Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with recommendations and travel

"Oooh, look, an exotic native woman!" "Buzz off."

divabat — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 10:55:09 -0800

What are some good travel guide websites that aren't so Western-centric and don't treat other countries like exotic sights to gawk at? I just rediscovered Matador after randomly signing up for it years ago, and while it looks really promising, it does have a really strong colonial "we are American tourists off to see the exotic isles and be really awesome Americans saving the world" vibe around it. It's something I've noticed with travel companies in Australia too - I was at STA Travel's promo for gap years and to me it felt like the rest of the world was there for their entertainment, or that they were humble foreigners trying to civilize the savages with their volunteer jobs, or something.

Being Malaysian, and being used to being made exotic, that sort of vibe never really sat right with me. I've been travelling since I was a baby, I _love_ to travel, and I love volunteering wherever I can (I was on a world tour that was part performance part community work - best time ever). But I don't click with the party-hard, white-kid-saving-the-world-by-teaching-English, befriend-other-backpackers type lifestyle that groups like Matador and STA Travel tend to espouse.

Are there any other good websites and resources for travel that have a different view on things? I'm after more how-to sort of stuff, like the best organisations doing X or the most interesting things about Y in Z country, or how to pack for a trip (as opposed to personal stories of travel). I'm 23, so something geared for youth is great, but again I'm not much of a club-hopper type. Anything that can take account of currencies that don't really translate well overseas (Europe for Really Cheap!) would be great.

Thanks!

Globetrotting.

the NATURAL — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:54:08 -0800

TravelFilter: What are the cheapest (but best) travel destinations in the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia (specifically, Southeast Asia)? Just got back from a two-week trip to London (which, incidentally, I loved) and Paris (which, incidentally, gets a big meeeh). Unfortunately, the trip cost somewhere between three arms and four legs not only because of the exchange rates, but also because of the pricey nature of our accommodations (not sacrificing quality for price, etc.). I'm thirsting for more... just as soon as my wallet recovers.

Now, obviously, the specific affordability of a trip to any nation depends on how strong the dollar is against the given currency at that point in time -- that much, I get. But past that, aren't there destinations that are, at their essence, cheaper to go to and stay at? You know, places that are off-the-radar but stunningly beautiful? (Sorry, I made it a little complex with that last one, I know.)

I dug a "previously..." up, and it was good... but centered around South America, and the consensus seemed to be on Peru. (You probably know the one I'm talking about.) Hence, the specific phrasing of my question.

Thanks!

Nine Hours in Istanbul

slowcat — Fri, 01 May 2009 06:42:42 -0800

I'm arriving at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul nine hours before my connecting flight. I was wondering what recommendations people had for how to spend this time? I can't do anything too involved as I need to be back at the airport a few hours before my flight, but I would like to see something of the city! Thank you!

What should I do in Vienna?

howgenerica — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:41:53 -0800

I'm going to be in Vienna from September 26 (early morning) - 29 (afternoon). I'm 18 years old and will be traveling with friends. What should we do/ see? I've been put in charge of figuring all this out, but apart from the obvious tourist things I don't know what's good. I guess I'm looking for more off-the-beaten-path stuff. Thank you! This can be anything: cool museums, restaurants, bars, discos, shops, historic sites, areas to walk around; anything. I'd just really appreciate recommendations from those who've been/ lived there.

Help me choose a book to travel with.

mosessis — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:38:48 -0800

I need a longish, interesting, well-written book (fiction) to read on an upcoming trip. Any suggestions? I'm going on a trip where I'll have plenty of time to read and not much space to pack books. I need to find a good novel-type book that could last me at least a couple of weeks. My trip is for a couple of months in non-English speaking countries, and I want something captivating to fall into as a respite from journeying.

I have read both Portrait of a Lady by Henry James and Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder in this same situation, and those worked perfectly for my purposes. I wish I could just bring one of these again, because they were so perfect - dense, interesting, thought-provoking, lend themselves to rereading passages - but I'd really like to find something new.

My general tastes run towards late 18th Century (Burney Lennox, Austen, etc) and turn of the twentieth century (James, Wharton, Wilde, etc). I generally steer away from serializations that have been turned into novels (Dickens, Forster, etc) and overly romanticized, gothic, heroic, dramatic love type stories (Les Miserables, Goethe, etc). But of course I am completely open to trying new genres and authors that I might not yet know I love.

