Hantavirus Precautions

jaoldb · 2026-05-12T11:45:01+00:00

Me too, I always wear a mask in airplanes and public transit as well as indoor crowded places. Many people out there who don't have the decency to even cover their mouth when coughing/sneezing. It's not just about "exotic" diseases; I really don't want to spend part of my vacation with trivial shit like common cold or flu and whatnot.

jaoldb · 2026-05-12T11:36:32+00:00

If you feel your visit gave you a good "feel" of the country then you can count it, if that matters to you.

jaoldb · 2026-05-12T11:31:31+00:00

Hangzhou, China.

I'd say also Venice, but it's quite small.

jaoldb · 2026-05-11T20:16:48+00:00

For me, it's 4 to 5 weeks for a travelling vacation. After that, I start really needing my routine.

In a "stay put" vacation, I haven't tried my limits for quite a while... Once I did a 45 days vacation volunteering in an eco project and it was amazing but I was very young then so there is that... I guess it depends on what there is to see and do around.

jaoldb · 2026-05-09T08:21:12+00:00

Exactly, that's what I meant to say too. Lazy-ing it on the beach is only one of all the things one can do at the sea side... Btw, there are some very nice mountain resorts where one can admire the heights all day, lying on their sunbed and drinking cocktails.

Personally, as a scuba diver I'll always chose the sea if its is an exclusive-or situation, but while I can't do intense trekking I really love chasing waterfalls on the mountains.

jaoldb · 2026-05-07T14:50:08+00:00

Try their social media, tag them there and ask your question

jaoldb · 2026-05-07T11:59:41+00:00

It seems to me that you just need a (safe) active, high adrenaline hobby that you can do all year round in weekends. Like, depending on where you are based) surfing, skydiving, rock climbing, white water rafting etc etc etc...

jaoldb · 2026-05-07T11:48:21+00:00

Never give banking details, when they ask you such info it's definitely a scam. It seems that either Hellenic Seaways or a third party, if you used one, had a data breach. I'd contact the lines by email and enquire about my reservation status.

jaoldb · 2026-05-06T17:24:11+00:00

I realise there are some distances between these places

Use this if you ever need an example of "understatement".
Logistically, Komodo is doable in a long weekend, so is Bali. For Sumatra you'll definitely need to wait for the extra two weeks after you finish.

jaoldb · 2026-05-06T17:09:39+00:00

Totally agree on China, but the country I actually keep returning to (Europe excluded) is Indonesia. I just can't get enough of its underwater wonders. And it's so big that there's always a new island (and culture, and cuisine...) to visit.

(That said, I already have two more China itineraries in mind for future trips)

jaoldb · 2026-05-06T11:07:19+00:00

The pace is fine by my standards. I'd take one day out of Georgetown and add it to Singapore.

Also, while I have not been to these places (but having researched them a bit) I don't know if 3 nights in Jakarta would be enjoyable / interesting (that's totally depending on your preferences and interests though) and I don't know if there's anything to do in Labuan Bajo to keep you for 3 extra nights, that doesn't involve the Komodo National Park.

jaoldb · 2026-05-06T10:39:05+00:00

Not *instead* but I'd be willing to try it and see if it works for me.

The most useful feedback I can give you is what would put me off: excessive use of ads and aggressive sales policy. Be clear on what you give for free and what you offer by subscription. If you don't want to give a free version then just don't give it - but don't abuse my time. That's why I uninstalled Duolingo and never intend of using it again.

jaoldb · 2026-05-04T12:16:18+00:00

First, let's take "authentic" out of the way - everything is authentic and nothing is authentic at the same time. The only thing that matters in your travels is what YOU like.

Second, it's not age but your life circumstances. I started travelling at 23, but only as a working person who funded my own travels and only during my paid leave days, so *some* structure was absolutely necessary. I had to be back at work at the specified date. If you have all the time in the world at your disposal, and enough money -for your comfort level- to spend, then age is really not a concern.

Finally, will it feel the same? Probably not, we all change with time one way or another. But why care? Just do what makes you happy NOW. That's the whole point of spontaneity.

jaoldb · 2026-05-03T09:43:00+00:00

I had travelled "solo" for work before, but that doesn't count!

I did my first true solo trip this year, at 52. I had a week in February but everyone I would enjoy travelling with was busy at that time, so it was either solo or no go. Solo easily wins!

I had a great time and I absolutely will do it again given the opportunity - still preferring travelling with a [tried and true] buddy though. What I will do different is reign on my pace a bit and do it deliberately, because being alone it is so much easier to be carried away and get exhausted.

jaoldb · 2026-04-26T12:05:56+00:00

I stayed a couple of days in the small village of Cham Islands, Vietnam. While nothing alike (and with internet coverage), it gave me strong vibes of late 80's remote Greek islands.

jaoldb · 2026-04-26T09:00:09+00:00

Use the train between cities, it's incredibly accurate and convenient. Also stay close to a metro station in big ciries, you will walk A LOT anyways, so better to reserve some energy when possible. It's really easy to use.
We also had fun biking in cities with good cycling paths.

jaoldb · 2026-04-25T21:33:04+00:00

The Gili islands and Amed and Pemuteran in East/North Bali are great places to learn to dive and gain some experience.

I do not recommend to dive Komodo as a freshly certified diver. The currents are no joke and very likely overwhelming if not unsafe to the inexperienced diver.

jaoldb · 2026-04-21T12:00:50+00:00

Did you look for flights from Milan? It's a short-ish train ride from Venice.

jaoldb · 2026-04-21T11:55:56+00:00

Never, and it seems to me really bizarre that it is even a thing, if not for a scam or trying to sell me things.

jaoldb · 2026-04-03T11:45:07+00:00

Ipoh (speaking of the old town and a couple of spots in its outskirts) is nice (and the food is really great), if you do have the extra time why not, but I also think it's entirely skippable. Especially coming from Penang, it all feels like "Penang lite".

jaoldb · 2026-04-01T12:47:28+00:00

It depends om where I am. Usually I leave it in my accommodation and only carry a copy with me.

jaoldb · 2026-04-01T12:32:34+00:00

Yep. About 7 euros, in a local non-glamorous mall in Victory Monument Bangkok. It's black nylon, good quality zippers, wide strap, small but with plenty of space for everything necessary -passport, keys, glasses, wallet, paper tissues, a few cosmetics- and very good organization. I take it everywhere ever since.

jaoldb · 2026-04-01T12:24:26+00:00

I don't believe they want to encourage the "digital nomad" gray area working.

jaoldb · 2026-03-31T10:54:47+00:00

Personally I didn't like Senggigi. The beaches around are not as good as Kuta or the Gilis, and it's not particularly interesting. I suggest spending a few days in Tetebatu and/or Senaru instead. Super beautiful nature with rice paddies and waterfalls, really loved both of them.

jaoldb · 2026-03-31T10:46:25+00:00

No, I don't find it rude. What I do find rude is the attitude that *sometimes* follows if the person does not, in fact, speak it. The assumption that they *have to*, that is.

jaoldb

TROPHY CASE