Wikivoyage:Tourist office/Archives/2013/March

Can you travel to a country without speaking the country's language?

Can you travel to a country without speaking the country's native language? How long can you survive without knowing the country's tongue? How much do you have to pay for a translator/interpreter? Would it be easier if you hire a family/friend/relative, skilled in two or more languages, to accompany you on your travels so that you can get by? How should you behave when you are walking by sacred grounds (i.e. mosque, synagogue, church, temple, shrine, etc.)? Asked by: 140.254.226.186 22:23, 5 March 2013 (UTC)

A: Hi! Thanks for your question! In order to answer the majority of your questions, we'll probably need a bit more information, specifically where you are thinking of travelling.

In general terms, there is nothing to stop you from travelling to another country without a knowledge of that nation's tongue and many people do so quite successfully with little more than a phrasebook or the expectation that their language will be spoken. You can find our phrasebooks here: Phrasebooks. If you're planning on visiting a country for more than just a holiday/vacation, I should think it's well worth having a least a rudimentary knowledge of the local language, but depending on the country this may not be necessary. I'm sure that the services of a friend or family member with a knowledge of multiple languages would be very useful indeed on such a trip but, as stated above, their presence may not be a necessity.

The behaviour expected of travellers at religious sites varies massively, depending on the location, so we will require extra information to answer this aspect of your question properly, however, in general terms, I would suggest treating any such site with appropriate reverence.

If you can provide us with a location, we should be able to help you more. --Nick (talk) 22:35, 5 March 2013 (UTC)

Most destination articles have sections called "Talk" for language issues and "Respect" which covers questions about customs and religious matters. You may have to look at higher-level articles for full coverage; something that applies to the whole country will be covered in those sections of the country article, but not repeated in every city article. Some things may also be covered in a regional or provincial article when they apply to more than just a single city, but not to the whole country.

There are also general articles Talk and Respect which try to give a worldwide overview of these issues. Last I looked, those were not complete but did have useful information. Pashley (talk) 16:35, 9 March 2013 (UTC)

I usually travel to countries where I speak the country's language, but I have been to four countries where I don't speak the language: Russia, Latvia, the Czech Republic, and Poland. In all of these, my visit has lasted a couple of days, at most. My visit to Latvia lasted less than a day. Even though my native language is not English, I have found that simply speaking English to the locals is a good way of communicating. This has been easy in Latvia, the Czech Republic, and Poland, but less so in Russia. There I have resorted to non-verbal communication, such as pointing things out, if needed. Of course this is easier on short tourist trips rather than longer, more extensive trips, and easier in the "western world" including most of Europe than in the rest of the world. 91.158.2.99 21:21, 11 March 2013 (UTC)

Absolutely, you can get by anywhere with barely any language! For independent travel you can get by in any country in the world if you learn the most important numbers (for dealing with prices) and a couple key phrases depending on your needs. I memorized "hello," "do you have a single room available," "how much," "where is," "yes," "no," "does this bus go to," "when," and numbers in Turkish and then spent nearly three weeks backpacking through Turkey barely speaking a word of English, only occasionally checking a very basic one-page phrasebook. The downside, of course, is it can get lonely when you can't communicate! Foreign alphabets make life a bit harder, though, and I recommend learning them as best as you can—a good activity for the flight. --Peter ^Talk 05:41, 12 March 2013 (UTC)

When I went to Costa Rica I think I saw more signs in English than Spanish. --Rschen7754 06:58, 12 March 2013 (UTC)

At 8hrs am how long in time by car from Okehampton to Bristol airport?

Asked by: 188.60.208.30 17:35, 6 March 2013 (UTC)

A:Thanks for your question. Traffic conditions will probably vary depending on which day of the week you're planning on making this trip, but Google maps suggests 1 hour 32 minutes would be necessary. However, were you to take this journey on a weekday morning, I envisage you'd probably get stuck in some traffic around Exeter and perhaps in other areas too, so it's probably worth budgeting some extra time in. If you're taking a flight from Bristol Airport I'd make sure that you left with plenty of time to spare as airlines tend to be unforgiving in such circumstances. Either way, I'd make sure to leave with plenty of time and to consult a website that can give you up to the minute traffic information (e.g. http://www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews/) on the morning of your trip so you know what conditions you're going to face and compensate accordingly. --Nick (talk) 19:09, 6 March 2013 (UTC)

Black Forest, Germany

What's the best way to do Europa Park, Freiburg and Baden Baden in 5 days. Where's the best place to stay? Asked by: Globedog79 (talk) 14:02, 9 March 2013 (UTC)

