Inquisitive Society

Hey there, folks! So, I recently had a blast trying out the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L on a trip with my parents from the Bay Area to Texas. Let me break it down for you: flying after ages, thanks to Southwest Airlines, and let’s just say, the Tortuga made it a breeze.

The backpack’s cushioned straps and back panel were a dream, and tucking away the straps pre-boarding was a neat touch. I didn’t fiddle with the load lifters, but I bet it gets comfier when dialed in right. The sternum strap helped distribute the weight, although I skipped the hip belt this time around. The plushy handles were a nice surprise, adding a touch of comfort.

Packed to the brim, the main compartment held my essentials snugly. I stashed my Anker portable battery, ID, AirPods Pro, and more in various pockets. Peak Design packing cubes were a game-changer for keeping things organized. Oh, and the Legion Go gaming handheld found its spot too.

My only gripes? Would’ve preferred a single large zip section in the main compartment over the divided zippers and a trolley sleeve would’ve been handy. Fancied a wider opening for the quick access pocket and a bigger front pocket for my hoodie. Dreaming of adding an ultra-stretch pocket like the Matador Globerider in the future.

Overall, I’d rate the Tortuga 40L Lite a solid 9/10. The comfy straps were no joke, and I’m stoked to test out more packs down the line. What’s your ideal bag weight for domestic travel? Mine clocked in at 21lbs post-trip, aiming for under 15lbs next time to prep for international jaunts.

Excited to continue my 1 or 1.5 bag travel journey with my Able Carry Max 30L. Thinking of adding a sling to the mix for airport ease and considering using my Held Closely Traveler as an EDC or second bag. The convenience of going straight from the plane to my destination is unbeatable.

So, there you have it – the Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite 40L, a winner in my books. Can’t wait to see where my travel adventures take me next!

So, I took the plunge and booked a 3-week jaunt to Japan next month. Scored a flight for less than $650, which I thought was the hard part. But now that I’m crunching the numbers on the on-the-ground expenses, I’m seeing how those little expenses can really add up. I’m going the hostel route and hitting up the 7-11 for grub to save some yen, but the logistics are giving me a headache. Suica cards, JR passes, and the rising prices – it’s all a bit overwhelming. And let’s talk about staying connected. Public wifi in Japan is a bit sketchy if you’re not at a major hub. Anyone used those pocket wifi gadgets lately? They seem clunky, but my home plan’s roaming fees are a total budget buster at 12 bucks a day. If you’ve got a budget-friendly tip for staying online without breaking the bank, hit me up. Oh, and if you know any must-try cheap eats in Osaka, spill the beans.

Update time: Huge shoutout for the advice on the last post. I did my research and decided to go the eSIM route. It’s way cheaper than renting a pocket wifi. I stumbled upon Maaltalk, which offers reasonable regional plans for just a couple of bucks. My goal now is to stick to a $40 per day budget for everything else. Wish me luck on this money-saving mission.

So, I’m usually a solo traveler, doing my own thing, venturing into the unknown all by myself. Every now and then, I might hop on a day trip, especially if it’s to some remote place not reachable by public transport. But guess what? Lately, I went totally out of character and impulsively signed up for a group hiking adventure. Yep, you heard it right – me, in a group trip! It’s a small bunch, and the reason I went for it is that I couldn’t figure out all the logistics of navigating those mountainous terrains and sorting out gear on my own.

Now, here’s the kicker: I’m starting to feel a tad jittery about a couple of things. First off, communal meals. I’m not exactly a morning person, and the last thing I want to do over breakfast is engage in small talk. And then there’s the whole sharing-a-room situation. It’s either a twin or triple share setup, which isn’t entirely new to me since I’ve crashed in dorms before. But what I’m really hoping for is not to end up rooming with someone who’s a non-stop chatterbox.

Oh, and let’s not forget the hiking part. Normally, I’m all about that solitary trek life – you know, soaking in the sounds of nature, reveling in the silence, and maybe stumbling upon some wildlife. But on this group hike, I’m assuming we’ll have to stick together, keep a similar pace, and, well, engage in some chitchat. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a good convo, but the mere thought of days filled with constant talking is making me feel a bit drained. I mean, I lead a pretty quiet existence with my pets and a husband who’s more on the silent side.

So, here I am, putting it out there to see if anyone can relate to my mini dilemma. I decided to shake things up this year and take a leap by joining this group adventure. Fingers crossed it turns out to be a solid choice. Who knows, maybe I’ll surprise myself and actually enjoy the change of pace!

