Category: Travel

Travel is the movement of people between distant geographical locations. Travel can be done by foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, bus, airplane, or other means, with or without luggage, and can be one way or round trip. Travel can also include relatively short stays between successive movements.

How should I tip when traveling in the United States (USA)?
When we travel to the United States of America (USA), it is important to understand the local tipping culture and customs. In the USA, tipping is a way to express gratitude and respect towards service personnel.
Here are some tipping considerations to keep in mind when traveling in the USA:
Tipping Percentage: Tipping in the USA is generally calculated as a percentage of the total bill. For restaurant service, it is customary to give a 20% tip during dinner, indicating satisfaction with the service. A 15% tip is considered a polite gesture, while a 10% tip implies that the service needs improvement. Of course, if you are exceptionally pleased with the service, you can give a higher tip. Conversely, if you are dissatisfied, you have the option to refuse a tip, although this may lead to unfriendly reactions or even confrontations.
Pre-Tax Amount: Tipping is based on the pre-tax amount, not the after-tax amount. Therefore, when calculating the tip, remember to deduct the sales tax. If the total bill is not too high, a dollar or two would be sufficient.
Takeout Tips: If you choose to get takeout, it is appropriate to give the service personnel one to two dollars as a tip. Even though takeout service may not require as much effort as dining inside a restaurant, it is still considerate to show appreciation for their service.
Mandatory Tipping: In recent years, due to inflation in the United States, even for takeout, there may be a semi-compulsory expectation of giving a 20-25% tip. However, please note that when such high tip amounts are displayed on the payment terminal, there will always be fine print showing lower amounts or even an option to skip the tip. You can choose according to your preference.
No-Tipping Situations: In certain circumstances, tipping may not be expected, such as self-service buffets, counter service at coffee shops, or fast-food restaurants. In these situations, you can choose not to tip, but if you are particularly satisfied with the service, you can still leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation.
In conclusion, when traveling in the United States, it is important to be mindful of the tipping customs and to respect the local culture. While tipping percentages and practices may vary by region and establishment, treating service personnel with kindness and respect is crucial. When giving a tip, imagine yourself as the employer and provide an appropriate amount to express your gratitude and respect.
2023 年 6 月 18 日
Which international airports in Japan provide electronic customs declaration gates (e-Gates)?
As of May 2023, a total of 7 international airports in Japan provide electronic customs declaration gates (e-Gates). The purpose of installing these electronic gates is to facilitate smooth entry for the increasing number of incoming passengers, reduce their waiting time, and alleviate congestion in the customs inspection area.
The following table lists the international airports that currently offer digital clearance through e-Gates, including:
1. New Chitose Airport (CTS)
2. Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
3. Haneda Airport (HND)
4. Narita International Airport (NRT)
5. Kansai International Airport (KIX)
6. Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
7. Naha Airport (OKA)
At Haneda Airport, Fukuoka Airport, and Naha Airport, passengers can use the electronic customs terminal equipment for electronic customs declaration while waiting for baggage inspection. After retrieving their luggage, passengers only need to pass through the electronic gates for customs inspection without stopping or waiting. This means passengers can conveniently clear customs, expedite the departure process, and save time.
Appendix:
1. Online services for Japan’s immigration procedures (Visit Japan Web)
2. Recommended accommodation booking websites in Japan: “JAPANniCan“
3. Recommended car rental booking websites in Japan: “Tabirai; RentalCars“
2023 年 5 月 28 日
Complete Guide to Japanese Tide Tables: Mastering Predictions of High and Low Tides
If you enjoy ocean activities, capturing natural landscapes, or fishing, understanding the ebb and flow of tides is crucial information. The tide tables provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism are an incredibly useful resource. They offer tidal forecasts for various bays and coastal areas across Japan and can be accessed at any time, making them a valuable tool for traveling in Japan.
Tides are the result of gravitational forces exerted by the moon and the sun, causing changes in the ocean water levels. Tides have significant impacts on marine life, navigation, and fishing activities. Therefore, knowing the tide conditions for a given day allows you to prepare and fully enjoy ocean activities or fishing.
The tide tables website of the Japan Meteorological Agency provides a user-friendly interface, allowing you to easily find the tidal forecasts you need. Simply click on the desired location on the map to view the tidal charts, tide tables for the day, and even future tidal forecasts.
Within the tide tables, you can find information on tide heights and times. Tide heights indicate the relative height of the sea level compared to the average water level, while tide times indicate the timing of high tide, low tide, flood tide, ebb tide, and more for the day. This information can help you determine the best time for fishing or swimming and avoid being caught off guard by high tides.
