bank, which is more likely to offer low or no fees than your credit card. Tell the
customer service representative where you plan to go and your dates of travel to
avoid a freeze on your card based on unusual activity.
Step 2
Ask if your bank has a partner in your destination country where you can
withdraw cash and avoid ATM fees, including flat fees of up to $5 per withdrawal
and currency conversion fees (usually around 3 percent). For example, holders of
Bank of America debit cards pay no ATM withdrawal fees in France at branches
of BNP Paribus, nor do they pay fees at Deutsche Bank in Germany, Scotiabank
in Canada, China Construction Bank in China, Banco Santander in Mexico, BNL
dItalia in Italy or Barclays in the United Kingdom. A fee for converting your dollarbased account to the local currency may still apply.
Step 3
Open a credit union credit card or debit card account if the ATM card linked to
your existing checking account does not have partner institutions at your
destination. If your place of employment has a credit union, check its deals on
fee-free ATM cards or cards with only modest surcharges. For example, the
Pentagon Federal Credit Union does not charge fees on foreign credit card
transactions but does charge up to 2 percent on currency conversions. And
holders of credit union ATM cards belonging to the Allpoint network can find ATM
locations without fees in Australia, the United Kingdom and Mexico.
Step 4
Sign up for a Capital One or Discover credit card, which, at the time of
publication, does not charge a fee for foreign purchases or currency transactions,

13
making either one attractive compared with the typical 3 percent fee charged by
MasterCard and VISA. Or look for special cards that waive foreign transaction
fees on purchases, such as American Expresss Platinum card; Chases various
rewards cards with Marriott, British Airways, United and other affiliates; and Citis
ThankYou Premier Rewards Card. Note that card issuers may waive fees on
purchases but charge them on currency exchanges.
TIP
You can also avoid credit card and ATM fees by taking dollars, carefully hidden in
a money belt, to destinations where they are easily converted or accepted as is.
For example, El Salvador uses the U.S. dollar as currency, and tourist areas in
Mexico, the Caribbean and near the U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico may
readily accept dollars without exchanging them for local currency. Visit
Bankrate.com or CardHub.com to compare the features of potential credit cards
for your overseas trip.Avoid using your credit card for cash advances overseas,
which typically accrue not only fees but also finance charges until you pay your
bill in full.Check with your bank about the availability of the new chip and PIN
credit cards before going overseas to Europe, Asia or South America, suggests
IndependentTraveler.com. Kiosks, gas stations and automated payment
machines abroad may not accept your credit card if they are programmed to look
for the chip embedded in this new generation of card, although sales staff should
be able to swipe your magnetic strip.

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Learning To Communicate With The

Locals In Argentina - Some Tips For
Expats
There are over 40 languages spoken in Argentina, of which Spanish is
the most dominant. English is the second most commonly spoken
language, followed by Portuguese, Italian and French. The accent varies
according to geographical location, and there are extreme differences in
pronunciation within the country.
Languages
Although Spanish is the official language of Argentina, it is very different
from the type of Spanish spoken in Spain. Spanish in Argentina has been
affected by many of the European languages, especially Italian, which is
why it sounds very similar to Italian. The most prevalent dialect is
Ripolatense, which uses voseo instead of tu (the familiar "you").
Lunfardo is a Spanish dialect that originated and developed in the lower
classes in Buenos Aires. In time, it spread to nearby cities as well as cities
with a similar socio-cultural environment. The lyrics of tango music were
generally in Lunfardo, which is how it gained popularity, and today it is
common across all social strata and classes.
English is widely spoken throughout the country, especially in cities and
urban areas. English is mandatory in all state schools, and it is the
language of business. Learning English is considered crucial, as most
citizens see the need to align with more stable international economies,
given Argentinas economic turmoil.

