I was issued a transit visa by etihad airways for my layover but now my plan changed and I am flying through emirates and will transit through Dubai instead of Abu Dhabi. Do I need to apply for a new visa or the previous one would be valid.

I’m from the UK and really want to do a tour for a few weeks of somewhere quite remote and wild, with lots of flora and fauna. I was originally thinking Costa Rica but open to suggestions

Hi I’m planning on doing a yoga retreat in Nepal soon! Let me know your experience!

I will be travelling from Toronto to Dubai for the first time. I had questions regarding two things.

1. The forex fees on my cc is 2.5%. Someone had recommended to exchange money through the wise app and use the wise card as a debit card in Dubai. Is this the preferred route? Are there any other methods?

2. My Canadian sim won't work in Dubai. Is it better to land in Dubai and get a sim from there with a plan or are there any apps where I can get an e-sim and activate it before I land in Dubai?

Any other recommendations for a first time traveler?

Hey all,

I have been trying to plan a 3 week ski trip through Austria and Italy this winter. The plan was land in Innsbruck, but then not really sure where to go. The transportation logistics and busing through the mountains can be complicated.

We wanted to hit a couple different spots.

• Lech
• St Anton
• Innsburck
• Cortina d’Amprezzo
• Tirol
• Dolomities

Wanted to know if anyone had any advice for this ski trip or done something similar? Open to any suggestions as well. We are very high-level skiers and want to ski some challenging terrain. We are open to picking like 3-4 spots to spend a couple spots in each locations to enjoy the skiing, food and culture.

Thank you!

Hi!

We have family on Medina and invited us to come. I'm a bit confused about the visa requirements.

I have a spanish passport and I live on UK. So I understand that I qualify for visa on arrival. But what about my spouse?

- She has a Chilean passport. So she doesn't qualify from that.

- She has residence on UK. But BRPs cards will expire the next month (UK is changing to an e-visa system). So I am not sure how I could prove this, specially without internet.

- Would she be eligible as first-degree family of a spanish citizen? Visa requirements are a bit vague on the webpage.

Would we qualify for visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia?

So a bit of a random one, but I'm going travelling/backpacking for the first time in a couple of months, and I'm wanting to take a towel or two. I really don't like microfibre fabric, so I was wondering if anyone knew of any non microfibre towels, that pack really small and aren't too heavy? Thank you!!

Hi. My brother and I are planning to take our parents on a trip to Europe in May/June of 2025. It has been their deam, especially since they have family and friends in England that they haven't seen in decades. The primary location is the U.K. We would like to spend about 7-10 days in England and a few days in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The other goal is to add on a premade tour of Germany (especially Frankfurt), Italy, and France prior to going to the U.K. For example, one of those 10-day tours. We think it would be easier, especially for our parents who are older. We don't have a high budget though. We have never planned such a trip and it seems a bit overwhelming and we're not sure how to go about planning it.

Do you have any advice for planning this trip? Are there any specific tours you would recommend? Is there anything important we should take into consideration? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

We are a group of 6 looking for our next girls trip destination! We live all over the country and so anywhere in the US is on the table. So far we have done Vegas, New Orleans, and Austin. Any suggestions are welcome—and thanks!

I'm looking for some help from fellow travelers who have been to the places I have in mind.

To sum up my likes/dislikes:
- I'm in my early 40s so not really interested in night life and beach clubs but more quiet places
- I like good food options but eat mostly vegetarian
- I love a nice beach and swimming
- snorkeling is cool but I do not do diving
- I like photogenic spots and views as I take my camera/drone everywhere
- some hiking is good but not my primary plan as I travel with only carry-on and as such don't have the space for clothes for colder heights
- not that much into wildlife, more for nature

I also do not have a motorbike licence so I have to use public transport/taxis/private drivers (which can add up quite fast so I'd like to avoid as much as possible)

1. Vietnam (end of February to either end of March or middle of April)

After I finish my 3 month trip in Thailand I plan to stay 1 month in Da Nang (as an avid gym goer I'd like to stay put for the whole month since in the next 2 months it will be quite difficult to get my workouts done).

I will do some 1 or 2 day trips to Hoi An and Hue.
Any other suggestions to visit that are close to Da Nang?

After Da Nang I can either fly directly to Hanoi and spend a 2-3 days there exploring it before I fly to Indonesia.
Or extend for another 7-10 days and explore some more with more time in Hanoi.

