Skirts specifically are not required, but modest dress certainly is, mostly in religious sites: churches like St. Peter's in the Vatican, major temples in Thailand and India, mosques pretty much anywhere if they're even open to visitors, etc.

From the Vatican's official site : Access to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens and Saint Peter's Basilica is permitted only to visitors dressed appropriately (no sleeveless blouses, no miniskirts, no shorts, no hats allowed).

You can improvise though, eg.

many temples in Thailand will loan/sell you a sarong wraparound for your legs.

As @hippietrail said in a comment, I know by experience that Orthodox monasteries require girls and women to wear long skirts to enter the building

(I visited some of these monasteries on a school trip).

Knowing that before leaving, I brought with me an old skirt and put it on over my jeans just before entering, but the monks had many skirts to be used the way I did.

This is the only case I know that requires women to wear a skirt, while other religious sites that I have visited (mainly catholic churches) have a more general "proper clothing" dress code.

There are similar answers, but mine is more about Asian sights.

If you are visiting Buddhist places , temples do not really force male or female to wear specific clothing, but too revealing cloths are frowned upon by locals.

If you plan to visit a Buddhist place, try not to wear shorts, bikini, etc.

Anything that covers until your knees and covers shoulders are generally accepted.

Also, as for Buddhists, people wear white-ish clothing to temples.

Try to wear something of white color, but not red, black, etc.

You can easily find something to cover you up outside of such temples.

Also, be careful when you wear T-Shirts with a religious leaders, icons, etc printed.

(I'm from Sri Lanka, where it's an offense to print such images on fashion items and inappropriate materiel).

If you are visiting an Islamic place , a mosque for example, sometimes there are rules (rather than customs).

The national mosque in Malaysia, for example, allows women to visit then place, skirts are allowed, but if the dress is too revealing, they provide you some clothing to cover you (free, you have to return it).

Update :

Thanks to @

Ida for mentioning this: Some Islamic places require covering your head/hair if you are a woman.

I would appreciate if someone can help me with the wording, but depending on the culture, you might be asked to wear a Hijab, Burka, or something like that to cover your head as well.

For Hindu places, a dress code is hardly necessary, but generally you wear something that covers your knees and shoulders.

If you are too into the Hindu places, do a little research about the corresponding god (most Hindu religious places are dedicated to a specific god: Vishnu, Krishna, etc), do some research about what are the colors relevant to that god.

You will be highly appreciated if you wear that color to the place.

This is not about obeying their customs, but about mixing up with the locals.

One time, I was invited to take part in a dance simply because my T-shirt color matched what they were wearing, and I showed some interest.

Others have mentioned about Christian places, so I'm not going to mention it here.

For other sights, such as diving (say iFlySingapore), skirts are not practical.

Just use your common sense and try to wear appropriate clothing.

Depends a lot on the location, country, culture and religion in question.

Most countries have their own ethics and morals, which often encompass dressing styles and restrictions.

Religious locations tend to be one of the most common places were a "dress code" is suggested.

And often revealing or sexy clothing is not appropriate to wear.

As travelers we bear the responsibility to learn about our destination, so as to be able to visit their country as polite guests, not disrespectful louts.

As you mentioned the Vatican, women are not restricted to skirts only, pants and shorts are both acceptable, however shorts should come down below the knees and no sleeveless tops, shoulder need to be covered.

But this applies primarily to going inside the churches or chapels.

Yes, for example most monasteries in Georgia, including Gergeti Monastery, require women to wear a skirt.

This is not a big deal though, you don't have to come prepared, as long as you're dressed modestly.

This includes not wearing open shoes or sandals for instance.

Apart from that, there is a huge bunch of skirts right next to the entrance of those monasteries where wearing a skirt is compulsory, and women can just put it on their clothing/trousers.

Even if it looks slightly ridiculous, it doesn't really matter for the few minutes you're spending in the church.

Naturally, borrowing a skirt at the entrance is free and there's nobody standing next to it checking who's wearing what.

If you do enter the church without a skirt (same goes for men with a hat on), the priest or whoever is the responsible guy in the church at that moment, warns you or your tourist guide politely to fix that mistake.

From all the places I've been to the only ones which require women to wear long skirts were Eastern Orthodox Churches and Eastern Orthodox monasteries .

Those places also require men to wear long pants, and no shorts of any kind were allowed.

Any other religious places - mosques, Buddhist and Hindu temples, as well as other Christian Churches do not have such requirements.

Many of those places prohibit sleeveless shirts/tank tops for both genders, and prohibit skirts/shorts well above knee (for women this seem to be only enforced with bare legs, i.e. a short skirt with tights is ok; short skirts/shorts for kids is also ok).

However even in Vatican -

and I just been there last Sunday

- there is no requirement for women to wear skirts.

I almost always wear long shorts, and Eastern Orthodox churches (around ten of them) were the only ones I wasn't allowed in.

Question: There is mention of not wearing short skirts; does that mean skirts are required for women when wanting to visit places like churches, the Vatican, etc.

Are women required to wear skirts to get into some tourist sites?

It depends a lot on the location, country, culture and religion in question. Many religious sites will expect modest clothing that is not too revealing and that covers the shoulders and extends below the knee, but with the exception of some Eastern Orthodox sites, usually won't expect you to wear a skirt. Also, be careful when you wear printed T-Shirts with religious leaders or icons. Some mosques and other places will have rules, but in many cases, you can borrow appropriate clothing just outside the site.

Many rules related to clothing when visiting religious sites depend on the country and culture. Coomon sense and appropriate clothing are recommended. Rules tend to be less strict at Buddhist, Hindu and Catholic sites, just cover knees and shoulders, and more strict at Islamic and Eastern orthodox sites where long skirts and hair covering may be required.

Buddhist, Hindu and Catholic sites usually just require modest dress, with knees and shoulders covered. Many of these have garments you can borrow at the entrance.

Islamic and Orthodox sites tend to have more rules. These may include long skirts and hair coverings.

Many of the rules on cloting depend on local culture and religion. Use common sense when visiting and dress appropriately.


The main case where the price-per-person will be different when searching for more than one person is when there is only one seat left at the cheapest fare.

In such a case, the search engine (or at least every one I've ever seen) will search for the cheapest fare where all passengers can travel at the same fare.

That might mean bumping all passengers to business class, or taking an entirely different route.

For sufficiently large groups, you might be eligible for a group discount, too, but I think you won't find those discounts on most online search engines.

You'd likely need to go through a travel agent.

They are unusual in the West, but there are some airlines that offer cheaper seats when booking for multiple people.

In particular, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific both offer " GV2 " and " GV4 " fares, available only to groups of 2 or 4 passengers respectively.

For example, in this randomly Googled travel agent page , the single passenger price for a Singapore-Chennai/Kolkata return is S$700, while the GV2 fare is $600 and the GV4 fare is only $500.

These show up automatically when booking online for the appropriate number of people, no travel agent needed.

Of course, even in SQ's case, these fares are not offered on all routes or all flights.

When they're not, you may still be better off following Alessandro's suggestion and booking separately to get the best possible fare classes.

And before you ask, despite living in Singapore for >7 years, I was never able to figure out what "GV" stands for!

Probably "Great Value" or something equally naff.

My experience confirms Flimzy answer, so I won't repeat that.

I would like to add a suggestion to get a cheaper price per person: when such situations arise just buy tickets separately and then share the total equally between each person.

Try to find out which is the number of available tickets at the lowest fare and buy them in one transaction, then buy the others at higher fare.

For example Ryanair website tells you how many seats are available with a given fare.

If you are quick enough (and maybe have 2 credit cards at hand)

you can save some money.

I've personally used this trick a few times :-)

but cannot guarantee that it will always work.

I can confirm one scenario where it makes difference - when you travel with kids.

We used it this summer when travelling to Europe and it knocked off around $200 for the kids tickets.

But not all airlines do it.

But if you search e.g. on Kayak, there is under dropdown next to Search button this list of options: Adults 18-64 Seniors 65+ Youth 12-17 Child 2-11 Seat Infant under 2 Lap Infant under 2 You can specify number of passengers for each age group

and and then the price that Kayak shows is average price per passenger (so e.g. when price per adult only is $1400, with kids Kayak will start show $1300 per passenger) - and it also allows you to sort by it.

It does change.

Airlines sell tickets in blocks, so lets say one block cost $300 per ticket and next block is $400 per ticket.

Assume you want to buy 2 ticket but there is only one left in $300 block

then you will be paying a total of $700 as the second one will be priced at $400

- meaning $350 per ticket!

Question: When I search for a flight for more than one person I usually search the flight for one so that I can easily have the total amount per person. I wonder if there are cases in which searching for more than one person would result in a cheaper fare per person.

Is the price per person affected by searching a flight for more than one person?

This is unusual in the West, but there are some airlines that offer cheaper seats when booking for multiple people. Otherwise, this difference is only likely if there is only one seat left at the cheapest fare, or if you are travelling with kids.

There are a number of reasons why prices per person may vary on airlines. First, there may be only one ticket left in the cheaper price band. Moreover, some Asian airlines, like Cathay Pacific, offer different prices for group travel. Finally prices for children may be different on some airlines.

Prices per person for airline tickets may differ when there is only one ticket left in a particular price band. One person will get the cheap ticket and the others will pay the next band price.

Some Asian airlines offer special group prices, for example Cathay Pacific.

Prices per person may be different for children.


Counting Nights Accommodation bookings count the nights you spend simply because that's what you need accommodation for: to sleep.

This is based on the somewhat valid assumption that your main night time activity is sleeping.

I understand where the confusion might arise from between day and night counts.

Because nights are interposed between days you think you are staying for 1 day more.

