Headed to Italy in January for a week with my husband who is currently deployed there.

I am flying into Catania.

Very torn on where to stay due to so many conflicting recommendations.

Is Palermo worth a two day trip?

Is spending the majority of trip in Taormina a good idea?

We are 30 & 31 this is technically our honeymoon and the first time I’ll ever be away from our 16 month old.

Please help 😂 I gotta book this trip by Wednesday for where we are staying!

I just did a 7 day silent retreat at a center serving Ayurvedic vegetarian food. I liked it. And so did my husband, who didn't know I was dragging him to a week of meditation *and* no meat. It was great having a cafeteria making me gluten free food with lots of variety for 3 meals a day. Not everything was gluten free, but enough.

I thought it would be awesome to go to a resort that did Ayurvedic food with my DND group, as two of us are gluten free and another person is sensitive to all things cow. Assuming there's not ghee in everything. I also react to onions and garlic, and those seem to be absent from Ayurvedic food. We could game all day, and someone else would make us food that we barely have to move to acquire. Actually, we do like activities. But having lots of food that no one reacts to would be great.

I'm mostly finding expensive wellness spa resorts. So I came here for recs and ideas. We're in the US. So some ideas in the US or maybe Central America. Thank you for reading.

Hello everyone!

My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Europe from December 30, 2024 to January 10, 2025 and want to experience the Christmas markets there. We wanted to know where the best Christmas markets are (as first time travelers during this time) and are willing to travel around Europe to see them. Unfortunately, we have to limit our visits to the markets that are open after Christmas so that's a bummer but we know that there are some open a little past January! We also heard of some really great ones that are underrated so if we can have some recommendations, that would be highly appreciated! Our itinerary will revolve around the markets and want to see around 3 or 4 of them before our trip ends. Any suggestions, advice, and recommendations would be highly appreciated thank you and Happy Holidays!

Arriving at Kismayo airport

Nomadic house. This dome shape is common in eastern Africa.

Donkey carts are the same everywhere

We had soldiers accompany us everywhere we went

https://preview.redd.it/meh2rje13r5e1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9fb00895e3f99d57c697ccf3b4482c9c0f83f9b6

Market in Kismayo

No guns, knives or hand grenades at school

Bringing in the fresh catch

Mogadishu fish market

Shops have paintings outside of what they sell

Mogadishu lighthouse. It collapsed earlier this year

National Theater

There are now over 35000 tuk-tuks in Mogadishu

We had a fleet of Land Cruisers for our journey in Puntland. Soldiers were in the front and rear cars

We had a soldier escort in Taleh

Taleh citadel. Built in 1910, it was the first place in Africa to be bombed by the air by the British in 1919

We ate a lot of roast goat

Sunrise at the easternmost point of Africa, Cape Hafun

Taking a boat ride across the bay at Hafun

Rugged 4WD only road on the way to Cape Guardafui. Took 6 hrs to go 50 miles.

Chapati and tea is common for breakfast

Italian lighthouse at the tip of the Horn of Africa. Built in 1920s

More photos: https://imgur.com/a/Ka8QENa

I’m trying to go to Athens in September and the only decent priced option is Turkish Airlines. I’ve seen many mixed reviews so I wanted to ask if anyone had a recent-ish experience with the airline? To be honest - I don’t really mind if the employees are rude and stuff like that. Just want to make sure I’ll get there in one piece & on time with layovers and things. Thanks in advance!

Retiring from the Navy, and we’re planning a 5-7 day beach vacation in September/October 2026…somewhere. We’re foodies, like good cocktails with friends, and prefer to not spend a vacation surrounded by children. Would like to work in a day of flats fishing, and a day of some sort of water sport (snorkeling/scuba diving/kayaking/etc).

Both have passports and are familiar with international travel, so we’re considering anything. Budget is flexible, but I’d like to keep the whole trip under $5k. Would definitely consider an adults only resort, but we don’t want to be contained to the resort grounds, so something nearby good food and good culture.

Some places high on the list: PR, DR, Puerto Vallarta/Playa Del Carmen, Curaçao, Costa Rica, and Palawan Island Philippines

Any recs?? Thanks!

I'm considering a coach holiday as it makes it cheaper than getting all the flights and hotels. The only thing is that the target audience and from experience and word of mouth, everyone around me will be 60+ and travelling in partners or groups. I'm 25. Anyone done this? Should I void it?

I've been having a lot of issues with hotel pillows lately (or I am just becoming a bigger pillow snob). I'm interested if anyone has found a good travel sized pillow for use at hotels when their pillows are no good?

Hello, looking for some advice

I recently booked a hotel through booking.com which, as far as I can tell, is legit. It's got 800 reviews on booking.com and is a part of their Preferred Partner Program.

