Woman reveals the simple translation mistake that nearly ruined her entire holiday in Spain
A HOLIDAYMAKER revealed the little known translation mistake that nearly ruined her entire vacation in Spain – and it’s known for catching out tourists.
A woman shared how she nearly found herself stranded in Lisbon after journeying through northern Spain.
Santana Sandow told Escape.com.au: “It was like a dream – until the day we crossed the border into Portugal.
“It had been a long day on the road, so tempers were already beginning to fray when we stopped at a service station 10 km out of Lisbon.”
They re-fuelled their tank and hit the road again but started to panic when “jolting and surging” halted them.
It turned out the family had filled up their diesel van with petrol due to the Portuguese translation.
In Spain, gasolina means petrol, and diesel is the same as in English.
But, in Portugal, gasolina again translates to petrol, but the word for diesel is gasóleo.
The very similar, yet vitally important, spellings has been known to catch out unsuspecting tourists.
“Five lanes deep and in heavy traffic, it was clear we had only moments until the engine seized,” Santana added.
“Somehow we shuddered off the highway and with the van in its final death throws, wrestled it into a parking space that had miraculously appeared on the side of the busy street.”
Luckily, the rental service were aware how many tourists are caught out by the same mistake and supplied another vehicle.
TOP TIPS
Santana offered her golden advice on driving abroad
- The holiday maker urged fellow travellers not to look at colours or names on pumps but to read the standard EU fuel codes – B7 for diesel and E5/10 for petrol.
- She also advised people to check with their rental company before crossing any international borders.
- Santana said it is wise to educate yourself and follow parking restrictions, even if locals are flouting them.
- It’s also worth researching eco-zones with restrictions on certain vehicles to avoid hefty fines, she added.
- Finally, Google Maps can be a great source when looking for pitstops along a road trip.
This comes as experts have warned passengers not to use one luggage ‘safety’ trick and claimed it’s a waste of money.
Most airports across the globe offer multiple kiosks where holidaymakers can get their bags wrapped in plastic.
Many see it as a way to keep pickpockets out of their bags, while others hope it’ll stop unwanted items being snuck into their luggage.
But the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said the plastic could be ripped off by security – and the bag would not be re-wrapped.
Meanwhile, Martin Lewis has urged travellers to be wary of five common mistakes.
The money guru returned to the Martin Lewis Money Show to reveal how tourists can avoid paying extra charges – and save money.
Plus, two airlines in the UK are urging customers to arrive at airports even earlier this summer.
The guidance comes after long queues were seen at Birmingham International Airport over the past week