Inquisitive Society

Hey there! So, I’ve got a little travel conundrum and I’m hoping you can help me out. I’ve decided to go on a trip and snagged this awesome package deal through Expedia, which saved me a ton of cash. The deal includes both flights and hotel stay. The thing is, when I booked the package, it automatically set the number of hotel guests to match the number of tickets purchased. Since I only bought two tickets, I could only book the hotel for two people.

Now, here’s where it gets tricky. I checked the prices for adding a third guest to the hotel reservation separately, and it turns out the cost doesn’t change whether I put down 3 guests or just stick with 2. Strange, right? So, I reached out to the hotel directly to see if we could bring a third person along and they mentioned there might be an extra fee involved.

I’m wondering if there’s a way for the hotel to update the reservation from their end without hitting me with an additional charge, considering that Expedia is already billing me for four guests in the package deal. Or maybe, could Expedia’s customer support tweak the reservation for me without messing up the whole package booking? I don’t want to cancel everything and start from scratch if I can avoid it.

Thanks a bunch for lending an ear and any advice you can offer! Your help is greatly appreciated!

Hey there, so I’m kind of a flight enthusiast (yes, that’s me) and I’ve racked up a solid 40 flights in the past 4 years. From the bustling streets of Singapore to the stunning beaches of Sydney, the vibrant city of Shanghai, and the charming chaos of London, I’ve been there. Now, let’s talk about sleep—or lack thereof—on flights.

Out of those 40 flights, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve actually managed to catch some decent shut-eye. Three times, to be exact. The absolute worst was this 14-hour red-eye nightmare where I attempted to entertain myself by watching four movies, two episodes of some forgettable show, and then resorted to staring at the flight map for what felt like an eternity as the tiny plane creeped across the Pacific at a snail’s pace. Absolute torture, I tell you.

I’ve tried it all, man. Melatonin? Left me feeling like a groggy zombie the next day. Alcohol? Sure, it knocked me out, but the quality of sleep was just atrocious—I might as well have been in a coma. Eye masks, neck pillows, noise-cancelling headphones—the whole shebang. They’re all fine and dandy, but guess what? Yours truly was still wide awake, staring at the ceiling of the plane.

And don’t even get me started on turbulence. That’s a whole different level of anxiety right there. It’s like every bump and jolt is a reminder that you’re hurtling through the sky in a metal tube. No wonder I can’t seem to relax enough to catch some Z’s.

So, here’s the deal—I need some real solutions here, folks. None of that “just relax” nonsense. I want to hear from the seasoned travelers, the frequent flyers, the sleep-deprived wanderers who have cracked the code to getting some decent rest on a flight. What’s your secret? Lay it on me, because I’m all ears (well, eyes, technically, since I’m reading your responses, but you get the idea). Let’s help a fellow traveler out and put an end to this endless cycle of sleepless flights.

Hey there, folks! So, here’s the deal – I’ve been out of the US for 14 years now, just hopping around different spots in Asia. Lately, I’ve been feeling pretty burnt out, you know? That’s why I’ve been hanging out in a few places that I really dig, renting an apartment for a good chunk of time before moving on. Right now, I’m chilling in this cozy pad for nine months, but when the rainy season hits, I’ll sublet it out and circle back next year.

I’ve decked out my place with an air fryer, a trusty bicycle, and loads of plants – little luxuries that I couldn’t enjoy when I was living out of a bag. It’s been nice to settle into a routine, make some friends, get involved in local volunteering gigs, and even brush up on the local language. Having this sense of stability is seriously a breath of fresh air for me.

But man, let me tell you, the heat in Asia is starting to get to me. It’s been a real struggle, especially for my partner. I’ve been toying with the idea of checking out Eastern Europe and South America, but honestly, I’m just too darn exhausted to even think about starting that whole process. My partner isn’t much help in the research department, and I’ve been the one doing all the travel planning up to now. I’m just about ready to call it quits on that front.