However consider that usually check-in time is in the afternoon and check-out is in the morning so effectively you are occupying the accommodation for the exact numbers of hours (computed as nights * 24h )

you booked it for.

To this purpose consider a realistic 3 night booking with check-in at 3pm and checkout at 11am.

Total booking time is 2

* 24 + 20

= 68h which is ~ 3 days .

Your 7-Night Reservation

You say you plan on arriving on the 1st December and leaving on the 8th of December.

That equates to a booking of 7 nights.

Since you mention an arrival time of 10am, the actual check-in time depends on the hotel/hostel.

Most of these usually check guests in in the afternoon, to leave time between check-outs to clean the rooms.

Check-out times tend to be before noon, for the same exact reason.

To be sure, ask the hotel for specific check-in and check-out times.

However, if you arrive before your room is ready you can most definitely ask for them to keep your luggage whilst you go to the nearest pub for a good old English breakfast.

This should be a free service.

As mentioned in the comments below, if you desperately need the room for 10am because you want to shower/sleep then you might have to book for an extra night (the one between the 30th November and 1st December).

If you do so make sure you tell the hotel you will be arriving on the 1st rather than on the 30th, to ensure they don't consider it a no-show and cancel your booking (most probably after charging you for the whole amount nonetheless).

Another way to think about it:

Endpoints are a common source of confusion.

“Day” can mean “24-hour block” or “calendar days”.

A stay that lasts exactly 7 times 24 hours will span 8 calendar days, except if you make it start exactly at midnight on a given day.

That's why it's much more convenient to think about “nights”.

Usually a night goes from 3 or 4 PM on one day to 10 or 11 AM on the next.

That's what you are booking if you are talking about accommodation and not a full 24 hours of stay.

If you want more than that (i.e. arriving early or leaving late), you might have to pay more or risk having to wait before getting to your room.

To avoid any misunderstanding, you can simply communicate that you will arrive in the afternoon on a given day and leave in the morning on another one

(i.e. you are not booking the night of Monday the 24th

, you are booking the night from Monday the 24th to Tuesday the 25th).

Note that packaged tours or visa forms will sometimes also mention days and usually that would include both the day your travel is starting and the day it ends,

so one more than the number of nights.

Usually hotels charge per night, which tends to be measured by you checking in after a certain time on the day before your first night, and checking out before a certain time on the day after your last night.

There are sometimes discounts for staying only part of a day (a "day rate").

And there are sometimes extra charges for early check-in or late check-out (or sometimes these are waived -

let them know as soon as you know your plans, or when your plans change).

In your example, 10am would tend to be an early check-in.

In my experience with London hotels, the room likely might not be ready until the afternoon, but they have had places to store bags in the meantime.

10am is usually early enough for a regular check-out, but it's always best to check.

So I would tell them when you will be arriving and leaving, ask when their times are to check in after and check out by, and assuming 10am is an early check-in, ask can you arrive then and leave bags, and when should you expect to be able to occupy the room.

Policies may vary by place and by hotel, so it's best to check to avoid surprises.

On your last day at the hotel, you usually have to leave by 10/11 am (you need to confirm the exact time with the hotel manager as there is no standard rule).

If you exceed that limit, it will count as another night at the hotel.

Question: For example, suppose that I'm going to travel London and will arrive at 10am, 1st December. And will stay a week, means will leave 10am, 8th December. Technically it's 7 nights, but also 8 days. Should I book 7 counts(nights) or 8 counts?

What exactly does "nights" means when you book? Is it number of night you are going to sleep, or simply days you are going to stay?

While there are sometimes discounts for staying only part of a day or extra charges for early check-in or late check-out, hotels usually charge per night, simply because that's what you need accommodation for: to sleep.

Hotelas calculate stays in "nights". Extra charges may apply for late check ou or early check in. Sometimes a hotel will have a special "day rate".

Hotels usually calculate accommodation in "nights", check in is usually in the afternoon and check out the morning after.

Ther are sometimes special rates for staying only part of a day and extra charges for checking out late or checking in early.


You are shouting (unnecessarily) and blaming Emirates for what is your fault.

Emirates provide lots of very helpful visa advice, such as: Please double-check foreign entry requirements for travellers from your country of nationality from their website , and their Terms and Conditions

(in this respect effectively identical to all other passenger airlines) include: Passports

Please insure you have a passport valid for the duration of your trip.

(Some destinations require your passport be valid for a certain length of time; in general, 6 months after completion of travel).

You may also be required to obtain a visa for some destinations and

it is your responsibility to do so .

When making a booking you must ensure that your name (and the name of any person(s) for whom you are making a booking) matches exactly the name as it appears in your (or the person(s) for whom you are making the booking’s) passport.

If you require any further information on passport or visa requirements, please contact one of our local offices or the embassy of the country to which you will be traveling.

A failure to travel with the correct documentation could result in the passenger being refused travel, entry to the country of their destination or stop-over, deportation or incarceration and in such circumstance(s)

you will be solely responsible for any cost, loss or damage which you or we (or our agents or servants) incur .

My emphasis.

Emirates did you a favour by picking this up in Dubai rather than have the passenger refused entry in India.

In many cases it is impossible for the airline to require a visa or to check for a visa prior to selling you a ticket.

Tickets can be purchased up to 330 days in advance of travel, but many countries will not issue a visa more than 60 days ahead of arrival.

Many countries require proof of travel in the form of an e-ticket or confirmed itinerary before they will issue a visa.

As others have already discussed, the airline did exactly what was required of it.

The burden of responsibility to make sure their personal documents are in order lies solely with the traveler.

It is not the responsibility of the airline or tour company or hotel or travel agent.

An airline is not required to check your visa and entry compliance before selling you an air ticket.

You can buy a ticket for any destination even when you do not have a passport.

Check-in staff normally checks your visa before they give you your boarding pass and the first flight was to Dubai where your daughter did not require a prior visa so the airline staff would have issued a boarding pass

and I don't blame them.

When your daughter turned up at Dubai airport for check-in, that's when the airline staff checked her visa for India as that's what the destination was

and they didn't let her fly because she didn't have a valid visa.

I do not think airline staff/airline was at fault.

Had this been a flight where you through check-in your luggage to the final destination and get both the boarding passes at Dallas then it would have been Airline's fault.

Short answer to an easy question: the airline is not responsible for your legal issues regarding obtaining a visa.

They don't have to jump in as a consultant when you purchase a ticket.

Obtaining a visa often implies, among other requirements, to already have a ticket, so, if the airline required a visa, it would be impossible to obtain a visa without a ticket and a ticket without a visa.

That would make traveling impossible.

Some countries require you to purchase a return ticket before issuing a visa.

So no, the airline won't check your visa when you purchase the ticket.

I am surprised The visa wasn't checked when she boarded the flight in Dallas

Question: My daughter bought a ticket for a flight with a layover in Emirates (from Dallas, Texas to India). She had a stop of 48 hours in Dubai. When she was checking in in Dubai for Delhi, she was informed that her visa for India has expired in 2012. Did Emirates not have an obligation to check the visa for India before selling a ticket?

Do airlines have to check the visa status before selling a ticket?

An airline is not required to check your visa and entry compliance before selling you an air ticket, and in fact you may need a ticket or other proof of travel before obtaining a visa. Furthermore, tickets can be sold up to 330 days in advance of the flight, but many countries will only issue visas 60 days in advance. While it is likely that your daughter's  visa status would have been checked if it had been a direct flight to India, check-in staff in Dallas only needed to check your visa to Dubai.

It is the passengers responsibility to ensure they have the right documents before travelling. Airlines are not obliged to check anything before selling the ticket. In fact, this would be difficult as most countries require a ticket to issue a visa. Visas are usually only checked at check in and any passenger without the correct visa will no be allowed on the flight.

It is not the airlines fault if you travel without the correct documentation. Airlines are not required to check any documents before selling a ticket.

Check in staff check visas when issuing the boarding pass, so the error is spotted at the time of boarding the relevant flight.

Airlines cannot require a passenger to have a visa when buying a ticket as most countries require a ticket to issue a visa.

When checking in through luggage at the departure point, all visas would be checked, however, when the passenger is re-checking in after a stopover, this may not always happen.


There is!

But there aren't any signs to tell you...

As explained on the PTV Airport Buses page , the SkyBus ticket office at the airport sells the myki Visitor Value Pack .

That costs $14, and comes with $8 credit (plus a few other bits).

There are no signs at the SkyBus ticket office about myki, it isn't listed on any of the prices shown, but if you queue up and ask they'll get one out of a secret drawer and sell one to you!

Once you've bought your myki, it's a moderately well signposted 1 minute walk to where the 901 bus goes from - follow the signs for Public Buses.

Alternately, there are in theory some regular myki topup and purchase machines in T2, T3 and T4 , but they're not well signed and rather hidden.

You're looking for a silver/grey machine with a blue sign on the top.

I couldn't find the T2 one, the T3 one is on the far left as you go to leave the baggage claim area by the toilets.

For topping up a myki it may be worth hunting, though don't forget you can also top up on the bus!

For visitors, heading to the SkyBus ticket office to buy one is likely to be much quicker and easier

Thought I'd provide an update since these posts are all ~4 years old.

There's no sign of a Myki station between Qantas domestic arrivals and and bus terminal (about a 5 minute walk).

You can, however, purchase a Myki for $15 from any of the Skybus ticket kiosks.

This includes $9 of credit and is ready to use immediately.

You can actually buy a ticket on the bus itself.

I've done it, and as you can see on the official website, it is one of the published official outlets.

