First time here and I’d heard a million times that it was a bit run down & grubby etc., but I was shocked to see the state of large areas of the city centre. I’m Scottish and it reminded me of Edinburgh during the bin strikes 3 or so years ago - 8 foot high piles of rubbish everywhere. Even saw some decomposing rats lying around that had clearly been there for weeks. Was a full-time job trying to avoid standing on dog shit as well. Assuming it was dogs! One guy also definitely trying to get me to take my hands out of my pockets in an attempt to rob me, I’m in no doubt about that. It wasn’t happening, though.

I took plenty of advice from various people to find the ‘nice’ parts, but we wandered around those areas for a couple of hours and it was terrible.

Has it gone downhill recently, or has it always been like this?

Any further advice on some decent areas with nice bars etc. would be welcome. We only have tonight left and we’d like to try enjoy it as best we can. Had a great dinner last night so wasn’t a total write-off, but after it certainly was. I’d rather not go out than wander around these areas again.

What’s actually going on here?

My 80 yr old mother and I (50 yr old female) are traveling in Spain in a few weeks. Since my phone's algorithms are now sending me every news story about how much dislike there is in Spain of tourists, can someone tell me how concerned I should be? We are polite and genuinely interested in Spanish history and culture. We will be spending a few days/nights in Valencia, Denia, Granada, Seville and Barcelona. Tia.

Edit: thanks everyone!!

We’re three guys traveling to South America for the first time. In the past, we’ve always traveled with our families – but this time it’s just the three of us. That gives us more flexibility, and we can explore more than we usually would on family trips.

We only have 13 days, so our goal is to see as much of South America as possible – but without feeling rushed or stressed. We’ve put together a rough itinerary (see below), and we’d really appreciate your input: Do you think the plan makes sense, or would you change anything?

Since it might be years before we’re able to come back, we want to make this trip count.

Our travel style: We like to start the day with a long, relaxed breakfast and usually head out around 11am. Then we explore a highlight or two, enjoy a nice lunch, continue sightseeing in the afternoon, and end the day in a relaxed way. We’re outdoors all day, but we’re not into intense hiking — we prefer a good balance of sightseeing, food, culture, and atmosphere.

What we’re looking for: • Feedback on the overall timing and destinations • Things, we shouldn't miss • Tips for safe travel in each place • Tips well-rated mid-range restaurants • Tips 4-star well-rated hotels, ideally well located and stylish

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May 27 ✈️ Flight: Frankfurt → Rio de Janeiro Time: 22:15 – 04:55

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May 28–30: Rio de Janeiro • Visit Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado) • Cable car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) • Relax at Copacabana and Ipanema beaches

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May 30 ✈️ Flight: Rio → Foz do Iguaçu Time: 21:35 – 23:55

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May 31: Foz do Iguaçu • Visit the Brazilian side of the Iguaçu Falls (approx. 2.5 hours) • Jungle hike in Iguaçu National Park

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June 1: Foz do Iguaçu • Visit the Argentine side of the Iguaçu Falls • Boat safari at the base of the falls ✈️ Flight: Foz do Iguaçu → Buenos Aires Time: 20:20 – 02:20

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June 2–4: Buenos Aires • Plaza de Mayo & Casa Rosada (historic city center) • La Boca neighborhood (colorful streets & tango vibe) • Recoleta Cemetery with Evita Perón’s grave • Walk through the parks of Palermo

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June 5 ✈️ Flight: Buenos Aires → Medellín Time: 10:20 – 08:18 (via Santiago de Chile)

Stopover: One day sightseeing in Santiago de Chile

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June 6: Medellín • Free day for sightseeing (e.g., Comuna 13, Botero Plaza, cable cars)

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June 7 ✈️ Flight: Medellín → Cartagena Time: 09:42 – 10:52

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June 7–8: Cartagena • Explore the walled city and colonial architecture • Relax on the beaches or take a boat trip

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June 9 ✈️ Flight: Cartagena → Bogotá Time: 08:31 – 10:02 • One day sightseeing in Bogotá (e.g., Monserrate, La Candelaria)

✈️ Flight: Bogotá - Frankfurt - Time: 23:30 – 17:20

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I find the hippie trail fascinating. What overland journey would you consider to be an equivalent in current times?

Trying to get some insights on best practices from this group. Appreciate in advance.

