I'll be visiting Tokyo for the first time over the new year. I arrive on 12/30 and plan to return to the states on 1/06. Looking for suggestions on where to stay and what to do (I understand most shops and attractions will be closed on and around the new year).
posted by aladfar on Nov 9, 2009 - 8 answers

I'm going to Spain (Barcelona) for 10 days, and I'm a US citizen, which in my understanding grants me a de facto 90-day single entry Schengen visa. I've been thinking about going to Andorra, a non-Schengen country, which suggests to me that I would therefore require a multiple entry Visa. Preliminary research confirms this. Stupid question: do I need to do this before I leave? Can anyone else who has gone to Andorra from Spain attest to the strictness or laxity of the immigration controls?
posted by anarchivist on Nov 8, 2009 - 7 answers

I have a very generous offer for a place to stay and Farsi-speaking guides should I choose to visit Iran. Ergo, I have some questions about post-election Iran and the best way to organize this trip, if I go. [more inside]
posted by oinopaponton on Nov 6, 2009 - 2 answers

I'm looking for an online or freeware map application that allows me to chart where I know people across the globe. This would serve the same purpose as a paper map on the wall with pins in it but would have more flexibility (zoom-in, link to info about the place etc.) If, for example, I were planning a trip to Thailand, I could open the map app and see that I have a couple acquaintances there and where exactly they live. [more inside]
posted by yankeh on Nov 5, 2009 - 7 answers

Daegu day trip suggestions? [more inside]
posted by pedstel on Nov 4, 2009 - 5 answers

please help me see boston for a day! (anyplace i can leave my luggage for a few hours?) [more inside]
posted by gcat on Nov 4, 2009 - 8 answers

NYC-er looking for an extended weekend break late November. Europe's good but seems a little far (e.g., with jet lag, etc.), but would like to skip the country a bit. Have been to much of Mexico (though not Maya Riviera, Yucatan), a bit of the "other" Caribbean (Cuba, Trinidad). More culture/nature than clubs, etc. Warmer would be better than colder (though Iceland does call). Am basically trying to maximize the short time I have — given short time budget less important. Anyone got any suggestions?
posted by dearleader on Nov 3, 2009 - 13 answers

How widespread is free, open WiFi in Japan (Tokyo especially)? [more inside]
posted by teem on Nov 2, 2009 - 11 answers

What kind of used scooter/motorcycle should I buy that will be relatively safe, repairable, and ~$1500 or less? [more inside]
posted by abkadefgee on Nov 2, 2009 - 20 answers

I'm a Canadian abroad with expired health insurance. What options do I have for a new policy? [more inside]
posted by exquisite_deluxe on Nov 1, 2009 - 2 answers

Is there a Yelp-type site for restaurants in Paris (or Europe, as a whole)? [more inside]
posted by kenzi23 on Nov 1, 2009 - 9 answers

Day/overnight trips from Krakow? [more inside]
posted by triggerfinger on Nov 1, 2009 - 10 answers

I'm a cartoonist working on a book for an American publisher and getting paid by them. Is there some sort of visa I can apply for to stay in Europe (specifically Germany) for longer than the 3 month tourist visa and still be legal? [more inside]
posted by minicloud on Nov 1, 2009 - 18 answers

Looking for the perfect laptop for traveling. Priorities are durability, lightness, and battery life, in that order. Performance is not too important, but it must run Windows 7 like a champ. Willing to consider netbooks. [more inside]
posted by Afroblanco on Oct 29, 2009 - 19 answers

What's the best way to carry cargo on extended road trip with a mid-size SUV? [more inside]
posted by RobotVoodooPower on Oct 28, 2009 - 12 answers

Fun/weird London activities. Sock 'em to me. [more inside]
posted by MsMolly on Oct 28, 2009 - 22 answers

I am looking for a Website I once used that allowed you to enter in a departure city and a date and then gave you all possible worldwide flight destinations sorted by cost. What was that site?
posted by tinamonster on Oct 27, 2009 - 10 answers