Hey, have you ever thought about how easy it is for phishing scams using QR codes to trick us? It’s crazy how our brains are so wired to automatically scan codes after spending years doing it for various reasons like checking menus or connecting to WiFi. A sneaky email with a QR code and a legit-looking excuse is all it takes for us to mindlessly scan without even thinking twice. And scammers are getting smarter too, now leading us through a series of steps that all seem normal – from CAPTCHA pages to personalized URLs with our email already filled in, ending at a branded login page. The whole process happens on our phones, bypassing any security measures our work laptops may have. It’s a real danger, especially for those of us working remotely who rely heavily on our phones for verification. Scammers know this vulnerability and are taking advantage of it.

Hey guys, so let me spill the tea on my wild first solo backpacking experience in Australia. I’m an 18-year-old chick from Denmark, and I was all pumped up to kick off my trip from Sydney to Brisbane. I hit up this solo travel Facebook group, hoping to find some travel buddies. Lo and behold, an Aussie dude slid into my DMs, saying he had a group heading the same way and invited me to tag along. Cool, right?

We arranged to meet up, and the vibes were awesome. But things took a crazy turn when we decided to hit up a few bars and nightclubs. Yours truly ended up in this guy’s car, with him behind the wheel. Next thing we knew, the cops pulled us over for a random drug test, and guess what? It came back positive. They searched the car and found some not-so-innocent powder (no, not the baking kind).

Long story short, we both got slapped with the handcuffs. Shockingly, the guy tried to throw me under the bus, claiming I was involved with the drugs. Hold up, what? I’ve never even touched that stuff in my life! They hauled me off to the station, where I was stripped down, prodded, poked, and my belongings were rummaged through. They even claimed there were traces of drugs on my clothes. What a nightmare!

I tried explaining my innocence during the interviews, but it felt like they weren’t buying it. They kept poking holes in my story, pushing me to confess to something I didn’t do. They went all out, taking my fingerprints, mugshots, and jotting down every little detail. I was sweating bullets, thinking I might end up locked away in some Aussie slammer.

Hours dragged on, and just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, a ray of hope beamed down on me. The dude ‘fessed up to the cops that the drugs were his and that I had zero involvement. Phew! They cleared my name, and I was set free. Talk about a rollercoaster ride!

Looking back, I get it—I was a newbie, too trusting and naive. Lesson learned: gotta be more cautious when rolling with strangers. I don’t think the guy meant harm, but hey, you never know who you’re really dealing with out there. Stay safe, folks, and trust your gut when things feel off.

Hey everyone, I’ve been noticing that all the bag recommendation questions are being pushed into the weekly mega thread. The engagement there seems pretty low. I’m not sure if this is a new rule or just being enforced more strictly now. I’m curious to hear what you all think about this. Personally, I find bag recommendation questions super helpful because you get tailored suggestions and have the chance to chat with others about it. Sure, I get the whole “search the thread first” thing, but that doesn’t always lead to a satisfying answer. Plus, it’s not the same as having a real-time conversation to understand your needs better.

Putting these questions in the mega thread seems to reduce engagement, in my opinion. They might not catch someone’s eye as they scroll through the feed and spark an idea to share. Also, has anyone tried accessing the bag database on Google Sheets from their phone? It’s a nightmare – can’t see the comparisons or specs properly at all. With bag recommendations getting buried in the mega thread and being directed to the database, it almost feels easier to just ask Gemini or ChatGPT for a quick answer. It’s making me wonder if this subreddit is losing its usefulness. What do you all think?

Hey, so I went to this gun show recently, and guess what? They gave me a raffle ticket that won me a trip to Williamsburg, VA! I can bring my boyfriend along, but here’s the deal: I gotta endure a 90-minute “tour.” Sounds like a timeshare pitch, right? The travel coordinator promised me a visa gift card and a vacation to one of three cool destinations after the tour. I’m not that excited about the VA trip, but the winter getaway sounds awesome for a seasonal worker like me.

I’ve never been to a timeshare presentation, but I’ve seen folks online rave about cheap vacations from them. I’m pretty good with money, so I’m not the ideal target for a timeshare pitch – especially at a gun show! Is this whole thing shady? What should I watch out for? Do these salespeople get pushy or even illegal? And if I do go, how can I escape the pitch ASAP?

Your tips would be so appreciated!

So, I’m a 36-year-old American who recently went on a work trip to South Korea and decided to stay longer to explore. My itinerary was two nights in Seoul, two nights in Gyeongju, three nights in Busan, and then one final night back in Seoul. Here’s a rundown of how it all went down.

Day 1 in Seoul was my first real day of the trip. I explored the city, starting in the Dongdeamun area to buy some film for my camera. Then, I checked out the bustling Gwangjang Market, known for its variety of food, especially pancakes. After a quick recharge at my hotel in Myeongdong, I visited Seoul Tower, even though the view was a bit hazy. In the evening, I headed to the vibrant Hongdae area for dinner at an expat bar called Corner Pub.

On Day 2, I went on a DMZ tour, which was interesting despite the foggy weather. After the tour, I explored Gangnam, my favorite area in Seoul, and had a fantastic meal at Oreno ramen. I then joined a Meetup event at GSM Tables, where I had a great time meeting locals, expats, and travelers.

