I’m not used to this at all. I recently traveled to Scotland and the crowd was pretty diverse, but something weird happened at the hostels I stayed at. People would come down and sit at my table, yet they would only talk to other people who looked European. At first I thought it was because I’m American, but then I noticed the same thing happening to the Asian man on the other side of the table.

It happened again at another hostel in a different city. A group of people were talking and asking other people about their trips, but then they skipped me. I was confused until I said something about the drink they were tasting. Then they said “oh! you speak English so clearly” and started talking to me more, only to cut me out of the conversation again.

This made me realize that it was because of my race. I’m used to racism in America, but I had thought hostels would be more diverse and accommodating. Fortunately, that wasn’t always the case. The Scottish and English people I’ve met were very cool and welcoming. They showed no signs of racism or prejudice, and I felt right at home.

All in all, this experience was eye-opening and a bit disheartening. I was expecting a place as diverse as a hostel to have less racism, but that wasn’t always the case. Although it was disappointing, I’m glad I got to meet some really cool people who treated me with respect and kindness.

Any Wear, Anywhere is a pilot program from Japan Airline that makes it easier to travel light. For just $41 US, travelers can rent a selection of used clothing to wear for two weeks and return when they’re done. The idea is to reduce weight and fuel consumption on flights, but it can also be a great way to travel with less baggage and try out new looks.

The fee covers the cost of the clothing, which is delivered to your hotel, and the return shipping. Customers don’t get to pick out what they want, but the selection is vast and the cost is still low. The downside is that the clothing isn’t displayed in the most appealing way, so you won’t know what you’re getting until you get it.

For those who don’t want to bring a lot with them on the plane, Any Wear, Anywhere can be a great travel hack. It can also be a great way to avoid carrying duplicates of your clothing to a partner’s house.

However, the biggest concern is that the clothing won’t fit. The best way to make sure the clothing fits is to try it on before you leave. To do this, you’ll need to request an early delivery and make sure you have enough time to try it on and make any necessary adjustments.

Any Wear, Anywhere is a great way to travel light, try out new looks, and avoid having to carry a lot of baggage. However, it’s important to make sure that the clothing fits before you take off, so make sure you request an early delivery and have enough time to try it on.

Southeast Asia is a vibrant and diverse region. Although there are some seedy areas in certain cities, the nightlife and activities available to visitors are not as pervasive as some may imagine. I’ve been living and working around Southeast Asia for 15 years and have gotten to know many expats and locals. I’m all too familiar with the myths and rumors surrounding the various areas, but I can assure you that a lot of it is outdated, exaggerated, or simply imagined.

Thailand is by far the most popular destination in Southeast Asia and it has the most developed shady nightlife industry. Bangkok and Pattaya are the sites of most of the seedy activities, but it’s important to note that these activities are mostly located in particular areas. If you avoid these areas, you won’t see any of it. I’ve taken my Filipina girlfriend to Thailand several times and we’ve never had any bad experiences. We’ve never witnessed any rude behavior by western men.

The Philippines has a few seedy bars and nightlife areas in Makati and other parts of the city, but it’s nothing compared to Bangkok or Pattaya. Ho Chi Minh City has some seedy places, but you’re unlikely to encounter western men in these areas. Cambodia is a bit of a wildcard, but overall the nightlife is not as pervasive as in Bangkok or Pattaya.

To sum it up, Southeast Asia is a wonderful and unique destination. Although there are some seedy areas in certain cities, the activities available to visitors are not as pervasive as some may imagine. If you’re looking for a safe and enjoyable experience, you can have it. Just be mindful of the areas to avoid and you’ll be sure to have a great time.

I’m currently in Bangkok, and it’s a bit of a shock to be honest. Everywhere I go, I see old white guys who are completely out of shape, hanging out with one, two or sometimes even three local women who are dressed in sexy outfits. It’s clear what kind of relationship they have, and it’s not a pleasant sight.

In the bars, it’s the same story. You see these old, out-of-shape white guys drinking and surrounded by young, local women. On the street, there are more women looking for a lonely old white guy who had no chance back home. It’s a sad reminder of the power imbalance and exploitation that is so sadly intertwined with sex tourism.

