Category: traveling

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World Travelers Share The Cities That Disappointed Them The Most

It’s been said that traveling changes the way you see and exist in the world, that it expands horizons and fosters a sense of connectivity.

It can also be absolutely miserable.

Reddit user 0_7_0 asked: 

“What city disappointed you the most when visiting?”

Growing up traveling, I remember my brother’s biggest disappointment was the discovery that lots of other countries didn’t have chicken nuggets or ketchup at their McDonalds—and that some didn’t even have McDonalds in the first place!

My big drama was always air-conditioning related.

That was pretty basic kid stuff, though.

None of us ever got shot, unlike this person.

Welcome To Rio!

“I got shot 5 minutes after arriving in Rio.”

“After a 7 hour road trip from Sao Paulo with 2 friends we nearly got carjacked at a gas station. Several shots were fired, but only one hit.”

“I just happened to be the thing it hit.”

“My Brazilian friend got me to a doc. I stayed there the whole night and drank pitu with him. He was a great guy and his stories are wild.”

– VerySpecialCognac

Sorry About Hollywood

“Hollywood.”

“I am embarrassed for people who travel around the world to see it. What they imagine it to be vs reality. Sorry, it’s not what you expected ?”

“You CAN have a good time in Hollywood, but do your research and check your expectations. Remember, the film industry is literally built to create an illusion.” 

– Mondo114

“We went there in July, just homeless people everywhere. Literal shit on the ground on almost every corner and in parking garages. People digging in trash cans tweaked out.”

“I was uncomfortable most of the time.”

“Only normal part of the walk of fame was in front of the theater and in that mall area, otherwise I was scared of what I might see.”

– DBelland1515

“I grew up in the LA suburbs and even I was disappointed with Hollywood when I visited it for the first time.”

“There are so many other cool places to visit in Southern California, just skip Hollywood.”

– ScienceMomCO

Casino Catastrophes

“Atlantic City.” 

“The Atlantic City casinos feel like they’re 30+ years older than those in Las Vegas (at least when I was there in 2013). I just expected them to be newer and nicer and cleaner.”

– User_492006

“This is a great answer. I was so disappointed by Atlantic City and my expectations weren’t even high.”

“It was just nasty there. The whole experience felt like biting into an apple only to realize it’s an onion.”

– [Reddit]

“Flew to Atlantic City for a convention and was excited to stay at Caesars, because the one in Vegas was really great back in the day.”

“The ceiling above the fountain in the main lobby was covered in mold. There were A-hole drunken wiseguys (literally) yelling and taunting people at the craps table.”

“I witnessed a pimp with his three employees leaving early in the morning when we were heading out for our flight.”

“Holy f*ck what a cesspool.”

– dr_freudenstein

Being The Attraction In Beijing

“Beijing.”

“I arrived at the end of a trans- Mongolian rail trip seeing so many incredible places and I think it was just a huge anticlimax.”

“Our whole group was intimidated by the level of armed security everywhere, we had to fight off so many scammers, and I didn’t enjoy being touched and laughed at when on the subway (I’m a very White European with curly hair).”

“Overall just found it really challenging despite some amazing sights.”

– Teapigs1984

“I’m Black. I stepped out of a train in Beijing with my brother and everybody was starting at us like we had just slapped their mums.”

“At least 10 people didn’t even ask and just started taking pictures of me. It was such a f*cking weird experience considering I was only 14.”

– thisis2022

“Got to Beijing and tried shopping for some groceries. The women at the stall started shouting.”

“My Chinese friend took me by my elbow and started dragging me away. When I asked her what was all that fuss about she said that they were screaming at her to get rid of me because they don’t sell to Black people.”

“Wtf. I was so surprised.”

“Those guys are extremely racist. Never gonna go back to that country again. I’ve been targeted by racists back home but never so openly and never in such a manner.”

– Muted-Sundae-8912

“Was traveling with 3 blonde and 2 red headed female college friends in Beijing.”

“People would push their kids at us to take a picture with us. I remember one kid crying but dad had to take a picture with us.”

“When seated, people would start touching our hair.”

– ParadePaard

I Believed The Rom-Coms

“Paris was so dirty, and I was not prepared for the disdain of the French towards a ‘stupid American.’ I believed the American Rom-Com movie version of Paris.”

– Idontknowthosewords

“Don’t forget smelly too.”

“And not just one strong smell so you can get acclimated to it either. Fresh bread, urine, perfume, body odour. Yuck.”

– BlueberryPiano

“I flew into Paris and the next day projectile vomited escargot and was rushed to the hospital with appendicitis. They taped my eyes shut and I kept waking up during the operation in agony, thinking I was blind.”

“The next time I visited Paris like 5 years later, I was locked in a small bathroom for 4+ hours. That city…”

– gallopingwalloper

“I agree 100%. I’ve been there numerous times and I feel like the city is overrated. It’s dirty, expensive, and the people are mega unfriendly.”

“Don’t get me wrong. I love France, but there are way better cities to visit.”

– Flaky_Sandwich9353

“I’ve been twice and the people were nicer than in most big cities. But the amount of dog sh*t everywhere was shocking and disgusting.”

– edgeplot

Anything To Do Besides Malls?

“Came here to say Dubai.”

“I decided to spend 10 days there while passing through. Had enough of it after 24 hours.”

“Too many f$#&!&# malls. No culture.”

