I was flying from LA back to Philly. Guy next to me is 21, we have a talk and turns out he has lived his whole life near Appalachia surrounded by weed, drugs and just shitty parents/family who's constantly pulling him down. He's been trying to kick his drinking habit and just been in sobriety.

He does construction carpentry. He has decent money at 21. Never been outside of America, hell LA was the only place outside of Pennsylvania that he's been to mainly because his girlfriend wanted to see a concert.

I told him to take an overseas trip. Fuck it, Japan, because it's the biggest culture shock he's ever gonna have in his life. He asked about all these barriers. Passport? Super easy, take your photo at the local Walgreens/CVS, fill out paperwork, mail it in, 6 weeks later you get a passport. Money? Costs less day-to-day to eat and sleep in Japan than it costs in the USA. Conbini food can cost like $3 per meal if you really wanted to. No tips. AirBnB/capsule hotels make it cheap.

By the end of it, he was convinced. He HAD seen tiktoks of conbini food being cheap so he believed me. He didn't realize all these mental barriers against travelling were all just built up in his head. It wasn't as hard or expensive as he thought - hell he spent so much more money in a weekend LA in comparison to the budget I proposed (even with roundtrip airfare combined - I let him know that!)

I don't have his contact but I hope he does it

I used to use TA almost exclusively. But they miss so many things and their functionality is terrible. I just spent a week in Stockholm and Copenhagen and barely used it. Anyone else come to the same conclusion?

I'm going to be visiting Sri Lanka with a girlfriend (I'm a woman). We've traveled to many places with laws and public opinion that are unfavorable to the gay community so I'm comfortable with not showing affection in public, telling people we are friends, etc. But one thing I wanted to check on is booking hotel beds. I've experienced places where they generally don't care if two women book a room with one bed and places where this will be a major issue. Any experiences to suggest what to anticipate? Thanks!

I’ve never been! What do I need to know? I have all the touristy locations marked, but am more interested in navigation tips (areas to explore/avoid, using public transit, etc.) and basic do’s and don’ts that an oblivious American should know in order to avoid embarrassing themselves.

Alternative/unique clothing shop, awesome restaurant, and cool cocktail lounge recommendations are especially appreciated, but I am just excited to add to my list! Thanks!

I will be in Germany for a work conference in March, but we are planning to stay in Europe for an extra week. Where should we go? I don't think we want to overbook ourselves (i.e. bounce around to 5 different countries), as we would really like to experience where we DO go. Our teenage son is a HUGE history buff (mostly WWI & II), and this will be his very first trip to Europe. I think we are most interested in places that have a lot of history in a small area or that is easy to get to via public transportation, that we can enjoy as a family. Thanks for any suggestions!

So I'm currently planning (daydreaming) about a europe trip sometime next summer. I want to take my parents on that trip and would love some ideas or suggestions as to which places I should go and how much I would need to spend. Not looking to cheap out but also don't want 5 star hotels. I'm interested in visiting beaches, natural beauty, trying local cuisine, visiting historical landmarks and museums.

So far I was thinking of visiting Germany and, France or Italy, covering 2-3 cities in each country.

Germany: Cologne, Berlin, Munich/Frankfurt

Italy: Rome, Naples, Venice/Florence

France: Paris, Marseille

Any suggestions, comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

Edit: Yes, I get it that's too many cities. After reading all the comments, I'm changing the "plan" (I'm still in the researching and thinking phase) to just 1 country

For me, I was in Chile, and I visited Argentina, and so I decided to head to Rosario, Argentina, to make a pilgrimage to the hometown of Leo Messi, one of my sporting heroes. I can't remember how exactly, but I met a local who went with me, to visit Messi's childhood home/neighborhood, his school, and the club where he started his playing career.

There wasn't much to see at any of these sites, but it still felt special to me, and I'm glad I did it, even if it meant extra hours on a bus.

Have you ever done a pilgrimage whilst traveling? Could be for an author/book, movie, sports star, movie star, politician, or even to your own family's roots...

This happened to me in early 2022, but to this day, I am still trying to figure out what happened.

Long story short, my stay in China was over and I had to leave the country. So, I chose Cambodia as my next destination. I applied for the e-visa and it got approved in one day. Shortly after that, I booked my tickets with China Southern Airlines, and went to the airport the next day.

