Hi, My husband and i are planning to visit seattle and olympic national park in 2 weeks (early june). We want to do easy hikes, relax and cover must visit places. What do you think of those itinerary? Please let us know any recommendations or changes to have more fun and safe experience. Thanks
Day 1 - Drive from seattle to port Angeles. Check in airbnb, explore portangeles and rest. Any recommendations to check out on the way?
Day 2 - Go to hurricane ridge and explore sequim may be lavendar farms? Is it worth it? Any easy hikes that we can do?
Day 3 - start early and explore marymere falls, hike to solduc falls and may be see sunset at lake crescent get some good pictures and drive to forks to stay at airbnb.
Day 4 - Visit hoh rainforest do hall of mosses trial, go to ruby beach and capeflattery for sunset and come back to airbnb for rest.
Day 5 - Drive from forks to bainbridge island and visit bloedel reserve and take ferry back to seattle. Check in hotel and rest.
Day 6 - explore seattle and take rest for the next day early morning flight.

Got a couple huge orders on an island. Had a long drive and ferry to get there. Before getting on the ferry I called the location to make sure there wouldn’t be any issues once I got there. Got there at 8:30pm and they said they can’t release roadies after 8. I told them i called earlier and asked and was told it would be fine. They made a big deal about it being “after their delivery hours” so I asked if i could call the customer to deliver it late, they wouldn’t budge. It was infuriating, also no note of any of this information on the app. This is the only home depot out of 5 in my area that has these “rules”. Anyway, I already checked in at the location and my plan is to stay in the area and return in the morning to get the items. Has anyone been removed from a gig after checking in at a location? I know they send the “if the order isn’t ready” text.

Hi guys I need some advice. I am landing in Nadi at 3pm, will I be able to catch 5:30 pm ferry to Plantation Island Resort or is it going to be difficult? Are there other options to reach the resort? Thanks in advance

Hi!! Going to Mykonos for 4 nights in August, and want to spend another week combining it with other islands.
Thinking of something more nature focused with beautiful beaches/ geography since Mykonos will be party focused. I have been to Naxos, paros, and Santorini before, and loved all (Santorini was a bit crowded when we went though). Would love to go to Corfu or Zakythos, but not sure if it is worth the trek to fly back to Athens and then ferry or fly to Mykonos. Maybe Milos?
Thanks in advance!!

Hi
I'm doing a 5 solo week trip to Japan and Europe from late August to early October, with the last leg in Okinawa. Looking to get some feedback on the Okinawa component as I've heard conflicting reports on the different islands. (I might do a separate post on the mainland Japan leg but that's more locked down).
About me: 27, female, introverted, like exercise, have solo travelled a lot previously, don't drive. I've been to Japan several times before and I've been to Okinawa twice before (although only Naha). I speak intermediate Japanese.
Holiday context: This is a 5 week holiday from work (kind of like long service leave) and the Okinawa component is the last bit of the trip. Intentions for this leg of the trip: chill, scuba dive (have open water licence), snorkel, relax at the beach. I will be tapering as part of training for a half-marathon in mid October so will be doing some short runs throughout (not a huge consideration but a factor).
Below is my itinerary, and then the 2 main questions I have.
Itinerary (Okinawa Component):

• Saturday 21 Sept/Sunday 22 Sept: flight from Barcelona to Tokyo (get in late night Sunday) [BOOKED]. Overnight stay at airport hotel [BOOKED].

1. Ishigaki

• Monday 23 Sept: flight from Tokyo to Ishigaki [BOOKED]. Accommodation near Maesato beach [BOOKED].
• Tuesday 24 Sept: scuba dive - have got a place in mind but open to recommendations. Would like to see a few manta rays.
• Wednesday 24 Sept: day trip to Taketomi / beach etc.

2. Tokashiki(?) or Zamami?

• Thursday 26 Sept: flight from Ishigaki to Naha [not booked - want to confirm next steps]. Ferry to either:
  1. Tokashiki - stay near Tokashiku beach [BOOKED].
  2. Zamami - stay near Ama beach [BOOKED].
• Friday 27 Sept: beach etc.

3. Zamami

• Saturday 28 Sept:
  • If I choose 2.1 (Tokashiki), ferry to Zamami [not booked].
  • If I choose 2.2, stay in Zamami (same location) [BOOKED].
• Sunday 29 Sept: beach etc.
• Monday 30 Sept: beach etc.

4. Going home

• Tuesday 1 Oct: ferry from Zamami to Naha [not booked]. Then either:
  1. stay night in Naha for 1 night [not booked] and fly back to Tokyo on 2 Oct [not booked].
  2. fly back to Tokyo on 1 Oct [not booked] and stay at airport hotel for 1 night [not booked].
• Wednesday 2 Oct: flight from Tokyo home late in the evening [BOOKED].

Questions/Advice:

• Do I do both Tokashiki and Zamami (2.1)? Or do I skip Tokashiki for 2 days and just go straight to Zamami (2.2)?
• Purely from an enjoyment perspective (ignoring risk of missing flights etc), do you reckon its worth staying a night in Naha for 1 night (4.2)? Or should I just go back to Tokyo for the night (4.1)? I probably won't be doing anything other than maybe going for a walk and checking out local sights either way.

Happy for any other feedback.

No late night R between Whitehall St-South Ferry and Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr from May 31 - Jun 3, Fri to Sun, 11:45 PM to 5:45 AM and Sun 11:30 PM to Mon 5 AM
R runs express between Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr and 36 St
R runs between Bay Ridge-95 St and 36 St and express to/from Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr, the last stop.
For Whitehall St-South Ferry, Court St and Jay St-MetroTech, take a Coney Island-bound N or use nearby 4 stations.
For DeKalb Av, take the D, N or Q instead.
For Union St, 4 Av-9 St, Prospect Av and 25 St, take the D or N.

• Transfer at Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr (4, D, N, Q, R) or 36 St (D, N, R)

What's happening?
Structural maintenance

In Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, Astoria-bound N local runs via the Q from DeKalb Av to Canal St from May 31 - Jun 3, Fri 11:45 PM to Sat 6 AM, Sat 10:45 PM to Sun 6 AM and Sun 10:45 PM to Mon 5 AM
In Brooklyn, use nearby Borough Hall (2, 4) for Jay St-MetroTech and Court St.
In Manhattan, use nearby 4 or J stations for Whitehall St-South Ferry, Rector St, Cortlandt St and City Hall.

• Transfer between N and 2, 4 at Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr, Canal St (after 1:30 AM) or 14 St-Union Sq.
  
• Transfer between ‌N and J trains at Canal St.
  

Travel tip:

• For service from Court St and Jay St-MetroTech, take a Coney Island-bound N to DeKalb Av and transfer to a Manhattan-bound N.

Note: At Canal St, uptown ‌N trains stop at the Q platform during this time.
What's happening?
Structural maintenance

I'm new to the island, and was just wondering what the morning/after work rushes look like on the ferry. What time in the morning does the line up start to build to get off the island, and same for leaving Kingston? I realize this might be a vague question, but just hoping to get an idea of when I should get in line, or how I can work around the busy times.

Hello Seattle neighbours! My family and I are visiting from Vancouver BC. We’re staying on Orcas Island Wednesday June 5- Sunday June 9th but all ferry sailings except 8:55PM are already reserved. (Made poor assumptions about how soon to book them!) How early should we go to catch a ferry by drive up? We have 2 toddlers so we really want to avoid an evening sailing.
TIA ☺️

Embark on a personalized small group tour to explore the ancient redwoods of Muir Woods, the charming coastal town of Sausalito, and the panoramic views of Marin Headlands, while enjoying exceptional customer service and a seamless logistics experience.

Introduction to the Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

Embarking on the Muir Woods and Sausalito tour offers an immersive journey through the natural wonders and cultural gems of the San Francisco Bay Area. This tour has garnered a stellar reputation for providing visitors with a well-rounded exploration of some of the region's most iconic destinations. From the towering redwoods of Muir Woods to the charming coastal town of Sausalito and the panoramic views of Marin Headlands, this excursion promises a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to diverse interests and preferences.
One of the key attractions of the Muir Woods and Sausalito tour is its ability to combine nature, culture, and history seamlessly. For instance, visitors can witness the ancient coastal redwoods in Muir Woods, some of which stand over 250 feet tall and date back 800 years, providing a glimpse into the rich ecological heritage of the region. Additionally, the picturesque town of Sausalito beckons with its artistic community, waterfront dining options, and Mediterranean-style architecture, offering a delightful contrast to the serene redwood forest. Furthermore, the panoramic views from Marin Headlands showcase the rugged beauty of Northern California and provide insights into the area's military history during World War II.
The convenience and accessibility of the Muir Woods and Sausalito tour make it a popular choice for tourists looking to maximize their time in the Bay Area. The tour's positive reviews and high visitor satisfaction rates attest to its ability to deliver a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for travelers of all ages. Whether it's exploring the ancient redwoods, indulging in the artistic ambiance of Sausalito, or admiring the coastal vistas from Marin Headlands, this tour promises unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the natural and cultural heritage of San Francisco.
Click here to explore this tour now.

Muir Woods: Ancient Redwoods Experience

In Muir Woods, visitors are greeted by a majestic forest populated by coastal redwoods, also known as Sequoia sempervirens, a species unique to this region. These towering giants, reaching heights of over 250 feet, create a canopy that filters sunlight to the forest floor, fostering a tranquil and serene ambiance. The peacefulness of the redwood forest provides a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of urban life, offering a sanctuary for visitors to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Beyond their sheer size and age, the coastal redwoods in Muir Woods play a vital ecological role in supporting a diverse array of plant and animal species. The thick bark of these trees serves as a protective layer against wildfires, while their towering presence creates microclimates that support the growth of ferns, mosses, and lichens. The interdependence of flora and fauna within the redwood ecosystem underscores the delicate balance that exists within this ancient forest, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to preserve these natural wonders for future generations.
Visitors to Muir Woods not only have the opportunity to marvel at the grandeur of the redwoods but also to immerse themselves in the rich history and cultural significance of the area. The Coastal Miwok people, indigenous to this region, have a deep connection to the land, and their presence is felt in the valleys of Marin Headlands. Exploring Muir Woods offers a glimpse into the intertwined narratives of nature and humanity, providing a holistic understanding of the redwood forest's ecological importance and cultural heritage.

Sausalito: Charming Coastal Town

Sausalito, with its scenic waterfront and artistic community, offers a charming contrast to the ancient redwoods of Muir Woods. This coastal town is renowned for its Mediterranean-style architecture, colorful houseboats, and panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. Visitors can explore the town's quaint streets lined with galleries, boutiques, and cafes, immersing themselves in the vibrant arts scene that defines Sausalito's cultural identity.
The artistic spirit of Sausalito is palpable in its numerous galleries, showcasing a diverse range of works by local and international artists. For instance, the historic Industrial Center Building houses studios and galleries where visitors can interact with artists and witness creative processes firsthand. The artistic community in Sausalito fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, making it a hub for artistic expression and cultural exchange. Additionally, the town's annual art festivals and events attract visitors from near and far, further solidifying Sausalito's reputation as a dynamic and creative enclave.
Sausalito's culinary scene is equally enticing, with waterfront restaurants offering a plethora of dining options that cater to every palate. From fresh seafood to international cuisine, visitors can indulge in a gastronomic journey while enjoying stunning views of the bay and the San Francisco skyline. The fusion of art, architecture, and culinary delights in Sausalito creates a vibrant tapestry of experiences that captivates visitors and leaves a lasting impression of this charming coastal town.

Marin Headlands: Panoramic Views

The Marin Headlands, with its sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the rugged coastline of Northern California, offer a visual feast for visitors on the Muir Woods and Sausalito tour. The panoramic views from this vantage point provide a breathtaking glimpse into the natural beauty and geographical diversity of the Bay Area. Guests can witness the interplay of land and sea, marvel at the engineering marvel of the Golden Gate Bridge, and appreciate the untouched splendor of the coastal landscape.
Aside from its scenic allure, Marin Headlands holds a rich historical legacy that adds depth to the tour experience. During World War II, the headlands played a crucial role in defending the San Francisco Bay Area, with remnants of military installations still visible today. Visitors can explore these historic sites, gaining insights into the area's wartime significance and the resilience of the communities that once inhabited this rugged terrain.
A visit to the Coastal Miwok valleys in Marin Headlands offers a cultural immersion into the indigenous history of the region. The Coastal Miwok people have inhabited these lands for centuries, leaving behind traces of their presence in the form of petroglyphs and shell mounds. By exploring these valleys, visitors can appreciate the rich cultural tapestry that defines the Bay Area, connecting with the land's original inhabitants and gaining a deeper understanding of the region's indigenous heritage. The Marin Headlands, with its blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural relevance, encapsulates the diverse and multifaceted appeal of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Tour Details and Options

The Muir Woods and Sausalito tour offers a range of details and options to cater to the diverse interests and preferences of visitors. The tour company specializes in providing small group tours, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for guests. This small group setting allows for meaningful interactions with knowledgeable guides, who share insights and stories about the landmarks visited during the tour, enhancing the overall experience for participants.
In addition to standalone tours, guests can choose from a variety of combo options that combine the Muir Woods and Sausalito experience with other attractions in the Bay Area. For example, combo tours that include visits to San Francisco City, Alcatraz, or Wine Country offer travelers the flexibility to tailor their itinerary to align with their interests. These customizable options allow visitors to create a comprehensive and well-rounded exploration of the region, ensuring that each tour is unique and tailored to individual preferences.
Rates for the Muir Woods and Sausalito tour vary based on the chosen options and inclusions, with prices ranging from $79 to $239 per adult. These pricing options cater to different budgets and preferences, making the tour accessible to a wide range of travelers seeking a memorable and enriching experience in the San Francisco Bay Area. Furthermore, the tour company's commitment to providing a personalized and enjoyable experience underscores its dedication to ensuring that guests have a seamless and immersive journey through the region's most iconic destinations.

Tour Experience and Inclusions

The Muir Woods and Sausalito tour promises a comprehensive and enriching experience that goes beyond sightseeing. In addition to guided walks through the redwood forest, visitors have the opportunity to explore Muir Woods at their own pace, soaking in the natural beauty and tranquility of the surroundings. This free time allows guests to connect with nature on a deeper level, fostering a sense of appreciation and awe for the ancient redwoods and the unique ecosystem they support.
The tour provides insights into the ecological importance of the redwood forest, highlighting conservation efforts and sustainability practices aimed at preserving this natural wonder for future generations. By learning about the challenges and successes in protecting the redwoods, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the delicate balance required to maintain the ecological integrity of Muir Woods. The tour's focus on education and awareness enhances the overall experience, empowering guests to become stewards of the environment and advocates for conservation efforts.
The knowledgeable guides on the Muir Woods and Sausalito tour play a pivotal role in elevating the visitor experience. These guides not only share fascinating stories and historical facts about the landmarks visited but also create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere that fosters meaningful connections with the surroundings. By weaving narratives into the tour experience, guides bring the sites to life, offering a more immersive and memorable journey for participants. The personal touch and expertise provided by these guides contribute to the tour's positive reviews and high visitor satisfaction rates, making it a standout choice for those seeking a deeper appreciation of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Transportation and Logistics

The transportation and logistics of the Muir Woods and Sausalito tour are carefully planned to ensure a seamless and comfortable journey for all participants. The tour includes transportation by luxury coach, offering guests a relaxing and scenic ride through the Bay Area. The luxury coach provides a comfortable and spacious environment, allowing travelers to sit back, relax, and enjoy the picturesque views along the way.
Additionally, the option to return to San Francisco via ferry from Sausalito adds a touch of charm to the tour experience, allowing visitors to savor the beauty of the bay from a different perspective. The ferry ride offers a unique vantage point of the San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island, enhancing the overall journey and providing a memorable conclusion to the day's explorations. The convenience of transportation options, including the luxury coach and ferry ride, adds value to the tour by offering diverse modes of travel that cater to different preferences and interests.
The departure times for the Muir Woods and Sausalito tour are scheduled to accommodate various schedules and preferences. With morning and afternoon options available, guests can select the timing that best suits their itinerary, ensuring flexibility and convenience. This thoughtful approach to scheduling allows visitors to optimize their time at each destination, maximizing their exploration of Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Marin Headlands. By providing comfortable transportation and flexible logistics, the tour company aims to enhance the overall experience and create lasting memories for all participants.