In conclusion, if you are someone who enjoys ocean activities, capturing natural landscapes, or fishing, the tide tables provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency are an invaluable resource worth utilizing and paying attention to.
1. Official website: Japan Tide Tables
2. For New Taipei City, Taiwan Province, Republic of China: “Tamsui Tide Tables“
2023 年 5 月 10 日
Who in the world has ever landed on the moon?
A common question about the astronomical universe is, “Which human beings (astronauts) in the world have ever landed on the moon?”
At present, apart from Chang’e and Wu Gang, only 12 people have ever landed on the moon in the known history of mankind.
In the 41 months from July 20, 1969, the United States launched a total of 6 NASA missions, and each time 2 astronauts landed on the moon through the Apollo lunar module.
The first moon landings were Neil Armstrong and Birds Aldrin on Apollo 11. Cernan and Jack Schmidt of Apollo 17 on December 14, 1972 were the last people to land on the moon so far. Cernan was the last astronaut (astronaut) in the Apollo program to leave the lunar surface.
1. 🇺🇸Neil Armstrong 🪦
2. 🇺🇸Buzz Aldrin 91 yo
3. 🇺🇸Pete Conrad 🪦
4. 🇺🇸Alan Bean 🪦
5. 🇺🇸Alan Shepard 🪦
6. 🇺🇸Edgar Mitchell 🪦
7. 🇺🇸David Scott 89 yo
8. 🇺🇸James Irwin 🪦
9. 🇺🇸John Young 🪦
10. 🇺🇸Charles Duke 86 yo
11. 🇺🇸Eugene Cernan 🪦
12. 🇺🇸Harrison Schmitt 86 yo
In the next 10 years, both the People’s Republic of China and the United States of America have plans to send astronauts (astronauts) to the moon again by 2030.
Among them, the China Lunar Exploration Project (China Lunar Exploration Project or Chinese Lunar Exploration Program, CLEP) of the People’s Republic of China is currently selecting the most suitable technology among several known schemes, including two launches of a new generation of manned launch vehicles (one launch Lunar spacecraft, one launch lunar module) or one launch of the Long March 9 carrier rocket (lunar spacecraft + lunar module), and at the same time, the third phase of the long-term lunar station project will be implemented in this phase.
2022 年 1 月 11 日
Three saltwater hot springs in the world
Every time you mention Zhaori Hot Springs on Green Island, I believe some people will jump out and proudly saying that one of the three most rare saltwater hot springs in the world is in Taiwan Island.
Some introductions on the Internet will also write that Asahi Hot Springs are salt water hot springs that are rare in the world when seawater penetrates into the rock formations. After being heated by geothermal heat, they are gushing out under high pressure. There will be no stickiness either. This spring can be bathed but not drunk. It has the salty taste of sea water. It is quite unique. There are only three places on the earth.
In short, the three legendary saltwater hot springs are located in Green Island of the Republic of China, Kyushu of the Japan, and Sicilia, Repubblica Italiana.
Regardless of whether Green Island is subordinate to Taiwan Island, it has this kind of politically correct question (Mizou prefers the concept of four islands and eight islands, each island in the country has its own independence). In fact, the concept of the “three saltwater hot springs in the world” has been a rumor that has been circulating for many years, from the rumor of the tour guide of the team to the Internet rumor with the development of technology.
I have personally experienced saltwater hot springs, including Guishan Island, Old Jinshan Governor Hot Spring in Jinshan District in the northern part of Taiwan Island, Haori Hot Spring in Green Island, Hiranai Sea Hot Spring in Yakushima, and Hot Water Beach in North Island of the New Zealand, there are already four and a half by the calculation.
Welcome all national tourist organizations to invite me! Well, it’s okay for the extraterrestrial.
2021 年 11 月 17 日
How can I escape when I meet a wild boar in the wilderness?
Often in the wilderness, there is always the opportunity to encounter some wild animals. If it is a hare or a wild deer, it will naturally add fun, but if you encounter a wild bear or a wild boar, you are in a dangerous environment. Therefore, I often see people asking, how can I escape if I meet a wild boar in the wilderness?
In fact, most wild animals other than humans (excluding hippos, which are crazy for their lives), have certain behavior patterns. Take wild boars as an example. If they meet in the wild, what can humans do to prevent wild boars from attacking?
Let me talk about the important point first. When you see wild animals, you absolutely, absolutely, and absolutely cannot turn around and run away. Unless you are a Super Marathoner.
