Going places – especially – to new and “foreign” places is one of the most exhilarating and (possibly) scary activities that you can undertake. The buildup may make you want to rethink it, turn around and go home to hide under your bed. It’s understandable. Even the most weathered travelers still have the jitters, but still go.
One such travel hero has to be Yan from Little Chinese Everywhere. Yan’s objective is to see the planet, warts and all, and she makes it all look so easy. With her German hubby, Flo, they make the planet their own. In the YouTube episode here, Yan and Flo show just how easy it is to make new fast friends almost everywhere. Their main tools are “smile” and “ask questions.”
People love to talk about themselves, and it’s as simple as that. With tools like Google Translate, you can easily change the language, speak or point into your phone and in a snap, you may end up having a life buddy. Try it some time. Watch above to see how Yan and Flo do their thing. Smile, be curious, ask questions, learn more about others and do it as if you’re talking to your neighbour. We’re all part of the Global Village. Have fun!
Google’s Translate service, offered free of charge here, instantly translates words, phrases, and web pages between English and over 100 other languages. Use your camera to switch language, or to translate a Japanese menu to your language. It’s fantastic, and it’s free. Be sure to take plenty of batteries and space on your devices, even though they’re easy enough to find.
Know Before You Go: Don’t just research popular tourist spots. Thorough Research is Your Best Friend: Dive into practical information. Local Customs & Etiquette: Learn about greetings, dress codes (especially for religious sites), dining etiquette, tipping norms, and social sensitivities. This helps avoid unintentional offense and shows respect. Safety & Security: Check your government’s travel advisories. Understand common scams, areas to avoid (especially at night), and emergency contact numbers. Read Diverse Sources: Consult official tourism sites, reputable travel blogs, forums (like TripAdvisor, Reddit’s r/travel), and recent news. Look for experiences from solo travelers, female travelers, or travelers of specific backgrounds if relevant to you. And, finally, Learn Key Phrases: “Hello,” “thank you,” “please,” “excuse me,” “yes,” “no,” “how much?”, “where is…?” and numbers in the local language can go a long way. People appreciate the effort.
When flying worldwide. we always choose British Airways. Top service, destinations & prices. Click here