Important European Gestures to Understand When Traveling

When you learn nonverbal gestures while traveling, communication becomes easier. However, if you don’t understand the meaning of some European gestures, they can be your worst language barriers when you travel.
My pal over at www.glassdawg.net once told me his backpack travel story to Europe, and it was hilariously funny. He did share some pointers and that’s what I plan to share with you today. Here are common gestures that you should understand their meanings when you travel to Europe.

Fingertips Kiss

This gesture entails bringing together the thumb and fingers of the right hand, raising lips and kissing lightly and eventually tossing the thumb and fingers into the air joyfully. This gesture is very common in European countries like France, Italy, Greece, Germany and Spain. It signals praise but it can also mean delicious, wonderful, divine, or sexy. However, you should be careful to avoid looking silly by overemphasizing this subtle gesture.

Hand Shake

This gesture entails shaking following by sucking in. Do it like you burned yourself. The gesture implies expensive.

Hand Purse

A hand purse gesture entails straightening the thumb and fingers of your hand and bringing them together to make an upward point in front of the face. Move your hand up and down a little at the wrist or hold it still. This is an Italian gesture for asking a question. It is used to ask a person what they want, what they are doing, or what’s new? In France, this gesture implies fear while in Spain it means “a lot”. In Turkey and Germany, a hand purse gesture means “good”,

Eyelid Pull

This gesture entails extending the forefinger below the eye center and pulling the skin downward. This gesture means “I’m alert” in Greece and France. It is used as a friendlier warning in Spain and Italy.

Cheek Screw

Stick out the index finger while making a fist and screw it in the chick without piercing your skin. This gesture is almost exclusive to and widely used in Italy. It means lovely, good, or beautiful. It can also mean cleaver. However, you should be careful with this gesture because it can be used to mean a man is effeminate in Southern Spain.

If you intend to travel to Europe, understand the meanings of these gestures and use them wisely. This will help you avoid language barrier that may be occasioned by your misunderstanding or little knowledge of the meanings of these and other gestures.

How to Get the Best Deal When Booking a Flight

Booking a flight can sometimes be expensive, but with the right strategies, you can increase your chances of getting the best deal. Here are some tips to help you:

Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

Flying on certain days of the week or during off-peak seasons can often result in lower fares. Use flexible date search options on travel websites to compare prices over various dates and find the cheapest options.

Use Flight Comparison Websites

Utilize online flight search engines like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights to compare prices across multiple airlines. These platforms allow you to see various options and find the best deals.

Book in Advance

Booking your flight well in advance helps you secure better deals. Airlines often offer discounted fares for early bookings, so plan and book your flights at least a few weeks in advance.

Be Open to Different Airports

Check if there are alternative airports near your departure or destination cities. Flying to or from a nearby airport can lead to significant savings. Consider the cost of ground transportation as well when evaluating these options.

Clear Your Browsing History or Use Incognito Mode 

Airlines and travel websites may track your browsing history and increase prices based on demand. To avoid this, use private browsing or incognito mode when searching for flights.

Sign Up for Fare Alerts

Subscribe to newsletters or fare alert services provided by various travel websites. They will notify you when prices drop for your preferred routes, allowing you to grab the best deals quickly.

Consider Connecting Flights

Direct flights are often more convenient but can also be more expensive. Opting for connecting flights can sometimes lead to significant savings. Ensure you have ample time between flights to avoid delays or missed connections.

Be Open to Different Airlines

Avoid limiting yourself to a specific airline. Compare prices across different carriers, including budget airlines, as they can offer lower fares for the same route. Be mindful of any additional fees they may charge for baggage or other services.

Bundle Flight and Hotel Bookings

Some travel websites offer discounts if you book your flight and hotel together as a package. Explore these options to see if you can save money by bundling your travel arrangements.

Consider Alternative Booking Methods

While online travel agencies are convenient, it’s worth checking the airline’s official website as they sometimes offer exclusive deals or promo codes that may be unavailable elsewhere.

Always double-check the terms and conditions, baggage allowances, and additional fees before finalizing your booking. Happy travels!

Top 5 Family-Friendly Travel Destinations

If you’re planning a family vacation, you undoubtedly want a family-friendly travel destination. Luckily, the world has numerous family-friendly options from which you can choose. Here are the top five family-friendly travel destinations.

