Traveling on Foot

When you are sightseeing in your own country, it’s relatively easy to find your way home. You can ask for directions in your native language and usually someone can point you in the right direction. What if you are in a foreign country and you do not speak the language. What if the street signs are in a completely different language. What if you get so lost that you have no idea of which way to turn to get back to your hotel? This can happen to you, especially if you are in a dense city . I was once so lost in South Korea that I had no idea of which way to go to get back to my apartment.

I had simply started walking and lost my way on my first day in the city. I was able to find a cab driver who helped me get home. What should you do?

If you are in an Asian country, you might not be able to read the signs that could help you find your way. What should you do? Take your address with you wherever you go. The address should be written in the native language. Always carry the phone number of a person who can speak the native language and English. If you get lost, you can call that person (hopefully on a cell phone that you have with you in the country) and ask your friend to translate for you. Most often people in small shops, banks, or other businesses are happy to help you. They might feel helpless if they can’t speak your language. Using these tips will help you save a lot of time and save you from some frustration.