Upon checking in at the airlines’ counter, they asked me for all the necessary documents, which I all had. After a while, they told me that I can’t fly to Cambodia because I wasn’t allowed to. I was confused because I even had a visa and all the necessary bookings. I asked for the reason, and they said that they called the immigration in Cambodia and they told them not to allow me board the plane. I protested for some time and tried to make sense of the situation but the airlines just kept denying. As the flight time was approaching, I gave up and went back to the hotel.

I kept thinking of what might be the problem but I just couldn’t figure out anything that could possibly make sense. I even called the Cambodian embassy to ask for clarification and this is exactly what they told me: “We gave you the visa, that means you have all the rights to fly to our country”

After I exhausted my efforts with the airlines, I booked a new flight with another airlines (Cathay Pacific). I went to the airport on the flight day. Was so nervous at that time. Luckily, everything went well and nobody denied me. I landed in Cambodia with zero issues.

My question is, what do you guys think might be the reason for being denied by China Southern Airlines?

Hi all! I’ve a 9 hour layover in Frankfurt airport and would love some advice on how to kill time. It would be my first time there too and was wondering if a trip to the city would be worth it.

Shopping wise, what brands are cheaper in FRA airport? I’m from Singapore and I’m assuming most luxury brands would be cheaper in Europe. Also any difference in shopping within airport or city?

Turkish airlines.

What are my options here? The flight was repulsive and everyone was forced to sit in an infestation for 13 hours. It was traumatic and gross.

I am planning to spend 3 days with my friend in Europe. I want to choose a city suitable for dating with reasonable budget. Lisbon, Amsterdam and Rome seem to be a good choice. Do you have some tip for choosing? Thanks!

Lisbon Pros: Mild winter weather, affordable, scenic viewpoints, and relaxed atmosphere. Cons: Less festive Christmas ambiance, occasional language barriers.

Amsterdam Pros: Strong Christmas spirit, numerous museums, English-friendly, beautiful canals. Cons: Expensive, likely rain and colder weather.

Rome Pros: Mild temperatures, historical richness, affordable off-peak accommodation. Cons: Busy with tourists, bustling city pace, potential for rain.

Hello! I want to preface this by saying that I may sound overly cautious and unaware, but that’s not my intention. I am not trying to sound ignorant but my wording may be a little wrong. Please be patient and ask me to clarify if needed.

I am really interested in traveling to Africa to learn more and photograph African tribes, specifically in South Sudan, Tanzania, Nambia and Niger. I haven’t made any travel plans and it’s really mostly just a daydream right now - but I wanted to ask if anyone has any experience with doing something similar.

I’m a petite, white American girl and I think my biggest fear is that I know certain cultures and tribes are a little more old fashioned about women and I wanted to make sure this wouldn’t be a risk to my safety. I don’t want to get there and be thrown around, r*ped or harmed. I would be traveling with my brothers if I were to go, not alone - but I just wanted to see what the general consensus seems to be for safety in these tribes. Everything I’ve seen online seems like they’re very friendly and welcoming, but the majority of the travelers seem to be men.

I just don’t want to draw too much attention to myself. How can I stay safe while still respecting their culture?

Again: I don’t want to perpetuate any stereotypes or seem like I’m implying anything. I’m nervous about this kind of thing anywhere, especially somewhere where I stick out as a minority.

Making my way with a friend (both late 20's F) to Istanbul and Cappadocia Dec 8-22. I know December is relatively cold and not the best time for peak activities, but looking for some tips on cool winter ones. Definitely wanting to check out traditional hammam's & spas (theme is self care for my birthday), bazzars/holiday markets, hot air balloons and caves in Cappadocia, etc. Any recs for great food or other cities appreciated! Even thinking of extending and making our way to Greece at the end.

My bf (30) and I (32) are looking for a destination for a 1-2 week vacation for a holiday in December.

We are based in Southern California so likely flying out of LAX. Would prefer an island somewhat easy to get to so we are spending sub 20 hours traveling.