What book was in your backpack that kept you going through the lonely times? What's the best longish novel you've read that you wish you had had the time to just sit and read? To slightly complicate this, I'm leaving in 36 hours and will have to find this on the shelf at one of my (luckily many) local book stores.

Where can I find information on hotels recommended by airline crews?

ladynicole7 — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:13:17 -0800

Where can I find information on hotels recommended by airline crews? We're looking for info on things like shuttles, breakfast options, location relative to terminal, and price. We are flying into and out of New Orleans and need a hotel for the night before our (very early AM) outgoing flight. Previous trips where we've done this, I've just looked at location, but I figure airline crews might have recommendations for which hotels are best for making early morning flights easy! We're looking for info on things like shuttles, breakfast options, location relative to terminal, and price.

London, Dublin, Cork, Here I come!

majikstreet — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:21:39 -0800

TravelFilter: Things to do in London, Dublin, Cork. Places to stay in Dublin and Cork. Indian Restaurant recommendations in London. General restaurant recommendations for either London, Dublin, or Cork I'll be going to London, Dublin, and Cork in August. Do you have any recommendations for things to do? Or places to stay in Dublin and Cork? I know that there is good Indian food to be eaten in London, but I don't want to just wander around trying to find food. Other restaurant recommendations also appreciated.

Need Books/Movies for Kids Going to Rome

bjennings — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 15:55:33 -0800

I'm looking for recommendations for books, movies and even music that might be relevant for a group of middle school (7th & 8th grade, ages 12-14) kids who are going to Rome over spring break. I'm a teacher, and I'm leading a group of 20 middle school kids as well as three other faculty members. I'd like to be able to recommend novels, movies and music for them.

They've all read Caroline Lawrence's "The Roman Mysteries" series. I'm very familiar with the range of children's and young adult historical fiction, especially that set in ancient times. I'd love to have any recommendations for novels set in modern Italy. Some of the students have read Dan Brown's "Angels and Demons", but teen and young adult books would be great, too.

I suggested "Roman Holiday"; all of the parents said "Oooh, I love that movie", and all of the kids were bored out of their skull. Fluff like the Mary Kate and Ashley "When In Rome" and "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" is right up their alley.

I figure music is a long-shot, but maybe there are some recommendations there as well. Thanks!

Hotel/Motel/B&B recommendations for Toronto/Markham area, please

ArgentCorvid — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 09:55:05 -0800

Greetings, my Canadian brethren! I am travelling to the Toronto area (specifically Markham) this November for some business. Do you have any hotel/motel/b&b recommendations? Yeah, there are other questions on here about stuff to do in T-town, but where should I stay?
Currently I have reservations at one of the hotels at the airport, but am now thinking that maybe there are better places to stay.
The place I am going to be going to is way out in Markham, would it be worth it to get a room downtown? Or are there good places to stay out there?

Some more details:
I'll be in the area for the week of the 5th.
The cost of the room will be reimbursed (~$200/night max)

also, if you have any NE-suburbs or time specific attraction recommendations, let 'em fly.

Great venues for live, local rock bands in London

psmealey — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 06:27:23 -0800

I'm going to London for the first time in years for the week of July 8-15. What are some good venues for seeing good, local bands? My musical tastes tend to be all over the map, but I have a certain affinity for guitar driven, noisy rock bands (MBV, Swervedriver, Ride, etc.). I know that style might be a bit outmoded these days, but doesn't hurt to ask.

Unmissable food in DC?

exceptinsects — Wed, 23 May 2007 19:58:19 -0800

What do I absolutely HAVE to eat in Washington, DC? I'm going to be in DC for about a week in late June. What foods there are not to be missed?

I like all kinds of ethnic foods, desserts, noodles, local specialties, really I will eat almost anything except most organ meats and insects. I'm not vegetarian or allergic to anything.

I will have a per diem for part of the time, so fancy isn't completely out, but I'm more interested in stuff that normal people eat.

For example, if you were coming to San Diego I would suggest you have the Cubana sandwich at the Crest Cafe, or the scones at Rebecca's, or the frozen yogurt at Yogurt World, or the okonomiyaki at Tajima...you get the picture.

I won't have a car, so it would need to be accessible by mass transit.

