Inquisitive Society

Hey there, so here’s the deal. You’re gearing up for a big move abroad, which means you’ve got a bunch of luggage in tow. The question on your mind is whether you can split up the check-in process for your bags at the airport. Say you’ve pre-booked 4 checked luggages online, but you’re wondering if you can drop off 2 first and then circle back for the remaining 2 a little later.

Now, you’re a solo traveler with a total of 3-4 checked luggages, a carryon, and a backpack. Your flight’s set for a bright and early 6:45 am departure, so you’ll need to be at the airport by around 4 am. Lucky for you, the airport train chugs along 24/7, making it a convenient option. You’ve even got a hotel just a hop away from the airport, a mere 10-minute train ride, where you plan to crash the night before your journey.

Dragging all those bags in one go? Yeah, not gonna happen. But splitting them into two trips? Totally doable. You figure you’ve got enough time to swing back for the second round of check-ins. Sure, you could opt for a taxi, but let’s be real, it’s a quick 3-minute drive and would set you back about $25. The train, on the other hand, offers a wallet-friendly $2.75 ride.

So, what’s the bottom line? Can you pop in with 2 luggages, head back for the other 2, and breeze through the check-in process without a hitch? Well, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. While some airlines might allow it, others could throw a curveball. Your best bet? Reach out to your airline ahead of time to suss out their policy on splitting up your check-ins. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

So, there you have it. A game plan to tackle those luggages, a budget-friendly train ride, and a dash of uncertainty about the check-in situation. But hey, with a bit of preparation and a sprinkle of flexibility, you’ll be jetting off to your new adventure in no time. Safe travels and bon voyage!

Hey there! So, I’m on the hunt for a new backpack for my 12-year-old kiddo. He’s tired of his old duffel bag and wants to upgrade to a clamshell style for better organization. We’re not big on flying, mostly doing weekend or week trips to visit family, so I’m steering clear of anything with wheels.

My boy also goes camping with his youth group, and I feel like the Cotopaxi Allpa could be a great fit for both his travel and outdoor adventures. My only concern is whether the 20-liter size might be too small and he’ll outgrow it quickly, especially since he always packs an extra pair of shoes in addition to the ones he’s wearing. The 28-liter option, on the other hand, seems like it could be too big and awkward when not packed to the brim.

I really want to invest in a backpack that will last him for years to come, and the Cotopaxi has caught my eye for its functionality and quality. But, I have to admit, I’m a bit of a newbie when it comes to backpacks. It’s a whole new world for me!

So, here’s where I need your help: if you were in my shoes, would you go for the 20-liter or the 28-liter Cotopaxi Allpa? I want to make sure I get this right and pick the perfect size for my son’s needs. Let me know your thoughts!

So, I was scrolling through this recent thread and it turns out a bunch of us travelers like to look put together on the go. I mean, who doesn’t want to be comfy and stylish, right? And guess what? You don’t need to break the bank to do it. Just opt for regular clothes made of lightweight, quick-dry materials. I got a bunch of folks asking me where I snag my travel fits from, sparking the idea for a thread on where to score “normal” clothes that work for travel.

Now, when it comes to my personal rules for everyday travel wear, I keep it simple. No bulky stuff – think thinner, lightweight fabrics like poly, nylon blends, or even thin cotton and linen. And for those days when you wanna rock athletic gear but still look sharp, remember to go for looser, body-skimming fits in dark neutrals. Say no to bright colors, raglan sleeves, reflective bits, and zip-off anything – trust me, it shows!

Oh, and here’s a pro tip: Tailoring is your best friend! A good tailor can work wonders – they can nip in your waistband, adjust pant hems, add security zippers, and even sneak in some extra pockets. Accessories are key too. I love jazzing up my outfits with light scarves, costume jewelry, and reversible belts like my trusty Tommy Bahama number.

Now, onto the good stuff – where to score these travel-friendly threads. Athleta’s got some killer pants with zippered pockets that dry in a flash, though they can be a bit pricey. Old Navy’s sleek tech pants are hit or miss, but worth a shot. Royal Robbins and Columbia also have some decent nylon blend options. When it comes to shirts, Express and H&M poly tops are wrinkle-free winners, while Modcloth and J.Crew serve up cute tunics and tees. Linen lovers, check out H&M, J.Crew, and Anne Taylor for breezy options. And don’t sleep on Old Navy and Uniqlo for quick-drying cotton and merino sweaters.

Jackets? Uniqlo’s got some stylish picks, and my go-to rain jacket is the now-discontinued Marmot Elan. As for shoes, go for soft leather uppers that pack down small or opt for barefoot kicks that won’t take up much space in your bag.