Reviews and Testimonials

Reviews and testimonials from past guests highlight the exceptional quality and value of the Muir Woods and Sausalito tour, underscoring its popularity and positive reputation. Many visitors commend the tour guides for their knowledge, professionalism, and engaging storytelling. For example, one reviewer mentioned how their guide shared captivating narratives about the history of Marin Headlands, adding depth and context to the tour experience. The guides' ability to connect with guests and provide meaningful insights enhances the overall journey and fosters a sense of appreciation for the destinations visited.
Reviews often praise the tour company for its attention to detail, seamless logistics, and commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism practices in the Bay Area. Guests appreciate the thoughtfulness that goes into planning each aspect of the tour, from transportation arrangements to guided walks and free time for exploration. The tour's dedication to providing an enriching and eco-conscious travel experience resonates with visitors, inspiring them to engage with the environment respectfully and mindfully. By prioritizing sustainability and responsible tourism, the tour company sets a standard for ethical travel practices and demonstrates a commitment to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Testimonials highlight the exceptional customer service provided by the tour guides, adding a personal touch to the experience. Guests often mention the guides' friendliness, professionalism, and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a memorable trip for everyone. This personalized approach to guest interactions creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that sets the tour apart from other travel experiences. The positive reviews and testimonials reflect the tour's dedication to customer satisfaction and its ability to create meaningful and lasting memories for all participants.

Booking and Reservations

Booking and reservations for the Muir Woods and Sausalito tour are made easy and convenient through the tour company's online platform. The user-friendly booking system allows guests to secure their spots in advance, providing peace of mind and ensuring a seamless planning process. Travelers can browse available tour options, select their preferred dates and times, and make reservations with just a few clicks, simplifying the booking process and streamlining itinerary planning.
The tour company offers flexible booking policies to accommodate changes in travel plans and ensure a hassle-free experience for visitors. Guests can make adjustments to their reservations if needed, providing greater flexibility and convenience for those navigating evolving travel schedules. The tour operator's commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in its responsive and accommodating booking procedures, which aim to provide a stress-free and enjoyable journey for all participants.
Additionally, recommendations for booking early during peak seasons are provided to guarantee availability and avoid disappointment due to limited capacity. By planning ahead and securing reservations in advance, travelers can ensure that they have a spot on the tour and can look forward to an enriching and memorable experience. The tour company's proactive approach to booking and reservations underscores its commitment to providing guests with a seamless and enjoyable travel experience, from start to finish.

Unforgettable Memories Await

The Muir Woods and Sausalito tour stands as a beacon of exploration, offering visitors a gateway to a world of natural wonders, cultural treasures, and historical insights in the San Francisco Bay Area. From the ancient redwoods of Muir Woods to the artistic charm of Sausalito and the panoramic views of Marin Headlands, this tour weaves a tapestry of experiences that captivate the senses and ignite the imagination. By embarking on this journey, travelers can immerse themselves in the beauty and diversity of the region, creating lasting memories and forging a deep connection with the landscapes and narratives that define the Bay Area.
The allure of the Muir Woods and Sausalito tour lies not only in its scenic beauty and historical significance but also in its ability to offer a comprehensive and personalized experience for visitors of all ages. The tour's blend of nature, culture, and history provides a multifaceted exploration of the San Francisco Bay Area, allowing guests to delve into the region's rich tapestry of stories and landscapes. Whether it's marveling at the ancient redwoods, strolling through the artistic enclave of Sausalito, or gazing upon the rugged coastline from Marin Headlands, every moment on this tour is an opportunity to create enduring memories and deepen one's connection to the natural and cultural heritage of the Bay Area.
Click here to book this tour now.
Exploring Yosemite in Style: Private Hummer Tour 2024 Guide
Discover the Southwest: An Exclusive 3-Day Tour

I'm planning on visiting Boston for 3 days next month and doing a day trip to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Since I'm not planning on hiking or doing any water activities and just want to stroll and enjoy the shops, is it possible to do Nantucket and MV in a day? I saw there's a ferry that goes between both islands. Also trying to squeeze in both in one day so that I don't have to travel to and from Boston two days in a row.
Also, what is the best way to get from Boston to the islands? From what I've seen, flying is fastest but not the cheapest and we don't plan on renting a car, so the other option would be to take a bus to Woods Hole then a ferry, but the bus takes about 3 hours, plus a one hour ferry.

My wife(33), my 2 sons(10 & 12)and myself(34) are planning a road trip from Sonoma County(California) up to Anchorage this July. We are trying to figure out a good path to take to maximize cool experiences while also not having to be in a hurry the whole time due to time constraints. We will have 19 days available to us to get from home in Sonoma County up to Anchorage and back to Spokane Washington. Some things we would like to do would be ferrying around from Seattle area potentially checking out spots like Olympic NP, Vancouver Island etc. We would also potentially like to see Juneau but this may add too much drive time into the trip making it more of a slog than it already will be.
A couple of additional details...
We have a rooftop tent and would like to do mostly car camping along the way. We have done a lot of BLM camping since the boys were little so we are comforatable with this setup. Hotels here and there will be necessary for showers but only every 3rd or 4th day or so. We can hit truckstop showers if the boys start getting too ripe in the backseats.
The boys will be flying from Anchorage to Spokane to be picked up by their grandmother after being up there for a couple of days. This means it will be just my wife and I on the way back. Alaska was supposed to be our honeymoon so I guess the drive back will be it. Looking forward to seeing and doing some rad things together on the way back as well.
Hopefully this is an appropriate subreddit for a question like this. If not please try and point me in a better direction. Thank you.

Just a general overview of my personal experience traveling to Albania from the United States (NYC). Before i get into the itinerary I just want to say how great the country and the people were, this post will be full of recommendations, and in general me and my gf found this trip to be incredible, and we will be recommending the destination to any friends or family who will listen:
General:
We went in the middle of May, airfare was extremely cheap and the weather was perfect. Mid to High 70's but still considered off-season so in general bars, beaches and restaurants were not packed (but still good crowd everywhere we went).
Travel:
Best option from NYC was with 1 stop each way in London. 7 hours to London and then just under three to Tirana. Total the trip takes around 12.5 hours including layover, we flew British Airways it was just fine and was very cheap (less than $500 USD round trip per ticket). 5 pm EST flight from NYC got us to Albania at around noon local time.
Still a long travel day but we went straight to Berat. Transportation around Albania is very simple, from the airport you just walk a small distance to a bus with signs for Tirana on it. That bus will then take you to the bus terminal (goes both south and north). Then in the bus terminal you find signs on the busses with city destinations on them. Berat was around a 2 hour bus ride south from the bus terminal. The busses are very small but they get the job done and are very cheap like less than $10 USD (most expensive bus tickets we got were on a coach bus for a 5 hour drive for $18 USD each).
Berat was great, stayed 1.5 days really cool place, highly recommended. Missed out on going to Lili's home made which looks really good. You need to call in advance to reserve and my whatsapp was not cooperating throughout the year but still tons of amazing restaurants and places to grab a bite at every corner.
From Berat its another 2-2.5 hour long bus ride to Gjirokaster, and same deal around 8-10 USD per ticket again. Gets you further south and the city is also very cool. Nightlife even in May was very lively in the main strip and the castle is an option in the morning. From Gjirokaster its only 50 minute drive to Sarande.
You can also take taxis anywhere, the taxi drivers are all very reasonable and dont try and scam/rip off at all. We took alot of taxis in short intervals to (get to bus stations/beaches and because we missed the bus to Sarande). Most of them have decent english, but everyone was really nice and doing good business. Knowing Italian is a decent backup they seem to understand that even when they dont know english.
Sarande is coastal and it brings a totally different experience to the trip. Great seafood. The resorts in May were not packed so we were able to just grab lounge chairs and order food and drinks at the resorts. Not expensive and you have access to the water which was very swimmable even in May. A 25 minute taxi to Pulebardha beach was very worth it, its an awesome rocky style beach.. bit sketchy winding dirt roads to get there but like i said taxi drivers were very professional and all had reliable and newer cars. Awesome beach and 2 restaurants/bars there as well. In Sarande, restaurant called Taverna Fish Filipi, walking distance from the main strip in Sarande, a few blocks off the main road. Amazing food!
From Sarande, its easy by Ferry to get to Corfu in Greece. 60 min ferry runs like twice a day each way and its like $50 USD per ticket. Corfu is really different and fun. 2 Cruise ships were there when we went and it was very busy in old town corfu. Good mix of things to do and eat in the town. Also took a taxi across Corfu to a beach on the other side of the island (Kontogialos Beach), calm and warm waters (temp also hit 86F that day) and you can walk out like 100 yards and still be waist high. Drinks/food and lawn chairs can be bought on the beach too.
Travel back was 30 min speed ferry back to Sarande, 5 hour bus ride to Tirana (stayed the night but just got food and rested up for travel the next day). Cheap and nice Air b n b's near the city though. From the city to the airport is like 25 minutes.
We used Air b n b throughout the trip, nothing fancy but all the locations were clean, easy to book and not too expensive by any means. Hotel Borklad, was one of them in Berat, it was located in the middle of it all and the complimentary breakfast was one of my favorite meals of the trip.
Great part of the world, we did not meet many Americans, but there were tons of young travelers from the UK, Germany and France everywhere we went. Maybe this will tempt others to join.
-TW

My mom and I are visiting for my birthday and are currently staying in St. Ignace. There are 2 activities we really wanted to do on Mackinac Island- the haunted tour and a sunset sip-n-sail. Unfortunately, both of those activities end after the last ferry leaves the Island at 9 pm. We can't stay on the island over night. We've talked to a few locals who have said there are people available for hire who may privately sail us back from the island after 9. Anyone have any leads for a private boat trip back?

