What Is An RTW?

You may have come across the acronym “RTW” lately (especially if you’ve been reading travel blogs) and one of my predictions for 2010 was that you’d see many more airline RTW options and plans. For those of you who may not know exactly what an RTW is or the culture behind it I’d like to introduce you to the three letters RTW.

What Is An RTW?

Simply put, RTW stands for round-the-world and in the travel community it usually means a trip around the world. The length and route of these trips vary quite a bit, with the average being a year trip across destinations in 3-6 continents (sorry Antarctica).

RTWers

People who travel around the world for a year or so can be considered RTWers when there is a planned beginning and end to the trip. There are many others who travel indefinitely, but typically RTWers are those who’ve taken a career break, purchased a round-world-ticket (many airlines offer them), and set off using savings or working from the road to pay for the trip.

• Tickets can range from $2,000-$5,000 dollars.
• AirTreks has an excellent RTW trip planner.
• Many RTWers don’t permanently leave their jobs. Briefcase To Backpack is an excellent resource if you’re contemplating a career break.

Travelers Currently On RTW Trips

For those of you who are curious about RTWers you can catch some of them mid-trip by checking out the following blogs written by travelers on RTW trips.

• A Travel Around The World
• Dan’s Adventure
• Manali + Terry
• One Giant Step
• Saben and Lin
• Seat Of Our Pants
• Sending Postcards
• She’s In Love With The World
• The Road Forks

No Set Definition

RTW doesn’t really have a set meaning, although there is a general idea around it. I suspect the phrase will find itself in the broader lexicon eventually as more people take RTW trips in the coming years.

Some RTWers only travel for few months, focus on a particular part of the world, or break the trip up into segments. Others start off on a RTW and never make their way back and just keep traveling.

Are You A Past, Present, Or Future RTWer?

It would be great to hear from those of you who’ve had the RTW experience as it’s unique to everyone. Your comments would help explain the concept of “RTW” much better than I alone and perhaps be encouraging to those who didn’t know such things existed (or that so many people do travel around the world). If you still don’t think it’s possible or how to go about it, my eBook Overcoming the 7 Major Obstacles to Traveling The World can teach you how.

[photos by: Mike Mertz, Al_HikesAZ, Oldtasty]

Compelling Reasons Americans Shouldn’t Make Their First International Trip One To Europe

In many ways Western Europe is the easiest transition for Americans to make when traveling abroad for the first time. The cultures, infrastructure, and familiarity between the two make Europe (primarily mean Western Europe) a good place for people who’ve never left the US to get their feet wet to international travel.

Yet, there are many compelling reasons Europe isn’t the ideal first place to visit. There are many reasons to not make your first trip outside of the US to Paris, London, or Berlin. For those of you who are deciding on your first international jaunt outside of the US, consider these reasons to put another region of the world at the top of your list.

Europe Is Expensive

Europe is expensive and the British pound, Euro, and others are strong against the dollar. Figure out the best places to travel on a weak dollar and make the most of your simple travel budget.

Consider Central and South America, both places that have generally advantageous exchange rates.

Caters To Western Tourists

Compared to most other parts of the world, Western Europe’s travel industry to a large extend caters to Americans and Europeans. France, Germany, England, and the rest of Western Europe are where many Americans, first timers or not, travel to each year. It certainly can make traveling easier if it’s your first time out, but it can also give you a mistaken view of the world and tourism.

Although the numbers are rising (since it’s now required for travel to Canada and Mexico), two-thirds of Americans still don’t have passports. If you’re trying to drag your husband out for his first trip overseas you might be thinking Europe because it’s the most similar to what he knows. It can also make travel interesting-dull (for first timers) and reinforce the notion that the world is much like the US. You (or your reluctant first timer) might be less inclined to travel abroad afterward; going through the hassle of airport security, and spending money on airline fees only to see places that vaguely resemble home.

Not to take away from the intricacies of European culture but you’ll be better able to discern them if you have a wider frame to put them in.

Others Have Done It

You won’t be the only or first American to make your first international trip to some destination outside of Western Europe. As Sherry Ott added to one of my posts last year about 5 Turkish cities to add to your itinerary (other than Istanbul):

Turkey was the first country I traveled to – only 10 years ago. I loved it as it ignited my wanderlust and I haven’t stopped since. I find myself longing to go back and see Turkey again since I’ve become a more seasoned traveler.

