Author: Bob Lin

Renting a car for a self-drive trip to see fall colors in Japan can be a great idea, especially if you want flexibility and the ability to explore more remote or less crowded areas. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros of Renting a Car in Japan:

1. Flexibility: You can travel at your own pace, stop wherever you want, and access scenic spots that may not be reachable by public transport.
2. Access to Remote Areas: Many of Japan’s best fall color spots, like those in the countryside or mountains, are easier to reach by car.
3. Convenience: No need to worry about train schedules or crowded public transportation, especially in peak fall season.

Cons of Renting a Car:

1. Driving on the Left Side: Japan drives on the left side of the road, which may take time to adjust to if you’re used to driving on the right.
2. Navigation: While many GPS systems in rental cars have English options, navigating can still be tricky, especially in rural areas.
3. Parking: In cities and popular tourist spots, parking can be expensive or hard to find.
4. Tolls: Highways in Japan have tolls, which can add up.

Best Regions for Self-Drive Fall Color Viewing:

• Nikko (north of Tokyo) has beautiful roads through mountains and lakes.
• Hakone (near Mount Fuji) offers scenic driving routes.
• Hokkaido (northern Japan) is great for wide-open roads and expansive nature.
• Kyoto and Nara: While these areas have good public transport, renting a car can help you explore less-touristy temples and parks.

Final Thoughts:

If you enjoy driving and want to explore beyond the popular spots, renting a car is a great option. However, if you’re mainly visiting cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, public transportation is excellent, and a car may not be necessary.

Boston has a well-connected public transportation system known as the MBTA (“The T”). Here’s how you can use it and what to expect in terms of costs:

1. Types of Public Transportation:

• Subway (The T): The fastest way to get around the city, with four main lines: Red, Orange, Blue, and Green. Each line serves different parts of the city.
• Buses: Extensive routes cover areas the subway doesn’t reach.
• Commuter Rail: For trips to nearby suburbs or cities.
• Ferry: Serves specific locations around Boston Harbor.

2. Fares:

• CharlieCard (Recommended): This is a reusable smart card that gives you a discount on fares. You can get one at major T stations and add the money to the card. Simply tap it on the fare gates to activate it. You can reload the card with more money at vending machines when needed.
  • Subway Fare with CharlieCard: $2.40 per ride.
  • Bus Fare with CharlieCard: $1.70 per ride.
• CharlieTicket: A paper ticket you can buy at vending machines in stations.
  • Subway Fare with CharlieTicket: $2.90 per ride.
  • Bus Fare with CharlieTicket: $2.00 per ride.
• Day or Week Passes:
  • 1-Day Pass: $11.00 (unlimited subway and bus rides).
  • 7-Day Pass: $22.50 (unlimited subway and bus rides).

3. How to Use It:

• Subway (The T):
  1. Enter the station, find the vending machine, and either reload your CharlieCard or buy a CharlieTicket.
  2. Tap the CharlieCard or insert your ticket at the gates to access the platform.
  3. Trains run frequently, and you can check schedules on the MBTA website or use apps like Google Maps for real-time info.
• Buses:
  1. Pay by tapping your CharlieCard or inserting cash into the fare box at the front.
  2. Buses accept coins, but no change is given, so it’s better to use a CharlieCard.
• Commuter Rail and Ferries:
  1. Fares vary by distance traveled, and you can use a CharlieTicket or buy tickets through the “mTicket” app.

4. Where to Get a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket:

• Major T stations like Downtown Crossing, Back Bay, and Park Street.
• Local convenience stores also sometimes carry CharlieCards.

5. Useful Apps:

• MBTA mTicket (for commuter rail and ferry tickets).
• Transit App or Google Maps (for real-time directions and schedules).
• MBTA Tracker (for subway and bus arrival times).