From: https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/buy-a-myki-and-top-up/where-to-buy-and-top-up/

Where you can buy a myki You can buy a myki At over 800 retail outlets including all 7-Eleven stores and selectedretailers where you see the myki sign the ticket office window at Premium Stations online

(link opens in a new window) by calling 1800 800 007

6am - midnight daily from a myki machine (full fare myki only) at all metropolitan trainstations and V/Line commuter service train stations and selectedaccessible tram stops and bus interchanges PTV Hub

onboard buses

EDIT: I'm not aware of any restrictions with regards to purchasing myki tickets on a bus.

My understanding is that you can purchase any kind of ticket on any of the standard metropolitan buses.

I.e - if the bus is not a regional (V-LINE) or charter-bus, you should be able to purchase Adult, Concession and Senior myki tickets.

The tickets are differentiated with a single letter on one side and by the amount charged per journey.

There's also a vending machine within Melbourne airport where you can buy (and presumably top up) a myki.

An alternative not mentioned in @Gagravarr's answer is that you can purchase a myki online from the PTV website.

Question: I've had a read of the  Wikivoyage page for Melbourne airport , and discovered the much much cheaper way into the city via the 901 bus to Broadmeadows then the train.  However, in order to do this route, I really need to get myself a  myki smart card . Looking on the  myki website  at the list of retailers and stations you can get one, there's no-where showing at/near the airport.  Is there somewhere not listed on the myki website which sells them at the airport?

Is there anywhere at Melbourne Airport to buy a Myki?

You can buy a myki online, on the bus itself or at the Skybus ticket office, although this is not indicated at the ticket office itself.

On arrival at Melbourne airport, a Myki can be bought at the SkyBus kiosque, from a vending machine or on the buses. Before arrival, Myki can be purchased online on the PVT website.

A Myki can be bought at the SkyBus kiosque even though there is no sign.

There is a vending machine at Melbourne airport selling Myki.

Myki can be bought online on the PTV website.


With very few exceptions, towns and cities in US are generally referred to with name followed by name of the state.

Reason being that there are huge amount of cities with same names.

For example besides Washington, DC, there is also: Washington, Arkansas Washington, Yolo County, California Washington, Nevada County, California Washington, Connecticut Washington, Georgia Washington, Illinois Washington, Indiana Washington, Iowa Washington, Kansas Washington, Kentucky Washington, Louisiana Washington, Maine Washington, Massachusetts Washington, Michigan Washington, Mississippi Washington, Missouri Washington, Nebraska Washington, New Hampshire Washington, New Jersey Washington, New York Washington, North Carolina Washington, Oklahoma Washington, Pennsylvania Washington, Utah Washington, Vermont Washington, Virginia Washington, West Virginia Washington, Wisconsin You might think that Washington, DC ought to be an exception, just like all other well known cities.

You don't usually have to say for example "San Francisco, CA".

But to make things more complicated, there is state of Washington, thus when you saying just "Washington", it's assumed that you're talking about the state, not the city.

BTW, many Americans use similar rule when talking about cities outside of US.

For example in casual context they'd say "Paris, France", while European would just say "Paris", France being implied.

For tourist purposes, you would do best to use "Washington, DC",not to be confused with the many other Washingtons.

The town ofWashington, Virginia, less than two hours' drive from DC, has an excellent and very expensive B&Bknown as the Inn at Little Washington.

Natives will refer to "the District", or "DC", but these terms will be useless if booking a plane ticket from somewhere else.

If you want to blend in once there, the local pronunciation is closest to Washənun.

While formally, it's the District of Colombia, inevitably people say Washington, D.C., from my experience.

This is for two reasons.

Firstly, to distinguish it from other Washington cities in the US (eg Washington, Arkansas), and secondly, to distinguish it from Washington state - which is on the west coast.

I've also seen and heard it colloquially referred to as simply 'DC', and Wikipedia suggests some people call it 'the District'.

Neither.

Legally , since 1871, it's just the District of Columbia .

About.com : This federal district was first called the City of Washington (in honor of George Washington) and the city around it was called the Territory of Columbia (in honor of Christopher Columbus).

An act of Congress in 1871 effectively merged the City and the Territory into a single entity called the District of Columbia.

Since that time the nation’s capital has been referred to as Washington, DC, the District of Columbia, Washington, the District, and DC.

You have asked for the 'formal name' of Washington, DC... As shown in the diploma below, it's "Washington, District of Columbia" and "Washington, in the District of Columbia".

While the university's existence is derived from an act of Congress, the location was "the Columbian College in the District of Columbia" (no city).

The contemporary use of "Washington, District of Columbia" reflects the formal tone and language of the document, and hence is likely to be the 'most formal' (as opposed to legal or common name).

Question: What is the (formal) name of the capital of the United States? Is it "Washington" or "Washington DC"?   I'm aware that "DC" refers to "District of Columbia", which is the non-state internal administrative division in which Washington is located.

Washington, D.C., or just Washington?

Legally , since 1871, it's just the  District of Columbia, but people almost always say people say Washington, D.C. to distinguish it from other Washingtons.

Most people refer to the capital of the US as Washington DC, however, it official name has been District of Columbia since 1871.

Cities in the US are often referred with their name and the state they are in , hence Washington DC

Washington DC has been officially called District of Columbia, since 1871.


Mt Greylock, the highest point of Massachusetts provides a view of at least 5 states.

Vermont New Hampshire New York Massachusetts Connecticut

Hiking to the top gives one a sense of real accomplishment and the 360 degree vistas

are your well earned rewards.

North into Vermont/New Hampshire, south into lower Mass./northern Connecticut, east towards Boston, west into the Adirondacks of New York State.

Information comes from berkshirehiking.com

Rock City , Lookout Mountain, GA.

There were signs all over the Midwest (and probably South, and East, etc) for decades that claimed you could see seven states from Lookout Mountain, GA.

I honestly doubt this was ever the case, but the jury may still be out .

The four corners area would be one spot where you would be guaranteed to see four states (New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado).

It already is a tourist attraction.

Perhaps there may be a spot in the Appalachian Mountains in southern part of New Hampshire or Vermont, where on a really clear day you might be able to see five states.

But this is just a guess based on topography.

While Four Corners would be the only one where 4 states visibility is guaranteed, on a clear day you can see 4 states from the Skydeck of Willis (Sears) Tower in Chicago : On a clear day, you can see four states – Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan.

Visibility from the Skydeck is approximately 40-50 miles (65 – 80 kilometers).

The Four Corners Monument...

The Navajo Nation cordially welcomes you to one of our most unique landmarks - The Four Corners.

This is the only place in the United States where four states intersect at one point: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado.

This location is very remote as you will experience when visiting.

The original marker erected in 1912 was a simple cement pad, but has since been redone in granite and brass.

The Visitor Center is open year round, and features a Demonstration Center with Navajo artisans.

Navajo vendors sell handmade jewelry, crafts and traditional Navajo foods nearby.

Source: http://www.navajonationparks.org/htm/fourcorners.htm Also see the Wiki article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Corners_Monument

If you consider a man-made tower there was Wonder Tower in Genoa, Colorado (now closed) in Eastern Colorado that you could see 6 States - Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, New Mexico and South Dakota: http://ourjourney.info/MyJourneyDestinations/WonderTower.asp http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2050

From the top of Mt Rogers (highest point VA) in ideal viewing conditions, one can see 5 states; VA, WV, KY, TN & NC

The furthest is KY about 70 miles away.

Mt rogers is a very popular spot for hikers (on the Appalachian trail) and horse riders, but no road access.

From the International Space Station you can see all 50 states at once.

It is a tourist destination but ticket prices are... astronomical .

Related question on Space.

SE:

How could I travel to space as an ordinary citizen?

There is a point in Western Oklahoma, near Boise City that is within 30 miles of five different states.

If you were about 500 feet above the ground there, you'd be able to see Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado.

A quick glance at Google Street View shows no skyscrapers, but small hills, probably less than 500 feet tall.

Question: A fairly simple question: from what single point could you see the most US states?  It seems like it should be a popular tourist attraction.

From what point could you view the most US states?

From the  International Space Station  you can see all 50 states at once, but you could see six states from the now-closed Wonder Tower in Genoa, Colorado - Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, New Mexico and South Dakota. The highest points in Massachusetts and Virginia provide views of at least 5 states, and you would be guaranteed to see four states (New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado) from the Four Corners Monument. Finally, on a clear day you can see four states from the  Skydeck of Willis (Sears) Tower in Chicago – Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan.

Four Corners seems to be the place from which you can see the gratest number of states, however, there other contenders such as Sears Tower in Chicago and MT Greylock in Massachusetts. All 50 states can be seen together from the International Space Station.

Many places claim to be able to see the largest number of states from one point. The most credible appears to be Four Corners. Some man-made towers also provide a good view, for example  Sears Tower in Chicago.

From the International Space Station, you could see 50 states at the same time.


Enough to support yourself for that period of time you're in the country.

It's frustrating, but there's no fixed number.

They'll likely ask your friend about her trip, where she's going, what she's booked and how she'll support herself.

It's just to make sure that she's thought through how much she'll need to spend and support herself, without getting into financial difficulties.

I've been in to the US half a dozen times, and while I've been questioned, I've never actually been asked to show proof of funds.

And certainly you don't need much cash on hand , if you have access to more through your credit card / bank / traveller cheques.

Short-version: there's no exact figure,

just evidence that she'll be able to cover herself for her travels.

It may sound strange, as many travelers here point out that they never been asked if they brought enough money while entering the US.

But the U.S. Customs and Border Protection states that: Travelers visiting the U.S. must be able to prove to a CBP Officer that they have sufficient funds (i.e. credit cards, cash, travelers checks, money orders etc.)