– wric84

“Me too!”

“Dubai is a horrid place – fancy malls and hotels for the westerners, but the streets are full of the poor / slaves.”

“You really see what misery the whole place is built on.”

“I went there for work, I can’t imagine how people can go there for fun.”

– c19isdeadly

“Ah yes, I briefly lived in Dubai and felt like I never left the airport.”

“Giant shopping malls and soulless modern architecture full of people from around the world on a years-long layover.”

“I actually like good airports, but not sure I’d want to live in one.”

– icrbact

“Agreed, my expectations of Dubai were never high but the place is completely pointless.”

“It’s made for people with money to spend money; and even then I’d rather spend money in virtually any other city in the world.”

“I was there 3 days and that was too much.”

– BCS24

“Dubai.”

“While there I learned about how the whole city is built and run on some legalized slavery. I felt dirty after leaving.”

– BranigansLaw

So now that you know the places everyone else would skip if they had a chance to do it again, it’s your turn.

Hit us with your mic-drop moments in the comments.

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Great Places to Visit As a Woman While Traveling Alone

It’s a sad truth that there are many places that just aren’t safe for anyone to travel alone, whether you’re a woman or not. There are even more spots, though, where the culture or lifestyles make traversing the streets as a woman by herself a definite no go.

That’s not true of every place, though, and as a woman, I think traveling alone is not only relaxing and informative and fun, but also empowering.

If traveling alone is something you’re looking to tackle in the years to come, here are 7 places you should be able to enjoy by yourself without too many worries about your safety.

7. Switzerland

Image Credit: iStock

Switzerland is beautiful on matter where you land, and though it’s expensive (no way around it) host of Eat Travel Rock Kelly Rizzo says you’ll be plenty safe no matter where in the country you decide to visit.

The trains and other transportation are easy to use and will take you anywhere you want to go, and locals are friendly and eager to help.

“The trains effortlessly get you around the country, so you can visit the different German, Italian, and French-speaking parts of Switzerland in one trip if you wanted.”

As someone who has traveled alone in Switzerland, I can vouch for this take. It’s a beautiful, not unfriendly country where a woman can feel reasonably safe checking out the sights and the countryside without an escort.

6. Costa Rica

Image Credit: iStock

Stacy Schwartz, owner of Ketanga Fitness Retreats, says Costa Rica is a new hotspot destination for women traveling alone.

She says the people there are kind of welcoming, and the weather – which vacillates between sunshine and rain – has something for everyone.

The variety, she says, is what makes it such a great solo getaway.

“There are options to go highly-visible, touristy areas or explore less-traveled areas depending on your level of comfort.”

There are rainforest hikes, beaches, wildlife, and all the sunsets and rainbows you could want. Get packing!

5. Ireland and Northern Ireland

Image Credit: iStock

My own experience in Western Ireland was that the locals really, really enjoyed encountering – and helping – a tourist.

They might even pass you a pint, if they’re feeling generous!

If you’re worried about a language barrier (as an English speaker) you won’t have that trouble here, and whether you’re looking for a city experience or gorgeous, endless countryside, Ireland really does have something for everyone.

Schwartz says there’s no reason to worry about navigating a different culture, either – just be open to the possibilities around you.

“Driving on the left side of the road may be a bit intimidating, so I loved signing up for a day trip to see the places that stood out to me.

As a lifelong equestrian, I came across a stable in the Irish countryside where I was welcome to ride, eat, and stay.

I think Ireland is a great stepping stone for newbies to solo travel from the U.S. because of the lack of language barrier, the modern culture, and welcoming attitude.”

Have been, can confirm! Go go go!

4. Tuscany, Italy

Image Credit: iStock

Travel agent Kimberley Hart says that this part of the world offers not only beauty and excellent win, but the space to unwind and really let your mind roam free, too.

“I felt completely comfortable in these small towns walking around by myself as they were easy to navigate and people were welcoming, friendly, and helpful.

It was nice to return to a home base each day as well.

There was plenty of shopping, eating, and wine-tasting in the small towns, and it was a leisurely trip where I could really soak up the culture.”

Sounds like a whole vibe!

3. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Image Credit: iStock

It’s a long plane ride, but Kiersten Likkel from Cruise Specialists says Ho Chi Minh City is worth the trip.

This city, formerly known as Saigon, is rich with history and culture, the locals are friendly and welcoming to foreigners, and a trip there won’t break the bank.

“Wander the boulevards of this burgeoning city at your own pace, stop to eat just about anywhere your nose leads you, and treat yourself – over and over – to the wonderfully affordable and hospitable day spas throughout the city.

You’ll also find adventurous global travelers who are just as likely to strike up a conversation or invite you along to do something new.”

I have to say, I’m intrigued!

2. Mykonos, Greece

Image Credit: iStock

Likkel also recommends Mykonos, Greece, if you’re a woman searching for a good solo trip abroad.

Mykonos is known for its lively nightlife and Instagram-worthy beaches, and all of the delicious Greek food you could possibly want.

She says pick-pocketing is common, though, so you will want to keep a tight hold on your cash.

1. Porto, Portugal

Image Credit: iStock

The Iberian peninsula is rich in architecture and history, and Porto is no exception. You’ll be able to relax and immerse yourself in the local culture, all while conversing with friendly locals and taking in the sweeping views.

