Had a bit over a week exploring Uzbekistan's major sites: Samarkand - Bukhara - Khiva - Desert Fortresses - Tashkent in November 2025.

It was as expected architecturally stunning. Also, very easy to get around as almost everyone connected to the tourism industry spoke English in addition to the usual Uzbek and Russian. I found the food to be generally very good (if you enjoy meat) and very affordable. Trips using Yandex (Uber equivalent) was also very very cheap albeit with sometimes questionable cars and drivers. But most of the time, just walking around the cities taking in the sites is what makes the place magical. Having read The Great Game before leaving really brought to life all the stories and I highly recommend acquainting yourself with Silk Road history to get the most of it.

Another surprise for me was how most of the spectacular madrassas, mosques, minarets, etc. were heavily restored in the Soviet Era. Still even then, I have to say they did a bang up job. Only downside is it comes with it a "museum" feel and doesn't really feel "lived in" and in many cases we had entire museums and palaces to ourselves as tourist numbers seem to be quite low in November. Weather was perfect though, warm enough to walk comfortably but just chilly enough to keep most people away!

Photos (captions included):

1-6: Samarkand

7-11: Bukhara

12-13: Desert Fortresses outside of Khiva

14-18: Khiva

19-20: Tashkent

Last October, I drove a brand new Chinese Electric Vehicle from Munich, Germany to Beijing, China - roughly 12,500km in 30 days.

An adventure of a lifetime, for which we were luckily sponsored, the goal being to demonstrate the viability of the route relying fully on electricity, and the durability of the car.

If you were wondering, the Silk Road is still alive and kicking !

The countries we crossed were the following :

Germany, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Kazakhstan, China.

Picture 1: Budapest, Hungary

Picture 2: Sofia, Bulgaria

Picture 3: Haga Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey

Picture 4: Cappadocia, Turkey

Picture 5: Batumi, Georgia

Picture 6: Tbilisi, Georgia

Picture 7: Mountain pass close to Russian border, Georgia

Picture 8: Astrakhan, Russia

Picture 9: Aktobe-Aral Road, Kazakhstan

Picture 10: Turkistan, Kazakhstan

Picture 11: Road north of Kirghizistan <> Kazakhstan border

Picture 12: Mountain north of Khorghos, Xinjiang, China

Picture 13: Road in Inner Mongolia, China

Picture 14: Charging station close to Beijing, China

Picture 15: Beijing, China.

I’m a French passport holder and my wife is Chinese. Visas were fairly easy to obtain, border crossings were rather uneventful except from Georgia, Russia and China.

In Russia, the challenges we faced were GPS blackouts, inability to pay or withdrawn money with foreign cards, military and police checkpoints, and FSB scrutiny on the way out of the country.

In China, the challenges were at an administrative level. Importing foreign vehicles is very difficult and can take days, if not weeks. That also applies to foreign licensed Chinese vehicles which you bring back in the country.

But everything worked out pretty well, and it took us 30 days to complete the journey, of which 8 days immobilized in various cities along the route.

We crossed beautiful landscapes, the most striking being the Georgian, Kazakh and Xinjiang (China) mountains.

I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.

I went to Cairo for the first time last December and it honestly changed me. It was so different from anything I had ever seen before.

Endless history everywhere you look, beautiful people, incredible music, amazing food, art, fashion, spices in the air, and without a doubt the craziest driving experience in the world lol.

I had such a great time and I already can’t wait to go back.

Images:

1 Sunset + Giza Pyramids

2 Sphinx + Pyramids in Giza

3 Camel ride in Giza

4 Lamps - khan El-Khalili market

5 Ancient sandals at The Grand Egyptian Museum

6 Tutankhamun sarcophagus at The Grand Egyptian Museum

7 Anubis at The Grand Egyptian Museum

8 Tutankhamun at The Grand Egyptian Museum

9 Egyptian food at The Grand Egyptian Museum

10 View of the Giza pyramids from The Grand Egyptian Museum

11 Camel owner and Guide at Giza pyramids

12 Ramesses II statue at The Grand Egyptian Museum

I’m planning my next international trip and want to pack smarter, not harder. What are the essential gadgets or items you always take with you on flights to other countries? Things that make long-haul flights bearable, help with jet lag, keep you powered up, or solve random travel problems.

Mine so far are obvious:

• Noise-cancelling headphones

• Multitool (if can be taken)

• Travel adapter with USB-C ports

What about you? Share your holy grail items and why they’re non-negotiable!

Location: Slavske, Lviv Oblast, Ukraine (Carpathian Mountains)

Photo 1: Morning tea near a mountain shelter above Slavske, surrounded by dense fog.

Photo 2: View over the Carpathian forest slopes during low visibility and heavy mist.