Good thing is that credit cards are accepted as a mean of sufficient funds .

To be able to give some proof, everytime I travel to a foreign country I bring with me a print of my last credit card bill where it shows my credit limit.

Never had to show it to any immigration officer, but is a simple measure and should work as a proof of funds.

I traveled to the USA this December from South Africa and they did not check how much cash I had.

I actually had 0 dollars on me.

All I had was my credit and cheque cards that I could use across America.

There was no issue.

So unless you find some text on the visa website you do not need to have hard cash with you at the time of entrance.

Your friend will need "access to sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay".

This can be as low as "nothing" if a local resident is waiting outside to pick them up, "access" in this example being your wallet.

A lot will depend on what the immigration agent thinks of your friend (and/or you) when they approach the desk.

Clothing, accessories, baggage are all part of the process.

If you look moderately well off (not rich, just comfortable - the trip might be expensive for you

but it's not beyond your means) then they won't ask further.

Possession of a credit card will be assumed unless you provide reason to assume otherwise.

If you look like a "USA on $20/day" backpacker, a refugee, or anyone else who may need to do things like get an (illegal) job to pay their way

then they will want to see some cash and/or a functional bank card, itinerary, local contacts, return ticket etc.

So just tell Miss Chile to dress nice, check her hair before landing, smile and be pleasant.

You do the same - be

the person immigration will take one look at and say "no problem".

An Armani suit might be a bit much if its a weekend arrival but Hugo Boss casual wear will work.

LL Bean at least.

I've travelled to the US from Ireland 10+ times on a visa waiver programme (ESTA) and never asked about my funds or cash at immigration.

I almost always travel with no USD$ (sometimes I have about $50 for emergency's, sometimes $0), just my credit and debit cards.

Never been a problem.

Never been asked ANYTHING about funds.

But, I am a 40y/o white guy from a western country, so your mileage may vary.

Interesting.

I am from Europe and every time I enter the US on ESTA

the immigration officers ask me how much money I have with me.

First, I made a mistake and told them the truth that I have $200

and they didn't like it.

They asked me after that again, so I figured it was an issue, so I had to tell them I have $200 cash and about $1000 on my European atm card (which wasn't really true).

Luckily, they didn't want a proof.

They let me go, but asked me everything about what job I have, etc.

before.

Last time, I was coming to the US from Bahamas and they asked me again how much money I had.

So, they do ask...

Question: My friend, a Chilean citizen, is entering the US via waiver program to spend 3 weeks in USA in a couple of weeks. She already got her ESTA approval, the plane ticket, all hotels are already booked (but paid by me, not her).  How much money would she need to bring with her when entering US? Do they still check this? She would of course have credit cards with her.

How much money do you need to have on hand when entering USA?

While is is common not to be asked to prove this, the U.S.Customs and Border Protection  states that:   Travelers visiting the U.S. must be able to prove to a CBP Officer  that they have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. Fortunately, credit cards are accepted and you can bring a printout of your last credit card bill where it shows your credit limit.

Regulations state that a visitor to the US must have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. Fortunately, credit cards are acceptable as proof of sufficient funds. Moreover, it appears that tarvellers are not usually asked to prove how much money they have on arrival in the US.

You need enough money to support you during your stay in the US.

Credit cards are acceptable as proof of sufficient funds.

It seems that most people are not asked to prove how much money they have on arrival in the US.


There are limits that were introduced by the US Federal Aviation Administration .

Those have been used as well by numerous other airlines, for example Cathay Pacific .

They generally impose a limit on capacity per passenger and on top of this disallow checking them in, so you must take them into your hand luggage.

If a website lists grams of Lithium, use this formula ( source ): Equivalent Lithium Content (ELC).

ELC is a measure by which lithium ion batteries are classified.

8 grams of equivalent lithium content are equal to about 100 watt-hours.25 grams of equivalent lithium content are equal to about 300 watt-hours.

You can arrive at the number of watt-hours your battery provides if you know how many milliamp hours and volts your battery provides: mAh/1000 x V =

wh

There is additional information available from the TSA and the IATA .

Some more information here from Thailand, as of Jan 2015 (sorry, a bit shaky)L

Essentially, anything above 32'000 mAh is forbidden, below that and

above 20'000 mAh is limited to 2 per person, below that there are no limits, but all only in hand luggage.

I've had two battery packs / power banks, and travelled to several countries with several airlines, taking them as carry on, without any problem...until...

Last year, I flew from Tokyo Haneda, via Beijing, China to Vancouver, Canada.

In Beijing, Chinese officials sent me to a security point, where several people including myself had our power banks taken off us, to our protest.

More on the situation here .

In the end, I believe - from what they told me, it was because it didn't indicate the amperage / capacity anywhere on the device.

Which seems pretty dumb to me for a reason - it's still a commercially made product (made in CHINA),

but yeah, they confiscated it.

I also saw signs in Taiwan stating that they had to be in carry-on, NOT checked luggage for some flights,

so yeah, you should be fine taking it in carry-on.

There have been rules re carrying batteries for many years.

They may be found in (at least) IATA documentation and also a number of courier companies and most battery manufacturers have advice documents.

Removable batteries must be carried in carry-on luggage with the exception mentioned below.

Having batteries in carry=on makes sense - would you rather have a fire in a cargo hold or an overhead locker.

(Answer: No! :-)).

There is an upper limit to the amount of Lithium metal that may be carried.

Some manufacturers provide specific mass of Li per battery.

Otherwise they have a linear conversion between Watt hour of battery (Vbat x mAh.) and Li metal.

On one occasion I travelled with a laptop with large battery, + spare battery +

2nd laptop

+ maybe 6 x camera batteries (7V2 x ~= 1500 mah).

I was approaching but still under the Lithium metal limit.

China are a power unto themselves - they make up rules that others do not have.

Export rules for batteries via eg Fedex do not apply to hina battery exports.

Batches of batteries need a per batch test house certification that they meet certain standards.

This apparently excessive zeal is because people are willing to ship dangerous junk and misdeclare it.

Presumably the certified test houses have had it made very clear what will happen if they pass junk.

There are rules re battery carrying which vary somewhat.

Some systems allow carrying loose batteries with ends taped otherwise rendered"safe" from accidental shorting. .

Sealed lead acid batteries that are spill

proof(and not all are!)

must be carried in checked luggage with a formal label stating that they are exempt under IATA regulation xxx.

This actually works.

I have seen signs that luggage has been opened and the battery checked but not removed.

Assuming that your 10500 mA∙hr battery pack operates at 3.7 V, the energy capacity would be 3.8 V × 10500 mA∙hr ≈ 40 W∙hr.

( Lithium-ion cells typically operate between 3.2 V and 3.8 V.) By IATA guidelines , that would be well under the 100 W∙hr limit for lithium ion batteries.

The IATA guidelines list additional conditions to be met as well.

(They must be genuine, certified batteries, for personal use, in reasonable quantities.

If being carried as spares, they must be protected from short-circuiting.)

Mine with 20000 maH was taken by the officer in charge at Krabi's Airport.

According to them it is too big and they can't allowed me to carry it.

Question: When flying, are you allowed to bring battery packs / power banks? I'd like to bring my ACC 10400mAh Power Bank on several flights.

Are battery packs allowed in hand luggage?

There are limits introduced by the FAA on the amount of lithium metal that may be carried, but this will be different in different countries. Your battery pack may be confiscated if it is considered too big.

The regulations state that there is an upper limit to the amount of lithium metal that may be carried on a plane. However, passengers should be aware that China applies its own rules and, in Thailand, a 20000 maH battery was confiscated at Krabi airport.

There have been rules for a long time about carrying batteries on planes. The limits were introduced by the US Federal Aviation Administration. As a result there is an upper limit for the amount of lithium metal tha may be carried.

The rules for China are different from everywhere else. In Krabi, Thailand, a 20000 maH battery was confiscated on arrival.


The depicted is not a regular event or an ongoing promotion.

In 2010, IKEA staged a promotion called In Bed with IKEA at the Olympia concert hall in Paris, in which the seats were replaced with a new bed and mattress line they were promoting.

In late 2014, they staged a similar event called Cinema of Love at Kinostar De Lux in Khimki just outside Moscow.

The nearest I found to a real "bed" in a cinema is offered by Blitz Megaplex of Indonesia.

They provide " Velvet Class " amenities at several Jakarta locations featuring "lux sofabeds" with "fluffy pillows" and "warm and comfy blanket."

Beyond this, I found few offerings that could genuinely be called a bed .

There are numerous theatres which offer sofas or day beds where a couple or small family can share a seat, from The Landmark in Los Angeles to the Portobello Road location of Electric Cinema in London to a number of Bangkok's " VIP cinemas " like SF Cinema City and Paragon Cineplex .

For a further possibility, there are TGV Beanie halls in Malaysia fitted with beanbag couches.

If you expand the criteria further to fully-reclining seats, the venues quickly become too many to list.

Even very "Middle America" chains like AMC and Regal are installing leather recliners to try to improve margins amidst declining moviegoing audiences; you can find them even in plain Jane suburbs like Beltsville, Maryland or Dublin, Ohio.

It's not quite the same but a similar style of venue recently opened in Budapest.

Their "beds" don't have the abundance of linen shown in the photo; it's more of a very, very deep lounge than a bed.

But they still look pretty comfortable and you have the option of having food delivered to your bed during the movie.

Your destination of choice is here in the UK.

Based in an old London tube station is the one and only Pillow Cinema .

The Fairlee Motel & Drive-in Theater (in Fairlee , Vermont) is a motel with an attached drive-in cinema.

The motel rooms have large windows facing the movie screen, and speakers for the audio.

Motel is open all year, but the drive-in theater is seasonal.

