Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with travel and holiday

Hotel Luz En Yucatan

uans — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:18:26 -0800

Hotel Luz En Yucatan , Mexico, sounds too good to be true. Is it? I would like to hear from anyone who has been there before. Thinking of going in January. Thanks.

Keeping Busy

sycophant — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:35:07 -0800

Keep us busy in Melbourne. What to do for a few days in Victoria's Capital? My wife and I are visiting Melbourne for four days in about a week. We've got a few things planned (art exhibit at National Gallery, dinner on one night, optimistically in the audience for Rove) but basically have three days free.

We were last there for a little under a week about three years ago, and did some of the most obviously touristy thing then, but are looking for some more inspiration this time around.

We're planning to visit Bridge Road, and maybe the museum, but that's about all we've got on our minds for sure this time around. We're staying in the CBD and probably planning to stick relatively central, but we're not afraid of a wee train or tram journey for something interesting.

Bonus points for a few great ideas in close proximity. And, I suspect, Mrs. Sycophant would be interested in other bargain shopping opertunities beyond Bridge Road and DFO.

Suggestions for a house rental for Mexico?

k8t — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:57:23 -0800

House rental for a group in Mexico? Babyfriendly a must. ~5 couples and 3 babies (around a year) want to go to the beach for a week(ish). Most are on the east coast (NYC/Vermont), so somewhere JetBlue flies would be nice. We've thought that renting a house would be easiest, so we could cook.

Cheap is good, of course.

Any suggestions? TIA!

Work from vacation?

smackfu — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:13:18 -0800

For people who work-from-home, have you ever tried to work-from-vacation? Was it worth it? Any pitfalls or tips/tricks? Any particularly apt destinations?

Where should we go on vacation?

defreckled — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:54:12 -0800

Where should we go on vacation next week? We were planning on the Caribbean, but tropical storms have rained on those plans (sorry!). We're open to anything in the US or Canada with just a few restrictions. The storms will be moving up the entire East Coast, so that's also out of the question which makes things a little more inconvenient since we're in NYC. We're looking for something fun and relaxing, preferably near a nice body of water, and good food is always a plus. Also, I'm pregnant so I won't be doing any drinking, super strenuous exercise, etc. We'd like to stay in a hotel or resort rather than camping or a b&b, and we have a decent budget to work with.

Thanks for saving me from another 24 hours of google hell!

I heard something about typhoons, too!

schmoo — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:47:56 -0800

What will the weather be like in Japan at the beginning of September? I have googled and got an idea – warm and rainy! – but have a few specific questions and would welcome personal experience! A few sites have suggested that the temperatures in September will be around 22-26 degrees celsius – is this about right? Will t-shirts be enough in the day times? How cool does it get at night?

How sunny is it? Is it generally warm but overcast or is it sunny enough that I will need to bring sunscreen? Is it generally dreary and cloudy or can we expect some clear skies at least?

How rainy is it usually at the beginning of September? Will I need to carry an umbrella and mac with me at all times, or will the heavy rains of the high summer have let off a bit?

Bonus, slightly unrelated question: I will probably wear pumps or sandals while I am there. I don’t wear socks underneath these, will this be a problem when we go places where you have to take your shoes off? Is it normal to take your shoes off and be barefoot?

I will be in Japan from 1st-14th September and we will be staying in Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto.

Thanks for any help!

Help me Hivemind: spending money and eating veggie in Japan.

Kirn — Wed, 27 May 2009 10:55:40 -0800

How much spending money do I need for 10 days in Japan? And: help me eat vegetarian while I'm there. I'll be visiting Japan for 10 days from the 8th of June. That's 3 days in Tokyo, 4 days in Kyoto (with a day trip to Nara and possibly another one to Osaka, and a few hours spent in Nagoya), 2 days in Hiroshima (with a day trip to Miyajima island) and finally 1 day in Narita.

I'm trying to get an idea of how much spending money I should take. Flights, hotels and JR pass are all booked already, but I'll pay to get around Tokyo for the first 3 days (subway or trains) and from Narita Airport->Tokyo, as the JR pass is only for the last 7 days. I won't be looking to eat anywhere that expensive, though doing so by accident is quite possible. I'll be looking to take some souvenirs home, but I'm not after anything specific (and unlikely to go for expensive electronics etc.) and travelling carry-on only so space is limited. I'm travelling with friends so we'll probably want to go out drinking some nights, but not clubbing. No specific tourist destinations in mind but we'll be going to see temples, maybe a couple of museums etc.

So: how much spending money should I take?