We’ve done the whole Australia thing for a year, spent three years in Subsaharan Africa, and even did a stint in Mexico for four months. But no matter where we go, I always find myself gravitating back to Asia. It’s where I feel most at ease as an Asian person, where the food is top-notch (bonus points for all the vegetarian options), and, most importantly, where I feel safe. Safety is my number one priority, you know?

I can’t shake this feeling of getting too comfortable in Asia, though. It’s all so familiar and cozy, but I know deep down that I need a change. I reckon I should take a good long break, maybe stay put for a solid 2-3 years, and then I might be ready to take on a whole new continent. Anyone else out there feeling the same way? Let me know!

Hey there, so I’m all set to embark on this epic 3-month journey through Western Europe starting from April and cruising all the way to June. Originally, my game plan was to roll with an Osprey 40L backpack along with a handy dandy packable day bag. But, twist in the plot, I’ve decided to dedicate a solid week in late June to conquering the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites, chilling at those cozy refugios along the way.

Now, here’s where I’m hitting a bit of a roadblock – trying to figure out how to handle my luggage situation for that specific hiking week. I mean, let’s be real, lugging around a 40L on those trails sounds like a one-way ticket to Sore Back City. Oh, and just to give you a visual, I’m a 5’7 gal. My initial thought was to stash my main pack in a locker and just roll with the 20L packable bag for the trek. But then I started second-guessing if a structure-less 20L bag would cut it comfort-wise for multiple days of hiking. Decisions, decisions.

But wait, there’s more – downsizing to anything smaller than a 40L for the entire trip seems like a bit of a stretch. I mean, I’m hitting that sweet spot between cold and hot weather, planning to snag some souvenirs, and let’s be honest, I ain’t about that one-outfit-for-three-months life 😂. So, I’m willing to go ultra-minimal for the Alta Via week, but the struggle is real. Should I bite the bullet and cart around a separate, sturdy 20L hiking pack for the rest of the journey instead of the day bag? Or is that just a recipe for a major headache and major inconvenience?

So, here’s where I need your sage advice – anyone out there tackled a hut-to-hut hike like the Alta Via 1 smack dab in the middle of a longer European adventure? How did you crack the code on stashing your stuff and packing smart just for those trail days? Hit me up with your wisdom, y’all!

Hey guys, long time reader, first time sharer here. So, I’m gearing up for a week-long trip to Morocco from July 9 to 15, rocking a 32L backpack. Gotta lug around some camera gear for work, but keeping it light. Here’s the lowdown on my agenda:

– July 9: Catching a flight on Royal Air Maroc from the US to Casablanca
– July 10: Touching down in Marrakesh after the Casablanca leg
– July 11: Overnight chill in Aroumd
– July 12: Marrakesh exploration day
– July 13: Overnight stay in Essaouira
– July 14: Another day soaking up Marrakesh vibes
– July 15: Time to head back home

I’ll have air-con in my stays and planning on doing some DIY laundry in the sink as the days roll by. Now, onto the gear situation:

– My trusty Osprey Transporter 32L backpack
– A basic sling from Amazon, about 2.5 liters
– Packing cube for clothes
– Tech pouch
– DOPP kit
– Packable tote
– Dry/wet bag

For the threads, here’s what I’m bringing along:

– Kicking it in New Balance Sneakers on the flight
– Wrangler All Terrain Cargo Pants
– Uniqlo Airism tee
– Sun hoodie
– Rocking my Trucker hat
– Also packing:
– Wrangler ATG pants
– Quick-dry athletic shorts
– More Uniqlo Airism tees
– Columbia fishing shirt
– Comfy cotton tee for sleep
– Columbia windbreaker
– A bunch of undies and socks
– Chacos Z/1 Classic
– Packable sun hat

In my DOPP Kit, I’ve got the essentials covered:

– Sunscreen
– Hand sanitizer
– Electrolyte packets
– Anti-chafe cream
– Deodorant
– Soap bar
– Dental hygiene kit

The tech stuff I’m toting:

– MacBook Pro 14-inch
– Epika travel adapter
– Charging cables
– Sony XM4 headphones
– Canon EOS R
– Canon RF 24–105 f/4L
– Canon batteries and charger
– Small power bank

Rounding it out with a few

Hey folks, so I’m super excited to share my grand plan for a year-long adventure in Europe, kicking off in August 2026. The reason? Well, I want to be close to my partner, who’s gonna be hopping between Schengen countries like Czech Republic, Spain, and Finland. Being a proud holder of a Brazilian passport, I’m lucky to enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area and some Balkan gems for up to 90 days.