The safest way is to look directly at the wild boar and slowly back away while watching the wild boar. When you get more distance, pick up an umbrella, backpack or take off your coat, raise your hands up to pose for yourself, let the wild boar feel that you are not only afraid of it, but even fatter than it (physical), as long as it is not abnormal at this time (For example, if you were injured by a hunter), most wild boars will no longer attack you.
The most important thing is to remind everyone that when you see a wild boar cub, you should talk about how cute you are, and then you want to touch the cub, otherwise you just wait to scream and escape!
Of course, if you happen to be hungry and have the confidence to kill the wild boar, you can take the initiative to attack, and you can also get a whole pork for dinner.
2020 年 12 月 29 日
How to dodge a group of bats during wild cave exploration?
A question that is often encountered when exploring sea caves, mountain trails, and caves is about “how should I dodge a group of bats when I am exploring a wild cave?”
If you encounter a group of bats flying towards you from a distance in the wild, or even actively disturbing the bat’s residence and flying around wildly, the only thing we can do at this time is to stand still! It is best to stand still against the wall.
This is because although bats have bad eyes, they are well known to have a biological ultrasonic radar detection system (you should have seen Pokémon if you haven’t read biology textbooks), so it’s better to stand still, or even stand still close to boulders and walls. , Let the bats take the initiative to avoid us.
Of course, although standing still in the middle of the road is just as effective, but it is unavoidable that you may be left out. Therefore, it is best to stay close to the natural behemoths and avoid the path of the bats.
Although it is simple to say, but in fact, if there is no relevant coping experience, it is very likely to hide in Tibet, which will increase the chance of bats. Therefore, the most important one of the safety rules in the wild is to keep calm when facing danger!
2020 年 9 月 28 日
Should I choose the morning show or the afternoon show for the hot air balloon at Luye Kodai in Taitung?
A question often encountered by Taiwanese tourists is about “Do you choose the morning show or the afternoon show to watch the hot air balloon at Luye Kodai in Taitung, Taiwan of Republic of China?”
Judging from the conclusion, it is more suitable to go to see the hot air balloon in the morning. The only thing to worry about is whether you will be unable to get up in bed (you will arrive before five o’clock in the morning, maybe three o’clock in the morning.
However, it is not impossible to watch the afternoon show. If the weather is stable, it is an added bonus to watch the light carving show.
Reference article “Precautions for viewing time of Taitung Luye Gaotai Hot Air Balloon“
2020 年 8 月 15 日
Which means of transportation can I travel to the Penghu Islands?
Today’s domestic travel question is about “Which means of transportation can take us to the Penghu Islands?”
There are two kinds of means of transportation from Taiwan to Penghu, one is an airplane and the other is a fast ferry.
The airlines, including “Lirong Airlines“, “Huaxin Airlines” and “~~Far East Airline~~“, can provide convenient and fast domestic segments from Taipei “Songshan Airport”, “Taichung Airport” and “Kaohsiung Xiaogang Airport”. Magong Airport (Airport Code: MZG, also known as Penghu Airport).
In addition, “Da An Air” can also fly directly from Kaohsiung Airport to the “Seven US Airport” and “Wangan Airport” in the Penghu Islands. It is only a small number of flights and it is necessary to make more appointments in advance. In addition, in order to maintain the rights and interests of the outlying islands, the airlines only open 4 places for each flight reservation (may be related to government subsidies)
If you want to take a boat, you can also drive to Chiayi Buggy Port and take a marine transport boat to Penghu.
Reference
1. Expedia flight inquiries and reservations.
2019 年 4 月 26 日
Can a lighter take a plane to travel abroad?Old Smoker's travel tips
If you are an old cigarette gun, the most distressing question when traveling abroad and doing business is surely whether you can carry a lighter with you when you fly.
Basically, in most countries around the world Customs regulations, gas, kerosene and other fuels are all contraband, strictly prohibited to carry.So classical lighters, such as Zippo, are not portable.However, there are safe lighters with electric heating on the market, which can be carried on board in countries such as the Republic of China and Japan.
However, in order to prevent terrorist attacks and protect homeland security after the 911 incident, the United States is now almost the most stringent country on the planet for flight safety regulations.As a result, safety lighters that can be carried with them in many countries are strictly prohibited by the U.S. Transportation Safety Administration from carrying any type of lighter on board or in checked baggage.
In addition, a part of a flight, such as inbound and outbound routes in mainland China, shall not carry a lighter, whether checked or hand luggage.Please also ask your airline in advance about the details.
Re-declare that a lighter or jet lighter filled with kerosene cannot be carried on board with carry-on baggage or placed in checked baggage at the airport counter.
2019 年 2 月 12 日