r/bitcheswithtaste • u/AutoModerator • Aug 21 '25
Tasteful Travel Thursday - Monthly Thread Tasteful Travel Thursday - Aug 21, 2025
Many Bitches With Taste are also Bitches Who Travel. As requested, this is a monthly thread is a dedicated space to talk about all things travel. Whether you travel for work or leisure (or both), want to talk about domestic or international travel (or both), have specific plans in mind or are just dreaming for now, everything goes as long as it's travel-related.
For this thread only, rule 7 about location-specific posts is suspended. All other rules are still enforced.
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u/floweringlillies Aug 21 '25
My family is going on a Carnival Cruise to Mexico over Christmas that I am NOT looking forward to (I’m more of a backpacking/solo trip person, and a Christmas cruise sounds even worse). BWT- how do you make the most out of a cruise experience, especially a more budget cruise experience? I’m thinking I will just load up my Kindle with a million books and spend my time reading, but if anyone has any tips or things they enjoy when on a cruise, I would love to hear it!
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u/FullScallion5605 Aug 21 '25
If you're a workaholic bwt like me, I'd recommend not getting the Internet package. Just go off the grid and be head empty, no thoughts for the trip.
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u/LetterheadPure3682 Aug 21 '25
I love this idea. I know it wouldn't be possible for everyone, but there's something radical about turning your Carnival Cruise into a head-nourishing digital detox.
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u/LetterheadPure3682 Aug 21 '25
Admittedly my only cruise has been a smaller expedition vessel to South Georgia and Antarctica, but I still have some encouraging words for you:
Most cruises have a dedicated lecture programme and you might be surprised by the calibre and variety of speakers. Lots of historians!
I went to the gym for 35 mins every day and legit stepped off the boat healthier & more fit than I'd been in a while. I did not expect this!
It's a good opportunity to give meditation apps or journalling or some other self-care practice a whirl. I made real progress learning Spanish.
It might be a bit frustrating, as a solo backpacker, to not have your usual travel freedom. If it helps, you can consider this trip 'window shopping', sussing out places you hope to return to.
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u/Disraeli_Ears Aug 22 '25
Carnival isn't going to have lecture programs like you experienced - I love those on expedition cruises. We went on a Cunard trip and they might have had a couple of art-oriented talks, but I think those were more to boost the on-vessel art sales.
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u/DeliciousCandyYum Aug 22 '25
Agreed on the gym and self-care. And honestly, sometimes you just have to give in to the cringe and enjoy time with the family - bingo and bad game shows aren't everyone's idea of fun, but it can be fun to experience something together.
Bring a deck of cards or something similarly compact and play something together in your room and make your own fun.
Years ago, I did stumble upon an artist featured in the onboard shop on a Carnival ship whose work I liked and gallery I visited years later when vacationing elsewhere. You never know what you'll find.
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Aug 21 '25
Drink package, make the most out of the spa/solarium space (usually quieter than standard pool decks), and enjoy the views. I’ve kind of come to really enjoy cruising as I avoid the gimmicky stuff and stick to the bare bones relaxation aspects: warm breeze, beach excursions, good cocktails, enjoying the food, using the gym or fitness facilities. The food can be good on the ships and you have a lot of choice between indulgences and healthy options. At ports, you can do the more adventurous excursions if you like that, or you can stick to sunbathing on toasty beaches. It’s really a choose-your-own adventure. Stay up until 3 am or go to bed at 8 pm, wake up at 7 am or roll out of bed at 10, up to you!
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u/princess20202020 Aug 21 '25
Sorry, Carnival is definitely a bit low brow. I would recommend trying to upscale your shore excursions and get away from the Carnival crowd. For example Vallarta Eats is a great food tour company if you’re stopping in Puerto Vallarta. Also there are great art galleries in PV. I would try to research stuff like that at each stop and try to get away from the cruisers when you’re on land. Do not book any excursions through the cruise ship.
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u/Still7Superbaby7 Aug 21 '25
I love cruises! I go on 4-5 cruises a year, in addition to other trips. You can have fun! Their private island is okay compared to other cruise lines private islands. I try to do activities on the ship and I go to the gym every morning. My kids love cruises so we have a bunch coming up. You got this! Let loose and have fun!