In Australia, in Sydney, the closest to this would be Govinda's Movie Room in Darlinghurst, which is walking distance from the city centre or Kings Cross.

Downstairs is an all you can eat Indian vegetarian buffet restaurant.

I believe it was run by the Hari Krishnas

but I'm not sure that it still is.

It's good but not as cheap as other Hari Krishna restaurants I've been to.

Upstairs is the movie room, which has a few seats but mostly special mattresses you lie down on, which are not exactly like beds.

The screen isn't so big

so this is one cinema where I prefer the front row, especially with a full tummy.

You can buy a combined ticket for food and movie or just for the movie.

The movies have just finished their run in regular cinemas and they rotate different movies each day and change the movies each week or month.

There are lot of luxury cinemas around the word with cosy and comfy beds.

Few of them: The Blitz Megaplex chain in Jakarta, Indonesia offers sofa beds, Over in Thailand, the Paragon Cineplex in Bangkok offer big beds with blankets and fluffy pillows, In Malaysia, the Beanie chain of cinemas offer large beanbag seats instead of chairs,

The Electric Cinema in London offers armchairs, sofas and giant red velvet.

Pillow Cinema offer the cosiest "night in" night out (mostly on fatboy bean bags).

Source: Beds in cinemas: 4 amazing places to watch a film For complete list, please look for luxury cinemas around your area.

The simplest way to find the answer is if you search by image on google ( https://images.google.com/ ).

You will get the relevant answer.

It is the Parisian music hall Olympia that was filled with beds from Ikea to promote the Swedish company’s new line-up of mattresses.

Reference:

At KingSpa , at least in the Palisades Park, NJ US one, there are several rooms with sleeping/napping accommodations where they play movies.

I think most of them are Korean, but they've been fun nonetheless when I've gone.

These Cinemas in Mumbai/ Bombay, India provide Full Reclining loungers.

Cinemax - Gold Class in Red Lounge PVR - Gold Class Both of these companies operate several Cinemas of this type in major cities across the country.

Question: I came upon an  article going around Facebook  which shows some unusual cinemas around the world. The first photo shows a number of movie-goers lying in beds watching a flick:   The article offers sparse details, at best, only claiming the location is "Olympia Music Hall, France" and a comment says "It was actually an event held by IKEA in France."  Are there any cinemas that do this regularly?

(Where) Can I go to a "sleeper" cinema?

Many cinemas around the world offer beanbags (e.g. TGV Beanie  halls in Malaysia), reclining sofas and sometimes even big beds with blankets and fluffy pillows (e.g. the Paragon Cineplex in Bangkok). At KingSpa , at least in the Palisades Park, NJ US one, there are several rooms with sleeping/napping accommodations where they play movies. Pillow Cinema in the UK offer the cosiest "night in" night out (mostly on fatboy bean bags).

Jakarta is considered to have the best bed cinema, the Blitz Megaplex. Many other countries offer similar movie experiences including Malalsia, India, Australia and the US. London also has a special Pillow Cinema where movie-goers watch the film on bean bags.

The nearest thing to a cinema with beds is the Blitz Megaplex in Jakarta.

Other cinemas with bed-like service can be found in Australia, Malaysia, Mumbai, and the US.

The Pillow Cinema in London is another cinema that offers a movie experience on bean bags.


Lots of helpful suggestions, but no-one has yet answered the specific question of what is a reasonable price for this journey.

£105 sounds surprisingly cheap for such a long distance taxi from London.

Popular London taxi firm Addison Lee quote around £250 -

they're not the cheapest, but their prices are usually pretty competitive.

For a regular taxi firm, £250 isn't surprising to me at all (I was expecting around £230).

Crowdsourced taxi site/

app Uber , which is usually the cheapest option, quotes £104-£139 for their smallest, cheapest cars

[Uber won't actually book inter-city journeys, as Ankur Banerjee points out, but their quotes give an indication of plausible prices].

£105 is cheaper than three people taking an off-peak train ( £39.50 each ), and London-based taxis are notoriously expensive - it can easily cost £50 just to get from one side of London zone 2 to the other.

Long-distance taxis are particularly expensive since you're not just paying for your journey, but also for the (usually empty) cab driving back to base after dropping you off.

As well as the driver's time this includes double the fuel (which is expensive in the UK) and all the business they missed out on while driving back to base.

If they get stuck in traffic, if you don't show up, if you're very late or if you do a runner, it's much more disruptive than for a short journey.

Expect them to want at least part of the payment up front.

Your best bet would be to contact Southampton based firms directly.

Local taxi firms include Radio Taxis and West Quay Cars .

I've used both for local journeys in and around Southampton.

When I've been on trips abroad with work we've always used English Rose to get to/from the airport, and have been very impressed.

Even when we arrived 8 hours late at 5am

they were there waiting for us.

For long distance taxi hire within the UK, there isn't usually a published rate .

A lot of private hire and taxi sites exist (none very user friendly) and a lot of what you actually pay in the end depends on what you can negotiate with a driver - because a lot of them have standard rates on paper, but say if you have a return journey or repeat customer, they'll be happy to negotiate lower fares.

That said, like Gagravarr commented, a train will be cheaper, quicker, and less hassle.

we will have a lot of luggage and

a service door to door is what I am looking for Define "a lot of luggage".

The referenced website has a Minibus, 8 people / 8 large cases for 50% more so you are now looking at £150

It's a long trip, and "a lot of luggage" in England isn't going to move cheaply.

You could try a delivery service like DHL, assuming they have a counter at the cruise terminal.

Otherwise, it's going to be rather expensive.

Checker Cars, based at Southampton Airport, charge about £105 Heathrow to Southampton, and about £140 central London to Southampton, any time, any day.

They operate some Ford Galaxies and Vauxhall Zafira Tourers, both of which are luggage-eaters.

Question: I am looking for the best option and I found a website  https://www.londondrivers.com/southampton-london/  and the price is 105 GBP ... Is this price correct?    EDIT ADDED from comment posted as answer:    We need a taxi from the Ocean Cruise Terminal because we will have a lot of luggage and a service door to door is what I am looking for

How much does a taxi from Southampton to London cost?

£105 sounds surprisingly cheap  for such a long distance taxi from London, and this is cheaper than three people taking an off-peak train (£39.50 each). There usually isn't a published rate for long distance travel within the UK, but you could contact Southampton based firms directly and try to negotiate a good price.

Published rates for long distance taxi rides in the UK do not generally exist. Taxi forms give a quote for the trip and from Southampton to London the range is 104 pounds to 250 pounds. Local taxi companies probably giva a better rate. Negotiating the rate with the driver from a private taxi firm is often the norm.

105 pounds for a taxi from Southampton to London seems very cheap as it is cheaper than the train for three people.

The price for a taxi from Southampton to London would appear to be between 104 and 250 pounds.

The best idea is to contact local taxi companies and Checker Cars quotes 105 pounds to Heathrow and 140 to central London.

Long distance taxi rides in the UK are often negotiated between the driver and the passenger as there is not usually a published rate.


For an overview of prices in Europe: http://www.adac.de/infotestrat/adac-im-einsatz/motorwelt/benzinpreis_ausland.aspx http://www.avd.de/wissen/infothek/rund-um-den-kraftstoff/benzinpreise-in-europa/preise-fuer-superkraftstoff

http://www.anwb.nl/vakantie/reisvoorbereiding/brandstofprijzen-europa (Dutch)

(English)

For specific locations in Germany: http://www.adac.de/infotestrat/tanken-kraftstoffe-und-antrieb/kraftstoffpreise http://www.clever-tanken.de

As for France, you can have a look at this governmental site which gives you petrol prices depending on your location and type of fuel :

You can even set your itinerary and see which gas stations you'll encounter along the way : http://www.prix-carburants.gouv.fr/itineraire/

Super 95 prices per liter for February 2015: France: 1.37 EUR Netherlands: 1.63 EUR Belgium: 1.40 EUR Germany: 1.38 EUR Italy: 1.65 EUR At least for Germany

I can confirm the prices are still the same right now

(end of March 2015).

source: http://autotraveler.ru/en/spravka/old/fuel-price-in-europe-02_2-2015.html

Anecdotal advice: If you're heading to the German Alps, note that fuel prices can be noticeably cheaper in Austria.

It could be worthwhile driving across the border for several km if filling-up.

(In some places this is possible without driving on an autobahn.)

Separately: familiarise yourself with European road-tax schemes.

For example, Austria requires drivers to purchase a [multi-day] vignette if travelling on their autobahns.

For Italy , you can compare prices at different stations on http://www.prezzibenzina.it/ .

Just put a city or street name in the search box.

Question: I am planning to travel in Europe (France, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, maybe Italy) by car. The price of petrol can be significantly different from country to country, and sometimes even between petrol stations in the same country.  Is there a resource that lists and compares prices for different countries and different petrol stations?  (note: resources for other countries are welcome. It may help other users)

Petrol price comparison in Europe. Which resources are there?

Different comparison websites for Europeinclude http://www.adac.de/infotestrat/adac-im-einsatz/motorwelt/benzinpreis_ausland.aspx  http://www.avd.de/wissen/infothek/rund-um-den-kraftstoff/benzinpreise-in-europa/preise-fuer-superkraftstoff, http://www.anwb.nl/vakantie/reisvoorbereiding/brandstofprijzen-europa (Dutch) or http://www.fuel-prices-europe.info/. Fuel prices can be significantly cheaper in Austria, but Super 95 prices for February 2015 were:    France: 1.37 EUR  Netherlands: 1.63 EUR  Belgium: 1.40 EUR  Germany: 1.38 EUR  Italy: 1.65 EUR.

