Hello Everyone! I am a 22 year old female solo traveler planning my trip to Italy in late May through early June. I am planning on going to Rome Positano and Florence. I need to buy my ticket and the one I am seeing is an Iberia flight from JFK to Barcelona. I would have either a 2 or 3 hour layover in Barcelona and a 2 hour flight to Rome. My question is has anyone done this flight route? If so what was your experience and how reliable is it? I am not picky about airlines. I am just scared of lost luggage, major delays, and check in problems. This is my first solo trip like this and I don’t want to be stranded in a country with little to no resources. If you guys have flown this route should do you recommend it or should I bite the bullet and go with a more well known airline like Delta. Thank you so much!

I have a skin condition (eczema) and basically have to have lotions & creams with me at all times and need it with me & wanted to know if that’s prohibited when traveling on an airplane.

I’m planning a trip to the U.S. in early May and looking for a place to stay for about 12 days. Right now, I’m torn between LA and San Diego. I’ve been to LA before in the spring, and one of the things I loved was the weather. But with the wildfire happening in Palisades, I’m concerned about air quality, businesses operating with reduced hours or staff, and possibly needing to wear a mask for outdoor activities, which would make traveling less enjoyable. That said, I don’t know how bad the situation truly is since my info comes from the news, and I’m holding onto hope that things will improve by May because I really want to go to LA.

However, San Diego recently crossed my mind, and after looking into it, it seems like a great, chill, laid-back place. My only hesitation is that I’m a city person—I grew up in a big, busy metropolitan area like NYC (I stayed there for about four months) and want to experience a new place, but I also don’t want to feel like it’s too slow-paced. LA, while more relaxed than NYC, still has that city vibe, whereas San Diego seems more like a beach town with a slower pace. Since I’ve never been to SD, I’m unsure if it would suit me.

One thing to note: I’m looking to stay in one place for the entire 12 days. I don’t want to split my time between LA and San Diego, so I’m trying to decide which one would be the better choice.

So, I have a few questions:

1. Does San Diego have a city vibe like LA, or is it noticeably more relaxed?
2. How does public transportation in San Diego compare to LA? (I don’t have a driver’s license, so renting a car isn’t an option.)
3. Do you think LA’s air quality will improve by May, and will businesses be back to normal? I was considering staying around Santa Monica if LA turns out to be okay.
4. I love good cafes. My travel style isn’t about visiting all the tourist attractions—I prefer blending in, spending time at cafes for hours, going for walks, and enjoying the local atmosphere. Considering that, would LA or San Diego be a better fit?

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Hi all! I am wondering if anyone has been to Oaxaca, and recommended any birthday cake bakeries that can hopefully deliver? A few friends and I are celebrating our girlfriends 30 and we want to make it special! Thank you!

Hi fellow travelers,

My partner and I are planning a trip this summer through some of the balkans in between some hiking trips. Some things are fixed: we will start this leg of the trip after finishing a hike in the dolomites (leaving from Belluno, Italy) and want to end up in Plav, Montenegro to hike the peaks of the balkans trail about 15 days later.

We are very into the outdoors, but will be spending a good amount of hiking regardless. We enjoy wandering around cities, eating good food, and catching hidden gems. What would you do to improve this itinerary?

Travel (1 day)

- going from Belluno all the way to Lake Bled or stopping for one night in Uldine/Goricia

Lake Bled/Alps (2 days)

- one day spending time around the lake, one day hiking

Ljubljana (2 days)

- relaxation in the city, museums

Zagreb (1 day) (pick up rental car?)

- added in this day to break up travel from Slovenia to Croatian coast. I am open to renting a car here for the next week or two if it makes sense and would make our travel more enjoyable

Travel and Plivitce (2 days)

- Spending time at the waterfall and hiking, could change these days for Sibenik/Krka National park

Split (2 days)

- wandering the city, day hike from town

Mostar and surrounding (2 days)

- want to see Mostar, Blagaj, Pocitelj, and Kravice Waterfall

Dubrovnik (2 days) (drop off rental car)

- walk around old town, do the cable car

Travel to Kotor/Podgorica (1 day)

- need to get to Montenegro from Dubrovnik, Kotor seems easiest?