Plan my trip!

crinklebat — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 16:36:59 -0800

One week in Italy, one week in Greece, two weeks in Spain. What can't I miss? What should I avoid? Where should I stay? What else should I know? The trip will start around June 20th (no hard dates yet, but I need to be back in the USA around July 20th). I will have a decent amount of money and probably a decent line of credit, but I'm not generally an extravagant lady and would like to save where I can. I'll likely be alone for Spain and with my boyfriend for the rest. Neither of us have ever been to these countries before (well, he's been to Spain, but he won't be going back). We don't speak Greek or Italian and I speak only the Spanish any Southern CA kid picks up, pretty much.

My itinerary is extremely wide open, so just tell me what you loved/hated. I know I need more time to explore these places properly, but I have to sandwich this between graduation on June 18th and a family reunion in late July, so this is what I've got and these are the countries I want to see. Sigh.

Travel Terror Gauge!

thinkpiece — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 03:51:13 -0800

I have a 16 year old daughter traveling from Newark Airport to London Gatwick on Sunday ... -- her first trip alone -- to stay with family friends in Brighton for two weeks. Given this morning's news, should I let her go? How freaked out am I?

Where should I spend one day in Europe?

muddgirl — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 21:10:29 -0800

I have two nights and one day to spend basically anywhere in Europe (the EU or UK would be easiest). Where should I go? What should I do? After I spend a week at a conference in Stockholm, I have one whole (Friday night and) Saturday to spend as I please, before I have to return to the USA on Sunday. I've been told that flights between European countries are cheap (RyanAir has flights for 100 SEK, which is around 18 greenbacks!), so I'd like to spend that day somewhere NOT Stockholm.

This thread has some great recommendations on how to spend a day in Paris, and I'll certainly take that into consideration, but I'm open for any suggestions! My only requirement is that it have a usefully international airport, so that I can fly home on Sunday without too much trouble.

Oh, also, I only speak pidgin French, and "No hablo Espagnol". I enjoy modern and contemporary art, casual dining with nice wine and a friendly wait staff, old musty bookstores, and "foreign" films. Thirdly, I'm a young, single woman traveling alone, so any advice towards that matter would be appreciated.

Best weird/alternative places to go in NYC

pollystark — Wed, 17 May 2006 06:45:42 -0800

I'm going to NYC for a week in September. I need recommendations of the best alternative/weird/unusual/eye-opening places in Manhattan. I'm going to NYC for a week in September.

I want to experience the unusual side of NYC - avoid the mainstream, any kind of tourist sight-seeing, the big shops etc. With that in mind, I would love to hear recommendations (with descriptions - not just a list of names) of awesome examples of places to go to in Manhattan that fall into the following categories:

* Somewhere that is deserted and dusty and eerie - an old warehouse, an abandoned street or whatever.
* A squat that has fun events (music, art, workshops, talks, films, whatever).
* A queer (not gay) hangout.
* Clothes shops that sell unusual/alternative/strange things.
* The best music shop for hardcore/grind.
* Somewhere that is publically accessible but relatively deserted where you can get up really, really high and look over the city.
* The best burger bar.
* Local bands that gig a lot in NYC who just must be seen by someone who likes hardcore/punk-rock/grind/queercore.
* A great bookshop with a leaning towards anarchism or radical politics or music or queerness.
* A good place where people are doing interesting radical politics (a bar, a club, a squat, a street, a meeting).
* A random place that I haven't covered here that I really should go to.

Hotels in old Quebec City ?

flyby22 — Sat, 27 Aug 2005 19:40:46 -0800

I am seeking suggestions for reasonably priced decent hotels in Quebec city old town. We are planning for the upcoming long weekend. I would also like to have some opinion on whether Quebec city or Montreal may be more enjoyable destination for us. We are quite familiar with Boston/NY City and enjoy both of them very much. We are not into nightclub scene. But we enjoy good food and drink. We are looking for a relaxing trip with some nice sights and places to visit and of course some good shopping. I myself went to Quebec city a long time ago in the middle of winter. It was not that fun then. But this is late summer. We are driving up there.

thanks in advance

Central Asia Travel Advice

JPD — Tue, 24 May 2005 06:58:25 -0800

I am headed off to Central Asia for the summer and am looking for some first hand advice. Specifically I am going to Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijian, Turmenistan, Uzbekistan (hopefully), and Kyrgyzstan for June and July.

I think I have most of the big sites lined up. I am really looking for tips on out of the way things, must do activities, places to eat, and advice on buying handicrafts/ cool local shops and markets.

Would love to hear from anyone who has spent much time in this part of the world.