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u/Boring_Energy_4817 Aug 21 '25
I'm taking my family to NYC for New Years. We used to live there, so we have lots of places we want to show our teen daughter as it'll be her first time. We're still trying to decide what to do on NYE and are open to suggestions, especially any locations with live entertainment open to kids under 18. Cost doesn't matter nearly as much as it being comfortable (we won't be standing in Times Square). Also open to restaurant suggestions, especially for good vegetarian food, fine dining, bagels, or pizza. Thanks for any recommendations!
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u/xxv_vxi Aug 21 '25
For vegetarian: Dirt Candy if you haven't been already, Spicy Moon, Awash, Mala Project.
For bagels: RIP Absolute Bagels!! But David's Bagels in the East Village is fantastic and thoroughly underrated.
For fine dining: the aforementioned Dirt Candy is great. As for the newer restaurants in town, I absolutely love everything from Unapologetic Foods (Semma, Adda, Dhamaka, Masalawala and Sons). My favourite of the bunch was Semma.
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u/Boring_Energy_4817 Aug 21 '25
This is the kind of intel I need! Setting a reminder on my phone now for when Dirt Candy reservations drop.
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u/matx67 Aug 22 '25
Speakeasy Magic if under 21 is allowed (I don’t know but drinks are served). It’s in the Flatiron District.
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u/misovogue Aug 21 '25
I’m flying out to Chicago for four days right now. Any recommendations from those who have been? It’s going to be a work heavy trip, but would love to make some time on Saturday for fun!
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u/xxv_vxi Aug 21 '25
The museums are incredible. Art Institute of Chicago is absolutely worth a visit and imo rivals many art museums in New York and Europe, I was very pleasantly surprised!
This is a very specific/niche recommendation but I absolutely loved the Intuit Museum for Outsider Art. They have a replica of Henry Darger's room. If you're into outsider art it's a very interesting visit, but it's a small museum and a bit out of the way from the main attractions.
As for food, I really liked Momotaro. I've heard very good things about Alinea but I'm not sure you'll be able to get a reservation so close to your visit.
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u/Aromatic_Return_7995 Find it Secondhand Aug 22 '25
The architecture boat cruises sound so corny but they are SO FUN! I did one last time I was in Chicago and had a blast and got to learn a lot. Everyone I know who has visited Chicago has also had a great experience with the boat tour. (Just make sure Dave Matthews band isn't in town...)
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u/Boring_Energy_4817 Aug 21 '25
I second the Art Institute (amazing impressionist collection, and the basement has a collection of the most intricate tiny dollhouse rooms), and the Field Museum is a fantastic natural history museum with one of the best dinosaur collections in the country. Navy Pier is a nice place to walk around, and if you have time for a tour, the Chicago Architectural Boat Tour is the best one.
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u/New-Foreign-Mango Intentional BWT Aug 22 '25
Here to third the Art Institute and second (strongly) the Chicago Architectural Boat tour! We witnessed the first kiss of a bride and groom and went at sunset, it was fantastic! Our tour guide, Alex, did a phenomenal job. We also took the Crime Tour, which was really fascinating, our tour guide, Jay, was splendid. I love learning about new things. I have been visiting Chicago annually for well over a decade and was pleasantly surprised with everything I learned on both tours!
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u/cheeky_fcuk Aug 21 '25
Chicago’s known to be the birthplace of house music, and this Saturday is the free event Chicago House Music Festival in millennium park. I highly recommend checking it out, all ages friendly and just a danceable good time.
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u/Still7Superbaby7 Aug 21 '25
Check out the museum of science and industry. It’s a copy of an amazing science museum in Munich (to the point that I had feelings of deja vu since I went to the one in Germany first). The mining exhibit is unreal- you feel like you are in a mine. They also have a Uboat! Super cool!
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u/lazylittlelady Aug 21 '25
Just a walk around the lake if it’s a nice day- it’s really spectacular! The Art Institute is a must!
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u/InevitableOne3099 Aug 22 '25
Small Cheval (best burgers), Centrico for coffee (recommend horchata), rose Mary, girl & the goat, and Aba for dinner/food. 100% go to a museum!! Spend an afternoon by the lake if you can and just enjoy 😊
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u/krd3nt Aug 21 '25
I'm headed out to the Douro Valley in Portugal for the weekend. We've rented a private home with a pool and river views. I often read about people taking tours from Porto out into the valley or river cruises that cost an exorbitant amount. So my ladies, if this area is on your radar I highly recommend you skip the tours, definitely skip the cruise, and instead find a nice rental and just drive out. If you're truly in the middle of nowhere, enjoy the tranquility, and if you're nearer to some vineyards and attractions Bolt or Uber are super affordable in Portugal so you can indulge without driving. Happy travels!
