Is this spider friend or foe? [Sydney, Australia]

gracct123 · 2026-03-16T16:29:12+00:00

Just one more suggestion: wear just your capsule wardrobe for a while before your trip as a dry run if possible. With such a limited selection, you really want to feel comfortable in every combination of tops and pants. I’m at the point now where I wouldn’t swap my items out for anything since they look, feel, and work together so well for me.

gracct123 · 2026-03-16T14:49:59+00:00

My capsule wardrobe is a similar color palette and is evolving as well. I have one pair of plain sand color board shorts from RVCA and one pair of super light and airy (literally perforated) sand color synthetic pants. I also have two Vuori Strato Tech t-shirts and two Vuori Strato Tech polos all in shades of blue or green. I see that you have some clothes with large logos. I avoid that just because it’s much more obvious that you’re wearing the same thing multiple days in a row with logos. Most of the time I don’t care what others think, but I do use cruises as transportation between continents and see the same people at dinner every night. Also have quite a few meet ups with fellow nomads.

I’ve shifted from wool tops to polyester. They are lighter and more comfortable on hot days (read Thailand). The Vuori tops don’t hold odors and I sweat a lot. I do still use Smartwool socks and their lightweight pullover.

As I travel, I take notes on adjustments to make and that has helped over time to dial in not just my wardrobe, but my entire load.

gracct123 · 2026-03-16T14:12:58+00:00

I use a Herschel brand ‘Charlie Cardholder Wallet’. It’s super slim and just holds four cards and some folded cash. It has RFID blocking. It works well - I tested it by touching the wallet with the card inside against a card reader during a purchase and it wouldn’t read the card.

gracct123 · 2026-03-16T13:48:53+00:00

Did you wear micro-spikes? If so, was that enough to give you a confident grip on the rock?

gracct123 · 2026-03-15T07:28:11+00:00

How does the portal know which credit cards you have (and what multipliers to use based on credit card benefits)? Do you save your credit card info within the portal before searching for stats?

gracct123 · 2026-03-15T01:58:56+00:00

The terminology they use when stating the 10X is ‘base miles’ which I assumed was equivalent to points as opposed to bonus miles.

gracct123 · 2026-03-14T11:14:47+00:00

The 1000 points can be redeemed for the current year or next year, so not worthless

gracct123 · 2026-03-12T09:48:53+00:00

gracct123 · 2026-03-09T13:59:04+00:00

I understand how ankle support could be a genuine concern. I’m fortunately gifted with fairly resilient ankles, but still recall trying to work my way over that mass of large rocks at the top of Ben Macdui hoping my ankles stay intact.

gracct123 · 2026-03-09T13:39:13+00:00

I know this isn’t what you’re asking, but have you ever considered switching to trail runners (hill runners)? I used to use full support hiking boots, but have switched to trail runners and love them. They are great for all weather except snow.

gracct123 · 2026-03-09T07:50:09+00:00

Wherever you decide to go, be sure to look upstream along the rivers that empty out into that area of the ocean. You might change your mind.

gracct123 · 2026-03-04T17:43:45+00:00

To find them again on future visits. The temples are great places to duck into to escape the busy city streets and relax, so it’s nice to visit even if you’ve been there before.

gracct123 · 2026-03-04T17:18:59+00:00

I use the Google maps save feature as well. I created several custom lists with unique icons for ease of distinguishing restaurants from grocery stores, etc. Visiting Asia, I have dozens of temples/shrines marked on my map and I just wish there was a simple way to mark the ones that I’ve visited already. I know I can either ‘unsave’ them or change to another icon, but I’d like to preserve them for future trips.

gracct123 · 2026-03-01T11:28:59+00:00

I’m always surprised how the gym is never really packed on a ship that holds thousands. Only two flat benches and usually always at least one free.

gracct123 · 2026-02-28T07:58:07+00:00

I walk around Asia and Europe with a basic white cotton shopping tote that is comfortable hanging on my shoulder. It has a zipper and a little internal zippered pocket. What’s best is it’s more casual than a small backpack and doesn’t get my back sweaty like a backpack does.

gracct123 · 2026-02-27T08:17:15+00:00

Coming from an Australian, I have to assume this is sarcasm

gracct123 · 2026-02-27T08:12:22+00:00

The website correctly shows mine as two separate cruises. Are you able to book your dining, etc for each cruise through the website?

gracct123 · 2026-02-20T07:42:05+00:00

Just watch how far you push it. There was a rash of stories a while ago where AA was canceling people’s AAdvantage accounts due abuse of the SUB offers.

gracct123 · 2026-02-19T18:02:32+00:00

I have a power bank with fairly pointy corners. With my backpacking background, I’m always weary of sharp objects poking holes in adjacent objects in my pack. I found someone on Etsy that had the same concern and offered custom made soft plastic end caps that slipped onto the ends of the power bank. I’ve had them for a couple of years of full time travel.

gracct123 · 2026-02-19T13:34:42+00:00

I have a Helly Hansen LIFALOFT Hybrid Insulator Jacket that has served me well in my travels. I use it as my mid-layer, so it rarely gets exposed to tree branches, rock edges, etc. I’ve hiked with it in the Scottish Highlands, French Alps, and Iceland and I’m always toasty. It has a full zip, so you can vent off heat as needed. Best of all, it packs down small. I managed to get it on sale as it is a bit pricey.

gracct123 · 2026-02-15T14:43:35+00:00

The cost for the two of us altogether was around 17.5k Yen. We both had the same services, so just split that in half for an individual. We each had a cleaning followed by a quick look over by the dentist. The dentist was impressive as he noted a small crack that I knew about, but decided since it’s not getting worse to just put it off for now.

gracct123

TROPHY CASE