I booked a bit over 2 weeks ago, and yesterday I got the following message through the booking.com messaging system

Dear Remy *****,

You need to update your reservation information. A file with instructions will be sent to your mailbox. Important! - open the file via e-mail without downloading it. This is necessary in order to save your reservation. You do not have much time left.

Thank you for your understanding!

There was also an email that had the same message and a pdf attached which had a link that led to a fake booking.com page asking for my card details, name, email and phone number, the kind of information you should never give to a stranger, and the following message

Explanation: In the link above, you will need to enter your bank details to receive a notification from your bank to confirm that you are a credit card holder using 3D-Secure.

*Note that this is not a payment, but a confirmation of your credit card. We will verify your credit card after confirming the transaction with your bank. This «3D-Secure» process is mandatory in Europe as of 2021 and ensures your security when making online payments.

Please keep in mind that you don't have much time left to confirm your identity! Otherwise, if the verification process is not not completed, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation.

In order to finalize your booking, according to booking.com accommodation rules, you need to confirm your bank details.

If you have any questions, you can write them to us in the chat on the confirmation page!

Today I got another email essentially stating all the same information with another link to another fake booking.com page.

Of course this is a phishing scam, but is this the hotel trying to scam me? It came through the booking.com messaging system, but as far as I can tell the hotel seems legit. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks

Is it safe to travel alone as two women in autumn/winter in Kyrgyzstan?

My fiancé and I are considering Hawaii for our honeymoon. He has never been to any of the islands, and I've been to Maui once. I LOVED Maui, but we kind of want to try a different island because we'd both have more fun exploring someplace new together, rather than me showing him a bunch of places I've already seen.

We're pretty outdoorsy and like national parks, so I think the big island is probably the best fit for us. But there's just one thing I feel like I'll miss by skipping Maui, and that's the road to Hana. If you're not familiar with it, it's basically this super curvy, meandering road near the side of a cliff, with lots of picturesque stops along the way at various beaches (including black sand beaches) and waterfalls. It's one of my favorite things I've ever done while traveling, and I really want my fiancé to see it.

Is there any route on the big island that is similar to the road to Hana? Thanks in advance for any ideas.

Hello everyone, I have never travelled internationally so I was hoping for some insight (we are in the USA). My son’s dad wants to take him to Belize (son is 7 years old) for a “cheap” vacation. From what I’ve read there are some significant advisories about crime targeting tourists so I am really hesitant to agree, especially because he wants to find really cheap accommodation. I was hoping someone might have some insight about the safety of traveling like this with such a young child. I want our son to experience different cultures and see the world but I don’t know that I’m comfortable with him traveling to locations with iffy safety at this age, he can’t even remember our home address most of the time.

It looks like a beautiful place and seems just as safe as anywhere else in the area, including the neighboring Kenya, the unofficial safari capital of the world, where I went and felt totally safe.

Why can't I find many tours that go there? I'd love to experience the country.

Hoping someone can help me out.

My wife enjoys scenic train rides. All the ones around us are only about an hour long (that I know of), and 2-3 hours of travel to get to.

I live 2 blocks from a light rail station to Philadelphia PA. And although it has been a couple of decades, could easily get us to 30th street station.

Would like to do a train ride to a vacation spot. Spend a day somewhere, maybe stay overnight and train ride back.

I checked Amtrak and they have trains to Maine. Which I figure would be nice in January. Probably get to see some snow. I was thinking something with a sleeper car, but a trip to Maine is only 8 hours by car. I can't imagine it would take more than 12 by train, although maybe I am wrong... never vacationed on a train before.

Anyone do Railway vacations and that can give me some advice? The only thing I have heard about it is be flexible as travel times are very fluid.

I was not going to use a travel agent, so I can spend more on the trip itself, but if I have to get a TA...

Looking for travel inspiration for next year.

If I was to book a 2 week trip in South America/Central America from the UK next year, what country is the easiest to visit?

I've been to Peru and absolutely loved it. I'd love to go back to South America for another trip but I'm torn as where to go during 2 weeks of annual leave. I feel as though Brazil is too big! I've been looking at Colombia and Chile recently.

I love nature, history and cultural places and i like the idea of being able to visit 3-4 different places during the trip.

Recently received an email from booking.com advising I had a message from a hotel regarding an upcoming booking next year in Croatia. Had my correct dates, confirmation number, amount due, everything looked legit. The message from the hotel was advising that they had our booking and were looking forward to our visit, and could we place a credit card on file to secure the booking, we wouldn’t be charged until arrival. It looked so legit, no alarm bells, even had a “click here to prove you’re not a robot” box. I thought I’d do it later, and did nothing at the time. An hour later I received a message direct from the hotel saying do not reply to any email from them it is a scam attempt.

Lucky escape. However I was talking about it with someone who is also travelling to Europe next year, completely different countries to me, and they had had exactly the same experience with one of their bookings.

Can’t be the hotel being hacked, must be booking.com.