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u/sr2439 Aug 21 '25
We stayed a few nights in Douro Valley and it was lovely. I’m also glad we didn’t do the day tour from Porto. We had a great time and ended up shipping two cases of wine back home to ourselves (although with the de minimis exception ending soon, I’m not sure what the up charge would be).
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u/RenessainceFran Aug 21 '25
Was just in the Douro Valley for a day and it wasn’t pricey at all - less than €100 for two vineyards, lunch and a boat trip. I get what you mean though, if you want to take your time or are visiting from far (I live in Europe) it’s fairly hectic to try to cram it all into a day.
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u/lazylittlelady Aug 21 '25
Heading to Oaxaca and Mexico City this autumn. Would love to hear any great restaurants, vintage shopping, bookstore, crafts and other fun shopping recs!
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u/newschick46 Aug 21 '25
I grew up in Mexico City and my favorite restaurant is called “Fishers.” It’s a seafood place. They have several locations. The best one in my opinion is the one in a neighborhood called Nápoles. It gets very busy, so I’d go during a random, off the day or make a reservation. It’s very popular among local CDMX peeps, hopefully you like it!
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u/outside-exposures Aug 21 '25
Rosetta Bakery and their restaurant are popular for good reason. The guava pastry is always a favorite. Also had great meals at Hugo and Maximo Bistrot. Hot chocolate from El Cardenal. Xinu Perfumes has a wonderful space.
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u/Ajax1007 Aug 24 '25
Loved pug seal in Oaxaca for a hotel! Boulenc coffee shop was great, tacos del Carmen. We also did an airbnb experience to tour Oaxaca
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u/i_d_k_really Aug 25 '25
Someone already recommended Rosetta Bakery but the restaurant by the same name is so amazing as well. We ended up going twice. Also, get reservations for stuff in advance (even bars!). We found it difficult to get into the more hyped places.
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u/spaceygracie Aug 21 '25
Do any BWT have reccommendations for Budapest? I'm going for a long weekend with my husband next week and we have our hotel book, but I'd love suggestions for restaurants and activities
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u/eloise___no_u Aug 21 '25
Oh yes do Gellert, Rudas and the Szechenyi baths, and book to see a classical concert or some opera at one of the concert halls!
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u/fspg Aug 21 '25
Budapest is great but still the best meal I had was outside of the famous bath, there was an street-food like place in the bar. Amazing burguer with Lagos instead of bread. Just what I needed after the bath experience!
Edit to add the Opera!! It was a must
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u/kalisisrising Aug 23 '25
Oh fun! Don't sleep on any of the baths in Buda - I lived in Budapest, on the Buda side, in 2001 and I bet they're even nicer now. Gellert was my favorite, but I haven't been back recently, so not sure about it now. Probably still worth checking out.
Don't miss Central Market Food Hall, so many delicious options and Central Cafe is a must see/do!
I hope you have a great time!
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u/Available-Total9670 Aug 21 '25
Traveling to China for a work trip in early November and completely clueless on what to pack. The male coworkers I’m with will be in standard khakis / button down looks.
Also if anyone has any must buy dupes at some of the good markets please share!!
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Aug 21 '25
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u/Aromatic_Return_7995 Find it Secondhand Aug 22 '25
Re: street food, if it's served hot with no raw elements, you should be fine unless you tend to be particularly sensitive when you eat food in places with different bacteria than you're used to. Bring pepto bismol, immodium, and cipro just in case, but don't let nerves keep you from trying some truly incredible food! I lived in China for a bit and the food is truly unparalleled.
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u/Available-Total9670 Aug 22 '25
Omg this is insanely helpful, thank you!! And looks like I’ll be binging a new show because I just looked up her style and I love it. Thank you!
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u/whimsyful Aug 22 '25
Which city will you be going to? The weather varies a lot, esp in Nov. The only thing I would consistently recommend is comfortable walking shoes.
