Yet another edition of our list of unique travel hacks.

For past hacks, see Part One of this column here and Part Two here and Part Three here and Part Four here and Part Six here.

• Over-tourism is dramatically changing travel (and things are even worse post-Covid). If an attraction is at all popular, you can no longer assume you can simply walk up and buy a ticket. These days, you should always check to see if you can buy tickets online in advance. In fact, some places now even require you to purchase your ticket ahead of time, with no in-person purchases available.

• Popular travel destinations often sell-out, or maybe you simply don’t want to deal with the hordes. So check out Atlas Obscura, which documents “lesser-known” (but often no less interesting) travel attractions and destinations. We now make a habit of checking it before every new destination. But be forewarned, the over-tourism is getting so bad that even some of these so-called “obscure” attractions can be mobbed. Hat-tip to Georgiana.

• Looking for someone to do your travel planning for you, for free? The AI site Karambol.io spells out an entire itinerary for you, based on your country, starting point, length of trip, and your specific interests.

• Two tips for train or bus travel outside of America.

  • Get into the habit of always asking yourself, “Do I need to validate my ticket before I board?” Many countries require this, and you could be fined if you board with an unvalidated ticket (but always at least try to play the “I’m a stupid foreigner!” card). Tickets can usually be validated in machines in the station or on platforms, and by platform conductors before you board.

  • When trying to find your platform in the station itself, make sure you’re looking at the Departures reader-board, not Arrivals. Even after five years of international travel, I still frequently read the wrong board, because apparently I’m an idiot.

• Ah, European washing machines! For Americans, you make no sense whatsoever. Here is a typical dial. WTAF??!

• To make things even more confusing, there is no “standard” European set of symbols. But one intrepid blogger has tried decoding the hieroglyphics: