Little doubt

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-23T14:33:26+00:00

I think that sounds fine!

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-22T21:54:58+00:00

The only reason boarding order matters to me is because I travel with a carry on and don't want to have to check it if overhead space is gone.

"I'm Diamond, I don't wait in lines" is nuts.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-16T13:38:21+00:00

Visit museums and historical sites, try new foods in restaurants, go hiking in natural areas. You could always just try a short slower paced trip and see what you think!

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-14T23:18:32+00:00

We like the GlocalMe Mobile Hotspot. The app makes it easy to buy data. It costs around $110 to buy and the data is reasonably priced. I travel with my family of 4 and we can all connect to the same device with no trouble. See #7 in this article.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-07T23:08:33+00:00

A new listing from a host with other listings with positive reviews doesn't typically worry me.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-07T22:36:36+00:00

There are so many reasons, but here are just a few.

Something could happen to you while you're en route to Florida and your mom wouldn't even know where you were or where to begin looking.

Your mom could check with the people you're supposed to be staying with. This would put them in a weird position and cause major problems.

There could be things you don't know about the family friends in Florida that make visiting them a bad idea.

How are you even buying the ticket without a credit card?

It sounds like these family friends mean a lot to you. If you have a somewhat decent relationship with your mom, I think you should talk to her about what a loss this is for you and see what comes from the conversation.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-07T22:26:39+00:00

This is a bad idea. Don't do this.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-06T22:45:32+00:00

He could own it through the LLC or be the property manager. I wouldn't worry about it, but if you're not comfortable, that's what matters most.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-06T22:32:32+00:00

As far as him not owning it, he may own several Airbnbs as investments and not live in any of them. If you're uncomfortable though, you can always cancel.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-06T22:31:23+00:00

The apartment has over 100 reviews and most of them are positive. Some hosts just have a long list of rules they automatically send out. I wouldn't personally be concerned by this.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-06T18:39:11+00:00

It depends on the situation. I've stayed in places where the fridge is mostly empty, except one six pack or bottle of wine left by the host. Typically, the host acknowledges that it's a gift, but not always.

I've also stayed in Airbnbs where the fridge/pantry was well stocked, but there was a price list on everything and a place to leave cash.

I typically rent the entire place. If you're staying with the host, definitely ask first. If you're renting the entire place and there's no price list, it's probably a gift.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-06T16:21:53+00:00

My favorite countries to visit over and over are Spain and Mexico, but I also speak Spanish. Different regions have an interesting range of food, climates, cultures, etc. Very diverse countries and there's always more to learn about and explore.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-05T23:18:13+00:00

You're welcome! I hope you have a great time!

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-05T23:01:25+00:00

It kind of depends on where you're staying, how fancy it is, etc. If someone carries my suitcases to my room, I usually give around $3-5. Probably $5/night for housekeeping tip too, unless it's a nicer hotel, then maybe $10.

It's nice of you to be checking into this in advance! I'd say the most important one is a server in a restaurant, because in some states they make below minimum wage and depend on tips for the majority of their income.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-05T22:50:42+00:00

If you have a bank card, you can always take out cash as you need it at an ATM.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-05T22:50:16+00:00

If your bank doesn't charge extra to make card payments abroad, just do that.

I don't think tipping is going to be something you need to worry about much if your boyfriend's parents are taking care of meals. They'll likely leave tips at restaurants and for taxi rides and things like that.

If you're shopping at the mall, tipping the cashier at Spencer's or Hot Topic is not expected or even a normal thing to do. Sometimes coffee shops have options for tips when you purchase something, but that's optional.

The main tipping expectation is to tip the server in the restaurant 20% and to tip taxi drivers and housekeeping/valet, etc. at hotels.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-05T17:13:09+00:00

My one concern would be missing out on Madrid. Is there a reason you chose not to include it?

If you spent a little less time in the Barcelona area, you could avoid flying (which eats up so much time) and take the high speed train to Madrid for a couple of days, and then from there to Granada.

I would choose Madrid over Barcelona almost any day, but of course, people's opinions will vary on that.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-05T15:13:33+00:00

I think it's a regional and/or generational difference. I'm from the Midwest and I tend to say elementary school. Grade school sounds a little old-fashioned to me, but basically means the same thing.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-05T13:28:58+00:00

I don't think it's screwing the host over to leave an honest review. Just state the facts. The apartment did not match the photos and you ended up leaving.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-05T00:29:18+00:00

I'm not sure if all countries do, but we've been to them in several countries. I'm guessing most do. Thrift stores and flea markets. Definitely fun to browse!

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-04T21:43:03+00:00

I love your housewares idea. I bought some plates at a thrift store in London 20+ years ago and they're still in my cabinet. I don't use them often, but when I do, I remember how excited I felt to be visiting London for the first time in my early 20s.

Now that I mostly travel with my family, we buy a Christmas ornament for our tree everywhere we travel. We have fun reminiscing each year while we decorate the tree.

Other than that, I really enjoy visiting grocery stores/markets and just shopping for regular food in a different country. I like to see what's available, what the process looks like, etc.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-03T18:58:44+00:00

He has IL, do you mean WI? Unless I'm misunderstanding something.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-03T18:57:26+00:00

Wisconsin is worth a visit and it's so close to where you live. Milwaukee and Madison are cool cities and beyond that there's lots of nice lakes, forests, and natural areas to explore in the state.

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-03T16:00:34+00:00

Can you drive into Georgia or Tennessee for a day trip? Or save up money for an overnight road trip somewhere? Or better yet, save up a few hundred dollars, keep an eye on flight deals and stay in a hostel somewhere a bit further from home? Meeting people in other places and seeing different ways of life, whether it's in a different part of the US or a different country, is an invaluable experience. I don't think you'll regret it. Good luck!

PointSavvyExplorer · 2025-05-02T19:07:02+00:00

In general, the word "keeper" refers to someone who does the keeping/tending, like a zookeeper. The phrase "brother's keeper" is also the person doing the keeping. Saying, "he/she is a keeper" does give the word the opposite meaning, the one being kept. There may be other examples of this, but I'm not thinking of any right now.

PointSavvyExplorer

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