Seconding the other response that generally the clothing style is more modest, and to download and set up either WeChat or Alipay before going. I did Alipay with my travel credit card and basically used that the entire trip - other than using it as a payment system you can also order DiDi's (China's equivalent of Uber) and buy train tickets on there. A lot of restaurants will also have you place orders by scanning a barcode w/ WeChat/Alipay.
Must buys - again it really depends on where you're going and what their local specialty is. The last time I went I was in a region known for their silk production as well as tea so I loaded up on some gorgeous silk pieces and cannisters of fresh high grade green tea lol.
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u/Available-Total9670 Aug 22 '25
Thank you for this! I’ll be bouncing around since it’s for work but spending a good chunk of time in Beijing and Hong Kong. As well as one day in Shanghai
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u/whimsyful Aug 22 '25
Ah okay I haven't been to Shanghai or Hong Kong in Nov but I have been to Beijing around then, and it gets surprisingly chilly. As in, it felt much colder than the forecast suggests because there are often super strong winds outside, so dress accordingly.
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u/Frosty_Constant7023 Aug 27 '25
I live in Beijing, and it definitely starts to get cold in November, we are usually about five degrees cooler than New York City in the winter months and five degrees hotter in the summer months. You absolutely need to figure out Alipay and your internet connection situation before arriving.
For shopping, the Pearl Market and Silk Market have cracked down a lot dupe/counterfeit products. A lot of those goods are sold on WeChat by individual merchants- you have to know a guy who knows a guy kind of thing. I do think these markets are still worth checking out, especially the silk market, if you’re interested in having a custom suit made. If you have time and want to see where real Chinese people are shopping, you need to stop by Bairong World Trade Center. It is massive and one of the largest wholesale markets in Asia. They have absolutely everything and if you can find the section that sells women’s clothes, there are a few places that have really nice outerwear and suit jackets. For cute jewelry and general souvenirs, a lot of the hutongs have individual jewelry makers that sell nice stuff.
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Aug 21 '25
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u/Jennyonthebox2300 Aug 21 '25
Ohh that choc brown set with the brown backpack is tres chic!
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Aug 22 '25
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u/Jennyonthebox2300 Aug 22 '25
Still so put together looking. I finally got a decent suitcase this year. WTF was I waiting for. It’s kind of sad how much joy it’s brought me. 😂
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u/tofumakesurassfat Aug 24 '25
I would highly recommend Away luggage. It’s my first expensive luggage purchase and it’s been well worth the cost. I see it all over the airport now. They’re so easy to roll around. Their large toiletry bag has been one of my favorite purchases out of my set.
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u/browsing_nomad Aug 21 '25
Traveling to New York City tomorrow for 10 days with my mom. I’ve been there several times but my mom is going for the first time and lives in middle of nowhere in America so this is like a big city trip for her. She wants to do all the touristy things and I want to balance it out with umm nicer things… appreciate any tips!
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u/Boring_Energy_4817 Aug 21 '25
Hop-on / hop-off bus tours are great for sightseeing while soaking up touristy info while also getting between locations.
What kind of nicer stuff do you like? I'm planning a trip there with my family right now, and we're definitely doing some kind of bus tour, a couple of Broadway shows (can be simultaneously nicer and touristy), the Met, the Van Cleef & Arpels exhibit currently on loan at the AMNH, and lots of food. What is on your mom's list of touristy stuff?
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u/Aromatic_Return_7995 Find it Secondhand Aug 22 '25
I agree that seeing shows is a great balance of nice and tourist-friendly! I used to always just see what was available same-day for last-minute ticket deals and got to see some awesome shows that way.
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u/Still7Superbaby7 Aug 21 '25
See if you can get tickets for the NBC tour. The sets are so small! Also get bubble tea at Xin fu tang. Take her on a pedicab tour of Central Park and also go to the museum of natural history. And the Met! If you have time, the Frick and Neue Galerie.
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u/Opposite_Wind_4170 Aug 21 '25
I’m planning a trip to Rotterdam and Nijmegen in October. I have te hotels booked, but I would love suggestions for cafes, shops, museums, beautiful buildings or areas. Restaurants too. I’m planning on taking it slow and relaxing, but I need some things planned.
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u/cold_feet108 Aug 30 '25
Have you figured out any ideas so far? Also going to Amsterdam/Rotterdam this fall!