There are many websites for comparing gasoline prices across Europe. Prices vary greatly from country to country. Moreover, in Italy, there is a website for comparing the price at different gas stations.

There are many websites where you can compare the price of gasoline in Europe.

Prices vary from country to country. Austria is cheaper than Germany for example.

Italy has a gas station price comparison website.


Normally I carry a small bag for the overhead compartment, but I was flying from Heathrow to NYC once and carrying only my baise en ville...

It caused me to get flagged up for further questioning by airline security

(it was a US carrier).

They were very worried that no baggage was checked and I had no carry on.

I was attending a party on short notice and fortunately had the invitation with me.

I also explained that I was going to purchase some new clothes in Manhattan

anyway

(I explained also that I was born there and knew my way around, plus hotel reservations at the Marquis).

So they let me go... After this, my advice if you are travelling ' conspicuously light ' is to have something on hand that demonstrates your itinerary and some plausible explanation for not carrying any change of clothes.

I also switched to the Victorinox Altmont handbag after that incident, but this may be a spurious connection.

I've been to the States three times, flying once from Paris, and twice from London with just one backpack and no checked in luggage.

The airports were Newark, San Francisco, and Denver.

I wasn't stopped or questioned once.

I live in the UK and until not too long ago, I used to fly between London (LHR) and Boston (BOS) quite often, up to a dozen times a year.

Most of these trips to the USA were for short periods, the longest being about a week, but quite a few were literally for a weekend (i.e. flying to USA on Friday evening and flying back to UK on Sunday evening).

For most of these short trips I would only have a 25L backpack with me - with the minimum required stuff - and buying/obtaining anything else in Boston.

Most of the trips (but not all) were with Virgin Atlantic.

Not once had I been stopped because I didn't check any bags.

Once or twice I was selected for a secondary screening, where they would sift through my backpack - and then let me on the plane.

So I can say that not having any checked in luggage is not a problem in itself.

Note that I am a dual British/American citizen - and this may have had some impact.

Not at all.

I have friends who travelled all over South America and New Zealand with just carry-on 40L packs.

Many low-cost carriers these days also charge for luggage, so for example, when I fly from Sydney to Christchurch tomorrow (international) I am taking only carry-on -

it saves me money, and it's fine for me to pack that light for a few days.

Not at all.

Tons of people travel with just carry ons.

I wouldn't worry about it much, so long as you abide by the dimensions/rules for carry ons.

Based on my experience, the thing that's most likely to trigger extra security checks (at departure rather than arrival) is being a single male travelling on your own.

Every time I've travelled to US in that way, I've been pulled aside for extra security checks at the gate - always very brief and polite.

I never experienced that doing similar trips when travelling as a couple or part of a larger group.

I just returned from a 12 day trip to Europe, flying in from Amsterdam to Detroit.

I am a single male, 46 years old, U.S. citizen, and I only traveled with a 32.5L backpack as a carry on, and also carrying a small bag.

Before I left customs in Detroit

I was pulled aside and the entirety of my belongings were searched; they even flipped open the top of my dental floss and peaked in.

They left me to pack most of it back up, and thanked me for my cooperation.

I had nothing to hide, but still a little unnerving.

Question: I'm travelling from Amsterdam to New York with a stop in Reykjavik. I plan to only bring my 25L backpack. I've used it in Europe and I've found I can always buy what I can't carry. My bag is within the dimensions for carry-on luggage specified by the airline. I'm wondering: will not checking in any baggage draw suspicion (regarding me planning to leave the US again) from the TSA upon entering the US?

Is not checking in any baggage suspicious?

This is not suspicious and many people just bring carry-on. However, being a single male travelling on your own can trigger extra security checks.

Passengers are more likely to be viewed as suspicious if they are men travelling alone than if they are passengers travelling with hand luggage only.

Travelling with just a carry-on bag is not a problem. Many people do it.

Being a male travelling alone is more likely to raise suspicion.


For Croatia and Romania, it depends on your citizenship and possibly on your country of residence and a few other details but

not really on where you are currently travelling from.

These two countries are EU member states and they should not stamp EU passports (nor even require EU citizens from travelling with a passport, if they hold an ID card).

I guess it's possible you could convince a border guard to stamp your EU passport anyway

but in general they should not do it, no matter where you presently come from.

They are however not part of the Schengen area, which means they perform full border checks for land borders and incoming flights, even from EU or Schengen countries.

The same rules therefore make it mandatory to check EU passports/ID and stamp non-EU passports (except for the holders of some types of residence permits).

Unlike the UK, which is mostly free to set its own rules, Croatia and Romania have to apply the Schengen rules and show they can perform border checks to the Schengen standard (even if they have not joined yet).

If and when Croatia or Romania finally join the Schengen area, they will lift border checks on land borders with other Schengen countries or flights originating from them but would still stamp the passports of third-country nationals coming from outside the Schengen area.

The border between Croatia and Serbia or between Serbia and Romania would thus become the “external“ border of the Schengen area, which means checks for everybody and entry/exit stamps in the passports of non-EU citizens as applicable.

Serbia does whatever it likes, including stamping the passports of EU and non-EU citizens alike.

I only have anecdotal evidence for you as a Croat who frequently travels with a foreign non-euro passport through ex-Yugo countries.

On some of the land borders the agents get quite lazy and will literally just look at the outside of the passport and wave you through.

These guys you can quite easily ask for stamp if they don't automatically do it (mime it if they don't speak English, they'll understand) but it will depend on the person you get.

I get a stamp about 50% of the time.

My experience with the airports however is that they always stamp.

As for Romania, I've never been so I can't give you any advice there.

To answer myself's question after my experience.

When I went out of Belgium to Croatia, the airport custom first said I'm an EU national's family member, so I don't need a stamp, but after I kept asking, he gave me one :)

Croatia did give me an outwards stamp on the train to Belgrade, Belgrade also gave me an entry stamp.

But Belgrade refused to give me one when I took the train from Belgrade to Romania.

Romania did give me both entry and outwards stamps.

When I arrived at Belgian airport, they didn't give it to me even I tried to ask quite hard.

Croatia and Romania are supposed to stamp non-EU/EFTA passports (except if travelling with an article 10 or 20 card together with, or to join, the family member on the basis of whom the card was issued), but not EU/EFTA passports.

Serbia is supposed to stamp all non-Serbian passports on entry, and, since March 2018, on exit.

In practice, land border agents in Croatia and Serbia (and the rest of former Yugoslavia plus Albania)

frequently don't bother stamping.

In particular, when I took the Budapest-Belgrade and Belgrade-Skopje trains, the Serbs literally looked at my (foreign) ID card for two seconds (no, they did not even scan it), and I got the impression that they treat passport holders no differently.

As such, this is a region where if you use a passport, it's a very good idea to remember to ask border guards to put a stamp, as they are supposed to by law, and not getting one could lead to problems getting a foreigner's registration card, or exiting if getting a pedantic officer (which is more likely at airports).

Yes, Croatia still gives you passport stap no matter

do you come with air or land.

You need ask on the border.

I live in Croatia and each time I go in Slovenia or Hungary

I ask them can I get my passport stamp.

They said "OK" and that's it.

Also if you fly between two EU country you can also ask during passport control to get your stamp.

Last year I get in El Pratt, Barcelona passport stamp.

Yes, you will get stamps.

You will only not get stamps when travelling between Schengen countries.

Croatia and Romania are not (yet) in the Schengen Area, and Serbia is not even in the EU (though there are non-EU Schengen countries, Serbia is not one of them).

Question: Can I still get passport stamps from Croatia (flying from the EU), Serbia (train from Croatia) and Romania (train from Serbia)?  If not, can I still ask for a stamp at the border as a souvenir?

Do Croatia, Serbia and Romania still stamp passports (travel from the EU)?

Serbia is supposed to stamp all non-Serbian passports on entry, and, since March 2018, on exit. Croatia and Romania are supposed to stamp non-EU/EFTA passports (except if travelling with an article 10 or 20 card together with, or to join, the family member on the basis of whom the card was issued), but not EU/EFTA passports. In many cases when travelling between Schengen countries, you will not get a stamp by default, but can get one if you ask.

Schengen countries do not stamp each others passports. However, Croatia and Romania are in the EU but not the Schengen area. They should not stamp EU passports but you can ask for a stamp. Serbia, on the other hand, is not in the EU and should stamp all passports.

Serbia stamps all passports as it is not an EU member.

Croatia and Romania should not stamp EU passports but you can ask for a stamp.

Countries within the Schengen area do not stamp each others passports.


When I needed something mailed in the US while travelling, I organised ahead with a hostel in Los Angeles.

We were going to stay there anyway, and you might find they want you to book a night if you're going to collect mail from them, but give a hostel a call and see if they'll accept mail on your behalf - I've done it in several countries now with no problems.

(Wait, one problem, a package in Moscow never showed up.

But generally it's worked fine).

Both UPS and FedEX have a "hold at depot" option.

You put your name on the package but their address plus "c/o UPS hold at depot".

The downside is the depots are usually in industrial parks near the airport with a complete lack of public transportation.

You will need a car to go get it.

The delivery/pickup window is also limited - after 3-4 days they will send the package back.

If it can go regular mail you can use general delivery (as it is known in the US; also known as poste restante in much of the rest of the world).

This doesn't work in big cities, but in smaller towns with only one post office they just put the package on the shelf until you show up.

If you are near either border there are receiving warehouses that will accept nearly anything.

You will be charged a (reasonable) receiving and daily storage fee.

FedEx or UPS Dropbox options

If you are shipping an item to a location in the United States, FedEx, UPS, and the US Postal Service have options to ship it to a non-residential pick up location.