A:I have added a extra hotel recommendation to the Baden-Baden page. --Traveler100 (talk) 14:38, 9 March 2013 (UTC)

Which city/town is best to stay for these destinations? Globedog79 (talk) 15:11, 9 March 2013 (UTC)

A:I'd suggest Freiburg as it's a little off the tourist track, but has very good transport connections to your other destinations. --Nick (talk) 15:21, 9 March 2013 (UTC)

A: Both Baden-Baden and Freiburg are nice towns with pleasant town centers to walk round and good places to eat. They are spar town and therefore a little quiet. If you are willing to cross the border then Strasbourg is a highly recommended place to visit, but really deserves a few days itself. Alternatively if you like the wilds head east into the Black Forest, a great place to go hiking. Check out renting self catering holiday apartment (Ferienwohnung) websites, there are some real gems. Note however it takes a long time to get anywhere once you get into the Black Forest itself.Traveler100 (talk) 15:31, 9 March 2013 (UTC)

is freiburg also a spa town? I know Baden Baden is. Globedog79 (talk) 15:43, 9 March 2013 (UTC)

There are some spas in Freiburg, but I believe that Baden Baden may have more. JamesA ^>talk 09:05, 11 March 2013 (UTC)

Places to see in Munich?

I am going to Munich, Germany, for BoundCon X in late May, 23 to 27 May to be specific. The actual event lasts from Friday to Sunday, I'm arriving on Thursday and leaving on Monday to avoid hurrying. I will be spending most of my time at the actual event, but while I am in Munich, I want to see something of the city itself as well. I have already seen the Englischer Garten, the Hofbräuhaus, and the Munich Residenz, and enjoyed them all very much. My hotel is near Theresienwiese, near the centre of the city. Can anyone suggest places to see? Asked by: 91.158.2.99 21:14, 11 March 2013 (UTC)

A: Hi! Thanks for your question. As you can see from the 'See' section on our Munich page, Munich has very many things to experience. It's a few years since I've been to Munich, but personally I'd recommend the Olympic stadium and soaking up the atmosphere in some of the city's royal squares. Happy travels! --Nick (talk) 18:47, 12 March 2013 (UTC)

At Munichs most famous Place Marienplatz you should go up the Stairs (about 300) to the Tower of Church "Alter Peter", (1 Minute from Marienplatz) with a fine Look to the Center of Munich. To the Tower of the City Hall there is an elevator.

If you Like the Cars from BMW use the Underground to the Olympic area with the BMW World with an impressive Building, just at the Underground Station and five Minutes to go on to the Olympic Park.

If you like a Museum, you should go to Lenbachhaus at Königsplatz (1/2 mile in the north of the Main Railway Station). It will new open in May (we all hope so) after some years of renovation, but it may also then be a little bit crowded. You can see pictures of famous painters.

This Museum is next to the Munich Museum Quarter with a lot of other museums.

When you have fine wheather in the evening, you should go to the next Beergarden : Augustiner (Arnulfstr. 52) or Löwenbräukeller (at Stiglmaierplatz), both only 10-15 Minutes to go from your Hotel.

If you like German beer, you can also Vist the "Bräustüberl" at Augustiner Brewery in the "Landsberger Straße 19" near to your Hotel at Theresienwiese. Im my Opinoion it is more typical for Munich than the Hofbräuhaus with a lot of guests from Munich (not to many tourists) and very good bavarian Food, but even very often crowded.

Any more Hints ? --Bbb-Commons (Bbb) 20:26, 12 March 2013 (UTC)

The "Real" Morocco?

If you do a Google search for Tangier, its hard to find someone with something positive to say. The tripadvisor forums equate Tangier to Tijuana, not part of the "real Morocco", and not worth the time. However, WV says "Tangier is a fascinating Moroccan city to visit. It has many of the things that travellers love--a sense of exotic mystery, interesting history, beautiful vistas, unspoiled beaches, and friendly people." Who is telling the truth? And if you can't find the real Morocco in Tangier, how do you find it? Asked by: Inas (talk) 22:46, 17 March 2013 (UTC)

