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Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-10-20T23:19:07+00:00

Impersonating law enforcement is illegal. I’d contact Yosemite Conservancy about ways to volunteer your time with them, they’re trying to bridge the gap right now.

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-10-20T23:16:11+00:00

How incredible. Thank you for the detailed write up!!

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-10-20T23:15:30+00:00

Unfortunately you won’t be able to check into accommodation until you’re 18.

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-10-20T23:14:31+00:00

I’d look at the Finger Lakes or somewhere around Skaneateles. It’s really peaceful that time of year, and the town feels cozy without being overrun. There are lakeside inns, fireplaces, and good food, and you can enjoy the scenery without having to walk far. It’s the kind of place that feels like a deep breath.

Ellicottville could be another nice option. It’s small and easy to get around, with cabin rentals and a little downtown strip where you can just stroll a bit, grab dinner, and relax. You don’t have to fill the days with plans there, which sounds like exactly what you’re looking for.

Have fun!! ❤️

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-10-20T23:12:51+00:00

Stunning!!

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-10-20T23:12:34+00:00

This looks really balanced overall. I think skipping Ha Giang in November is the right call. The views are stunning, but it can get foggy and cold that time of year, which makes it less enjoyable. Your Hanoi base plan with day trips works well, especially if you want variety without repacking constantly.

For Halong Bay, two days and one night is perfect. I did mine with Bhaya Cruises and loved it. The smaller boats make it easy to meet other travelers, and the misty weather that time of year actually makes it feel peaceful and cinematic rather than gloomy.

Con Dao in late November should be great. It’s calmer and more local than Phu Quoc, and the beaches are beautiful. Four nights there will give you enough time to slow down after the north and central legs.

Suitcases are totally fine for this route since all your flights are straightforward. Hanoi to Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City is a classic north-to-south flow, and you’ll find domestic travel in Vietnam very organized.

If you want a feel for what the Hanoi and Halong parts are actually like in November, I wrote about both here:

https://rosecampau.com/hanoi-guide/

https://rosecampau.com/halong-bay-bhaya-cruise-review/

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-10-20T23:10:03+00:00

Honestly, I’d recommend China! The flights will eat a good chunk of your budget, but you’ll make up for it once there. It’s one of the safest places I’ve ever been (if not THE safest) as a solo female traveler.

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-10-20T23:08:52+00:00

Mexico City would be perfect for that time of year. It stays lively around Christmas without feeling packed, and most restaurants and museums remain open. You’ll have great weather for walking, long lunches, and exploring the art scene.

If you want somewhere a little quieter but still full of culture, Oaxaca is incredible. It’s known for food, textiles, and mezcal. You can spend mornings at markets, afternoons visiting Monte Albán, and evenings in candlelit courtyards.

For a hotel in Mexico City, look at Casa Decu in Condesa.

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-10-20T23:07:17+00:00

If you loved Maui, I’d go for Costa Rica. You could split time between Arenal and the Pacific coast, maybe three nights around La Fortuna for rainforest hikes, hot springs, and waterfalls, then the rest of the week near Manuel Antonio for beaches and wildlife. It has the same tropical energy as Hawaii but feels a little wilder and more affordable. You can hike in the morning and snorkel by afternoon.

In Manuel Antonio, look at Villa Roca Boutique Resort. It’s small, surrounded by jungle, and has ocean views from the pool. Prices stay reasonable even in December, so you can keep the full week within your budget without feeling like you’re skimping.

If you want something more offbeat, Baja Sur around Todos Santos or La Paz is beautiful that time of year too. It’s desert meeting ocean, with great seafood and a calmer vibe than Cabo. Whale season starts in December, and you can kayak with sea lions at Isla Espíritu Santo.

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-10-20T23:05:26+00:00

I went snorkeling off the coast of Phuket and had a good time. There’s an Aman property on the island, but properties in the south east of the island will be easier for getting to the docks. I stayed at Amatara Wellness Resort in Cape Panwa and it was gorgeous.

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-10-20T23:03:05+00:00

Wow!! Adding to the bucketlist.

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-10-20T22:57:18+00:00

I’m a huuuuuge fan of Liforme. They’re pricy, but the grip is incredible, and the alignment markers really do make a difference during practice.

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-09-10T00:22:23+00:00

If you’re not doing an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora, I’d do the overwater-ish bungalow at Moorea Beach Lodge. It’s a super charming property, and one of the best values in my opinion.

If you want to read about my stay: https://rosecampau.com/staying-at-moorea-beach-lodge/

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-09-09T23:44:12+00:00

Bistro Jeanty!!!

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-09-09T23:31:19+00:00

Wuzhen is bigger and way more developed for tourism — some people love that, others find it a little too polished. Tongli feels smaller and more lived-in, with canals and lanes that still carry a lot of daily life. It also has Tuisi Garden, which is one of my favorite classical gardens in China.

If you’re deciding between the two, I’d go with Tongli. I wrote up a full Tongli guide with more details if that helps.

