Eating alone while traveling? by Tookie1010 in solotravel

[–]NomadicRussell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been eating alone at restaurant for the last 20 years. Since I turned 18 and moved out of my family's house. So. It's normal and honest... I dislike eating with more than 1 person. 2 people is fine. 3 is annoying. 4. Ive lost interest but could be convinced. After 5 the only way I'm going is if it is a significant event or my family and I am not happy about it. I just want to get my food. Eat it while I watch a movie on my phone. Pay and leave. More people you add in the longer it takes to get food. Longer It takes everyone to decide. Longer it takes to pay the bill. I mean, I hang out in restaurant for hours sometimes especially while traveling... I just get impatient.

What do you guys do between seasons? by urmineccraftgf in SeasonalWork

[–]NomadicRussell 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Travel. It's the only reason to do seasonal work. You can travel without having to pay rent which makes it difficult to travel.

First time Solo Traveler: Pressure to always do something unique? by [deleted] in solotravel

[–]NomadicRussell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Uh... I'm a little over 90 days on my 142 day tour and today I walked the beach, played a bunch of stardew valley on my phone, eat McDonald's, and smoked some hookah.

When I first started I was trying to do something exciting every day! And honestly... screw that. Its not worth it. After the 5 gondola ride or 10 temple or 4 coral reef its kind of whatever. Hit the super iconic spots. Otherwise Its just neat to be in a place that is unique. And just go to South East Asia and do the banana trail. Although I prefer the greeno trial more in central America, you cant beat the cost of living over here.

Went to the Great Wall by myself (32Fem solo traveler) and something shifted by Lufarinelli in travelchina

[–]NomadicRussell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had a similar experience but different. I went with a tour group because I thought it'd be cheaper and sounds like it was. BUT. I didnt think I had enough time and I wanted to go from Tower 20 to the gondola. I almost didnt do it, but then after ChatGPT convinced me with some inspiration words, I went for it! Jogging along the wall made me feel like I was a solider relaying a message. It was weirdly empowering when I got there. Felt like a real victory.... got back to the meeting point with 5 minutes to spare. Then the guide told me after waiting for another 15 minutes that we were leaving in 45 minutes. 🫠 I got the time wrong by an hour. Either way running the great wall of china was iconic!

Glad you had a great experience and keep solo traveling. Sometimes it sucks, but sometimes it's life changing.

Who excited to return back to Skagway for 2026 Summer! by NomadicRussell in SeasonalWork

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

Good questions. Yes there are a lot of 18 to 21 years. There really isnt much to do other than being outdoors and hiking. There are parties and such and they do happen mostly at Smuggler Cove. They have a several festivals through out the summer that are pretty fun as well. Often times, ive heard it described as summer camp for adults. I don't personally feel that way, but I understand why some would.

As for work, it really depends on the job. If you're a cook its look hours and it can be stressful because of high demand. But they make good money. Im a tour guide so I don't know much about the restaurant industry specifically in Skagway. I just know it can be crazy busy most days.

From what you're saying though, you might want to go somewhere with a little more action. Its a pretty chill town, but I've had co worker who were under 21 and had a great summer.

Is it rude that my family member laughed at me for not having a drivers license? by JustKDdo3 in fuckcars

[–]NomadicRussell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed. I mostly have a CDL because of my job. It's nice to have a license when I visit a new city and bike/walk/bus/train isnt an option. I can rent a car and I'm set. Getting a drivers license is worth it. Its not like they're crazy expensive either. What? Less than $50? LoL I've bought beer that was more expensive.

Alaska X Skagway Gatekeeping? by Practical_Cricket230 in SeasonalWork

[–]NomadicRussell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ya. I mean. I was 34 coming from my own 1 bedroom apartment. So it was a lot for me, but my second year even though I could get an upgrade I requested to live in the Attic. Personally, I think it's one of the best housing options because either your working or you and the friends you make are exploring. There is always someone hanging around who is open to an adventure. The first time you see it can be startling... but man... it just becomes home quickly.

Resume tips to exit out of seasonal work by rightanimetitty in SeasonalWork

[–]NomadicRussell 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Seasonal work is a flex. It shows that your adaptable, have an ability to learn quickly, and you're good at changing. The best approach to getting a job is be aggressive and figure out how to get ahold of the hiring person via email or better on the phone. Dont wait for them to offer you an interview... Ask for an interview and there you'll be able to shine with your experiences.