And of course, enjoying the food.

If you want to see the capitol, Lisbon, it’s a quick 3-our train ride away, which is perfect for a day trip, says Likkel.

“Explore this gorgeous city at your own pace, taking as much time as you want to wander the hilly streets admiring the architecture and colorful tiling.

Enjoy the bustling Douro waterfront atmosphere while sipping delicious port wine straight from the source.”

I don’t know about you, but this place sounds like it’s right up my alley.

Well, I’m definitely adding these to my (long and ever-growing list).

If you’re a woman, what’s your favorite trip to date? Tell us about it in the comments!

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People Discussed Their Creepiest Travel Stories

You never know what you’re gonna into out there when you travel in a foreign country…or your own country, for that matter.

There are all kinds of weirdos, creeps, and criminals you might encounter…so you best be on high alert.

AskReddit users talked about their scariest travel stories.

Let’s take a look.

1. Alone in India.

“In 2007 I went to India by myself, I was going to a friends wedding but first I decided to have some time in Delhi.

I was staying at a guest house that was attached to one of the embassies, I think it was the Andaman Islands consulate (edit: I can’t remember which one it was, it was arranged by someone else. It was 14 years ago). My friend’s dad worked in immigration so had arranged the room for me.

When I checked into my room late at night the bathroom window was open and they were muddy footprints going from the window onto the toilet and into the room. I immediately checked the room for any people but it was empty.

As a woman travelling by myself it was quite frightening.”

2. Keep driving!

“Driving up through the Arco Desert in iIaho and saw a guy pushing an empty baby stroller along the highway. no cars or stops for miles in either direction.”

3. Got any cat?

“I had just hiked all day in Arches NP in Utah. I decided not to camp that night as a thunderstorm was moving in. Upon reaching the hostel I was informed that their rooms were booked for the night so I bought a tent pass and decided to sleep in my car.

I was extremely sunburnt from the days hiking and striped down to my underwear. The car windows were partially left open to have some air circulation. Around 3am I heard someone outside the car talking, a few seconds later a man stuck his face in my window and exclaimed, “got any cat?!”

Half naked I arose like a cobra with my fist cocked. This old man again asked if I had any cat, I really don’t remember what I said or did I just remember yelling at him. I tried to fall back asleep to no avail.

Eventually I decided to drive off into the night to my next destination, Monument Valley, and witnessed one of the most surreal sunrises of my life.”

4. Beware of dogs.

“When I was in a coastal town in Colombia last year, I was cornered by a pack of domesticated dogs.

I was walking back to my hostel on the main strip of shops after dark and noticed a pack of dogs waiting outside a store. The store happened to be the last business on the main strip and also the last source of light between it and my hostel up the road.

As I passed the store, a man inside noticed me and signaled to his dogs to follow me. At first it was cute, but it turned scary when I tried to turn down my street and was snarled and barked at. The dogs cornered me between the road and a house, barking and jumping on me.

Flustered, I eventually pushed through the pack to get up the road, but continued being swarmed. I kept swatting and yelling at the dogs until I just a couple houses down from my hostel and the man whistled to recall his dogs.

The family that ran the hostel came outside when they heard all the noise and asked me if I was alright. Turns out this wasn’t a one-off thing; a local misogynist has literally trained his dogs to scare and trap women.

I shudder to think what would have happened if I didn’t shuffle up the street when I did or if the family hadn’t appeared in the street before the man caught up with me.”

5. Twilight zone.

“I spent a night at a hotel in Naples, Italy. It was the end of a long trip abroad & I was tight on cash so I booked a super cheap room at a surprisingly nice looking hotel near the airport.

My taxi driver laughed when I told him the name of the hotel & proceeded to tell me it was a refurbished hotel for “ladies of the night” basically a hotel for prostitutes. I didn’t see any other guests & every single staff member knew my room number off the top of their heads. It was a terrified sleepless night, filled with weird sounds. In the morning they had set up enough breakfast for 30 people, but there was not a soul in sight.

I’ve never been one to spook easily but something just felt WRONG about that place. I felt like I was on an episode of The Twilight Zone.”

6. That is messed up.

“Fell asleep on a cross-Atlantic flight.

Window seat, split from my parents cuz f*ck United. Woke up to the guy next to me sticking his hands down my pants.

I was in middle school at the time.”

7. Drugged.

“Drugged and assaulted while travelling in Croatia.

Was travelling solo, and had befriended another female traveller. In Split, met a guy who joined us for dinner, and at some point I blacked out (I am not a drinker, but was drinking a single glass of wine). Pretty sure I was roofied, and I woke up at his home.

To be frank, I’ve mostly blocked out what little I can remember. That was the beginning of a year long trip that took me across Europe and Asia, where I slept on park benches in Turkish bus stations and alone in huts in Thailand and that was the only incident. Stopped drinking any alcohol, point blank for the rest of the trip though.”

8. That is scary.

“Riding my motorbike cross state, 2:30 am no lights no moon just my headlamps and the thump of the engine, and miles of dark endless fields on either side, I am almost floating on a boat of light in the darkness, heck if you lost concentration it became hard to balance, it was that dark.

All of a sudden the road infront of me is covered in slick blood, like covered, almost as if someone deliberately painted it red, blood red. I had to slow down as my tires began to loose traction a little, and stopped looked around found nothing, nada, no herd of deers massacred, no accident signs, no broken glass, no bodies, just the irony bloody smell and the eery quiet all around.