Here’s the deal – I work remotely for a company back in Brazil, so I’ll keep my tax residency there and play by all the immigration rules. To make the most of my time with my partner without getting on the wrong side of the Schengen 90/180-day rule, I’ve come up with a nifty strategy. Instead of doing the classic weekly “visa runs,” I’m planning on longer stays to avoid raising any red flags at those newfangled biometric gates.

Here’s the lowdown on my game plan: I’ll start off by spending around 25 days in the EU in August. Then, I’ll take a break from the Schengen madness and set up shop in Albania for about a month and a half from September to mid-October to get some work done. A quick week back in the EU to visit my partner, and then it’s back to Albania for some more quality work time until mid-December.

Come late December, I’ll pop back into the EU for a cozy Christmas and New Year’s celebration. From January to August 2027, I’ll keep up this rotation, throwing in short trips to Brazil or non-Schengen spots to sync up with my partner’s whereabouts.

Now, here’s where I need your help, fellow globetrotters:

1. Legality & Border Drama: Technically, I’m all good on the legal front since I’m well within the 90-day limit and spend a good chunk of time outside the EU. But, could this long-block pattern raise eyebrows at the borders after a year?

2. Show Me the Money & Work Docs: I’m armed with a dossier of work contracts, bank statements, and booking confirmations. If questioned about my travel pattern, is full transparency about visiting my partner while based in Albania the way to go, or could it set off alarm bells?

3. Any Veterans of the Albania-Schengen Shuffle? If you’ve tried a similar

Hey everyone, it’s my first time posting here, actually my first post on Reddit ever. I’ve been a lurker for ages, but hey, gotta start somewhere, right? So, here’s the deal – I’ve always had this burning desire to travel the world, and finally, the stars have aligned. I’m in the Navy, and let me tell you, getting a month off is like finding a unicorn. But hey, when opportunity knocks, you answer, am I right? So, I’ve decided to seize the moment and embark on my first international vacation, not counting those work-related trips.

I’ve set my sights on Europe, and let me tell you, I am pumped! For my maiden voyage across the pond, I’m going for a backpacking adventure through some of the big Western cities. I figure this way, I can dip my toes in and figure out what really tickles my fancy before going all-in on specific destinations. Here’s the game plan: first stop, London, from the 14th to the 19th of October. Flying out from my humble abode in San Diego on the 13th, landing in London on the 14th. Next up, Paris from the 19th to the 24th of October. Surprisingly, a flight there is cheaper than other options, so why not, right? Then, it’s off to Amsterdam from the 24th to the 29th of October, taking a train from Paris for what I hope will be a picturesque journey. Finally, wrapping it up in Rome from the 29th of October to the 4th of November, with a quick flight.

I don’t have a ton of specific questions, just wanted to shoot the breeze with you all. I’ve seen some pretty cool advice floating around this sub, so I figured why not throw my itinerary out there and see what sticks. I’m budgeting around 6k for my escapades, not including accommodation and travel costs. I’m open to splurging a bit on hotels, but for Amsterdam, a hostel it is. Planning to lock in most of my bookings now to snag those sweet prices I’m seeing, especially for flights.

Oh, and I’m going full-on backpacker mode, so if anyone’s got tips on the best backpack for a trip like this or some killer packing methods, hit me up. Appreciate y’all in advance for any advice you’ve got.

