Our family is planning on taking a big vacation to Europe this summer and we want to take along a couple interpreters for unforeseen language barriars. I mean I know there are interpreters provided at certain vicinities like museums, but incase we need direction or are in a bind or something like that.
Are there agencies that provide interpreters for vacations like this or do you have to hire someone yourself. Also, about how much does an interpreter(s) cost if this actually is plausible? Thanks for the info!
2007-04-07 16:31:07 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Travel (General) ➔ Packing & Preparation
I don't know about Europe, but in Japan many towns have programs where a native will take tourists around to see the sites of the town. Often, the native wants to practice English, so the service is free (you only pay for admissions into museums, etc.).
Travel agencies should be able to provide references for good local guides, and I think many tour operations are willing to provide good interpreters, provided you are willing to pay the price. Basically, what you get is a private tour.
You may also contact the foreign liaison offices of universities in the cities you are visiting. You may be able to get the services of a college student.
I'd be very careful to get an interpreter *through* someone, though. Tourists are always targets for scams.
Although, backpackers and others often get through Europe with no problem whatsoever -- sometimes the interpreter acts as a barrier to real communication, oddly enough.
2007-04-07 16:44:49 · answer #1 · answered by Madame M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know this isn't what you're asking exactly, but honestly, I think you should be fine in Europe without a translator. Travelling to 9 countries, 95% of the people spoke English, and the 5% that didn't were tourists themselves. If you're ever in a situation where you need translation, it's almost garuanteed that someone close by can help you, and like you said, most museums would have interpreters.
2007-04-07 19:35:06 · answer #2 · answered by Leah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check with the travel bureau of the country you are planning to visit and see if they can arrange one for you.
A lot of time, you can just pick someone up when the approach you on the street to ask if you need help.. but be careful.
2007-04-07 16:40:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