# Trip Planning Tips **URL:** https://community.tourradar.com/c/trip-planning-tips/50.md?page=1 [Latest](https://community.tourradar.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.tourradar.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.tourradar.com/tags.md) **Page:** 2 --- ## [Vietnam: 2 weeks, north to south or south to north?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/vietnam-2-weeks-north-to-south-or-south-to-north/46134)
**Author:** [@carla](https://community.tourradar.com/u/carla)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2026, 4:28pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/vietnam-2-weeks-north-to-south-or-south-to-north/46134 "2026-05-23T16:28:44Z")
First time planning a Vietnam trip and I have exactly 14 days in January. I can fly into either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City so the direction is totally flexible. Does it matter which way I go? I’ve heard that going north … --- ## [Hawaii island hopping: worth the hassle for 10 days, or just pick one?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/hawaii-island-hopping-worth-the-hassle-for-10-days-or-just-pick-one/46132)
**Author:** [@alexandra](https://community.tourradar.com/u/alexandra)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2026, 12:59pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/hawaii-island-hopping-worth-the-hassle-for-10-days-or-just-pick-one/46132 "2026-05-23T12:59:46Z")
We have 10 days for Hawaii in November and I keep going back and forth. Originally planned Maui + Big Island (5 nights each) but the inter-island flights, rental cars at both, and checking out/in to new hotels is startin… --- ## [Morocco solo female travel: honest vibe check](https://community.tourradar.com/t/morocco-solo-female-travel-honest-vibe-check/46156)
**Author:** [@danielle](https://community.tourradar.com/u/danielle)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2026, 7:29am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/morocco-solo-female-travel-honest-vibe-check/46156 "2026-05-23T07:29:50Z")
I’m 33F and really want to do Marrakech and Fes next February. Every blog post I read is either “it was magical and totally fine” or “I was harassed constantly and hated it.” There’s no middle ground. Can someone who’s … --- ## [Best places to travel in November](https://community.tourradar.com/t/best-places-to-travel-in-november/45612)
**Author:** [@katherine](https://community.tourradar.com/u/katherine)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2026, 4:40pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/best-places-to-travel-in-november/45612 "2026-05-21T16:40:48Z")
I have 2 weeks off in November and genuinely no idea where to go. Open to anywhere in the world. What I want: warm weather, not peak tourist season, interesting culture, and good street food. What I don’t want: humidity … --- ## [How much spending money do you actually need on a guided tour?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/how-much-spending-money-do-you-actually-need-on-a-guided-tour/46121)
**Author:** [@clare](https://community.tourradar.com/u/clare)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2026, 3:37pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/how-much-spending-money-do-you-actually-need-on-a-guided-tour/46121 "2026-05-21T15:37:09Z")
Doing a 14 day Southeast Asia guided tour in November and trying to figure out how much cash to bring. The tour includes most meals and transport, but I know tips, drinks, souvenirs, and optional excursions add up. For … --- ## [Argentina vs Chile for a 2-3 week trip](https://community.tourradar.com/t/argentina-vs-chile-for-a-2-3-week-trip/45520)
**Author:** [@colin](https://community.tourradar.com/u/colin)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2026, 5:07pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/argentina-vs-chile-for-a-2-3-week-trip/45520 "2026-05-19T17:07:57Z")
I’m planning a solo trip for next March and I’m totally torn between Argentina and Chile. I have about 3 weeks and a moderate budget (not backpacker cheap but not luxury either, maybe $80 to $100 a day). Argentina appea… --- ## [Santiago Chile: worth spending time or just pass through to Patagonia?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/santiago-chile-worth-spending-time-or-just-pass-through-to-patagonia/45918)
**Author:** [@olivia](https://community.tourradar.com/u/olivia)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2026, 5:14pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/santiago-chile-worth-spending-time-or-just-pass-through-to-patagonia/45918 "2026-05-18T17:14:07Z")
Building a 3 week Chile itinerary and I keep going back and forth on Santiago. Every blog post basically says “fly in, spend a night, fly to Torres del Paine.” But I’ve also talked to a couple people who said Santiago su… --- ## [Meals on guided tours: what's actually included and what's not?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/meals-on-guided-tours-whats-actually-included-and-whats-not/45668)
**Author:** [@carrie](https://community.tourradar.com/u/carrie)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2026, 3:21am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/meals-on-guided-tours-whats-actually-included-and-whats-not/45668 "2026-05-18T03:21:13Z")
Looking at booking a Turkey tour and the listing says “8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners included.” That’s only about half the meals for a 9 day tour? How much should I budget for the non-included meals? Are the includ… --- ## [Hotels in Denver: which neighborhood is best for a first timer?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/hotels-in-denver-which-neighborhood-is-best-for-a-first-timer/45799)
**Author:** [@amber](https://community.tourradar.com/u/amber)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2026, 8:37am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/hotels-in-denver-which-neighborhood-is-best-for-a-first-timer/45799 "2026-05-17T08:37:11Z")
Heading to Denver for 3 nights in September and I’ve never been. I’m seeing hotels in LoDo, Capitol Hill, RiNo, and Cherry Creek. No clue which one makes sense for us. We want to walk to restaurants and bars at night wi… --- ## [Luggage limits on guided tours: what's the actual restriction?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/luggage-limits-on-guided-tours-whats-the-actual-restriction/45667)
**Author:** [@ronald](https://community.tourradar.com/u/ronald)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 9:28pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/luggage-limits-on-guided-tours-whats-the-actual-restriction/45667 "2026-05-16T21:28:21Z")
Starting to pack for our India guided tour and the trip notes say “one suitcase of 20kg maximum.” Is this strictly enforced or just a suggestion? My wife somehow needs 25kg for 14 days (I’ve given up arguing about it lol… --- ## [Egypt visa on arrival vs e-visa: which is easier when you're on a guided tour?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/egypt-visa-on-arrival-vs-e-visa-which-is-easier-when-youre-on-a-guided-tour/45665)
**Author:** [@heather](https://community.tourradar.com/u/heather)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 8:59pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/egypt-visa-on-arrival-vs-e-visa-which-is-easier-when-youre-on-a-guided-tour/45665 "2026-05-16T20:59:35Z")
My husband and I are doing a guided tour of Egypt in November and I’m confused about the visa situation. I’ve read you can get a visa on arrival at Cairo airport for $25 OR do an e-visa online before you go. Which did y… --- ## [Adding extra nights before a guided tour: how does it work?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/adding-extra-nights-before-a-guided-tour-how-does-it-work/45628)
**Author:** [@jane](https://community.tourradar.com/u/jane)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 10:46am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/adding-extra-nights-before-a-guided-tour-how-does-it-work/45628 "2026-05-16T10:46:21Z")
We’re doing a guided tour of Morocco next March and our flights land a full day before the tour officially starts. I’d rather not be jet lagged on day one so I want to book an extra night or two at the starting hotel bef… --- ## [Do guided tour hotels actually match the brochure? (Egypt specifically)](https://community.tourradar.com/t/do-guided-tour-hotels-actually-match-the-brochure-egypt-specifically/45627)
**Author:** [@rick](https://community.tourradar.com/u/rick)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 10:32am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/do-guided-tour-hotels-actually-match-the-brochure-egypt-specifically/45627 "2026-05-16T10:32:46Z")
This might be a silly question but I’m spending a lot of money on a guided tour of Egypt and the website just says “4 star hotels” without listing which ones. I’ve learned the hard way that a 4 star in Egypt is not the s… --- ## [Do guided tours in Egypt usually include airport transfers?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/do-guided-tours-in-egypt-usually-include-airport-transfers/45626)
**Author:** [@mike](https://community.tourradar.com/u/mike)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 10:15am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/do-guided-tours-in-egypt-usually-include-airport-transfers/45626 "2026-05-16T10:15:13Z")
Hi everyone! We just booked a 10 day Egypt tour and I’m now trying to figure out the airport logistics. The tour description says “starts at hotel in Cairo” but doesn’t mention anything about getting FROM the airport TO … --- ## [Bermuda: is it worth visiting for just 4 days?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/bermuda-is-it-worth-visiting-for-just-4-days/45610)
**Author:** [@angela](https://community.tourradar.com/u/angela)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2026, 10:24am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/bermuda-is-it-worth-visiting-for-just-4-days/45610 "2026-05-15T10:24:34Z")
Considering a quick trip to Bermuda from NYC (only a 2 hour flight apparently???). I have a long weekend plus one PTO day so 4 full days on the island. My question is whether Bermuda is actually explorable or if it’s ju… --- ## [Highlights of Vietnam](https://community.tourradar.com/t/highlights-of-vietnam/45532)
