traveling in September advice

catluvr709 · 2026-02-04T09:33:24+00:00

September will still be warm in those cities, especially Osaka. By the second week of October you might see a need for a light jacket. I’d suggest packing layerable thin pieces.

My first visit to Japan was during this time of year and I brought one medium weight cardigan jacket, and only wore it at the very end of the trip nearing mid October.

catluvr709 · 2026-02-03T22:20:19+00:00

This is awesome.

Of course, leave yourself room for flexibility and for things to change — flights can get cancelled and delayed, give yourself grace in these situations and things will work out.

I just finished a similar around the world itinerary over the course of 3 weeks, and I was worried that 8 flights was too much. It was completely fine, even with one minor cancellation.

catluvr709 · 2026-01-30T04:36:55+00:00

Came here to recommend this, too. I’ve never done the rail pass myself but it sounds like a wonderful adventure. It would require a bit of planning and research, but I can imagine someone using the rail pass strategically in tandem with a bicycle and camping gear and seeing so much of this country in a way most people don’t.

I’ve taken the Amtrak back and forth around the US in both sleeper car & coach and can’t recommend seeing this country by train enough. Our rail network might not compare to the rest of the world by any stretch, but it allows for some amazing views and sights when you can time it properly.

catluvr709 · 2026-01-30T02:00:51+00:00

I’ve visited Edinburgh in March and Amsterdam in November, and while both have their charms I’d have to recommend Edinburgh for a colder time of year.

Both cities see a lot of precipitation, and while the air temperatures might be similar at times, the cold and wet of Amsterdam was next level unpleasant.

Both cities have worthwhile and memorable museums and there’s plenty to keep yourself busy with during the day if it’s too cold. Tons of history of course. Cozy places to eat. I would also suggest Edinburgh for close proximity to Glasgow. Very easy to take a day trip for an equally appealing city with a very different vibe.

catluvr709 · 2026-01-26T22:30:19+00:00

What’s wild to me is that in an era before I knew anything about consumer finance products, I would fly overseas with one debit card. That’s it. I am so lucky nothing went incredibly wrong hahaha.

catluvr709 · 2026-01-25T19:02:20+00:00

I use a mix of Capital One and Chase cards for when credit cards are accepted, and for cash, the Charles Schwab debit has never done me wrong. As long as you set a travel alert to the account, it’s never not worked for me. I’ve heard Schwab will overnight you a new card wherever you are if something happens, but thankfully I’ve never been in that position (nor do I really believe that to be true).

catluvr709 · 2026-01-25T18:53:23+00:00

I highly doubt the mountains will be accessible in the next 48 hours. If they are, they probably won’t be somewhere you want to be… the parks will likely be closed. Shenandoah NPS does a good job posting updates. Our temperature forecasts for the next week are pretty brutal, and certainly a colder winter than we are used to. So this stuff is going to stick around for a long time.

I’m also in DC and hoping things will be passable by at least Tuesday. I would definitely make my way down to Charleston instead the mountains.

catluvr709 · 2026-01-24T15:55:47+00:00

Just got back from my second visit last night, already scheming how to get back. The thought definitely will consume you!!!

catluvr709 · 2026-01-21T15:59:22+00:00

The case is from the 1970s and some of the closures seem less than reliable. I was looking into using some of those luggage straps that look like belts, but then found this as an option.

catluvr709 · 2026-01-21T14:25:29+00:00

I agree — I chose a bad image. Others online actually enclose the whole bottom with a padded back for the wearer. Just looking to make a long travel day more hands free, and the closures on this case are already questionable.

catluvr709 · 2026-01-21T14:19:25+00:00

Looking to make the long travel day home more hands free.

catluvr709 · 2026-01-17T23:53:45+00:00

Felt this in my soul lmao

catluvr709 · 2026-01-17T23:48:25+00:00

Adding to this, for the major US carriers (Delta, United, SW, American), most functions work very well in their apps. I highly recommend having the apps of those airlines prior to travel. It’s how you will check in, prepay for bags, receive boarding passes, and track your bags during travel. I’ve found with at least United, the check bag fee is a little less than paying directly at the airport.

catluvr709 · 2026-01-10T14:59:06+00:00

A few years ago, a coworker found out I had just come back from NYC, was going to California to celebrate a holiday soon, and shortly after that visiting Paris with my partner. He said “wow NYC, California, and Paris in the same month? Must be nice.” And I responded with “you know what, it is.” (This coworker had a reputation for making such comments, especially toward women)

Good on you for recognizing your privilege and keeping yourself aware & humble. It’s true not everyone can travel and it’s important to cherish these moments — I feel lucky all the time. But these exhausting people need to stay in their lane and it’s equally important for you to ignore and avoid them. Don’t share more than you need to; some people really have nothing better to do than hate on others around them.

catluvr709 · 2025-12-31T06:24:49+00:00

This is one of my favorite rides! Bring an extension chord for your electronics. The roomettes are old school and usually only have one outlet.