Anyone else had similar experiences?

My wife and I appreciate history, nature, and love to eat. If that helps.

Thank you!!

Does anyone have a good itinerary they’ve used for a Peru trip that includes Machu Picchu, or recommendations? Was reading one plan to stay in Aguas Calientes the night before. Also seeing there are day trips from Cusco, which is supposed to be great to spend a few days in itself, and may be more practical. The guided day trips I’m finding from Cusco are $350 USD per person, which included bus and train. I feel like there’s got to be a cheaper way to just get the bus and train fare myself and get a local tour, but not sure the best way to do get there as there are several options. Considerations for the travel from Cusco to MP is price, speed, and pretty scenery?

For other destinations, we definitely want to have plenty of time in Lima, maybe Arequipa also? Thinking about a 10 day trip maybe. Thanks!

Of the above places, which ones would you most recommend for visiting with a toddler? We have enough time to visit at least two. We'll have some childcare (thanks grandparents!) so are interested in both kids and adult activities but wanted to choose the most reasonable and safe options when traveling with a baby. Thanks!

I (19, F) am a Caucasian/Canadian exchange student going abroad to study in Singapore for 4 months. What safety advice/cultural differences should I be prepared for (as a dumb blonde teenager)? Any big no no's or things I should avoid? Or, any hidden gems I have to check out? I am very interested in hidden bangers of restaurants that aren't touristy- Thank you!! <3

Hi,

Looking for some advice or feedback on my finances.

I’m 27 years old and I’m currently planning a trip around the world for 12-14 months. I’ve been saving for years for this trip and it’s my absolute dream. I currently live in HCOL area (northeast US) with a 6 figure salary that I will be leaving behind. I’m anxious because I’ll probably never earn 6 figures again.

I currently have:

• 42k USD in 401k
• 28k USD in roth ira
• 30k USD in general investment/ brokerage account
• 20k USD in HYSA
• Zero debt (recently paid off student loans)

I plan to spend around 40k USD for this trip, which would leave me with only 10k in a brokerage account when I return.

I really want to live my dream, but I’m worried that I will be in bad financial situation for the rest of my life afterwards.

If anyone has had a similar experience or understands this situation, can you advise if I’m making a bad decision? How bad shape will I be in when I return with only $10k left at 28 years old?

Edit:

I don’t think I’ll get back to 6 figures very easily. I got to my current level with a bit of luck and timing and I don’t think I want to stay in the same industry. I don’t have a solid plan for when I get back to be honest. If it really comes to it, for the sake of my financial situation, I can get back into the industry that I’m currently in and with a 80-120k USD salary.

Hi. Maybe a silly question. Could I use my Steripen in tap water in say Vietnam and Indonesia ? I’m wondering if it’s work it to take that and obviously the bottle to go with it. Also considering songkran, should pre-purchase a sort of glasses / goggles for it to protect my eyes? Thanks in advance

Edit: I forgot to add this before 🤦🏽‍♀️ also what’s the risk of swimming in said places? Like rivers and waterfalls. It’s obviously part of the tourism but wouldn’t you get sick there too? If not wouldn’t I grab water from there

hey guys, I wanted to know what you think about Expedia's loyalty program. Do you think it's a good one? I have to make several bookings this year and next, and I'm looking for the platform that offers the best loyalty program

Hi everyone, for financial reasons I have to leave Canada and go to Bolivia, I've been looking for flights on Google and Expedia, but can't seem to find an option or way to add extra bags to my lugage(I know that this can be done, as I paid to have an extra bag when I came to Canada) thing is that time I did so with a travel agency and now I'm trying to do this on my own, to be specific I'd like to have 2 extra bags and a carryon, would it be easier to directly call or speak with an airline or how does one go about this?

Hi everyone,

I am planning a trip for my birthday next month and I’m looking at places to go. I was pretty much set on northern Spain but then I stumbled upon Madeira.

I’m wondering which one would overall be more enjoyable in January.

I am interested in hiking, nature and scenery (a big priority for me), mountains, nature, food scene.

I’d appreciate your input. Thank you!

Hey everyone wanting some advice. I am a backpacker/adventurous type of traveler in my early 20s. I’m going to Costa Rica for 10 days but have another 10 blank after that. What Central American country would you recommend visiting if you’re into partying (think SE Asia),diving, hiking, surfing,hostels and budget travel. I was going to go to Belize because of its barrier reef but heard there is not much night life and it’s touristy+ the corals are dying:( is it still worth going or are there other countries that would be a better fit.

I am not tech savvy. I need step by step help.

I will be traveling from the US to Central America and Mexico soon. How will I get SMS code verifications (for banking, etc) on my iPhone?

I have an iPhone XR, WhatsApp, a Google voice account, and I am planning on buying local SIM cards in country.

Please ELI5 because I’m feeling very dumb right now. Thank you.