这里是推荐的哈当厄尔峡湾自驾游路线：

第一天：卑尔根到诺勒姆松 (1.5小时)

• 亮点：从卑尔根出发，探索这座城市的联合国教科文组织列出的布吕根码头，参观弗洛伊恩山。
• 开车前往诺勒姆松：沿着峡湾行驶，途中可以在瀑布景点停留，比如Steinsdalsfossen瀑布，你可以从瀑布后面走过。

第二天：诺勒姆松到埃德峡湾 (2.5小时)

• 哈当厄尔峡湾：沿着哈当厄尔峡湾行驶，经过美丽的自然景观和果园。
• Fossli酒店和Vøringsfossen瀑布：参观挪威最著名的瀑布之一Vøringsfossen。
• 埃德峡湾：游览哈当厄尔高原自然中心，在这个风景如画的峡湾小镇散步。

第三天：埃德峡湾到奥达 (1.5小时)

• Måbødalen峡谷：欣赏壮丽的峡谷风光，途中过更多的瀑布景点。
• 奥达：这是通往Folgefonna冰川的门户。你可以进行冰川徒步旅行，或者在镇上享受美丽的景色。

第四天：奥达到洛夫图斯 (1小时)

• 洛夫图斯：以苹果园闻名，拥有Folgefonna冰川的绝美景色。你可以进行短途徒步，或者在峡湾边休息放松。

第五天：洛夫图斯到卑尔根 (2.5小时)

• 返回卑尔根：在回程中，可以绕道小村庄或进行额外的徒步旅行。结束旅程时，可以继续探索卑尔根，或者参加一次峡湾游轮旅行。

实用提示：

• 轮渡：有些峡湾部分可能需要乘坐短途轮渡，请提前查看时刻表。
• 道路情况：道路维护良好，但有些较窄，尤其是在弯道和隧道处要小心驾驶。
• 最佳旅行时间：夏季（6月至8月）是最佳的天气和交通通行期，秋季也有美丽的自然色彩。

A self-drive tour of the Hardanger Fjords in Norway offers stunning views, natural beauty, and charming villages. Here’s a suggested route for your tour:

Day 1: Bergen to Norheimsund (1.5 hours)

• Highlights: Start in Bergen, explore the city’s UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, and visit Mount Fløyen.
• Drive to Norheimsund: A scenic drive along the fjord, with stops at waterfalls like Steinsdalsfossen, where you can walk behind the falls.

Day 2: Norheimsund to Eidfjord (2.5 hours)

• Hardangerfjord: Drive along the Hardangerfjord, passing through beautiful landscapes and orchards.
• Fossli Hotel & Vøringsfossen: Stop at Vøringsfossen, one of Norway’s most famous waterfalls.
• Eidfjord: Visit the Hardangervidda Nature Center and take a walk in this picturesque fjord town.

Day 3: Eidfjord to Odda (1.5 hours)

• Måbødalen Valley: Enjoy the dramatic valley scenery and more waterfall stops along the way.
• Odda: The gateway to the Folgefonna Glacier. You can do a glacier hike if you’re adventurous or just enjoy the views from town.

Day 4: Odda to Lofthus (1 hour)

• Lofthus: Known for its apple orchards, with stunning views of Folgefonna. Take a short hike or relax by the fjord.

Day 5: Lofthus to Bergen (2.5 hours)

• Return to Bergen: On your way back, consider detours to small villages or additional hikes. Finish your journey by exploring more of Bergen or taking a fjord cruise.

Practical Tips:

• Ferries: Some parts of the fjords might require short ferry rides, so check schedules in advance.
• Road conditions: Roads are well-maintained, but can be narrow. Drive carefully, especially around bends and tunnels.
• Best time to visit: Summer (June-August) is ideal for weather and accessibility, though autumn also offers beautiful colors.