It’s Good For America

The more Americans travel, the better it is for America. There are many reasons why Americans don’t travel overseas and there is a perception that the world hates Americans. The world opinion of the United States has fallen considerably since 2000, yet many of these attitudes are about the government and specific international policies. Every traveler acts as an ambassador to their home country – and the impression you leave behind is more influential than any government or marketing initiative.

Notoriously Americans don’t travel and if they do, it’s to Europe. Citizens of the world superpower are under a microscope by everyone else, yet most have never met an American. People stereotype most what they understand least – something that goes both ways.

[photos by: cemre, ThomasThomas, keithusc]

The Secret Underworld Of Turkish Germany

I’ve been in Germany for a few weeks now and see two worlds that often blend in asynchronous harmony. One is invisible to a degree for many Germans and travelers here. As an ethnic Turk I’ve been able to see this hidden world and experience what it’s like to be a member of it as well.

Turks In Germany

Doner kebab and Turkish people might not be the first things you think of when Germany comes to mind but 2 million Turks comprise nearly 2% of the population. Due to high unemployment in Turkey during the 1960s and favorable labor laws in Germany, many Turks settled to find jobs. The evidence of Turkish culture is predominant almost everywhere, from grocery stores, restaurants, to rear view mirrors.

Why Is It An Underworld?

When I walk down the streets, people see me first as a German Turk. Many times this comes with preconceptions on how I will act or behave and my willingness to integrate into German society. (Especially when I have difficulty communicating.) It’s when I speak English do attitudes change – I can’t say this for all Germans, but there is a tension that is relieved when you’re just a Turk, not a German Turk.

The flip side is that I’m often welcomed warmly by German Turks who I encounter at Turkish grocery stores and elsewhere. When they learn that I’m new to Germany they assume I’ll be staying (longer than the 3 months I’ve planned) and try to make this transition as easily as possible for me. There is a network of support that exists for new Turkish immigrants who live an uneasy existence within Germany.

The prices are cheaper at certain stores (as opposed to if my Swedish wife pays), the cuts of meat at the store are better, and there is advice and welcoming hand in many cases.

A Unique Blend

I’ll be speaking more about the complex interactions between these two cultures in the coming weeks, but as many distinct divisions as there are between these communities, there are almost as many where they meet and overlap. There is a unique German Turkish culture where foods, music, and peoples cannot be found anywhere else in the world. For both travelers and many non-ethnic Turkish Germans this world is neglected and overlooked but welcoming if you’re willing to explore it.

[photos by: Audrey Scott]

Parts Of Texas You Can’t Capture With A Camera

Those of you who subscribe to my bi-monthly newsletter know that I was recently in Dallas, Texas. I had a set of decent travel photos to share from Dallas and the surrounding areas but my camera malfunctioned. It wasn’t a dead camera battery as happened to me in Kansas this past spring but I was disappointed to lose these pictures.

Fortunately I was able to witness many things in Dallas and other parts of Texas that I probably couldn’t completely capture in a digital picture. Texas is a fascinating place culturally and can easily overload your senses and stomach.

Texans Love Texas

One of the first things that’s evident when you speak with most anyone from Texas is their love and knowledge of the lone star state. It’s a different tone of nationalism than you’ll find in other parts of the US and it’s more about Texas than the nation as a whole. Mention to anyone that you’re from out of town and you’ll learn a lot about Texas from some enthusiastic Texans.

Variety

Although I was in Dallas, I’ve been to other parts of Texas including Austin. You’ll hear that Austin isn’t “real Texas” in Dallas but the variety between the two is part of what makes Texas such a unique place to visit. Love it or hate it each city is diverse in its own right.

Wild West Feel

Perhaps it’s a result of television, the cowboy hats, or Clint Eastwood, but once you’re in Texas things change. There’s an air of capriciousness as if you’re on the edge of the frontier. The “no guns allowed” signs help to add to that effect.

The Microscope

When you’re in Texas you begin to see it’s a little like a microcosm of the entire United States. There’s a little of New York City, Kansas, and California as well as all of the other cultures you can find in the US (which is a very wide range) in Texas.

