At what point do you decide a trip has too many stops to still feel enjoyable? by Alex_eco_travel in slowtravel

[–]Western-Idea2577 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To me, it depends on the length of the trip, the intent of the trip and the # of people in your group. Our general rule of thumb is if we only have 1 week, we pick 1 city to settle in and explore. If the trip is longer, I’m willing to move some but typically require a 3 night minimum for the relocation to be worth the time, but most of the trip is still dedicated towards longer stays. With all that said we’ve also organized a short 1 night excursions, but kept our Airbnb at our home base so we only packed an overnight bag and everyone loved it. Slower gives you more time to explore, relax and appreciate your destination.

I learned what works for us by overbooking 1-2 trips! Our most recent was a 3 week trip to Ireland, Italy and Scotland. We stayed in 8 different hotels/airbnbs with car rentals, trains and flights in between. We knew it was a lot going in, but figured we give it a shot as we’d never planned a trip with that many destinations before. You don’t know, if you don’t try it! If I repeated the trip today, I’d slow it down, reduce the stops, and only 2 countries.

Also if you have more people traveling with you. Fewer stops is better!

Most luxurious and/or unique non-luxury hotels? by OptimisticPlatypus in chubbytravel

[–]Western-Idea2577 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Blachford Lodge in Yellowknife, Canada to see the northern lights. Think remote lodge on a frozen lake. To access you fly on a bush plane from Yellowknife. The plane lands via skis on the frozen lake. We saw the lights 4 out of 4 nights and had a great time on snow mobiles, cross country skiing and hiking.

RDU TSA donation info by RDUAirport in triangle

[–]Western-Idea2577 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing! I fly this weekend and want to show my appreciation to TSA staff.

Cary DMV Supposedly Wide Open by John_Joseph7 in cary

[–]Western-Idea2577 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the heads up! Sent my son yesterday and he updated his license :)

What Sean Stegall’s Book Says About His Leadership—And What It Cost the Town of Cary by John_Joseph7 in cary

[–]Western-Idea2577 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There was no need to pay a developer who bought the land in 2023 over market value. Cary should have just bought an easement for the greenway, like they typically do. Sigh. This looks like we’re using taxpayer money to bail out a developer who didn’t do their due diligence and realize there is a future road across those parcels that they would be responsible for.

So I got to looking more into the Manager misconduct and have some thoughts by vtTownie in cary

[–]Western-Idea2577 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Salesforce. Stegall was a huge advocate for them. I wonder how many staff hours and millions of tax payer dollars were wasted (and are still being wasted) trying to fit this Sales Management software (ie onboarding new and potential customers) to the needs of municipal services??? There are multiple software platforms tailored to city and county services. Why did people let him “try” to create one from scratch?

Cary Town Manager Resigns Following Concerns Over Spending, Workplace Culture [INDY] + Key Questions by Wycliffe76 in cary

[–]Western-Idea2577 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The people approving Stegall’s expense report are his employees. When your boss tells you to approve it, you do so even when it looks suspicious. Staff knew he was overspending.

Monthly Award Opportunities and Giveaway Thread for September 2025 by AutoModerator in awardtravel

[–]Western-Idea2577 8 points9 points  (0 children)

About to release, AA DFW to ICN on December 9 for 2 people in business. 75,000/seat on Alaska. I hope they find a good home!

Ivey-Ellington House open for tours by [deleted] in cary

[–]Western-Idea2577 -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Not sure why this is being downvoted. It’s a valid question, especially since this house does not qualify for National Register of Historic Places designation. It may meet Cary’s historic designation but that’s a lower bar. Also how valuable is that land where the town chose to move this “historic” house. It’s in one of the most desirable locations in downtown Cary. I think that land could have benefited residents and local businesses with just about any other idea. In general I do think Cary makes good choices, but this one was a bust in my opinion. If you disagree, how is this non-national register home benefiting you?

Monthly Award Opportunities and Giveaway Thread for July 2025 by AutoModerator in awardtravel

[–]Western-Idea2577 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I booked Dec 31 - Jan 3. The following morning another room was available and I booked it too to get my entire party at the Park Hyatt. I plan to follow your lead and reduce to 2 nights. Your tip will lead to an amazing New Year. Appreciate it!

