The Travel Thread

[skywindO2]

9 hours ago, titansNvolsR#1 said:

Other than Changi Singapore, Seoul's got the best airport in the world. I may or may not purposefully book a longer layover there.

Coming home definitely sucks after a trip, especially if it's been a great trip. Think my hardest time coming home was after Tanzania.

I'm glad a more experienced traveler can validate my opinion of ICN. I was dreading having such a long layover but it was definitely a positive experience.

I'll have a longer post later but I just coming back from a solo backpacking trip in Thailand with a few days in Siem Reap and just had a really good time with all of it. 

[49ersfan]

I'm hoping to do a few days each Germany/France/Switzerland/Prague/Vienna in May/June, or Japan/Korea in Sept/Oct. I think i'd enjoy both, and whichever one i don't do in 2020 i'll probably do in 2021/2022

I haven't looked at the logistics just yet so don't know if thats even doable in terms of time or how expensive it would be, just my wishlist for now. I'd spend minimum 2 weeks on either trip

I also want to eventually see Argentina and Portugal (not at the same time). That's pretty much my travel wishlist for now...could always grow. 

If i were to go for a quick 4-5 day trip in February, would you guys recommend Austin or Nashville? I'd want a break from winter, good food/drink, and a good party scene. Sightseeing is a nice to have but not a necessity, although i'd probably do the JD tour if i went to Nashville. I'm not really looking for nature/scenery/hikes or anything like that

[BobbyPhil1781]

On 11/24/2019 at 11:53 PM, titansNvolsR#1 said:

Other than Changi Singapore, Seoul's got the best airport in the world. I may or may not purposefully book a longer layover there.

What's so great about those airports that long layovers are enjoyable?

[skywindO2]

3 hours ago, JTagg7754 said:

What's so great about those airports that long layovers are enjoyable?

The airport just looks really nice but there's a lot more to it than that. In my 12 hour layover in Seoul, I was able to leave the airport for a 6 hours of free sightseeing tours organized by the airport. I took a shower in one of the lounges, and it was a really nice shower, not something like a dorm shower if that's what you're thinking. I took a nap in the quiet nap zone. Watched a live jazz quartet preform, I got the impression live bands in the terminal were a regular thing. They also have a robot roaming around that'll pose for selfies and take pictures of you. I think you can ask it for directions too probably? 

Most airports have lounges with showers and the like but they're usually only available to frequent flyers or business class customers, not your average economy flyer like myself. Usually you're just stuck sitting at an overpriced bar, browsing overpriced shops, or just sitting at the gate. I don't know that I would go out of my way to book a long layover like that but some times they're unavoidable. Few other airports offer an experience like the one I had for your average flier. 

[skywindO2]

Here's my longer trip report.

Went to Thailand with a side trip to Siem Reap, solo backpacking, kind of gap year style, for almost a little over 2 weeks. Itinerary was 3 nights in Bangkok, 1 night in Ayuttaya, overnight train to Chiang Mai, 4 nights in Chiang Mai, 3 nights in Ao Nang/Krabi, 4 nights in Siem Reap. Doing things over again, I would have ideally done Ayutthaya as a day trip from Bangkok and left for Chiang Mai earlier and give myself another day in Krabi. Part of why I did it this way is that the ticket for the overnight train sold out faster and I was dead set on using the train for the experience. It sold out so early because of the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals happening.

Bangkok wasn't as bad as people lead me to believe but it wasn't great either. I'm glad I went but outside of maybe going to a sky bar or eating something fancier than street food, I don't feel like I have a reason to go back. Khao San road sucks, don't ever go there. My hostel was in the Khao San area and it was really nice but staying there makes getting around anywhere else in the city a huge headache. I just did a self guided walking tour visiting the nearby temples and Grand Palace. I didn't need 3 full days. I caught a ride up to Ayutthaya and spent a day visiting the mini Angkor-like park. It was really neat, especially because I was a nerd and loved the Mortal Kombat movie as a kid and some scenes were filmed there. My hostel included a bike rental and they had bike lanes so getting around was easy.

Caught the overnight train to Chiang Mai and man did I absolutely love Chiang Mai, just a great city. First day I spent just walking around the old city, visiting temples and shopping for the best price for the day trips I had in mind. I took an all day Thai cooking class at an organic farm that involved picking fresh herbs and vegetables and made some great food. Despite giving us a recipe book, I'll probably never be able to re-create at home. I decided I really like Thai curry too. I visited the Elephant Nature Park and met 4 elephants ranging from 30-65 years old. They were previously used to give tourists rides but had since been "rescued" from that life. You could actually see the permanent damage that had done to the oldest one. Her back was flattened whereas the younger elephants still had rounded backs. I think there's still some questions about the ethics of a place like this but Elephant Nature Park was one that seemed be routinely named the most ethical in my research. It was also pretty clear that these elephants didn't have to do anything that they didn't want to do. The guides didn't force them to do anything. They also seemed very food motivated, and being a fat guy myself, I completely understand.