These old guys fly to Thailand to take advantage of young, desperate women; many of them have no choice or are desperately poor. You don’t see old, out-of-shape Thai guys flying to Sweden to find young, beautiful blonde Swedish girls. So it’s pretty obvious what’s going on here.

It’s hard to avoid this kind of thing in the area I’m staying in. I went to a nice Thai place for dinner recently, and sure enough, there was an old guy with two women totally fixated on him. And nearby there were more old white guys in a bar, surrounded by young women.

It’s a heavy thing to witness on vacation, but it’s a reminder of the reality of the world. Yes, sex tourism is an issue and there is exploitation involved, but it’s a complex issue that needs to be addressed in a way that takes all sides into account. It’s not something that can be easily solved, but it’s something that needs to be discussed and understood.

Tipflation, taxes, and fees hidden in hotel prices have become a common way of life, but that doesn’t mean it’s not annoying. Whether it’s tipping, Ticketmaster fees, or hotels, it’s frustrating to know the price you saw when you searched for a hotel is not the same amount you’ll be charged when you actually book the room.

So why is this happening? It’s not hard to understand. Hotels want to make sure their prices are competitive so they advertise a lower rate than the true cost. Unfortunately, this means that when you go to check out, you’ll be met with a whole host of fees and taxes that weren’t included in the price you originally saw.

This could easily be fixed if Google and major booking services verified all prices and included the total in their search results. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case, and customers are often left trying to do the math and figure out the real cost of their hotel room.

To avoid this, one of the best things you can do is search for reviews of the hotel you’re interested in on TripAdvisor. Often, customers will mention any additional fees they were charged and you can use this to make an informed decision. Alternatively, you can also try using a VPN to pretend you’re browsing from a country that requires taxes and fees to be displayed up front.

It’s clear that taxes, fees, and tipflation have become a way of life, but that doesn’t mean it’s not annoying. If you do your research and read reviews, you can make sure you’re not hit with any hidden costs.

I’m tired of living the same mundane life every day and I’m ready to take the plunge and go on an adventurous journey. I’ve saved up some money and I’m all set to explore the world with nothing but a backpack, a laptop, a camera, and a few clothes. I have no debt, no kids, and no one to keep me here, so it’s time to take the risk and set out. But I’m wondering, has anyone else done something like this? How did it turn out for them?

I recently came across a story of someone who decided to do just that. He sold his business, got divorced, and strapped on a backpack, ready to explore the world. Fast forward to 10 years later, and he is still travelling. He said that he doesn’t regret a single thing about his decision, and would definitely recommend it to anyone else. He did mention, however, that explaining the gap in his CV wasn’t a pleasant experience.

Another person I read about made a drastic change in their life and decided to travel to Thailand after their father passed away. They booked a one-way flight and never looked back, saying it was the best decision they had ever made.

So if you’re feeling adventurous and want to take a break from your current lifestyle, why not go for it? You may have to explain the gap in your CV, but it’s definitely worth it. Who knows, you might just end up in Thailand four months later!

I was about to give up when I noticed the bus had stopped about 1/2 mile down the highway. I was relieved, exhausted, and in a state of disbelief. I ran down the highway and caught up to the bus and the driver was like “What the hell man? You wanted to get on the bus or what?” and I was able to get back on.

We all have fears of something that can ruin our travels. From lost passports, stolen phones, and missed flights, to getting injured, things can go wrong in an instant. I recently had a “near miss” while solo travelling that really put this into perspective for me.

I was on a bus from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to Almaty, Kazakhstan. We had gone through the border just fine, and we were on the last stretch of the journey. We stopped at a gas station about two hours away from our destination for a break, and I took the opportunity to grab a bite to eat and use the restroom. Little did I know, this detour would almost ruin my trip.

When I came out of the restroom, I realized the bus had left without me. Panicked, I raced out the door and saw the bus was already heading down the highway. I frantically shouted and broke into a full-on sprint after it, screaming “STOP! STOP!” I was about to give up when I noticed the bus had stopped about half a mile down the road. I was exhausted, relieved, and in a state of disbelief. I ran down the highway and caught up to the bus, and the driver was understandably confused. Somehow, I had made it back on the bus, and the rest of my journey went by without a hitch.

