Travel Destinations

[Restitution]

You think so? Budapest was ok, but I didn't like Prague much at all. What was so good about them that I missed?

Best hostels and party scene in the world IMO. I'm not sure how old you are - as a guy in my 20's it was the best part of my euro trip.

[VillageIdiot]

Do Budapest and Prague. Best places in the world.

You think so? Budapest was ok, but I didn't like Prague much at all. What was so good about them that I missed?

Really? I quite enjoyed Prague. The architecture in Old Town is the stuff of fairy tales. Interesting mix of gothic, renaissance, with signs of communist influence when you get out to the non-touristy parts of the city.

And for those of us who like beer, Czech beer is simply awesome.

[Octavious]

The architecture was pleasant enough. What I struggled with are the beggars who have to prostrate themselves towards you and never make eye contact, the legions of gypsy street whores in the city centre, how pretty much every black man who wasn't an American tourist was a drug dealer, the never ending adverts for sex clubs and midget strippers, and the casinos where guns are a common enough problem for them to have signs saying no cameras or guns.

Oh yeah, and the cheese burgers which are literally slabs of deep fried cheese in a bun.

The beer was ok.

[Claesar]

...
The beer was ok.

Czech Republic has the best pilsner. If you're into special beers, Belgium is of course better.

[diplomat61]

I think you just hit on my specialist subject.

I am lucky enough to have travelled to over 50 countries, most of them multiple times, across 5 continents. Of them all, my favourite city is Sydney, and the most "different", the place I would spend more time exploring, is Japan.

You mentioned that you are thinking of travelling in "Asia". That's a huge area and most definitely not homogenous. I lived and travelled in the region for over 10 years, but have only scratched the surface. If you try to cover the whole region in a short period of time you will spend a lot of time travelling and only see some busy cities.

So, unless you have years to spare, I suggest focus on China. It is going to be hugely influential on our world so why not get some insight? A big city like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou is a must (and they are all different) but you need to get out into the countryside to understand the poverty, and thus the pressure that drives the CP.

[diplomat61]

Haha try living Sydney if you think that is expensive - you can't buy a decent house in the Sydney burbs for less than $1M AUD

I'll stick to visiting, thanks.

[diplomat61]

Do Budapest and Prague. Best places in the world.

You think so? Budapest was ok, but I didn't like Prague much at all. What was so good about them that I missed?

Prague is one of my favourite cities in Europe, and I like Budapest too. Czech beer is great, and the city centre is very walkable.

[Durga]

I think you just hit on my specialist subject.

I am lucky enough to have travelled to over 50 countries, most of them multiple times, across 5 continents. Of them all, my favourite city is Sydney, and the most "different", the place I would spend more time exploring, is Japan.

You mentioned that you are thinking of travelling in "Asia". That's a huge area and most definitely not homogenous. I lived and travelled in the region for over 10 years, but have only scratched the surface. If you try to cover the whole region in a short period of time you will spend a lot of time travelling and only see some busy cities.

So, unless you have years to spare, I suggest focus on China. It is going to be hugely influential on our world so why not get some insight? A big city like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou is a must (and they are all different) but you need to get out into the countryside to understand the poverty, and thus the pressure that drives the CP.

Lol I think this was my thread from last year and I ended up going to Singapore, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, South Korea, Hong Kong (as well as a bit of the Middle East).

I felt like I did all of those countries moderately in depth - or at least enough to satisfy me (other than Vietnam bc I want to just live in HCMC for a year).

If you wanna give me more advice I guess you can help me with my next trip that starts in less than a month? I'm flying into Zagreb.

[ND]

You should go to Communist China or North Korea. I hear they are great countries.

[Durga]

You should go to Communist China or North Korea. I hear they are great countries.

can you go to the politics forum or something. this thread is about travelling, ok? you haven't been to either country so your opinion is not needed

[ND]

Oh I didn't mean it as political I've always wanted to see the Great Wall of China and the DMZ. Sorry I'll retract my suggestion.

[Restitution]

Oh I didn't mean it as political I've always wanted to see the Great Wall of China and the DMZ. Sorry I'll retract my suggestion.

"I hear they are great countries"

[ND]

I'm glad you have too!

[diplomat61]

Lol I think this was my thread from last year and I ended up going to Singapore, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, South Korea, Hong Kong (as well as a bit of the Middle East).

I felt like I did all of those countries moderately in depth - or at least enough to satisfy me (other than Vietnam bc I want to just live in HCMC for a year).

If you wanna give me more advice I guess you can help me with my next trip that starts in less than a month? I'm flying into Zagreb.

Four months is a good period to get a feel of multiple countries.

I don't know Croatia, apart from a day in Dubrovnik as a schoolboy many years' ago, but I hear it is very beautiful. I recently spent 18 months working in neighbouring Hungary, where I spent some time exploring the western part of the country from my base in Sezkesfehervar (it's easier to pronounce when you're drunk). Like many towns and cities in the area the centre is very pretty but the outskirts are horrid.

I recommend Szekesfehervar and Veszprem, Budapest of course, and then on to Bratislava (a couple of hours' drive) and Vienna (not much further).

[Restitution]

Thread seems kinda pointless - you've traveled more than anyone else in the thread it seems like, lol. Probably people you meet while traveling would be able to tell you more.

[diplomat61]

Thread seems kinda pointless - you've traveled more than anyone else in the thread it seems like, lol. Probably people you meet while traveling would be able to tell you more.

It wasn't pointless when the OP started it, and I am not sure that it is now.

Feel free not to read.

[Durga]

There's always someone out there who knows more than you or can give you a different perspective on something you know. This community has people from everywhere, many of whom are far better well travelled than I am. And yes, it's been over a year now. But many people have shared lots of things I don't know about.

[Restitution]

Didn't notice how old it was.

[Senlac]

Here’s something I can share that will reestablish faith wonderful places still exist. I left UK a disillusioned young man for Africa at 24 & lost my heart. Africa then was beyond wonderful & the nature breathtaking. I lived there for over 12 years, but politics being what it is, a return to UK, then on to USA, was required. Predictably after my African experience there was no losing of my heart in those destinations.

Mere chance lead me to undertake a trip to Costa Rica, of which I knew next to nothing, other than from a poor quality tourist book bought before the journey.
Within 48 hrs I knew I had “found it” again. A place I could be as happy as I had been in Africa with true freedom to live & enjoy a paradise.
It took 7 more years before we could move here, but if ever you feel jaded or disillusioned that the world is no longer as wonderful as you had hoped, visit Costa Rica.

I’d be happy to help with information, or any other way I can, to ensure your visit is wonderful. It won’t take my help however, this country is just magical all by itself. It makes you believe again how great life is & how lucky we are to have it. Pura Vida.

[Durga]

This is where I get really annoying... I've been to Costa Rica lmao