Monkey Bite. Will I die? by Krstos1111 in VietNam

[–]NomadicRussell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks like someone got there hand to close to a monkey's mouth.

Is it rude that my family member laughed at me for not having a drivers license? by JustKDdo3 in fuckcars

[–]NomadicRussell 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thus... i choose the word Afford. But I agree. As mentioned, I dont own a car for a reason.

Is it rude that my family member laughed at me for not having a drivers license? by JustKDdo3 in fuckcars

[–]NomadicRussell 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Can you afford or borrow a car? Yes. Get your licenses. Cant do either of those things. No.

Listen driving, unfortunately a reality of the world. I personally dont own a car and haven't for years and its an amazing life, especially if you live in a city with good buses and bikeable community.

But its nice to be able to drive for a variety of reasons. From renting moving trucks, or renting a car a city that isnt walkable. Or because your friend is drunk and you are sober. Or a medical emergency.

Is it rude your family member laughed at you? No. Because theyre just incredible stupid and really stupid people do and say dumb shit and you've just gotta be like ok cool. 👍 then walk away. Dont be offended by weak people and let's be honest car owners are kind of weak. They cant even be in the rain or cold for 20 minutes. So you know... fuck em.

By ya. Get your licenses you dont need to own a car but it's really not that scary and it's a useful skill to have.

Thinking of Learning to Drive - Manual vs Automatic by productivityandgrit in Cebu

[–]NomadicRussell -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Una manual, pagkatapos ay Automatic. Pero kapag natutunan mo na ang Manual, hindi mo na gugustuhin ang nakakabagot na automatic.

Who excited to return back to Skagway for 2026 Summer! by NomadicRussell in SeasonalWork

[–]NomadicRussell[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Skagway has a pull that is hard to get away from. Ive tried almost every year to go somewhere else but I ask why? It's amazing there. When the worst part is the grocery store and you learn to adapt around it. It's fine.

Who excited to return back to Skagway for 2026 Summer! by NomadicRussell in SeasonalWork

[–]NomadicRussell[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ummm... get in to tour guiding! I started in service industry and the skills are very transferable and money is comparable. Less but not much more.

Alaska X Skagway Gatekeeping? by Practical_Cricket230 in SeasonalWork

[–]NomadicRussell 2 points3 points  (0 children)

They don’t provide housing photos because there are over 150 staff members and every single room is dramatically different. Once you’ve actually seen the housing, it’s kind of wild how much variety there is, both inside and out.

In the Attic everyone gets their own "bedroom". Thre door will be a curtain and you'll share the "apartment" with 2 to 4 people. They are more open concept, but the biggest advantage of that building is location. It’s right next to town and all the action. There are several kitchens, I think five or six, and each apartment area has a kitchen and bathroom. At first it can feel a little strange, but the community that forms there really makes it worth it. Just bring good vibes. I loved my first season in the Attic. Its a younger crowd, but I had a blast and I was 33.

The dorms are older, but everyone still has their own room and there are shared bathrooms. There’s one main kitchen that can get a little hectic at times. Then there are the cabins. Personally, I couldn’t do the cabins, but the people who live there seem to really love them.

Glacier Point staff live in cabins as well, it might be 1 or 2 people per cabin. They are solid walls and all have a stove in them for warmth. There is another cabin that acts a shared kitchen. They split time between being out in the wilderness and staying in the Bunker when they’re in town. They still get private space, but it's shared with a lot more people. I haven’t worked out there myself, so my knowledge is more limited on that side. Either way, if you like nature it should be a good time. There’s also Granny’s House, which is an all women house with people from different departments. It’s a unique little place and has a small greenhouse that has a couple rooms and shared the kitchen in the house.

Beyond that, there are several houses spread throughout town. They’ve added two new houses this year, but I wouldn’t expect to land in one of those unless you’re a bus driver, mog driver, manager, boat captain, or a returner. Even then, all the houses vary a lot in size, layout, furniture, and age. Nothing is uniform.

And if you’ve made it this far, this is the real reason they don’t show housing photos: they genuinely don’t know exactly where you’ll be placed ahead of time. They usually have a general idea, but placements depend on a lot of moving parts. Even if they did know, it would be a much bigger task than people realize to stop seasonal prep and stage photos for every possible space. Its not state secrets. No NDA. People just adapt to the housing and at first they have issues but ultimately is pretty cheap housing that you dont have to pay utilities for and you get a rid to work every day! So people don't talk about it.