My husband passed away almost three months ago. It’s now just me and my two kids (13 & 14 yr olds). My husband and I have traveled around together, but I’ve never traveled alone.

I’m planning a trip for this fall, for me and my two children, to Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. I have a little anxiety about payment methods, however.

Long story summarized: last spring my husband and I traveled to the UK, Norway, and Iceland. We informed our bank of each country we would be visiting and which dates we’d be in that country. However, because my husband had an amazing cash-back credit card, we’d be primarily using that for the duration of our travels. While in Edinburgh, I ran across the street to grab us some coffees and breakfast and had forgotten to grab the credit card from my husband, but I had my debit card so I attempted to use it for the purchase. It declined- over and over, it kept declining. No big deal.. I ran back to the hotel and grabbed the credit card, got the coffees and that was that. I told my husband what had happened and he thought it was odd. So later that day, we tried the debit card (Mastercard) again at a different shop and same story. We said oh well and moved on. Had an awesome trip.

I closed the credit card shortly after he passed. If I try to apply for a credit card, with my nearly non existent credit history, I’m only going to be approved for what I assume is like a $500-1000 dollar limit. That won’t work because I’ll be traveling for multiple weeks.

What are my options? Is there some sort of international prepaid card that works everywhere a credit card would work? I’m terrified of the thought of traveling all the way there, thinking I’ve done everything right, and then having no way to pay for anything. I am going to pre-book everything I can before we leave (airfare, lodging, airport transportation, ferry, and rental car) but I’m talking just our day to day spending like parking, food, shopping, and entrance fees.

Much appreciated!

Grand Canyon or Yosemite??

A few things to consider when reading: We will be going early October, maybe sooner depending on what you all say about the weather (but I chose early October in hopes that it will not be too hot or too cold at either place, whichever is decided). We do plan on swimming at a few rivers and waterfalls at either place. Rental car costs are not a factor because my friend who is going with will be picking us up. We do love the outdoors and camping, but we will be training a lot over the next 6 months to make sure we are in good shape for either trip.
I am including a rough itinerary and financial plan for both choices just to help out a little.

Now that all of that is out of the way, I am struggling so damn hard and NEED all y'alls help!!!!

Just a small backstory to get things rolling: I went to the Grand Canyon a couple years back, I rented a bike and rode along the rim to Hermits Rest and back, it was so fucking awesome. I also drove out to Hoover Dam and Alamo, NV to see Area 51. It was such an amazing trip.

Current Day: My bf and I are planning a trip to go back out West in October and we invited a really good friend of ours to tag along, he lives out there and he offered to drive us so we could avoid paying for a rental car. The original plan was to make the same trip as I did a few years back, plus my bf and friend have never seen any of those sights I visited, so that would make it even better. BUT, this time I want to hike down to the Colorado River and camp for a few nights. I also wanted to camp at Havasu, but the cost is just not in my budget as of right now. I do plan on making a trip back to the Grand Canyon, hopefully in the next couple of years to camp on the Havasupai Reservation though. Realizing that we wouldn't be able to do Havasu this time around, I got super bummed and my friend (who is going with us) then suggested Yosemite, neither I or my bf have visited Yosemite, but my friend has and he loved it. However, they both told me that it is up for me to decide since it'll be a birthday trip, but both places are insanely beautiful just from photos, but the Grand Canyon has my heart lol.

The cost of doing the Grand Canyon trip will cost roughly $1200 - $1700 including flights, hotels, souvenirs, etc. The cost of Yosemite will be around the same maybe a bit less because we won't be spending any on hotels or restaurant food, we will just be camping the whole week in Yosemite.

With these two options, which would you choose and why? Again, we do want to swim and possibly fish, so if you have been to either park in late September/early October, how was the water?

If you recommend one park over the other, which campground(s) is/are your favorite?

Hello everyone,

I'm a university student traveling from the US to Europe. I'm planning to go to Prague and Paris on this trip. With the price being equal, should I visit Prague or Paris first?

I imagine Prague is more small town feel, while Paris has more bustling life to it. If I go to Paris first, will I be a little more sad because of how quiet Prague is? I don't know if this will happen, but normally if I travel to a smaller city after visiting a big one, I typically get a little sad (I like the noise and the hustle and bustle of big cities - I used to live in NYC). Or, will I enjoy the serenity of Prague after visiting Paris? I don't know if either will happen, but its a question that has been on my mind.