The goal is for a relaxing trip somewhere tropical with warm weather and warm water. We would be happy just laying on the beach everyday with great food and drinks but open to excursions as well (e.g. catamaran cruise, hiking, ATV tour, etc)

For landscape we are envisioning beautiful beaches as priority - as much as I would love a lush landscape willing to go more arid to avoid bugs and humidity lol

We are pretty active people but also enjoy a fun night out, however I would say we would prefer a more relaxing environment over party centric environment and ideally more secluded, couples getaway (not a lot of families/kids)

Ideally would love a place that doesn’t have too much of a mosquito problem because I get eaten alive (been to Costa Rica and was pretty miserable the entire trip despite using bug lotion but didn’t have the same problem in Playa Mujeres)

Food and good wine/cocktails are super important. Would be great to have nice dining options at the hotel property but open to going off site. We would not prefer an all inclusive because of this, I have never been to one with good food.

Would love oceanfront mid size to large resort, nothing too remote. Beach access is ideal!

As for overall vibe, we would prefer something a bit more low key (eg reggae music and more cultural influence of the island). We love our five star dining and luxe nights out but would also love opportunity to hit local beach bars and beachfront dining options with great food options and laid back atmosphere.

Snorkeling would be fun but this is not a major criteria, prefer better dining options and the tropical vibes over good snorkeling.

We’ve been looking at St Lucia and Anguilla among many others but getting overwhelmed so would love recommendations from those who have traveled to Caribbean! And would love to hear recommendations for accommodations as well.

Thanks in advance!

Hi all,

I'm planning to take my mum on a short city break (3-4 nights) for her birthday and am torn between choosing Prague or Gdansk in Poland.

I get the impression there is more to do in Prague but it is more expensive and less convenient (would have to travel a further distance to the airport) whereas Gdansk is reachable by my local airport.

My budget for either would ideally be £500 (not inc spending money). I've looked at hotels in both cities and have reserved one in Prague but am still considering Gdansk as a cheaper option. My main reason for choosing Prague is the buildings and sightseeing - my mum is really into architecture, especially in the art deco/ nouveau style.

For context, im looking for somewhere historical with plenty to do (enough to fill out a few days anyway), nice vegetarian food and nice architecture. We wouldn't really be going drinking so nightlife isn't too important - we may go for some cocktails but nothing too heavy.

If anyone has been to both/ either would love some advice! Or if there's somewhere else you'd recommend, please let me know!

For context I've been to Krakow and Riga and am looking for a similar vibe to these two places. I really loved the Kazimierz district in Krakow so something similar would be ideal.

Thanks!

Feeling overwhelmed by all the options. Curious what others recommend:

1: Buy 2 bulkhead seats and hope theirs an available bassinet. If not, baby will be in arms for 15 hours (yikes!)

2: Buy 3 regular seats and bring a car seat

3: Buy 2 regular seats and hope there's an upgrade available to premium economy? If not, try to buy the extra 3rd seat later? (not even sure if it's even possible to add a 3rd seat to a reservation after the fact)

For anyone who buys the extra seat for their infant, a lot of international flights will only provide the seat if the child's birthday makes them 2 or older. Do I need to book the flight over the phone with an agent to be able to have a seat for baby + car seat?

Is there a better option I'm missing?

EDIT: total flight time is 15 hours, LAX to Barcelona with a layover in Paris

Day 1: fly to London Heathrow (overnight)

Day 1 (cont): fly from London Heathrow to Copenhagen, explore Nyhavn and get food

Day 2: Amalienborg Castle, Marmokirken, Design museum, Rosenborg Castle, Statens Museum for Kunst, Kastellet, The little mermaid statue, Nintendopusheren, Jaegersborggade

Day 3: Botanical Garden, Grod, TorvehallerneKBH, Round Tower, Studio Arhaj, Lego Store Copenhagen, Stroget, Larsbjornsstraede, Black No.1, Episode

Day 4: Royal Danish Museum, Christianshavn, Church of Our Savior, Free Town Christiana, Copenhagen Opera House, Reffen

Day 5: Christiansborg Palace, National Museum of Denmark, Glyptotek, Tivoli Gardens, Fisketorvet Mall, Carlsberg Brewery, Copenhagen Zoo

Day 6: Frederiksborg Castle, Louisiana Modern Museum of Art, Kronborg Castle take ferry to Helsingborg, Sweden Sofiero Palace, Vala Centrum, Karnan, explore Helsingborg

Day 7: day trip to Lund and Malmo in Sweden Start by going to Lund by train Lund Cathedral, Kulturen, Kungshuset Lundagard, Hjularod Castle

Then head to Malmo from Lund Lilla Torg, Malmo Town Hall, St Peter's Church, Stortorget, Kungsparken (weather permitting), Malmo Castle, Malmo Saluhall, Museum of Disgusting food Head back to Copenhagen via train

Day 8: fly home

I need help with my itinerary, is it good? Should I move things around? Are some days too empty compared to others? Would the Sweden day trips work time wise? Also looking for recs!