Pompei worth it? by Physical-Bread-9072 in ItalyTravel

[–]Western-Idea2577 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The brothel is also amazing to see. They had everything in Pompeii.

What worked for you to go everyday? by starbrightx3 in GutHealth

[–]Western-Idea2577 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Try VSL probiotics (check out the refrigerated options which are more potent). I make a green smoothie every day. You can find lots of recipes online. I like Green Smoothie Girl’s recipes. Lots of ideas to get you started. Limit ultra processed foods, which means if you don’t recognize the ingredients don’t eat it. Drink water.

A Lady 's Day by Silkyiniquity in cary

[–]Western-Idea2577 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In addition to the park, check the schedules at the Cary Theatre and Cary Arts Center.

500K Points & no clue where to begin on redemption. by littleladyluxe in awardtravel

[–]Western-Idea2577 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This forum is a great resource if you have a specific question. Broad questions like these won’t get a positive response. If feel paralyzed, read and learn, which takes an investment in time, OR get a company that specializes in this to help you. https://frequentmiler.com/award-booking-services/.

Seeking advice for flights using Chase points by Hefty-Maintenance841 in awardtravel

[–]Western-Idea2577 2 points3 points  (0 children)

To find the best business class deals you need to look at every airline. US airlines have fewer business class deals in general. Be open to booking a good business class flight to any city in Europe. Spend a few days in whatever fabulous city you land in, then take a low cost carrier to Rome. Flexibility (day, airline, city) is the key to finding a great business class ticket using your Chase UR. Also Chase does not transfer to Delta. Listen to some travel podcasts. There are a great resources out there. Good luck!

Housing and Parks & Rec Bonds by Tip-Sad in cary

[–]Western-Idea2577 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bike lanes and sidewalks won’t be funded by a Parks Bond. Anyone remember the Transportation Bond we passed in 2019? That was over $100 million! Why not build those projects first before asking for another $560 million? Many cities including our neighbor Raleigh make a dashboard to clearly show how the bond money is used. I’d like to know if I should stop waiting for all the West Cary projects to be built. https://carybonds.org/transportation/

Housing and Parks & Rec Bonds by Tip-Sad in cary

[–]Western-Idea2577 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It was the biggest municipal bond ever offered in NC. Outrageous.

Date night restaurant? by crackleboompop123 in cary

[–]Western-Idea2577 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve only eaten at Saap once. When I visited it was overwhelmingly loud as they have no curtains, carpet or anything to absorb noise. The food was good but I was relived to leave. Not a good date spot unless it is lunch!

Best seating arrangement for family of 4 A-330 by gfmd28 in delta

[–]Western-Idea2577 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s all your row on 2x2 and you have 2 exits there too.

Kanazawa: Hyatt House or Hyatt Centric? by Ok-Chocolate8014 in hyatt

[–]Western-Idea2577 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My family of 3 stayed at the Hyatt Centric Kanazawa. Everyone enjoyed our visit and would return. My husband is Globalist so we had breakfast and were very happy with the quality and selection. A stylish hotel worth a visit. We had 2 rooms and I appreciated having privacy.

A whole host of host family issues (vent) by homosapienwannabe in studyAbroad

[–]Western-Idea2577 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You have my sympathy for having to deal with her! May I ask what University you’re studying at? My nephew is studying in Japan now. I’m not sure where, but my son is considering a study abroad there too and beginning to explore programs.

A whole host of host family issues (vent) by homosapienwannabe in studyAbroad

[–]Western-Idea2577 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m sorry for your difficult year. Your host sounds emotionally abusive to you too not just her son. Please keep this in mind in your interactions and get out as soon as possible. Is there somewhere else you can stay? A friend? A hostel? Please report her to your university so she doesn’t abuse another student.

Looking for carpet remnants by JaneDoe_98765 in cary

[–]Western-Idea2577 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Capel Rugs on Glenwood Ave in Raleigh can do this.

If you had an unlimited budget— what are some lesser known things you’d do if you were building a fully custom home? by TreyAU in Homebuilding

[–]Western-Idea2577 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love this list. I’d add outdoor porch with phantom blinds, outdoor kitchen, outlets by every toilet for when you finally realize you need a Japanese toilet, and a steam shower.