Inquisitive Society

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!

Hey there, guys! So, I recently went on this rad 9-day trip to Boracay in the Philippines, and let me tell you, packing for it was a bit of a challenge. I had to keep my main suitcase under 7kgs, so I got this super light small suitcase that weighed 2kgs. To top it off, I brought along my trusty Longchamp Le Pliage tote as my personal item. This tote doubled up as my beach bag, and it’s waterproof, which was a lifesaver.

When it came to clothes, I followed this packing hack called the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 method. It’s pretty simple – 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 shoes, 2 layering pieces, and 1 miscellaneous item (which was my swimsuit, of course). I also packed 6 pairs of lightweight undies and 3 pairs of merino socks by Paire. These socks dry super fast, which was handy. I pretty much wore everything I packed except for one black tee and a silk scarf – it was way too hot for those babies!

I also brought along a scrubba bag and some washing liquid to do laundry twice during my trip. While the merino tees were okay, I’d probably just take one next time for the flight. The linen button-up shirt, though? A total winner! It pulled double duty as a layer on the plane, a beach cover-up, and a stylish piece for other occasions. Oh, and can we talk about my white Birkenstocks? They were my go-to shoes, so comfy!

For future trips, I might swap out my black Lululemon Daydrift pants for some breezier black linen ones. Don’t get me wrong, I adore my Lululemon pants, but in that hot and humid climate, linen would’ve been a better choice. I also packed a dressy outfit for a family party we had while on vacay.

Besides clothing, I tossed in some fun stuff like playing cards and a pocket hive game. In terms of non-clothing essentials, I packed a waterproof watch, a bit of bling, travel-sized toiletries, a microfiber hair towel, and a handy travel scale. Oh, and shout out to my travel pillow and eye mask from Trtl – they were total game-changers for catching some z’s on the go.

When I first embraced the nomadic lifestyle, it felt exciting yet intimidating. Meeting new people became second nature to me, and I found joy in forming connections worldwide. However, as I continued to move from one place to another, I started to experience bouts of loneliness. The freedom of being unattached to any specific culture began to feel unsettling, and a desire to belong emerged within me. To combat this, I started living abroad for extended periods, seeking a sense of rootedness and deeper connections. But each time I felt settled, circumstances would arise that pushed me to move on, perpetuating the cycle of constant travel.

After years of frequent relocations, I began to feel the strain of always starting anew. The exhaustion, both physical and mental, of constantly being the newcomer took its toll on me. I realized the importance of establishing a home base and reintroducing stability into my life. By the end of this year, I aim to identify a place where I can put down roots and ease the burden of perpetual transitions.

My journey began with two years of continuous movement, followed by a year of settling in Australia before visa complications forced me back into the nomadic lifestyle. A brief stay in Vancouver exposed me to the early signs of burnout, prompting me to search for a fresh start once more. Despite making friends in each location, I struggled with certain aspects of the places I visited, leading me to yearn for a more permanent sense of belonging.

My recent move to Toronto marked the beginning of a new chapter, but it also brought feelings of isolation and anxiety. The familiar comfort of hanging out with close friends after a long day vanished, leaving me craving the ease of familiar company. While I used to anticipate meeting new people with excitement, I now grapple with anxiety and a sense of dread at the prospect of starting over again. This shift in emotions has left me feeling increasingly isolated, anxious, and depressed, raising questions about the normalcy of these experiences and whether others have encountered similar challenges in their travels or digital nomad lifestyle.

As I navigate this phase of uncertainty and emotional turmoil, I seek solace in the shared experiences of fellow travelers who have faced similar struggles. My hope is to find a way to overcome these feelings of isolation and anxiety, ultimately finding a place where I can establish roots and cultivate a sense of belonging without the constant upheaval of starting anew.

Hey everyone, I’m super pumped to share that I’ll be jetting off to Hong Kong for the very first time towards the end of September, all the way from Portugal. Here’s the lowdown on my travel plans: I’ll be spending 4 nights in Hong Kong, then hopping over to Macau for 2 nights, and finally circling back for another 3 nights in Hong Kong. Talk about an adventure, right?

So, I’ve made the bold decision to go full minimalist and stick to carry-on luggage only. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s currently on my packing radar:

For the flight, I’m keeping it comfy yet stylish with a T-shirt, overshirt, lightweight trousers, socks, boxers, belt, sneakers, and of course, a trusty watch. Gotta stay on time, you know?

Now, diving into the main backpack, I’ve got all the essentials lined up: 4 T-shirts, a lightweight button shirt, a windbreaker (just in case), shorts, athletic shorts, an athletic tee (also moonlighting as sleepwear), an extra pair of sneakers, a whopping 9 pairs of socks, 9 pairs of boxers (can’t skimp on those), a cap, tote bag, reusable water bottle, travel adapter, charging cables, my trusty TravelSax 2 (gotta keep up with my musical skills), compact umbrella, AirTag for extra security, copies of my travel docs, deodorant, toothbrush, hairbrush, toothpaste, hair wax, moisturizer, and a mini first aid kit. Phew!

On top of that, my sling bag, the Zip Pouch Max V2 from Alpaka, is packed to the brim with all the tech and comfort goodies: iPad mini, sunglasses, Nanobag, power bank, charging cable, passport, wallet, AirFly, wired earphones, AirPods, another AirTag (can’t be too careful), snacks, pen, small notebook, Loop earplugs, sleep mask, and an inflatable travel pillow. I’m all set for some serious in-flight entertainment and snooze time.

