Inquisitive Society

Hey, guys, let me tell you about my wild ride with Sixt at LAX. Buckle up, because this one’s a doozy. So, picture this: my buddies and I were all set to kick off a 21-day road trip in a Toyota RAV4 we snagged for a sweet deal of around $650. But when we touchdown at LAX, Sixt hits us with the old “no car available” line. Classic.

They try to pawn off a beat-up van on us, and then a Ford Escape that’s seen better days. We reluctantly take the Escape, with the promise of a free upgrade waiting for us on Monday. Fast forward to Monday, we make the switch to a better ride, thinking all’s well that ends well. But oh boy, were we wrong.

When we return the wheels, we get hit with a barrage of unexpected charges. First up, a sneaky $400 for insurance they said would be on the house. Then, out of left field, they slap us with an extra $400 for an alleged “odour fee.” I mean, come on, we left the car spotless – just a few crumbs and some loose change in the console. That’s like, standard wear and tear for a three-week rental, right?

To add insult to injury, the cherry on top is the run-in with a Sixt employee on our way back. We’re unloading our gear like everyone else, and this lady comes at us guns blazing, yelling about where we parked. She even snaps a pic of our license plate like we’re public enemy number one.

Now, I might have given Sixt a pass in the past, but after this fiasco, they’ve lost me for good. I’m currently in the ring with them, disputing these absurd charges and vowing never to darken their doorstep again. And if any of you out there have tangled with Sixt over phantom odour fees, especially at LAX, hit me up. I could use some solidarity in this crazy car rental world.

So, there you have it, folks. My cautionary tale of how a seemingly smooth rental experience can take a nosedive faster than you can say “odour fee.” Stay vigilant out there, and remember, always check your bill twice – those sneaky charges might just be lurking in the fine print.

Hey there, I’m a Finnish freelancer seeking a new place to call home, either temporarily or permanently. I’m a middle-aged guy who’s not into the whole beach and club scene. I’m all about that simple, chill lifestyle in a non-touristy area that’s great for cycling, ideally with some mountains or hills to explore. My budget is around €1000-1500 per month, with about €500-700 earmarked for rent. I’m looking for a town or city with a population of 20,000 to 200,000 that offers decent services. I’m open to learning the local language, but it would be a big plus if I could get by with English.

My plan is to spend three months in the chosen destination before deciding whether to stay longer or move on. When it comes to the climate, I prefer something milder than what Northern Europe offers, steering clear of extreme heat. I’ve got a shortlist of potential spots that have caught my eye, including Covilhã in Portugal, Brno in the Czech Republic, Girona and Oviedo in Spain, and Ljubljana in Slovenia.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on these locations or any other similar spots you think might be a good fit for me. Which of these would you choose, and why? Which ones would you steer clear of, and why? I’m all ears for any advice or recommendations you might have. Let’s find me the perfect place to settle down and start this new chapter!

Hey, guys! So, I’ve been a long-time lurker on this forum, but I figured it’s about time I chime in with my first post. So, here’s the deal: I recently found out I’m heading to Europe for 10 days with my girlfriend, hitting up Portugal and Spain, and later this year I have a solo trip to Ireland planned. With all this travel coming up, I decided it was high time to look into getting myself a decent travel bag.

I’m all about keeping my stuff close by (plus, I tend to do a bit of shopping while I’m abroad), so a carry-on bag (and sometimes a personal item too) is my jam. I also make frequent day and weekend trips to NYC, usually by bus or train, and I’m constantly shuttling between my place and my girlfriend’s. I’m a bit scatterbrained, so I wanted a bag that could handle all these situations.

When I was shopping around for a bag, I had a few key things in mind. I often need to lug around two laptops – one for work (around 13 inches) and my personal one (a bulky 15-16 incher). Both come with chunky chargers and a mouse, so I needed a bag that could handle them. For weekend trips or stays at my girlfriend’s place, I like to pack 2-3 outfits, toiletries, and maybe an extra pair of shoes. Since I live in the city, I need easy access to essentials like my wallet, keys, and sunglasses. And hey, I’m all about style and color – no boring grays or blues for me!

