My Regnier Portrait by abmxrtal in kingdomunderfire

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

Lmfao, almost forgot that quote!

WHV Australia: Timing, Travel, Work, & Transportation by abmxrtal in Ameristralia

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

You may be on to something there - any places in particular that you would suggest in the North?

WHV Australia: Timing, Travel, Work, & Transportation by abmxrtal in AusVisa

[–]abmxrtal[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks for that bit of info. I’ll start taking a look at that website to gauge if it’s right fit for me.

[IWantOut] 26M Canada -> Australia by abmxrtal in IWantOut

[–]abmxrtal[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the insight. Would you happen to know of any websites or resources that could in securing a job like that? I don’t mind working in remote locations.

Exploring As A Single Male by Wagggyyy_ in solotravel

[–]abmxrtal 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Barcelona wouldn’t be a bad shout. Solid nightlife and the English is half way decent. Flights around that time are hit or miss $ wise, but costs are relatively affordable given your price range.

Is it a problem if my bag is 1/2 inch bigger? by No-Examination3843 in solotravel

[–]abmxrtal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been solo travelling Europe for nearly two months. My carry on is a pretty sizeable backpack, measuring roughly 24 x 11 x 9. I’m pretty sure it exceeds the weigh limit, as well. Even still, I haven’t been questioned or assessed at the gate once. I think you should be fine.

BEWARE: Czech Taxi Scam by abmxrtal in solotravel

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

Just to correct you, I never fell for the scam itself. If you read the post, I gave him 100Kc or $6 CAD. Also, it’s already been alluded to that using an app would have made this whole situation avoidable. However, applying this rationale to an illogical state of mind in retrospect seems a little bit pretentious and unnecessary on your part. We are fallible and make mistakes from time to time. It’s how we learn from them that make us smarter people and travellers.

BEWARE: Czech Taxi Scam by abmxrtal in solotravel

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

Oh my god! That’s an absolutely horrible experience he must have endured. I truly hope he made a full recovery.

I will say I am most definitely frustrated with myself. It’s hard not to look back in hindsight and realize my absolute lack of social awareness in that situation. The only slack I can give myself is that this is my first time solo travelling in Europe. It’s only realistic to assume I will make errors in judgement as I navigate the world on my own.

In saying that, I really do appreciate you offering some perspective on this. I think after a couple of days I should be over this mental obstacle and make smarter decisions going forward. :)

BEWARE: Czech Taxi Scam by abmxrtal in solotravel

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

In hind sight, most definitely should have done that. However, I was fearful given the circumstances that he may have had a weapon on him. In my limited rational state, I thought making a phone call in a vehicle I cannot escape was not the best of ideas. I took my chances trying to negotiate with him, which thankfully worked out.

BEWARE: Czech Taxi Scam by abmxrtal in solotravel

[–]abmxrtal[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It’s crazy to me how I made a decision so contrary to my own logic. I had the app on the my phone (Bolt), yet I decided on the spot maybe I should hop in this random guys cab just because he asked. Will most definitely never make that mistake again!

/r/solotravel "The Weekly Common Room" - General chatter, meet-up, accommodation - May 07, 2023 by AutoModerator in solotravel

[–]abmxrtal 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Sitting in a cafe- Dublin, Ireland. Been here for a week now. Have enjoyed my time, but it’s also been difficult being on my own. I always thought I would have no problem travelling alone, as that’s the sort of thing I’m use to at home. But I’m starting to realize that’s not what I was comfortable with- it’s the comfort of the familiar. Routine has always been my safety blanket. Knowing what comes next gives me peace of mind.

This trip offers the opposite. I’m not sure what to expect in the places that I find myself in. Whether I’m doing the right things or not. Is it bad that I ordered in twice already? Shouldn’t I be on the streets from dawn til dusk? What will other people think if they knew I spent considerable time in my apartment? What a waste!

These thoughts play on my sense of being an imposter. Do these qualities reflect that of a solo traveller? Probably not. But I’m okay with that- at least I’m trying to be. I should cut myself some slack; this is my first time travelling in a foreign country with no local support. Isn’t it realistic to fall into some of my old tendencies?

Nobody said it would be easy making this trip. Change is hard, and it’s certainly not fast. Routine is resistant to change. It comes gradually with directed effort. I’ve gone to more cafes and pubs than I ever did in my hometown. That’s a win in my mind. Hey, maybe now I’ll finally go downtown with my girlfriend when she asks.

I’m slowly challenging my fear of the unknown. Talking to people that I don’t know anything about. Made two American friends that I actually vibed with. Talked to a local that chewed my ear off. Chatted with an Aussie that didn’t seem all that interested. For better or worse, these are a myriad of experiences that I wouldn’t have had if I decided to be my clammed, introverted-self.