(Pro)sefilter: want to sell prose. Looking for advice. [more inside]
posted by schmichael on Oct 27, 2009 - 5 answers

What non-Halloween things should I do this weekend in Boston? [more inside]
posted by LouMac on Oct 26, 2009 - 5 answers

Someone purchased an airline ticket for me, but booked it under my nickname instead of my legal name. I don't have any photo ID with my nickname on it. Will I be able to fly? [more inside]
posted by arianell on Oct 26, 2009 - 23 answers

I have a week vacation for Thanksgiving. Usually I take off for a road-trip, but last year - British Columbia - I found for the first time the thrill of the open road being overtaken by a sense of loneliness and (somewhat) isolation. I'm single and have travelled a lot on my own, but now I kinda don't wanna, but I would like to have an experience with my week off. And it's been a pretty tough year (right?) and I could use a break. How do single people navigate this? [more inside]
posted by forallmankind on Oct 25, 2009 - 10 answers

Phonefilter: Help me choose a new smartphone with QWERTY keyboard. Primarily for email, some browsing, calendars. Constraints: in the UK, contract may be a problem, need to use overseas a lot, I rarely use the phone part, don't want an iPhone. [more inside]
posted by wingless_angel on Oct 24, 2009 - 10 answers

Hi, I'm going to be in the Munich area over the holidays and I want to find a place to hang out and drink. I've lived there already and I'm over the typical Bavarian biergarten/hall scene. Ideally, I'm looking for somewhere cozy and student oriented, good music playing (indie, downtempo, alternative hip-hop etc) and good, natural lighting for people watching. 100 super bonus points if their beer of choice is Augustiner!!! Thank you!!!!!
posted by badish on Oct 19, 2009 - 4 answers

I need to hire a car to drive from Bristol, UK and to drop off in Haarlem Netherlands. Avis says no, europecar says no, hertz are difficult to get hold of. Suggestions? Recommendations?
posted by gonzo_ID on Oct 19, 2009 - 12 answers

Taking A Year Off. (yes, I realize it sounds like this.) [more inside]
posted by allymusiqua on Oct 18, 2009 - 11 answers

I'm looking for a good New York City iPhone app for tourists. [more inside]
posted by reformedjerk on Oct 16, 2009 - 14 answers

What shouldn't we miss in Tenerife Oct. 21 - 28? The very-soon-to-be-Mrs. and I are headed to Adeje for our honeymoon next week. We don't have much planned, and don't want to plan very much, but it would be nice to have a reference list of things we could do while we're there. [more inside]
posted by dreadpiratesully on Oct 16, 2009 - 3 answers

Are air traffic controllers "pushing" it more? [more inside]
posted by Danf on Oct 15, 2009 - 14 answers

My airline miles are expiring: What awesome, unusual events are happening in the continental US November through January? [more inside]
posted by TheOtherSide on Oct 15, 2009 - 8 answers

Woohoo! Several idle days in Washington DC! I desperately need wise counsel; Please please please tell me about cool things to do! [more inside]
posted by Alaska Jack on Oct 14, 2009 - 31 answers

Help me spend 5 non-traditional days in Egypt! [more inside]
posted by hasna on Oct 14, 2009 - 10 answers

How do I get from Berlin Schönefeld Airport to Alexanderplatz late at night? [more inside]
posted by maryrosecook on Oct 14, 2009 - 11 answers

I want to study abroad. I have absolutely no idea where. Help me narrow it down! [more inside]
posted by showbiz_liz on Oct 14, 2009 - 31 answers

vacation ideas... wanna take the girlfriend on a two week motorcycle tour through the south in early january. had planned on going from texas to florida. we live in seattle. what is the cheapest way? [more inside]
posted by nihlton on Oct 13, 2009 - 9 answers

