Communications tops the list when it comes to the top four travel issues facing visitors to foreign countries, according to TransPerfect, the world’s largest privately held provider of language services and translation-related technologies.
“The travel survey results reinforce what we already knew; traveling in a foreign country can be a fun and exciting experience, but that enjoyment is tempered by confusion when travelers encounter text they can’t understand,” the company says in a press release.
The top four problems are:
1. “Public transportation – The number one obstacle while traveling in a foreign-speaking country is navigating the public transportation system. Survey takers noted that maneuvering transit systems is the most difficult issue,” the company says.
2. Dining out – Among the top reasons this was rated number two is ordering food. Respondents shared that reading menus and communicating with the wait staff can be extremely difficult.
3. Public signage – Tourists cite not being able to read signs as a big problem when exploring cities in foreign-speaking countries.
4. Booking hotels online – Travelers are often frustrated by poorly translated websites, which can lessen their chances of booking vacations.
The TransPerfect survey also focused on which tools, tips, and solutions travelers wish they had while abroad. Responses included: mobile applications, translation dictionaries, access to interpreters and more knowledge of the local language.
By David Wilkening