If anyone has any thoughts or opinions, and have been to either or preferrably both cities, your comment will be appreciated!

Edit: Just to clarify, I'm going to visit both on the same trip. Just wondering which order I should do them in.

My husband, sister, and I, all would like to visit Peru in the next couple of years. I know there are a couple locations where Amazon tours can be accessed. We’d love an immersive experience which I know likely requires sleeping in lodges in the jungle. We all have sleep issues and I worry the noises of the wild would be a challenge. Any insights on alternatives?

I want to take my family to Europe and last a year we were in Switzerland in August and the weather was very good along with greats activities for adults and kids. Looking for similar places where the weather in August will be pleasant and also some place where there are enough fun activities for kids and adults.

I was thinking a few days in Copenhagen/Stockholm/oslo/ and majority of it Bergen and fjords for the weather but afraid kids will bored.

The second options is London/paris/amsterdam

Thoughts?

Hello, my parents are looking at traveling Vietnam for 7-10 days in October/November. Its their first time traveling in South East Asia. They'd like to see the rural countryside. Small towns/villages. Just get a real feel of the culture. I've been to Vietnam a few times myself and my concern is that because they won't be riding a motorbike around and they will predominantly be using buses to get to places that everywhere they go will be the typical tourist destination that is now overcrowded with tourists. I know a lot of places in Vietnam have lost their charm from over tourism (Halong Bay, Hoi An by the river at night, etc) so I'm just a bit unsure where would be best for them to spend a week and have a nice time.
I was thinking of basing them in Hoi An and doing a couple little trips from there but that time of year looks to be the worst time to travel due to the rain. Also wasn't sure if there would be any nice small towns to visit from Hoi An.
The other option I was thinking about is North. The weather looks better that time of year and they could spend a couple night in Hanoi and do a trip to Ninh Binh or if anyone had any recommendations of nice small towns to visit that aren't too far from Hanoi. Possibly surrounded by rice fields and stuff like that. Stuff that old timers would love to see.
Any recommendations would be awesome. Thanks!

Edit* They don't want to do a tour group type thing. They would prefer to travel around by themselves.

Hi guys! I'm solo traveling to Italy in June for 12 days and looking to hit a couple cities. My flight arrives at home at 1 am and I wanted to catch a bus directly there to another city, but arriving at 5 am wouldn't be ideal, so I was trying to find a place that allowed me to spend a full night sleep in the bus.

Smaller, quaint places are welcome! Preferable down south since I wanted to head to Naples after, and I went to Milan, Verona and Venice last year so going up north isn't really my priority. TIA!

Hi, I am American and have a 2 week trip to Taiwan booked for May 2nd. In the past couple weeks, there have been some recent development involving the Chinese military around the island, etc. With the odd political situation going on here, my partner already had some hesitations about going, but I was able to convince him that everything will be fine up until about a week ago when he saw some news articles about Chinese naval drills.

He called Delta to inquire whether they would refund our tickets given the potentially unstable situation, and they agreed to, but he didn’t go through with it since he wanted to consult with me first. His takeaway though was that, if it wasn’t a serious risk, the airline would not recognize it as a valid reason to refund us on our economy tickets. But they have.

Despite everything, I feel pretty comfortable going, and if he decides not to go, I probably still will, just solo.

Can anyone provide any input on whether what’s going on now with Taiwan is consequential at all compared to similar historical situations? I would love for us to be able to go together, and I’m looking for any recommendations, or firsthand experiences based on travel currently.

Although I will say I’m pretty committed to going, if there is compelling evidence that it is a significant risk, I’m willing to cancel as well. Just looking for any unbiased and fact-based inputs since I need to make a decision soon! TYIA!!