Things to do in Chicago

sluggo — Mon, 23 May 2005 07:48:34 -0800

My wife and I are heading to Chicago sometime between June 2nd - June 5th to celebrate our anniversary. Chi-town pals, help us find some cool things to do/places to eat! We're definitely checking out the Body Worlds exhibit at the Musuem of Science and Industry, but I'm looking for recommendations for good restaurants, places to shop, concerts/shows, and other things to do while we're there. We like art, music, and all kinds of food - we're not really into touristy-type stuff, though. Give me some insider "can't miss" things to do in the City of Big Shoulders!

Cuban Resort

aclevername — Fri, 04 Feb 2005 21:03:39 -0800

In 2 weeks I am taking my first "real" vacation ever to A resort in Cuba, specifically, the Playa Costa Verde. I'm looking for tips/opinions. [more inside]. I'm not really looking for opinions on the specific resort (I've googled) but more about travelling to Cuba in general. I've never left Canada and I'm nervous. What can I expect to deal with passing through Cuban Customs? Travel advisories say they "don't accept American dollars" but is really true? I mean, the government might not want US $, but the average business owner/cabbie/etc mighth want them, no?

Seeing as this is my first trip outside my country any advice is appreciated.

Trivia Trip to Washington DC

Miko — Tue, 18 Jan 2005 06:57:48 -0800

MuseumGeeksinDCFilter: Looking for offbeat, trivia-intensive experiences in Washington, DC for a group of maritime history museum geeks. Special Exhibit inside. Every year, I travel with a group of museum professionals on a research trip. Most of us work for a maritime history museum, although there is some crossover into general history, academia, and music. We try to pick a destination where we can learn things that are applicable to our interpretation of American maritime history, general American history, and/or current marine science issues and policy.

Some things we've done in the past: Visited new vessels under construction; crawled around the USS Constitution; visited a fish processing plant; spent 2 days on Nantucket looking at the sperm whale skeleton and learning whaling history and geology; gone to commercial fishing docks and taken tours of scalloping gear; poked around the old Whaling Church in New Bedford.

So we're headed to DC in March, and we have some itinerary items already - an insider tour at Smithsonian Natural History, probably some time at American history as well. We have 3 days, and will no doubt make the rounds of the usual suspects - monuments and the Mall. But then, what? If you know of any locations / businesses/ nonprofits that a bunch of boat geeks and history geeks would find exceptionally cool, I'd love to start suggesting some more off-the-beaten-path ideas. Extra points if it involves boats, fish, Mark Twain, or Moby-Dick.

And especially if any MeFites are, or know of, museum people or others who might be able to give us a special access type of experience -- we would be forever in your debt, and happy to return the favor. Thanks.

NYC Galleries Recommendation for 12/14/04 11:30-5:30, 12/15/04 to 12:00p

crankyrobot — Tue, 14 Dec 2004 16:19:00 -0800

NYC Galleries Tomorrow? Taking the early Accela from Boston, getting into Penn Station at 11:30. Hitting the new MOMA for some art absorbtion - but are there other things / galleries that I should hit before the Pixies show? I'm meeting up with a friend @ 5:30 who's treating me to the concert. I'll be staying through the next noon, so that's also an option for hunting.

Good/cheap rental cabins in West Virginia? Related activities?

kscottz — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 20:09:18 -0800

West Virginia Filter: Any suggestions on where to find good/cheap rental cabins in West Virginia? What about activities? [MI]

How do you vacation, travel and relax?

croutonsupafreak — Tue, 26 Oct 2004 23:28:16 -0800

How do you take a vacation? I want to take a few days off, get away from home, relax and not feel any particular pressure to do anything. It seems like every vacation I've ever been on has been work. If I'm not touring or driving, I'm skiing or hiking. I don't want to take time off and just be home, but I don't know how to travel and relax. Any general tips or specific vacation recommendations?

Burlington, VT

yoga — Thu, 21 Oct 2004 17:15:47 -0800

Spending the weekend in Burlington, Vermont. Any suggestions on getting off the beaten path / weird museums / tours / cool pubs appreciated.

Hotel recommendations in Vancouver B.C.

vacapinta — Fri, 20 Aug 2004 14:39:33 -0800

Hotel recommendations for Vancouver B.C.? I'll be there a couple days for a wedding. My primary concerns are that it be central and unique/interesting. Any price range is fine.