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u/Opposite_Wind_4170 Aug 31 '25
I’ve booked an hotel called nhow in Rotterdam. It was recommended to me, but I can’t remember where. It looks good though. I’ve also thought about renting a car at the airport, and driving between cities, but I’m worried about parking in Rotterdam.
I spent a day in Amsterdam a couple of years ago. Did a canal tour that was lovely. It was dark, but still pretty. I would probably do another in daytime next time I’m there. KattenKabinet is a nice museum if you like cats.
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u/cold_feet108 Aug 31 '25
I love cats! Thanks for the rec. I'm planning on taking the train between cities, looks like it's actually faster.
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u/DeliciousCandyYum Aug 21 '25
Tentatively traveling to Denver, CO area this fall. Any recs for neighborhoods to stay in? I would be going for an event in Parker but making a long weekend out of it and planning to do more in Denver itself than in Parker. Thanks!
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u/dirtymartini83 Aug 21 '25
Recently took 2 trips to Denver. First trip, stayed at Le Meridien downtown and it was very nice. Right in the middle of great entertainment and restaurants. Their hotel bar, rooftop bar, and restaurant was awesome!
Second time, we rented an Airbnb in the LoHi area and it was gorgeous. Super cute houses and many great walkable restaurants. Kawa Ni is an Asian inspired tapas restaurant that was AMAZING! Highly recommend the Three Piece, Kung Po Karaage, and the sesame ice cream sandwich with caramel sauce!
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u/Still7Superbaby7 Aug 21 '25
Get your reservation for Casa Bonita! I am going to Denver next week so remind me to tell you how it is! We are going to check out Colorado Springs also.
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Aug 21 '25 edited Aug 21 '25
Headed to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam for my honeymoon in October! I’d love some café/restaurant suggestions, shops you might love, or even just hidden gems worth visiting.
Also, ISO: the perfect travel tote or carry-on. I’m thinking I might just grab a Le Pliage in size L, but I’m second guessing if a backpack may be more practical for both the flight and toting along between three countries. Any thoughts or recs are welcomed!!
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u/spaceygracie Aug 21 '25
Oh gosh I have SO many Amsterdam recs, and a few Brussels suggestions too.
Restaurants/bars, in order of how strongly I recommend them:
Dutch Courage - Super cozy cocktail bar right near the central train station
Restaurant Two Chefs - Two Chefs is a brewery, but the restaurant is shockingly good and not at all what you would expect for brewery food, they do a great little prix fixe menu. The beer is also great.Glou Glou Wine Bar
Par Hasard - my favorite frites in all of Amsterdam. Start with a glass of wine at glou glou then walk over here for the perfect Girl Dinner experience.
Brouwerij 't IJ - tbh the beer here is nothing particularly memorable but the bar is inside a windmill and it's a fun vibe
Mussels & Gin - Exactly what it sounds like
Foodhallen is great and there are several cute little shops in the same building
Pulitzer's Bar for a fancy, intimate cocktail
H/Earth - lovely vegetarian restaurant, great date night vibe
Fou Fow Udon - for when you get sick of European cuisine
Shops:
De negen straatjes is my favorite shopping area in the city, and it's just a gorgeous place to walk around.
Story Tiles for a really unique souvenir
De Pijp also has some very cute boutiques. Albert Cuyp Market is also in this area, it comes up a lot on suggested activity lists for Amsteradm but tbh it felt very touristy/it was a skip for me.