1. Orlando, Florida

Orlando is the perfect destination for a family vacation due to its many attractions and family-friendly activities. From theme parks such as Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld to waterparks and an array of shopping opportunities, there’s something for everyone in your family.

2. San Diego, California

If you’re looking for a beach location with plenty of kid-friendly activities, look no further than San Diego. With some of the best beaches in California, this city also offers a variety of attractions, like the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, where you can participate in interactive activities.

3. London, England

As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is an ideal destination for families. You can explore historical sites like the Tower of London or ride on one of the city’s iconic double-decker buses. Additionally, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities, such as visiting museums and participating in outdoor sports.

4. Paris, France

Although some might think Paris is better suited for a romantic getaway, it can also be a great family vacation spot. Take your kids to the Eiffel Tower or visit one of its many parks and gardens. Additionally, numerous restaurants offer delicious French cuisine you can enjoy with your family.

5. Rome, Italy

With its ancient architecture, delicious food, and vibrant culture, Rome is one of the top family-friendly travel destinations in Europe. You can explore its many ancient ruins or stroll around its picturesque streets here. Additionally, plenty of kid-friendly activities await you, such as visiting Vatican City and the Colosseum.

These five destinations offer something for everyone in your family – from thrilling adventures to educational experiences. So, whether you’re looking for an exotic getaway or want to have fun with your loved ones, these family-friendly travel destinations definitely won’t disappoint!

How International Travel Benefits Students

There are so many things one can gain from traveling to a different place. The list includes getting new friends, meeting new people, gaining new experiences, and much more. Studies have shown that you develop creativity and improve your well-being when traveling. Therefore, travel allows us to slow down, take a step back and take an honest assessment of our lives. It lets us let go of expectations imposed on us, so we can discover what is important to us and what we truly want.

Personal Growth

you will learn and gain real-life skills living in abroad more than from any textbook. Traveling will force you out of your comfort zone and challenge your beliefs daily. You will have to meet new people and deal with many different and unexpected situations. You will learn how to survive without any help that Is usually available to you; hence you automatically start gaining confidence, independence, and open-mindedness.

Hands-on Learning

Students can explore the field and get their hands dirty, which is the experience of what they learn through specific programs or events.

Enhances Communication Skills

When you are in an unfamiliar area, you will try your best to communicate effectively with those around you. It will help you enhance your communication skill and connect with friends during the trip.

Appreciate Different Cultures

Traveling to a new place gives people different outlooks on different cultures and people. You also learn similarities and differences in cultures and languages, giving you a sense of respect for the location. New places can open doors to new careers and excellent opportunities.

Final Thoughts

As you travel the world, you realize that it is a much better place than we see on TV or in books and novels. I hope the above article inspires you to travel abroad.

How Travel Improves Mental Health

 Traveling is essential for your physical wellbeing, but also it does a lot of good for your mental health. There is more to traveling than sipping margaritas at the beach. This article will show how traveling can be good for your mental health.

 Boosts Creativity 

Traveling helps you see the world in a new way generally. People who travel more often generate diverse ideas. And this is because they get more exposure to new cultures, make International friendships, and study new languages. With this, they can develop new problem-solving skills. Getting away can help you feel more productive and focused when you come back. With that, such people have a higher chance of getting promoted.

 Stimulates Happiness and Satisfaction

Nobody should be tied down to just one place their entire life. They should get an opportunity to step away from their grind. New events and experiences help reset your brain, boosting your self-confidence and mood. Life feels more satisfying outside living through new experiences. Traveling and exploring make you happy. Planning gives you something exciting to look forward to, bringing more joy. Anticipating a trip can increase your happiness, good for your mental wellbeing.

Makes You Mentally Resilient

Have you ever gone to a place you aren’t familiar with but excited about that? It happens, and that helps toughen up you mentally and emotionally. Facing difficulties in an unfamiliar environment and among new people forces you to adopt a new life away from your comfort zone. Traveling improves your mental resilience because you can deal with more significant life issues with more grace and patience.

 With the information above, we can conclude that traveling does a lot of good to your mental health. Be a traveler and enjoy its benefits for your mental health.