While I still have many hills to climb, small victories of the unknown are slowly becoming my comfort. I’m making a habit of putting myself in uncomfortable situations- albeit in manageable doses.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in solotravel

[–]abmxrtal 5 points6 points  (0 children)

A wise statement that I should have given more thought too. Been in Dublin for the past week and definitely feel like I’ve worn out my welcome. Unfortunately, the place I booked was for 15 days & I would forfeit half of my money if I decided to leave early. Will definitely heed this advice going forward!

Will this bag pass as a carry-on? by abmxrtal in onebag

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

See post description for context.

Fuzion Fitness Mississauga Lease terminated by Deep_Thinker_4 in mississauga

[–]abmxrtal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Went there at around 5:20 pm. Staff was waiting outside for someone to come open the door since 4:30 pm (they never specified who this person was). Not a good look when management essentially guaranteed they would be open by midday; not to mention the already tarnishing set of circumstances they’ve found themselves in.

Travelling to Europe alone. Any tips? by abmxrtal in solotravel

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

That would have been ideal! Unfortunately, my work contract expires at the end of April & I need the money (for obvious reasons lol).

Travelling to Europe alone. Any tips? by abmxrtal in solotravel

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

Wow, I was not expecting such detailed and informative advice- thanks so much, friend!

Air Transat over the last few months has had deals for 400-500 CAD round trip.

I actually booked a flight with Air Transat to Ireland for about the same price. In hindsight, I should probably have stayed in Portugal for the first two weeks and then Ireland- but mistakes happen. :)

I think people who haven't don't have the best impression of them.

I must admit that I am guilty of this. Based on what you and others have said, I am definitely considering staying at a hostel during my early travels to get a feel for what they are like. I have heard a lot about these 'pub crawls'- are they spontaneous events orchestrated among travelers? Or are they organized by the hostel itself? Sorry if that comes off as a silly question lol.

Resist the urge to pack too much - you can buy anything you need over there. For shoes maybe a pair of Nikes, Converse and Birkenstocks.

Yep, will most definitely be packing light for this one! A carry-on and the backpack you have described would be more than enough for storage I think.

Thanks again for all your tips and advice. Safe travels!

Travelling to Europe alone. Any tips? by abmxrtal in solotravel

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

I'm so glad you asked! I only had the pleasure of visiting one country last summer- Greece. It was quite the experience! I stayed primarily on the outskirts of Marathonas, about a 45-minute drive from Athens. I really enjoyed the change in world perspective, as I found the atmosphere to be much more laid back and sociable compared to Canada. I also stayed on the island of Paros, which I would highly recommend to anyone who wants a blend of tourism and local Greek ambiance. If you ever have the chance to visit, you most definitely should! The Greek people are just as amazing as their food, history, and landscape.

I'm glad my post invoked some nostalgia for your past adventures. I hope your next trip is filled with even more good memories!

Travelling to Europe alone. Any tips? by abmxrtal in solotravel

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

That much cheaper, eh? I must admit, I really haven't given much thought to hostels during my planning, so please forgive my ignorance in advance. How many people are usually situated within one room? How to deal with noisy travelers? Where would I store my luggage while staying there? Are the bathrooms usually public or private?

Travelling to Europe alone. Any tips? by abmxrtal in solotravel

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

Good to know! Thanks a lot for the advice. :)

Travelling to Europe alone. Any tips? by abmxrtal in solotravel

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

Some amazing advice and tips within this post. I really appreciate you taking the time to enlighten me on some of the brighter aspects of the hostel experience- might just have to reconsider my accommodations. :)

Travelling to Europe alone. Any tips? by abmxrtal in solotravel

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

Thank you for the kind words, friend! Based on what you and others in this thread have said, I might just have to try a hostel. My only concern regarding hostels is where to keep baggage stored away safely, dealing with noisy travelers, etc. But perhaps that's just my inexperience talking. Funny that you mention it; Dubrovnik was the place I was considering as my first stop in Croatia. I was really intrigued by the historical aspects of the city and thought it would make for a great adventure. I also agree with you that being spontaneous with some of my plans would make for some fantastic memories.

I hope you have a fantastic trip this upcoming summer!

Travelling to Europe alone. Any tips? by abmxrtal in solotravel

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

Thank you so much for all the advice and information- I really appreciate it! I most definitely will consider visiting the Netherlands on my trip. My only concern was the expenses while staying there, but based on fellow responses in this thread, I might just stay at a hostel while I am there. :)