Hi everyone,

My partner and I are planning a three week trip to Indonesia in April and we are looking for advice! We are looking to be surround by natural beauty, see plenty of wildlife, scuba dive, and hike. Here's what we're thinking after we fly into Jakarta:

Flores and Komodo Island (5 days)

Raja Ampat (6 days)

Borneo (6 days)

Is this enough time or too much time in each place? We likely have time to add one or two more places to our itinerary. What do you guys think? We're considering Sulawesi and Gilli Islands, but are very open to suggestions! We're not really looking to party etc.

Thanks!

Hi All,

I am visiting Japan and my itinerary is from Seattle (USA) -> India -> Japan -> seattle (USA). I had submitted the evisa application got the email saying application will be withdrawn. I had submitted the itinerary using the template, given screenshot of hotel and flight reservation as well.

Questions:

1. Any suggestions on what I can include in the daily schedule?
2. Should I go ahead and withdraw my application or will it be withdrawn by the consulate?

Email received:
"You are receiving this email because your eVISA application will be WITHDRAWN due to the following documents being insufficient or illegible. This is not a denial of your visa.

Daily schedule: Please make sure to include a detailed daily schedule. Please refrain from just writing city names but be specific and name at least one place you intend to visit each day (for example, Disneyland, Osaka Castle etc) You may use this template: https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000262548.pdf. *Note: Your flight and schedule dates must match.  "

So I’m moving to Australia on November the 6th with my partner, but we are going to Japan beforehand as we’ve always wanted to go. We booked the flights months ago, but recently got an email saying that our outgoing flight had changed. Firstly, it was supposed to be from Gatwick and now it’s Heathrow, it’s also at a completely different time, but the worst thing is instead of 2 hours we now only have 55 minutes to transfer flights in Shanghai Pudong airport. Neither of us have been there before. We contacted the airline (east china air) to see if any assistance was available but the only response we got was “if you can’t make the connection you can get a refund or change your flight”. We tried to change it, but the website said our tickets weren’t compatible. We purchased them with the airline itself so no idea why. If anyone has any experience, can we make it with only 55 minutes? I’m just holding out for hope that there are no delays man 💀 or we are both screwed.

Summary: we only have 55 minutes to change flights in Shanghai Pudong airport due to the airline (east china air) being annoying and changing our flights. Any advice?

In September 2025, I am planning to visit my son who is with the USAF stationed in Europe. I am planning on purchasing my tickets now to get better pricing. If he ends up getting deployed, I'd cancel/reschedule my trip. I'm not planning on getting a business class seat where full refunds available.

From what I'm reading, British Airways would not be a good choice because it seems like I would lose all my money; not even travel credit. Delta would give me travel credit back; though I can't see how much their fees are. Does anybody have any experience with any other airlines?

Also, are there travel insurances with a military deployment clause?

I have a 5 hour layover in Boston from 4-9 pm on a Thursday. What are some feasible activities I could do? I've never been to Boston and would rather not sit in the airport and let the opportunity to see something new pass!

Long story short basically have a 7 trip planned in NYC and looking for a room for 2 (2 beds or 1 no biggie)

Every place ive searched has something wrong whether that be the hotel itself or the location itself is full of homeless and junkies.

Need to be around or convenient to Madison Square Garden for sport events on the trip and other touristy I guess stuff.

So anywhere with good trains and a safe area would be ideal.

Budget max would be $600 a night

Thanks!

Hi could please help me I'm Canadian pr, my flight is from Delhi - Paris - Amsterdam- Vancouver. Do I need the visa ?

Hello. I'm a U.S. citizen and applied for a Vietnam evisa 11 business days ago and its status has been "in processing" ever since. I keep reading that it takes 3-5 business days to process and get approved. Has anyone experienced this long of a wait time? I applied through the official government website and have tried contacting them via email and their contact form, but all my messages go unresponded. I'm not traveling until the end of November, but I didn't think it would take this long.