I noped the heck outta there, and I believe set some kind of speed record that night, still to this day I have no idea what happened there.”

9. At the pub.

“I was in London for 6 days on a stop-over on my way back to Canada from 6 weeks in South Africa. I’d been working in South Africa, very long but rewarding days, so the London stop was touristy and lazy, just a nice reset before I got back home to Canada.

There was a pub a block or two from the hostel I was staying in that I ate at every night. It was cheap, cozy, and never too crowded so I’d bring a book, order a pint and eat supper. I had chatted with the waitress a couple nights in a row, she was very kind, my age, and we exchanged a few stories and she knew from chatting that I was travelling alone, and staying in a hostel nearby.

Well on day 4 I followed my usual route from hostel to pub and greeted the waitress. She said “hello” and quickly brought over a drink menu. Not 30 seconds after I’d sat down, a man walked in and sat a few tables away. She motioned to him and mumbled “do you know him?”. I kind of laughed and said, definitely not, I don’t know anyone in London.

She nodded, and positioned herself between myself and the man and said quietly “he got off a bench and followed you from the street over, I don’t like the look of him and I just thought I’d ask. Might be nothing, but thought I’d mention it.” I thanked her and said I’m sure it’s coincidence, she shrugged and took my order, and the evening proceeded as usual. The man also ordered a drink but no food.

I stayed for over 2 hours, reading, eating and drinking. The pub was quiet, a few other people or groups came and went, but the man stayed. He drank the one pint and refused top ups. The waitress kept a close eye on him, and me, and stopped over to chat several times between refills but didn’t bring him up again.

When I was finishing my last drink and preparing to leave I glanced over at him and noticed he looked on the edge of his seat, like he was preparing to leave too. I hadn’t really thought much of it til then, but my stomach suddenly knotted up. It was dark, it was drizzly, and I had a short, but lonesome, walk back to my hostel.

I suddenly felt distinctly unsafe. I summoned the waitress over to pay and asked her if she’d mind calling me a taxi as well. She nodded vigorously and I knew she thought this was a good idea.

The taxi showed up, I thanked the waitress and left. I hopped in the taxi and I swear that old man thought I was so dumb for needing a drive for such a short distance but whatever. I felt so much safer. I went back the next evening as it would be my last night in London and I wanted to say goodbye, and thank the waitress for her hospitality, friendship and ultimately looking out for me.

When I arrived she ran over and said she was so glad I’d called the cab. I guess right after I left the man left too, seeming really agitated. He’d not even asked for a bill, just left money on the table and stormed out. She felt very confident he’d seen me walking alone, followed me in and was planning to “approach” me when I left. What would have happened then neither her nor I really wanted to think about.

I had a lovely last night at the pub and we even shared some small glasses of wine together for a quick cheers before I left. I don’t walk places alone at night anymore, even if it’s just a short distance.”

10. In the woods.

“I was camping with a friend (a male friend, and I’m a chick) and I went to find firewood while he set up camp. I found a place where you can rent cabins and I found a worker outside chopping wood.

I asked him how much for a bucket of wood and he sold it to me. He also invited me and my friend to a concert this cabin place was hosting. He was friendly but a bit…weird and reeeaallly chatty. He asked if we were camped up by the river and I said, no we’re by the bridge. As soon as it came out of my mouth I knew I shouldn’t have said it. I headed back to camp, told my friend what happened, and went to the woods to pee.

While peeing, I heard a truck pull up to our campsite and I headed out to see what was going on.

This man had 100% COME TO FIND ME AND MY FRIEND, he was asking about me. I’m sure he had assumed he was going to find 2 young women alone at their campsite, not a dude. He had unchopped wood in his truck, and an axe, and he pretended he came to give me more wood. So he started chopping up wood beside our camp with his axe.

I politely said thanks and whatnot and managed to get him to leave. I hugged my friend so f*cking hard. That man was not expecting me to be with a male friend, and I shudder to think what could’ve happened if I had been alone or with a girl friend. He literally had brought an axe with him. I guess he could’ve been genuinely being kind, but that’s not what my gut was telling me.

Lesson learned folks. Don’t let dumb sh*t slip out!!!”

11. What happened?

“I went to a big city in Colombia (I’m a man from USA) and the hostel had a rooftop hangout spot.

People left one by one until it was just me and a girl from Europe. It was around 10:30 pm when i last remember checking. She was quite friendly, and the conversation was very surface level casual – asking about the best restaurants in town, or something.

Now I was not drunk or doing drugs, I only had two Aguila lite beers (they’re less than 3% ABV) in 2.5 hours, but the next thing I remember from the night was waking up in the early morning hours in a hotel hallway bathroom shower with a jacket on now, but no undershirt. The lights were completely out and I struggled to gather my senses as I crawled around utterly confused in pitch blackness until I felt a toilet and realized I was in a bathroom.

It was my jacket by the way, but it was previously in a suitcase in my room.

I then went back to my room, shared with 3 other people by creaky wood bunk beds, to sleep more after that. The next day when I asked, nobody noticed anything strange about my night; they all slept soundly the whole night… which is also strange given I apparently came in “inebriated” to some degree, got a jacket out of a suitcase on the top bunk, left, then came back. I found my shirt outside my door the next day when I woke up.