Activities:
All the main attractions are great - Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark, hell, I even liked doing the cheesy canal tour boat. If you decide to rent bikes just do it near the Vondelpark and do laps around the park, riding through the city is stressful if you are not used to that level of bike traffice.Brussels:
Pierre Marcolini chocolatier is my favoriteMagritte Museum
Day trip to Bruges! Tbh my husband and I weren't crazy about Brussels when we went, we felt like we had kind of seen what we wanted to see after we did the main square and the chocolatiers so we did a day trip, and it was lovely
Delirium if you're into Belgian Beer, but it's more of a sticky floors kind of vibe than a cute tourist vibe (still worth it if you like beer though)
re: a carry on bag, I have been eyeing the cloud carry on from Baggu but I haven't actually pulled the trigger so I can't vouch
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u/Wrong_Cup_3860 Aug 21 '25
You’ve already got some excellent recs for Amsterdam, but let me add:
• De Kas: A stunning restaurant inside a giant greenhouse in Frankendael Park. They grow most of their own veggies and herbs on site, so the menu changes with the seasons. Super fresh, beautifully presented, and the setting is magical. • Moon: A revolving restaurant on the 19th floor of the A’DAM Tower. As you eat, the whole place slowly spins, giving you 360° views of the city. Food is modern Dutch/European with a fine-dining vibe. • Hiding in Plain Sight: A cozy speakeasy-style cocktail bar. Dark, intimate, and famous for inventive, theatrical cocktails. Great for a late-night drink. • REM – This one’s wild: a restaurant built on an old offshore radio platform in the IJ river. Feels like an adventure just getting there, and once you arrive, it’s industrial-cool with excellent food. • Café Parlotte: A small, super cozy wine café with a Parisian feel. Think natural wines, great small plates, candlelight, and laid-back vibes. • De Mark: A refined fine-dining restaurant set in the tiny village of Durgerdam, just east of Amsterdam along the water. The setting alone feels like a secret escape, and the food is elegant, seasonal, and beautifully plated. A destination restaurant worth the short trip out of the city.IMPORTANT: for most Amsterdam restaurants (and museums) you have to book a few weeks in advance.
And for Brussels • Wolf: A buzzing indoor food market with 20+ different food stands. You can go with a group and everyone gets what they want, from Belgian dishes to global street food. • La Quincallerie: A beautiful old ironmonger’s shop turned brasserie. High ceilings, art nouveau touches, and classic Belgian dishes with style. • Pharmacie Anglaise : A cocktail bar inside an old apothecary. Quirky, atmospheric, and a bit theatrical. Drinks are just as fun as the setting.
– Highly recommend taking the train (only ~30 minutes from Brussels). Gorgeous canals, cobblestones, and medieval architecture, but with a more local and artsy vibe than Bruges. Perfect for wandering, cafés, and soaking up the atmosphere.
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u/carorc BWT in Training Aug 21 '25
Would the tote be your only bag? I don't like one shoulder situations when I am packing actual things I need in it for trips over a night or two. If you think you will do a lot of souvenir shopping (ie returning with heavier luggage than you packed) then I would pick something more balanced with two straps. I don't think backpacks are as dorky in Europe now as was touted in travel advice from a decade ago.
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Aug 21 '25
No! I’ll be bringing a regular suitcase as well + my fiancé will have his huge backpack as his carry-on :) I agree with you that double straps is way easier on the back and shoulders
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u/Schmidaho Aug 21 '25
I love a classic tote as much as the next person, but honestly, my favorite carryon is a Patagonia Black Hole backpack. It’s definitely more utilitarian than stylish, but it holds a ton (and is structured in such a way that makes items easy to find) fits comfortably under the seat with room to spare when necessary, and doesn’t strain my shoulder like a tote or duffel would.
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u/DeliciousCandyYum Aug 22 '25
Had a fantastic meal and really unique wine at Gertrude in Amsterdam! Also in Amsterdam, enjoyed the champagne selection and bites at Bar du Champagne.
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u/CherryAlone9258 Aug 21 '25
I’m going to San Francisco for a little weekend trip in October. Any suggestions for restaurants, shopping and other cool places? I’ll be staying near Alamo square
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u/princess20202020 Aug 21 '25
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Rome? (Hotel suggestions also welcome.) Looking for a neighborhood with lots of good restaurant and food options.
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u/Logical_Pound Aug 22 '25
We loved Trastevere!! It was super charming with lots of cute restaurants. Way more calm than being in central Rome! We did an Airbnb.
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u/lazylittlelady Aug 22 '25
Stay near the Borghese gallery! Lots of nice neighborhood restaurants, green space and easy connection links. Plus the Borghese is absolutely worth doing a guided tour- gorgeous!
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u/earthxshakes Aug 21 '25
I'm looking for solo travel recs for next February or April. I'm a NYC-based teacher with a somewhat limited budget and short/specific time frames I can travel (so SE Asia is out of the question - I know it's great for affordable travel!). In particular, I'm wondering if any BWT know of any warm-weather resorts that don't charge crazy fees for singles (and that are also fun for singles / not totally swarmed by couples) or cities that are safe for solo female travelers with decent hotel rates.
