Folium: Use Photos To Ask For Directions in Foreign Countries via Lifehacker

Posted by LEAF Architect on Monday, September 3, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Folium: Use Photos To Ask For Directions in Foreign Countries via Lifehacker

File this post under survival! What do you do when you want to travel, but can’t breach the language barrier? Taking photos of maps, landmarks, and common objects can help you go a long way in a foreign land.

This is why smartphones exist! Take quick pictures of street signs, bus and metro stops, and points of interest in order to find your way back after your day of adventuring. Think of it like digital breadcrumbs.

Carrying around a stack of printed pictures might not be the most appealing option, but that’s why we have smartphones and other handy gadgets. Just toss some drawings into your photo album and snap any photos of places you’ll need to return to at some point. If you can ask “how do I get there?” or “where is it?” and show someone a photo, you’ll have a better chance of getting the information you need. – Lifehacker.com

Bir-Hakeim Station, Paris

In our native language we elaborate and pontificate, but in travel sometimes we only need to fulfill the most basic needs. Get back to your hotel by showing the taxi driver a picture of the entrance and a business card. Find your way back to the metro stop by taking a picture of the entrance and local street signs. And once you’re on the bus or metro, navigate around using a picture of the route map.

I’ve personally used this method while traveling around France. I’ve taken pictures of hotels, restaurants, train and metro stations, and other significant landmarks that I could use to get back to my hotel. You wouldn’t believe how much a simple picture can communicate to someone trying to help you out!

If you’ve got the technology, use it! Even though you may not be able to use your phone to make phone calls, other features like WiFi, apps, or even the camera could make your life much easier!

Have you ever used your phone’s camera to help you remember things? Let us know in the comments below!