I honestly didn’t bring it up to the girl ever, because I truly don’t believe she was the cause of anything. We both saw each other plenty after that around the hostel for another week. She was genuinely a kind person.

I didn’t feel physically hurt whatsoever, and nothing of mine was stolen (and I had a smartphone and about $150 cash in my pocket). I never got an explanation for this night. I have never been aware of a sleepwalking habit.”

12. Scary.

“I’m American, and lived in Malaysia for several years towards the tail end of high school.

I traveled to Vietnam with my sister and father. One of the places we visited was an area of concentrated tunnels upkept from the Vietnam war era. We had the option of touring some of the tunnels, and jumped at the chance. We started out in a small room with holes at eye level that just cleared the earth’s surface. Perfect for shooting at the feet of the enemy.

We were then led down a tunnel that required us to stoop, seeing as we were significantly taller than our vietnamese guide. We came to another small room. Our guide told us that one tunnel led up and out, the other led to what was once a weapon cache. My sister and I really wanted to see that room, but my dad had enough and asked to be led out.

To this day I have no idea what my thought process was, but I decided to lead my sister to the next room. I might have been under the impression that there was a second guide there, waiting for us?

Unsurprisingly, it got dark. The guide had the flashlight, and the hanging lamp from the previous room got harder to see by. I kept thinking “it has to be just a few feet further.” Instead, the tunnel got shorter and shorter, until we were basically crawling forwards in the dark, single file.

I remember looking back, and realizing the tunnel must have curved or something because the lamp light was gone. There wasn’t enough space to turn around, so I kept going. I felt horrible, like I had just condemned my sister and I to dying in the dark, crushed by the ever shrinking tunnel.

Eventually the floor in front of me ended. Thinking back, we had probably reached the weapon cache room and only needed to drop a couple of feet to stand, but in the dark I only felt empty air in front of me. I’m pretty sure that moment is the moment I developed a fear of really wide open spaces, because to this day I can imagine some giant maw inches from my flailing arm looking for purchase.

I told my sister we’d have to crawl backwards, and godd*mn if that middle schooler wasn’t an absolute trooper about the whole thing. Unfortunately we must have taken a turn without realizing it, because we started down there blind, lost, crawling in the dirt for what I would later learn was about an hour.

The guide eventually found us, and I’ve never been happier to see a flashlight.”

How about you?

Have you ever had anything scary happen to you while you were traveling?

Please share your stories with us in the comments. Thanks!

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Hysterical Memes About Traveling and Spending Time at the Airport

You see every cross-section of society at the airport. Young, old, all nationalities, all genders, all races.

Of course, you take the good with the bad when you travel. Because on top of the excitement of getting to see new places and new faces is the unfortunate reality that people can be annoying and traveling can be a big hassle.

And that’s why these memes make perfect sense!

1. That is very funny.

Photo Credit: deMilked

2. You’re not going anywhere.

Photo Credit: deMilked

3. In good hands.

Photo Credit: deMilked

4. Sweet, sweet relief.

Photo Credit: deMilked

5. That has to be what they’re thinking.

Photo Credit: deMilked

6. Oh, there it is!

Photo Credit: deMilked

7. Are you sure about that?

Photo Credit: deMilked

8. No time for drama.

Photo Credit: deMilked

9. Bring everything you own, just in case.

Photo Credit: deMilked

10. We have to be there 9 hours early.

Photo Credit: deMilked

11. They’re also a genius!

Photo Credit: deMilked

12. All kinds of reactions.

Photo Credit: deMilked

13. What’s taking them so long…?

Photo Credit: deMilked

Those memes are right on the money, don’t you think? Please, be honest. We don’t want our feelings messed with.

Oh, here’s another question! Do you travel a lot for either work or fun? Or maybe both? Share a funny/ridiculous/outrageous travel story in the comments.

Let’s compare notes, fam!

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Avoid These Common Packing Mistakes for a Smoother Vacation

The most dreaded part of any vacation is always packing. From trying to stuff that extra pair of shoes in to figuring out a way to fit your laptop and electronics, packing a suitcase can be an exhausting and, frankly, emotionally draining effort.

Staying organized and practical are imperative in the suitcase stuffing packing process. But while we should strive for perfection, here are five common, easily avoidable suitcase packing mistakes that could turn your vacation into a messy disaster.

Overpacking

Having options is one thing, but bringing your entire wardrobe for a three-day cruise is just crazy.

Many people make the mistake of trying to fit too much in their suitcase; they simply get overwhelmed with trying to pick out the appropriate amount of clothing, shoes and accessories to bring on vacation.

The best way to avoid overpacking is to choose a few pairs of pants or shorts that are versatile enough to pair with a few more different tops. You could also opt for a color scheme that you want to coordinate throughout the trip.

Waiting Until The Last Minute

Procrastination doesn’t just apply to homework and cleaning the house.

Vacation-goers often wait till the night before (or sometimes the morning of) to take care of packing. According to Dacy Gillespie, a personal stylist, “You end up packing too many options and don’t have what you need.”

If you have to rush the packing process, you can often overlook important items or pack way too much out of desperation.

Never Fold When You Can Roll

 

Folding clothes may be the traditional way to do it, but you should really roll with the times.

When it comes to maximizing a small amount of space, rolling your clothes up is the clear-cut choice. Start by folding the article of clothing lengthwise before rolling it tighter than a Chipotle burrito.

