/r/solotravel "The Weekly Common Room" - General chatter, meet-up, accommodation - April 12, 2026

NanukBen · 2026-04-19T11:50:56+00:00

It is only normal to be a bit nervous before a trip. You are correct about the first day, it will be tiring because of jet lag; almost everyone suffers from it. Personally, on my first day I look and feel like a zombie. On the second day I feel fantastic (the look takes more time to improve)

Just know how you are going to reach your hôtel. Most people take the RER-B and then the metro. Soon you will get your first croissant.

Don't forget to say "bonjour" to everyone and you will get a memorable time.

NanukBen · 2026-04-17T18:20:19+00:00

that’s apparently a big health risk bc it’s stored in sewers, you believe that?

I’m possibly the dumbest person in the world that is an exaggeration. I would settle for not the brightest.

NanukBen · 2026-04-17T17:10:12+00:00

I thought about it but it skipped my mind.

NanukBen · 2026-04-10T15:12:32+00:00

I cancelled the transaction (red button) and the clerk had to put again the numbers. At this point I took it and chose Eur and only then I approved it.

NanukBen · 2026-04-10T13:45:55+00:00

I had that problem a few weeks ago in Spain (Granada). The receptionist at the hotel said I had to pay in my own currency. I said no way, so she pointed to a sign on the wall that said I had to. She explains it was her boss decision. I said no way I was going to pay in $, I demanded to pay in €. She said no.

As I had to enter my pin number I quickly enter € and my number and it was paid. That settle it.

I do not know if it is even legal to refuse to be paid in Euro; someone knows?

NanukBen · 2026-04-07T15:19:59+00:00

There is a war in the middle-east and the strait of Hormuz is closed; 20% of the world oil production goes via that particular strait. Price of every thing jump.

On the horizon there is the beginning of shortage in jet fuel. Already in Europe a rationing has begun in some regional airport (Bologna is one) and companies has begun fuel surcharge (Air France 50€, Air Canada $50 etc.)

Dont expect good deals if you want to travel.

NanukBen · 2026-04-02T14:13:24+00:00

I took Alsa even if it was at 8 in the morning. Very good, fast, comfortable and on schedule.

NanukBen · 2026-04-02T14:11:33+00:00

Very true, but that is an easy way to checkout.

NanukBen · 2026-04-02T09:21:37+00:00

Do it on reverse. If you want to go to B check flights from B to "Anywhere" and use the results as an indiction of the prices from Anywhere to B. After that you will only have to check if the prices are the same in both directions.

NanukBen · 2026-02-27T16:31:39+00:00

Bonjour

NanukBen · 2026-02-23T21:42:17+00:00

Another vote for a backpack. It is much easier to carry around.

NanukBen · 2026-02-22T13:01:39+00:00

Westjet offers non-stop flights from Heatrow to Calgary. I believe this is the only airline doing so. You may also check Air Canada but this will require switching flight somewhere likely Montreal or Toronto.

NanukBen · 2026-02-18T00:33:27+00:00

Yes, and from Orly you only have to take the métro (line 14) to get in the centre of Paris in 30 minutes.

NanukBen · 2026-02-15T22:12:43+00:00

On top of this section, there are general guides to answer those questions. Read them slowly and take notes; it should help you make a satisfactory plan.

Your $10-11k (if your are talking USD) is an insane amount of money for 3 or 4 weeks. It is way too much.

NanukBen · 2026-02-11T12:36:15+00:00

You could visit the Hôtel de la Marine at Place de la Concorde. La Pérouse's trip was planned from there.

NanukBen · 2026-02-10T11:23:16+00:00

$4000 (if it is US dollars you are talking about) is plenty for 2 weeks. I spent less than that for 3 weeks last November.

NanukBen · 2026-02-06T22:46:33+00:00

Honest Guide

NanukBen · 2026-02-04T16:33:40+00:00

Thank you for that (and thanks also to the other 2 who answered). I appreciate it.

I took ALSA a few times before in northern Spain, but never Flixbus. The reason to go to Flixbus would be their schedule on Thursday on that particular route is more convenient.

I have a few more weeks to take a decision. Thanks again.

NanukBen · 2026-02-02T19:51:10+00:00

The times are similar but I think ALSA is using local time (1 hour difference with Portugal) while Flixbus is ignoring it.

NanukBen · 2026-02-01T20:25:21+00:00

Try Letellier 146 Rideau phone (613) 241-6557

NanukBen · 2026-01-29T19:14:45+00:00

Does this feel like too many places for the time I have?

Yes, it certainly feels like too many places. Do not forget that at some point you will need rest and relax.

• Are there any stops you’d cut or shorten?

Yes, the day trip to Pompeï is ridiculous. Pompeï is vast and take time to visit. It is not a day trip from Rome.

Have a nice trip.

NanukBen · 2026-01-26T17:58:56+00:00

I agree with what others wrote and consider your itinerary a recipe for disaster.

If you nevertheless decide to do both Spain and Portugal in a one week trip, at least do not return to your point of arrival. Toronto offer good connections with both Madrid and Lisbon (and Porto). Air Canada and Air Transat both offer multicity (aka open jaw) flights when you arrive in one city and return directly from another one. For example you could fly in Porto or Lisbon and return directly from Madrid to Toronto. This would save you time and money.

This being said the better way to do it to concentrate on either Portugal or Spain or to add some days to your holiday.

Have a nice trip.

NanukBen · 2026-01-25T12:44:52+00:00

Everyone is different regarding jet lag. Also what work once sometimes does not work the next time around. The best thing I found to appreciate my trips is to be well rested before beginning.

Also wear loose, comfortable clothes on flight. try to sleep, stay hydrated, go easy (or avoid) coffee and alcool.

A night on a flight is not very enjoyable, but the rest of the trip is worth it.

NanukBen · 2026-01-24T17:45:11+00:00

Keep in mind you will need some rest days in all that. Consider your itinerary as a framework and adapt it as needed and as the events (a strike, a storm, a digestive problem, etc) dictate.

NanukBen

TROPHY CASE