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A few Spanish words and phrases

Cmo ands? which can be translated as "How are you doing?".
Although the common Spanish phrase would be Cmo ests?, Cmo
ands is the preffered version. The appropriate response to this would
be "Todo bien, vos?" meaning All good, you?.
Yo me llamo which can be translated as "My name is?". The
pronunciation of y and ll is not the traditional Spanish ya sound but
rather a sh such as in the words shame or shape. This means that
your response would sound something like Sho me Shamo.
Dale which can be translated as "Okay?". This is used to agree with
someone and is most often used when replying in the affirmative about
social plans.
Cole which is short for colectivo or Bondi: which can be translated as
"bus".
Pucho (a slang term) which can be translated as "cigarette". The phrase
tenes un pucho? would mean do you have a cigarette?.
Pasa que which can be translated as the thing is. This is generally
used when you have to decline an invitation by saying that you would
love to go but unfortunately (the thing is) you have already made prior
plans.
You can also use a language exchange website where you will get to
interact with native speakers and learn the language. Many of these sites
offer practice sessions on Skype, Whatsapp and Google+ so you can
choose the method that suits you.

16

Communication styles
When it comes to conversations, people in Argentina express
themselves freely and even a little forcefully. Remaining uninvolved
during a group discussion is not the best idea, as it will often be
perceived as disinterest. Conversations often lead to heated debates, but
even though people attack each others opinions, the relationship does
not sour. During the course of the conversation, people often interrupt
each other to disagree with what is being said, but these boisterous
arguments are viewed in a positive light as they indicate engagement. In
general, the manner of speech in Argentina is direct and to the point.
Argentineans will often crack jokes at each others expense, but this is
considered to be normal and no one takes offense to it.
Argentines non-verbal communication reflects their good nature and
interactive culture. People often stand close to each other and maintain
direct eye contact, which can be intimidating to people of other cultures.
It is considered normal for people to have plenty of physical contact
during a conversation, such as a pat on the arm or an arm draped
casually over the other persons shoulder.
Topics of Conversation
Argentines are well informed on a wide variety of topics, and are happy
to discuss everything from cultural affairs to religion. However, the
favourite topics of conversation are sports (especially football) and
politics. People in many western countries prefer to avoid confrontation,
and so tactfully avoid topics when they know that the other person has
opposing views. In Argentina however, opposing views are welcomed,
and there is respect for people who have strong opinions, even if those
opinions differ from ones own.

17

Russian 101 for Tourists - Russian

language tips
When traveling to Russia if you do not speak the language, it is helpful to take
the time to familiarize yourself with some of the common Russian words or
phrases that you may encounter during your trip.
Not only so that you dont accidentally order the wrong thing in a restaurant or
ask for directions to the wrong landmark, but also so that you can communicate
more easily with taxi drivers, hotel clerks and ship stewards on a Russian river
cruise.
Most locals appreciate the efforts of tourists to speak the native language. After
all, we cant expect everyone to speak our language when we are visiting their
country.
There are various ways of commuting around the cities in Russia. Taking a bus
(aftoboos) or tram (tramvai) is a reliable option and Moscows metro (meetro) is a
web of underground connections that can take you to all the different parts of the
city. Knowing some Russian words and phrases will facilitate your travel around
the cities and help you get to your destinations quicker and with a minimum of
frustration.
For example, you need to know how to ask a taxi driver to take you to your hotel
(gastinitsa) or to a restaurant (ristoran) and nearly everyone visiting Moscow
wants to see The Red Square (na krasnuyu ploshad). In addition, most tourists
will certainly want to know how to ask how to get to? (Kak popast?) and where
to buy? (Gde mozhno kupit?).
When visiting Russia, you will probably want to try some of Russias culinary
specialties. Traditional Russian cuisine is delicious and, in some restaurants, the
menu will be written in both Russian and English and the servers will be able to
speak some English. In many small Russian restaurants and cafes, dishes are
displayed behind a glass window. In this case, customers can choose different
foods according to their appearance and can point to what they would like to
order.