Hi there. I have never really flown before and need help deciding on the best flight option. I am going from LAX to MEX and am not familiar with the quality of the airlines options. The first choice is a flight with United. Pros: The company is well known and hopefully the most reliable, also this is the cheapest flight for only $270 on the United Website. One carry-on bag included. Cons: both trips require a 2 hour layover making it a 6 hour total flight both ways with plane swaps. Also, this flight time is not ideal with an early departure at 0500. The next option is Volaris. The Pros: it is a direct flight at a convenient time for me. Cons: I've heard rumors that the quality of the airline is subpar, and that the trips are sometimes cancelled at the last minute. The pricing for this flight is $307 on a website called "Kiwi" that I haven't heard of. If anyone could share their experience with this airline or the booking website? Also, there is no carry-on option. The third option is AeroMexico. Pros: Its a direct flight at a very convenient time for me. Also, one carry-on bag is included. Cons: This is the most expensive option at $410, although there is an option for $382 on a website called "eDreams" but once again I question the legitimacy. I'm not sure what aspects to prioritize with these flights as I have limited flight experience. I would appreciate any advice or experiences shared. Thank you 🤗

I am travelling to China in a week in a family trip. I am worried that I won’t be able to access the internet and/or certain apps. This is very important to me –if I don’t have internet there I will cancel the trip, and I will be a shame, as I am from Europe, and it’s a long, pre paid, expensive trip.

When I visited Africa, we used a SIM card that we bought there, and it connected to the internet.

Can I do the same in China? What apps can’t I use there? I would appreciate the help

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to book a trip to Europe from North America for later this month, and I have two options. I can either fly SAS from IAD (Washington Dulles) on their A350-900, and then connect on their A320neo, or I can fly Delta's 767-400 on the transatlantic flights. Price is comparable on both itineraries, and both itineraries involve the same amount of connections. Is one better than the other? What do you think?

hi, im (22m) looking at solo travelling for my first time for 3 weeks in june 2025.

at first, i wanted to do thailand, vietnam and taiwan together in 3 weeks but after a bit of research realised how crazy that was.

so, ive decided that its best for me to visit one country out of thailand and vietnam for 3 weeks.

i want nice beaches, some streetfood, maybe island hopping, maybe a muay thai class (i know this is big in thailand, are there spots in vietnam too?) , i wanna meet other young solo travellers, i wanna see some cool waterfalls and nature stuff , and a bit of clubbing (i wanted to do the full moon party but not too fussed about this, would just like to go out like 2 or 3 nights) etc. just normal fun stuff.

orr, anywhere else not thailand or vietnam? oh yeah i want it to b warmmmmmmm too

any suggestions?

Hi!

I am flying out of ABE to Japan and the route requires we take a bus from ABE to Newark prior to flying out. For whatever reason, the ticket was $400 cheaper per person if we took the bus, rather than just the same route going out of Newark. Apparently, they really want people to ride their bus.

The question is, should I still get to ABE ~3 hours early for an international flight? Or would this not be needed because Newark is the international portion, and it would be okay to get there ~2 hours in advance? ABE is a smaller airport and it's normally quick relative to the larger airports. It is a 6 AM bus time so being able to get a little more sleep would be great if we can.

I tried to look through the internet/old reddit posts but was having trouble with finding an answer, so I appreciate the help!

I've been to Mexico a few times and have visited: Mexico City, puerto Vallarta, sayulita, san pancho, playa del carmen, Cabo and just recently Zihuatenejo.

Loved Mexico city, san pancho, and Zihuatenejo. Didn't like puerto Vallarta or playa del carmen. Was lukewarm about sayulita and Cabo.

Any suggestions for what my next destination in Mexico should be?

Was thinking of puerto Escondido or san Miguel de Allende? The key is having a really nice and unique hotel with access to a nice town for shopping and meals. For reference, stayed at la casa que canta in Zihuatenejo and absolutely loved it. Looking for something similar.

Hey guys, I'm flying from Paris back home and eant to bring some gifts. I only have a carry on bag and I'm unsure if certain things would be allowed. For example patés, jars with fat, or small canned tins do they count as liquid? Do you have past experiences? (Flying ryanair if thats relevant).

I will be going to Portugal and Spain for 1 month. Except the days where I will go to excursions, I will be working in the morning and traveling in the afternoon.

Could you please check whether my itinerary makes sense, and if there are any locations you think deserve more time?

I come from Asia, so my strategy is to see the most things possible, since it's not often I can go to Europe. Working is relaxing enough for me.

I enjoy architecture, history, landscapes and food. I am interested in the Muslim history of Spain.

I have been to Madrid and Barcelona before, and they are out of the route, so I won't go to those places.