Travel to Plav (1 day)

- make our way to Plav to get ready for the hike

Thanks for taking the time to read and share your experiences/thoughts!

Hello everyone, my friend and I are going to Yucatan Peninsula (arriving CUN) for two weeks in mid-March. I wanted to do multi-day tour with moderate/intense physical activities such as trekking in the forest. We will depend on public transportation. I wanted something similar to summiting Acatenango in Guatemala. I am not looking for a 1 mile hike to a tourist-filled ruins or cenotes or stuff like that. I am talking about like summit something or achieving something that requires physical activity. It can be anything, kayaking or whatever. We are college student so it has to be not too costly. Let me know if there is anything like that in Yucatan peninsula. Thanks.

Hello. So first time in the USA (work trip). I'm in Pennsylvania right now. The only day when I'm going to be free is on friday, and on saturday I'm leaving to my home country. So wondering is it worth to go to new york. Because is 3 hours drive for me. Don't know what traffic is in new york, and what I can see in such a short time.

Anyone who been, or live in new york help me.

Is it worth it, can I find where to park a car and what places I can see.

Hi, All: I am coordinating booking an Alaskan Cruise for my family this summer with a land excursion to Denali National Park. Denali is something my dad is really excited about. Other than air temperature and hours of daylight, what other differences might there be between a) second and third weeks of August and b) second and third weeks of September? Is wildlife viewing in Denali going to be worse in September? Crowds less in September? General weather condition differences? Tell me anything that might influence my decision. Please and thank you in advance. :)

I am going to Portugal for six days and was wondering if I should spend three days in Lisbon (with one of those days as a day trip to Sintra) and three days in Madeira. We would lose some time traveling to Madeira, but it looks so beautiful and unique. Do you think it would be better to spend the entire trip in Madeira or should I do Lisbon and the Algarve instead? Any advice would be appreciated!

I applied for a Vietnam e-visa almost 2 weeks ago (25th Jan) and it still hasn’t come through. I’m due to arrive in Vietnam on the 9th of February.

I’m Aware that there are some delays because of Tet

Should I start thinking about applying for an emergency one?

hi everyone! I just booked a 5 day, 4 night trip to Iceland for April and can’t wait.

since I’m booking somewhat last minute, I’m not finding a ton of options for where to stay.

does anyone have any recommendations for clean/well located hostels or hotels? I’d prefer a private room and bathroom if possible but am also fine with a shared bathroom. looking to spend < $150 a night if possible and access to some sort of kitchen or at least fridge/microwave.

thanks in advance!!!

Good day!

I am planning a week long trip to New York in December, including over New Years, with my father who's never been to New York before. I've been to the city before, so this is more to fulfil my dads dream of seeing the city in Christmas time, and to try to fit in as much things he wants to see.

We currently have the residence inn jersey city booked, as its right next to the PATH station and gives me a really good military discount.

Please let me know what you think of my itinerary, and if there's anything you would recommend!

December 27**^(th)** Saturday

-Catch flight to JFK Airport

-Buy two MetroCard’s at airport, fill with a 7-day unlimited pass, and $60 USD value for AirTrain and PATH service.

-Head to Residence Inn Jersey City

-Death N Co / Amor Y Amargo for late night drinks

December 28**^(th)** Sunday

-Central Park

-lunch at Central Park Boathouse

-Skating at Woolman’s Rink

-Walk down 5^(th) Avenue to see Bergdorf goodman Christmas windows display, Saks 5^(th) Avenue, Rockefeller Plaza Christmas tree, FAO Schwarz toy store.

