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Departure Lounge

Share your travel information, advice, hints and tips. Please choose from one of the countries or regions below.

Number of topics
Branches
12,422

Africa

Looking for a latte in Lesotho or a truckin' good transcontinental time

1,432

Americas - Canada

Maple leaves and Mounties, Tim Hortons' and hockey, Hollywood North and more shoreline than the Caribbean

1,214

Americas - Caribbean

Fun, sun and sand in your shorts

5,977

Americas - Central America

From the cloud forests to the blue holes

1,855

Americas - Cuba

It's more than just cigars, rum and old cars

2,417

Americas - Mexico

Akumal to Zipolite, Aztecs to Zapatistas.. y tequila!

12,996

Americas - South America

Supplement your Shoestring with the word from the road

5,138

Americas - United States of America

From sea to shining sea

1,849

Asia - Central Asia

Here a 'stan, there a 'stan, everywhere a 'stan 'stan

11,740

Asia - Indian Subcontinent

Not only elephants, snake charmers, price rises, immodium and curry in a hurry

7,892

Asia - North-East Asia

From teaching in Tokyo to travelling through Tibet

9,184

Asia - South-East Asia Islands & Peninsula

Brunei, East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore

9,583

Asia - South-East Asia Mainland

Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam

6,967

Asia - Thailand

The lowdown on the land of smiles

4,078

Australasia & Pacific - Australia, New Zealand & Antarctica

Do they speak English? Is there a bridge to NZ? Are kangaroos poisonous?

864

Australasia & Pacific - Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea

Sun-drenched beaches, swaying palms, rising ocean levels...

9,208

Europe - Eastern Europe & the Caucasus

Czech out all the vital info

1,982

Europe - Scandinavia & the Nordics

Fjords and hiking, meet some Vikings - Nordic Europe will be to your likings!

2,509

Europe - UK & Ireland

Two islands, infinite opportunities, all on one branch

13,166

Europe - Western Europe

Bacalhau to bratwurst, frites to zabaglione - Also, there's art

4,131

Middle East

...and does anyone know about that Israeli passport stamp

Recent threads in this category:

May 10, 2013 2:19 PM
Urbanomad1

last reply
May 24, 2013 3:28 PM
flumy

3 replies
130 views


How to reach Bol from Jelsa without Jadrolinija Feery

Hi, can anyone tell me if there are ferries between Jelsa and Bol that aren't provided by Jadrolinija?

I need to get from Jelsa to Bol, but Jadrolinija's ferries depart too early in the morning (06:00 /07:30). I would like to have some kind of transportation around 08:30 / 09:30).

Is this possible? What are my alternatives? Do you know the cost?

Thank you in advance!

Michael Silva

May 24, 2013 3:19 PM
rasta723

last reply
May 24, 2013 3:19 PM
rasta723

0 replies
27 views
location: The Palestinian Territories

Getting from Amman airport to Ramallah: Cost? Difficulty?

Hello all,

I am a US citizen flying into Queen Alia (AMM) airport in late June in order to spend a month in Ramallah, where I will be taking Arabic lessons with private tutor. I've never been to Jordan nor the West Bank, so don't know what to expect. A few questions:

-Do I simply hire a taxi from Amman airport to get to the border crossing or are there wiser options? What does one mode cost versus others?

-What sort of stamp will I get at the Jordan/West Bank crossing-- an Israeli one? (I am concerned that a State of Israel stamp in my passport will ruin my ability to travel to other Middle East countries in the near future with same passport.)

-Should I expect any problems with Israeli border authorities, as a lone American tourist? I'm not of Arab ancestry or anything.

Apologies for my ignorance on these matters! Thanks for your help! more »

Forum: Middle East

May 24, 2013 1:54 AM
aroramanik

last reply
May 24, 2013 3:13 PM
samara400

5 replies
139 views


Thailand

we are 26 & 30 years guys and want to visit thailand in January 13 for approx 10 days, I want to know the islands where we can go for some good snorkeling, Jet skiing, kayaking, chill out on nice beaches with beer but not loud music or parties.

We don't like so much crowd but not honeymooners looking for total solitude, pls advise it is Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Samui or any other ...