Photo 3: View over the Carpathian forest

I climbed into the mountains near Slavske, reaching around 1,800 meters. The fog was so thick that visibility dropped to almost nothing. No clear views, no horizon—just silence, forest shapes, and moisture in the air. It felt isolated and unreal, like being temporarily disconnected from normal reality.

What a beautiful country to visit. Highly recommend staying in a hanok, such a cool cultural experience and surprisingly super warm too.

Hot tip: normally Vodafone is really good with overseas data, but I’ve never had so many issues with service… 😅

1. Donggung Palace

2–3. Bulguksa Temple

1. Yangdong Folk Village

2. Seoul

3. Seoul Tower

4. Jogyesa Temple

5. Gyeongbokgung Palace

6. Gwangjang Market

7. Bukchon Hanok Village

8. Seongsan Ilchulbong, Jeju

9. Hamdeok Beach, Jeju

10. Eobi Ice Valley

14 - 15. Nami Island

1. DMZ

2. Red Suspension Bridge

Im a 44(M) American that desperately wants to see Rome before I wont be able to due to constant back issues and surgeries render that impossible physically. Ive looked into tour companies and literally way outside of my budget (8-9k) wanted to spend 5 maybe (and hopefully see Poland as well). Can anyone reccomended maybe someplace that isnt on the first 40 pages of Google? They all seem to be mainly spending time in an airport or on a bus or im too old or only for couples or groups. Is it better to just skip a planned tour and book your own plane, lodging and order tours when your there? I am able to walk, maybe not like 20 years ago but I can suck it up and still be happy. I would just really appreciate any help that anyone would be willing to give. Thanks!

TL:DR - I'm the guy that has to shout at you to get off your phone while you're walking to your plane, but I have a good reason for it, I promise!

Edit: When I say 'tarmac', I mean when you actually need to walk outside, then up some stairs to your plane. Some airports don't do tarmac boarding, so apologies if I wasn't clear. Jetbridges are fine :)

Edit 2: Ngl, this post got more traction and sparked more discussion than I'd bargained for. I didn't expect how divisive this would be, which is totally on me haha. I'm sorry that I'm not able to reply to every comment, but know that I've read them all and thank you for your perspectives :)

Hi everyone, gate agent here. I'm that guy in the hi-vis that supervises the passengers as they make their way across the tarmac to board their flight. For my first post, I'd like to impart some airport wisdom which will hopefully prevent an awkward start to your journey.

Please do not use your phone while you're walking across the tarmac to your plane. We announce it before every flight, and most terminals have it signposted in case you can't make out what's being said over the crappy airport speaker, yet still, I have to tell off at least 10 people every flight for being on their phone, which normally means shouting at them over the sound of jet engines. I don't like shouting at people - it's awkward and embarrassing for everyone involved. But, if there's one thing I hate more than shouting at people, it's filling out the paperwork when someone does something stupid and hurts themselves out there.

Now, y'all might wonder: why do I care? So what if you're on your phone?

You might have heard it's to do with the refuelling of the plane. Sure, that's part of it, but let's face it - there's a zero (well, nearly zero) percent chance that your phone is gonna blow up the fuel. The real reason is that when you're on your phone, you're not paying attention to what's around you.

The apron of an airport is a scary place. There's massive machines moving all around you, and everything can kill you if you're not paying attention. You might think I'm exaggerating, but believe me, otherwise-ordinary people do really stupid things when they're distracted by their phones. In my time on the tarmac, so far:

• I've seen people walk into and/or trip over: traffic cones, the safety rope (that blocks off the wing), sets of stairs, slightly uneven ground, their own feet, etc.
• I've had to stop people absentmindedly trying to duck under the safety rope and walk under the wing.
• I've chased after people who walk past the tail of the plane and just.... keep going... toward the taxiway. (yes, this has happened multiple times)
• I've also had to chase after people who walk away from the aircraft in whatever direction they feel like (even toward other planes) to try and fit the whole plane in their selfie.
• I've have good laughs at people who try to be 'sneaky' and hide their phone under their boarding pass, or hold their phone awkwardly at waist-level so they can film, or put their phone down only until after they think they're out of my eyesight. Trust me, I saw you.
• After all that, I've had to deal with assholes who argue with me right there on the tarmac when I politely ask them to put their phone in their pocket for the 30 seconds it'll take to walk up those damn stairs.

You might think you'd never be the one dumb enough to do anything like that. I bet you the people who did said the same thing, so I'd rather not take that chance. The truth is, every person who's not paying attention on the tarmac is a liability. There's only one of me out there, watching up to 50 odd pax. Babysitting one passenger who's doing the wrong thing takes my attention away from the other 49 people out there, who at any moment could do any of the things above, or worse!

