Road trip fan? Hate hours in the car? Love ‘em or hate ‘em, check out Gadling writers Annie Scott and Mike Barish go head to head with Top Ten Reasons that Road Trips Suck vs. Top Ten Reasons that Road Trips Rock.

Need a little destination inspiration? Check out these beautiful photos of China.

Ever wonder why we use definitive articles in certain destination names like The Netherlands or The Ukraine or The Hague? Check out Slate Magazine to find out why.

Need new travel gear? Make a purchase from a company that gives back. Find out who does by checking out Jaunted’s post on Five Travel Gear Companies that Give Back to the World.

And lastly, ever wonder why some things are blurred out on Google Maps satellite view? Check out 51Things You Aren’t Allowed to See on Google Maps.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

[Photo: Stig Nygaard/Creative Commons]

(See more Photo Friday fun here)

It’s a list of basic, cheap, not-super-sexy-but-very-useful accessories that will make a night out dancing in a foreign destination a little bit smoother. Too bad we couldn’t find anything for pick-up lines.

1. Moleskin

If you’re on a trip, chances are you’ve been on your feet all day. If you’re out dancing later that night, chances are those feet are going to be a little bit sore, and possibly blistered. Whether it’s because you’ve already got a blister or because you want to prevent one, put some Moleskin on the tender areas. It’s flesh-colored, so it will blend in well (especially at night) and a little bit of Moleskin is a lot cuter than an oozing red bump in your foot.

2. Decent deodorant

There’s nothing like fitting into a stereotype, and the “sweaty, awkward tourist” is one that no one wants to be associated with. Help cross that first adjective off the list and be sure to use good deodorant or antiperspirant. Yes, there is a difference: deodorants combat body odor but not sweating, while antiperspirants actually prevent excessive sweat gland activity. Two highly-rated ones include Mitchum Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant (goes on clear, prevents wetness and odor and comes with different scents for men and women) and Crystal Body Deodorant (it’s all natural, scent-free and inexpensive). Now just leave your Hawaiian shirt at home, and you’re good to go.

3. A wrist wallet

If you’re heading somewhere that a) doesn’t have pickpockets, b) definitely has a reliable coat check and c) wouldn’t let you through the door while wearing a wrist wallet, then disregard this item. But for 99% of travelers, this actually makes a lot of sense. Wrist wallets are large enough to hold the essentials you need when going out (ID, a little cash, a key, maybe a phone), without forcing you to cram everything in the pockets of your jeans or lug a purse around all night. These things come in all kinds of fabrics (from flashy to subtle) and fits (well, wrist or ankle, basically). Phubby makes ‘em big enough for iPods, and Sprigs has some seriously sporty fabric choices. Last piece of advice: please only wear one at a time. If you really have that much stuff you need to store on your person, it’s time for a fanny pack.

Did we leave a glaringly-obvious accessory off the list? Leave a comment and let us know.

[Photo: Haags Uitburo/Creative Commons]

[ DancePartnerRequest x ForeignLanguage (customary performance anxiety + unfamiliar music)] = $%*&^@!

The stress factor goes up exponentially. It’s science. And because no one wants to ask that cute brunette at the bar for a dance while sporting giant, underarm sweat circles, we’ve compiled the smoothest, suavest ways people ask each other to dance around the world.

So put on your dancing shoes - and another layer of deodorant - and get your boogie (or some phrase actually used since 1972) on.

In France:
(While wearing a top hat, evening dress or gloves) Voulez-vous danser avec moi?
(While wearing jeans, holding a beer or sweating) Veut-tu danse avec moi?

In Germany:
(To strangers) Möchten Sie mit mir tanzen?
(To friends) Möchtest Du mit mir tanzen?
(To friends who have seen you do really, really embarrassing things) Magst du tanzen?

In Italy:
(With great aplomb and dignity) Vuoi ballare con me?
(With friendliness and impish charm) Balliamo?

In Japan:
(Adjust tone of voice and tightness of pants according to the formality of the occasion) Isshoni odorimasenka?

In Greece:
(While yachting between Greek Islands) Thélete na horépsete mazí mu?
(While looking for people who will invite you on their yacht) Thélis na horépsis mazí mu?

Want to know how to ask in Macedonian, Occitan or Wolof? Check out more “Would you like to dance” translations here.

[Photo: Ernst Vikne/Creative Commons]