Hey there, if you’re like me and doing laundry in the sink or shower at your accommodation to save space and weight, you might be wondering what works and what doesn’t. Let’s talk about laundry soap, drying lines, laundry bags, sink stoppers, and any other accessories you find helpful. Are you using a different method than the usual soak, rinse, squeeze, and hang routine?

Personally, I’ve found success with the “wear one, wash one, spare one” approach for my clothes. I pack two sets of shirts, boxer briefs, and socks in my carry-on bag, along with the set I’m wearing. This way, I have a three-day rotation without carrying too much. In the evening, I spend just five minutes doing sink or shower laundry, and it keeps my packing light and efficient.

When it comes to laundry soap, I prefer travel-size packets or small containers to avoid spills. Drying lines are a must-have, and I like the adjustable ones that can be strung up easily. As for laundry bags or sink stoppers, I’ve found that a simple plastic bag works well for separating dirty clothes, and a universal sink stopper is handy when one is not provided.

If you’re looking to streamline your sink laundry routine, consider any additional accessories that could make the process smoother. Maybe a portable clothesline or a travel-sized laundry detergent bottle could be useful additions to your kit.

Overall, sink and shower laundry is a game-changer for minimalist travelers like us. With just a few minutes each evening, we can keep our clothes fresh and clean without lugging around a ton of extra stuff. So, keep refining your technique and finding what works best for you – happy washing!

I’ve used third-party hotel booking sites (PL) a bunch of times to book my hotel stays. From what I’ve seen, I’m pretty sure I’ve snagged lower prices through these sites… well, up to a point. When I compare different third-party sites, I’ve noticed that the rates for hotels are almost the same, give or take a few bucks. But here’s the kicker – when I check the hotel’s own website, the prices are definitely higher compared to the booking sites. However, there’s a little trick I’ve picked up on: the site I frequent the most (PL) keeps me logged in, and when I think about extending my stay or booking another one, I see higher rates than if I log out and search for the same hotel and dates. It’s like, instead of giving a loyal customer like me some special discounts, a free night, or a thank-you bonus, it seems like they’re more interested in wooing new customers by offering lower rates. The rates I see when I’m logged out are way lower than when I’m logged in. So, could it be true that these third-party booking sites are more focused on attracting new customers (by tempting them with lower rates, I guess), but once you’ve booked a few times, the hotel rates start climbing up…? Has anyone else noticed this too?

Last year, my partner and I broke up, and she bought me out of our shared home. With a sudden influx of cash, I realized this might be my only chance to pursue a lifelong dream. So, a month ago, I hopped on a plane to Vietnam with the plan to cycle back to the UK over the next few years. Starting in Hanoi, I embarked on my journey by tackling the challenging northernmost point of Vietnam in Lũng Cú.

Navigating through the mountainous Hà Giang Loop on my bike, loaded with gear, was a tough start. The breathtaking karst landscape made every uphill battle and adrenaline-filled descent worth it. Making my way back to Hanoi, I passed through beautiful Ba Bể Lake, enjoying the best Vietnamese home-cooked food after days of surviving on jungle junk food.

Facing the heat and humidity, I pushed my limits to reach Hanoi within two days, overcoming unexpected challenges like wild goose chases and intense weather conditions. The chaotic Vietnamese traffic became a familiar sight as I cycled south towards Ninh Bình, encountering my first of many punctures in the journey.

Exploring the low-lying karst landscapes of Ninh Bình was a welcome change from the rugged terrains of the north. Joining the Ho Chi Minh Road towards Huế, I pushed through challenging terrains, from red clay mud to endless rollers, and unexpected encounters like an elderly man sharing a knowing look while pushing his bike through the mud.

The journey through tea country and Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park tested my endurance, especially during a grueling climb under scorching heat. Despite moments of doubt and exhaustion, the stunning scenery and generous locals kept me going.

Reaching Huế marked a significant milestone in my journey, signaling the halfway point from Lũng Cú to Cà Mau. The physical and mental challenges have made this adventure the hardest but most rewarding experience of my life. With the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta ahead, I look forward to the final leg of my epic cycling expedition towards the Gulf of Thailand.