travel thread

[MakeItRain]

United ruined my rough ridin' hard sided suitcase, managed to break not one but two wheels. What are the actual benefits of hard sided luggage, other than how it looks?

[steve dave]

United ruined my rough ridin' hard sided suitcase, managed to break not one but two wheels. What are the actual benefits of hard sided luggage, other than how it looks?

slides in and out of overhead bins easier?

[pissclams]

i specifically took this photo for my goE friends & family

at bob hope/burbank, swa deplanes from the front and back.  kc spent nearly $19 billion on our new airport and doesn’t even have this

probably already mentioned but swa is giving us directs to bob hope this year.  wow, slow down 2024 boner.

[MakeItRain]

United ruined my rough ridin' hard sided suitcase, managed to break not one but two wheels. What are the actual benefits of hard sided luggage, other than how it looks?

slides in and out of overhead bins easier?

That's it? Reading other travel blogs aren't giving me anything either. I didn't make it clear but the wheels broke because they caved in on the hard luggage, the wheels themselves were actually fine. As team no carry ons, I'm going to switch back to soft side luggage.

[mocat]

A duffel with backpack style straps is great. You can cram a lot in there, and both your hands + arms are free while walking through an airport

[Phil Titola]

United ruined my rough ridin' hard sided suitcase, managed to break not one but two wheels. What are the actual benefits of hard sided luggage, other than how it looks?

slides in and out of overhead bins easier?

That's it? Reading other travel blogs aren't giving me anything either. I didn't make it clear but the wheels broke because they caved in on the hard luggage, the wheels themselves were actually fine. As team no carry ons, I'm going to switch back to soft side luggage.

I don't really have a strong preference but since moving to Away hardsided I like if it's raining when they load it, it doesn't soak up rain. I like it does seem to protect stuff inside better. Seems to work better if I stack my backpack on top of it too. On the downside kinda what you experienced if it's not FULL it can be damaged easier it seems?

[JoeAlekber]

That's frustrating about your suitcase! Hard-sided luggage is praised for durability and protection of fragile items. It's generally more resistant to impact and weather, keeping belongings safe. However, wheels can be a weak spot. When it comes to travel, durability matters, but wheel quality is crucial too. Soft-sided luggage might offer more flexibility but might not protect as well against impact. By the way, if you're ever exploring the US, visiting some of the incredible theme parks can be a fun way to ease travel woes and enjoy some excitement!

[steve dave]

bots these days are better than 80% of our irl posters

[star seed 7]

I'm thinking of doing an open ended trip to Europe. Seems kinda scary not having set plans but I don't want to be constrained by a schedule for a variety of reasons. Anyone done this? Am I thinking crazy?

[steve dave]

I'm thinking of doing an open ended trip to Europe. Seems kinda scary not having set plans but I don't want to be constrained by a schedule for a variety of reasons. Anyone done this? Am I thinking crazy?

I haven't done it but would love to. you should.

[Spracne]

I'm thinking of doing an open ended trip to Europe. Seems kinda scary not having set plans but I don't want to be constrained by a schedule for a variety of reasons. Anyone done this? Am I thinking crazy?

I have. Is there anything in particular that worries you?

[DaBigTrain]

Do it. No negative consequences.

[star seed 7]

I'm thinking of doing an open ended trip to Europe. Seems kinda scary not having set plans but I don't want to be constrained by a schedule for a variety of reasons. Anyone done this? Am I thinking crazy?

I have. Is there anything in particular that worries you?

The cost of making arrangements on short notice

[Spracne]

I'm thinking of doing an open ended trip to Europe. Seems kinda scary not having set plans but I don't want to be constrained by a schedule for a variety of reasons. Anyone done this? Am I thinking crazy?

I have. Is there anything in particular that worries you?

The cost of making arrangements on short notice

If you're talking booking a return flight from Europe to America on short notice, yeah, you'll probably get pinched.

If you're talking about traveling within the Eurozone, I never really noticed a difference. Can't speak to plane tickets, as I never bought one day of or day before, but I regularly did for trains and buses, and it was fine. I have bought plane tickets, say, a week before, and was able to find reasonable prices. Travel by rail, if at all possible.

In terms of lodging, are we talking about hostels, hotels, or AirBNBs? AirBNB would generally be the way to go, and there wouldn't be a premium for booking an available place the day before. But you can't really book an open-ended AirBNB stay, obviously. Can't really speak to hotel pricing, and you don't strike me as a hostel guy.

Also, you can bounce around the Schengen countries (basically, all of Europe) with ease for up to 90 days without needing a visa. Perks of being an American. You will need to arrange a visa with one of the countries if you plan to stay longer than that.

[star seed 7]

Mostly concerned about lodging. The other side of my brain says it probably won't be a big deal unless there happens to be a supply deficit for whatever reason and in that case yolo.

[Spracne]

Mostly concerned about lodging. The other side of my brain says it probably won't be a big deal unless there happens to be a supply deficit for whatever reason and in that case yolo.

I booked an AirBNB in Munich on short notice ... during Oktoberfest. Where there's a will you'll find a way (and it can even be a fun part of the experience).

[star seed 7]

Mci-dub booked with delta premium select lfg boys

[steve dave]

Mci-dub booked with delta premium select lfg boys

Hell yeah!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ben ji]

Mci-dub booked with delta premium select lfg boys

Are you going to make it to the mainland or just the isles?


Also you should totes pick up some back to back WWII champs tshirts to wear and hand out while visiting.

[star seed 7]

I intend to swing down through England, France, and Spain. TBD after that.

@Tobias which futbol stadium should I try to catch a match in?

[Tobias]

oooh rough timeline of when you’ll be in England?

[star seed 7]

oooh rough timeline of when you’ll be in England?

I could probably make anything in the first two weeks of April work.

[meow meow]

if you're not a fan of any particular team, i would just take a look at the cities you plan on going to and any game would be a cool experience.

[michigancat]

oooh rough timeline of when you’ll be in England?

I could probably make anything in the first two weeks of April work.

Palace hosts Man City April 6. Might be a tough ticket but a fun atmosphere in South London. Newcastle at Fulham would also be fun if you're in London. Luton hosts Bournemouth that day and it's the most ridiculous top level sports stadium ever, less than an hour from Kings Cross station.

if you're not a fan of any particular team, i would just take a look at the cities you plan on going to and any game would be a cool experience.

I'd personally recommend going anywhere but one of the big 6 stadiums (Man City, Spurs, Chelsea, Liverpool, United, Arsenal). I'm sure they'd be a good time but the smaller clubs would probably be a more unique experience and almost definitely cheaper. Maybe try a Championship game as well.

[Institutional Control]

I would pick a lower-tier club, a cheaper price and the same great experience.  I took a train down to Trent from Liverpool and watched Stoke City v Hull City and it was great. I think I paid 30 pounds for the ticket.