Day 3, I took an early train to Gyeongju, a charming town with a rural feel and historical sites. I explored Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, enjoying the serene surroundings. Later, I ventured to the Bulguksa temple and had an unforgettable Korean BBQ dinner.

Day 4, I visited the main village in Gyeongju and explored the area before heading to Busan. A mishap with my phone almost derailed my trip, but the kindness of the locals saved the day. In Busan, I stayed in the lively Haeundae area, enjoying the coastal views and delicious Indian food.

Day 5, I visited the colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village and then explored the Jagalchi market and Huinnyeoul Village. I walked along the Coastal Trail and soaked in the scenic views. At night, I explored the Gwangalli area, known for its nightlife.

Day 6, I took it easy, riding the beach train in Mipo Village and enjoying coffee shops. In the evening, I returned to Gwangalli and had a great cocktail at Blending Bar.

On Day 7, my last day in Busan, I relaxed and revisited

I’ve been grappling with this dilemma lately. On one hand, I have a deep connection to my home country, Switzerland, where my long-term friends are settled with their families. But on the other hand, I yearn for the warmth and spontaneity of a country that aligns more with my personality. As I enter my late 30s, I find myself at a crossroads, torn between the comfort of stability in Switzerland and the pursuit of happiness in a more vibrant setting.

Throughout my 20s, I explored various countries, studied and worked abroad, and even embraced remote work. My social circle is a mix of long-time friends back in Switzerland who have settled into a contented family life and international friends scattered across the globe. While I’ve tried to integrate into the conventional life in Switzerland, I’ve never quite felt at ease with the routine and the long winters that often trigger bouts of depression.

Financially, I’m in a comfortable position and could afford to take a break from work. Yet, I acknowledge the importance of structure and mental engagement that work provides. Despite this, I find it challenging to relinquish the idea of Switzerland as a symbol of stability. It’s a constant battle between the familiar but mundane life at home and the allure of a more fulfilling and exciting existence elsewhere.

The question that plagues me is whether it’s more crucial to prioritize being in a country where I feel alive and inspired or to remain close to my established social circle as I grow older. Should I focus on career advancement and stability, as Switzerland offers, or prioritize my emotional well-being and happiness?

I often wonder if this internal conflict is a natural part of aging, a process of reconciling the desire for roots with the pull of boundless exploration. I feel caught between two worlds, never quite belonging in my homeland yet feeling like a stranger in the transient lifestyle of digital nomads.

As I navigate these conflicting emotions, I seek clarity and guidance. Is it possible to find a middle ground that fulfills both my need for stability and my craving for a more vibrant and fulfilling life? How can I strike a balance between honoring my past and embracing the uncertainties of the future?

These questions swirl in my mind, evoking a sense of restlessness and introspection. I am on a quest to discover where I truly belong and how to create a life that harmonizes with my values and aspirations. The journey ahead may be uncertain, but I am determined to find a path that

Hey guys, so I’m an 18-year-old gal who recently embarked on a 6-day solo adventure in Scandinavia, hitting up Norway and Sweden. And let me tell you, if you’re on the fence about solo travel, just do it – seriously, book that ticket. Solo traveling has been an absolute game-changer for me. It’s like my brain got a whole new makeover or something. At first, wandering around in a foreign land all by yourself can feel a bit daunting, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, it’s a blast. You’re totally on your own – no one to boss you around or make decisions for you. It’s all on you. And let me tell you, that sense of independence is like a superpower. I’ve discovered this reservoir of strength and capability I never knew I had. It’s like, bring it on, world! I got this.

And let’s not forget the high you get from turning your travel dreams into reality all on your own. It’s like this magical feeling, strolling through new places, just you and your thoughts. I know it sounds a bit like a fairytale, but that’s honestly how it feels for me. I feel like I’ve already got a serious case of wanderlust, and this was only my first solo trip. So, to all you seasoned solo travelers out there, does this feeling ever fade? Or is solo travel just the way to go?

This whole experience has been a rollercoaster of emotions, in the best way possible. From the initial jitters of setting out on my own to the exhilaration of exploring new cities and landscapes, it’s been a whirlwind. But through it all, I’ve gained a sense of self-assurance and independence that I never knew I was missing. It’s like I’ve unlocked this whole new level of confidence in myself and my abilities. And let me tell you, that feeling is addictive. I find myself craving more of that freedom and empowerment that comes with solo travel.

So, for anyone out there contemplating a solo adventure, I say go for it. Take that leap of faith and discover what you’re truly capable of. Sure, it might be a little nerve-wracking at first, but the rewards far outweigh the initial fears. And who knows, you might just find yourself hooked on the thrill of exploring the world on your own terms. I know I have.