-Bryant park Winter market

-Macy’s department store

-Dinner at Keens Steakhouse

December 29**^(th)** Monday

-Russ and daughters for breakfast

-Walk to Washington Square Park, then down Thompson street, and Bleeker street/Hudson street to the Chelsea Market.

-Bronx zoo in the afternoon

-Arthur Avenue to explore little Italy, and have dinner at Enzo's

- NYC Botanical Gardens in the evening for ‘Train night’ and to explore the gardens

December 30**^(th)** Tuesday

-Circle City Cruise tour of Manhattan

-MET Museum (I've already been, so just browsing for a couple hours)

-Rockefeller center for Top of the rock (VIP tickets to skip the line)

-Hadestown production

December 31**^(st)** Wednesday

-Radio City Hall for the Rockettes

- NYC Ballet's ‘The Nutcracker’

-Roosevelt Island Tramway

-NYE Dinner at Olive Garden in Times Square or somewhere else in view of the Ball drop (I know its super expensive, but figure this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for my dad and I)

January 1**^(st)** Thursday

-Joe's Pizza Broadway for lunch

-Salute to Vienna concert

- 9/11 Memorial

-The Dead rabbit for dinner

January 2**^(nd)** Friday

-Liberty state park.

-Katz's Delicatessen for lunch

-Head back to JFK Airport to catch flight home

I may take my first solo trip this summer for probably around 2-3 weeks, and I think I'm set on visiting Mexico, specifically central Mexico, where the elevation is higher, temperatures are cooler, and weather is apparently more predictable (rains primarily limited to afternoon/evening, cooler temperatures, cleaner air, etc.)

That said, I think I'll be limited to the month of July and early August. I plan on visiting CDMX for at least a week but I'm on a dispute on where to go from there. I'm thinking of either heading southeast into Puebla and Oaxaca, or heading northwest primarily into Guanajuato, but also Michoacan and maybe another neighboring state like San Luis Potosi, Guerrero, etc.

I'm not sure how well I could manage visiting both Guanajuato and Oaxaca in a timeframe like 2-3 weeks given that I'm not a seasoned traveler, and I'd like to take my time visiting these areas rather than rushing. That's why I'd like to limit myself to either Guanajuato/Michoacan or Puebla/Oaxaca if possible. If anyone has any recommendations of fitting these areas into 2-3 weeks though, then please share and provide any recommendations!

My interests/goals are:

1. Delicious, diverse, unique tasty food. I'm a major foodie and I've heard that Oaxaca and Puebla have the best food in Mexico, which is driving me towards there.
2. Beautiful historical sites & unique architecture. This is where I'm torn between Oaxaca and Guanajuato. While Oaxaca and Puebla look absolutely beautiful and the historical architecture looks stunning, Guanajuato genuinely looks like another world with winding streets and colorful colonial buildings that seemingly rise above each other. I'm not saying that Oaxaca/Puebla aren't absolutely beautiful however I'm drawn to how stunning Guanajuato looks.
3. Beautiful, stunning nature that is easily accessible. I love nature and hiking and while I'm not sure how much I'll hike in Mexico, I've heard that Oaxaca is much better for nature since it's literally surrounded by mountains and I can go down to Puerto Escondido or Huatulco if I want some beach time.
4. Experiencing Indigenous Mexican culture & tradition. I've heard that Oaxaca absolutely takes the edge on this, not just for Guanajuato but for Mexico as a whole. However, please correct if I'm wrong for I'd love to experience indigenous Mexican culture, tradition, cuisine, etc. as much as possible regardless of where I go.
5. Many fun or unique cultural experiences and activities. I think I've read on various threads that Oaxaca takes the edge on this, however I've also heard of fun things and events in Guanajuato and other areas as well that I'm willing to explore as well.
6. Cooler & less humid temperatures if possible. I don't mind humidity however I don't think I could deal with hot, humid weather like in Cancun or the coastal lowlands. I know that the central highlands aren't really that hot or humid but I was wondering if there's a major temperature difference between say, Oaxaca and Guanajuato considering their locations.

