FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are some of the most and frequently asked questions about travelling
WHY DO YOU NEED TO TURN OFF ALL YOUR ELECTRONIC DEVICES BEFORE AN AIRPLANE TAKES OFF AND LANDS?
We've been taught to fear the interference of our portable devices and an airplane's sensitive electronic systems. And despite being told to turn off our darn phones, four out of ten passengers, it seems, disregard these warnings, since there's little hard evidence behind claims that electromagnetic emissions from devices can muddle airplane computers.
DO YOU HAVE TO BE RICH TO TRAVEL THE WORLD?
The beauty of travel is that it’s accessible to everyone, in some form. You don't have to go far to experience a new culture. Plus there are several ways to make most flights affordable, whether by being flexible, searching on new websites like Skypicker and Fareness, or just by planning ahead.
WHERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL ALONE?
Well, we certainly don't recommend Tahiti, where there's an all-but-constant reminder at every juncture that you are alone, a sad friendless figure lurking amid the glowing honeymooners. There are a few places, though, where visiting solo is a bonus, not a burden: notably cruises, yoga retreats, and treks across Europe.
WHO MAKES THE BEST TRAVEL BAGS?
There’s more to in-flight baggage than a boring black rollaboard. Here are some ideas for every kind of trip, including a dapper retro case from Globetrotter worthy of David Livingstone.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST TRAVEL LOCATIONS THAT MOST PEOPLE HAVE NOT HEARD OF?
We’re all keen to explore countries and destinations that are unspoiled or unexpected, even if we’re probably still subconsciously following trends. (This year, Myanmar, Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, and Sri Lanka are some of our planned far-flung getaways.)
WHAT ARE THE BEST AIRPORT HACKS?
Download the GateGuru app before your next trip: It shows maps and amenities for any terminal, so you can better plan where to eat lunch or whether you can arrive early for a quick manicure.
IF I VISIT YOUR COUNTRY, WHAT’S THE ONE MEAL I SHOULDN’T MISS?
It’s the same answer everywhere: breakfast. No meal is more distinctive or diverse. While sandwiches for lunch might be a global go-to, breakfast is still gloriously localized, whether you're eating bird’s nest–like pancakes filled with spicy curry in Sri Lanka or flaky, just-baked croissants in France.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO QUIT YOUR JOB, GRAB A BACKPACK, AND TRAVEL THE WORLD?
Tons of people dream about leaving their jobs to travel, and while that semi-permanent vacation can often be exactly what you've imagined, you're guaranteed to encounter a few surprises—not all of them pleasant. Here's the truth—and the best way to prepare yourself—from a woman who did it.
WHAT ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN THE WORLD?
Antigua may claim to have 365 beaches, one each for every day of the year, but other strips of sand rival the Caribbean island for sheer beauty (we’ll take quality over quantity any time). Here are some suggestions, from an overlooked island in the Philippines to a beach made up of jet black sand in Hawaii.
WHAT ARE THE BEST APPS FOR TRAVEL?
By far the best transit guide (RIP HopStop) is CityMapper. It's free, and offers real-time directions via public transport, on foot, or by car plus a plethora of nifty bonuses for a selection of major world cities, from Tokyo to London, New York and even Hamburg.