18
However, in some restaurants and buffets, you may need to communicate with
the staff in Russian. First, it would be a good idea to learn the various courses so
you will know where to look on the menu for the items you want; its always
helpful if you know which section of the menu is for the main dish (piervoye) and
which is for dessert (sladkoye). And, if you would like to try the popular Russian
drink, you will need to know how to say Ill have vodka (ya hachu vodku)!
While being in Russia, dont be shy about practicing your skills in Russian with
native speakers. Many locals will appreciate your effort and may even ask you to
teach them a few English words in return.
In particular, cafes are really great places to try out your Russian. You can
practice the language, see how easy (or hard) it is for you to communicate with
Russians in real-life situations and get to try local culinary specialties at the same
time.

Source: russiatrek.org

19

Learning To Communicate With The Locals In Italy Some Tips For Expats
When travelling or staying abroad, striking up a conversation with locals can
sometimes be quite challenging. You may find yourself feeling frustrated or
anxious when attempting to communicate the simplest things. Many tourists and
expats and locals alike are known to lose their temper once in a while on
account of the communication gap.
In Italy, it is quite easy to get by without speaking much Italian, especially in the
major cities like Rome, Milan and Venice. The staff at most hotels, restaurants,
transportation services, and shops are proficient in English. But communication
difficulties may occur when travelling to the rural regions or the smaller cities of
the country.
It is always a big advantage (besides being quite rewarding) to be able to
communicate effectively with the locals, even if its with just a few words and
phrases. Here are some tips to help you sharpen your communication skills when
in Italy.
Learn some key Italian words and phrases
At a restaurant, its polite to wait for someone to lead you to your table. All you
need to do is to ask Un tavolo per uno/due/tre/quattro/cinque? This translates to
A table for one/two/three/four/five?
You say Per favore (please), when asking for something. This is used mostly in
a formal manner, such as when speaking to someone senior or someone you are
meeting for the first time. It is also quite common to say Per piacere or Per
cortesia. Prego is also used to say please for instance, when letting someone
go in before you, you would say Prego, as in After you.
Grazie means Thank you.
Quanto costa is helpful while shopping. It means What does it cost?
When bidding farewell, Italians say Arrivederci, which actually translates to
Well see each other again. This is the polite way to say goodbye.

20
A dopo means See you later, and A presto means See you soon.
Youre bound to hear many locals use the word Bella or Bello. It means
beautiful. In fact it is quite common to greet someone you know by saying Ciao
bella when greeting women, and Ciao bello for men. When greeting someone
who is an acquaintance, it is best to use Buongiorno during the day and Buona
sera in the evenings. A more formal salve may be used for official or businessrelated acquaintances.
Follow the rules of Italian etiquette
Apart from verbal communication, there are also other methods of interaction,
which, when done right, can make a good impression on locals. It is also a way of
respecting and appreciating the culture of the people.
Social etiquette:
Italians are quite formal with their table manners. They usually do not share
food from their plates, and in restaurants it is especially appreciated when you
are polite with your waiter.
Waiters generally do not give you your bill unless you have requested for it. So,
once you are done with your meal, say Il conto to ask for your check.
In Italy, wine and other alcoholic beverages are had as part of meals. It is not
really common to only sip cocktails or beers.
If you are invited to an Italians home for a meal, it is polite to take a gift in the
form of a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, or flowers for the hostess.
Avoid comparing regions in Italy when talking to locals. There are strong
regional sensibilities, and many locals can be quite sensitive about them.
Business etiquette:
It is important to be punctual for business appointments. Business lunches and
dinners are not so common, as Italians prefer to use mealtimes for relaxation and
pleasure.
It is appropriate for men and women to wear business suits and to carry their

21
business cards on them. It is advisable to avoid using first names or casual forms
of address unless you are invited to do so.
Its not very common to give business gifts, but if you want to do so, it is best to
present a small gift that is symbolic of the nature of your business or your home
country.
Italians are proud of their cultural achievements and lay great emphasis on
familial and personal relations. One of the best ways to communicate with them
is to be mindful of this.

