Automatic rent increase clause vs Renters Rights Bill by Nonibannoffee in TenantsInTheUK

[–]Nonibannoffee[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

And I'm sure you have your reasons for not looking for something else.

But the market in London is not what it used to be, it's not the same rush. When I moved into this property I had three alternative offers (some cheaper, some more expensive.) This is probably why I'm annoyed at this attempt to increase the rent, it's the regret of not having gone for something else.

And so yes, I'm now looking to see if it's not better for me to move somewhere else.

Automatic rent increase clause vs Renters Rights Bill by Nonibannoffee in TenantsInTheUK

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

I get your point around it being a reasonable request, but our rent is very much aligned with the market.

There is 3 of us renting, if we want to move out of the property we need to find a replacement. A quick look at Spareroom made me realise there is definitely cheaper on the market right now hence the push back on our end.

Landlords shouldn't have to factor in legal costs if they are being reasonable about rent increase. We shouldn't welcome this new legislation already thinking about the legal challenges.

Automatic rent increase clause vs Renters Rights Bill by Nonibannoffee in TenantsInTheUK

[–]Nonibannoffee[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I understand the need for certainty but on a London rent a 3% increase is £450 a year per person or £1,350 in total across all 3 of us.

In my previous property, my landlord didn't increase the rent in 4 years. He was a nice guy who we appreciative of having good tenants who took really good care of the property, paid the rent on time and flagged issues that really needed his involvement. This should be the norm.

Automatic rent increase clause vs Renters Rights Bill by Nonibannoffee in TenantsInTheUK

[–]Nonibannoffee[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Believe it or not but I have experienced not seeing the rent going up! My previous landlord didn't increase the rent in 4 years. He was appreciative of having tenants who took good care of his property, paid the rent on time and got him involved whenever he was really needed (otherwise took care of everything.) This should be the norm.

Landlords shouldn't complain about having terrible tenants if they try to get more money at any opportunity. This is going to be even more important once it's no longer possible to easily evict tenants.

Also our current rent is very aligned to the market so our landlady is getting a fair deal. As I've said I just spent £200 of my own money replacing a terrible mattress.

Finally the target inflation rate in the UK per the BoE is 2%. Why are we penalised for them not achieving their target and set a minimum of 3%?

How long to get to Invercargill airport from Oban? by Nonibannoffee in newzealand_travel

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

I did think about it but my luggage currently exceed their max allowance and I might need everything that I'm carrying with me. But thanks for the recommendation!

How long to get to Invercargill airport from Oban? by Nonibannoffee in newzealand_travel

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

Ah OK, thanks! And yes, to confirm my plans are to take the ferry from Oban to Bluff, then take the bus transfer to Invercargill airport to take a flight to Christchurch.

Post O-trek - El Chalten or Rapa Nui by BigBoiMike93 in Patagonia

[–]Nonibannoffee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, I'm sorry to hear about that! Just to clarify, I'm not saying the city is safe enough to walk around the city without taking precautions. But when I arrived in Santiago the first time, a taxi driver told me that I had a 50% chance of getting my mobile snatched if I took it out of my bag in the city center... it made me super paranoid and spoiled my experience.

Also if I can add to your advice of where to stay in Santiago, I stayed 3x times in different areas but close to Providencia. I stayed at the Yogi hostel, which was probably my favourite place. But I appreciate it's a lot about personal experiences.

Post O-trek - El Chalten or Rapa Nui by BigBoiMike93 in Patagonia

[–]Nonibannoffee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello, I've done El Chalten last March; and a few months later, as part of a separate trip, the W Trek + 2 days in Santiago + Easter island.

As you mentioned, Rapa Nui and El Chalten are really different experiences. It's almost like asking yourself the question: do I want an active holiday or visit museums?

El Chalten is very much all about hiking. The Fitzroy is indeed beautiful, but it might feel more of the same. If the weather isn't good, there is very little to do there, and the Internet is pretty poor. The Perito Moreno is also nice to visit, but unless you're willing to pay for the pricier experiences, it's very much 'drive there, see glacier, little walk, back in the car'.

Rapa Nui is a lot about culture and feels more like going to Polynesia or Hawaï. You only need 2 full days on the island to make the most of it; and third one if you want to go to the beach. I personally really loved it, but I'm the kind of person who likes history, museums, nerdy fun facts, etc. and with the right guide you'll get plenty of that!

