Travelling To A Foreign Country - part 2

In the previous article we discussed some useful phrases that can be used when travelling, and because it is such a vast topic, we will continue with part two. Time spent at the airport isn’t always just about arriving and departing. In the bigger airports, there are a lot of activities as well different types of shops to keep people busy while they are waiting for their flight to depart. While travelling can be fun and exciting, it can also come with its own issues.

At the Airport

• Is this a duty free shop?
• What is a popular souvenir?

At Immigration

At some immigration control points, it can be a quick and smooth process but others can be long and drawn out with multiple questions. Usually when you travel internationally, you have to complete an immigration card, which you have to fill out and complete before the control point. Not all destinations rely on these immigration cards only and some immigration officers ask you questions verbally. Here are some questions that you can expect:

• Where have you travelled from?
• How long is your stay?
• What is the purpose of your visit?
• Where are you staying?
• Do you intend on working while you are visiting?

At Customs

Customs usually want to know if you are carrying any prohibited items. These items vary from country to country. Some countries have very strict rules and regulations, so it would be a good idea to check this list before travelling to that country. Arriving with prohibited items could put you in trouble. You could get fined, items confiscated, face additional quarantine costs for some items, or even prison time, depending on the prohibited items. Here are some common questions which you can expect to be asked by a customs official:

• Did you pack your own bags?
• Are you carrying any bags or items on behalf of someone else?
• Do you have anything to declare?
• How much money do you have on you?
• Do you have any food items?
• Are you carrying any illegal substances?

Some Helpful Travel Terms

Hotel – a large building with many rooms over a number of floors for accommodating a large number of people.

Motel – a building, with one or two floors, where rooms are accessed from outside. Not as big as a hotel.

Guest House – A guest house is usually a type of renovated house, with a communal kitchen for cooking purposes but sometimes includes bed and breakfast.

Bed & Breakfast – An option at some guest houses, meaning breakfast is included in your stay.

Lodge – Also known as an Inn and similar to a guest house. Found in the countryside, it is usually a renovated house accommodating a small group of people.

Travel Guide – A travel guide can either refer to the head/leader of a tour group or a booklet to help guide you.

Travel Package – Tour operators offer travel packages, which usually include flights, accommodations and some activities.

Brochure – A booklet/pamphlet advertising accommodation, activities or products.

Sightseeing – The act of seeing/visiting a place of interest.

Museum – A building which houses various historical objects from the past.

Historical – Relating to ancient/old events and objects.

Landmark – An object or feature of a particular place which is noticeable, like a monument.

Safari – The act of watching wild animals in their natural habitat, most commonly practised in Africa.