A VITAMIN has revealed the little-known translation error that almost ruined her entire holiday in Spain – and is known for surprising tourists.
A woman told how she was almost stranded in Lisbon after traveling through northern Spain.
Santana Sandow told Escape.com.au: “It was like a dream, until the day we crossed the border into Portugal.
“It had been a long day of travel, so tempers were already starting to heat up when we stopped at a service station 10 kilometers from Lisbon.”
They refueled their tank and hit the road again, but began to panic when “shocks and surges” stopped them.
It turned out that the family had filled their diesel van with gasoline because of the Portuguese translation.
In Spain gasoline means gasoline and diesel is the same as in English.
But, in Portugal, gasoline again translates as gasoline, but the word for diesel is diesel.
The very similar, but vitally important, spelling has been known to catch unsuspecting tourists.
“With five lanes full and heavy traffic, it was clear we only had a few moments until the engine stalled,” Santana added.
“Somehow we shuddered off the road and, with the van in its final death throws, squeezed it into a parking space that had miraculously appeared on the side of the busy street.”
Luckily, the rental service realized how many tourists were making the same mistake and provided them with another vehicle.
TIPS
Santana offered his golden tips for driving abroad
- The tourist urged his fellow travelers not to look at the colors or names on the pumps, but to read the standard EU fuel codes: B7 for diesel and E5/10 for gasoline.
- He also advised people to check with their rental company before crossing any international borders.
- Santana said it’s wise to educate yourself and follow parking restrictions, even if locals ignore them.
- It’s also worth investigating eco-zones with restrictions on certain vehicles to avoid hefty fines, he added.
- Lastly, Google Maps can be a great source when looking for stops on a road trip.
This comes as experts warned passengers against using a luggage “security” trick, saying it is a waste of money.
Most airports around the world offer multiple kiosks where tourists can wrap their bags in plastic.
Many see it as a way to keep pickpockets out of their bags, while others hope it will prevent unwanted items from getting into their luggage.
But the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said security could tear off the plastic and the bag would not be rewrapped.
Meanwhile, Martin Lewis has urged travelers to beware of five common mistakes.
The money guru returned to the Martin Lewis Money Show to reveal how holidaymakers can avoid paying extra charges and save money.
Additionally, two UK airlines are urging their customers to arrive at airports even earlier this summer.
The guidance comes after long queues were seen at Birmingham International Airport over the past week.