And... I'd like to make an appeal for advice on eating vegetarian in Japan. I get that this will be difficult and that there's fish stock/flakes in everything - I'm ok with the fish stock/flakes but would like to avoid meat/fish flesh/seafood.

So my second question is: are there any common vegetarian dishes (with or without fish flakes but ideally without) that I can look for in restaurants? Something I can learn the name of and be sure (or at least relatively sure) that I'm getting something flesh-free? (What about convenience stores etc.?)

And finally: if I learn phrases for 'do you have anything without meat, fish or seafood?' and 'can you make it without meat/fish/seafood?', what kind of response am I likely to get in typical eateries? Refusal/bewilderment/misunderstanding/annoyance? (I won't be able to carry on a conversation as I only know a few basic words and phrases, though I will occasionally be accompanied by a fluent Japanese speaker.)

Thanks very much in advance everyone, and sorry for the many sprawling questions - I'm trying to get the most out of my weekly questions before I go! For what it's worth, I'm a 24-year old male from the UK, travelling with 2-3 guys and 1 girl of similar ages.

December travel recommendations

impluvium — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:46:16 -0800

Where is the best place to travel in December? December in Canberra is hot, windy and deserted -- help us have a fantastic time somewhere else!

Our holidays are in December this year, and we (late 20s couple) are wondering if there are any places around the world where December is the time to visit. We're based in Australia, but willing to travel anywhere.

Is there a December event or festival that simply can't be missed? Or a spot where the climate is perfect this time of year? Neither of us is religious, so Christmas isn't a consideration -- except as far as it concerns Christmas markets and their delicious components.

Bonus points for options that include non-air travel for at least part of the trip -- think trains, or interesting car trips.

Inspirational Places to Travel From Hong Kong !

doogyrev — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:44:22 -0800

Holiday / Vacation Inspiration Needed ! A last minute opportunity for an Asian getaway has popped up ! I will be in Hong Kong, my travel destination will be ?????? >>>>> ???? I'm going to be in Hong Kong on the 28th of April and need to make a decision on where to head off to for a break of 8 days ( till 6th May )

Any tips on where to go , best prices etc. I can easily fly somewhere in the region

Vietnam , Thailand , Cambodia are off the list as I have travelled a fair bit in those countries..

I'm earning New Zealand Dollars so needs to be budget focussed.

Looking for new experiences along side some R & R and my inspirational travel juices have dried up.... can the collective help ?

Travel Insurance + Canada

ryanbryan — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 04:40:26 -0800

Planning a working holiday to Canada, and need advice on travel insurance... Planning a working holiday to Canada, with possible side travel through the US and Europe. Looking into travel insurance and have been warned about being wary of those policies with limits on dental. Is this really something I ought to be concerned with? Never really had dental problems, already had wisdom teeth out etc. What are typical prices for dental procedures in Canada?

Also, does anyone know of a website/company to get cheap travel insurance for an Australian? Best I've seen for a comprehensive policy is about $870 AUD for 12 months.

Posting for a friend on this one.

Can I work in New Zealand for the summer in the recession?

SamuelBowman — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 01:33:39 -0800

Is it feasible to go to work in New Zealand for June-September period this year? If not, is it possible to go anywhere? I'm getting the itch to travel after I graduate from university this summer. I've never done any kind of work abroad so I'm apprehensive, especially given the times we live in. I'm from Ireland (if it's relevant) and I'd really like to go, with my girlfriend (this is a must), to New Zealand for the summer (well, it'll be winter there) and work. Is this possible at the moment, given the recession? I don't have enough money to pay for the trip beyond travel expenses etc, so if I can't work, I can't go.

I'm unskilled, but have worked quite a few different jobs and I'm willing to do practically anything. How do I find a short-term job on the other side of the world? WWOOFing sounds interesting, but I'm a little wary in case I end up in a Bart Simpson's French exchange situation. If you've done something like this, how was it?

I don't know enough about NZ to know whether South Island or Auckland (or wherever else) would be more interesting and fun, but I would love to see South Island (especially Fjordland) at some point during my time there. I'm also not 100% set on NZ, but I think it would be first in my list (and going somewhere outside North America/Europe is pretty essential). I don't speak anything except for English.

I can find things like visas, etc, out for myself, this is really about whether it's worth thinking about this at all. Would it be possible? Would it be worth it?

In short:
* I want to go somewhere amazing this June-September with my girlfriend. Preferrably not Europe or North America.
* We don't have much money, so we'll have to work, and we don't mind what we do. Working together is not essential, but living together is.
* It doesn't have to be New Zealand, but it would be pretty swell if it was.

I would love to hear thoughts, suggestions or experiences from anyone before I get my hopes up too high. This is my first question on Metafilter, if I've left something out just let me know!