Last day in Chiang Mai, I took the day trip to Chiang Rai to see some more see some really pretty temples. It was a long day trip and I'm not sure I'd recommend it. It's 3 hours of traveling there to visit these places for about 20 minutes each. It also included a stop at a Karen(long neck) village that just seemed very exploitative. 

After Chiang Mai, I flew down south to Krabi. I had a fun time but I don't think it was a great solo travel place. I wasn't comfortable going to a beach by myself because it would mean leaving my belongings alone and unattended. I booked a 7 island sunset tour and that was a great time, visiting some of the nearby islands, swimming on the beach, and snorkeling. It was a really great value too at about $25, and included dinner. Next day a day trip to the emerald pool, hot spring, and tiger cave temple. Emerald Pool and the hot spring were meh but Tiger Cave temple was fantastic. There's no actual tigers there but a cave that a tiger used to live in apparently. It's a Buddhist temple built at the base of and on top of the mountain. There's a cave at the bottom for the more traditional temple and a giant Buddha statute on top. There's stairs to the top and it takes about 30 minutes to get up there but the views were worth it. It felt really weird going to a beach town for a short time and having one day focused on visiting a temple but whatever, it's my trip. I got back in time to catch the sunset over Aonang beach. 

I then jumped the border to Cambodia and Siem Reap. Angkor Wat was a bucket list item for me so it was great to visit it. I didn't think going for the sunrise visit was worthwhile and opted instead to head inside the temple early instead of waiting just outside for that perfect sunrise shot. I was one of the first people to the top that way. I loved being there, I can't fathom why it's not world wonder, I wonder how much Brazil bribed Unesco...

I spent two full days in exploring the Angkor archaeological park. While Angkor Wat was my main reason for wanting to visit, I thought Bayon Temple and Prasat Preah Khan were my favorites. Despite having a 3 day pass, I opted to not go back and explore more for the third day. It's cheaper to buy a three day pass than two one day passes so no loss there. I happened to stumble upon a Khmer cooking class so decided to do that on my last morning there. I made Banana Flower Salad, Khmer Curry, and Banana and Passion Fruit Flambe. I love the cooking classes, even if I don't really learn anything, it's a good and efficient way to try multiple dishes. I then took the afternoon tour to the stilt village of Kampong Phluk. I really enjoyed this day trip. It was a good way to see a different way of life and didn't feel exploitive. Doing it in the afternoon also meant catching the sunset over Tonle Sap Lake. That night, I visited Siem Reap's super touristy Pub Street one last time and finally ate a scorpion that street vendors sell to tourists. It really wasn't bad, mostly just tasted like char. 

Anyway, it was a fun trip and I'm already thinking about possibly going back but focusing more on the southern part and island hopping, or somewhere else in SEA like Vietnam. Being back in Minnesota sucks for sure. While I'm really not built for the 90 degrees and humidity, I prefer that to the foot of snow that fell last night. 

Edited December 3, 2019 by skywindO2

[skywindO2]

Anyone use Spirit airlines? I've used them once before and had no issues but I know they have a reputation that's scaring me from giving them another shot. 

[theJ]

20 hours ago, skywindO2 said:

Anyone use Spirit airlines? I've used them once before and had no issues but I know they have a reputation that's scaring me from giving them another shot. 

They tried to stick me in NYC over the weekend (Friday flight originally), saying they couldn't fly me out until Monday.  They weren't going to offer a free hotel or anything.  And that was after delaying the flight for about 7 hours.

I ended up renting a van one way with 5 other random dudes trying to get back to Ohio and driving back overnight.

Spirit is miserable.  If you fly with them, be prepared to spend an extra day or two on the other day.  If you absolutely must be back, then go with a different airline.  I'll never fly with them again, but i understand why they're popular ($$$).

[RavensTillIDie]

On 12/1/2019 at 11:04 AM, skywindO2 said:

Anyone use Spirit airlines? I've used them once before and had no issues but I know they have a reputation that's scaring me from giving them another shot. 

Took them once on a whim to Denver. Experienced two hour delays to and from. For the money, if you aren't in a rush and aren't planning on bringing much luggage, it's not a terrible experience - or at least not as bad as some people complain about, but if it's just a few extra dollars between them or Southwest/Alaska/Jet Blue/etc, I'm always opting for the latter.

[animaltested]

Adding in on this Airport talk

Singapore Airport is on another level. Ridiculous how awesome it is. Ill always have a soft spot for Incheon. Flew in/out of there at least 20 times. McNamara in Detroit is also really dope. Fukuoka in Japan is sweet because the Airport is in the middle of the city. Siem Reap was super nice and relaxing.