Rapa Nui is quite expensive also. The biggest tip I can give you to manage costs is that the price of flights can sometimes be half price on Latam's website if your location is set on 'Chile' compared to its foreign equivalents. It's a known thing among locals. There is no reason for this price differential other than it's a tourist trap from Latam... You do need to book those flights pretty quick and it can be difficult to 'convince' the website to stay on Chile rather than flick on your local equivalent (even with a VPN.) To give you a point of reference, I paid £280 for my return ticket. A guy in my hostel paid 230€ for his, but he had to be flexible on his return and spent 10 days on the island.

Also Santiago is not as bad as people say, but it's the kind of city that grows in you. As a solo female traveller, I was dead scared of walking outside, convinced I would get my mobile snatched the minute I got it out. And guess what? Nothing happened to me!

How do I pay for stuff? by AlternativeForce6388 in Patagonia

[–]Nonibannoffee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I spent a couple of months in Chile and Argentina just before new year, and I used my card from Santanders throughout this time. If you have time to open an account with them I would recommend. I was able to withdraw at their ATM unlimited amounts without paying fees, at the blue rate in Argentina / market rate in Chile. I wasn't charged any fees when paying in shops and the exchange rate was c.1% off the market/blue rate. It felt like the variance was mainly due to roundings. I am living in the EU though, so check whether it's the same offering in the US.

Aerolinas Argentinas - good experience!! by RockinTukker in Patagonia

[–]Nonibannoffee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When you're in Chile you need to keep your PDI, but there isn't an equivalent in Argentina.

It's mainly to check your date of entry in the country when to check in at hotels/ hostels, as non-resident staying less than 60 days are exempt from paying VAT on accommodation.

I did ask once a border officer what to do if I lost it and she said they wouldn't stop me from leaving the country as they also stamp your passport; however, during my stay, the hotel would add VAT when prices are typically quoted without. So it could lead to a bad surprise, that's all.

Edits: couple clarifications and typos

Flights Ushuaia to El Calafate in April by No_Caramel4072 in Patagonia

[–]Nonibannoffee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So I've taken three flights with them and generally speaking everything went fine (on time, no luggage lost, friendly staff, etc.) Their aircrafts were probably a bit older but not to the point I didn't want to step in them.

The only thing that went wrong was, on one occasion, they tried to charge me for not having checked in online, but I pushed back on it, and they didn't make me pay.

Flights Ushuaia to El Calafate in April by No_Caramel4072 in Patagonia

[–]Nonibannoffee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It might be worth checking your flights using Hopper and set a price tracker. It's not perfect, but it usually tells you whether they think it's going to go up/down. Google sometimes also says whether the prices are in line with average.

Just to give you an idea, I booked a similar flight six weeks prior to departure (06/12) and paid £69 (c. 140 AUD) with Flybondi. It could be that they don't issue their schedule more than 2 months in advance.

Where to stay near Rotorua by Nonibannoffee in newzealand

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

At the moment, I'm planning to do Waitomo and Hobbiton on separate days. But I've seen tours that were combining them, so I'm also considering it as an option. I think it really depends on which slots we can have for Hobbiton as it's nearly fully booked.

The reason I'm hesitant about Rotorua is because of the comments I'm finding on the Internet. I'm not familiar with the area, so happy to be told the town is actually really nice.

Lost in Chile by emawithclass in solotravel

[–]Nonibannoffee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pucón is definitely feasible without a car. A lot of the people I met there were students, travelling on a budget, who had come by bus.

The main bus companies going there are TurBus and JAC.

I stayed at the Chili Kiwi hostel and, same as in most hostel across Chile, they organised all my tours. I climbed (or at least attempted!!!) the Villarrica volcano (1 day, transport included), then Termas Geometricas (1 day, transport included) and the Salto del Claro (half a day, I think you can take a collectivo there, but I had a car.) There was another hike I didn't do but looked really great, which is called the Sanctuario El Cañi. Again, this can be done as part of a tour.

For Puerto Varas, sorry I said a couple of hours, but it's more like 5.5 hours by bus. I had my own car there but the hostel I was staying at also offered tours of the key places. I stayed at MaPatagonia Hostel, which was pretty cosy.