**Author:** [@RusticIsland](https://community.tourradar.com/u/RusticIsland)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2026, 9:49am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/highlights-of-vietnam/45532 "2026-05-15T09:49:17Z")
\*It’s many highlights in Vietnam. Cruising through the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay – it looks like something from another world! Walking the streets of Hoi An at night when all the lanterns are lit. Pure magic.\* F… --- ## [Where to stay in Belize for a first timer](https://community.tourradar.com/t/where-to-stay-in-belize-for-a-first-timer/45625)
**Author:** [@clare](https://community.tourradar.com/u/clare)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2026, 7:03am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/where-to-stay-in-belize-for-a-first-timer/45625 "2026-05-15T07:03:54Z")
Hello! I’ve never been to Central America and I’m looking at Belize for a week in January. The problem is I have no idea where to base myself. There’s Ambergris Caye which seems like the main tourist spot, Caye Caulker w… --- ## [First ever Europe trip, 3 weeks, one country or four?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/first-ever-europe-trip-3-weeks-one-country-or-four/45091)
**Author:** [@chelsea](https://community.tourradar.com/u/chelsea)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2026, 6:04pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/first-ever-europe-trip-3-weeks-one-country-or-four/45091 "2026-05-14T18:04:30Z")
Okay so this is my first time to Europe ever (I’m 29, embarrassing I know) and I have 3 full weeks in June. Genuinely stuck. Option A: go deep in Italy. Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Amalfi, Sicily. Slow pace, eat a lot. Op… --- ## [Viking River Cruises: Are the "included excursions" enough or do you need the paid ones?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/viking-river-cruises-are-the-included-excursions-enough-or-do-you-need-the-paid-ones/37981)
**Author:** [@alison](https://community.tourradar.com/u/alison)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2026, 2:16pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/viking-river-cruises-are-the-included-excursions-enough-or-do-you-need-the-paid-ones/37981 "2026-05-13T14:16:08Z")
My wife and I are looking at booking our first river cruise (Rhine Getaway) with Viking. It’s a lot of money so I’m trying to figure out the real cost. They say one shore excursion is included in every port. Are these ac… --- ## [Best portable charger for long travel days?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/best-portable-charger-for-long-travel-days/38989)
**Author:** [@richard](https://community.tourradar.com/u/richard)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2026, 5:41pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/best-portable-charger-for-long-travel-days/38989 "2026-05-08T17:41:41Z")
I use my phone for everything when I travel (maps, tickets, photos) and my battery always dies by 2pm. What is the best portable charger that isn’t a heavy brick? I need something that can charge an iPhone at least 2-3 t… --- ## [Mexico City food tour: Eat Like a Local vs Sabores vs DIY?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/mexico-city-food-tour-eat-like-a-local-vs-sabores-vs-diy/45044)
**Author:** [@bonnie](https://community.tourradar.com/u/bonnie)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2026, 1:57pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/mexico-city-food-tour-eat-like-a-local-vs-sabores-vs-diy/45044 "2026-05-07T13:57:34Z")
Heading to CDMX in late May for 6 days and food is literally the #1 reason we’re going. Everyone on reddit swears by Eat Like a Local, but Sabores Mexico Food Tours also has great reviews and is about $20 cheaper pp. Ho… --- ## [Europcar monthly rate way cheaper than daily x30, what's the catch?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/europcar-monthly-rate-way-cheaper-than-daily-x30-whats-the-catch/45045)
**Author:** [@jorge](https://community.tourradar.com/u/jorge)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2026, 1:54pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/europcar-monthly-rate-way-cheaper-than-daily-x30-whats-the-catch/45045 "2026-05-07T13:54:50Z")
Looking at renting a car in Lisbon for exactly 30 days in autumn. The daily rate works out to about 1,400 EUR for the month, but their “monthly” package is showing as 780 EUR for the same dates and same car category. Tha… --- ## [San Diego to Tijuana on foot, how long is the walk back at 6pm?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/san-diego-to-tijuana-on-foot-how-long-is-the-walk-back-at-6pm/45089)
**Author:** [@rita](https://community.tourradar.com/u/rita)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2026, 1:52pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/san-diego-to-tijuana-on-foot-how-long-is-the-walk-back-at-6pm/45089 "2026-05-07T13:52:25Z")
Doing a day trip from San Diego down to Tijuana via the PedWest crossing. Walk over in the morning no problem, but I’m trying to plan dinner timing and I’m paranoid about the walk back. If I cross back into the US at li… --- ## [Mexico City attractions: which ones actually sell out in advance?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/mexico-city-attractions-which-ones-actually-sell-out-in-advance/45090)
**Author:** [@julia](https://community.tourradar.com/u/julia)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2026, 1:51pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/mexico-city-attractions-which-ones-actually-sell-out-in-advance/45090 "2026-05-07T13:51:07Z")
Going to CDMX for a week in June and trying to figure out what I need to book ahead vs what I can wing. On the list: Museo Nacional de Antropología, Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul), Chapultepec Castle, maybe Templo Mayor. I kno… --- ## [Half board vs full board vs B&B: worth it or just eat out?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/half-board-vs-full-board-vs-b-b-worth-it-or-just-eat-out/44657)
**Author:** [@janet](https://community.tourradar.com/u/janet)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2026, 4:43pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/half-board-vs-full-board-vs-b-b-worth-it-or-just-eat-out/44657 "2026-05-02T16:43:19Z")
When I’m booking European hotels (Italy and Greece mostly) I always see these options and I honestly never know which to pick. B&B is easy, that’s just breakfast. But is half board usually a decent dinner or is it like t… --- ## [Tuk tuks in Bangkok: faster than Grab or just the experience?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/tuk-tuks-in-bangkok-faster-than-grab-or-just-the-experience/44633)
**Author:** [@philip](https://community.tourradar.com/u/philip)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2026, 1:40pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/tuk-tuks-in-bangkok-faster-than-grab-or-just-the-experience/44633 "2026-05-01T13:40:02Z")
First time Bangkok next month and I keep going back and forth on tuk tuks. The YouTube vlogs make them look like essential BKK culture. The Reddit threads make them sound like “get in and you will be taken to 4 gem shops… --- ## [Does Rome2Rio actually book tickets or just show options?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/does-rome2rio-actually-book-tickets-or-just-show-options/44144)
**Author:** [@carl](https://community.tourradar.com/u/carl)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 10:58pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/does-rome2rio-actually-book-tickets-or-just-show-options/44144 "2026-04-26T22:58:59Z")
Planning a Balkan overland trip next September (Ljubljana to Sofia ish) and I keep seeing Rome2Rio recommended. When I use the site it shows me options and prices but I can never tell if I’m actually booking through them… --- ## [Ryanair/Wizz/easyJet - worth the carryon fee drama or just take the train?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/ryanair-wizz-easyjet-worth-the-carryon-fee-drama-or-just-take-the-train/44145)
**Author:** [@allison](https://community.tourradar.com/u/allison)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 6:26am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/ryanair-wizz-easyjet-worth-the-carryon-fee-drama-or-just-take-the-train/44145 "2026-04-26T06:26:15Z")
Doing 3 weeks in Europe in May, hitting maybe 5-6 cities. I keep pricing Ryanair flights at €19 and then by the time I add my carryon, a seat so I don’t get split from my partner, and priority boarding it’s like €90 and … --- ## [Norwegian Cruise Line "Free at Sea" - actually free or total scam?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/norwegian-cruise-line-free-at-sea-actually-free-or-total-scam/44143)
**Author:** [@gina](https://community.tourradar.com/u/gina)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 10:40am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/norwegian-cruise-line-free-at-sea-actually-free-or-total-scam/44143 "2026-04-25T10:40:03Z")
First-time cruiser here looking at NCL for a Caribbean trip next February. The “Free at Sea” package looks amazing on paper (drinks, wifi, specialty dining, excursions all included). But I know nothing in cruise world is… --- ## [Wise Card for travel: Do I really need this or is my Chase Sapphire enough](https://community.tourradar.com/t/wise-card-for-travel-do-i-really-need-this-or-is-my-chase-sapphire-enough/38050)
**Author:** [@caroline](https://community.tourradar.com/u/caroline)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2026, 5:50am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/wise-card-for-travel-do-i-really-need-this-or-is-my-chase-sapphire-enough/38050 "2026-04-19T05:50:23Z")
Hello! Everyone keeps talking about the Wise card for getting cash out at ATMs in Europe. I have a Chase Sapphire Preferred which has no foreign transaction fees. Is it worth getting a Wise card just for the ATM withdra… [Previous page](https://community.tourradar.com/c/trip-planning-tips/50.md) [Next page](https://community.tourradar.com/c/trip-planning-tips/50.md?page=2)