My near-miss experience was a stark reminder of how quickly things can go wrong when you’re travelling solo. While it’s impossible to avoid every potential disaster, being aware and prepared for the worst can go a long way. Before embarking on any solo trip, it’s important to research the destination, make safety copies of your passport and important documents, and inform a loved one of your travel plans. On the road, taking precautions like staying alert, being aware of your surroundings, and trusting your instincts can help keep you out of harm’s way.

No matter how prepared you are for a solo journey, it’s important to remember that unexpected things can happen. While it can be scary and frustrating to deal with a travel disaster, staying calm and resourceful can help make the best of any situation.

Traveling can be a hassle, but there are some useful hacks that can make the experience much more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a way to save space and energy while packing, consider investing in a liquid soap like Bronners or dish soap. Cut the soap into small, dry sponges, place them in a ziplock bag, and store them in your luggage. Not only are they lightweight and don’t count towards your liquids, but you can use them in hotel sinks to clean dishes, mugs, and utensils.

Another great travel hack is an elastic jump rope. You can buy one for a cheap price at any Euro store, and it can be used for a multitude of purposes. Take the rope, fold it in three, braid it, and tie a knot in the end. This rope can be used as a clothesline and can hook onto shower heads, curtain rods, or even chair backs. The rope is stretchy and can accommodate for any space, while the braids provide a great place to tuck a corner of your laundry without the need for clothespins. This is a great hack that will last you a long time; I’ve been using the one I bought in 2016 for every trip I’ve taken.

These two hacks are just the beginning. There are many more travel hacks out there that can make your experience much easier. Consider researching different hacks or talking to experienced travelers to learn more. With the right strategies, traveling can be an enjoyable and stress-free experience.

I stayed in hostels in Cancun and Oaxaca. I had a plan and told people where I was going and when I would return. I was careful to be aware of my surroundings and generally avoided dark alleys or streets. I asked locals and hostel staff about areas that may be unsafe.

I’m a 25-year-old who had always dreamed of going to Mexico for my birthday, so I decided to make it happen this year and travel solo. As my departure date draws near, however, I’m having second thoughts. Everywhere I look I see stories of cartel-related violence, and the thought of me being alone in a foreign country is making me very uneasy. I’ve heard people say that it’s not safe for a solo woman traveler, but I don’t think that’s necessarily true.

I recently went to Mexico by myself and took some simple precautions to keep myself safe. I rented a car and only drove during the day, on main roads and highways, and never alone at night. Whenever I wanted to drink, I made sure to do it during the day, in well-lit areas, and not alone. I stayed in hostels in Cancun and Oaxaca, and took care to be aware of my surroundings and avoid dark alleys and streets. I also made sure to tell people where I was going and when I would return, and asked locals and hostel staff about areas that may be unsafe.

The key to staying safe in Mexico as a solo woman traveler is to use common sense. If you’re aware of your surroundings, stick to main roads and highways, and make sure to tell people about your plans, you can greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of violence. Mexico is an incredible country with a rich culture, and you don’t need to miss out on the chance to explore it. With the right precautions in place, you can still enjoy a safe and memorable trip.

Fellow travellers, have you ever come across something unexpected or cool at an airport that made you think “Wow, this is awesome!”? Well, here’s one example. During a layover in Narita Airport in Japan, I discovered the Transit and Stay program where local volunteers would take travelers with long layovers to explore the area. I got to experience the Goma Fire Ritual at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, which was amazing! You could also participate in tea ceremonies, or take a mini-tour further outside Narita. The tours usually last 3 hours, so it’s a great chance to get out of the airport and stretch your legs. Last year I had a layover in the Seoul airport and was too exhausted to find food. Imagine my surprise when a little robot wheeled up to me and offered – in eight different languages – to bring me a snack! All I had to do was enter the number of the bench I was sitting in and choose from a selection of snacks.

These are just some of the hidden gems I’ve discovered during my travels. I’m sure there are plenty more out there! So next time you have a layover, why not take some time to explore the area and see what you can find? You never know what kind of surprises you might discover – and who knows, you may even end up having a great time!