As the other commenters have posted, shipping it to a specific hotel, hostel, or home where you have a reservation is always an option.

Most hotels where I have ever stayed have specific procedures/protocols for this.

When traveling for conferences, business presenters will typically forward their display materials ahead to where they are staying.

You can do the same with golf clubs, bicycles, or other cumbersome luggage.

There are also privately owned companies, stores, and other locations that will hold any mail or packages for you to pick up upon your arrival.

The one option that I did not see that would probably be more convenient and secure would be a FedEx or UPS drop box.

Here, in the states, there are plenty of locations specifically operated and administered by FedEx and UPS themselves.

In my metropolitan area, there are plenty of FedEx and UPS central depots/hubs to choose from when requesting them to hold your package there.

Most people choose to instead have their package delivered to a local dropbox.

These drop boxes are nearly everywhere.

And, they can be accessed nearly any time of day.

That way, you can choose one a very short (even walking) distance from where you will be staying.

And, pick it up at any time.

Here is a short list of drop boxes just in my neighborhood: outside of FedEx Office (formerly Kinkos Copy Shop)

The UPS Store Whole Foods Grocery Store 7-Eleven

Gas Station Wal-Mart Tom Thumb grocery store Walgreens

Pharmacy CVS Pharmacy City Municipal Center OfficeMax office supply store random high rise office building random bank random credit union random grocery store

That is just to name a few on a random Tuesday.

One option I recently found out about is Shipito .

It is a company that offers a USA address

(in fact it has a few adresses for you to choose from) for shipping things you buy online.

They can hold your stuff for up to 90 days and they will charge you 1 dollar (+ shipping costs) to deliver your goods anywhere in the world.

I assume they can deliver in any american address, as well.

You probably can pick up your stuff in their depots too, but perhaps, ship it to you may be cheaper than renting a car or a cab to go to one of their depots.

If you're ordering from Amazon you have another option in many areas--Amazon locker.

Around here there are about 1 per 100,000 people.

You specify the locker as the shipping address, you use your phone to actually retrieve your package.

Nothing too big is permitted, though--it has to fit the lockers.

Question: Is it possible to order from an online store that ships via UPS so that I can pick it up while on vacation in the US? As I will be couch surfing I would like to send it to a "neutral" pick up station.   What would be the best approach to do this? Can I enter a pick up station as the recipient address of my order?

Pick up a package in the US sent from abroad

Both UPS and FedEX have a "hold at depot" option, where you enter the address as "c/o UPS hold at depot". You can also have it shipped to a non-residential pick up location or a hotel, or use general delivery/poste restante. However, it does not look like you can use a FedEx or UPS drop box.

Not having a residential address is not a problem for shipping. PS and Fedex both offer "hold at depot" and drop box options. Poste restante will keep mail for travellers. Shipito is yet another shipping service. Finally, mail can be addressed to a hotel/hostel.

UPS and Fedex have various delivery options, such as "hold at depot" and drop boxes, so an item can be picked up from there by the recipient.

Poste restante is another option for sending items without a residential address. Alternatively, ship to the hotel/hostel.


I have stayed at the Sheraton HK hotel (back in 2007), the one in Nathan road (that's the English name of the road if I remember correctly).

The toilet is no different than any western style toilet.

The hotel itself and its facilities are pretty decent.

I have not stayed at the Sheraton specifically but based on my experience with other Hong Kong hotels/venues, I am pretty sure you will find “Western” bathrooms there.

But as far as (men's) toilet experience is concerned, in Hong Kong you must try The Peninsula, more specifically its bar

(you can go there even if you can't afford the hotel).

It depends on the hotel.

Upscale ones, especially if they're western brands, will generally have western style (sit) toilets.

Cheap hotels, especially if they're local or not a chain, will generally have eastern style (squat) toilets.

It's easy to find your preferred style if you know where to look and can identify the clientele the hotel caters to.

A large hotel might offer both styles, though I don't know of any that do.

For your specific case, the Sheraton has western style toilets, as you can see from photo #10 in the "rooms" gallery (in the center of the mirror, underneath the flowers, partially obscured by the sink's reflection):

The Sheraton is above my discretionary accommodation level - but based on what is provided at less salubrious establishments, I'd expect western toilets in en suites and just maybe a squat toilet or too in shared facilities - usually well labelled on the door.

Even quite down-market Hong-Kong hotels are liable to have western-style toilets in en-suites.

As above, in shared wash-rooms with multiple toilets one or a few may be squat style.

I use single 'room with ensuite in hostel' when possible (camera gear and PC safe, OK bed, air-conditioning, internet - what else do you need? :-) )

and these essentially always have western style toilets.

Cross the border into Shenzhen and 'your mileage may vary', with upper level hotels offering flush toilets but lower price accommodation being more likely to provide only a squatty.

Of course it has.

All mid to upscale Hotel in China do these days especially if they are name brand.

Same for restaurants.

The only "hole in the ground" style toilets I've seen in the last 5 years are either in very rural areas or inside the factory for operators and line workers.

Assuming you mean the Sheraton in Kowloon close to the harbor, it's really nice, if a bit dated, hotel.

Haven't been there in a while

but it used to have a great roof top pool with wonderful views of Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong proper.

There also used to be a bar in the basement level that had beer taps build into the walls at the table with meters (like a gas station).

When you sit down, they zero out the meter, bring you empty glasses and off

you go (if you are into this sort of thing)

Question: If I attend a conference in Hong Kong, and stay in the Sheraton Hong Kong, does it have Western style bathroom facilities (seated), or Eastern (squat)?

What style of bathroom facilities are in Hong Kong hotels?

Even quite down-market Hong-Kong hotels are liable to have western-style toilets in en-suites, so you are very likely to find these in a nicer hotel like the Sheraton. Some cheap local hotels may have squat toilets, but these are now very rare except in very rural areas or inside the factory for operators and line workers.

Western brand hotels have western toilets. Cheaper hotels may have eastern or western toilets. However, eastern toilets are becoming less common.

The toilets in Westen brand hotels in Hong Kong all have western toilets.

Cheaper hotels may or may not have western toilets, however, eastern style toilets are becoming less easy to find.


A bed runner is a small, long piece of decorated cloth used to enhance the appearance of an otherwise plain bed.

While some prefer the look solely for aesthetic reasons and would choose it even if it were more expensive than traditional decorative bedding, the primary reason to use one in the hospitality industry is to reduce costs while keeping the room attractive.

Plain white linen not only costs less initially, it's easy and cheaper to launder than decorative linen.

Delicate or decorative fabrics often can't be bleached, and are easily damaged by mechanical washing machines - they simply don't last as long.

However, white blankets, comforters, and bedspreads are easy to clean and sanitize, don't fade, and still look good even after many washing cycles.

Plain white linen doesn't look as attractive as a fully decorated bed, though.

So a bed runner, which is small and only used for decoration, will enhance the appearance of the room while not requiring frequent laundering (only when obvious spots appear), and , being small, are easy and cheaply manufactured.

When they do need to be laundered, several of them can fit into a load, and that load can be run on a gentle cycle - the shear volume of bedclothes that must be laundered would prevent large bedspreads from this care, but the relatively smaller volume allows an occasional load of runners to take more time and perhaps a more expensive detergent process to clean without causing delays in resetting rooms.

Further, some hotel guests prefer clean white linen - which is easier to inspect and note stains or previous usage - to patterned linen for personal hygiene reasons.

Bed runners add touches of decoration while still exhibiting cleanliness for picky travelers.

It's called a “bed runner“.

The main purpose is to make the bed look nicer and more stylish.

Where I live, it's become trendy (again?)

to put something similar on tables too (a “table runner”).

Earlier, it would be common in some countries to get a similar effect by covering the bed with a large blanket, folded at 2/3rd of the length to reveal another pattern.

I have no evidence of it, but I always thought it was there to protect the bed from dirty items like your luggage or your shoes.

Your luggage might be dirty because it touched the floor, so if you want to open it you put it in this piece of cloth and only that will get dirty and not the sheets where you'll sleep later.

Same thing to your shoes, suppose you want to lay down for a few minutes

and you're already dressed.

You can lay your feet on that piece of cloth and not in the sheets.

The purpose of the bed runner is very simple: to protect the sheets.

So that when you lie on the bed with your shoes on, the shoes would not dirty the sheets.

It also looks pretty, but I think that's a secondary consideration.

It's not solely aesthetic.

My personal epiphany towards the use of bed runner - is for people to jump onto the bed without removing their shoes.

Your legs (with shoes on) should then be placed within the area of the bed runner so as not the dirty your bed sheet.

Question: What is the purpose of the cloth across the bed? I see it at many hotels and it does not seem to serve any purpose other than make it look nice. Any idea what it can be used for?  Ps. The purplish elephant in foreground is towel. It looks nice!

What is the purpose of this cloth in hotel?

A bed runner is mainly there to make an otherwise plain bed look nicer and more stylish, although it may also protect the bed from luggage and shoes placed on it.

Bed runners are pieces of cloth used as decorative items to make the bed look attractive. However, some people believe they may be to protect the sheets when guests put their shoes on the bed.

A bed runner is a piece of cloth that enhances the appearance of the bed.

A bed runner is to protect the bed and sheets when guests put their shoes on the bed.


No.

You don't tip unless it's a delivery charge.

For example, if you order takeout food and have them deliver (especially common in hotels), then you'd want to tip the driver.

From Wikipedia :

Tips are also generally given for services provided in golf courses, casino, hotels, concierge, food delivery , taxis, spa and salons.

If you're going to the restaraunt or venue to pick up food, then you don't need to leave a tip.

From Wikipedia : Tipping is not required for fast food restaurants, take-out orders , and coffee houses.

