Inquisitive Society

Hey there, guys! So, I’m super stoked to share that I’m gearing up for my first-ever solo adventure through the Balkans this fall. I’m a 21-year-old dude from Canada, and let me tell you, I’m all about hiking, trail running, taking in the sights, and, of course, enjoying some cold ones—beer, beer, beer, baby! 🍻

Now, let’s talk details. My budget for this epic journey is around 3000€ (excluding Romania), and I’ve got my itinerary all mapped out. I’ll be kicking things off in Sarajevo from September 3 to 6, then making my way to Mostar on September 7 and 8. Next up, it’s Dubrovnik on September 9 and 10, followed by Kotor on September 11 and 12.

After that, I’ll be heading to Žabljak (Durmitor) from September 13 to 15, then soaking up the vibes in Budva from September 16 to 18. On September 19, I’ll be splitting my time between Bar and Podgorica before making my way to Peja on September 20. From there, it’s off to Prizren on September 21 and 22, and then I’ll be checking out Pristina from September 23 to 24.

I’ll be rolling into Skopje from September 25 to 27, with a pit stop in Prilep on September 28. Next up, I’ll be exploring Kruševo on September 29 before making my way to Bitola on September 30 and October 1. And finally, I’ll be wrapping up the Balkan leg of my journey in Ohrid from October 2 to 5. After that, it’s off to Romania for three weeks before heading back home.

Now, here’s where I need your help, fellow travelers. Any hostel recommendations along my route? Do you think I’m spending too much or too little time in any of the spots on my itinerary? I’m also debating whether to include Peja in my plans or swap it out for another destination. And last but not least, I’d love to hear about any must-see day trips or hidden gems that I absolutely can’t miss along the way.

Thanks a million in advance for all your tips and advice—I can’t wait to embark on this epic

Alright, so here’s the deal – I know Budget can’t guarantee specific car models, but I decided to go with a local Budget spot instead of the airport one because it was way cheaper. The airport spot had the same daily rate, but with higher taxes and fees. Sure, the airport had more cars to choose from, but I took my chances with the neighborhood location.

I wanted a full-sized SUV for my upcoming trip to Colorado, but Budget hit me with the ol’ switcheroo and offered me a midsize instead. Now, I’m wondering if I can get a price adjustment for settling for the smaller ride. Speaking of prices, we opted for the “pay now” option because it saved us some serious cash. However, I’m not holding my breath that the neighborhood spot will actually have a full-sized SUV available when the time comes.

I’ve been scoping out the Budget spot near me for a while now, and I haven’t seen any full-sized SUVs like Expeditions or Tahoes in their lineup. The biggest they seem to offer are mid-sized SUVs like 4Runners, Grand Cherokees, and Explorers. In the past, I’d usually pay when I picked up the car just to be safe, but this time we went for the prepayment option.

I’m pretty stoked about our trip to Colorado. We’re planning to visit some cool ghost towns that are only reachable by SUVs or trucks. Can’t wait to hit the road and explore those off-the-beaten-path spots!

Alright, so I usually stick to Enterprise when renting cars, but a little while back, I had this job interview out of state and the company booked me a car from Sixt using their fancy corporate credit card. Everything was cruising along until the car decides to throw a fit and flashes a “Transmission Error” message. It was crystal clear that I had nothing to do with this sudden breakdown. Sixt sorted out a tow for the car and gave me another one to keep things rolling.

Fast forward to last month, and what do I get in my inbox? A fine print masterpiece claiming I owe them close to $900 for a “recovery/storage fee” and an “administrative fee.” Hold up, which car are they talking about? I don’t recall any details on the supposed damage or even a snapshot to back their story. I shot an email to their claims crew, but it’s been crickets since then, so I figured they’d moved on. But no, this morning, there it is, another email saying I’ve got until the end of the month to cough up the dough. My reply? “Nope, not happening.” If they truly believe they’re in the right, they can take it up with my auto insurance provider, and we’ll settle it the proper way.

Now, let’s say I stick to my guns and keep the wallet shut tight. Can they turn around and swipe the company’s credit card for these so-called damages?

Hey there, I’m back in the Balkans after a stint with my folks in the US, but let me tell you about my quick pit stop in the UK. I’ve been here for less than two days, and I’m already itching to hit the road. I can’t quite pinpoint it, but there’s something about this place that just sucks the life out of me. And mind you, I’ve trotted through 11 countries and set up camp in three of them.

London, on the surface, seems like your typical bustling city with its traffic, throngs of people, and even a peek of sunshine. But to me, it feels like I’m stuck in a video game where everything looks real but lacks that spark of life. It’s hard to explain, but there’s this emptiness, this dullness that hangs in the air. And let me tell you, if you’re thinking of making the UK your new home, be prepared to fork out some serious cash. I’m talking 15 to 20 pounds for a so-so meal and a whopping $270 for just two nights in an Airbnb. It’s highway robbery, I tell you.