Store heavier items along the bottom of your suitcase before layering in lighter items on top. You’ll thank me later…believe me.

Keep Your Toiletries Contained

Nothing is worse than opening up your suitcase only to find your favorite outfit ruined by an exploded shampoo bottle.

Toiletries like lotions, mouthwash, toothpaste and deodorant can easily spill inside your luggage (if you’re flying, remember: the cargo hold is unpressurized) and cause serious damage. Store all non-solids inside plastic bags to ensure your clothes are safe and your vacation will start off on the right foot.

Throwing Out Your Packing List

Organization is the key to packing, and writing everything down on a list can be a helpful strategy.

However, many travelers make the mistake of throwing out their packing list after the final zipper has been pulled. Instead, store your packing list inside your suitcase so that you can verify you have everything when you pack again at the conclusion of your trip.

Any other tips you’d recommend? Share them below!

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People Share the Scariest Situations They’ve Experienced While Traveling

Traveling can put you in some pretty sticky situations. Being in an unfamiliar place where you might not know the language or anyone around you is a prime setting for off-putting and, in some cases, downright terrifying things to happen.

My scariest traveling situation came in Moscow when my brother, my sister and I attended a hockey game and the crowd was 99% skinheads. Let’s just say it didn’t go well, and I still tell that story 15 years later.

Here are 15 similarly disturbing traveling tales from AskReddit users that will make your hair stand on end.

1. Doesn’t sound like a party

“Went hiking in the Himalayas in Nepal when I was 18 with a friend. We were the only girls on the hike. The entire time on the first day our Nepalese guide (probably early 30’s married man) told us we were going to have a ‘chicken’ party when we got to our first night stay in a village in the mountains.

Not knowing what this was, we were very hesitant. Turns out chicken party meant that all the guys on the trek (guides and male trekkers alike) got hideously drunk and started ramming on our super thin, wooden door with a cheap, flimsy lock clucking like chooks. We spent the whole night sitting with our backs pressing against the door to stop them.”

2. Drugged

“When I visited Turkey, some people staying at our hotel came out of their room and explained that they had eaten some cake offered to them by a fellow traveller, ostensibly for his birthday, and they had fallen asleep for over a day, only to find he had cleaned them out, passports, money, etc and took off. Put me on my guard, that’s for sure.”

3. Close call

“On a flight from Atlanta to Pensacola and, as we approached to land the pilot announced that we may have to turn back because of fog. Apparently he changed his mind and decided to try landing and I am sitting there by the window watching the when the fog finally broke. We were barely above the tree tops and I could see the runway was about 500 yards on the right side. The plane suddenly starting climbing HARD and we turned around and flew back to Atlanta.

It was a close one.”

4. Lucky

“I was traveling across Europe with my girlfriend and snapping lots of pictures along the drive as we went through various EU borderless countries. While entering Italy, my girlfriend noticed the “Welcome to Italy” sign and wanted a cliche couples photo. Naturally, I agreed and we got out of the vehicle, took our cringe selfie, and drove into Italy.

20 minutes into the drive we noticed that my girlfriends purse was missing. To contextualize the story, we had been carrying every important legal document we had while we were traveling in case something went wrong and we were stopped by police/TSA. This included our passports, citizenship cards, birth certificates, and drivers licenses. Essentially, this was everything that proved we were who we said we were and there were absolutely no other records of our existence elsewhere. All of these documents were in my girlfriends purse that was now lost.

We realized we had left them at the “Welcome to Italy” sign and I quickly turned the car around and drove as fast as I legally could (I had no drivers license) back to the border. By some miracle, nobody had grabbed the purse and we got al our documents back.”

5. Phew!

“Same happened to me in Paris Gare du Nord (very busy train station). Person I was travelling with left their bag in the cafe there, with all our passports and a bunch of cash in it. He didn’t realise till we got to our destination 3 hours away. Googled the cafe number, tried to speak French to the manager, and we think he is telling us the bag is still there.

Friend gets back on a train and travels 3 hours back to Paris, and it’s still there! So much stress, and a lot of unnecessary money on train tickets, but I’m very glad Paris didn’t live up to its pick-pocket reputation that day!”

6. Passports, please

“Pulled off a bus around 1 A.M. in the morning when I was travelling from Italy to Croatia. The guards at the border of Slovenia I believe stopped the bus. They got on the bus which was dimly lit and had their guns drawn with lights illuminating from the end of their weapons. They were asking everyone for passports.

Mine was in the undercarriage. I got dragged off the bus pretty roughly and was told to kneel on the ground while the driver looked for my baggage. There were about 4 or 5 officers and 1 was behind me with his gun drawn toward me. It could have been for light but it still felt f*cking intimidating. After viewing my passport and lecturing me on always keeping it on me we went on our way.

Slovenia was not nice. Croatia was beautiful!”

7. Don’t get arrested in Africa

“Got arrested by military police in Angola. My idiot colleague was flying a drone where he wasn’t supposed to and the MPs came down with AK-47s and detained us for hours. They clearly wanted a bribe but my idiot colleague kept insisting that they weren’t corrupt because they were police. The MPs finally got sick of waiting for their bribe and freed us after saying that our hotel called and “verified our visas.” They didn’t even know our names or what hotel we were staying in.