Now, here’s where I need your two cents – I’m torn between three backpacks: the Topo Designs Global Travel Backpack (30L), the Alpaka Traverse (also 30L), and the Tomtoc T66 Lite (40L). Which one do you think would be

So, you’re gearing up for a 10-day adventure in Europe and you want to pack smart, but comfortably. As a photographer, you’re eyeing to take your camera and a medium-sized zoom lens along with your MacBook Pro and all the necessary tech accessories. Since you’re new to the onebagging game, you’re looking for some tips on what to pack, what to skip, and any other insights to make your travel smoother.

Alright, first things first, you’ve got your trusty packing cubes and a variety of backpacks and duffels in your arsenal. You’re contemplating whether to go for a duffel bag, which could offer a bit more room compared to your backpacks while still staying within carry-on limits. Flying with Delta on a round trip, you’re willing to shell out up to 200 bucks for any handy gadgets or tools that could make your journey more seamless.

Considering you may have access to laundry facilities during your stay, you’re planning to pack a few shirts, shorts, and a dressier outfit for those special occasions. Footwear-wise, you’re thinking of keeping it simple with just one or two pairs of shoes to cover all bases.

When it comes to your gear, make sure to have a secure and padded compartment for your camera and lens to keep them safe during transit. Your MacBook Pro and charging cords are essential, so double-check you have the right adapters for European outlets.

As for packing tips, roll your clothes to save space and prevent wrinkles. Utilize your packing cubes to keep things organized and easily accessible. Consider versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits.

In terms of personal items, don’t forget your toiletries in travel-sized containers to comply with airline regulations. A portable charger for your devices could also come in handy during long days out exploring.

Lastly, keep in mind the weather conditions of your destination and pack accordingly. Layering clothing is a good strategy to adjust to temperature changes throughout the day. And remember, it’s always better to pack light and leave room for any souvenirs or unexpected purchases.

So, there you have it – with a bit of planning and smart packing, you’ll be all set for your European escapade. Happy travels and may your camera capture all the unforgettable moments along the way!

So, I gotta spill the tea on what went down just 20 minutes ago in this dorm room. I’ve been flying solo on this three-month travel journey, and I rolled into a new hostel today. Found myself rooming with this one dude, which, let’s be real, isn’t exactly ideal, but hey, I try not to judge too quickly. Although, at this point, all men seem like they belong in some medieval dungeon.

This guy starts getting all chatty, and we have a little chat. Then, he goes ahead and asks if I wanna smoke (which I’m not into). The dude’s being a bit too forward, but I brush off the weird vibes ’cause I generally have a high tolerance for nonsense. So, I’m in the bathroom, getting ready for bed, glasses off (crucial detail), and he asks me the time (like, dude, you’ve got a phone). I tell him, and then he’s like, “No, come here so I can see you.” I peek around the corner, and I’m almost 100% sure he’s doing the deed, but alas, I didn’t have my glasses on.

Now, I’m not one to shy away from confrontation, and I’m sick and tired of men’s BS, so I loudly ask, “What are you doing?” And he’s all like, “Nothing.” So, I retreat back to the bathroom to collect myself, put my glasses on, walk back out, and pretty much confirm my suspicions. Just then, a new girl walks in, and suddenly, he’s all tucked under the covers. I pull her aside, tell her we gotta bounce, and we demand a room change. The front desk staff were super understanding and offered to call the cops if I could confirm 100%, but I couldn’t, which really bums me out ’cause I would’ve loved to see him taken away.

I’m just grateful that if this had to happen to someone, at least I’m capable and willing to stand up to a guy, unlike someone younger or less fed up with people’s crap. From now on, it’s female-only dorms for me. Honestly, those have been my best experiences on this trip, hands down. As a woman, all I really want is to exist safely without constantly having to be on high alert around men. I don’t care if it’s not all men, it’s always men

Hey folks, so I’ve been on the hunt for a killer men’s blazer that’s not only good looking but also lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, machine washable, and wicking. After scouring the web, here are the top contenders I’ve come across:

1. **Ministry of Supply, Kinetic Chore Blazer $398**: This one seems great, but I really wish it had sleeve buttons and flaps over the pockets.

2. **Bluffworks Grammar Sleep Blazer 2.0 $350**: The matching buttons make it look like a suit jacket, which isn’t exactly what I’m going for.

3. **Bluffworks Hopsack Blazer $320**: I like the contrasting buttons on this one, but I do wish the pockets had flaps.

4. **Bluffworks Telex Tech Blazer $29**: Despite the matching buttons, it doesn’t quite give off that classic suit jacket vibe.

5. **Uniqlo AirSense Blazer Wool-Like $80**: The buttons on this blazer make it look too much like a suit jacket for my liking, and the quality is up for debate.

6. **Uniqlo AirSense Houndstooth Blazer Wool-Like, $80**: The slightly better buttons are a plus, but I wish there were more color options and the quality is still questionable.

7. **Eddie Bauer Ultimate Voyager Travel Blazer $150**: The zipper pocket on this one looks a bit rough, but it can be tucked in a bit. I snagged this on sale, but I’m not sure about the overall fit yet.

After weighing the pros and cons, it seems like my top choices are either the Bluffworks Hopsack or Telex Blazers, or the Eddie Bauer Voyager. The only downside is the huge price difference between them.

Just to give you a heads up, I decided to pass on the Haggar InMotion Blazer because it requires dry cleaning, and the Ministry of Supply Velocity Suit Jacket due to its price and my personal aversion to suit jackets when not worn as part of a full suit.

So, there you have it, my quest for the perfect men’s blazer continues. Let me know if you’ve found any other gems out there that fit the bill!