22

Ive Missed My Flight! Heres what To Do

By Mirela Necsutu, Sat, Oct 12, 2013

Stuck in traffic? Alarm clock didnt go off? Theres nothing quite like the complete panic that
shocks your system when you realized youre going to miss your flight. But dont give up on your
trip weve got the inside-scoop on how to get your travel plans back on track.

If youve missed or almost missed your flight, first take a minute to freak out. Then, when
you have that out of your system and your wits about you again, take one of these next steps to
correct your course.

Missed Connections
If youre coming in from another flight, even if it is from another airline, most of the time the
airline will take care of booking you through to your final destination. If you have missed your
connection, take heart that you will likely be placed on the next available flight on standby.
If youre in this situation, call ahead to the airline to be sure you can pick up your bags. They will
arrive before you, so simply letting the baggage claim agent know will help expedite the process.
Also, call your hotel and ground transport if you will be arriving much later than expected.

Call the Local Phone Number

What happens if it isnt the airlines fault youve missed your flight? What if youre on the
ground? Many times, the airlines general phone number is on your e-ticket or receipt. However,
that will take you to a main line and getting through to your direct airport will take some time.
When youre about to or have just missed a flight, those minutes will feel like hours. Instead, if
you can get online, go to the website for the airport youre flying from. All airports have some
sort of airline contact information page, with local numbers for each airline that services that
location. Call the reservations desk straight away to speak with a gate agent or ticketing rep.

Before The Gate Closes

If you call before the gate closes on your flight, there is a much higher chance that you will be
able to switch to another flight without too much fuss. Be nice and briefly explain your
circumstances. But please, no long explanations or tearful stories. Frankly, they dont care and
theyre too busy to listen to all of that.
By contacting them before your plane has left, theres a decent probability that youll be able to
change to a different flight that day. Beware, however, that change fees are steep. Politely ask if
the fee can be waived or reduced, as many gate agents do have that power.

23

Two-Hour Rule
What happens if youve already missed your flight? It happens. Luckily for you, there is a littleknown rule in the airline industry that is known as the two-hour rule, or the flat-tire rule. This is
an actual policy at US Airways and Southwest as well as several other airlines, but it isnt
publicized.
Essentially, if there are circumstances beyond your control, like a huge accident on the highway
en route to the airport, you may get a little extra help. The two-hour rule states that if a
passenger arrives within two hours of their missed flight, the airline employee can put you on
the next flight with the same airline on standby at no charge. If you miss the last flight of the
day, youll be standby on the first flight the next day.
Pro Tip: If you have membership status with the airline youre flying, sometimes you can get a

little extra help. Do be sure to mention this.

One-Way Tickets
If youre more than two hours late, youre probably out of luck and getting a new ticket is next
up on your agenda. If youre on the first part of your itinerary, you cant just buy a one-way
ticket rather than paying an expensive change fee. This will usually cancel your whole itinerary.
Your best bet is to pay the change fee. However, if youre on your return flight home and your
bags are already ahead of you, getting a cheap one-way ticket is a great solution. Go for it!
The most important thing is not to beat yourself up about missing a flight. It happens to even
the most punctual, seasoned traveler. Going with the flow, being flexible and being kind even
when youre stressed out is part of travel and part of life. Take a deep breath and ask for help.
Youll get where you want to go.

