Author: Inquisitive Society

I arrived in Amsterdam on Day 1 and easily navigated the OV-chipkaart at the station before hopping on a train to Centraal. I stayed at a hostel near Dam Square and wasted no time in indulging in some frites from Manneken Pis, complete with mayo, of course. I then wandered through the charming Jordaan neighborhood, getting delightfully lost among the narrow lanes and picturesque gabled houses. Taking a canal cruise may be touristy, but it offered a unique perspective of the city from the water. In the evening, I explored the vibrant De Pijp district, enjoying street food at Albert Cuyp Market and treating myself to a stroopwafel without making a mess. I ended the day at a cozy brown cafe, following the solo pub rule of smiling, making eye contact, and striking up conversations with fellow patrons before crashing early, exhausted but exhilarated.

On Day 2, I woke up early and caught a train from Centraal to Steenwijk, savoring a coffee while admiring the Dutch countryside whizzing by. A quick bus ride took me to Giethoorn, a picturesque village that felt like stepping into a fairytale. With no roads, only emerald canals, thatched cottages, and curious ducks, I rented an electric whisper boat for a solo adventure. After a brief lesson on navigating the canals, I set off, enjoying the tranquility of gliding under wooden bridges and past colorful gardens with only the gentle hum of the motor. I found a peaceful spot to switch off the engine and bask in the quiet serenity, immersing myself in the moment. Later, I strolled along the footpaths, indulging in a hearty pannenkoek (bacon and cheese, a delicious choice) before returning to Amsterdam in the evening, feeling accomplished after my solo boating expedition. The pub bitterballen tasted even more satisfying as I reflected on the day’s adventures.

Hey everyone, so I wanted to share a recent experience I had with my Avis President’s Club membership. Usually, when I rent a car, I have my card saved in my account, so I don’t have to show a physical card or interact with anyone except the gate attendant when I pick up the car. Last week, I rented a car for a weekend trip as usual. But here’s where it gets interesting – a few hours after I drove off with the car, I got an email receipt saying my rental had been modified and ended, and I was charged for just one day.

Naturally, I was a bit confused, so I called customer support right away. They assured me it was a system glitch and that I could carry on with my rental without any issues. I double-checked my credit card statement, expecting to see the usual hold of around $250, but there was nothing there. Strange, right? Anyway, I brushed it off and continued with my trip.

When I returned the car on Sunday, I received another email receipt showing a charge for just one day, and this time it was about $300 less than what I was expecting. Again, I checked my credit card, and still no charges or holds. The receipt even showed a card number ending in *RGE, which wasn’t my full card number.

Feeling a bit puzzled, I called customer support again on Monday. Unfortunately, they couldn’t give me any concrete answers and just mentioned that my rental was completed successfully. It’s been a week now, and there’s still no charge on my card. So, the big question is – did I just get a free rental?

I’ve never encountered this kind of situation before with my Avis membership. It’s a bit of a mystery, but hey, if it turns out to be a freebie, I won’t complain! Has anyone else ever had a similar experience? Let me know your thoughts on this curious rental saga.

So, picture this: you’re all set to board your international flight to the US, excited for your adventure ahead. But then, the unthinkable happens – you miss your flight. Panic sets in as you realize your checked baggage is on its way to the US without you. 🤯

But fear not, my fellow traveler, for there is a way to handle this situation like a pro. The key here is to remain calm and assertive. I’ve been there, done that, and let me tell you, it’s not as daunting as it seems. The first thing to remember is that US customs takes missed connection bags very seriously. They don’t want to see a bag checked in by someone who never boarded the flight.

So, here’s what you do: head straight to the front desk and explain your situation. Stay cool, calm, and collected. Let them know that you need your original seat back. If they start giving you the runaround, don’t fret. Politely but firmly mention that you might need to be rebooked on the next flight with an aisle seat available. That usually does the trick, and you’ll find yourself back in your original seat in no time. ✈️

Now, here’s the kicker – if all else fails and the airline refuses to budge, be prepared to take matters into your own hands. Yes, it might mean shelling out for another ticket on a different airline to get home, but hey, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. I’ve been in situations where my carefully selected aisle seat was switched to a middle or window seat last minute, and let me tell you, it’s not a pleasant experience, especially with a bad hip.

Remember, post-9/11 security rules are strict when it comes to international flights and baggage. If you’re not on that flight, your bag won’t be either. So, don’t be afraid to stand your ground and advocate for yourself. It’s your journey, your comfort, and your peace of mind at stake here. 💪

In conclusion, missing a flight and dealing with the aftermath of lost baggage can be stressful, but with a cool head and a bit of assertiveness, you can navigate the situation like a seasoned traveler. So next time you find yourself in this predicament, remember these tips, stay calm, and don’t be afraid to speak up for what you need. Safe travels! 🌍

Alright, so after checking out six Southeast Asian countries, here’s my take on them as a digital nomad in 2025. Vietnam takes the top spot in my book, with its affordable prices and seemingly happier locals in Saigon and Hanoi. Thailand comes in a close second, but inflation has hit it hard over the past five years. Malaysia takes the third spot, offering a good mix of factors for nomads. The Philippines is at number four, although reliable internet is mainly limited to Cebu or Manila. Indonesia follows at fifth place, with Cambodia ranking sixth. Singapore, being too pricey, lands at number seven. As for the rest, I don’t have much to say about them.