May 17, 2013 4:14 AM
baczarz

last reply
May 24, 2013 3:12 PM
WaterhazardJack

8 replies
216 views
location: Czech Republic

Czech towns

Hi CR lovers!

I'm thinking of passing through Czech Republic while going to Slovakian mountains by car this summer. I want to stay overnight in some towns and some others just stroll around. Here comes my question: which ones would you recommend for an overnight stay and which just for a short visit? I'll be a bit pressed for time. The towns I wanna see are: Jicin, Kutna Hora, Litomysl, Olomouc, Novy Jicin. Any other places you'd strongly recommend around this route or any hidden germs? I don't have any particular interests, just to enjoy the beauty of the places while having a good beer!
Thanks a lot for any tips
Marcin

May 24, 2013 12:16 AM
Sodara

last reply
May 24, 2013 3:09 PM
udangompong

8 replies
229 views
location: Indonesia

Flores - Advice? -> not touristic...

Hello,

I am in Labuan Bajo right now.
It is far to touristic for me and I would like to know if someone has nice recommendations where to go.

I am searching for: something beautiful : -) nature, culture, trekking, what ever, just no or not too many bule...

After Flores I am planning to go to Papua. So also everything towards the east is fine as well...

Thanks

Apr 27, 2013 6:38 PM
cazmantis

last reply
May 24, 2013 3:09 PM
pedroteixeira07

5 replies
485 views
location: Madagascar

Overland from Antananarivo to NosyBe?

Hi all,

I just wondered if anyone has one overland from Antananarive to NosyBe and if so how long did it take approximately? I am booked on an AirMad flight but they cancelled my flight on Saturday and bumped me to a Monday flight which really isn't great for me - I wondered if I might be able to arrive in NosyBe by Sunday if I go overland. Any insight appreciated?

Thanks,

Caz

Forum: Africa

Jan 21, 2012 7:44 AM
arrozconmango

last reply
May 24, 2013 3:07 PM
dwbrace

7 replies
522 views
location: Costa Rica

Airport procedure arriving in San Jose

A friend ,who has never traveled out of the US, is meeting me in Costa Rica. Her flight arrives 40 minutes before mine.
I want to make it as easy as possible for her and want to tell her what to expect at the airport but I can't remember.

This is what I think the sequence is:
1. Get off the plane and follow the crow to immigration where they will stamp your passport
2. Pick up luggage in baggage claim.
3. Customs and fruit inspection, put luggage on scanner belt and give them the form.
4. Proceed to exit door.

I was thinking of having her meet me in baggage claim. Is there a ladies room there? I was thinking of having her meet me by the ladies room.

Thanks for any tips.

May 24, 2013 3:06 PM
lazouz

last reply
May 24, 2013 3:06 PM
lazouz

0 replies
21 views


Mozambique on a budget

Hello all of you,

With my husband, we are planning to travel around Tanzania on a budget and take a short trip to Pemba and ilha de moçambique. Of course we have a very tight budget and would like to spend a week in Mozambique.

I would like to know if it's worth the hassle?

Is ilha de mocambique similar to Zanzibar?

Is a budget of 600 dollars enough for 2 people for one week?

Thanks in advance for your help

Forum: Africa

Oct 18, 2012 11:36 PM
CoastWalker

last reply
May 24, 2013 3:05 PM
lazouz

9 replies
1,191 views
location: Mozambique

Transport Mozambique

Hi All

I am planning to walk down the coast from Pemba to Inhambane during Dec/Jan. There are a few things i need some advice on, please your contribution will make my planning so much easier.

First i need to get from Maputo to Pemba. I dont have the resources to fly, so was wondering what my next affordable option would be? Also is there anyone who can give me an average cost of a trip in in a bus and a mini taxi, i have research and found out these are the best modes of transport by land.

As far as accommodation goes i was wondering if any one could give me some places i could stay along the coast between Pemba and Inhambane, i have tried to research this online but keep coming up with the more expensive hotels in the bigger cities, seeing as though i am walking i really need more remote places, that are not too far apart. Does anyone know what the law is concerning campin... more »

Forum: Africa

May 14, 2013 6:50 AM
TomKubus

last reply
May 24, 2013 3:03 PM
WaterhazardJack

6 replies
121 views
location: Belarus

Mir Castle and Nesvizh in one day?