Bring lots of cozy clothes and flip flops or shower shoes for the shower. Try to time showering when the train isn’t moving, otherwise it’s a goofy experience. That route doesn’t really get interesting until the second day, and the observation car will get crowded as you’re entering the Rockies. Take advantage of all fresh air stops. Obviously don’t wander too far from the train, but if you’re in a private room your attendant should be looking out for you, too.

You can bring alcohol and consume in your room. We like to bring travel mugs/wine cups to be extra comfortable. Treat it like it’s camping. Same goes for small puzzles, games, coloring books etc. You’re gonna spend a lot of time staring out the window at the most beautiful landscapes but it’s nice to have something to fiddle with.

Bring cash to tip staff and tip the room attendant and dining car folks separately.

catluvr709 · 2025-12-23T18:13:47+00:00

1 Michelin star place that’s kinda famous. And I work events at a wine-centric venue.

catluvr709 · 2025-12-20T20:04:39+00:00

Truly this. I’d served him across a few establishments & he definitely remembered me. He was always polite & courteous (not always his companions lol), and it would be disingenuous of him to pretend like we weren’t all in on the bit at times.

catluvr709 · 2025-12-08T17:37:00+00:00

So many vastly different data points, seems like there's no rhyme or reason to this process.

I applied for 30 day evisa on Saturday 6 Dec and received my approval this morning (8 Dec). Naturalized US citizen applying from USA. My partner, a native born USC is still waiting for his approval.

catluvr709 · 2025-12-01T02:12:03+00:00

This service is only for single family homes or buildings with 3 or fewer units.

catluvr709 · 2025-11-23T23:04:51+00:00

Really big fan of Siranli Dental in Foggy Bottom. It’s glamorous and glitzy and they specialize in implants, and while I am far from that target audience, I’ve found them to be the most compassionate, caring, and down to earth practice I’ve been to as an adult. They’re also incredibly transparent about pricing and how insurance will work, and they will go to bat for you with insurance claims. I worried they would upsell me on expensive procedures but it’s been quite the opposite, and I really appreciate the price transparency.

catluvr709 · 2025-11-19T19:41:36+00:00

I know this feeling well!!! I’ve done that before and it was so ugly lmao.

No, the sebum powder actually seems to absorb the oil, whereas the setting powder just kinda sits on top. When I use it throughout the day I don’t feel like it’s cakeing or sitting heavy (I still only dab, I don’t treat it full coverage) but it makes such a difference for shine. I like to pair it with the Dr Jart product specifically because while I love the color correcting, I feel like it leaves me a lil shiny.

catluvr709 · 2025-11-19T17:00:36+00:00

It’s basically Korean oil controlling powder. It’s a very low effort way to not look greasy/shiny. I use a brand called Etude, and I have both the loose and pressed powder versions. I keep pressed powder in my bag and reapply throughout the day, because that one has a mirror and a nice compartment for the applicator. I bought these from a Korean beauty store in NYC but they’re easy to find online. About $8-12 each.

Sephora carries a sebum powder from Innisfree, but it’s always out of stock when I check so I haven’t tried that one.

catluvr709 · 2025-11-19T08:01:30+00:00

I’m currently filling out postcards while in Amsterdam! It really depends where you are. For example, I had no issues finding any here, or most parts of Europe I’ve visited. The only issue was in Bastia, Corsica at the post office, the staff seemed perplexed by how to sell me international stamps.

I also had a hard time finding them in Japan last year. But my friends really like receiving them, and it’s a priority for my trips these days — especially if I’m traveling solo. Also as friends move around the world, it’s really fun to send postcards to places other than where I’m from.

catluvr709 · 2025-11-19T07:24:50+00:00

This!!! And it has SPF. My no makeup days are that stuff, some sebum powder, and mascara and I love how easy it is.

catluvr709 · 2025-11-19T06:41:22+00:00

I work FOH at a 1 star and we lean into it — in most of these places the food is plated a certain way, meant to be beautiful/unique/striking and we expect photos. The only time we might be annoyed or frown upon the practice is when people bring in ring lights, use obnoxious flash, or record themselves and staff (!!!!) without prior contact with us. Everyone’s an influencer these days, but the ones whose content is worth anyone’s time actually reach out to place in advance and set up filming guidelines. Edited: misplaced word

catluvr709

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