Thanks in advance!

Active Holiday end October?

beemsterman — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 03:46:20 -0800

I'm looking for a holiday destination. Last weeks of October where I can hike (mountains), bike (atb) and learn diving (padi). No resorts or too much luxury, just basic accomodation. I'm alone so it would be nice to meet more travellers. Doe you have suggestions?

What can I expect from Oman?

jonesor — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 06:35:47 -0800

I'm going to Oman for 2 weeks in January (including New Year's Eve). What can I expect? I'm visiting Oman to go scuba diving with a friend. Our accommodation is already arranged in Muscat, and we have access to a 4x4 car.

I'll not be spending all my time in the water, so what other things would you recommend I do/see? I'm interested in wildlife, the great outdoors, history etc. So anything along those lines would be of interest.

What food/drink should I try?

Also, are there any cultural things I should be aware of so I don't cause offence?

Any other tips specific to Oman/Muscat would also be appreciated.

Will we have a tip-top Tet?

Serial Killer Slumber Party — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:41:30 -0800

Just how chaotic does Vietnam get during Tet? Is it going to be a problem for inexperienced travelers? My girlfriend and I (both 20) are planning on going on our first independent trip around Cambodia and Vietnam during January. Tet will be celebrated while we are away (January 26 I believe) and most travel guides and basic advice we have heard is that traveling can get tricky then due to overbooked hotels and closed services either end of the celebrations.

We will likely be in Hoi An during Tet itself (other possibilities include Hue or Danang) and will mostly be traveling north through Vietnam via bus and train. The festival certainly sounds like a lot of fun (and we can't change the timing of our trip anyhow) but there is still concern about missing out on accommodation or having to settle for more expensive rooms (we are ridiculously poor students).

Is this something that inexperienced travelers should be wary about? And should we book accommodation early (which we'd rather not do)?

Any good Tet stories would be more than welcome.

Looking for an e-guitar boot camp!

lord_yo — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 07:14:15 -0800

My wife and I are looking for a "boot camp" to learn to play electric guitar. Can you recommend any kind of retreats, workshops camps, schools, that offer intense one- or two-week e-guitar training in a pleasant, vacation-like surroundings? We are based in Switzerland; European workshops - if there are any - would be our first pick, but we're open for other options as well. We speak English, German and French.

Please evaluate my route from Italy to Spain by car

zaebiz — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 02:07:07 -0800

I plan to drive from Venice, Italy to Valenica, Spain in April or May 2009 using the following route. I will stay for a few days or weeks in little spots along the way. I should have about six weeks in total. I mostly want to see a little of Spain and Italy, the French Riviera, Montpellier, Marseilles and finish at Valencia. Apart from that anything else I should try to see? Any parts of the chosen route I should avoid? What's driving like along that route? Any rental car companies which will let me pick up in Italy and drop off in Spain?

Istanbul, Constantinople ...

the luke parker fiasco — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:14:01 -0800

Turkey vs. Greece: A colleague of mine is looking for suggestions on the best place to visit for a seaside vacation with her 15-year-old son. This more or less encompasses the criteria she gave me. She is planning to take a vacation in the next six weeks or so, with her son. They want to go to the seaside in either country, and are looking for suggestions on the best location to choose, where to stay, etc. She did mention the word "resort", but I'm assuming that outrageously expensive locales are to be avoided. Where are the places you've gone, loved, would recommend?

How can I make the most of a trip to Iceland in August?

chinese_fashion — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:12:56 -0800

How can I plan a trip to Iceland this August? What do you recommend to do, where to stay, what to budget ... and how can we spend money intelligently rather than in tourist traps, etc. I am hoping to meet a friend in Reykjavik this August. I'm flying in from NYC, he (is an Aussie) from Ghana.

We both love checking out natural wonder, hiking, natural hot springs, etc., but would greatly appreciate turning it out at bars at night sometimes, too. I know very, very little about the country, apart from the fact that it's both gorgeous and pricey.

What would you recommend doing while there? Any "can't-miss" things? Affordable hotels that may be a cut above hostels without being exactly opulent?

Any links, tips, ideas where to start are greatly appreciated. I'm not sure where to turn, but need to get planning.

Where should we go after Munich for our summer holidays

trashcan — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:10:12 -0800

Cosmopolitan, chilled out, cultural, lots to see and do all within reach of Munich....within flying, train or driving reach that is. We (my wife and I) are going on holiday this summer starting in Munich for four days, we then would like to head somewhere else for four days and then finally somewhere else beforeflying back to the UK.

We went to Berlin last year and absolutely loved it and then Amsterdam - which aside from the seedy side, loved it too.