Hi,
im planning my trip to Belarus and i have one important (for me) question. I will stay in Minsk and i need to know if it is possible and doable to make a day trip to Mir Castle and after city of Nesvizh with it´s castle just by using a local transportation? Is three any bus line between Mir and Nesvizh? And which city you will visit first?
Im considering also stop at one of this place on route from Brest to Minsk, but im not sure about bus connections from Brest and then onward connection to Minsk. That´s why im thinking about day trip doing together both these places. Is it possible? Thank you

May 23, 2013 9:41 AM
Maestrokneer

last reply
May 24, 2013 3:00 PM
ref_traveller

8 replies
167 views


Montreal Le Plateau/Rue Clark Safety?

Hello,

My wife and I will be traveling to Montreal for the first time with our 2 year old daughter later this year, and were trying to find vacation rentals to stay for the week. We're not familiar with the neighborhoods and relative safety of the areas and was hoping to get some Montreal native's opinion of a particular rental. We're looking to reserve this rental in Le Plateau on Rue Clark around Pine Ave from AirBnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/526401

It looks very nice on the inside, but there seems to be quite a bit of graffiti and trash on the streets based on looking at Google Street View. Can anyone vouch for the safety (or lack thereof) of this neighborhood for walking around with a toddler in the evenings/nights? We won't have a car during our visit, so we had planned to walk and take public transportation most places.
... more »

May 23, 2013 3:56 PM
gbarlow54

last reply
May 24, 2013 2:59 PM
swampeastmike

5 replies
118 views
location: Turkey

Hiring Car in Turkey

I have been told by one of my sons friends that he would never drive in Istanbul - any comment
(Son's friend married and lives in Turkey so cant be simply ignored)

I didnt get to ask about the rest of Turkey

Any comments from anyone

May 24, 2013 2:58 PM
suzygoes

last reply
May 24, 2013 2:58 PM
suzygoes

0 replies
18 views
location: Azerbaijan

Baku to Yerevan transport

Air travel between Baku and Yerevan is circuitous and train travel involves at least one change. Is it possible to hire a car for the trip between these two cities and how much might it cost?

May 24, 2013 10:43 AM
drMingo

last reply
May 24, 2013 2:58 PM
geriande

2 replies
94 views


Travel to Puebla and Oaxaca.

Well it's that time of year again, and thanks to Volaris we got tickets from Juarez to Mexico City for just $2,600 both ways (Aeromexico was $4000+).
From DF we will go to Cuetzalan (somebody from Cuetzalan recommended the Tosepan Kali hotel), then on to Puebla, we don't want to spend much so we are going to stay in Hotel Real de Cristo, we will rent a car and drive to Cacaxtla, Xochitecatl and Cantona, and will be eating Mole anywhere we can.

From there is Oaxaca, we always stay in Hotel Antonio's, which is ok, and a good value, is there any other place that is even better for the price (30-60 usd, $450-$720 mx)?
Will go to the pueblos near Guelatao for a few days and then down to San Jose del Pacifico to chill out in the mountains, after that a few days on the coast, prob. Zipolite (been there many many times before) will probably eat in La piedra de fuego every day while in Zi... more »

May 23, 2013 8:00 PM
sheilap

last reply
May 24, 2013 2:53 PM
sheilap

4 replies
122 views
location: Morocco

6 nights in Marrakech - daytrip/overnight stay options?

Hello, I've been trawling through the ThornTree forum but can't find recent information so just thought I would ask a question.

I'm a woman, travelling on my own to Marrakech in early September. It's my first trip. I will be there for 6 nights (5 full days and two half days). Found a nice riad that I'm planning to base myself in and I'm happy to spend most of my time in the city but wouldn't mind seeing a few other places if it was worthwhile in the time that I have.

From Marrakech, I was wondering whether I should do a day trip or overnight stay in Essaouira? Is it still a nice place or is it an over-touristed beach town - the kind you find in Thailand, Bali, India, Mexico etc - just thinking of touristy beach towns I've visited over the years! I can handle a long day trip - it doesn't worry me that it's 14 hours long but I just want to know if it's worth it.

Actually, I'm w... more »

Forum: Africa
 
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