How to find the best NYC --> Europe flight deals when both day of week and destination are flexible. Caveat: flying out July 2010. [more inside]
posted by amicamentis on Oct 13, 2009 - 8 answers

Thailand beaches in November: Krabi or Phuket or Ko Samui? [more inside]
posted by smackfu on Oct 13, 2009 - 13 answers

I'm thinking about working as a nanny in England for a year or so. I'm a twenty-one-year-old American woman with a few years of experience with kids as a teacher's assistance and tutor. Anybody know a good way I could start looking for a position from the U.S.? [more inside]
posted by grobstein on Oct 12, 2009 - 3 answers

My girlfriend and I are looking to spend a few days in a cabin on a lake with a chance of snow (but not a blizzard!). We were thinking Lake Tahoe, but adding up the expenses puts it out of our price range. Any suggestions for how to have a peaceful vacation on the cheap?
posted by jander03 on Oct 12, 2009 - 13 answers

Relocating to South America: haven't touched Spanish in 20 years, how do I freshen my lingual skills up? [more inside]
posted by devilish on Oct 12, 2009 - 7 answers

Help me find books of a particular genre, or collection of similar genres. Specifically, books on living in or traveling through nature that have visual, picturesque language about the landscape/scenery/ecology. [more inside]
posted by Stryke11 on Oct 11, 2009 - 17 answers

I'm going with my family down to Italy from around Oct 18-30th, including a week at a farm house in Ancona (looking forward to that, for sure!). We'll also be in Venice for around three whole days in the beginning and end of the trip (we fly in/out from Venice). [more inside]
posted by avocade on Oct 11, 2009 - 5 answers

Cheap buses from NYC to Washington D.C.? The question's been asked and answered in the past, but I'm wondering if that information is outdated. Thanks!
posted by mixer on Oct 10, 2009 - 15 answers

Copper Canyon, Mexico or Costa Rica? I know that I'm asking about apples and oranges.
posted by notned on Oct 9, 2009 - 11 answers

I'm heading off to Paris for four days, and I'm starting to get a bit nervous that I'll forget something important. I've never been to Paris, and I haven't been to Europe for fifteen years. I'll be staying by myself in a hotel in Arondissement 7. I'm wondering if you can help me out with any last-minute tips or things I'm likely to have forgotten. [more inside]
posted by cider on Oct 9, 2009 - 25 answers

I'm half Dutch, but I've never been to The Netherlands. On my first trip there, where should I go, and what should I do, to get a better understanding of contemporary Dutch culture and language? [more inside]
posted by embrangled on Oct 8, 2009 - 11 answers

I (26/male) am leaving Los Angeles in January for at least one year of backpacking solo around Australia, NZ, SE Asia, and possibly some other places! Other than enjoying my remaining time before I leave (going to favorite restaurants, hanging with friends, etc.), what pre-trip activities should I be thinking about, and what preparations should I be making (especially while I have good insurance)? What do you wish someone had told you before you left for a trip of this length and scope? [more inside]
posted by adamk on Oct 7, 2009 - 11 answers

What to do in Louisville, KY this weekend? [more inside]
posted by FatherDagon on Oct 7, 2009 - 8 answers

Should I go to Burma/Myanmar? [more inside]
posted by MuffinMan on Oct 7, 2009 - 18 answers

Planning a couple of week visit to the Kansai area in late May, mostly Kyoto and Osaka, but with some side trips, including a longer visit to Hiroshima/Miyajima. Do you have recommendations? [more inside]
posted by GenjiandProust on Oct 6, 2009 - 6 answers

I'm going to Vancouver next month. My Sprint phone won't be of any use to me there. When I went to Toronto last year, I was able to make exorbitantly expensive phone calls and I wasn't able to access the internet or use google maps. I'd like to do all of those things economically. I still have my old Treo 75?wx. Perhaps that could be of some use? Thank you.
posted by stuart_s on Oct 6, 2009 - 5 answers