Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with travel

We're looking for a fun, warm place to spend New Year's Eve!

ersatzkat — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:26:24 -0800

My husband and I want to be someplace warm for New Year's Eve where we can see the full moon over the water. We can take time off between Christmas and Jan 3, and we'd like to go someplace warm for a few days. We're travelling from the East coast, have never been to the Caribbean or Mexico, and have a nerdy desire to see the full moon over *some* body of water. I'd like something relaxing and beachy, he'd like a bit more adventure and local interest and tall shit to climb (sorry, editorial I know).

Our problem is narrowing down our options - can you help us? Any recommendations for islands, cities, beaches - I know it's broad, but we don't know where to start! Assume that money isn't a huge object, but we'd also prefer not to blow 10K on a week. We're happy to make lots of reservations and stuff ourselves, but could be swayed by an all-inclusive that wasn't tacky and/or a ripoff. We're both late 30s. Thanks in advance for your help!

Visiting Tokyo over the new year.

aladfar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:27:09 -0800

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).

Do I need to get a multiple entry visa for Spain/Andorra travel as a US citizen?

anarchivist — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:21:55 -0800

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?

And Iran, Iran so far away

oinopaponton — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:17:17 -0800

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. I've looked through the history, but the latest question about visiting Iran was asked before this summer's election. Has anyone been since then, or is anyone there now? As a single American woman staying with a wealthy family in Tehran, what could I expect? I'm aware of dress/behavior expectations, but I'm more curious about what day-to-day life would be like, including but not limited to reasonably unmonitored internet access. I don't speak Farsi, but I do speak French-- am I right in thinking that this would be at least marginally useful?

Bonus: I'm really interested in Iranian archaeology, to the point where (assuming all my graduate school applications aren't rejected) I'll soon be working on a very closely related MA or PhD. Is there any way that I could visit an active archaeological site? I'd be comfortable contacting professors at American universities and asking to visit their sites; is this something that a professor at, say, University of Tehran would be okay with?

If I go, it won't be for at least six months, and probably more like nine. I know things are liable to change in that period of time, but I want to know what I can expect before I get my heart set on going. Thanks!

Is there an application that will map all my friends?

yankeh — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:34:59 -0800

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. Even better if it will link up with my address book and/or facebook and do some of the data input work for me.

Day trips from Daegu?

pedstel — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:38:05 -0800

Daegu day trip suggestions? I'm visiting South Korea this month and will be staying with a friend in Daegu. We're spending a weekend in Seoul, but I'm looking for some fun day (or two day) trips to take while she's working. I'm into food, photography, general exploring, and any strange/fun eccentric sites or activities. I don't speak any Korean, but am fine with finding my way around on public transportation. Also, I'm on a grad student budget, so the cheaper the better...

where can i leave my luggage for the day in boston?

gcat — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:24:53 -0800

please help me see boston for a day! (anyplace i can leave my luggage for a few hours?) i fly into boston this afternoon. i will be having dinner with an acquaintance and then spending the night at his home. the next morning, we will part company. he will go to work and drop me off somewhere in boston (apparently he lives 10 minutes north). then i am meeting another friend at 6pm and we are driving up to maine.

so, between 8-ish am thursday morning and 6 pm that evening, i will be free, so i would like to see at least one historic tourist attraction.

the problem: i will be carless and will have my luggage - a heavy suitcase and a carry-on bag. is there *anywhere* i could leave my luggage for the day?

i know, poor planning on my part, but is it a lost cause?

so my question is essentially this: can anyone help me think of anywhere i can leave my stuff that is both 1) safe (for my luggage) and 2) very close to public transport? i would be willing to pay if necessary.

it wont be at all practical to leave my stuff at my friends place for the day.

oh, and also, havent had a chance yet to research public transport. any tips? where should i have my friend drop me off thursday morning? (i.e., maybe somewhere close to something really cool that is not too far from public transport?)

im not really coming up with any ideas, so it may not be realistic, but if the hive mind could help me i would be very grateful.

thanks so much!!

Where can I go for a long weekend?

dearleader — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:24:28 -0800

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?

Free WiFi in Tokyo and the rest of Japan?

teem — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:39:56 -0800

How widespread is free, open WiFi in Japan (Tokyo especially)? I've had good success using free WiFi in malls and such with my iPod Touch when I'm in unfamiliar major cities. It's great for accessing Google maps, looking up addresses, etc.

Will I be able to do this when I'm in Tokyo next year? What about when I'm in smaller rural cities? Are there any potential technologic or legal worries I need to consider or things I should prepare before going?

With what machine shall I join the scootering masses?

abkadefgee — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:12:07 -0800

What kind of used scooter/motorcycle should I buy that will be relatively safe, repairable, and ~$1500 or less? I previously asked a question in April about taking a cross-country scooter trip here: http://ask.metafilter.com/119706/Is-a-crosscountry-trip-on-a-scooter-feasible-reasonable-or-at-all-safe

The info was extremely valuable and cleared up a lot of misconceptions I had. I've been doing some research since then, but it can still be very confusing to see I should look for in a bike or scoot and for what price.