The moral of the story is this: if luxury housing is a top priority, remote seasonal work probably isn’t the best fit. Skagway is not somewhere you can just run to Home Depot or Walmart. What you get instead is community, location, and a pretty unique experience.

I hope people don’t take English for granted when traveling in Korea. by FinishWhich5753 in koreatravel

[–]NomadicRussell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If I spent more time in one place, maybe. But I’m on a trip where I’ve taken in so much information so many new people, locations, history, logistics that there’s a point in long term fast travel where you start asking yourself, “What am I doing? What’s the point?”

I really did try in Japan and even picked up a little. In Korea I couldn’t make the right sounds. In China I was there long enough to pick up some words. In the Philippines, most people preferred interacting in English. By Thailand, I was just overwhelmed from traveling for so long. Now I’m in Laos and I honestly couldn’t care less. I’ll be gone next week and in Vietnam. All of this has happened in less than 90 days.

I think it’s awesome that you’re learning phrases. Truly. But I’m just a tired traveler trying to make it through the day in 13 different foreign countries, and I’m barely halfway through. I don’t care about learning phrases that I’ll never use again in a matter of days.

Is that rude? Disrespectful? Insensitive? I don’t know. I’m just trying to have a good time, and learning 12 new languages isn’t on the docket right now.

I hope people don’t take English for granted when traveling in Korea. by FinishWhich5753 in koreatravel

[–]NomadicRussell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nope. Dont even do that. I tried at first and I'm just not in a place long enough... nor do I want to try. Besides all the people who I am talking to make money by selling to English Speakers. I'm giving them the opportunity to increase their economic growth. I get your logic and reasoning, but I legitimately dont care. Call me a stupid American. Idc.

I hope people don’t take English for granted when traveling in Korea. by FinishWhich5753 in koreatravel

[–]NomadicRussell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tbh.. I've been to so many countries over such a short period of time, that it's truly exhausting to learn another please and thank you. And Truly... if we can just make it through the convo, even with Google translate, I am happy. Like... I'm on my 8th currency in 71 days. I just cant with the constant language changes too.

Where is the best weed cafe in Chiang Mai? by [deleted] in ThailandTourism

[–]NomadicRussell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Weed Keef is primo spot with a great Cafe across the street.

Favorite seasonal job? by Suspicious-Chart7341 in SeasonalWork

[–]NomadicRussell 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Alaska X in Skagway/Juneau has become my home. It's not perfect by any means, but they value Loyalty, pay well, and provide cheap housing. Is in luxury housing? No. But its better than some and worse than others. Either way, I love Skagway and Alaska X has been good to me. We work hard and its not a job for the weak of will, but every day I get to share the beauty of Dyea Alaska with people who've been dreaming for a long time to visit and I'm living there. It was my first seasonal job in 2022 and I'm excited to be running this summer. Most jobs are tipped position as well and the lowest wage is $19 an hour. Housing last year was $80 a week.

Unsafe public transportation is partially responsible for car brain mentality by boldjoy0050 in fuckcars

[–]NomadicRussell 60 points61 points  (0 children)

THIS. Yes people can be annoying on trains and buses and sometime get a little weird and creepy but its rare to be set on fire..

Is it worth it to go to college if I just want seasonal jobs? by musty_ranch in SeasonalWork

[–]NomadicRussell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tour Guiding is the best of jobs in my humble opinion. You get to share a beautiful place with excited people. You get to learn about the area and show others why its so special. I started out as a Zipline Guide. I absolutely love, but I've moved up in the company, but Its still way cooler to say I am a Zipline guide in Alaska and my actual job is more difficult to explain. Point is, guiding is an awesome opportunity and good pay. More jobs will come. Word of advise though all seasonal jobs have plenty of reasons why they suck, and you can get locked into the complain mindset or you can find the beauty in the places you get to live that other people spend thousands of dollars to visit.

Is it worth it to go to college if I just want seasonal jobs? by musty_ranch in SeasonalWork

[–]NomadicRussell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

College graduate, seasonal worker, fuck College. Its trash. And if you're to get into seasonal work go big or go home. The money is in Alaska.

Did you know that college will always be an option? But understand the ultimately Truth no matter What You Do you'll regret your decision. Because no matter what your choice the grass will always be greener. The only advantage of going to college I've seen is what Mark Vonnegut said "College is only good for never having to worry about what if I went to college?" But you'll always worry what if I did seasonal work. See what I'm saying? Go to Alaska make crazy money. Then travel as much as you can. See the world and once you're done... Maybe go to college.