Based on this description, it appears that Puebla/Oaxaca would be suited better for me, however I would LOVE to visit Guanajuato and Michoacan as well and so I'm a bit torn. As alluring as Oaxaca and Puebla seem, I have a soft spot for places like Guanajuato City, San Miguel de Allende, Morelia, Xilitla, etc.

That said, I won't be taking a car and will be using public transportation and buses to get around. This will also be my first time traveling and I have heard that Guanajuato can be a bit dangerous. I know that places like Guanajuato City & San Miguel de Allende are very safe for foreign tourists however, I will not travel anywhere that's too dangerous. I also don't speak any Spanish, though I do plan on learning very basic Spanish or at the very least, basic Spanish phrases if I go.

Which way would you rather go, and why? Thank you in advance!

Hi guys, I'll be visiting Vietnam for 9 days in April from Hyderabad (India). Please critique my itinerary:

Friday night ✈️ from hyd to Hanoi

Saturday morning bus from Hanoi to Sa Pa, reach Sa Pa by noon. Check in and chill.

Sunday and Monday 2 days Sa Pa explore.

Tuesday morning checkout and take bus/train to Hanoi. Reach Hanoi in the evening and explore city.

Wednesday day cruise at Ha Long Bay and get back same night to Hanoi

Thursday morning flight to Da Nang, check into hotel and noon explore the Golden Hand Bridge

Friday Hoi An Saturday Hue (Both days return back to da nang hotel)

Sunday noon flight to Ho Chi Minh and night back to Hyd.

My wife and I have a wedding in Tuscany over Memorial Day Weekend, and we'd like to tack on a week before or after the wedding traveling elsewhere in Europe. We'll be with our children (4M and almost-2F), and we want to go somewhere that will have a ton of stuff for the kids to do. We've already taken the kids to London and Barcelona, and while we'd be happy to return to London (I have family there), I'd rather try somewhere new. We're also hoping to pick a place that we can use as a single base of operations, instead of moving accommodations multiple times. My initial thoughts were Edinburgh, Paris (been multiple times as an adult, never with kids), southern France (Provence, etc.), northern Italy (Lago di Como, Lago di Garda, etc.), or Germany/Austria.

I'd love your recommendations and explanations for them. Thank you in advance!

Does anyone have experience with Allianz's Annual Travel Insurance? Looking for reviews - good, bad or ugly.

TIA.

Hello,

I’m seeking advice from anyone with experience purchasing hotel bookings in a foreign currency through sites like Booking.com. We’ve already paid for our hotels, and we’re wondering: if the exchange rate changes and increases the price, will we be charged extra? Or is the price fixed at the rate applied when the card was charged?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Hi everyone!

I’m moving to Iceland from US Minnesota soon. If yall can help, I wanted more details on the requirements. I understand vaccinations up to 90 but there’s a lot I don’t understand and the link shared with me by Icelandic customs don’t help much.

I can provide link or image of the vaccines they require, age of my cat, and what vaccines he already has.

I don’t know the specifics on how he will travel, cargo, seated with me, what type of documentation he needs or any details.

Does he need password? Visa? Some document I’m not aware of? Please help

I absolutely loved my time in Thailand. The main highlight was the Mae Hong Son loop, it just felt very easy going, lots to see along the way and very culturally rich. I’ve also done the ha giang loop and a fair bit of motorbiking around Vietnam, but did not enjoy it as much as Thailand as I felt it was harder to find things to do along the way (but the scenery was lovely). Any recommendations for other loops to do on a motorbike, similar vibes to north Thailand, lots of culture and lots to do. Would want to see more of Asia.

Hi all! I leave on Thursday for CDMX and will leave on Monday (I’m an American, I have no PTO, so no I cannot extend sadly). I know I won’t have the chance to see everything that the city offers, but I’m going to do my best.