Places I have looked at are (staying 1-3 days in each):
- Phong Nha (2 nights) - maybe since it's on the way but not sure yet
- Ninh Binh (3 nights)
- Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha (looking mostly at 1 day tours from Hanoi)
- Hanoi (3-4 nights)

Open to other suggestions.

2. Indonesia (2-3 weeks - starting either end of March or from middle of April)

I'm looking at Java and Sulawesi.
I've been to Bali, Lombok, Gili islands and Nusa Lembongan this April so I'd like to explore other places

Deciding if it is better to take more time and stay only on Java for good 2 weeks or extend my Indonesia trip to 3 weeks and make it around 10 days Java and 10 days Sulawesi.

Rough itinerary for Java and Sulawesi;

Java:
- Jakarta (1-2 nights)
- train to Bandung (2-3 nights)
- train to Yogyakarta (3 nights)
- train Malang (3-4 nights) - want to explore Tumpuk Sewu waterfall and hike the Mount Bromo for the sunrise

Sulawesi:
- Makassan
- Leang Petta Kere
- Tanah Toraja
- Tentena
- Togian islands or Banggai islands (I might skip all of these since I'm off to Philippines for the beaches and swimming - what do you think)

3. Philippines (good 2 weeks from beginning of May)

Land in Puerto Princesa

- Puerto Princesa (1 night)
- Port Barton (2 nights) - relaxing beach time
- El Nido (2-3 nights) - relaxing and do one of the island hopping tours
- boat tour (3D2N probably) to Coron
- flight to Cebu
- Sumilon island (day trip)
- Siquijor (3-4 nights)
- Panglao island (2-3 nights)

4. Vietnam

I fly from Cebu to Ho Chi Minh (since I already have my return ticket from there) and explore for a couple of days before returning home.

So is this to optimistic/rushed?
Anything skippable or worth adding?

Open to all suggestions :)

Thanks!

We looking at visiting the Christmas markets in Strasbourg in December. I figured we'd visit Colmar, Basel and spend a day in Baden Baden. Is 5 full days too long/short of a visit? We also have an extra 5 days to burn and considering Vienna for those.

Hi! I have a wedding in Amalfi (Italy). The wedding is on a Monday and I was planning to be in Italy the Friday before (factoring in travel) to the Sunday after (so 9 days total). I'll be flying in/out of Naples (unless anyone has better airport recommendations!)

Let me know any recommendations of places I should visit or spend time in. I was debating renting a car but am unsure if this is a good idea or if I should just pay a taxi or something.

I plan to definitely check out the Pompei ruins (probably on the first day when I get in (?) In theory, I could leave Italy. But I don't want to try to cram too many things into a short time frame.

Hola!

I'm planning a 2 week trip to Guatemala in Janurary. I speak a little spanish, but I'm not very good. I've solo traveled before but only in Western Europe. This will be different.

It's also different because I'm not doing this trip soley for fun. My goal is to do astronomy outreach and education. I do a lot of that in the US, and want to bring it somewhere that has less opportunities and access to resources like telescopes. I'll be setting up telescopes in some of the cities and towns and encouraging people to come take a look at the night sky, hoping to work with some schools too (There's on in Antigua Guatemala I'm told would love to have me), and donating the telescopes there at the end of the trip. This is not some existing program or organization I applied to work with, I am organizing it by myself, for myself.

I've been in touch with two astronomers in Guatemala who have agreed to help me out on some of the logistics, and even accompany me for parts of the trip - but by and large I am still expecting to be on my own.

What follows is a loose itinerary I have planned... but to be honest I still feel like I don't quite know what I am getting myself into... and since I don't plan on doing the usual "stay at hostels, takes tours, go visit the main tourist sites", it's been hard to find any resources on how practical this would all be for me.

Fly into Guatemala City
3 days there, rent car?
Antigua Guatemala - Sacatepéquez
3 days
Lake Atitlán - Solola
2 days
Drive back to GC, Fly to Flores, go to Uaxactún (Travel day)
1 day
Uaxactún - Petén
2 days
Carmelita - Petén
2 days
Fly to GC, Go Home
1 day

Is it practical to rent a car and drive myself? Should I hire a full time guide? So far I am relying on the connections I've made with these astronomers to set me up with a place to stay or transportation? (He says it should be doable, but we've been slow to iron out details). I gather Guatemala is safer than neighboring countries like Honduras but should I be wary of being alone when I am obviously gringo and hablo pequito espanol? Especially since, by definition, I can only do astronomy at night.

