Because of language barriers, we travelers sometimes have to use our hands to help get our point across. The article Etiquette 101: Hand Gestures reveals which gestures will do just that…and which are sure to offend the person your communicating with. We don’t want that to happen, so keep on reading…

In the future, Two JetSet Divas plan to occasionally highlight gestures from a specific country (the good, the bad, and the ugly) or the meanings around the world for gestures we use here in the U.S.




We’ll start with some common gestures:

Thumbs Up

America - Generally means “Cool” or “That’s good!”. Tilt the hand a little and it could mean “hitchhiking”.
Nigeria, Greece, Southern Italy, and parts of Russia and the Middle East - Considered an obscene gesture.
Austria, France, Germany - Means the number one.
Japan - Means the number five. So, you might think you said “That’s good” and end up ordering five more!




Okay

America - Generally means “A-OK”.
France - Means “zero” or “nothing”.
Denmark and Italy - Could mean an insult.
Brazil, Paraguay, Guatemala - Obscene gesture.

Peace sign

America - Generally means “peace”. If reversed (palm in), the gesture can mean “peace out” or “I’m gone”.
U.K. and Australia - If reversed (palm in), gesture is considered obscene.






Here’s a nice, yet complex chart of gestures from the Conde Nast article. The next time you trek around the globe, make sure you use your hands wisely.

source: Global Business Etiquette

Ever had an early morning flight out of London? Ever wished you could sleep near your gate without getting a backache from sitting all night in those horrible airport seats? Well, try out a stay at YOTEL.

Conveniently located inside the terminals of both Heathrow and Gatwick airports, YOTEL has all you need for a good night’s rest before your flight or a comfy nap during long layovers. For as low as £25 per hour, you can book a mini-sized “room” which includes a bed, bath, and even amenities such as wifi and flat-screen tvs.

YOTEL is a part of the YO! Company brand. I remember YO!Sushi and it’s conveyor belt concept from my London days back in 2000. Well, its appears that over the years the company expanded its brand in numerous areas, including hospitality. YO! Co. founder, Simon Woodroffe was inspired by the Japanese Capsule Hotel concept during a visit to the country in 2002. After a few years of planning, YOTEL opened in both London airports in 2007, and is scheduled to open this summer in the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.




I sure wish these babies were around when I was stranded at Gatwick for 24 hours. The Le Meridien (now The Sofitel) was connected to the airport, but put a real hurtin’ on this college girl’s wallet. Hey…Divas can’t deal with backaches! Next time…I think I’ll YOTEL it.

EEI Travel is featuring great vacation packages such as:
6 nights + air to Hong Kong & Beijing for as low as $1399*
6 nights + air to Bangkok & Hong Kong for as low as $1309

Friendly Planet is featuring the Taj Mahal Express which includes 8 days + air to India for as low as $1299.
Tour includes visits to Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur, Sikri & Jaipur.
You can also extend your trip and add a visit to Nepal to get a glimpse of Mt. Everest (hey, why not?).

Ritz Tours also has special deals such as:
11 days + air to Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong for as low as $2065 (Hurry! Last departure date is 3/31/08).

If you’ve had your eyes set on the East…look no further! Check out these deals and the many others out there just waiting for you.

*final prices differ depending on date of travel and departure city

Forbes Traveler features a yummy collection of its 10 Signature Drinks from around the world. If you’re adventurous enough, follow that drink!
This round’s on me…

1. Singapore - Singapore Sling
2. Denmark - Akvavit
3. Cuba - Mojito
4. Brazil - Caipirinha
5. Spain and Portugal - Sangria
6. China and Japan - Sake
7. Peru and Chile - Pisco Sour
8. Iceland - Brennivin
9. South Korea and Japan - Soju
10. Italy - Negroni