Airports that suck, Vegas, Manila, and Osaka. Vegas has a disgusting lack of amenities. Few dinky restaurants and lame-arse slot machines everywhere. We went super earlier to get a nice lunch and watch football. There was nothing, ended up sitting on a bench staring at our phones. Manilla Airport had no connection from Domestic to International. Had to get on a bus, that took us to room to wait for another bus, and drove us OUT OF HTE AIRPORT AND BACK IN and dropped us off in front of the International entrance. Osaka as an Airport is fine, buts its like 1-2 hours outside the city. 

[theJ]

2 hours ago, animaltested said:

Adding in on this Airport talk

 

Ooh, i want to add to this:

I love the Chattenooga airport.  It's clean and modern-ish and whatnot, but the best part is the fact that is has 4 terminals.  Just four.  So security takes like 5 min because there's so few people there.  And you don't have to walk a mile to find your gate.  It's right there.  No parking garages to get lost in.  No shuttles.  Uncomplicated.

The one time i was there, i was flying out in such a small plane that we actually went out on the tarmac to board.  The plane was too short to reach the normal gate.

I love small airports.

[titansNvolsR#1]

7 hours ago, animaltested said:

Adding in on this Airport talk

Singapore Airport is on another level. Ridiculous how awesome it is. Ill always have a soft spot for Incheon. Flew in/out of there at least 20 times. McNamara in Detroit is also really dope. Fukuoka in Japan is sweet because the Airport is in the middle of the city. Siem Reap was super nice and relaxing.

Airports that suck, Vegas, Manila, and Osaka. Vegas has a disgusting lack of amenities. Few dinky restaurants and lame-arse slot machines everywhere. We went super earlier to get a nice lunch and watch football. There was nothing, ended up sitting on a bench staring at our phones. Manilla Airport had no connection from Domestic to International. Had to get on a bus, that took us to room to wait for another bus, and drove us OUT OF HTE AIRPORT AND BACK IN and dropped us off in front of the International entrance. Osaka as an Airport is fine, buts its like 1-2 hours outside the city. 

I was blown away at how awful the Vegas airport was. I figured with how popular of a destination that is, it would have an incredible airport. Maybe the worst in the US that I've sat through. Having lived in Manila for four years, Manila's airport is the worst in the world. It's also often ranked the worst in the world by pilots and travelers. I hate that place with a burning passion. 4 Terminals and all 4 are absolute dog dook. 

If we're ranking US airports (not small ones like McGhee Tyson in Knoxville or Chattanooga's sorry @theJ), some of my faves:
1. Nashville, TN (I just love tennessee brew works being everywhere)
2. Minneapolis, MN
3. Denver, CO
4. Bozeman, MT
 

The dregs of airports in no order:
-Chicago O'Hare
-Vegas, NV
-LA, CA
-Charlotte, NC
-SeaTac (mostly because their international terminal getting in and out is a freaking nightmare, especially if you don't have their passport control app)
 

[Daniel]

Going to Seattle in March.  Just there for a few days.  What do I need to do/where do I need to eat while I'm there?

Washingtonians, hit me up.

 

And while we're talking airports, **** Atlanta.

Edited December 12, 2019 by Daniel

[Shanedorf]

1 hour ago, titansNvolsR#1 said:

I was blown away at how awful the Vegas airport was.

I don't get it, why do they have such a crappy airport ? Are the casino's worried you'll hang out there instead ?
What a garbage dump.

 

On 11/26/2019 at 7:04 AM, 49ersfan said:

I'm hoping to do a few days each Germany/France/Switzerland/Prague/Vienna in May/June, or Japan/Korea in Sept/Oct. I think i'd enjoy both, and whichever one i don't do in 2020 i'll probably do in 2021/2022

I haven't looked at the logistics just yet so don't know if thats even doable in terms of time or how expensive it would be, just my wishlist for now. I'd spend minimum 2 weeks on either trip

You can have a pretty cool trip with that list, consider dumping France for this trip and spend a bit more time in the others.
Less is more and you can hit France on your next tour. Distances are pretty short by US standards so its definitely doable on the logistics side.
$$ is a different story

For Switzerland, I'd put Lake Lucerne and the Bernese Oberland on your list. Breathtakingly beautiful
Saas Fee is also fantastic, its the little-visited valley right next to the over-visited Matterhorn area
Switzerland is pricey, but totally worth it

[theJ]

1 hour ago, titansNvolsR#1 said:

If we're ranking US airports (not small ones like McGhee Tyson in Knoxville or Chattanooga's sorry @theJ), some of my faves:

S'OK.  There's tons of little ones.  It'd be hard to rank them all.

[titansNvolsR#1]

3 hours ago, theJ said:

S'OK.  There's tons of little ones.  It'd be hard to rank them all.

I will say, as a person that refuses to be at the airport less than 3 hours before my flight, I love the tiny airports where I can get there 90 minutes before and have 83 minutes to relax at the gate.