No, I wouldn't.

A tip is for good service (someone bringing food drink to your table, keeping on top of your requests etc.)

but with takeout you're buying a product.

Its similar to going to McDonalds or Wendy's.

Generally, its waiters and waitresses that get tips as they make a lower Federal minimum wage than the other staff.

While some states have laws which force employers to at least pay the standard minimum wage if the worker doesn't earn enough tips, most don't.

Also you usually would tip someone that delivers your food to you, but that's not relevant for takeout.

Here's some useful information from the US Dept of Labor.

I also found this good Trip Advisor article.

My experience comes from living in the US.

The people at the takeout counter probably aren't dependent largely on tips as their primary wage (as waitstaff in the US are ), but if your order is complicated, it is courteous to tip.

And, I'd recommend being consistent with a dollar or two if this is a neighborhood restaurant you order from frequently — they'll remember.

The blog "Wait

But Why" has a long article on tipping , based on extensive but non-scientific research.

It's worth reading in general, but to summarize the relevant part for this question: About a third of take-out customers tip If you don't tip, it's fine Average tip is "$0-1

" High tip is 10-20% And, the blog notes: "if you order for 10 people and it's all carefully packaged, that took time.

Tip."

Generally the worker at the cashier will take tips if given, but they aren't required.

Usually the "tip jar" in those circumstances serves as a "put that pocket change you didn't actually want here," like if you're paying cash or the like.

Just because there is a jar of some sort next to the cash register doesn't mean they take tips, either; Some establishments collect customers' spare change to make charitable contributions to various organizations (one notable example is McDonald's and their partnership with the Ronald McDonald House).

These are completely optional, and the money does not go to anyone at the restaurant.

This practice is also the exception, rather than the rule.

Basically, if a place has a tip jar at the point of payment, and you pay in cash, it's generally appreciated for you to put some or all of the change into the jar, but it is never required.

I've worked in a bunch of restaurants (many years ago) as both a waitress and a bartender.

In both instances I've placed takeout orders for customers either in the restaurant or calling in to pick up.

At the time I was making below the standard minimum wage because it's assumed by the government that I'll make it up in tips.

That was not always the case.

When a waitress or bartender "cashes out" at the end of the night, they print out how much they "sold" and have to tip out other people at the restaurant that don't get tips (ie.

bus boys, kitchen staff, hostess, bartender, it really depends on the establishment).

Now the amount that they have to tip out to these co-workers varies

but it's been as high as 5% of the sales.

So if most people tip 15%, 5% of that goes to the other staff and the waitress / bartender makes 10% for themselves.

That's IF they're getting 15% on average, which is not always the case.

Now take into account

a take out order...

If I take the order, I have to put that under my "sales" for the night and have to tip out the other staff on the sales.

It was always appreciated when someone would tip on their takeout order so that I wouldn't lose money on it.

That's how it worked in the restaurants and bars that I worked in.

I'm not saying that's how it is everywhere, but that's how I've always know it to be

and that's why I tip on take out orders (from restaurants or bars).

The server usually packages and bags the meal, as well as checks you out.

This is time they could be earning tips at the table.

I always tip at least a couple of dollars.

However, fast food restaurants are jumping on the bandwagon with a push for tips.

I do not tip at fast food restaurants.

Question: When I go to a restaurant in the USA and order food for takeout, am I supposed to tip?

Tipping for takeout food in the USA

According to Wikipedia, tipping is not required for fast food restaurants, take-out orders, and coffee houses. People at the takeout counter probably aren't as dependent on tips as waitstaff are, but if your order is complicated, it is courteous to tip.

When ordering takeout a tip is not generally expected. However, if there is a jar near the cashier, a tip may be appreciated although it is not an obligation.

It is not generally expected that customers tip when ordering takeout.

If there is a tips jar by the cashier, a tip would be appreciated but it is not compulsory.


There is only one location that checks all your boxes, and no others come close: Istanbul .

The west part of the city (its historical center) is considered to be in Europe, the part on the eastern side of the Bosphorus strait is in Asia.

There is a bridge that you can drive over, the city is extremely scenic with many beautiful mosques and the Hagia Sophia, and it doesn't get much more historically significant; it was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, of Byzantium, and of the Ottoman Empire.

Other than that, the border between Europe and Asia is ill-defined and although the concept of the border is of historical significance, there won't be much of a historically significant or even visible physical border on the ground.

The usual convention is that the border runs along the Caucasus and Ural mountain ranges, mostly in Russia, but I don't think you'll find nice marked crossing points there.

Some people opine that Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus is also on the border, but according to Wikipedia

it's actually north of the Caucasus watershed that is usually used as the border.

It's Europe's highest mountain at 5642m, relatively easy to climb and some scientists have actually managed to get to the summit with a Land Rover (see the article), but I don't think it qualifies...

Edit: actually it is apparently wrong to say that the border is invisible elsewhere -- in the Urals there seem to be some monuments marking it, see e.g. this site offering tours , which has pictures of a few of them west of Yekaterinburg.

Istanbul is a massive city.

If you wish to visit the European-Asian border but big cities are not your thing, you can take the train up to the Arctic Circle in the Russian Polar Ural.

(source: wikimapia.org ) Asia-Europe border.

Source: Wikimapia.

In Northern Russia, there are trains between Vorkuta (infamous for its history as a penal labour camp) and Labytnangi , just outside Salekhard (the only city in the world located exactly on the Arctic Circle).

Stalin tried to force prisoners to continue this railway to Igarka .

Some 100,000 forced labourers were involved.

Note that unless you are the train driver, you cannot drive across the Arctic Circle here, at least not with an ordinary car, as there are no (all weather) roads (perhaps you can drive a snowmobile across?).

I don't know how close to the actual Asia-Europe border the nearest train station is, but for what it's worth, HAFAS reports lots of small stops .

The stop Polyarnyi Ural might be what you need — just 45 hours by train from St. Petersburg, or a direct 41-hour train from Moscow.

According to Wikipedia : the modern border between Asia and Europe remains a historical and cultural construct, defined only by convention.

The modern border follows the Aegean Sea, the Dardanelles-Sea of Marmara-Bosphorus, the Black Sea, along the watershed of the Greater Caucasus, the northwestern portion of the Caspian Sea and along the Ural River and Ural Mountains to the Arctic Ocean, as mapped and listed in most atlases including that of the National Geographic Society and as described in the World Factbook.

This border goes through Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan.

Istanbul, Turkey straddles the continental boundary, and is generally considered worth visiting

(there is much to see there besides two continents).

Looking at Google Maps, either of the two big roads between Russia and Georgia will cross the continental border at some point (one along the Black Sea coast between Sochi and Sokhumi, the other through the Caucasus), as does the road along the Caspian Sea coast between Makhachkala, Russia and Baku, Azerbaijan. Relations between Georgia and Russia are poor; border crossings may be closed (and in fact the road from Sochi goes through the disputed area of Abkhazia).

According to Wikivoyage, the border between Azerbaijan and Russia can be crossed and there are buses, so this may be practical by car.

Numerous west-east roads in Russia and Kazakhstan cross the border.

Europe is a complex historical construct and it's not unusual to talk about the “Eurasian landmass” to highlight the fact that it has no obvious stable border.

Among the most commonly offered boundaries, you could travel to the Bosphorus, the Ural mountains and the Greater Caucasus.

The Bosphorus is very easy to locate and visit, the rest not so much.

It's difficult to pinpoint a specific division line but the Trans-Siberian railroad or Georgia would be places/ways where you go from one “continent” to the other.

There are also different definitions seriously considered and taught in schools.

I was always taught that the border is at the ridge of Ural, and then it continues to the river

Emba the to the Kuma-Manych depression.

That makes Mont Blanc the highest peak of Europe.

See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boundaries_between_continents The Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits are certain and Istanbul is a nice place to visit.

You can see the statue of the bull (Zeus) which abducted Europa at Kadıköy (not that far from the ferry terminal).

In pointed out by Vladimir F in the north

the ridge of the Ural mountain range is universally considered to divide "european Russia" and "asian Russia" (especially Sibiria).

Although Russia has colonized sibiria for centuries the Ural still is a very prominent dividing line.

Everything changes there beginning at the availability of high quality petrol and ending in travel insurance coverage.

Since russians are grad builders of nice signposts at borders of all significances (city level to nation state level)

the roads crossing the Urals are full of "Border Europe-Asia" Signs, Monuments, etc.

See here and here for some northern border crossings.

Question: Where is the division between Europe and Asia? What are places where we can cross it? Are there roads that go from one continent to the other?  Bonus particularly scenic locations or places of historical significance?

Where is the Asia-Europe divide and where can we cross it?

The only clear boundary is a bridge in Istanbul, an extremely scenic city with many beautiful mosques and the Hagia Sophia, which straddles both continents and has a long history. Other than this, the border is considered to follow the Aegean Sea, the Dardanelles-Sea of Marmara-Bosphorus, the Black Sea, along the watershed of the Greater Caucasus, the northwestern portion of the Caspian Sea and along the Ural River and Ural Mountains to the Arctic Ocean, as mapped and listed in most atlases including that of the National Geographic Society and as described in the World Factbook. Several roads and the Trans-Siberian railroad cross it, but without clear marking points.

There are numerous locations where tourists can view the border between Europe and Asia, the most famous being Istanbul. However, the border also runs through Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan and crosses the Arctic Circle on the Russian Polar Ural.

Istanbul is the best known location as the border between Europe and Asia.

The border is said to run along the Caucus and Ural mountains. It passes through Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan, Geogia and Kazakhstan.

The border crosses the Arctic Circle in the Russian Polar Ural.