Everything Really Is Bigger In Texas

The cars, the food portions, and the personalities are all bigger in Texas. It’s hard to get a feel for this effect in pictures but it’s immediately noticeable as soon as you leave the airport or drive into a Texan city. There’s a lot to overload your all of your senses.

Granted a good photographer could probably capture these things on film. Like many aspects of different places, you won’t get the full effect without going yourself. Had my camera been working I would have tried to capture these things I experienced and felt in digital pictures but I hope my words helped to show what parts of Texas you can’t (easily) capture with a camera.

[photos by: atmtx, wootam!, Gadget Virtuoso, stevesheriw, jeremy.wilburn, J.McPherson]

Do You Bother Learning Any Of The Local Language Before A Trip? [POLL RESULTS]

I’m glad that nobody responded they rarely learn any of the local language, especially since there are so many free online resources you can use. I wonder though, do you think that most travelers would admit that they don’t learn even a few basic words if they didn’t?

If you are going to stick to the bare minimum though, there are 4 word combinations you shouldn’t neglect to translate.

Learn New Languages For Free Using These Online Resources

You can find many good resources online that won’t cost you anything to help you learn anything from a few words to passable conversational skills in a foreign language. By putting some time aside on a long flight, during layovers, and in the hotel you can educate yourself on useful skills like ordering a meal.

Best of all none of these online websites, courses, and translators cost you anything and some even offer the benefit of chatting with other students trying to learn the same language as yourself.

Livemocha

One of the most comprehensive free language resources on the Internet, Live Mocha offers lessons in over 29 languages. Liva Mocha offers about 160 hours of language immersion lessons (similar to Rosetta Stone) and isn’t only for English speakers. You can set your home language to any of the 29 offered. In addition to language courses, Live Mocha has an active community of language students and teachers as well as recordings of live conversation.

Live Mocha’s basic services are free with registration (approximately the first 40 hours of instruction). The premium service runs $12.95 per month and adds the benefit of personal tutors and traditional grammar and phrase books.

Word2Word

A full listing of different free language resources including blogs, name pronunciation lessons, and slang dictionaries. Word2Word itself doesn’t have any language courses or translation services, it just directs you to sites that do. Word2Word is a simple and effective interface, although now a pretty one. You’ll have to fish around a bit to find a good resource for the particular language you are looking for but there are plenty of good options.

Word2Word is absolutely free as are almost all of the sites it guides you to and doesn’t require any registration.

LangtoLang

This simple translator holds over 26 million words and pulls data from over 2,000 online dictionaries making it an excellent place to translate less common words. For most languages LangtoLang also translates conjugated verbs and provides a visual keyboard to type in non-Latin characters.

One of the best features of LangtoLang is the auto-complete which makes it easier to write or find words if your international spelling isn’t so great. Bloggers and website owners can also integrate the LangtoLang search engine into most sites.

Open Culture Free Language Lessons

The website written by Dan Colman is an excellent resource for free cultural and educational media online which includes this list of free language audio lessons. Colman has links to the iTunes audio files as well as the corresponding websites for 37 languages. A useful set of files you can load on your iPod touch and listen to without an wi-fi connection.

Some More Free Resources

• iTranslate - One of the best iPhone apps for travelers, this free application not only translates words and sentences, but stores your previous searches for quick reference.
• Mango Languages – It’s not free but you’ll get a single trial lesson that’s usually enough to learn these 4 word combos you shouldn’t neglect to translate before your next trip.
• Forvo – Listen to how specific words are pronounced. Many words are available but with free registration you’ll get access to all of them.
• Busuu – Aside from the mini language courses, Busuu’s strength is to put you in touch with native speakers of the language you’re trying to learn. It’s a good exchange and you’ll be able to help out others in the community as well.
• Google Translate – Useful to translate documents and entire websites, albeit with some errors. Another way to use Google hacking for your next trip.
• NotesInSpanish – A great (Spanish-only) online resource with audio lessons, worksheets, and videos recommended by Heather.

If You Decide To Pay

In addition to Rosetta Stone and Pimsleur (both of which I’ve found highly effective if practiced often and consistently) here are some of the other best ways to learn a new language. Of course there are probably lessons being given somewhere nearby (give a call to the appropriate embassy to find out) for most languages.