I'm hoping someone who has spent a lot of time Guatemala can help me get a picture of what is practical here.

Hi everyone! So I’m looking on Condor’s website for a route from Halifax, Canada to Milan. The best options are operated by both WestJet and Condor, and they offer 1 checked-in baggage. Since I have 2 big suitcases, I would like to buy another one but the website said they were “unable to offer baggage upgrade due to the feeder flight”.

Has anyone experienced this and did you guys find a solution? Can I buy another baggage after or at the airport? I’m worried the price, if applied separately for 2 airlines, might be too much and I’m trying to save.

Thanks a lot!

As per the title, I'm planning on going to Indonesia twice in a single month (going to another country and then back into Indonesia) - am I able to get two eVOA? How would this work - just get the eVOA, and then after I've left Indonesia the first time I apply for another eVOA? Or would I have to get the D1 1 year multiple entry visa?

Okay I know this is broad but hear me out! My partner and I have saved up for our honeymoon and we’re at the point where it’s time to book! Originally we wanted to go to South Africa (4 days in Zanzibar- 3 days in Kruger for safari-3 days in Cape Town - 3 days in the wine lands) but after some consideration, we’re worried that for our budget (about $10k) we will feel restricted once we’re here on spending. Plus, September when we plan to go is not the warmest weather in South Africa, so it might not feel as much of a traditional vacation for us. The alternate option we’ve come up with is going to Turkey (4 days in Istanbul - 4 days in Cappadocia - 4 days in Fethiya or Bodrum). The pros of this would be that turkey seems a lot more affordable for our budget so we could be a bit more luxurious after getting there than in SA. Plus, it’ll still be summery weather there so we will be able to enjoy the beaches and whatnot.

So from people who have been to either location, do you have any advice to help us decide!? If helpful, we also have about 600k chase sapphire points that we can use on flights or hotels or whatever!

Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated!

I am from India, I am travelling from Mumbai to Barcelona. I have booked 2 separate tickets. One from Mumbai (BOM) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) via Etihad Airways. Second, from Dubai (DXB) to Barcelona(BCN) via Qatar Airways. I was previously transiting and flying forward from Abu Dhabi itself & I got a transit visa for the same through etihad airways so that I can explore the city, but now since my plan changed & my flight is from Dubai Airport instead of Abu Dhabi Airport & I realised that the transit visa which I issued via etihad airways says that the inbound and outbound flight must be from Abu Dhabi itself, I am worried if I will be allowed boarding from Dubai AIrport. Anyone please help if this itinerary where I change planes and Airports in UAE on transit visa would work or not. I am really tensed, will I be allowed boarding or not?

I would kindly ask for some recommendations and help. Thank you.

The general plan is as follows, 17 full days total:

Day 1 - Arrive early in Colombo, travel straight to Habarana

Day 2-5 - Use Habarana as a base, visit Sigiriya / Anuradhapura / Polonnaruwa / Dambulla via day trips

Day 6 - Travel To Kandy

Day 7 - Spend day in Kandy sightseeing

Day 8 - Travel to Ella via train

Day 9-10 - Ella and surroundings

Day 11 - Travel to Mirissa

Days 12+ - Mirissa, visit Yala / Tangalle / Udawalawe / Galle via day trips

Questions:

1. I am wondering what the best options to travel btw these locations? I see buses, trains online, and many comments that hiring drivers is common. I will not drive, I have no issue with public transport either, but willing to pay up to an amount for comfort. What would be the cost of hiring a driver for these directions?

2. Is Habarana or Dambulla a better place to stay as a base? It seems accommodation is plenty everywhere.

3. More than one day in Kandy? I am reading some mixed reviews.

4. Is it more reasonable to travel Ella>Yala, stay a night there, do a safari and then travel to Mirissa, or is this not necessary? Is Yala easy to reach from Mirissa?

5. Likewise, is Udawalawe easier to reach from Ella or Mirissa?

6. Any recommendations to add to these areas? I have a couple of days that I could move around. Adam´s Peak is of no interest to me, and consensus on Colombo seems to be that it is not particularly exciting.

I am planning a trip to Mexico and a few other nearby countries. We will spend some time in Mexico City and then want to spend a few days relaxing in a beach town.