哥本哈根的交通

哥本哈根的交通非常方便，尤其是地铁和火车，适合游客与当地居民出行。主要的交通方式包括地铁、公交和火车，各类票卡选项多样化，适应不同需求。以下是交通的归纳：

地铁

• 哥本哈根地铁有两条主要线路：M1和M2，覆盖市区及部分郊区。
• 地铁全天24小时运营，高峰时段每6分钟一班，夜间每20分钟一班。
• 地铁票价按区域计费，机场位于第4区，市区主要景点位于1区。

火车

• 火车适合从机场或城市内主要车站前往市区，尤其适合前往哥本哈根中央火车站。
• 乘坐火车也是前往郊区（如罗斯基勒、赫尔辛格等）的最佳方式。

票价与票种

1. 单程票：按区域收费，例如跨越2区为24克朗，跨越3区为36克朗。
2. City Pass小通票：包含1-4区，适合机场往返及市区出行，24小时80克朗，48小时150克朗等。
3. City Pass大通票：包含1-99区，适合远途出行，24小时160克朗起。
4. 哥本哈根卡（Copenhagen Card）：适合游客，提供公交无限次乘坐和80多处景点的免费参观。

机场交通

• 从哥本哈根机场可以搭乘地铁或火车，约15分钟到市中心。
• 机场到市区的单程票价为36克朗，需购买三区票。

公交

• 哥本哈根市内的公交车也非常便捷，市区主要景点集中在1区和2区内，24克朗的两区票可以在1小时15分钟内免费换乘。

你可以通过自助售票机、便利店、或公交车上直接购票，并可下载相关APP如Rejseplanen和DOT Tickets来方便规划和购买票券。

YouTube allows users to download videos through its mobile app, but only if you have YouTube Premium or the video is available for offline viewing in your region. Here’s how the process works and what you need to know:

How YouTube Downloads Work:

1. YouTube Premium Members: If you have a YouTube Premium subscription, you can download most videos for offline viewing on your YouTube app on iOS and Android.
2. Availability by Region: Some videos are made available for offline downloads without needing Premium, depending on the video owner or region.
3. Offline Mode: You can download the video to your device but must open the YouTube app to watch it. The video is stored within the app and cannot be accessed in your file system.

How to Download a YouTube Video:

1. Open the YouTube app.
2. Navigate to the video you want to download.
3. Tap the Download button (usually below the video).
4. Choose the resolution (higher resolutions take more storage space).
5. Once downloaded, you can find the video in the Library or Downloads tab.

How to Watch a Downloaded Video:

1. Open the YouTube app.
2. Go to the Library section.
3. Tap on Downloads.
4. Play any of the videos listed.

Important Notes:

• You can only watch downloaded videos offline within the YouTube app. The download is not stored in your phone’s gallery or file system.
• Downloaded videos expire after 30 days, or if the video is removed from YouTube.
• You need to reconnect to the internet at least once every 30 days to renew your access to the downloads.

If your car’s brakes fail, turning off the power (or the engine) is not the recommended first step because it could make the situation worse. Instead, follow these steps:

1. Stay Calm: Panic can make the situation more dangerous. Try to remain composed.
2. Pump the Brakes: If you have a standard braking system (not ABS), try pumping the brakes quickly to build up brake pressure.
3. Use the Emergency Brake: Gradually engage the emergency (parking) brake. It won’t stop the car immediately but can help slow it down. Be careful not to pull it too hard, as this could cause the wheels to lock up.
4. Downshift: If you’re driving a manual or automatic car with a manual mode, downshift to a lower gear to let the engine slow the car.
5. Warn Others: Turn on your hazard lights and honk the horn to alert other drivers.
6. Steer to Safety: Aim for the safest possible place to stop, such as an emergency lane, grassy area, or the side of the road.
7. Turn Off the Engine: Only after you’ve slowed down significantly and are in a safe area should you consider turning off the engine. Turning off the engine too early can disable power steering and brakes, making it harder to control the car.

It’s essential to get your car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible if you experience brake issues.

Need to make an overseas call? It’s simple and affordable!”