Vietnam and Thailand stand out from the pack, with Vietnam currently edging ahead due to its sustained low cost of living. The Philippines might stir up some debate with its ranking, but I’ve found it to be a great place to stay for a month or two, especially with excellent Airbnb options available in the cities.

In terms of what matters to a digital nomad, such as internet reliability and speed, food quality, cost of living, pollution and sustainability, racism, availability of 24-hour restaurants and malls, local attitudes towards foreigners, workspaces, hotels, and immigration policies, these rankings reflect my personal experiences and preferences. Each country offers its unique blend of pros and cons, so it ultimately comes down to what factors are most important to you as a nomad.

Overall, Southeast Asia presents a diverse range of opportunities for digital nomads, each country offering its own distinct charm and challenges. It’s all about finding the right fit for your individual needs and preferences.

Hey guys, I’ve been living the digital nomad life full-time for a while now – working remotely, traveling, and just loving the freedom it brings. But you know what’s been getting on my nerves lately? Taxes, man. I’m officially based in Europe (shoutout to Germany) and let me tell you, I’m forking over about 40% of my hard-earned cash to the taxman. It’s seriously killing my vibe. I mean, I hustle, I explore new places, I don’t even use that many public services, and yet Uncle Sam still wants his cut.

I keep hearing whispers about some nomads setting up fancy-sounding LLCs in the US or other tax-friendly havens, paying close to zilch in taxes legally, and basically living the dream – tax-free. Is this for real, though? Are any of you out there actually doing this? If so, spill the beans – how did you pull it off? And most importantly, are there any pitfalls or red flags I should keep an eye out for?

So, just to clarify, I’m not physically residing in Germany. I’m a German national, still officially registered there, but I’ve pretty much ghosted the place and yet I’m hemorrhaging money in taxes. It’s a real head-scratcher, folks.

So, if you’ve cracked the code on tax optimization as a digital nomad, I’m all ears. Hit me up with your tips, tricks, and cautionary tales. Let’s help each other out and navigate this tax maze together. Much appreciated, fam. Peace ✌️

Alright, folks, so here’s the deal: I’m finally taking the plunge and heading off on my first-ever trip overseas. I’ve got my visa sorted out for living and working in the UK, but before that, I’m gonna be backpacking around Europe for about 3 to 6 months, depending on how my bank account holds up. I’ve been talking about this adventure for what feels like forever, and everyone in my life knows it’s happening. But here’s the kicker: now that it’s right on the horizon, I’m not feeling the excitement I thought I would. Instead, I’m feeling kinda off. It’s not the usual pre-travel jitters or the giddy holiday vibes. Nope, it’s more like a big ol’ blank space with a side of discomfort.

I mean, let’s be real here—I’ve never done anything like this before. I have zero clue what to expect, and that uncertainty is throwing me for a loop. My journey kicks off in Spain, where I’ve got the first 6 days all planned out. But after that? Nada. I originally thought I’d just wing it, go with the flow, make friends, and see where the road takes me. But now I’m second-guessing myself. Is that too reckless for a newbie traveler like me? Has anyone else ever felt this mix of nerves and unease before a major move or their first big trip? And if so, how did you deal with it?

Regardless of all these doubts swirling around in my head, I’m still going for it. I’m diving headfirst into this adventure, come what may. Who knows, maybe this discomfort is just a natural part of stepping out of my comfort zone and into the great unknown. All I can do now is take a deep breath, trust in the journey, and embrace whatever comes my way. So here’s to new beginnings, unexpected challenges, and the thrill of the unknown. Cheers to stepping out into the world and seeing where the path leads me. Let the adventure begin!

Hey there! I’m a 37-year-old Indian woman who has been on five solo trips across India, and I thought I’d share my experiences with you all. These trips have been pretty awesome, and I hope they can be helpful for anyone thinking of embarking on their own solo adventures.

Let’s start with my first solo trip in March 2017 to Cola, Goa. I had visited Goa a few times before and decided it was time to explore it solo. I stayed at Dwarka Beach Resort, a remote place with no internet or cell phone reception. But the peace and serenity I experienced there, with stunning views of the beach and lagoon, made it all worth it. I’ll never forget watching the moon rise from the mountains behind the sea.

Fast forward to December 2020, during the COVID lockdowns, I needed a break and headed to Pondicherry for a quick 4-day solo trip. Despite Cyclone Burevi crossing the coast, the Promenade was a peaceful spot with beautiful shades of blue in the sea. Unfortunately, some places like Paradise beach and Auroville were closed due to COVID restrictions, but the South Indian filter coffee in Chennai was a treat.

In the same month, I explored Kerala with Iris Holidays, visiting places like Kovalam, Poovar, Varkala, Chittipara, Thenmala, and Neyyar. The boat rides at Thenmala and Neyyar were a highlight, but be cautious at Chittipara during the rainy season due to slippery rocks.