Take The Few Minutes

There is so much free time you have when you’re in transit and traveling. It’s a great time to bum a wi-fi signal and spend a few minutes here and there learning a few phrases and basic words before going to a new country with a new language. The local language is tied to the local culture and you can get a better sense of both by using some of these free language resources on the way.

[photo by: workshifting]

4 Words Combinations You Shouldn’t Neglect To Translate Before Your Next Trip

Many people neglect to learn any of the local language before jetting off to a new destination. It’s usually when you’re stuck without the universal language, English, that you regret not knowing even the most basic of words. Rather than try to learn an entire language or dialect you can focus your efforts on 4 word combinations that will help you be understood especially when you need it most.

The list is short enough to where you can pick them up on the plane ride and jot them down on a piece of paper in your pocket for quick reference.

1. Hello and Goodbye

I can see you saying ‘duh’ now but I can’t tell you how many people hop off a plane in a new country without memorizing this simple greeting along with its counterpart. Sure you know ‘hola’ but what about “merhaba”, “hej”, or “nǐ hǎo”? It’s not always as simple as you think or a direct translation. In Turkish goodbye (when you’re the one leaving) is “allahaısmarladık” and when you’re sending some one off “güle güle”.

2. Please (Used Correctly) and Thank You

In many languages adding please at the end of a request just doesn’t fit or sound right as it does in English (“Can I have some more coffee please“?) or is not always appropriate. Do a little Google searching and find out the context of when to use please. It helps to know some words in a language but you’ll understand more about the culture by using the words correctly in context.

3. Left and Right

Ever hop into a cab with a shady taxi driver who you know isn’t taking the most direct route? What about asking for directions when you get lost? It’s not so fun to play a game of charades when you’re lost in Tokyo trying to find your way to the next monument or back to your hotel. Use “left”, “right”, and some other quiet ways in the cab and any driver will think twice about taking you for more of a ride than you were expecting.

4. Here and There

Sherry Ott also brought up some other great direction phrases, in addition to these basics. I always like to watch people try and explain “stay here” and “I’ll be right back” only to walk away and have a hotel clerk run after them. Pointing doesn’t always work either, it’s rude in many cultures and even though you’ll probably be forgiven as a tourist you’ll miss out on these subtle cultural cues.

Not Good With Languages?

There are plenty of free ways to learn a bit more of a language while you’re waiting around the airport or a few days before your trip that don’t require a physical book of translations.

• Use free online courses from Mango
• Practice with other language students using LiveMocha
• Some of the best ways to learn a new language

These are good resources if you’re looking to learn more than a few words and English-speakers can calculate how hard any other language is to learn. The 4 mentioned word combos are good ones to have in your head just in case. Don’t stop with simple translations though, research how those terms are used and if there are any common gestures associated with them.

Whether or not English is the universal language was a heated debate here a few months back and while many people agreed, they also stated learning a least a few words is important for travelers. It’s sort of the thing many frequent travelers keep quiet about – something good to do but many don’t – so I’ll ask you.

[photos by: easyflow, MSH*, jeanieforever, bitterlysweet, Squonk11]

Cultural Clocks Around The World

Back in August I asked how late does your cultural clock run and there were several comments that highlighted how relative such a thing as common as time can be. Feel free to add to the discussion if there are some cultures you’ve visited where clocks that run perpetually fast, slow, or right on time.

• Dan: Last year I went to the Dominican Republic for a week of surfing. Every morning I was up at 6am to get a lift along to the break in the hope that I would see the sunrise. The guy arrived between 30 to 45 minutes later than expected every morning without fail, so I kept on missing the sunrise. Despite this, I still turned up on time every morning just in case, as I’m used to things being on time. On the final day I decided to get a mototaxi instead and just as I arrived the sun was beginning to appear.

• Cuckoo: Well, in India generally people are late (not me !). It can be anything between 15 minutes to several hours depending on the person. People generally think that if they are on time, they lose their importance. Funny eh?