For example: I recently found two scooters I could see myself buying: a 2009 Kymco Agility 125 for around $1500 or a twenty year-old Yamaha Riva 180 for a little less than half that.

The Riva could probably use a new cooling fan as it apparently overheats around sustained 50mph+ driving, but it's a low price point for what seems like a powerful beginner scooter at only 7,000 miles.

The Kymco doesn't seem to have any issues whatsoever, but has a top speed of around 65 mph and costs twice as much. I am a little unsure about whether I will be able to find parts as easily for this machine as a Yamaha and it's a bigger upfront investment before I've learned if I really like riding a scooter.

I'm willing to consider other alternatives, but I don't want to spend hundreds of hours looking for the perfect deal.

My main priorities are finding a bike that is relatively safe, four-stroke (for lower pollution), has a top speed somewhere around 70 so I can ride 55 mph comfortably, is repairable by someone with enthusiasm but not experience, has replaceable parts that won't be a nightmare to find, and isn't too expensive.

It would also be a big plus if I don't have to worry about major depreciation if I decide that the two-wheeled life is not for me.

Also, if you have any tips on negotiating a low price, let me know. Was hoping the upcoming winter would drive prices down at the least.

Help a Canadian travel with peace of mind!

exquisite_deluxe — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:29:19 -0800

I'm a Canadian abroad with expired health insurance. What options do I have for a new policy? I need private health insurance for a 6 week trip to India, departing from New Zealand. I've been out of Quebec, Canada since October 2008, and I'm returning in December 2009. My private health insurance (bought through Travel Cuts) has expired, and they will not sell me a new plan without being in Canada.

I was then going to book through World Nomads, which does allow policy purchases after leaving Canada. However, they require Canadians to confirm that they are still covered under provincial health insurance. Since I have been out of Quebec for more than 183 days this year, and did not obtain a letter of extension before departure from Canada, apparantly I am no longer covered. So I can't get the World Nomads insurance.

All the policies I have looked at require booking before the trip, or being out of Canada for less than six months. I have seen this question asking about good travel insurance in Quebec, but it doesn't seem to address what to do without having a valid extension from Quebec health.

Help!! Do I have any options?? My main concern is having coverage for major medical emergencies.

Thanks in advance!

Yelp a Paris?

kenzi23 — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:48:48 -0800

Is there a Yelp-type site for restaurants in Paris (or Europe, as a whole)? Ideally I'd like a restaurant guide for Paris that is based on user reviews, is easy to search and bookmark like Yelp to make my meals in Paris a breeze. I'll even take a blog or a list if that's all I can get. Any suggestions are welcome.

Day trip from Krakow

triggerfinger — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:46:03 -0800

Day/overnight trips from Krakow? I will be going to Krakow in a few weeks for a six day visit. I am planning on spending a day each on the Salt Mines, Auschwitz and Krakow itself and am hoping to do a day trip if possible to another major city. Warsaw is an option but I'm also wondering how easy/difficult it might be to instead go to Budapest, Kiev or any other Eastern Europe cities? I am willing to take an overnight train, spend a day in the city and catch another overnight train back to Krakow. I've done a lot of searching on the internet and am having a difficult time finding enough information to make a decision.

Basically, I have come to the conclusion that as far as cities within an overnight train ride distance, the options I have are as follows:

Warsaw, Hamburg, Berlin, Leipzig, Prague, Budapest, Bucharest, Bratislava, Kosice, Lviv, Kiev and Odessa

I've been to Prague and Berlin so those are out for me. Is there anyone who is more familiar with the region who could give me an idea on the travel time (via train) for the other cities? Which ones are more do-able than others? Which ones would be the most interesting to see? Are there any that involve hassles that are best avoided? For example, I've read that Ukrainian customs can hold you up for hours. I am a US passport holder if that matters.

Any advice would be appreciated. I'd like to take advantage of my trip to see another major Eastern European city if possible. Thanks.

An American in Berlin, legally

minicloud — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:22:53 -0800

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? Basically, I just want to be able to stay here for 3 to 5 months without being "illegal". I dont plan on working for any German companies or using any of their social services (I have US healthcare). So what could I do to be official?

Looking for the perfect laptop for traveling

Afroblanco — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:31:20 -0800

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. Can spend up to $2000, but obviously I would like to spend no more than I absolutely have to.

How do we fit all this stuff in a Hyundai?

RobotVoodooPower — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:17:34 -0800

What's the best way to carry cargo on extended road trip with a mid-size SUV? We are going for an extended road trip (>6 months) and are taking all essential possessions needed to work, live, and play on the road. We will need to take clothes, camping gear, personal stuff, computers, portable bikes -- about 70 cubic feet of stuff, we estimate. We also need the cargo secured when we can't take it all indoors (hotels, for instance).

Our ride is a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe with two passengers. The initial idea was to just pull a small cargo trailer, but is there any other combination of roof racks / trunk racks that would maximize our rolling storage capacity?