Next up was Assam in October 2022, where I had a 9-day trip exploring Jorhat, Majuli, Nameri National Park, Manas National Park, and Guwahati. Despite heavy rains from Cyclone Sitrang, I enjoyed places like Majuli and Chandubi lake during sunrise and sunset.

And in June 2023, I ventured to Madurai, Rameshwaram, and Dhanushkodi. The local sightseeing in Madurai and the beautiful journey to Rameshwaram were memorable. Dhanushkodi beach was a sight to behold, and the temples in Madurai and Rameshwaram were stunning despite the crowds.

These solo trips have been enriching and full of memorable experiences. If you have any questions or need more details about my adventures, feel free to ask!

Hey everyone! I’m gearing up for a 5-month adventure across South America with just my trusty Osprey Farpoint 40L in tow. Starting in chilly Chile and Argentina in July, where temperatures can dip down to -5C on hikes, I’ll be journeying northward through a mix of urban and outdoor settings, aiming to strike the perfect balance between comfort and practicality in my packing list.

I’m all about staying cozy, especially since I tend to run a bit cold, but I’m also keen on avoiding the dreaded overpacking trap. So, I’ve sought inspiration from the awesome advice shared by fellow onebaggers and crafted a list that I hope covers all my bases.

For tops, I’ve got a versatile linen shirt, a fleece hoodie for warmth, a stylish Cactus Norbu jacket for urban flair, a trusty rainshell from Patagonia, a gym/running shirt, a cotton tee, and a mix of long and short merino tees in green and blue hues.

When it comes to bottoms, I’m packing athletic Lululemon hiking pants, sleek ABC Lululemons in black for a touch of sophistication, athletic shorts that double as swimwear, and a thermal base layer for those chilly nights.

In the underwear and socks department, I’ve got 5 pairs of undies, 2 pairs of ultralight merino socks, and 2 pairs of sturdy merino wool hiking socks to keep my feet happy on the trails.

My shoe game includes trusty Birkenstocks for casual strolls and Salomon X Ultra 4s for more rugged terrain, which I’ll be wearing on the plane to save space in my bag.

In the miscellaneous essentials category, I’m packing a power bank, charging cords, a Matador adaptor, a silk sleeping bag liner, compression cubes for organization, a washing line, water filtration gear, a Dry bag backpack from Osprey, a Turkish towel, earplugs, an eye mask, insect repellent, a basic medical kit, carabiners, photocopies of important documents, and a few other handy items to keep me covered during my travels.

I’m open to picking up some clothing items locally, like alpaca gloves and a neck warmer that can also serve as souvenirs. Sorry for the lengthy list, but I’d love to hear any feedback or additional tips you all might have to make my onebagging experience even smoother.

So, after going down a rabbit hole of videos and old posts on various subreddits, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Patagonia Mini MLC 30L is the bag for me for those 5-day business trips I have lined up. Did a quick Google search, found one, and it’s on its way to me. Woohoo! This bag seems to be one of those gems that you can customize to make it work even better. So, if you can spare me the trouble of figuring it out the hard way, I’d love to hear your tips and tricks on how to tweak this bag for maximum efficiency. I’m all about that one-bag travel life, and this baby is going to be my go-to for those business trips where I’m bunking down for 4 or 5 nights. My plan is to use it solely for getting to and from the hotel and airport. If I need a day bag, I’ll just throw my Aer Go Pack 2 in the main compartment when I pack and switch to that once I reach my destination. I’m assuming it’ll fit in the overhead bin, but if it can slide under the seat, even better. My travel scene is mostly within the US, usually with Southwest, but if they keep messing things up with their recent changes, I might have to start looking into American, Delta, or United. Who knows, right?

Hey there, I’m a 26-year-old soon-to-be 27, living in the UK, and about to embark on my first solo flight to America in September for a friend’s wedding. Gotta admit, I’m feeling pretty jittery about the whole thing. I’m used to flying with company and relying on them to steer the ship, so going solo is a whole new ball game for me.

I’m still deciding between flying out from Manchester or one of the London airports, but it looks like I’ll have to make a pit stop in NYC before reaching my final destination. Now, the thought of dealing with US customs is giving me major anxiety. I’ve heard all these horror stories circulating, and it’s got me on edge.

Once I touch down, I’ll be meeting up with some friends at the airport and crashing at their family’s place, so at least I don’t have to worry about finding accommodation. But I’ve been told I’ll need to sort out an ESTA or visa and grab some travel insurance. Beyond that, I’m kind of in the dark about what else I need to have in my back pocket.

I can’t shake off this fear that I might end up in some kind of trouble at customs, like getting detained for having a harmless political meme on my phone (seriously, I read this wild news story). Am I being too paranoid? Is there any other crucial info I should be aware of before taking off?

So, yeah, any words of wisdom or reassurance would be greatly appreciated right now. Just need to know that everything will be okay and that I won’t get stuck in a sticky situation halfway across the pond.