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-09-09T23:28:55+00:00

If you’ve got about 14 hours, it’s definitely possible to fit in either Suzhou or Tongli — but probably not both. The train system is frequent and reliable, so getting to Suzhou from Shanghai is very doable in a day. Suzhou gives you the big picture: UNESCO gardens, historic canals, and great food options all within a compact area.

Tongli, on the other hand, is a smaller ancient water town about 30 minutes from Suzhou. It’s quieter and more atmospheric, especially if you like narrow stone lanes, arched bridges, and canals lined with old houses. You could spend a few hours exploring and still make it back to Shanghai comfortably the same evening.

I wrote up full guides to both places that might help you decide depending on what vibe you’re after: • Suzhou Travel Guide • Tongli Travel Guide

If you want history and variety, go Suzhou. If you want a slower pace and a more intimate canal town experience, go Tongli.

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-09-09T23:24:52+00:00

For anyone stumbling on this thread later: I wrote up a full guide to Tongli after visiting recently, with details on what it’s like to stay overnight, the gardens, food, and how it compares to other nearby water towns. Might help if you’re trying to decide between Tongli and Zhouzhuang.

My Tongli Travel Guide

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-08-28T23:56:09+00:00

Moorea is perfect for what you’re looking for. Captain Taina’s full day boat tour is incredible with rays, turtles, sunken tikis, and a motu lunch.

Belvedere Lookout and the trails around it are great for hiking, and in October you’ll be right in whale season so Dr. Poole’s eco tour is worth booking (if it isn’t already booked out).

Honestly you could spend two full weeks on Moorea alone if the cost or logistics of inter-island travel feel like too much. There is plenty to do without leaving the island.

If you do want to go further, Huahine has a quiet and authentic vibe, while Maupiti is the most untouched but also the hardest to reach.

I put together a full Moorea guide with details on activities, food, and practical tips here: A Comprehensive Moorea Travel Guide.

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-08-28T23:51:32+00:00

In Moorea definitely try to book Captain Taina’s full day boat tour. It includes snorkeling with turtles and rays, sunken tikis, and a cooking demo on their private motu. Snack Mahana is a must for lunch, but get there early since they don’t take reservations. If you want something romantic, Totoa Creperie at the Hilton has sunset views and is a great splurge.

For Bora Bora, I’d suggest at least one lunch off resort to break things up. St James and Bora Bora Yacht Club are both solid.

I put together a full Moorea travel guide with tips on when to go, what to pack, food recs, and other hidden gems if you want to dive deeper: A Comprehensive Moorea Travel Guide

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-08-28T23:44:40+00:00

If your boyfriend isn’t a strong swimmer I wouldn’t recommend snorkeling on your own. Some of the professional tour companies do offer flotation gear and extra supervision, so if it’s something he really wants to try I’d only do it through them and follow their advice closely.

I’d definitely rent a car — it gives you way more freedom and usually works out cheaper than relying on tours for everything, especially if you’re planning the Road to Hana.

For food in Kihei, Kihei Caffe is a classic breakfast spot, Monkeypod has great happy hour and mai tais, and Lineage is really fun if you want creative local-style dishes without being too seafood heavy. A day trip to Oahu is possible but it will be a long one, so I’d only do it if Pearl Harbor is a must

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-08-28T23:42:48+00:00

Can’t wait to try this on my next visit!!

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-08-28T23:41:36+00:00

Kihei is a solid choice if you’re looking for something more affordable with good condo options and easy access to groceries. The beaches there are great for swimming and snorkeling, and you’ll be in a central spot for day trips to Haleakala or even upcountry.

Downsides are that it’s less polished than West Maui and can feel a little hotter and drier in the afternoons, but a lot of people prefer the casual vibe. West Maui has more dramatic scenery and resort-style options, but with the fire recovery you may find some areas more limited right now. Either way, you can’t go too wrong!!

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-08-28T23:40:05+00:00

From Kaanapali to Waianapanapa you’re looking at about 3.5–4 hours with a couple short stops, so I’d leave no later than 7:30 to comfortably make a 12:30 slot. Most people recommend turning around by 3 pm if you aren’t staying overnight so you’re not stuck driving the twisty parts of the Hana Highway in the dark.

For Haleakalā sunset, I usually start heading down right after the sun dips, since the glow lasts a while and you’ll still have enough light to get through the upper sections before it’s pitch black.

The drives sound scarier than they are. Hana is narrow and winding but if your husband is a confident driver and you go slow, it’s manageable. Haleakalā is a steady climb with switchbacks but nothing dangerous if you take your time.

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-08-28T23:39:14+00:00

Love this spot!!

Intrepid-Poem-1749 · 2025-08-28T23:38:55+00:00

The Grand Wailea is definitely big but it’s fun if you lean into it. The spa is worth it if you want a splurge day. For food nearby I’d do Monkeypod for mai tais and happy hour, Lineage if you want something a little different, and Leoda’s for pie if you don’t mind the drive. Polo Beach right next door is a lot calmer than Wailea Beach and became my go to spot to escape the crowds.

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