We almost got arrested a second time because my idiot colleague started flying the drone around again immediately after we were released.”

8. Terrifying

“Saw a guy murdered at about 3 A.M. outside Rome’s main railway station. This was back in the 1980s. North African illegal immigrants got into a fight and three guys kicked and stomped another one to death.”

9. Top four

“I had lots of them. Here is my top four:

Got stopped at the Slovenian border on our way back from a holiday in croatia. They stopped us because we didn’t have a sticker for their road toll on the vehicle. As we were clearly on our way back, we were charged with dodging the toll both ways. A few border guards complete with guns and dogs also searched our car, because we might be smuggling drugs. Didn’t go down to well with my then 3-year old son, because they took his teddy bear and wanted to slice it open.

Took a night bus from Mumbay to Goa. First scary situation: We were told (after leaving) that we had to changes buses, once we left Mumbay. Got dropped of on pitch black parking lot somewhere. My wife and I were deathly afraid for about an hour, then the new bus rolled up. Next scary moment: Bus stopped for a toilet/smoke break. Jumped out of the bus, lit a cigarette, turned around and saw the bus driver. Huge eyes, wild hair and obviously on something that had kept him awake for the last week and would keep him awake for one more… Next scary moment: realizing that almost the whole way is up and down mountains. I do know about vehicles, especially trucks and busses. Seeing the bus the next morning, made my knees weak.

Went sightseeing in Cape Town. Rode a bus around, walked a bit (all in “safe” areas), took a few pictures. At a traffic light a white man whispered in my ear: “Those black dudes followed you for the last two blocks, as did I. Watch out!”. Went into a coffee shop, trying to calm our nerves. Left an hour later, none of the black dudes around. But the white guy was again following us. Ran to our car and drove off.

Got mugged somewhere in the sticks in Jamaica. when is on holiday there with my parents. Was with a tour going to some waterfall, suddenly there is guy with a machete in front of us, waving the blade and yelling stuff. Gave him all the money we had on us, as the tour guide was telling us to. In hindsight: Might have been a setup by the tour guide.”

10. The bus

“Travelling by bus across Java solo when I was 21. Night time driving in heavy traffic, the bus pulls on to a rail crossing in gridlock. you guessed it, the lights start flashing and the barriers come down in front and behind the bus. We can’t go forwards or backwards and we can see the light from a fast approaching train coming towards us.

Everyone started screaming and ran to the front door banging on the glass and begging the driver to open the door. He either couldn’t or wouldn’t. Longest couple of minutes of my life.

I decided the front of the bus was certain death, went right to the back instead and was contemplating at which moment I should start kicking the window out when someone said (in indonesian, luckily I speak it) ‘its on the other track’. there was a moment where we all held our breath..and then the train passed inches from the drivers window in front of hte bus on the other set of tracks.

Afterwards everyone sat down and started laughing like it was totally normal and we drove on. I was sitting in my seat with eyes the size of saucers no doubt! Stayed with me that one.”

11. Be careful

“I was travelling around Zambia on a three-month holiday on my own when I suddenly fell deathly ill whilst in a backpacker’s joint out in the bush. I was throwing up bile and could barely move until someone found me after almost a day and got me to the hospital in Lusaka which was an hour’s drive.

I was apparently severely dehydrated to the point that my skin was malleable like clay. The doctor had to hydrate me through a drip because I’d throw up anything I tried to drink or eat. Honestly it’s incredible how much I’ve appreciated water since that event. The memories are all a little hazy from the event but I recall being in my hospital bed and all I could think about was a tall glass of frosty water. Moral of the story is when travelling alone, be careful.”

12. Assault

“Posting for my sister.

Her and friends were out drinking in Paris and when it was time to go home the Uber app wasn’t working so they started walking back streets. A gang with their hoods up pulverizes some dude in front of them to the point of almost death. She says they are shocked, and the group starts coming at them, then runs right though her and her group of friends and around the corner.

They spent a few minutes picking up this guys shoes and trying to ask if he was ok (while he’s covered in blood) but they didn’t speak French so they left when other people arrived.

PSA: don’t walk down dark alleyways”

13. Trapped

“I was traveling abroad for the first time, also traveling without my parents for the first time, at 19 years old. I’d gone to Japan with my best friend, and we got two separate rooms at the little business hotel we were staying in about 30 minutes outside of Tokyo. Japanese hotel rooms do not (typically) have tubs the same length as those you would find in the US, but they are very deep.

I was taking a bath one night when I decided to slide down onto my back and dunk my hair to wash out the shampoo, since the little faucet situation wasn’t really working for me.

I ended up stuck and unable to get myself back up from under the water. I was only a biscuit under 5’5″ and fairly thin, I was just perfectly wedged in there. After flailing around I finally managed to grab something I could use to pull myself back up.

My next mistake was telling my mother about it the next day when we called to update our parents on our trip.”

14. Shakedown

“Phillipines, mid-1980s. Olangapo City.

Was stationed in Okinawa, had a chance for a brief leave and took it. Went alone. At the time was a cocksure U. S. Marine in my mid-20s, very physically fit, and thought I could handle any situation. By the way, Olangapo City was outside the former U. S. Air base. City was full of desperately poor thieves and hookers. Preamble complete.