Just came back home from an amazing two week trip with a friend, and thought I’d share my experiences while the memory is still very fresh. I found a lot of useful information on this subreddit while preparing for this trip, so I hope this will help some of you as well. We tried to make it a budget trip, which may sound kinda weird as it is an expensive country after all. But we cut costs by sleeping at campsites, cooking our own food instead of eating out and preferring to hike over paid excursions as much as possible.
We rented a Dacia Duster which had the back seats removed so we could sleep in the back. It’s a bit cramped and the first few days it’s a bit of a hassle to move your bags to the front seats when you want to sleep, but eventually you get the hang of it and it's no big deal anymore. You can probably also opt for a minivan for a little bit more space, but to be honest I think you still need to deal with your bags in that case either way.
Our usual day planning was as follows: we got up early (around 7:00-7:30) and left the campsite by 8:00 at latest. This way you beat the crowds at your first destination of the day. And most often you will also beat them at the next destinations, as the touring buses also follow a specific set of activities. We would usually arrive at the next campsite around 16:00. At this time it’s usually still quiet, so no queues at the kitchen (if available) and showers, so we got that all done before everyone else arrived. Then spend the evening reading; sleep early and repeat.
For the food: an easy option for breakfast and lunch is to just buy whole grain bread and some spreads which do not need to be refrigerated (jam, peanut butter, hazelnut chocolate spread). Another cheap option is the “Oat Burst” instant porridge cups which only cost like 1€ at Bónus and only require boiling water. For dinner we usually used either rice or pasta with some canned vegetables (beans, peas, corn) and a jar of sauce (curry madras, tikka masala, chopped tomatoes, asian sweet/sour, and the likes).
To give an indication, we spend the following on the trip:

• Plane ticket: 450€
• Rental car: 1400€ (split in two so 700€ per person)
• Other credit card expenses: 1750€ (campsites, groceries, diesel, paid parking, entrance fees, miscellaneous, also split in two so 875€ per person)