Now, let’s talk budget-friendly finds. Quality travel

So, my husband and I have a $1,000 flight credit burning a hole in our pockets and six days to kill around the start of the year. We are the kind of travelers who like to keep it cheap, just a notch above backpacker style. We prefer Airbnb or hotels for a bit of privacy, and we enjoy immersing ourselves in different cultures, checking out cool sights, and sampling delicious local food. We tend to pack a lot into a short amount of time and aren’t fans of resorts or guided tours. Our top priority for this trip is keeping it budget-friendly! I’m aiming to keep the entire trip under $600, excluding flights.

Mexico City is currently at the top of our list. We’ve got our eyes on exploring the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, visiting the Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine, checking out the vibrant museums, delving into the flavors of Mexican cuisine, and getting lost in the bustling markets. It seems like the perfect mix of everything we love in a destination. However, I’m curious to know if there are any other must-see options out there that we might be overlooking.

We recently had an amazing trip to Turkey and Egypt a few months back, but it was a bit heavy on the wallet. Still, the travel bug has bitten us again, and we’re itching to jet off somewhere new. Given our preference for a destination that’s no more than around six hours away from the U.S., we’re looking for suggestions that fit the bill. It’s all about finding that sweet spot of affordability, adventure, and cultural experiences for us. So, if you’ve got any hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path recommendations that could offer us a great escape without breaking the bank, we’re all ears!

Hey guys, so I stumbled upon this thing called Genki Insurance while I was on the hunt for some motorbike coverage for my upcoming trip to Asia. I’m kind of on the fence about whether it’s the real deal or just a fancy name. Apparently, they’re cool with insuring you even if you don’t have a valid motorcycle license, as long as your bike meets a couple of criteria: it’s gotta be under 125cc and have a max speed of around 110 km/h.

The part that’s got me scratching my head is the price tag – it’s hovering around $60. Now that seems pretty darn cheap for any sort of motorbike coverage, especially when they’re willing to cover unlicensed riders. Has anyone given them a shot? What’s the deal with their claims process – are they reliable? And what about any sneaky restrictions or fine print that I need to be aware of?

I’m just trying to suss out whether this is a sweet deal or a classic case of “you’ll only realize it’s worthless when you’re in a bind.” Would love to hear your experiences and insights on this, so hit me up with any info you’ve got!

Hey there! So, I’m a member of the AVIS Presidents Club and I’ve got this sweet corporate discount deal where I pay $30 a day for a full-size sedan. Usually, when I book a full-size sedan, I end up getting upgraded to a midsize SUV – it’s pretty cool, right? I even lucked out once and scored a signature series G80E! But now, I’ve got some upcoming trips where I need a bit more space, so I’m thinking about whether it’s smarter to rent a full-size and then try to upgrade through the app or at the desk, or if I should just make a new booking for the bigger car I actually need.

I’m also curious if it’s okay to book two cars – one full-size sedan in the hopes of snagging an upgrade, and another in the class I really need. Will AVIS frown upon double bookings? Should I stagger the pickup times to make it less obvious? And what are the typical upgrade routes for a full-size sedan or a midsize SUV? What exactly is a “2car upgrade” from a full-size sedan or midsize SUV?

As an AVIS Presidents Club member, it’s always great to take advantage of those sweet perks. With my corporate discount, I typically pay just $30 a day for a full-size sedan. Whenever I reserve a full-size sedan, I often find myself cruising in a midsize SUV instead – talk about a nice surprise! I even once got to enjoy a luxurious signature series G80E upgrade. But now, as I plan for my upcoming trips that require a bit more room, I’m contemplating the best strategy for securing a larger vehicle.

I’m considering whether it’s more cost-effective to initially book a full-size sedan and then explore opportunities to upgrade through the AVIS app or at the rental desk, especially if the upgrade isn’t complimentary. Alternatively, I’m weighing the option of simply making a fresh reservation for the appropriate car size from the get-go.

Additionally, I’m pondering the idea of booking two vehicles – reserving a full-size sedan with hopes of a complimentary upgrade, alongside another reservation for the class of car I genuinely need. I wonder if AVIS monitors or disapproves of customers making double bookings and if it would be wise to stagger the pickup times to minimize suspicion.

Furthermore, I’m curious about the usual paths for upgrades from a full-size sedan to a larger vehicle such as a midsize

So, here’s the deal – I recently booked a rental car for a 9-day trip through CarQ via Economybookings.com. The total cost was just under $40, and I specifically declined insurance and other add-ons after carefully reviewing the terms and conditions. I had booked a car at a similar rate before in Hawaii, so I thought I had snagged a great deal again.