Walking down the street on my way to the Air Force base, a man called out my first name. I ignored him. He then called out my first and last name. Again, I ignored him. He then repeated my name and added in my hometown. Now I’m curious, so I walked over and asked where he got this information. “Your friend from Okinawa is here. He’s drunk at a bar and sent me looking for you. He needs help! Come with me!”

Stupidly, I went with him. (It was believable, as a lot of Marines would get leaves to the Philippines. This stranger announced his name, and I did have a friend with the exact same name due to arrive in a few days.) We get in a trike (three wheeled motorcycle) and him and the driver take me to the really poor part of town. We stop at an alley filled with numerous stalls and bars meant for the locals. About a hundred feet down the alley, we enter a bar. “Looks like your friends in the bathroom… Can you buy us a beer while we wait?” I asked the bartender (young woman) for three beers. After ten minutes, I go looking in the bathroom to find it empty.

“Time for me to leave,” I announce as I returned to the bar. “How much for the beers?” The bigger of the two men says this is a “very special” bar, and each beer is the equivalent of twenty dollars. I laughed in his face, turned around, read the menu, and gave the bartender the payment plus a nice tip. When I turned around to leave, both men are on either side of the door with butterfly knives in their hands. “You go nowhere until you give us all your money,” the one said while waving the knife in the air.

“I’m an American! There’s a military base just down the road. You’re not gonna do a damned thing!” Mustering up all my courage, I walked past them, then up the alley to the main street. I finally turned around to look, and they were not following me. The adrenaline rush, shock, fear, and everything else hit me all at once and I began vomiting on the street.

Later that day I learned that the hotel staff would sell your private information to people. Also, their friendly little ‘chit-chat’ during check-in at the hotel was also sold. I checked into a new hotel later that day.”

15. Hitchhiking

“Oh man, got a couple of these.

Hitchhiking in Serbia, my friend and I got picked up by this neo-nazi dude going into Belgrade. Kept talking about how his countrymen were slaughtered by NATO pigs in the Balkan Wars. My friend and I were Danish and American – as in, from two of the nations most involved in said slaughter. Pretended we were Norwegian and Canadian for a very tense hour-long drive.

Hitchhiking from Bulgaria into Romania, same friend and I were stuck at the border, which was a huge bridge across the Danube, and nobody would pick us up for fear that we were smuggling shit. Finally, the border guards allowed us to walk across the bridge, though the closest thing it had to a pedestrian walkway was a narrow ledge for guards and construction workers, that halfway across turned to pieces of rubble and rebar sticking out of the side of the bridge that we had to walk on, with the water 60 feet below us in the middle of night.

On top of that, we were greeted on the other side by Romanian border guards with machine guns who were very agitated, since they had never seen anyone walk across the bridge and assumed we were crossing illegally.

Got picked up by a guy in France who spoke of nothing but how he was the second coming of Christ and all the other prophets were fakes. Bad vibes.

Hitchhiking in the US, got left in Ukiah, California for the night, a horrible creepy little meth-town. Walked to the edge of town to sleep in a park at about 2 in the morning – turns out it was more of a national park, with warning signs outside about mountain lions, rattle snakes, bears, murderous tweakers and a fucking rabid fox.

Went to sleep next to the path leading into the forest, when, in quick succession, an unidentified animal started circling us, some person wearing nothing but shorts, a t-shirt and a tiny backpack paces straight past us into the forest (at 3 in the morning, mind you) and some car kept getting turned on and off somewhere right behind us in the empty parking lot. Got creeped out, got out of there, met a couple nice homeless girls who let us sleep next to their car and told us we were fucking insane to go to sleep where we did, since the place was murder city.”

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20 Gorgeous-Yet-Affordable Hostels Around the World

Whether you’re an avid world-wanderer or just someone who likes to get away for the occasional weekend, it’s ALWAYS in your best interests to plan out your trip. A few minutes of research can save you so much money and aggravation with flights, accommodations, and everything else.

Hostels can be a bit of a crapshoot, as any seasoned traveler knows. That’s why this list of 20 hostels all over the world that look pretty swanky but won’t totally empty your bank account is CRUCIAL.

Take a look at these hostels and see if maybe you can squeeze them into your next travel itinerary.

1. 99 Surf Lodge, Tola, Nicaragua

2. Central Backpackers Hostel, Catba, Vietnam

3. Lucky Lake Hostel, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

4. Hostel Celica, Ljubljana, Slovenia

5. The Farm Hostel, Bali, Indonesia

6. Away With the Fairies Hostel, Hogsback, South Africa

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Who says backpackers don't take baths?

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7. Rodamón, Marrakech, Morocco

8. Zostel Ooty, Ooty, India

9. Bambuda Lodge, Bocas del Toro, Panama

10. Jumbo Stay, Stockholm, Sweden

11. Fauzi Azar Inn, Nazareth, Israel

12. St Briavels Castle, Gloucestershire, UK

13. Sydney Harbour YHA, Sydney, Australia

14. Caveland, Santorini, Greece

15. Red Boat Hostel, Stockholm, Sweden

16. The Circle, Da Lat, Vietnam

17. Sunset Destination Hostel, Lisbon, Portugal

18. Héraðsskólinn Hostel, Laugarvatn, Iceland

19. Cascada Verde, Uvita, Costa Rica

20. ArkaBarka, Belgrade, Serbia

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#Belgrade#serbia #Danube

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Now, who’s got the travel bug?!?!?!

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