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Stay in Porto (already booked the stay, cannot change the time)

Porto - 2 days

Porto - 1 day excursion to Braga and Guimaraes

Porto - 1.5 days

Porto to Lisbon in the afternoon

Stay in Lisbon

Lisbon - 2 days

Lisbon - 1 day excursion to Sintra

Lisbon - 1 day excursion to Praia das Azenhas do Mar and Cabo da Roca

Lisbon - 1 day excursion to Evora

Lisbon - 1.5 days

Lisbon to Lagos in the afternoon

Stay in Lagos

Lagos - 1 day

Lagos - 1 day excursion to Farol do Cabo de São Vicente and Sagres

Lagos - 1 day excursion to Carvoeiro

Lagos - 1 day

Lagos to Seville in the morning

Stay in Seville

Seville - 1.5 days

Seville - 1 day excursion to Cadiz

Seville - 1 day excursion to Arcos de la Frontera

Seville - 1.5 days

Seville to Cordoba in the afternoon

Stay in Cordoba

Cordoba - 3 days

Cordoba - 1 day excursion to Ronda

Cordoba - 1.5 days

Cordoba to Granada in the afternoon

Stay in Granada

Granada - 3 days

Granada to Malaga

Stay in Malaga

Malaga - 3 days

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Questions:

1. Is Coimbra worth 1 day or even a stay? I checked the images on Google, and it seems it's not very unique compared to the other Portuguese cities in my itinerary

2. Is Malaga worth 3 days? Its main appeal seems to be Muslim castles and the beaches. There are Muslim relics and beaches in the other cities

3. Would you recommend a day trip from Tarifa to Tangier? Neither Tarifa and Tangier seem to have many attractions, so the main reason to go there would be to experience crossing the Gibraltar Strait. However, I also saw that Tangier is full of scammers. I've been to Egypt and I ignored the scammers, but would you say Morocco's scammers are worse than Egypt's?

So, I am seperating from my wife and we are selling our business. I am looking to go and find myself for a week or maybe two. I would love some reccomendations. I have previous travel history. I have climbed Kilimanjaro, done the Incan Trail, Hike Torres del Paine, and been all over Europe (Italy, France, Germany moatly). I really love history and have felt a strong pull to visit Turkey, Iraq, and Jordan. I am a 36 year old American male. Would any of these places make sense or should I look elsewhere? Maybe Southeast Asia? Or maybe I am overlooking some place?

Hello all, I am from Australia and would really love to visit Taiwan before having a baby this October. Unfortunately, the only time I will be able to go is the first two weeks of July. I will be 25 weeks pregnant and is the only time I can get off work. Could you please provide feedback on this itinerary and any suggestions to keep cool what to do to manage the heat? Ive been keeping up to date with the weather and as far as I'm aware it's unbearable. However, I do not want that to stop my husband and I from enjoying our babymoon. It will be our first time to visit Taiwan. We can not afford somewhere in the americas or Europe and have already traveled NZ and other areas of SEA very well. The plan is to do airconed activities, stay inside during midday then explore only early morning and late evening. Should I just scrap this all and not bother?

Day 1: taipei arrive and check in to hotel explore at night

Day 2: Taipei Chiang kai-shek memorial hall Taipei City mall Pineapple cake class

Day 3: Taipei Taipei 101 national palace museum night market for dinner

Day 4: Jiufen go to tea house gold ore museum walk around old street for dinner

Day 5: shuishe ride on boat on lake ride the cable car wenwu temple

Day 7: taitung free exploration

Day 8: Taipei free exploration

Day 9: taipei guided tea tour

Day 10: fly back to melb

Mid 50's married couple looking for a beach to chill at and do some day and night drinking. Don't need luxury. Just looking to get away and party for a few days. My budget is about 3k. Costco has some all inclusive for about that range for 5 Days. Never been there. Fun place? Thx

I'm going to Scotland at end of May. I've chosen a company for a one day private tour that takes me to Balmoral Castle and Stirling Castle. The company advised to NOT get Stirling Castle tickets ahead of time as to not limit time at Balmoral and promises there will be plenty of time for Stirling.

Everything I've read about Scotland says to prebook Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle as those can be the hardest to get into. I want to trust the company's judgment, but I also don't want to miss Stirling or waste a ton of time waiting to get in. What's your experience at Stirling Castle, is pre-booking needed or is it easier to walk in than my research has led me to believe?

Thank you!