Tips on traveling with technology from students and teachers
We recently asked Patrick Evans, marketing communications coordinator at STA Travel (the leading travel agency for youth travel) for tips on traveling with technology. He says he tries to resist the urge to stay too "wired" when traveling, as he feels it takes away from the experience. But sometimes he needs to bring his laptop.
When hotel Wi-Fi doesn't function as promised, Evans recommends the Belkin Mini Surge Protector: "You cut down on carrying adapters because it acts as a surge protector and an outlet strip." An added perk: The built-in USB chargers let you power up a couple of gizmos at the same time as you charge your laptop. (Recently $15 at Amazon.)
Patrick adds: "Some STA customers bring their cases for laptops and other electronics with them, but a lot of them will scrap cases and wrap their stuff in clothes. DSLR cables in T-shirts, for example—it keeps things protected, and it's a lot lighter."
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How STA Travel folks use technology on the road
SALE!
At 1 p.m. ET, STA Travel is launching its "best ever Europe sale," with flights up to 40 percent off. Plus, additional discounts if you buy more than four nights of accommodation (hotel or hostel), any Eurail pass, or a tour, which are being discounted by 20 percent for this sale. Sale lasts until Monday, September 28. Details at STA Travel.
How to behave in a Paris restaurant
Restaurants in France go by their own set of rules. You'll have a better experience—and reduce your chances of provoking the "rude" waiter—once you know what's appropriate. Asking for Substitutions Non (no): Tip-seeking waiters in American restaurants rarely say no to our requests to add, subtract, and mix and match menu ingredients. The American motto may be "have it your way." Not so in France, where you shouldn't ask the chef to put the sauce from the salmon dish on the halibut instead. Oui (yes): If there's a single ingredient that you'd like to leave off (for example: "no spinach on my pizza"), the restaurant will probably honor your request. The French word for "without" is "sans," so put on your best smile and order "sans epinards (or whatever the detested ingredient), s'il vous plat." The exceptions: I've seen confident and semi-fluent travelers (mostly women) get away with swapping salad for fries "est-ce que je pourrait avoir une salade verte (green salad) à la place des frites (french fries), s'il vous plaît?" In addition, I've seen restaurants go to great lengths to cater to complicated dietary requests if they are contacted in advance, in French, and with respect. Not Ordering the Full Meal Non (no): Sit down in a Paris restaurant and you'll be expected to order a meal. For locals, that's often three courses—an entrée (starter), amain dish (plat), and a dessert. Although you don't need to order all three, you can rarely get away with just ordering an entrée (starter). The same goes for dessert. Oui (yes): Don't have the hunger or funds for three courses? You can order a main dish (plat) without the starter or dessert. It's less common, so the waiter will probably ask "c'est tout?" (that's all?). Just smile and say "oui, merci" (yes, thanks). The exceptions: In the past, I've ordered two starters for my main course by asking "est-ce que je pourrait avoir deux entrées pour mon plat, s'il vous plaît?" I wouldn't dare to do this at an upscale place, but neighborhood joints can be very accommodating if you ask nicely. In addition, informal places that specialize in quick service (think croque monsieur or falafel sandwich) will have fewer rules than a "real" restaurant. Have a question about restaurant behavior? Ask it in the comments. EARLIER Paris's top affordable restaurants: Gourmet's European correspondent, Alec Lobrano, offers his picks (50+ comments) Slimming down the lunch bill at Paris restaurants