Tangier is the real Morocco, even if it has a more multinational character than the rest of the country, given its complex history. Its population is now over 90 or 95% Moroccan. You will find there a traditional walled medina, a number of historic buildings such as the old American consulate, the old kasbah and city walls, etc, a thriving "new city" with 1930s architecture and beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea, and two lively squares, the Grand zocco (outside the medina walls), and the little zocco (inside the walls). There are the types of cafés, restaurants and artisans that you find in most other Moroccan cities. Its setting on the Mediterranean is quite spectacular, with the added bonus of the caves of Hercules, which are located 20 minutes by car from downtown and are on the Atlantic coast. So there is a lot to visit. The only issues are that because it is the main port for travelers between Africa and Europe, there tends to be a number of hustlers and con artists around, in addition to some African immigrants looking to cross the strait of Gibraltar by illegal means, which gives the city a bit of a rough edge. The beach is definitely not unspoiled, though; you have to go a ways outside the city to find one of those. One of the reasons for the different views is that the city went through some hard times during the last days of Hassan II - who bore it a grudge - and had become quite dilapidated by then. A lot of efforts have been made to repair things since 1999, however, but those who may have not been around for a few years may not be aware.

And if you want "realer" Morocco, just keep heading south towards Asilah, Rabat and Casablanca, or east towards Tetouan, Chefchaouen, and various other places. Fes and Marrakech are the two main tourist destinations in Morocco, but the country has countless riches to offer. --198.103.104.11 12:47, 18 March 2013 (UTC)

Pilgrimage route through Portugal

I would like to walk the camino de Santiago de Compostella, but start in Portugal rather than the usual route through northern Spain. Does anyone know of any guidebooks/books describing this route? Asked by: Kate Buckley (talk) 03:30, 18 March 2013 (UTC)Kate

Descriptions of routes from Portugal can be found on Wikipedia at Way of St. James & Way of St. James (route descriptions). There are two routes from Porto, Portugal: a coastal route (Camino Portugués or Caminho da Costa Information (in Portuguese)) and a less-traveled inland route. There is also an official website for the route in Portugal, but it is not comprehensive (and the menu buttons at the top are still in Portuguese). The Walking Pilgrim looks like a very useful website. Among the list of routes are a few in Portugal: Camino Portugués, Camino Portugués de la Costa, Camino Portugués de la Via de la Plata, & Porto-Braga alternate. AHeneen (talk) 14:24, 18 March 2013 (UTC)

Want to know the credibility of a US bus tour company by the name "7usa8"

Asked by: 117.197.159.202 06:29, 18 March 2013 (UTC)Sukhraj I want to know if an american bus tour company having website address as 7usa8 is a genuine travel company and not just an online scam..what is third office addresss.

After a brief perusal, the company appears to be legit, but run by Chinese operators and probably lacking a bit in quality. LtPowers (talk) 14:54, 18 March 2013 (UTC)

I'd be really careful with it. BBB doesn't have any information on them. .Ryan Vesey (talk) 20:16, 24 March 2013 (UTC)

Gomshall & Shere Railway Station

Can any one please advise when Gomshall & Shere Railway Station was renamed as just Gomshall & the reason for the change as it is situated between the 2 villages of Gomshall & Shere. Asked by: 81.159.139.18 20:11, 18 March 2013 (UTC)

It had the Gomshall & Shere name from its 20 August 1849 inception at least until the mid-1960s (see 1965 ticket here). The station has been unmanned since 1967. K7L (talk) 01:43, 19 March 2013 (UTC)

Ancient ruins sites in Four-Corner region of US

I would like a list of ancient ruins in the Four-Corner area of the US. Tuzigoot National Monument is one. I believe there are others not far apart in these four states. Asked by: 74.69.215.177 22:22, 19 March 2013 (UTC) Lloyd Ferriss

Map of ancient ruins in New Mexico

Not exactly in the Four Corner region, but very close are pueblos in New Mexico, which is the subject of a very good guide on Wikivoyage: New Mexico Pueblos. The official website for Tuzigot National Monment is here. A good source of information is the Wikipedia article: Ancient dwellings of Pueblo peoples. From there, there are four Wikipedia pages listing ancient dwellings in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, & Utah. AHeneen (talk) 12:57, 20 March 2013 (UTC)

You can also see Wikivoyage's guide to Four-corners here: Four corners. --Nick (talk) 15:05, 20 March 2013 (UTC)

Velloroodai village in Ramanthapuram District , Tamil nadu

Hi

Like to get some information about velloriodai village in Ramanathapuram dist , Tamil Nadu . As it's my birth town and I migrated to Australia , I like to read some information about that Village and it's culture .

Thanks .