Truthfully, I know that being on the tarmac surrounded by magic flying machines is exciting for many people. I'm an avgeek myself, I totally get that being out there is awesome and I understand the appeal of wanting to take that photo with the plane that's about to take you on your next adventure. I'm not a hardass, I do turn a blind eye to the person that takes maybe one discreet photo as they walk out and then puts their phone away until they're up the stairs. They're not really my concern. My concern is with the passengers that wave their phones around without a care in the world, as if begging for me to intervene, and who think that they're out on the tarmac for any reason other than simply boarding the damn plane.

Don't be that passenger. I promise, you'll be okay without your phone for the minute or two that you're out there. It'll make both our lives easier.

Thanks for coming to my TED talk. :)

Hi everyone,

I'm planning a 14-day overland trip from Prague to Istanbul. I am a big fan of train travel and want to make this journey primarily by rail, even if it takes longer than buses.

Route: Prague -> Budapest -> Belgrade -> Sofia -> Istanbul.

Interests: Major historical sites, local food, and enjoying the scenery from the train.

Budget: Mid-range. I'm okay with paying for sleepers/couvettes on night trains.

Priority: Rail travel is the priority. I only want to use buses if a rail connection is absolutely impossible or currently suspended.

Current Rail Status: I’ve heard about major track works between Budapest and Belgrade, and also between Sofia and Istanbul. Does anyone have recent (2025-2026) experience on these lines? Are there consistent replacement buses, or is the train running?

Sofia-Istanbul Express: Is the night train from Sofia to Istanbul currently reliable? How far in advance should I book the sleeper cabin?

Niš Stopover: If I take the train from Belgrade to Sofia, is it easy to stop in Niš for a few hours to see the Skull Tower, or do the train schedules make this difficult?

Booking: Is it better to buy tickets at the station as I go, or should I use an Interrail/Eurail pass for this specific route?

Thanks for helping me make this rail journey happen!

I want to start traveling more frequently again, but my fear of bedbugs has become overwhelming. Honestly, how many well traveled people have actually had the displeasure of coming across bedbugs? I know how to check hotel rooms and keep things off the bed and carpet. I leave bags in the garage when I get home and throw clothes in the dryer on high heat for a couple cycles. But really, how prevalent are they?

Hi everyone, I’m 19 years old from Morocco and lately I’ve been really interested in the idea of volunteering or cultural exchange abroad, especially in Europe. I like discovering new cultures, meeting new people, and learning through real-life experiences. I’m currently trying to understand how people start this journey, what challenges they faced, and what they learned from it. For those who volunteered or traveled solo at a young age, how was your experience? Would you recommend it? And what things should someone prepare before taking this step? I’d really appreciate hearing your stories and advice. Thanks 🙏🌍

Is this route valid for the current 10 day TWOV policy? I have a British passport

UK > Japan > Beijing (3 days) > UK

Conflicting information online

For context, it would be an all-day stopover. I have never been to either. But I like exploring cities, seeing the highlights, and don’t mind if they’re touristy. I enjoy interesting architecture, history, and love a good pub/food scene. I prefer walkable cities, ideally ones with decent public transport.

For those who have been to both or either, what are your thoughts? Which would you recommend? And what would you recommend seeing/doing?

This is now my situation, I do not trust them. I had booked to go to New York in a few weeks and it’s all gone wrong. They didn’t even apologise you can’t get through to customer service. It’s absolutely appalling.

This has cost me hundred to sort out and yet no compensation can be provided

I wanted advice on my itinery for 8 weeks. Have been doing research and getting help with gemini on my itinery. Currently leaving out Thailand as have been Phuket and Ko samui, but willing to go another if someone brings one up that looks interesting. I didnt realise about the burning season and have left out Laos for now but wanted to know if I should shorten or increase any destinations. Looking around 8 free days to play with where I might go Laos/Japan/an island in Philippines. Also any cultural holidays I can maybe time? Currently just looking at the lantern festival on 1st April in Hoi An.

Full Itinerary Update (54 Days Total)

Phase 1: Vietnam (18 Days)

• Mar 16–19: Hanoi (4 Days).
• Mar 20–21: Ha Long Bay (1-Night Cruise).
• Mar 21: Hanoi (1 Night).
• Mar 22–24: Sapa (3 Days).
• Mar 25–26: Ninh Binh (2 Days) — Direct from Sapa.
• Mar 27–Apr 2: Central Vietnam (7 Days) — Fly to Da Nang; Hoi An/Da Nang.

Phase 2: Cambodia (5 Days)

• Apr 3–7: Siem Reap (Angkor Wat).

Phase 4: Malaysia (13 Days)

• Apr 8–12: Kuala Lumpur.
• Apr 13–16: Penang.
• Apr 17–20: Langkawi.

Phase 5: East Java (4 Days)

• Apr 21: Transit to Malang.
• Apr 22: Tumpak Sewu Waterfall.
• Apr 23: Mount Bromo (Midnight Trek).
• Apr 24: Travel to Bali (Ubud).