Source: fareboom.com

24

Keep Your Cool: What to Do If Your

Passport is Lost or Stolen While
Traveling
What would you do if your passport was lost or stolen while traveling overseas? The bad
newsit could eat up a little bit of your time, money, and patience (and potentially delay your
trip). The good news? If youre prepared and know what to expect, you can actually make
things a lot easier on yourself. While On Call members can rest assured that we can assist
them through the process, heres what you should know (and do) if your passport is lost or
stolen while traveling abroad:

1. File a Police Report ASAP.

This is especially important if you plan on claiming the cost of replacement on your travel
insurance cover. A police report will also validate your information should someone try to use
your passport illegally. Make sure before you leave the police station that you have a copy of
the report for your records.
Caution: Filing a police report can be quite frustrating if youre experiencing language
barriers with the local authorities. On Call members can call us for 24/7/365 for language
interpretation services, and those who remember to pack a few extra copies of their
passports may also have an easier time filing a report.
2. Locate Nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Once youve located the US Embassy in the country youre visiting (for a complete list,
click here), you will need to schedule an emergency appointment. Generally, appointments
are available Monday-Friday mornings (excluding Federal Holidays) and there are no walkins allowed.
3. Apply for a New Passport.
This must be done in person and you will need to bring the following documentation with you
to your appointment:

Passport Application form DS-11 (filled out in black ink)

DS-64 form (filled out in black ink)

Proof of U.S. citizenship and a form of primary identification. If you cannot present
primary evidence of U.S. citizenship, you must submit secondary evidence of U.S.

citizenship.
Note: If you have an extra copy of your passport with you, it could help streamline/expedite
the process of proving your identity to a representative.

25

Police report

Passport photoif you do not already have an extra photo handy, there are often stores
and businesses located near the U.S. Consulate or Embassy where you can get
passport photos. Either way, make sure your passport photo meets the State

Departments specific passport photo requirements.

Extra credit: pack a few extra passport photos whenever you travel abroad.

A copy of your travel itinerary which includes your plans for leaving the country

Paymentwhile the specific fees for services are the same as if you were in the U.S,
embassies and consulates overseas can only accept your payment in cash in U.S. or
local currency on site (or in some cases via credit card). And unlike acceptance facilities

located in the U.S., they dont accept personal checks.

Check the website of your embassy or consulate to see what forms of payment they are able
to accept. If your wallet was lost or stolen (or if you were a victim of a natural disaster) and
you cannot reasonably obtain money to pay the fees before continuing travel, no passport
fee will be charged.
4. Wait it out.
You should receive your new temporary US passport within 24 hours. This passport is only
good for one year and will need to immediately be renewed and replaced with a traditional
10-year passport once you have returned back to the United States. If for some reason the
application process or waiting period disrupts or delays your trip, On Call members can
contact us for help with rescheduling their travel plans.
While having your passport lost or stolen could put a damper on anybodys trip, we
hope this information helps get you back on your way safely and quickly. For
additional passport tips, check out:
Safe Travels!

Source: oncallinternational.com

26

What happens to lost luggage?

Losing your luggage is one of a traveller's worst nightmares. But how long will
airlines search for bags, what compensation are you due, and what happens to
those that go unclaimed?

The majority of mishandled luggage is due to mistakes during transfer Photo: Fotolia/AP
By Rhiannon Edwards
11:00AM BST 03 Aug 2015

Its one of a travellers worst nightmares - being the last person at the airport
conveyor belt and coming to that slow realisation that your bag isnt coming.
Lost luggage can prove either highly irritating or, bizarrely, kind of convenient. If
the airline loses your bag on the outbound flight, youre left with only the clothes
you've travelled in, and might end up splashing most of your spending money on
last-minute T-shirts and toiletries to carry you through.
What happens to unclaimed items at airports?
If, on the other hand, your case goes walkabout on the way home, a complaint to
the service desk would likely mean airport staff will electronically locate your
luggage and - if they can find it - arrange for it to be couriered to you, meaning
youll leave the airport empty handed and without the burden of dragging a
suitcase full of dirty clothes home. After a particularly long trip, this can feel
strangely like a positive. However, the airline will not help you unpack.
How many bags are lost?
Research from SITA, the makers of the World Tracer System for baggage, found
that there were 24.1million mishandled (lost and temporarily mislaid) bags in
2014, a figure that translates as 7.3 bags per 1,000 passengers. This figure is
against the backdrop of ever-rising passenger numbers (3.3billion in 2014) - since
2007 global passenger numbers have risen by a third, while the number of
mishanded bags has fallen by half, saving the industry $18billion.