Weird me out in London

MsMolly — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:37:44 -0800

Fun/weird London activities. Sock 'em to me. I'm going to be in London for three days at the end of November/beginning of December before an academic conference. I lived in London for a year during high school 20 (ulp!) years ago, and have been back a couple of times since, but my last visit was in 2001. I'm looking for quirky, off-the-beaten-path places to go and things to do. Something like Philadelphia's Mutter Museum, or Toronto's Bata Shoe Museum, or NYC's Peanut Butter and Co.. Shops, restaurants, museums, activities, all appreciated.

Dear Mystery Site: Where can I fly for $300?

tinamonster — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:41:39 -0800

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?

Words to money

schmichael — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:23:49 -0800

(Pro)sefilter: want to sell prose. Looking for advice. So I want to sell some work, get published. Now, for all intents and purposes, let's consider me to be unpublished. But I am confident in my words and confident in my ideas. Currently, I'm working on travel stories from my recent time in America - I'm a New Zealand citizen.

However I fear that the combination of the internet and the recession - and a generalised apathy towards the written word - means that it is particularly hard to make money writing these days.

Wise and generous denizens of Askme, I humbly request advice - preferably wide-ranging and learned - for a newcomer.

What should I do in Boston this weekend?

LouMac — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:31:26 -0800

What non-Halloween things should I do this weekend in Boston? I'm taking my fiancee to Boston for the weekend as an early birthday present. We'll be there from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon, staying at the Hilton in the Financial District. Saturday night we're going to the Guster concert at the Orpheum, but what should I do the rest of the time? Neither of us are crazy about Halloween-type activities, but prefer quainter, quieter spots.

I've read the previous threads about restaurants and museums, and I've been to Boston a bunch of times, but never for a semi-romantic weekend. I'm leaning towards dinner in the North End on Friday night, but willing to be persuaded otherwise.

1) What restaurants/bars/lounges/etc. do you recommend in the Financial District?
2) What do you recommend for after-dinner drinks/music/fun on Friday night in the Financial District, Fanueil Hall or North End areas?

I know the names don't match, but it's really me! I swear!

arianell — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:22:48 -0800

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? (I know there have been previous questions asked about this kind of thing, but none since these new TSA guidelines were implemented.)

Everyone calls me by a nickname that is very different from my "actual" first name. Say my name is Josephine, but I go by Scarlett because of my hair color.

Anyhow, my boyfriend booked a trip for us, and he forgot to reserve my ticket as Josephine instead of Scarlett. We called the airline, and they can't/won't change the name on the ticket. Instead, they kindly offered to let us purchase a replacement ticket for the low low price of $600, which neither one of us can afford.

I know that, until recently, you didn't actually have to show ID to procure your boarding pass or get through security, although the agents at the security checkpoint would flag you for an extra screening. How much has this policy changed? Does it seem likely that I'll be able to board my flight? If not, do I have any other options?

When solo road-trips get old...

forallmankind — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:35:19 -0800

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? Additional info:

a) I live in LA & all my friends live in LA, so the option of visiting a distant friend is not available.
b) No, I don't have a friend I can take with me - everyone's working and/ or has family commitments.
c) I'm European, so I have no relatives in this country to visit, and also don't have Thanksgiving commitments.
d) For visa reasons I can't leave the US (don't ask).
e) I've already road-tripped to the following states: AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, KY,LA, MS, MT, NE, NV, NM, NY, NC, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WY
f) I could drop $1-1.5K
g) I'm 37
h) I know - I should check into a hotel on the Vegas strip for a week. Does it make any difference that I don't drink or gamble?

God only knows what I'll do for Xmas!

Phonefilter: help me choose a new smartphone that's not a iPhone for email and roaming?

wingless_angel — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 05:24:36 -0800

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. I have decided I am in need of a new phone, my Nokia E65 is just not cutting it when I need to have access to email and a bit of internet et cetera when on the road. I travel a lot and sometimes getting Internet access is a pain, but I have found that in many places I can still use WAP on my phone to get email which is fantastic.

I live in the UK but travel to the US, Europe, Asia etc a lot for work. I have not lived here long so I am not sure if I qualify to get a phone on contract. I am using my old phone on O2 pay and go right now. I need a plan or provider that offers reasonably priced roaming data in the months that I know I'm travelling.

I have a Mac so I need to be able to sync with that, possibly over wifi/bluetooth? My Nokia was always crap for that. Bonus points if I can tether and use the phone as a modem at a pinch. Wifi would be cool too, though I have the iPod touch for that.

I work for a small NGO so we don't have a great infrastructure (or any tech support really), we are still on Exchange 2001 but I would love a phone that could integrate my Exchange mail and my Gmail and give me push email.

I have an iPod touch which I love, but I find typing on it a real pain so I don't want an iPhone. I send text more than I use a phone to make calls. I would prefer a proper QWERTY keyboard.

Places to drink in Munich that are NOT the typical beer hall?

badish — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:11:36 -0800

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!!!!!

Who can hire me a car to drive from the UK to the Netherlands?

gonzo_ID — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:10:17 -0800

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?