• Deniz: In Morocco, people (and events) tend to run about 30-45 minutes late, which is not unlike Turkey! It’s actually kind of nice just going with the flow and not having to stress out about being on time. I know being late annoys many people, but when in Rome…I think it’s a lifestyle worth getting used to!

• Linguist-in-Waiting: Oh, I am somewhat of a non-conformist when it comes to the cultural clock thing. Filipinos are known for being chronically tardy. If a party is said to begin at 6:00 PM, people won’t show up until an hour later. However, I lived in Japan between the ages of 13-18, when these social skills were becoming more and more important (what do you care if you’re on time or not, when all you do is tag along your parents as a little kid?). So I tend to be early, and honor the mentioned time as much as I can. I suppose, having a very reliable transportation system in Japan also helped too: which now makes me annoyed whenever the buses here in North America run late.

No matter where you are in the world you’ll have to adjust both your watch (or iPhone) to the local time but it’s hard to adapt your internal clock to the cultural pace of life around you. Whether it’s faster or slower you can set your watch to South American time no matter what your preference.

[photo by: steve.grosbois]

How Late Does Your Cultural Clock Run?

Does the culture you live within run slightly late, early, or precisely on time? Last week when I wrote about how to set your watch to South American time I mentioned that the perception of time is culturally variable. I thought many of you would have some stories or anecdotes about this sort of ’secondary’ time zone change we all go through.

How late or on time do the people from your culture tend to be?

I can tell you from my experience that Turks tend to run about 30-45 minutes late but the Swedes are generally 5 minutes early or right on time. I often find if difficult to speed my personal clock up in countries like Germany and Switzerland where things tend to happen on time.

I’d like to hear how you’ve coped with the changing pace of life during your travels and am looking forward to your comments.

[photo by: deeleea]

How To Set Your Watch To South American Time

Setting your watch to the proper time zone before you head to South America is easy, but for many travelers adjusting to ‘South American’ time is much more difficult. In fact, unless you’re headed to (most of) Western Europe, the US, or Canada you’re going to have to learn that aside from jet lag there is another time change you’re going to have to get used to.

The notion of South American time isn’t limited to that part of the world. The perception of time varies but clocks generally run slower in the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Southeast Asia, but especially in Central and South America. You’ll get to enjoy this slower pace and the freedom that being late gives you if you are willing to accept a few important points.

Time Is Just A Suggestion

You’ll have to shift your idea of time as a point in reality and think of it as more of a window when things might happen. One of the biggest shifts that I’ve seen people go through is accepting that in many cultures time is just a suggestion. 5 o’clock can mean anywhere from 530-8pm depending on where you. Just add the mental disclaimer of ’somewhere around’ any time you happen to hear.

Don’t Take It Personally

If you do happen to make the mistake of being ‘on time’ and your friend, tour guide, or taxi isn’t promptly there don’t take it as an insult. In South America and other parts of the world being precisely punctual isn’t tied with politeness. Not that people are trying to be rude but the perception of time is a cultural phenomena, not something that is the same to all human beings.

Plan To Be Late But On Time

Accept that things are just not going to happen according to your watch and plan appropriately. There are plenty of individual resources online and some simple Google hacking should give you an idea of how late a particular group of people, city, or culture tends to be. You’ll quickly notice if everything around you is running 30 minutes or two hours late (Brazilians I’m looking at you) and you can set your watch to it.

Enjoy It

The more you fight it the more frustrated you’ll end up being if the culture you’re visiting runs on South American time. Accepting that things simply do not happen ‘on time’ not only reduces your stress but it frees up a lot of time mentally for you as well. Take your time getting ready or enjoying your meal before you head out. It’s a lot easier to do when you know that most everyone around you is doing the same thing.

Whatever Pace You Live At Change It From Time to Time

So much of our lives are based on clocks, calendars, and schedules. Following a clock can make you feel like you’re in control of time but in South America and other parts of the world waiting in lines, meals with no end, and parties that start hours after they’re supposed to start are times to enjoy and not stress about the next thing on the agenda.

Those of you used to a face-paced life can really take a break in South America or wherever time slows down. Take a break, even if it’s a temporary one for 3, 5, or more days and try taking your watch off and hiding the clock on your iPod. See how much more time you have when there’s no real time at all.

[photos by: eszter, Graela, designer-wg.de]

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