I’m staying in the Roma Norte area an am looking for places to eat that I CANNOT miss! Again, I’m only here for 3 full days, so that doesn’t leave me a lot of meals to explore. I love all types of food, but am looking for something in between street food and Michelin starred - Around $20-30 per meal if possible. I love pretty much all foods so am not picky on that front, but we will mainly be in the Roma Norte area so recs here are appreciated.

EDIT: I leave this week so anywhere that requires a reservation is sadly out!

My girlfriend is taking me away for a weekend in late March-early April. What’re some of your favorite weekend getaways and why? We’re open to anything that’s less than a 4 hour drive from Pittsburgh.

• 2 days in auckland
• waitomo caves & hobbiton, stay in matamata
• inferno crater lake, te waihou blue springs
• stay in rotorua
• drive to taupo & huka falls
• 2 days in wellington
• ferry to picton & drive to lake tekapo
• spend day at lake tekapo & lake pukaki
• 1 day in queenstown
• 2 days in milford sound
• fly from queenstown back to auckland for my flight back home

i wanted to fit a lot in bc it’s a long flight and i’m unsure as to when i’d be back in that part of the world, but nothing outside of my flight there and back have been booked yet so i am open to feedback and adjustments! i’m looking for a majority nature, with some city activities type of trip

So I need a surgery done in Warsaw. They have one of the best specialists for my condition in the world there. So the whole trip is planned around that.

I am afraid of heights. So I have chosen to take the Perth to London direct flights so I only need to be on 2 planes.

I have never traveled. So its a new thing for me entirely.

Here is our rough outline plan:

Perth ---> London (and immediately leave london with no sightseeing or anything)

London by train to Brussels
2 days Brussels

Brussels ---> Berlin by train

2 days Berlin

Berlin ---> Warsaw by train

Unknown stopover time. 2-7 days depending on recovery from surgery.

Warsaw ---> Prague by train

2 days

Pargue --> Paris

2 days

Paris --> London

However long we have left on our trip in london.

We land in London on the 19th at 550AM. And we have to leave London on the 1st at 1150AM. So a total of 10 days + the half day that we leave London on. If we end up delayed in Warsaw then the whole trip afterwards will be cancelled at we go straight back to London.

I have also considered doing just 1 day in brusells and berlin. Just to increase our chances of being able to see Prague and Paris after Warsaw. My partner is quite keen primarily for Brusells and Paris. I'm not fussed. But I would like to see Berlin. But dont care too much to force it since the Warsaw thing is entirely for me.

Q/A:

What trains should we take? And which upgrades would be worth it? I am a big train guy. I love trains. So the majority of my smiles are going to be from looking out the window of a moving train.

Any specific spots worth making sure we hit? Atm I've mostly just planned out Warsaw. Perogis, Langos, Old-Town, Uprising Museum, Lazienki, Zakopane (if possible to get time to do).

Phones: We are thinking of just buying 2 sims in the airport before heading out into london.

Paying for stuff: We are grabbing an international credit card with no fees. But Also bringing 500 bucks cash to convert to euro for a "just in case" money.

Hotels: Since we are not sure about what is going to happen and if we can make particular stops. The plan is to book a hotel while on the trains to our next destinations. My thought process on this is: Its not high tourist time so there should be plenty of options everywhere to find somewhere to stay for 2 nights.

Getting around: We plan on using Uber at each location or public transport. I have heard that it is quite good everywhere in Europe. And using trains to get from city to city.

Food: My partner and I love food. It is very exciting the thought of having new cuisines. So any suggestions at all. Whether it be weird, strange, super spicy, traditional, or just plain high quality and delicious.

Thanks everyone for having a read. :)

We are planning a road trip in mid-February with our 5-month-old baby. Looking for recommendations on family-friendly destinations that have mild winter weather and baby friendly? We are based in Austin, Texas. We are looking into Florida panhandle but we’ve already been there last year so we are wondering if there are any alternative options that would work with good weather and baby friendly under 14 hour drive.