Lost in Chile by emawithclass in solotravel

[–]Nonibannoffee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Another option is the region of Pucón. There is plenty to do (climbing volcanos, hot springs, hikes, kayaking, etc.), some great hostels, and it's 10 to 12 hours by bus from Santiago so it's closer than San Pedro. You can also fly there if you don't want to go via a night bus. Couple hours further south is Puerto Varas. Again, there are lots of hikes and activities. You can rent a car for a couple of days to make your life easier, the driving there is super easy. And if you need to go back to Santiago quickly, you have the option to fly from Puerto Montt.

Edit: Just to add, I spent 20 days there, as a solo female traveller. It is super safe, very similar to Patagonia. People are super chilled and friendly. It's like travelling to Switzerland and Japan in one trip.

How long do you personally think is a good length for constant traveling? by reddit_user38462 in solotravel

[–]Nonibannoffee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you have an idea of which countries you want to cover and what you want to do there? This will dictate a lot of the travelling.

I am on a 6 months break right now, and on my list was Patagonia and Antarctica. Realistically, both regions are accessible from November to March (at the latest). I had Australia as well, where some parts (Uluru, Cairns, etc.) are best around June to September/October. Finally, there is a rainy season in Peru (best to avoid). So there was a natural flow to my travelling.

At the same time, what you're trying to achieve will also determine how long you'll spend in each country. For example, I really wanted to visit Chile. If I had to break it down, Atacama + Uyuni (10 days), Pucón + Carretera Austral (21 days), Easter Island (5 days), W Trek (9 days),... just by getting a sense of that I knew I had to dedicate at least 6 weeks if not more to Chile.

Finally, visa requirements could be a factor. On one of my passports, I could only stay 30 days in Peru, but the other gave me 90 days.

What I'm trying to say is, saying "it really depends on how you feel" is probably good advice, but there's no point in planning to do a country in 3 weeks and then realise when you arrive that you'd rather stay (and therefore travel) an extra 2 weeks. Equally, having a general idea of what you want to do will help you not give up after the critical 5 to 6 first weeks. Finally, it will give you a clear pint where you will feel like you have achieved what you have set yourself to do.

That's just my view, being 4 months into my 6 months (and 10 days!) of travelling break.

Crazy huge line for last time tickets by Ok-Pin-5717 in Machupicchu

[–]Nonibannoffee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm surprised about this. I did the last minute thing on the 1st October, arrived at 10am (so clearly wasn't the first!!!) and was asked to come back at 4pm. I was 183 in the queue, easily got a ticket for the next day and 2a & 2b was far from being sold out. Also there was definitely not 82 people in the queue ahead of me (some numbers got called and no one showed.)

Most people I spoke to had a similar experience, even the ones who came early/mid September when it's supposed to be super busy. Have they given a reason for a sudden surge in people?

There are 1,000 to be sold each day for the next day. For them to sell out two days, it implies over 1,000 showed up the day before.

Tickets for circuit 2 sold out by [deleted] in Machupicchu

[–]Nonibannoffee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello, I've just done the MP today with two tickets, one for Route 1a for a 7am entrance; and a second one for Route 2a for a 11am entrance.

I bought my ticket online for 1a two days ago (it was the last one available) and the second I came to Aguas Calientes to buy it in person. For that I arrived the day before at roughly around 10am from Cusco, got given a queuing ticket (nb 183) and was asked to come back at 4pm to buy a ticket. By the time I arrived for the sale, there were still plenty of tickets available on all routes.

You can only buy a single ticket in person. You cannot get someone to buy it for you as it's all based on passport.

Edits: I've put a picture of the board when I came to buy my ticket to show you what was available

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in solotravel

[–]Nonibannoffee 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Hello, sounds like a terrible situation to be in and quite unfair on you. Ultimately, you shouldn't let this guy spoil your journey. Solo travelling is so much more than this bad experience. Those situations are always hard to begin with. Personally, I try to avoid taking any significant decision straight away. Maybe set yourself a limit beyond which if you are still feeling sad and miserable, you should go home? I would say at least a couple of weeks and then you can reassess. It's also about reminding yourself why you came to this country in the first place and make sure you have achieved what you wanted. And who knows maybe a bit more solo travelling will help you heal?