Fast forward to the day of my flight – I printed out the rental voucher they sent me a few weeks later without really looking at it. Upon landing in Fort Lauderdale, we hopped into a van for “GreenMotion” rentals for Off Site rentals, only to end up at a place called “Miami Life Cars.” When I presented the voucher, I was hit with two unexpected changes: first, if I didn’t take their insurance, I’d be charged an extra $14.97 per day as an administrative fee. Second, they required proof of insurance from specific companies like State Farm, Liberty Mutual, Geico, or All State – none of which I had.

Long story short, we were stuck with no choice but to rent a beat-up 2020 Honda Civic from “Miami Life Cars” for a whopping $450. The car had seen better days with over 100k miles on it, and the tires were practically begging to be replaced. To make matters worse, we were stranded 15 minutes away from the airport with a tired and cranky 2-year-old in tow.

I reached out to Economybookings for help, but I’m still waiting to hear back from them. Now, we’re three days into the rental, and that $450 is really putting a strain on our budget. Any suggestions on what I can do next would be greatly appreciated. It’s been a rough start to our trip, and I could really use some guidance on how to handle this situation.

Hey, just wanted to give you a heads up about something important for those of us in Thailand. So, if you’re thinking about doing a quick border bounce to reset your 60-day stamp, here’s the lowdown based on what we’ve been hearing from folks like Integrity Legal Thailand as of November.

First off, there’s this thing called the “2-Strike” Rule that might actually be a thing now. In the past, you could enter Thailand by land as many times as you wanted, but things seem to be tightening up. So, if you’ve been getting consecutive Visa Exempt stamps and you’re on your 3rd run in a row, chances are you might get pulled aside for a chat.

Next, there’s the “Show Me The Money” Check that’s been tripping people up. At certain checkpoints, officers are asking to see 20,000 THB in cold hard cash. Just flashing your Wise or banking app on your phone won’t cut it. They want to see those banknotes in your hand. Pro tip: make sure to withdraw the cash before you hit the immigration desk because ATMs might be a bit of a trek away.

Now, let’s talk about the difference between a “Border Run” and a “Visa Run.” Right now, there’s a big distinction between the two:

– A Border Run (Risky) involves popping over the border for an hour just to snag a stamp before heading back.
– On the other hand, a Visa Run (Safe) means traveling to places like Vientiane or Taipei to apply for a proper Tourist Visa (TR) or DTV. If you have the option, go for the DTV.

So, what’s the deal with the whole “border bounce” situation? Is this era of easy resets coming to an end? It’s hard to say for sure, but it’s clear that things are changing, so it might be time to rethink your strategy if you’re used to relying on quick hops across the border. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay on top of the latest updates to avoid any unexpected surprises at the immigration desk.

Hey there! So, every couple of months, me and my buddies have this fun challenge where we try to find the cheapest way to travel from one spot to another. We usually focus on flights, but sometimes we look into hotels too. Right now, we’re gearing up for our next adventure, and I have a feeling it’s going to be somewhere around Denver, CO, with flights out of Tampa, FL (I’m not too familiar with that area, to be honest).

I’ve been doing some research on Google Flights, and I’ve seen some crazy low prices, ranging from $20 to $40 for certain days. Now, my trip is planned for December 5-6, and I’m wondering if those prices might drop even lower before then. I’ve been checking out some flight graphs on there too to get a better idea.

If you want to check it out for yourself, I’ve included the links for flights from Tampa to Denver, CO and Orlando, FL to Denver, CO. It’s always exciting to see how we can make our travel dreams come true without breaking the bank. So, fingers crossed for those prices to drop even more before my trip!

You know how everyone keeps asking about the best off-the-beaten-path countries to visit, right? Well, it seems like the same handful of places keep getting all the love: Kazakhstan, Slovenia (which is super trendy right now), Albania, and Laos. But let’s face it, these spots are becoming the next big thing. Once upon a time, it was all about being the cool kid who had explored these hidden gems. Now, it seems like everyone and their mom has been there. And let’s be real, there’s no longer a truly under-the-radar destination where you won’t bump into a bunch of sunburnt Europeans in tank tops lugging around their backpacks.

If you’re really looking to dive into uncharted territory, you’ve gotta dig a little deeper. Take, for instance, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. This place doesn’t get nearly enough hype, considering it’s one of the wealthiest states in Mexico and boasts the richest city in all of Latin America. I stumbled upon this gem and was blown away by its beauty – surrounded by majestic mountains and practically devoid of tourists.

So, if you’re tired of the same old travel recommendations and want to blaze your own trail, consider exploring the lesser-known corners of well-known countries. Who knows, you might just stumble upon your next favorite destination – one that hasn’t been overrun by the masses yet.