27
Number of bags 'mishandled' vs number of global passengers

Detailed consumer research into lost baggage from the Association of European
Airlines suggested that 85 per cent of bags reported as lost are returned to their
owners by courier within 48 hours, meaning they are misdirected rather than
lost. SITA says reunion time is now down to 36 hours.
SITA's research found that of the 24.1million bags mishandled last year, 49 per
cent went missing thanks to "transfer mishandling", i.e when passangers make
connecting flights, 15 per cent because of "failure to load", 15 per cent due to a
"ticketing error", and the remainder due to a mix of tagging errors, loading
errors, and "airport/customs/weather/space-weright restrictions". "Arrival
mishandling" accounted for 3 per cent of delayed luggage.
It is a small percentage of the mishandled bags that are actually lost. According to
SITA, only 5.5 per cent are lost or stolen never to be reunited with their owners.
Luggage lost in numbers

24.1m 'mishandled' bags in 2014

3.3bn passengers

That's 7.3 bags per 1,000 passengers

46.9m bags mishandled in 2007

The last seven years has seen a 61.3% fall in number of bags lost per
1,000 passengers

Amounting to an industry saving of $18bn (11.5bn)

Just 5.5% of 2014's 'mishandled' bags were lost or stolen

14.3% were damaged

And 80.2% returned to their owner within an average time of 36 hours

Can I get compensation if my bag is delayed or lost?

If your bag is misdirected on the way out, the airline must give you money to buy
replacement items or reimburse you for purchases you make to cover your loses
while you wait for your bag. But they can be evasive and pass responsibility to any
other airlines you have travelled with or your insurance company, Sophie Butler,
Telegraph Travel's consumer correspondent, writes.

28
UK airlines have 21 days to track your bag before it is considered officially
"irretrievably lost". They trace it through the electronic tag put on it when you
drop off your luggage, but bags can be difficult to find if a faulty or incorrect code
was entered by the person who checked it in. At this stage, after a lengthy process
of making a claim, you can get compensation for your bag.
How do I get my bag back?
All major airlines use the World Tracer System, which tracks a bag for 100 days
and uses the information provided by you about the appearance of the bag as well
as the journey history to try to locate it.
A spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic explains: "When a customer identifies their
bag as missing, a report is made into a system which searches bags found with
similar criteria. Bags found at an airport without a customer attached or missing
a tag are also logged into this system with any details that can be established. The
system works 24/7 searching for matches between the delayed bag reports the
customer has made, and the found bag reports that the airline has made, and it
makes suggestions for matches based on the criteria in the files. Our baggagetracing team continuously looks at these matches, liaise with the airports and the
customers, identify the right bag and owner, and facilitate the return of the bag.
Delayed airport luggage: your rights
"If a bag is missing, it could be due to belt or infrastructure failures, the bag may
have become tagless, or short connection times may prevent bags getting from
one aircraft to another. Usually a bag would be somewhere between check-in and
the aircraft in a designated baggage area. If a bag is found later on, we will return
it to the customer regardless of whether theyve had compensation or not.

Compensation from airlines is available for lost luggage Photo: Fotolia/AP

"If a bag is not picked up from a carousel, it would get held at the airport, and a
found bag report would be logged. If the customer then realised theyve left the
bag they would be able to call up and arrange for it to be returned to them. If the
bag is not requested or identified it is then stored for up to 90 days. After which if
no-one has claimed it, and we cannot determine who it belonged to, it would then
be disposed of."