We like nice bars, restaurants, famous architecture, galleries of famous artists - and not so - and we like live music.

We also love history, so Berlin was ideal for the mix available.

I'd really appreciate some ideas.

Thanks

TC

Planning 3-month getaway to Australia

SRMorris — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 03:07:32 -0800

Planning a 3 month backpacking trip for Australia (hopefully including New Zealand/Fiji) during September - November. Any suggestions/recommendations for locations and durations? My fiancee and I (both 25) are starting to plan for a 3 month trip. We're starting off from UK, quick stop-over in Dubai (family live there) and then continuing on. I've been to Gold Coast several times (and Cairns) but is my fiancee's first visit.

We are considering exploring the Eastern coast, starting from Sydney (or Melbourne) and moving up to Cairns. We're planning on using the coaches, hopping on/off and exploring. After reaching (and exploring Cairns), we would like to go to New Zealand and perhaps Fiji.

Is this feasible? Any recommendations on ideal locations or durations for each place/part? Potential cost based on camping and perhaps motels (basically cheap accommodation)?

Thanks for all your help!
Excited to go!

UK travel on a budget

nikksioux — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:41:13 -0800

My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Jolly Olde England in May. Does anyone have any advice on reasonably priced accomadations in London? Other budget-friendly advice? Other travel-savvy tips for vacationing in the UK? Indian restaurant rec's? Thanks in advance.

Accommodation and things to do in Valencia, Spain?

jonesor — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:12:28 -0800

I'm going to be in Valencia (Spain) for a few days. Can you give me your recommendations for budget accommodation and some things to do. I'll be there from 20th-23rd March, and by budget I mean less than about 30 euros pppn.
What shouldn't I miss? I've been to other parts of Spain before and have a reasonable grasp of the language. On those previous occasions I've spent my time eating and drinking my way around the bars. This time I'd like to have a to do list of sights and maybe a museum or two to give our days a bit of structure.
Throw in any other Valencia-related tips as you see fit.

Many thanks!

Best online resources for exotic backpacking destinations?

deern the headlice — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 00:36:43 -0800

What are the best online resources for adventurous backpacking to obscure places? Ideally, I'd love to find a well-written blog chronicling exotic travel. Bonus for great images and video.

I'm actually not huge on big hikes/climbs or purely Outdoor things unless the payoff is really amazing or it's especially exotic. I'd love to hear more about navigating quiet, strange, small to medium-sized towns in places like S. America, Asia, Indonesia, Africa, etc, most especially places which don't see many tourists. Thanks!

Where To Take A Month Holiday For Two?

chriswarren — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 08:19:37 -0800

My girlfriend finishes school in July and starts work in September. We'd like to spend a month abroad during August. What are good locations where we can live comfortably and be able to have a lot of experiences - touristy and not? While we don't have a budget set yet, I'd think we'd be looking at between US$3000 and US$5000. We'd originally discussed Europe, but the idea of New Zealand or Australia has come up as well. I've lived in Australia and spent a month traveling New Zealand before. She's studied in London.

Rent-a-lackey?

Helga-woo — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:13:08 -0800

New Zealand volunteering: I'm going to New Zealand, and I want to do some volunteering when I get there... any suggestions? Ok, so my family have been planning this trip of a lifetime for about 20 years. It's simple, go to New Zealand for about a month, see various friends and relations, watch some cricket, drive about a bit in a camper van. This is all great and good, but, I'm now 29, and I think I will go mad if I have to spend 4 weeks in a camper van with my parents. My sister has friends working over there, so she has an easy escape route. I need to create one. So I'm looking for some volunteering I could do when I get there. Ideally it would be some sort of working holiday type thing, that lasts about a week (something like what BTCV or the National Trust offers in the UK). So any recommendations that offer opportunities like that would be cool, and I'm open to other ideas.

I've got skillz! I've worked for some of the biggest NGOs in the UK on volunteering, I've got tons of professional and voluntary experience in everything from environmental conservation to youth work to fundraising to event organisation (including with the aforementioned BTCV and National Trust)... so personal recommendations for organisations where a slightly-less-than-clueless Brit could make themselves useful for a week, would also be fab!

I'm going to be there from end of February to end of March 2008, the actual dates aren't fixed yet, but will be soon.

Also, I know that BTCV is currently offering a working holiday in NZ at that time, but it's 2 weeks, and a bit expensive. I don't care about the extra tours and stuff, trust me, my mother has already put together a plan of military precision so that's already taken care off. I just want to ease my guilty conscience about the 23 hour flight and meet some new people. Plus I'm thinking something organised directly with local organisations might be cheaper. I'm happy to pay though.