So, after much research, I settled on a bag that ticked all my boxes. It’s a great bag with top-notch quality, and I even got the older version with load lifters. I’ve taken it on a weekend trip to NYC and used it as my go-to bag for shuttling between houses – way better than my old 40L or 32L bags. The separate laptop compartment is a winner, easily fitting both my laptops. Plus, it’s super comfortable to carry around.

However, there are a couple of downsides that I can’t overlook. The lack of structure in this bag is a real bummer. It’s way too floppy when not fully packed, making it a hassle to grab things quickly. Even when it’s full, stuff inside sloshes

Hey there, folks! So, here’s the lowdown: I’m stepping into the solo backpacking world for the first time, and China is my destination. I’m all about that fast-paced city travel life, bouncing between Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu – loads of walking, hopping on public transit, and experiencing a mix of humid and dry conditions. To keep things hassle-free, I’m aiming to pack light and smart. I mean, who wants to be that poor soul lugging around a massive suitcase on staircases, right?

My trusty travel companions for this adventure are the Osprey Farpoint 40L backpack, which I’m hoping will slide smoothly into overhead bins, and the Matador packable backpack for everyday use. Now, onto the nitty-gritty – my packing strategy is all about simplicity and efficiency. I’m fully embracing the USB-C life for all my gadgets for that streamlined vibe.

Let’s talk clothing. I’m all about that sink wash life, especially since it’s winter in China. I’ve got my eye on 2 Uniqlo HeatTech or Airism tees in black (quick-dry and warm, perfect combo!), a trusty Merino wool long sleeve (ideal for trains and chilly nights), a mid-layer fleece or lightweight down jacket (a must for Beijing’s winter and the damp cold in Shanghai and Chengdu), and a lightweight sweater or second Merino layer for mixing things up. Also throwing in a pair of lightweight chinos for fancy dinners and warmer indoor days, plus some warm pants lined with HeatTech or a similar material for those chilly outdoor excursions.

Can’t forget the essentials: 3-4 pairs of ExOfficio boxer briefs, 2-3 cozy wool socks, Oofos Recovery Slides for post-adventure comfort in hotel rooms and showers, and maybe some shorts if I’m hitting the gym or pool – though not really necessary in the winter chill. And of course, my trusty MacBook Air M2 for work stuff and an Anker 737 power bank to keep things charged during those long train rides.

On the toiletries front, I’m keeping it simple with a Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case and Dr. Bronner’s bar, toothbrush and toothpaste tabs, a solid deodorant stick, a small USB-C electric shaver (gotta keep that rapid beard growth in check), and some meds like Imodium and Ibuprofen

So, I’m in the midst of planning this epic trip to a new country, and the biggest dilemma I’m facing is how to get around once I’m there. I’m all about saving those hard-earned bucks, but waiting endlessly for unreliable buses is not my idea of a good time. How do you guys make the call between splurging on a car rental or sticking to trains and buses? I need some insider tips on how to navigate this tricky decision-making process.

Typically, when I’m chilling in a bustling city, public transport is my go-to move. It’s usually a breeze to get around, and I can avoid the headache of dealing with parking and driving in unfamiliar territory. But this time around, I’m craving some nature vibes and remote adventures. Take, for instance, the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. It’s like a slice of paradise, but getting there from the major cities seems like quite the trek.

I stumbled upon some juicy details about car rentals in the area over at BookingAuto, and now I’m deep in thought. Renting a car means I can hit the road whenever the mood strikes, but then there’s the whole parking drama and decoding foreign driving rules. So, what’s your personal rule of thumb in situations like this? If the journey stretches over three hours, is it an automatic car rental for you? Or do you prefer the hassle-free vibes of buses to dodge the stress?

I’m all about being efficient with my time and cash, so any wisdom you can drop on striking that perfect balance between cost and convenience would be a total game-changer for me. I’m eager to soak up all your savvy travel advice. Hit me with your best tips, folks!