To dial an international number, follow this format:

1.         Start with the exit code: Dial + (or 011 if you’re in the U.S.).

2.         Enter the country code: For example, 44 for the UK.

3.         Dial the phone number: Enter the local phone number you wish to call.

Example 1: If You’re in the U.S. and calling the UK number 020 1234 5678. Dial: 011 + 44 + 20 1234 5678. 011 is the U.S. exit code, 44 is the UK country code.

Example 2: If You’re in the UK and calling a U.S. number 415 555 1234.  Dial: 00 + 1 + 415 555 1234. 00 is the UK exit code, 1 is the U.S. country code.

Example 3: To call your friend in the U.S. from the UK using your U.S. phone number, you can dial the number directly as if you were in the U.S. However, if you need to add international dialing codes, here’s what to do, for example +1 847 771 7098. Make sure to include the + sign before the country code. This format should work regardless of whether you are using a U.S. phone number or a UK one.

If You’re in Other Countries, check the exit code for your country (usually 00 or 011), followed by the country code of the destination, and then the local number.

Always start with the exit code specific to your country.

Q: We have a Google Fi simply unlimited plan. If I am oversea, can I make phone call using wifi? I do see the plan mentioned simply unlimited Affordable Wi-Fi calling in 200+ destinations. Does that mean we can make phone call using WiFi or any eSIM data overseas?

A: Texts to 200+ destinations are included free. Calls over Wi-Fi to the US, Canada & Mexico are included free. Calls over Wi-Fi to other destinations are charged at affordable per-minute rates depending on the country. You can go to this website and check the rates there: https://voice.google.com/u/0/rates?p=fi.

Day 1-3: Northern New England

1. White Mountains, New Hampshire

• Highlights: Scenic drives along the Kancamagus Highway, Franconia Notch State Park, and Mount Washington.
• How to Get There: Drive from Boston (2-3 hours) via I-93 N. If flying, the closest airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), followed by a 1.5-hour drive.

2. Stowe, Vermont

• Highlights: Smugglers’ Notch, Mount Mansfield, and Stowe Recreation Path.
• How to Get There: From White Mountains, drive 2.5 hours via I-93 N and I-89 N.

3. Acadia National Park, Maine

• Highlights: Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, and the Park Loop Road.
• How to Get There: Drive from Stowe, Vermont, via US-2 E (5 hours) or directly from Boston (4-5 hours).

Day 4-6: Central New England

1. Berkshires, Massachusetts

• Highlights: Mount Greylock, the Mohawk Trail, and the towns of Lenox and Stockbridge.
• How to Get There: From Stowe, Vermont, drive 4 hours via I-89 S and MA-2 W. If arriving from Boston, drive 2 hours via I-90 W.

2. Southern Vermont (Manchester and Bennington)

• Highlights: Hildene (Lincoln Family Home), Equinox Mountain, and Bennington Battle Monument.
• How to Get There: From the Berkshires, drive 1.5 hours via MA-7 N and VT-7A N.

Day 7-10: Southern New England

1. Litchfield Hills, Connecticut

• Highlights: Kent Falls State Park, White Memorial Conservation Center, and the charming town of Litchfield.
• How to Get There: From Southern Vermont, drive 2.5 hours via VT-9 E and US-7 S.

2. The Quiet Corner, Connecticut (Northeast CT)

• Highlights: Woodstock, Pomfret, and the Connecticut Wine Trail.
• How to Get There: Drive 1.5 hours from Litchfield Hills via I-84 E.

3. Newport, Rhode Island

• Highlights: Cliff Walk, The Breakers mansion, and Ocean Drive.
• How to Get There: Drive 1.5 hours from the Quiet Corner via I-95 S.

Travel Tips:

• Transportation: Renting a car is essential for flexibility and accessing rural areas.
• Accommodations: Consider booking B&Bs, inns, or hotels in small towns for an authentic New England experience.
• Foliage Reports: Check local foliage reports as you travel to ensure you hit peak colors in each region.

This itinerary provides a balanced mix of scenic drives, charming towns, and natural beauty across New England, ensuring a memorable fall foliage experience.