29
The world's strangest, weirdest and scariest airports
A spokesperson for British Airways said: "Usually we use continued tracing for a
minimum of 90 days. Normally delayed bags travel on the next available flight, so
in reality, it is very rare that we would still be tracing for that length of time."
What happens to unclaimed bags?
But, on the rare occasions that a bag is still lost where is it likely to end up?
Surely, like lost socks from the washing machine, it must go somewhere?
If after 90 days no-one has been able to link you with your bag, it could end up
like much of the other lost property that turns up in airports: at an auction house
that sells on luggage, with profits going to charity. Greasbys in Tooting sells on
bags subjected to this fate from various London airports, and airlines including
BA, every other Tuesday. Its dirty clothing and bags, mainly, said one
employee.
Auction houses like this exist worldwide, with one of the USA's major sites being
the Unclaimed Baggage Centre in Scottsboro, Arizona. It has contracts with all
the major US airlines to buy lost cases, clean up the contents and sell them on to
bargain hunters. Their emporium includes everything from diamond rings to ski
boots, with all items sold at relatively cheap prices.

30

How Do I Get to Antarctica?

Snagging a trip to Antarctica has never been so simple. Still, it's one of the
trickiest places in the world to visit. Here are the five ways to get there.
It used to be that traveling to Antarctica meant playing Russian
roulette with your life. Tourism to the coldest, driest, and windiest
place on Earth started in earnest in the 1950s, but even 15 years ago,
getting there was a challenge. These days, trips to the continent can
be tackled with (relative) ease. Just look at the numberslast year,
37,405 visitors made the trip south, compared with 10,000 in 1999
and zero in 1914.
Still, its the most remote and forbidding stretch of wilderness in the
world, exponentially more difficult to reach than nearly every other
landmass. Youll need a permit and you'll have to follow
the Antarctic Conservation Act, which prohibits tampering with
the ecosystem in any way. Ive been to Antarctica four times, and if
you want to step foot on the bottom of the world, I can safely say that
you have only five options to get there.

#1: Become a Villager

The least expensive (and longest-term) way to reach Antarctica is to
work for one of the Antarctic research stations. The United States
National Science Foundation (NSF) operates three bases on the
continent: Palmer, Amundsen-Scott South Pole, and McMurdo. But
you dont have to have to be a scientist to land a gig. They need
operational support such as cooks, plumbers, snow shovelers, pilots,
and forklift drivers. Lockheed Martin is the private contractor that
operates the U.S. Antarctic research facilities. Check its website for
available positions.

#2: Be an Artist or a Writer

31

According to the NSF website, working on an artistic project that

will increase understanding of the Antarctic and help document
Americas Antarctic heritage could land you free round-trip airfare
and accommodation in Antarctica. They want people focused on longterm projects (sorry, journalists) and have hosted writers,
filmmakers, and even instillation artists.

#3: Scientists Wanted

The government will also pay for scientists able to prove that their
research will benefit from traveling to Antarctica. Check the NSF
website to see a complete list of funding opportunities.

#4: Sail In
Most people get to Antarctica via tour operators who assist with
logistics. They tend to use boats, which are the most economical way
to make the journey, though trips still cost from several thousand to
tens of thousands of dollars. Ushuaia in Southern Argentina is the
preferred port of disembarkation (and a worthwhile destination in
and of itself). Youll travel past penguins, icebergs, and through the
notoriously choppy Drake Passage before you get to Antarctica. Any
operator worth his salt is a member of the International
Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, which promotes
environmentally responsible travel to the continent.
#5: Fly the Icy Skies
If you want to ski the South Pole, climb Vinson Massif (the highest
peak in Antarctica), or visit the continents vast interior, you have to
fly. Because no commercial flights exist, you'll have to go through a
private logistic operator. Antarctic Logistics Centre
International is based in Cape Town, South Africa, and flies to a
Russian base called Novolazareskaya (Novo for short). Adventure
Network International flies from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Union
Glacier, a small base where they kick-off guided expeditions. But you
wont find a ticket for less than $20,000 for a spot on their freakishly

32

powerful Russian jet, the Ilyushin II-76, that lands on a three-milelong, blue-ice runway.
Source: outsideonline.com