So, if you’re like me, craving a bit more vibrancy and life in your surroundings, you might want to think twice about setting up camp in the UK. It may look all shiny and bustling on the outside, but once you scratch beneath the surface, you might find it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.

Hey there, fellow wanderers and minimalists! So, you’re thinking about embracing the nomadic lifestyle or downsizing to the bare essentials, but that age-old question lingers: how do you choose the right backpack size? I totally get it – every time I try to make a packing list, it seems to grow longer and longer. I’m 26, lived in the same city forever, and now, the thought of moving or traveling with just a backpack is both exciting and daunting.

Let’s tackle the backpack size first. I currently have a 30-liter backpack, but is that enough? The answer really depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re planning to travel light and stick to the essentials, a 30-liter pack might just do the trick. But if you’re like me and tend to accumulate stuff without even realizing it, you might want to consider a slightly larger pack – maybe 40 liters or even 50 if you’re feeling ambitious.

Now, onto the fun part – what to actually pack. Of course, the basics like a mobile phone, toothbrush, personal hygiene products, and underwear are non-negotiable. But what else should make the cut? Think about versatile clothing items that you can mix and match, like a couple of t-shirts, a pair of jeans, and a lightweight jacket. Don’t forget a sturdy pair of shoes and maybe a swimsuit if you’re headed to a beachy destination.

When it comes to other essentials, consider items that serve multiple purposes. A reusable water bottle can double as a container for snacks, while a compact travel towel can also work as a makeshift picnic blanket. And let’s not forget about the all-important first aid kit – better to be safe than sorry!

As for sentimental or comfort items, keep it minimal. A favorite book, a small photo album, or a piece of jewelry can help you feel at home wherever you go. Just remember, the goal is to live with the bare minimum and not be weighed down by unnecessary stuff.

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, try packing everything you think you need and then cut it in half. Chances are, you can make do with a lot less than you think. And hey, worst case scenario, you can always pick up items along the way if you find you really need them.

So, to sum it up, choosing the right backpack size is all about finding a balance between having enough space for your essentials and not overpacking.

So, here’s the deal with traveling, folks. First things first, always have a backup plan handy for any trips you’ve booked in advance. Trust me, it’ll save you a lot of headaches down the road. And hey, even if you’re not the most tech-savvy person out there, do yourself a favor and download the airline’s app. It’s a game-changer. Plus, take a minute to figure out how to actually use it – it’s worth the effort.

Oh, and don’t forget to sign up for those text message updates about your flight. You do not want to be that person chilling at the wrong gate because there was a last-minute change. And let’s face it, flight delays and cancellations are just par for the course these days. So, be prepared for the worst.

When you’re at the ticket counter, remember that those computers don’t have any magical powers. So, if things go south, get on that app or give customer service a call ASAP. And if there’s an international customer service number available, use it. And hey, if there’s a Spanish option, go for it – those agents usually speak English too.

Now, here’s the real kicker – if your travel plans are set in stone and not flexible, there’s a good chance you might have to ask for a refund and switch airlines at a moment’s notice. It’s just the name of the game. And if your flight gets canceled due to bad weather, sorry to break it to you, but you’re probably not getting a hotel or meal voucher from most airlines. So, be ready to fly into a different airport and rent a car to get to your final destination.

Pro tip: Check-in online at least 24 hours before your flight. Those ticket counter computers lockout 42 minutes before departure, and trust me, your tears won’t change that. Also, be mindful of your luggage weight – airlines will charge you an arm and a leg for even one pound over the limit.

And hey, those airline credit cards? They’re actually pretty nifty. They can save you some serious cash and hook you up with some sweet rewards. I mean, I’m flying round-trip to Paris on my points every year – talk about a win-win situation.

Oh, and one more thing – when it’s time to board, don’t try to sneak onto the plane early. Sit tight at your gate until your group is called.

Hey everyone! So, my girlfriend and I are currently exploring Japan on our Working Holiday Visas. We make ends meet by doing Workaway gigs, taking up occasional small paying jobs, and earning from our two rental properties back in the UK. Our visas are running out in December, and I’m eager to spend the remaining time this year honing a new skill that could potentially bring in an extra £1,000 or more each month while working remotely. This extra income would definitely make our long-term travel plans, especially as we head towards Southeast Asia, a lot more comfortable, allowing us to afford better accommodations and more activities along the way.

Back in the UK, I had my own plumbing and heating business for over a decade, but I’ve been contemplating a career change for some time now. I’m pretty much open to exploring any avenue that offers a realistic path to remote work. So, if you were in my shoes and starting fresh today, what skill would you focus on acquiring? Are there any entry-level remote job opportunities that are worth pursuing while also working on developing new skills, or would you suggest concentrating solely on learning at this stage?