Asked by: 117.120.18.135 21:11, 21 March 2013 (UTC)

A:There doesn't seem to be much on Wikivoyage, but on the English Wikipedia, we have an article on the Ramanathapuram district and the language that you are probably referring to, Tamil. There is also a Tamil phrasebook on Wikivoyage. I hope this helps! Falconus^{p t c} 15:01, 22 March 2013 (UTC)

There is a little information on this site about some cities in that area - have a look at this link: Tamil Nadu: South Coast--Nick (talk) 22:54, 23 March 2013 (UTC)

Spanish community in Quebec?

Are there any communities, neighbourhoods or cities in Quebec that have a high concentration of Spanish speakers?

Asked by: 66.190.69.246 02:46, 28 March 2013 (UTC)

Most Spanish speakers in Quebec would be found in immigrant neighborhoods in Montreal. Particularly the Eastern half of the city. Spanish is either the third or fourth most-spoken language in the city (after French and English, with Arabic either ahead or behind depending on sources). If you can read French, check out this article: . Radio Latina Montreal is based in Rosemont/Petite Patrie, so it's likely that you would find a high concentration of Hispanics in that neighborhood. --41.250.224.32 10:15, 29 March 2013 (UTC)

GROCERY STORES ON WEST CENTURY BLVD LOS ANGLES CA.

I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE IS A STORE WHERE I MAY BUY BOTTLED DISTILLED WATER TO USE IN MY CPAP WHILE IN A HOTEL ON WEST CENTURY BLD, LOS ANGLES CA. THANK YOU Asked by: 97.121.174.108 19:34, 30 March 2013 (UTC)

A: Google may be able to help you here: check out this link. Happy travels! --Nick (talk) 00:03, 31 March 2013 (UTC)

Santa Cruz mission project

Please I need Floor plan picture santa cruz mission for my school project E

Asked by: 24.5.241.111 00:31, 28 March 2013 (UTC)

A: Hi! I'm not quite sure what you want, however I'll do my best to help out! Wikivoyage does have a page on Santa Cruz (California), although I'm not sure that's quite what you want here. A quick Google (other search engines are available!) search for 'Santa Cruz Mission floor plan' throws up plenty of results and About.com has a page that may be of some assistance. I'm sorry I can't be much more help but this 'Tourist Office' is mainly to help with travel queries. Submitting this question to one of Wikipedia's Reference Desks could also be a good idea (perhaps the humanities or miscellaneous one?). I hope you manage to find a suitable picture and that your project goes well! Happy travels! :) --Nick (talk) 00:43, 28 March 2013 (UTC)

Seems the user is looking for a floor plan for the w:Mission Santa Cruz. Would suggest looking at the references & external links at that Wikipedia article. -- 208.81.184.4 19:29, 1 April 2013 (UTC)

Stonehenge

Q: Is it possible to directly visit Stonehenge (with appropriate permits). Alternatively are there other less well known neolithic sites?

Asked by: Sfan00 IMG (talk) 10:47, 30 March 2013 (UTC)

A: Stonehenge is a controlled, pay to enter site. I would recommend visiting Avebury, here you can walk round the stones, and although still popular, not as crowded.--Traveler100 (talk) 11:17, 30 March 2013 (UTC)

A2 The only time you can visit for free and get near the stones is on the evening on the 20th June: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-18530218

@Traveller100 - Thanks, that's why I added the caveat. Are there sites other than Stonehenge and Avebury? Sfan00 IMG (talk) 21:13, 1 April 2013 (UTC)

You can check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Stone_circles_in_the_United_Kingdom Rojomoke (talk) 22:28, 1 April 2013 (UTC)

The list given by Rojomoke is a good one for stone circles, examples like Nine Ladies are accessible. Are you interested in other features such as long barrows (e.g.Stoney Littleton Long Barrow)? Also are you just looking in England or is further afield in consideration? For example the Skara Brae settlement remains in the Orkney islands are one of the best and the recreation of a stilt village at Pfahlbaumuseum Unteruhldingen in Germany is worth seeing. --Traveler100 (talk) 05:33, 2 April 2013 (UTC)

I was interested in England (I'm based NW of London). In general I'm looking for sites with specific archaeological value, as opposed to the touristy sites, everyone has gone to. Skara Brae is a little outside my current travel budget, but a nonetheless important site:) Sfan00 IMG (talk) 14:42, 2 April 2013 (UTC)

It has been some time since I visited but Roolright stones I seam to remember as having some character. There are also some interesting hillforts particularly in Wiltshire but I think most are Iron and Bronze age. Traveler100 (talk) 20:00, 2 April 2013 (UTC)

Thank you for your responses :) Sfan00 IMG (talk) 23:29, 2 April 2013 (UTC)