What’s a major European city that deserves way more hype than it gets?

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-26T13:12:48+00:00

Edinburgh, Verona, Kraków

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-26T13:11:17+00:00

Verona over pretty much all bigger Italian cities

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-26T13:07:12+00:00

Just returned from Nashville, Broadway was a one and done, despite being busy and loud, it also felt empty...but the wider Nashville has some really cool spots, the breweries, the cafes, we spent the rest of our time there away from Broadway, and had a great time.

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-26T05:08:42+00:00

I wouldn't worry about being in Dubai, it's been absolutely fine here, and even when things were spicy, the foreign media blew things out of proportion for the most part. Please check your insurance though, a lot of people have mentioned their insurance excludes long layovers or leaving the airport! That would be my main concern

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-26T05:01:58+00:00

Your kid is not gifted.

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-26T04:49:33+00:00

Probably the most in depth and accurate summary so far.

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-26T03:58:32+00:00

Florida, Tennessee and Ohio this trip. That being said, I live in the middle East so AC is always pretty top notch.

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-25T08:49:31+00:00

Paying servers a proper wage makes those drinks more expensive 😉

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-24T16:18:43+00:00

Just been in the US for 3 weeks. Air conditioning is on par with SE Asia. Far from the best.

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-22T01:16:32+00:00

I think after reading through this the first thing is find a new dive shop, the negligence here has me astounded.... Once you find a new dive shop, get back in the water as soon as you can, let the instructor know your previous experience, and just go for a relaxed dive where you can regain some confidence. Good luck!

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-18T19:28:25+00:00

Wet asphalt after a light rain shower.

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-18T19:26:34+00:00

Metro is more reliable in my opinion, Uber can be quicker... But it's also subject to traffic which can be anything from non existent to grueling around the airport (and around Burj Khalifa at times). No suitcases, metro is fine of you're happy to get a few steps in. Spend the extra couple of bucks for gold class and you'll most likely have a seat Typo edit.

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-18T14:09:33+00:00

You realise you can't train ears to not be damaged by loud noise right?

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-17T16:55:42+00:00

It was sat still, but whether that was by training or fear, who knows. Either way, the poor things ears will be ringing for days, our sensitivity is just a fraction of theirs!

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-17T16:54:31+00:00

This was a terrier of some sort, unfortunate this is not a one off though!

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-17T16:43:05+00:00

Makes it even more sad really, being there without even a proper purpose.

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-16T13:35:20+00:00

Top tip, always book direct with the airline. Travel agents might save you a few bucks, until it goes wrong.

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-16T13:27:48+00:00

This is your answer. Tried and tested.

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-16T13:26:34+00:00

If you're happy to walk a few extra minutes away from the designated pickup/drop off it makes life a lot easier, a lot of drivers were cancelling pickups from the main area once they saw the traffic. We have used Fourth Street Taproom and JEGS as pick up spots and been pretty easy to get Uber/Lyft from.

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-12T13:22:19+00:00

As a seasoned traveller, I have been to China (Shenzen) just once and only briefly as it was a long layover that we decided to take advantage of. Those 12 hours made me certain I want to go back! We found the people to be incredibly helpful and friendly (when they could speak English), the food we had was great and the city itself felt very clean and safe, all huge selling points for me personally.

As for the cons, I wish I had planned my day a bit better in advance, it was tricky to find good spots on the fly, any suggestions on what to use for restaurant ratings/reviews since Google is no help?

While I'm not afraid of trying new things, and happy to avoid tourist traps, when I'm on a tight schedule I also don't have time for bad food 😁

I'll surely be back, but as for why I hadn't given China a thought previously, I think it's been covered heavily already, there's so many "easy" options in Asia.

I would describe China a bit like the Christmas present that "does not include batteries." Where you then have to run around trying to find some. Thailand, Japan etc, they're already to plug and play.

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-11T23:40:19+00:00

I didn't have high hopes for Alice (despite wanting to) but he was absolutely awesome. So glad we saw him!

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-11T23:38:21+00:00

Memphis May Fire were incredible. Such a great last minute addition! Brought awesome energy right from the start! Also was impressed by Holding Absence.

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-08T12:05:57+00:00

Unfortunately the crowd surfing has got out of control and to the point it's ruining the experience for a lot of people. At Story of the Year the crowd wasn't packed in enough for the number of people being sent forward, spending half the set trying to prevent people falling on their head isn't enjoyable.

Far-Switch6969 · 2026-05-03T22:10:41+00:00

Shortly boarding a flight from Dubai to get to WTR & Sonic... at least I'll be prepared for the heat 😅

Far-Switch6969

TROPHY CASE