So, I picked up this rental car from Avis a few days ago, all smooth sailing with using Klarna through Apple Pay to book. When I got to the airport to grab the keys, they wanted a credit card for the usual hold they slap on your account. Now, I’m all about that Apple Pay life, so I didn’t have a physical credit card on me. Lucky for me, I had my trusty ol’ debit card, and after a bit of extra checking, they were cool with that for the hold.

Fast forward to today, cruising to my hotel, and bam – notice a couple of little chips on the passenger side of the windshield. No biggie, right? Wrong. One of those chips decided to throw a party and crack the windshield like it’s trying to make a statement. Florida’s been on some wild weather vibes, and debris flying around on the highways didn’t do me any favors.

Now, here’s the kicker – I skipped out on the extra insurance Avis offered ‘cause it was already costing me an arm and a leg, and doubling that cost was just not happening. I checked out some posts on here, and everyone else seemed to use credit cards for everything, from booking to that hold at pickup. Me? Nah, I did the Apple Pay and debit card combo.

So, am I in a jam? Do I just drop the car off and hope for the best, or wait for them to bring it up? And if they do, how do I handle it (like, do I push back)? Plus, since I used a debit card for that hold – not the norm, apparently – can Avis just dip into my checking account whenever they feel like it?

This whole car rental thing is new to me outside of work trips, so any tips or insights would be clutch. Hit me up with some advice, folks!

I’ve been traveling the world for some time now, exploring the enchanting medieval laneways and bustling souks of the Fes medina. However, on this particular day, I found myself in a situation unlike any I had experienced before. As I wandered through the narrow alleys, I made a few wrong turns and soon realized I was being followed by a local man who seemed intent on being my unofficial guide in exchange for a fee.

Despite my attempts to shake him off, the man persisted, trailing me through the winding streets. Frustrated, I confronted him and firmly expressed my disinterest, only to be met with a surprising revelation – he claimed to be a police officer, though he had no badge or official backup to support his claim. Unnerved but determined, I made my way to a nearby cafe, keeping a watchful eye on him as I tried to assess the situation.

Just when I thought I had managed to evade him, another man appeared, clearly working in tandem with the first. Sensing danger, I tried to outsmart them by maneuvering through the crowded medina, hoping to draw attention to their unwanted pursuit. However, they remained undeterred, maintaining a cautious distance as I attempted to lose them in the labyrinthine streets.

Realizing that I needed to act quickly, I sprinted towards the safety of my accommodation, the sound of their footsteps echoing behind me. With each passing moment, my heart raced, and a sense of disbelief washed over me as I grappled with the intensity of the situation. I had always assumed that my stature would deter such persistent behavior, but now I found myself questioning the norms of safety and security in unfamiliar surroundings.

Now, sitting in the quiet confines of my room, a wave of shock and uncertainty envelops me. I can’t help but wonder if this level of persistence is a common occurrence in these parts. As I reflect on the events of the day, I can’t help but seek advice, reassurance, or perhaps shared experiences from fellow travelers who may have encountered similar challenges on their journeys. It’s a stark reminder of the vulnerability that can accompany exploration and the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of unexpected threats.

Hey everyone! So, I recently inherited some money, and I’ve been saving up while working because I’m planning to quit my job and embark on a long-term solo travel adventure in 2026. I’m from New York, so I know I can snag some great flight deals. When I travel, I always stick to one bag – a carry-on with a maximum weight of 12 kg. But I’m wondering, is this feasible for extended solo travel?

I’ve set aside $25k for this trip, and while I don’t necessarily intend to spend it all, I want to make sure my plan is realistic. As a US citizen who only speaks English, I’ve got my international phone plan and trusty iPhone in tow. Safety is my top priority as a solo female traveler, which is why I prefer staying in hotels over hostel dorms these days.

Having visited cities like Auckland, Seoul, Tokyo, and Paris, among others, I have some international travel experience under my belt. However, this will be my first extended solo journey. My rough itinerary includes starting in Europe, then moving on to Southeast Asia before finishing up in Latin America. I’m a bit concerned about visa runs, especially in Southeast Asia, and I’m seeking advice from seasoned travelers on budgeting, safety, and overall wisdom for a trip of this scale.