I’d love to hear about your own experiences – what you do for remote work, how you got started in that field, and any useful resources or tips you could share. Your insights would be incredibly valuable to me as I navigate this exciting but somewhat uncertain journey. Thanks a bunch in advance for any advice or suggestions you can offer!

So, what do you think? What should I focus on learning to secure a sustainable remote income stream for our travels ahead? Let me know your thoughts and recommendations – I’m all ears!

Hey there! So, I’m heading to Germany for a cool 2.5 months during the winter season (from September to December). Now, I’m in a bit of a pickle about my luggage situation. I’m pondering if a 20kg suitcase is going to cut it for me. I mean, I’m planning on doing laundry often, but I also need to pack all my winter essentials – we’re talking heavy jackets, a couple of pairs of shoes, my trusty laptop, and some snazzy outfits for my business endeavors. Can’t be showing up in the same shirt every day, right? 🤣

Now, the airline is offering me the option to bump up my baggage to 30kg for some extra cash. Sounds tempting, right? But here’s the thing – while it might seem like a no-brainer to go for the extra weight, the idea of lugging around a 30kg bag (which is more than half my weight, mind you) is giving me some serious doubts. I mean, I’m a petite gal, and the image of me struggling with a massive suitcase is just too comical to ignore.

I wish I had a suitcase on hand to test out and see how everything fits, but alas, I find myself in this conundrum. So, what’s your take on this? Do you reckon the 20kg limit will suffice, or should I bite the bullet and go for the 30kg baggage allowance? I’m all ears for any advice or suggestions you might have!

Man, I wish I had known about this subreddit earlier. When I rented a car in Germany back in May, the one I had reserved was not available, but they hooked me up with a free upgrade. I picked it up in this dimly lit garage and, armed with just my phone flashlight, did a quick walkaround. At that moment, I didn’t spot any damage, though now I’m kicking myself for not taking a video. But let’s be real, even if I had, I doubt it would have captured the scratches that Sixt is now accusing me of.

The rental itself was smooth, and the car was a dream. However, a few weeks post-return, I received an email from them claiming I owed them a hefty sum of 815.40€ for some supposed damage to the rim. I’ve been battling it out with them for what feels like forever, but I’ve finally thrown in the towel and started a Collision Damage Waiver claim with Visa. They shot over some photos highlighting these alleged rim scratches, but here’s the kicker – I only did highway driving, no off-roading adventures here. I did snap a pic a couple of days before returning the car, but alas, it’s not detailed enough to show whether the damage was there or not.

I can’t help but wonder, could it be that rental companies like Sixt are purposely giving out cars with minor imperfections and then hitting customers with charges if they fail to document every little scratch and dent? Lesson learned, folks: steer clear of Sixt like it’s the plague. Seems like this isn’t an isolated incident, especially when renting overseas. If only I had known earlier, I would have chosen differently.

So, here are the takeaways from my ordeal: firstly, avoid Sixt at all costs. This kind of shady business practice seems to be a recurring theme with them, especially outside the country. Secondly, always whip out your phone and capture a video, especially if the lighting is less than ideal. Snap close-up shots of all the rims and tires, too. It’s a pain, but it could save you a major headache down the line.

Hey there! So, I’m a mid-30s guy from the US, chilling on my summer break from teaching. Recently, I had this epic adventure in Ladakh, a rad region in India. Let me break it down for you.

First stop: Delhi. I didn’t dive straight into the chaos, opting for a chill mall trip instead. Delhi’s security checks were a surprise, but the food was bomb.

Next up, Leh. The altitude hit hard, so I kicked off in Ulleytokpo for acclimatization. The hikes to Rizong and Mangue monasteries were surreal, with killer mountain views.

Leh itself was a gem, tourist-friendly yet authentic. The fort and diverse food scene were a hit.

Then, the Markha Valley trek. Joined a small group, tackled high passes, and even spotted a wild snow leopard. Mind-blowing, despite some altitude sickness and a dodgy tummy.

After the trek, Leh’s protests gave me a peek into local life. Next, Kargil’s Shia Muslim vibe and war history left a mark. The unplanned extra night added to the adventure.

Padum in Zanskar Valley was a scenic finale. The Karsha Gompa trek was serene, and a local bar served up my only drinks in Ladakh.

Manali felt touristy, but the drive was scenic. A pitstop in Chandigarh, a planned city, was a pleasant surprise. Back to Delhi for some classic sightseeing and spicy eats.

What went right? Ladakh blew my mind, especially the snow leopard sighting. The trek boosted my hiking confidence, and the overland journey back was a cool twist.

What went wrong? Tummy troubles and connectivity hiccups in Ladakh. Safety-wise, street dogs in Leh were sketchy, but overall, Ladakh felt secure.

Altitude-wise, acclimatization is key. Diamox helped with sleep issues. Trekking solo? Not advised unless you’re a pro.

In a nutshell, the trip was a game-changer. India’s diversity in Ladakh shattered stereotypes. Can’t wait to return and explore more. Cheers to epic adventures!