The United States is one of only five countries that does not measure temperature on the Celsius scale. It's also one of 3 countries that doesn't use the Metric System or the 24-hour clock system.

Traveling abroad can be challenging for Americans. Conversion confusion happens all the time and we're always spending a significant amount of time doing math!

Having a world with two different measurement standards can be confusing. Let's face it; we're all most comfortable with the systems we grew up learning. Since it's not likely that the rest of the world is going to change, it's best for Americans to acknowledge that we're in the minority and try to learn some basics about the systems that most other countries use.

There are five types of measurements you need to convert - distance, temperature, weight, volume and time. I'm also always on the lookout for tips to make these conversions simpler. You either need to memorize all sorts of formulas or look for ways to make it simpler.

If math isn't your thing or you aren't traveling with some one who a whiz, it's handy to pack a pocket conversion chart or use a conversion app on your phone. You can also search the internet for handy tips to boost your math skills beforehand.

Rick Steves, the European travel expert, offered a great tip for converting Celsius to Fahrenheit on a recent show. He said to remember that 28 degrees Celsius equals 82 degrees Fahrenheit so think that if its 28 degrees Celsius, it's warm and balmy; anything above that is hot; and it gets cooler down the scale to you get to a frosty zero degrees. He also recommends this rhyme to help you think in Celsius: 30 is hot, 20 is nice, 10 is cold and 0 is ice.

Do you have any tips that help you convert temperatures, distance, and times when traveling?

Posted by Shelley Laverty, IDEAS Recruiting & Placement. Email me at [email protected].