For a total of ~2025€ per person. We drove a total of 2846 kilometers during the trip.
We made an itinerary beforehand, which we could follow for like 95%. I will share it here together with my experiences. Of course we also had a lot of random stops during the trip, but I will only talk about the highlights here. Afterwards I will end with some useful tips.
Day 1: we arrived at the airport around 16:00. After getting our rental car we did some groceries at Bónus and drove straight to Þingvellir Campsite. Showers and toilets were modern and very well maintained by the park rangers. No kitchen available. Campsite is also pretty big, so we had a quiet corner without any other campers nearby.
Day 2: we first went to Þingvellir, which was only like a five minute drive. Keep in mind the speed limit within the park is 50, even though it looks like a 70/90 road. We parked at P2, which is free before 9:00 (otherwise 800 ISK or so). We walked to the viewpoint and also to the Öxarárfoss. Then we drove to Kerið, paid 500 ISK entry fee per person and walked around the rim and lake. At first I wasn’t too sure it would be worth the price, but we had beautiful sunny weather which made the water color really stand out. Next up was Strokkur, which surprisingly didn’t have paid parking. We saw it erupt quite a few times, which takes around 5-10 minutes; can recommend trying to get a burst shot in with your camera. Lastly we went to Gullfoss. It was starting to get windy, so we got pretty wet by the spray, but it also allowed us to snap some beautiful rainbows. We then ate the lamb soup at the nearby cafe, which was delicious although a bit salty for my personal taste. Our campsite for the night was Hellishólar. Didn’t like this one so much. It was the most expensive one during our trip and the facilities were rather poor. No kitchen and the showers were so cramped that we didn’t even bother to use them.
Day 3: the next day we went to Seljalandsfoss (and Gljufrabui). Road 250 is unpaved, so another option is to drive back to Hvolsvöllur and take the ring road instead. There was a parking fee of 1000 ISK. It was really nice to walk behind the waterfall although you will get wet. To get to Gljufrabui you literally need to walk through the water (and some step stones), so having decent hiking shoes is highly recommended. Because we were early we were almost alone, so we could snap some really nice pictures. Next up was Skógafoss. We went up the stairs, which takes quite the effort I can tell. At this point a storm started to hit the island (orange alert), so it was getting pretty windy. Afterwards we went to Sólheimajökull, which also had a parking fee of 1000 ISK. We needed to walk about 1km, but we had crazy headwinds due to the storm so it took a while. The glacier was pretty far away from the viewpoint, but still nice to see it considering they unfortunately won’t be around forever. Then we arrived at Dyrhólaey. The road to the top viewpoint was closed due to the extreme winds. We could barely see the arch in the rocks anymore because the sea was going so crazy. We originally also had a plan to go to Reynisfjara, but we had to skip it due to the weather conditions getting too bad. We snapped some pictures at Eldhraun and then went to the campsite Kirkjubær II. It had a nice common room kitchen with some tables. You had to pay an extra 300 ISK for a shower though. It was timed to 3 minutes, you couldn’t change the temperature and you also couldn’t pause the water, so you had to hurry up.
Day 4: the wind was gone, but it was still rainy. First we backtracked a little bit to Fjaðrárgljúfur, which had one of the best views during our entire trip! Also paid parking of 1000 ISK here, and the amount of parking spots is quite limited. We then went to Svartifoss which was another 1000 ISK parking fee. The hike is about 2.5km, which may not seem much, but the path is pretty steep up a hill, so requires quite some effort. Afterwards we went to Jökulsárlón. Another 1000 ISK parking fee here, but if you park at Svartifoss the same day you get a 50% discount. Saw some beautiful blue ice in the water and some seals. We couldn’t see the glacier due to fog. We also walked under the bridge towards the beach to spot some ice crystals. We camped at Höfn. The common room was quite nice and warm. The outdoor facilities were still closed though, which resulted in only one shower being available for like 40 campers. So there was a long queue and we didn’t bother. I believe you also had to pay extra for it here.
Day 5: a day mainly dedicated to driving, and the sun finally returned! Close to the campsite was Stokksnes. They charge you 1000 ISK per person to enter a small area to view the Vesturhorn. I was really doubting whether a couple pictures would be worth about 15€. But luckily nature helped me decide, as the mountain was covered in clouds when we arrived at the gate, so we just left. We drove along the coast and then onto road 939, which is an unpaved mountain pass with snow beside the road! Was a really nice and relaxing drive. We then went to Hengifoss. Another hike onto a steep hill. The waterfall might not be as impressive as others, and the red rock bands aren’t that clearly visible like in most oversaturated pictures online, but I still really liked this hike. The west trail was closed for maintenance, but to be honest the eastern trail looked better anyway. The final part you have to jump over the river a few times, so try to not get wet! The campsite for today was at Egilsstaðir. It had a nice big kitchen with couches. The showers were disgusting though. The floor was sticky and there was some brown mold all over the walls.
Day 6: we drove to Hafnarhólmi at Borgarfjörður eystri to watch puffins. Quite a remote drive over a mountain. We arrived around 10:00 and there were literally hundreds of puffins. Some were less than one meter from the walkway, allowing you to make close ups even with your phone. I still recommend a camera with optical zoom and/or binoculars though. Next up was Stuðlagil canyon. Seeing a picture of this was the reason to book this trip. Don’t go to the viewpoint on the west side. Judging from its location I don’t think you can see much there and you can’t enter the canyon. Drive over the bridge and drive along east to reach a parking lot. From this point it’s like half an hour of hiking, but the path is almost flat so it’s really easy. The walkway into the canyon itself was pretty muddy, so for that I would recommend hiking boots. We camped at Fjalladyrd, a remote farm with some buildings like a church and turf houses. The campsite wasn’t really open yet, so facilities were limited. The kitchen had no running water yet, so to get water we had to walk like 100m over a field exposed to wind. Also the kitchen and toilets were not heated, which made it a bit of a miserable experience at some moments.
Day 7: we went to Dettifoss, westside by road 862. Apparently there is also a spot on the east, but I don’t think the views would be much better there, and that road is unpaved I heard. Was a fun hike through snow. Also don’t forget the small detour to Selfoss. Next we went to Krafla. Unfortunately the lake was still frozen when we arrived, so there wasn’t much to see of the blue color. Close to it was Námafjall, where they charged a ridiculous 1200 ISK to park, but I am still glad we did it though. Boiling mud pools, sulfur smokers, mars-like landscape, the smell… it’s just something you won’t find in a lot of places on earth. So do yourself a favor and don’t miss out even though the admission fee is high. We then went to Mývatn Nature Baths and spent a good 2.5 hours there. Still pricey, but cheaper than Blue Lagoon and less tourists, hence why we had chosen this one. We didn’t book in advance. To enter the baths you have to change and shower nude in public. Personally I don’t care, but I know some people do, hence why I mention it. We planned to camp at Mývatn Bjorg, but the campsite was still closed. So we ended up at the nearby Mývatn Vogar. It had a nice big kitchen with lots of tables. The hot water smells like sulfur though. There were also a lot of insects on the campsite, so if you had the car door open for just a couple of seconds there would be tons of bugs inside…
Day 8: near the campsite we had a short stop at Grjótagjá, which is a cave with nice blue water. The water is really hot, so be careful to not fall in! We then hiked at Dimmuborgir. You can take multiple routes, but by all means do not miss out on the blue track, as it’s the most interesting one. On the signs it was listed as challenging, taking 1.5-2 hours, but we finished it in like 40 minutes while also taking a lot of stops for photos, so I’m not sure what’s up with that. We then hiked to Hverfjall. Tip: do not take the southern slope like we did. It rises 145m over 600m on pebbles, and it was just a miserable experience. We hiked for about 12km; if you don’t want to hike as much you can move your car to the volcano instead. We camped at Mánárbakki campsite and all I can say is that this guy is a hero. When we arrived he noted that one of our front tyres was in very poor condition and probably wouldn’t last another 50km. We were allowed to park the car in his shed and borrow tools (impact wrench, car jack, air compressor) to easily swap the tyre. Beautiful view on the sea and also by far the cleanest and best equipped kitchen during our trip.
Day 9: we had a 3 hour whale watching trip in Húsavík with Gentle Giants. We booked it before leaving for Iceland. We were really lucky with the weather: blue sky and almost 20°C. Spotted three humpback whales, one of which would surface every 20 seconds instead of the usual 5 minutes, so that was really nice. On the way back we also saw some white-beaked dolphins. With your ticket you also get discounts at various stores in the town. We then went to Goðafoss, which was right next to the road (also nice for once). Most tour buses parked to the east of it, but we were at the west and to be honest I think that is a much better view. We camped at Hofsós, a bit of a detour, but at least it was more quiet than the other campsites. Clean facilities. The shower drain was too slow and would flood the room if you showered for too long.
Day 10: next up was the Glaumbær museum. We weren’t sure it was worth the entry fee (2000 ISK per person) at first as it looked rather small, but we still did visit it anyway. I’m glad we did, because the interior was way bigger than I anticipated and I really liked it. Then something we didn’t plan: we stopped to eat lunch and stumbled upon Þrístapar. At this site the last death penalty in Iceland was executed. There was some pathway with storyboards to read and I thought it was rather interesting. Next we went to Hvítserkur, and all I can say is: please, don’t. Road 711/717 is an unpaved mess with potholes and washboard texture which you have to drive for 20km (and back). And when you arrive at the rock viewpoint it is some tiny rock really far away. Not worth the effort in my opinion. We also had a short stop at Kolugljúfur, where you can take some nice pictures of a canyon. We then drove to Reykhólar campsite to prepare for the fjords. It’s a bit remote and there wasn’t any reception. We couldn’t shower, as I think you normally have to do that at the nearby pool, but it was closed that day. Near the campsite were a lot of different birds, so if you like bird watching this is definitely a place you should check out.
Day 11: a lot of driving this day, but no problem due to the beautiful views of the fjords. We drove the southern route over road 60. We went to visit Dynjandi. By far the most beautiful waterfall we saw during our trip. Once road 60 goes northbound there’s road constructions. I think they are trying to make the waterfall more accessible with a new road. But be prepared to drive 30km of unpaved road full of potholes while also dodging construction workers. Next we checked out Garðar BA 64 for some cool pictures. We camped at Melanes campsite. It was just so remote and peaceful. We walked over the Rauðisandur beach in the evening. Beautiful brown/black sand patterns made by the wind. We tried to spot seals during low tide, but unfortunately didn’t see any.
Day 12: we drove back to Brjánslækur and took the ferry at 12:00. We booked the day before, and I’m glad we did because it was pretty much full. We checked out Kirkjufell, but it was covered in clouds so it was not that interesting. We parked at the viewpoint to the east, which is free. The closer parking is paid, but I don’t think that is worth it, unless you also want to see the nearby small waterfall (we didn’t bother). We camped at Ólafsvík, which had a rather small but nicely maintained kitchen and shower. You couldn’t change the temperature and had to keep pressing to keep it going, but it was alright.
Day 13: first we visited Saxhóll, which was a fun short stop, but at this point I already saw so many beautiful things that I thought this was a bit meh. Next up was Djúpalónssandur, which is a nice black pebble beach, which has a beautiful sound when the waves retract. There was also some stone lifting sailor game, which can be rather fun if you are with a group. We then parked our car at the Hellnar viewpoint and walked along the coast to see birds, and also to see the Gatklettur stone arch. If you don’t want to hike you can also park your car closer at Arnarstapi instead. Finally we went to Ytri-Tunga to watch some more seals. You had to pay 750 ISK to park for “road maintenance”, but the road to the parking had the most potholes per m² of our whole trip… The seals were pretty far away, but we still managed to shoot some nice pictures, including a cute baby seal. We camped at Akranes, which didn’t really have a kitchen, but we did read books at the washing machines as that room was heated.
Day 14: the final day was for Reykjavík. In the morning it was raining, so we visited Perlan first. A bit pricey, but the ice cave and northern light show was pretty cool. Spent about 2.5 hours there. We then dropped the car off at the Stjörnuport Parking Garage, which is only like 100 ISK per hour. Went into the city to visit the Hallgrimskirkja and to walk around the main streets. At this point the volcano near Grindavik got active again, so we hit the road and parked near the highway exit at Grindavik (Memorial board B-24). The lava was pretty far away, but you could see it bursting out with the naked eye and also managed to snap some pictures. Definitely an experience of a lifetime and a nice finale. We then stayed at the Vogar campsite, as we had a really early flight the next day, so we just chose it because it was close to the airport. Didn’t use any of the facilities.
And before I finish, I’d like to share some tips for your trip:

• If your rental company offers foldable chairs/tables to take with you: don’t. We only used them once, because often it’s windy and thus too cold. Also most rest stops have tables and most campsites have a kitchen, so you don’t need it and it’s just a hassle to have them in the car all the time.
• You also don’t really need to take a gas stove with you, if you can live with the risk that perhaps 1-2 days you won’t have a hot meal (or plan campsites more carefully). We barely used ours and just cooked in the communal kitchens instead.
• Talking about cooking, most campsites we were at had an induction cooking plate, so make sure you have a suitable pan for it.
• Not necessarily needed to buy toilet paper, available at every wc.
• The N1 gas station promotion booklets contain 6 coupons for free coffee, so if you can get your hands on a few of them (e.g. at your renting company) you have a nice supply all around the island.
• Campsites near the airport have a lot of leftover food from other travelers. Now I wouldn’t take already opened cartons of milk personally (you don’t know how long it has been there), but taking things like pasta, rice, sealed products and the likes works pretty well.
• Don’t bother to bring an umbrella, the wind will just destroy it. Rain ponchos are an option, but to be honest just bring a decent rain proof jacket or rain coat.
• We didn’t have any cash money during the trip, cards all worked just fine.
• Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, even though the UV index is low, the reflecting snow and water still burns you easily when sunny.
• Close your car doors at any time! Random gusts of wind may ruin your hinges and possibly result in huge fines from your rental company.
• Bring a car USB charger for your phone. Like 90% of the time we charged our phones while driving.

I booked a camping trip at Moran State Park for the weekend after next. I booked the campsite several months ago, but I did not realize how early I needed to make my ferry reservations. According to the WSDOT website, I can still try to book reservations for getting to Orcas and back on the third tier release date (2 days before sailing date). How feasible is it to get a reservation here? Am I totally screwed? Am I going to get stuck on the island at the end of the weekend? Any advice is much appreciated.

How would you compare Roosevelt Island Sportspark vs the LIC YMCA for family or open swim times? the YMCA seemed crowded when we went last. Based on where we live, both seem to be about equidistant (we would take the Ferry to get to the Sportspark). We are trying to consider where to get memberships. We have 1 five year old kid. Thank you!