We love old colonial towns and would love to stay in an area that has both lovely beaches and historic buildings. Most of the places I have seen so far either have lots of high rises which isn't our cup of tea, or feel a bit rundown. We're looking for a walkable place where we can hop from the beach to some pedestrian-friendly pretty streets with restaurants. Kind of like a Mexican version of the Greek islands. Any ideas?

If you think we'd have a better chance at finding this in another country in Central or top of South America, please let me know as I might be able to fit it in there!

I recently flew to Casablanca using Iberia Airlines. Start to finish it's been a nightmare and I'm beyond frustrated. The flight was Dallas > Madrid > Casablanca. The return leg was Casablanca > Madrid > Dallas.

• requested a special meal due to food allergies. Booked said special meal in our booking. Called customer service to confirm this acclimation. Flash forward to the flight, Air stewards said "no one told us" and offered us meals we literally could not eat.

-Iberia lost our bag in Madrid, leaving us without clothes for 3 days (me + wife + 8 month old baby). -Iberia customer service says no worries, purchase necessary items and toiletries and we'll get reimbursed. -We stayed in Rabat, Iberia says they'll deliver the bags to us (they lied). Customer service then says they'll reimburse us for a rental car or taxi to get us back to Casablanca to get our luggage from the airport, then back to Rabat. -Under a single booking code, we paid $70 to check in luggage to Casablanca. On the return, Iberia charges us to check the bag to Madrid and then charged us again to check the bag from Madrid to Dallas. It was a single booking code and we had no choice in this layover!

Fast forward to now, Iberia is saying the best they can offer is 210 Euros. How is that even legal? EU regulations state we can get up to 1,200 Euros for this situation.

All calls to Iberia Airlines results in blatant lies and runarounds from customer service.

Is there anything we do to get some actual help?

Let’s say you want to go to a destination but it takes six hours to get there and you only have a three day weekend to do it so that is 12 hours for 3 days. You really only get 2 days there. Is that worth it

Say you have a weeklong trip but it takes 18 hours to get there plus jet lag. So a full day of travel there and back and you’d only get 5 days there.

Is there a rule of thumb that you use to plan your trips? Like a minimum stay for a certain time traveling?

I am an Indian citizen, I got a transit visa for uae, can I enter from abu dhabi airport and have my connecting flight from dubai airport.

Hello, maybe somebody will know. Me and my homie will be on mallorca next summer. The problem is that during the travel he'll be 2 weeks before his 18th birthday. So the matter is... Do somebody know what it looks when we're talkin' abt BCM Magaluf in mallorca? I know that they mustn't let go people who are under 18, but do they really check an ID card? Can he go inside in any way? thx in advance

I had a big pile of cancer a few years ago, and while I'm hopefully over it it did severely reduce my lung capacity. As a result any kind of strenuous activity is hard for me, and altitude makes it worse.

With that in mind I'd like to ask if travelling to Nepal and Bhutan is worth it given I'd not be able to climb or hike to any meaningful extent. No Tiger's Nest for me, but is there enough to see at ground level, as it were, to make a trip worth it? Of course I'm sure everywhere's worth seeing, but if the climbing really is the main draw I guess maybe somewhere else in this big world should be a higher priority.

Just after general views from anyone who has been or investigated it, and thanks for any replies.

It's been 110 hours and my esta still isn't approved . Is there anything i can do?

Hello, will be going to Rotorua for a conference and would like to go to the lakes (Blue Lake or Lake Okareka, which one do you recommend for hiking and a bit of dipping?)

I probably won't be renting a car (might do, if necessary), but how do I get from Rotorua centre to these lakes? I might go for an Uber but I don't know if drivers would go that deep into the wilderness.

Thanks guys, can't wait to be there!

I am 19 and I want to explore the world and also find out more about myself? What places have you visited that lead to self development?

Paris. Frankfurt. Budapest. Rome...Where would you stay for a month in Europe?

My husband and I will be flying to Europe in June/July 2025. He will be on a weeklong tour that begins and ends in Munich. Meanwhile, I will have a week to myself. There are lots of options, but we are now considering renting an place from which we/I will explore other places.

Considerations: Direct flights from California. Convenient (not necessarily close) to Munich plus other cities and sites. Relative cost (e.g. Budapest v Paris).

We have been (more than once) to the Adriatic countries and Budapest. Where would you suggest?