Dog Community

A great travel forum?

Posted : 4/5/2008 9:24:39 AM

I've turned to my fellow forum-ers for suggestions. I am in search of a really great travel forum. I would prefer one that has both international and domestic travel, as well as a section on living and working abroad. I know that this is probably stretching it, as most forums are more specific (ie, international travel only) so if anyone has a suggestion that doesn't meet this criteria, thats welcome too.

The travel bug has bitten now that I am planning a trip to China/Vietnam/Thailand this summer, and I'd like information about those places, where to buy great luggage for not-so-expensive, the best travel guides, off-the-beaten path advice, etc. Also, my fiance and I are now considering living and working abroad for a year or two after I finish my master's degree, after we get married, and before we move to the west coast (from the east coast) and buy a house.... hence the desire for a section on living and working abroad.

Thanks for any advice! It is much appreciated!

kpwlee

Posted : 4/5/2008 9:32:09 AM

this site has lots of real life info Tripadvisor

it has reviews from users and is well respected in the travel community - it may lead to other sites that are helpful.DH loves these sort of things I don't look at them much but I do check stuff out on this one

alieliza

Posted : 4/5/2008 9:47:41 AM

Thank you!

pofi_pasquale

Posted : 4/5/2008 10:37:09 AM

I'm a big advocate and user of Tripadvisor as well - especially for sussing out hotels that meet my needs. I planned all of our trip to Italy 4 years ago using it and was not disappointed. With "real people" reviewing the accomodations in detail, I was able to make good choices based on what was most important to us (price, proximity to train station being the most important for most stays). You can also post questions and get a lot of great feedback - say if you are wanting to spend time on the Amalfi coast and have questions on transportation, etc.

alieliza

Posted : 4/5/2008 10:42:32 AM

Thanks guys. I am really looking forward to becoming a part of a travel community. I really want to make these trips happen (the asia trip is a definite, but Im thinking of many, many trips over the next few years... though, with saving for a wedding they may be in the further future!!).

Im currently on the hunt for great, inexpensive luggage. Anybody with any suggestions??

cakana

Posted : 4/5/2008 11:05:22 AM

I like Tripadvisor also. Everytime I've used it for the reviews, I've found that they were right on.

Regarding luggage, I really think it's one of those things that you get what you pay for and having your luggage fall apart while traveling is no fun. I can remember a cheap set I had and rolling the bag across a busy intersection when the strap broke Embarrassed I trust Samsonite and have a rolling flight bag and a garment bag made by them. I've had both for many years and I used to travel 2-3 times a month and never had a problem. I prefer canvas or softside to the hardsided, but that's just my personal preference.

pofi_pasquale

Posted : 4/5/2008 11:16:27 AM

I do think Samsonite makes some great luggage and you can find decent sale prices on it! My Samsonite pieces have always been so durable, they far outlast their fashionability and I get jealous of the new innovations!! Before we went to Italy, I did buy cheaper pieces at Target, with an Eddie Bauer label on them because my Samsonite, while serviceable, is the 4 wheel horizontal type (OLD) and I really wanted the two wheel verticals, but at that point, wanted to spend my Euros on adventures and not luggage. They were ok, but definitely have shown wear and tear more quickly than my Samsonite sets have.

kpwlee

Posted : 4/5/2008 1:34:34 PM

alieliza
Im currently on the hunt for great, inexpensive luggage. Anybody with any suggestions??

Some of the EB at Target is well laid out and I have bought independent pieces there on 75% off!

Other great places to look are TJMaxx, Marshall's, HomeGoods and as always check Amazon.

We have those hard plastic cases Samsonite and had them for years and years. They are indestructible and light (until you pack) Be diligent with knowing your weight allowances for specific airlines, they've changed them again and added lots of fees.

If you are going to be running around airports and catching various mass transit options I find that a backpack type carry on is easiest.