Is the aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, a viable destination for our infant, or would the trip be too strenuous for just one attraction? How about Tucson or Phoenix Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Tennessee they’re all under 14 hour drive, so being considered as potential destinations. Revisiting the familiar Florida beaches is another option. As first-time road trippers with our baby, we would greatly appreciate any advice or recommendation .. any baby-friendly attractions and amenities available??

Hey I have a question. I bought 2 packs of royal honey 20g each and I’m going to Italy. Does anyone know if I can bring this with my check in luggage? I don’t wanna have problems

At my airport, we do US customs PRIOR to getting on our flight to JFK.

Seeing as though my layover in JFK is only 1 hour, I want to know if I’ll be subject to additional screening once I land at JFK. My plane and connecting flight to Tokyo are in the same terminal, too.

Does anyone know? Tried calling JFK but they will not return my voicemail.

Flight is YYZ-JFK-HND

Hiii Trying to plan a road trip in laos, Currently thinking on starting at vientain and going south (already visited the north) Do you have any routes and recommendations? We have about a week available. Thank you!!

I am thinking of taking an ETN or primera plus bus from guanajuato to guadalajara in May. Is there any danger of traveling by bus between these two cities? I am guessing the bus takes toll roads - is that true? I know the USA has an advisory about traveling within these states. Do the buses take a northern route through Leon? I don't know that any of it is dangerous but if there is any danger, my guess is the southern route is worse (which may have to go through Irapuato). I guess the concern is bandits or corrupt cops storming the bus. But, I really do not know if that is even a concern. For anyone who is informed, please let me know about bus travel between guanajuato and guadalajara. Thank you!

As a secondary question, I have about 7-9 days. I was thinking of doing Guanajuato and a day trip to San Migel Allendale and also visiting Guadalajara. Any general thoughts on that? I've been to CDMX, Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido, Quintana Roo...

I hope to visit small towns and to see rural areas. I travel alone with a backpack and look super gringo with long blond hair. Looking to go south west or south east from here. I'm a grown man and not my first rodeo but I'm in a country I know very little about.

I asked the locals here and got really mixed replies ranging from "Yes definitely you will love it" to "No you should not. Only go to cities that have airport" even from punk youngsters. I have no reference point whether we are talking about criminality you usually find in countries or if the action really is on steroids here or if there is some kind of hostile atmosphere towards gringos wandering into small villages.

What have been your experiences? What should I consider apart from staying in the daylight?

(I was also hoping for trainhopping but heard that robbers wait at train yards for immigrants from south to rob.)

Landing from the UK for 7 days in Atlanta during mid-april holidays with 2 teenagers (both aged 13).

Now ive already been to Atlanta last year (solo) during a 2 day layover and i didnt really see much all to do for the teenagers.

The reason why we're landing in ATL is because there was some stupidly cheap flights available with the use of a few points. It basically cost us less to travel to ATL than it did to go somewhere in Europe, around $200 cash and a few thousand points per person.

My plan is to rent a car and then from ATL travel outwards, i dont mind driving upwards of 4-6 hours max to get to our destination. The routes options that i am leaning towards would be :

ATL-Chatanooga-Knoxville-Pigeon forge-Gatlinburg

With the majority of time in Gatlinburg because they seem to have quite a few activities for teenagers (rides, shows, restaurants).....just not sure if we would get bored if its 7 full days there?

ATL - Nashville - not yet fully looked up nashville but im assuming it would be mainly shows, music, food, parks?

ATL - coast of florida

Did Disney about 3 years ago so probably not look to do Orlando theme parks this time around, but moreso the beaches (daytona area) and rent a villa with a pool.

I also think there are places like Charlotte, Bham Alabama which are within the driving range but i cant really see much appeal for those with 2 teenagers and 1 week. Any suggestions or critique of my options would be much appreciated. Thank you