I’m debating between planning for a 6-month or 10-month adventure to give myself a financial cushion. Am I crazy for attempting this? Any tips on places to visit, essential items to pack (remember, I’m only taking one bag), and general advice on long-term travel would be greatly appreciated.

And just to clarify, while I appreciate financial advice, I’m covered in that department as I work in finance and studied math in university. My main worry is my physical safety since I don’t know how to drive. So, if you’ve embarked on a similar journey or have insights to share, please chime in. Thanks in advance for your help!

Hey there! So, you’re thinking of making the move to Asuncion, Paraguay, but the whole process seems like a maze, right? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Before you even hop on the plane, make sure you have your essentials in order. First things first, your trusty passport from your home country – can’t go anywhere without that! You’ll also need to sort out an entry visa or immigration stamp based on where you’re from.

Next up, get your hands on a birth certificate that’s been apostilled in your home country, and don’t forget to have it translated into Spanish by a sworn translator. Oh, and remember to grab a criminal background certificate from your current place of residence for the past three years – again, make sure it’s translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.

Now, fast forward to your arrival in Paraguay. You’ll need to snag a Paraguay Interpol certificate and a foreign nationals background certificate. Head to the nearest police station to your new digs and ask for a life and residency certificate. And hey, while you’re at it, make a sworn declaration that you’re all about respecting Paraguay’s Constitution and laws – gotta play by the rules, right?

Oh, and don’t forget to outline your professional plans in a declaration. What’s your game plan for work in Paraguay? Lay it out in a professional activity declaration. Now, once you’ve ticked off all those boxes, you’re on your way to getting your hands on a temporary residency card and a shiny new national ID card.

But wait, you’re probably wondering what to do next, right? Once you touch down in Paraguay, here’s the lowdown on the steps you need to take. Make sure you’ve got all your documents in order, including those certificates and declarations we chatted about earlier. Head to the appropriate authorities and submit your paperwork – it’s all about following the process step by step.

Now, sit tight and wait for the magic to happen. Once everything is processed and approved, you’ll be well on your way to getting that temporary residency card and national ID card. Voila! You’re all set to start your new chapter in Asuncion, Paraguay. Remember, take it one step at a time, and you’ll be calling Paraguay home in no time. Good luck on your exciting journey!

Hey there, folks! So, I used to be a jetsetter for work, racking up those frequent flyer miles on Southwest Airlines with all those connecting flights across the country from 2010 to 2018. Let me tell you, my trusty HP work laptop was a pain with its barely charging DC charger, and don’t even get me started on how my phone switched from a DC pin to a micro USB during that time. And noise-canceling headphones? Forget about it – Bose was the only brand I knew, but way out of my budget back then.

Fast forward to now, and I’m prepping for a major international family trip over Spring break with my crew – two adults, a 4-year-old, and a 5-year-old. I’m notorious for overpacking useless stuff, so I’m trying to keep it light this time. I recently splurged on two Beats Studio Pro headphones for the journey, but the noise-canceling feature doesn’t quite cut it against engine noise.

For entertainment, I’m loading up the iPad with movies to keep the little ones occupied. But here’s the dilemma: should I pack two 10,000mAh battery packs or opt for a single 20,000mAh one? Efficiency-wise, the single pack makes sense, but having two allows all four of us to share and recharge more conveniently.

My wife is eyeing an inflatable toddler bed to attach to the seat so the kids can catch some z’s comfortably. And speaking of comfort, restless leg syndrome is no joke, so I need to find a solution for those leg jitters. Neck pillows are a must for the overnight flights, along with those handy wall adapters for Europe.

Now, onto a crucial question: what’s the deal with flying internationally with kids’ liquid medicines? My wife is all about being prepared, packing those 2-4oz liquid medicine bottles for every possible scenario. I know the TSA rules about liquids in carry-ons, but on short flights, she stashes them in the checked luggage. If worst comes to worst, we can always hit up a Walmart at our destination for replacements in case our bags go missing or get damaged.

So, there you have it – my game plan for our upcoming adventure. Any other tips or must-haves for a smoother journey? Let me know, and safe travels to all the fellow wanderers out there!