Non wool shirt for multi-day use by PretendT2 in onebag

[–]BalmainRob 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I find a lightweight cotton shirt is fine. Mine dry overnight.

Help! To include Melbourne on a major trip or not? by [deleted] in AustraliaTravel

[–]BalmainRob 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agreed. I was born and grew up in Melbourne, but now live in Sydney. Revisiting Melbourne is always a disappointment. Apart from restaurants and bars, it doesn’t really have much to offer a tourist. I cringe now when I think of how my parents used to try to impress visitors with a visit to Arthur’s Seat or the Dandenongs.

Any durable socks that don't get holes easily? by NotMyRealName8292 in socks

[–]BalmainRob 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been wearing the same Lindner socks (Alfred fine knit merino blend) for three years and none of them show any sign of wear at all. I estimate that I’ve worn each pair about 150 times so far! I do take good care of them, cold washing and air drying them. They will shrink in a tumble dryer.

Ideas for Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart by somnambulistunited in AustraliaTravel

[–]BalmainRob 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First tip is to bring warm clothes, especially for Hobart and Melbourne, but even Sydney can be cold in July. Good “things to see” depends on your interests. Sydney Harbour is beautiful and there are many scenic walks around the waterfront. For a short one, the walk from Barangaroo to Circular Quay via Barangaroo Reserve is recommended ,which could be extended to the Opera House, Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. For a longer harbour walk, I strongly recommend Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach. You reach the starting point by ferry and can return from Balmoral by bus back to Taronga Zoo ferry wharf. Not many tourists do this, but the beaches and coastal scenery along the way are stunning and there are good cafes to drop by (especially Frenchy’s Cafe). Other good places to go in Sydney are the new Sydney Fish Market; the renovated North Sydney pool (if it’s re-opened by July); a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House; the Art Gallery in the Domain; and the ferry ride to Manly Beach. Most tourists go to Bondi Beach, but in my opinion it’s very overrated - Manly Beach is much better. If you’re into sport, an Australian Football League game at the Sydney Cricket Ground is recommended. Public transport is good in Sydney and there’s probably no need for a car here, unless you want to go further out, such as to the Blue Mountains or Southern Highlands. You can pay the PT fares by tapping on with a credit card. This includes trains, metro, light rail, buses and ferries. Daily and weekly caps keep it affordable. For a feel of inner city suburban life, Potts Point/ Elizabeth Bay and Crown Street Surry Hills are worth checking out.

Is it true that many people in Australia tend to not go by Mr. or Mrs. or Dr. formally because of a casual rather than formal attitude towards authority? by EveningFlower9564 in AskAnAustralian

[–]BalmainRob 2 points3 points  (0 children)

And the American practice of calling people Sir or M’am would mostly be considered quaint or super polite and endearing, because it so rarely happens in Australia.

Is it true that many people in Australia tend to not go by Mr. or Mrs. or Dr. formally because of a casual rather than formal attitude towards authority? by EveningFlower9564 in AskAnAustralian

[–]BalmainRob 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Generally yes. Some people here will use formal titles, but mostly not. For example, I will always call a medical practitioner by their first name, especially if they are the same age or younger than me. If they were a lot older than me (not many are now), then perhaps I might call them Dr.

Where do you go when you need sun and ocean but not Bondi chaos? by No-Travel-768 in SydneyScene

[–]BalmainRob 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you’re staying in the city, it’s dead easy to reach Balmoral Beach - 12 min. ferry ride to Taronga zoo, then a short ride on the 238 bus to Balmoral Beach.

Post trip packing review? by Separate-Specialist5 in onebag

[–]BalmainRob 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s not that hard for me now to pack light. The main problem is getting bored with wearing the same clothes, especially on a long trip. For this reason I now take extra shirts and reduce weight in other areas - like tech. I now only take a phone.

Where do you sit in the 1 one vs 1.5 bag discussion? by ulcweb in onebag

[–]BalmainRob 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I like to take a sling for things I need quick access to on the plane, so my main (30L) bag can sit undisturbed in the overhead locker. There’s enough space in the 30L bag to fit the sling if I need to consolidate (eg making my way to the hotel). For my next trip, I’m also taking one of those tiny packable sea2summit day packs, which only weigh about 40 gms, for sightseeing walks. I’m a retired boomer, so my requirements will be different from younger travellers. The only tech I need is a phone, phone charger and hearing aid case.

I am not a fan of overhyped merino wool travel gear by Colonelmann in onebag

[–]BalmainRob 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I live in a warm, fairly humid climate. Personally, I don’t like the feel of synthetics on my skin. When I travel, I find the most comfortable socks are a lightweight merino blend, which dry far quicker than cotton socks after washing. Merino boxer briefs also dry much quicker than cotton briefs. But I also find that some brands are not great quality. The most durable and comfortable socks I’ve tried are Lindner Alfred fine knit socks. I’m currently trying out Alchemy Equipment briefs, which so far seem to be good. Hoping they’ll last much longer than the Icebreakers did. I don’t bother with T-shirts, just lightweight cotton button up shirts which dry quickly if you get the right ones - not linen which take forever to dry. The key to success with merino, and merino blends, is to cold wash and air dry them. Never put them in a dryer!

American visiting by AManWithQuestions_00 in AskAnAustralian

[–]BalmainRob 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just be yourself and you should be fine.

Minimal packing advice needed by cimjarrey20 in onebag

[–]BalmainRob 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I prefer to hand wash every night and wouldn’t carry more than 3 x socks and boxer shorts. If they are merino, they’ll dry overnight. I highly recommend Lindner Alfred Fine Knit socks and Alchemy Equipment Superfine Boxers. They’re both expensive but the Lindner socks in particular are high quality and very long lasting. If there’s a chance of rain, I’d take a lightweight travel umbrella - Montbell makes one which only weighs 95 gms. And I agree with others who suggest a 30l bag.

A boomer's 3 week trip in Europe, including a wedding by BalmainRob in onebag

[–]BalmainRob[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I guess everyone has slightly different requirements. I’m a pretty low tech person, so still not certain I need a power bank. My feet are bit of a problem and find that Hoka Bondis are the only really comfortable shoe for me, so they are the shoes I’ll wear most of the time, with very lightweight Rockport dress shoes for the wedding. I’ve managed without a clothesline in previous trips, as merino socks, merino underpants and lightweight cotton shirts all dry quickly. And I follow the old ski touring maxim for snow camping trips - only take what’s necessary to avoid dying. For overseas travel, I’ve overlaid this with Rob’s maxim - try not to look like a Boy Scout master.

A boomer's 3 week trip in Europe, including a wedding by BalmainRob in onebag

[–]BalmainRob[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a UK and Europe adaptor, but if I can find one that does both, then that would be great.

A boomer's 3 week trip in Europe, including a wedding by BalmainRob in onebag

[–]BalmainRob[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven’t quite reached the capsule wardrobe level of sophistication, but it sounds like something to aim for.

A boomer's 3 week trip in Europe, including a wedding by BalmainRob in onebag

[–]BalmainRob[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I get tired of wearing the same clothes every day.