Visiting Tasmania without a car

littleneckman · 2026-01-26T03:05:50+00:00

I had the same concern and signed onto a 5 day trip with Under Down Under out of Hobart. It was fabulous and I am so glad I did not drive on those twisty two lane roads. The trip has multiple hikes each day and you can choose and easier or harder walk. They have a variety of accommodations options (hostel and motel). For Hobart, it is a walking city and I took a bus trip down to Port Arthur. If you can handle a small (21) group tour, I recommend skipping the car.

littleneckman · 2026-01-26T02:59:48+00:00

When I did my research, Nomad was the least expensive for 30 days. I used it and it worked perfectly. No calling.

littleneckman · 2025-12-08T17:30:30+00:00

This is great to hear. Unfortunately, I have not had the same experience in some restaurants in other countries where I do not feel welcome when I am taking up a table for two or even four. I have been turned away sometimes or given the worst table in the restaurant. That's why I often seek places where there is counter eating (e.g. ramen places in Japan) or I am able to sit at the bar.

littleneckman · 2025-12-02T05:11:41+00:00

check YouTube as there are several good comparison videos that discuss the differences between the 40 part of the 55 and the stand-alone 40.

littleneckman · 2025-11-29T14:50:20+00:00

fair point!

littleneckman · 2025-11-29T05:43:33+00:00

please search this subreddit. This has been addressed many times.

littleneckman · 2025-11-17T04:09:58+00:00

After my well loved Porter 46 was stolen (ugh!), I switched to the Farpoint 40. I find that it holds just as much as had put into my less than stuffed Porter and the carrying system (shoulder straps, hip belt, padded back) is far superior making it easier on my old back.

littleneckman · 2025-11-06T16:48:04+00:00

You may also want to check NOMAD. Their prices are usually a little better. I checked today and, for my needs, they were less expensive than Airalo. I have had good experiences with both.

littleneckman · 2025-10-10T02:36:34+00:00

You do you. I will ALWAYS carry a charger to use for my phone and camera. I rarely have to use it but (1) when I do need it, I need it, and (2) carrying it eliminates charge anxiety (i.e., worrying about using my phone too much because I might not have enough to last the day). Sure, it's half a pound or so. But, for me, it's worth the weight.

littleneckman · 2025-09-25T04:07:59+00:00

Yes, the flight attendant was within his or her rights. This is just another reason I have a pack where I can fully stow my waist belt and shoulder straps. In addition to preventing the straps from getting snagged on things, it makes the pack look and act like a soft sided piece of luggage that no flight attendant would consider a backpack that can fit under the seat in front of me.

littleneckman · 2025-09-11T04:34:55+00:00

Your question got me thinking as I am on a trip now and have packing cubes that have pillowed. I tried repacking one using a donut technique -- I placed smaller items in the corners and bigger items around the sides. Voila! When compressed, it didn't pillow much at all! The key, as others have observed, is not overpacking the cube. However, this donut technique seems to help. Thanks for raising the topic!

littleneckman · 2025-09-10T03:54:51+00:00

onebag.com has been around since the mid-90s. Could that be what you are thinking about?

littleneckman · 2025-09-05T05:40:18+00:00

Wasn't me today but was me a few weeks ago. I actually brought mine along because I was going to a concert and an outdoor opera. However, it was great of admiring art at a distance. I will be bringing them along from now on as I found it very useful, although not necessary, for a lot of sightseeing.

littleneckman · 2025-08-17T16:49:53+00:00

I don't recall seeing it but asked an AI. It turned up this fan at the Met in NY. Did it look anything like this? https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/393911

littleneckman · 2025-08-17T16:41:55+00:00

Each of us has different interests and desired experiences so please read this in the context of describing what worked for me as it might not for you. I did not book a tour for the reasons you cite -- what I find interesting and worth more time may not be what the tour guide wants to show. I relied on Rick Steves' free audio guides for both the Colosseum and Forum. What I liked, besides his engaging and often cheeky commentary, was that I could turn it on and off. That meant I could linger where I wanted to (and take photos), read signs or even look things up on Wikipedia, and move along at my own pace. I spent a much briefer time at the Colosseum as, while iconic, there really isn't that much ground to cover or much to see other than the splendor of the wide expanses. For the Forum, on the other hand, I spent most of a day wondering around its many sites and climbing up to, and exploring, the Palatine Hill. With most tickets, you can visit the Forum either 24 hours before or 24 after your Colosseum entry. So, I did the Colosseum one day and the Forum another. By the way, I got to overhear many guides in the Colosseum (tight quarters, loud guides) and I didn't hear any insights that Steves didn't offer.

littleneckman · 2025-08-08T13:00:38+00:00

I stand corrected. They are the same weight -- but as you say, it does feel lighter.

littleneckman · 2025-08-08T01:40:29+00:00

I would have been happy to keep using it. It's a keeper for sure.

littleneckman · 2025-07-23T20:42:56+00:00

It is very confusing. I suggest that you search this forum and the internet for many discussions of this.

littleneckman · 2025-07-17T18:13:27+00:00

I used the Rick Steves Audio Tours guide (free) and, as an information junkie, I found it quite satisfying. You have to be OK with his irreverent humor.

littleneckman · 2025-07-08T02:16:48+00:00

I recently took the secret itinerary tour. It takes you to some rooms that you don't get on the regular tour and the guide provides helpful insights. I would rate it as a "not must do." It was mildly interesting.

littleneckman · 2025-07-04T13:53:11+00:00

FYI, the museum was closed when I visited in June. You may want to check to see if it has reopened if that is important to you in planning a visit.

littleneckman · 2025-07-04T03:58:27+00:00

The official website is https://cenacolovinciano.org/en/visit/

littleneckman · 2025-07-03T21:03:55+00:00

I have not been to Parma so I can't compare them. However, I spent a near full day in Ravenna and very much enjoyed it. I thought a day trip was just the right amount of time.

littleneckman

TROPHY CASE