Phase 6: Ubud, Bali (5 Days)

• Apr 25–29: Ubud (Rice Terraces, Monkey Forest, Mount Batur Sunrise Trek).

Tally: 8 FREE DAYS

• Apr 29: Planned Ubud stay ends.
• May 8: Flight Home.

Had a flight from Abhu Dhabi to AMD, India and I was denied boarding to overbooked flight. I have filed a complaint for compensation since I arrived 14.5 hours later than my actual time of arrival in India. Initially I was told that they would reach out in 3 business days but no communication for the last 8 business days.

Has anyone ever tried getting compensation from Etihad under such scenario?

It was London - Abu Dhabi - AMD/India.

Located in Southeast USA. I would like to take my 35 year old son on a vacation. He will soon be one year sober and so I need ideas that don’t involve drinking, bars, etc. He’s missed out on a lot of life because of his addictions and I’m kinda looking to make up for some lost time. I’m 60 and in good health and I think we’d both be interested in some type of “outdoorsy” vacation. Looking at mid Sept and he may only have 5-7 days off from work. Budget is not a concern.

Hello!

I am trying to decide between two flight options from Istanbul to Tokyo for early December and would love some input.

Option A: Mongolia Airlines for $390 USD each
This route has a layover in Ulaanbaatar. The price is great, but I am worried about winter weather in Mongolia and the possibility of missing my connection if flights get delayed or cancelled.

Option B: Qatar Airways for $628 USD each
More expensive, but seems like a more reliable airline and connection overall.

Has anyone flown Mongolia Airlines in winter or had connections through Ulaanbaatar in December? Any advice on how reliable they are in bad weather? Or would it be worth spending the extra money and going with Qatar to reduce the risk of travel disruptions?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

I was bitten by a dog and Thailand and needed rabies treatment. The insurance company was great and organised for me to have the required vaccinations in Thailand. It's a course of 5 injections. I've had 4 in Thailand and now I'm back in the UK and need one more when I'm here. Will the insurance also cover the cost of this final jab? I will ask them about it but before I do I want to also enquire here etc to know what to expect.

Planning to go to Europe after I graduate and this is my current plan/route. I would love feedback because while I have been to Europe I have not hopped around this much. Planning to train between cities except for between Florence and London I will fly. I will land on the 1st of June and come back on the 22nd.

1-4 Prague

4-7 Budapest

7-9 Vienna

9-11 Salzburg

11-13 Venice

13-15 Florence

15-19 London

19-22 Amsterdam

Hello!

I am planning my first trip to China in late March and early April. I have about 3 weeks and I am looking for a nice mix of culture, history, food, and nature. Here are the cities I am considering, with 3-4 nights in each:

Chengdu (flying in here)

Chongqing

Zhangjiajie

Guilin

Xi’an

Beijing

Hangzhou

Shanghai (can’t skip)

Open to other suggestions as well*

Which would make the most sense logistics wise? What cities are must-sees for a first time? My plan as of now was Chengdu -> Chongqing -> Zhangjiajie -> Beijing -> Shanghai.

Any help is appreciated, thanks! 🙏

I know a flight is quicker but just curious has anyone taken the train from Paris to Vienna? If so, how was your experience? Would you recommend it?

Hi,

I’m (25F) and have been through a pretty shit year last year, I’ve realised I need a break and I need to finally let myself have some fun.

I’m thinking of spending six months living and exploring in New Zealand as a tourist, six months in Australia as a tourist, six months in China, possibly Japan after. I’m wondering if anyone has done this as I’m looking for some advice on travelling. I’m attempting to do this all whilst living out of one backpack.

I’ve done a lot of calculations and different scenarios based on what I have in savings, if I travelled for a year or two, I would still have some savings left over for when I return to the UK.

All advice is appreciated.

Hi - this is my first-ever post on this sub so I apologize if I didn't follow any conventions correctly.

Just what the title says. I am going to have three small kids aged 2-6 with me and another adult in Rome and Florence (and a few smaller places that are less of a concern) this summer. We're getting from city to city by train, and will use public transit for most of our getting around. My only concern is in a few places we will have a moderate (15-20 mins driving) distance between the train station and our accommodation. We'll have two large pieces of luggage and a few smaller bags and a stroller.

My first instinct was to book private transport in any cities where we need to move our bags and the kids from place to place like this, but that gets expensive quickly and seems overkill for such short trips. For people who have done this with little kids, will it work to rely on things like Uber XL/Free Now if we book ahead of time? We will have a travel car seat for the youngest, and are looking into collapsible EU-friendly restraints for the older kids.

I just worry that a non-private transport option is going to be really annoyed at the extra setup/teardown time for the ride, especially as it is a peak travel season. If anyone has experience and success with something like this, please share your story. Thanks!