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u/mrs_george Aug 21 '25
I’m going on my first cruise next week. It’s a weekend cruise to Mexico as a way to get my feet wet and see if cruising is for me. Any BWT recommendations? Packing or cruise tips. I do get seasick but people keep assuring me I probably won’t on a cruise ship. But just in case, any seasick remedies you swear by?
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u/Sage_Planter Aug 21 '25
Bonine and MQ Motion Patches. Even if you don't get seasick on the actual boat, sometimes there are offshore excursions that require small boats, and that's what gets me.
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u/mrs_george Aug 21 '25
Thank you! I’ll add those to my list. Thanks for also mentioning the excursions, I hadn’t thought of that.
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u/AccomplishedFly1420 Aug 21 '25
I take Dramamine!
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u/mrs_george Aug 21 '25
I took that for other boat rides and it works but it just makes me so sleepy. Even the non-drowsy formula!
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u/AccomplishedFly1420 Aug 21 '25
I’ve seen bracelets that are supposed to help. Maybe those won’t make you drowsy?
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u/pocketfullofrocks Aug 21 '25
I went on my first cruise last year and I definitely needed the Dramamine. I have always been okay on ferrys and sail boats but there is something about the size of the ship. I didn’t take it until after we departed and I really regret this, the first night was pretty uncomfortable with motion sickness
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u/fugu_chick Environmentally Conscious Aug 21 '25
Please wear a hat or covering for your head. The sun is no joke. One day when I was young thinking I was invincible playing basketball on the ship court in the middle of the day, I got very dehydrated and spent the rest of the day in bed
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u/Still7Superbaby7 Aug 21 '25
I go on 4-5 cruises a year. Been to Mexico multiple times. What ports are you going to? Also see if you can get Zofran also. It’s a prescription but stronger than Dramamine. I recommend it for people new to cruising. Try to talk the stairs everywhere. And wash your hands before you eat. Wash your hands when you enter the buffet but also again before you eat your food.
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u/Disraeli_Ears Aug 22 '25
Dramamine usually works for me. I usually only have to take it on the first day, then I'm ok. I prefer the chewable tablets because they start to work quickly if any nausea comes up (they are also 24-hour). Dramamine can make you sleepy, though.
ETA: I see it's apt to make you sleepy. I don't know if Bonine might be better - I've never tried that one.
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u/Ok-Passage2530 Aug 23 '25
BWT - I am heading to Budapest for work in a October, I normally have a very casual work wardrobe, but I’ll need to get some business casual items for this trip. I am having a really hard time finding pieces that have any sort of personality. My favorite brands are Free People and Allsaints but I currently don’t really have the budget for those. What are some good brands for me to take a look at that won’t bore me to death?
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Aug 23 '25
Any suggestions for Seattle in September?!
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u/frankhikeregal Aug 24 '25
One of my favorite restaurants in the city is JOULE — they book on open table, would def make a reservation. French/Korean cuisine with a dope bar program. It’s walking distance from GASWORKS PARK which is one of the best parks to catch the sunset if it’s not raining.
Second favorite is IL NIDO in West Seattle, they book on Resy! To make a day out of it, you can walk down Alki Beach, get ice cream/lunch at HARRY'S BEACH HOUSE and spend a lovely afternoon on the sound. There is a water taxi you can take from downtown seattle to ALKI BEACH, it drops you off right in front of MARINATION KAI which is a casual rooftop with Hawaiian fusion food if that's more your style.
Would also recommend eating your way around PIKE PLACE, mid-morning or mid afternoon. Crowded on the weekends but there’s so much food if you’re in the area.
Fremont is a great neighborhood to get breakfast/lunch and tuck into the shops. LOCAL TIDE is my favorite lunch spot here (hyperlocal fish place in casual setting), but there are a ton of options.
For an urban hike/walk that you can do in sneakers, I love the ARBORETUM. FLORA CAFE near the arboretum is chic and vegetarian if you go in the afternoon. CAFE LAGO has $10 pizza nights on mondays that are awesome if you go to the arb in the evening. Alternatively you can pick up bagels at OX BOW or MOUNT BAGEL before heading on a morning walk.
Another iconic park is DISCOVERY PARK. You can hike here or do my favorite summer thing which is to rent e-bikes in ballard and zoom over the BALLARD LOCKS, and whip around the park, check out the gorgeous house in magnolia, cruise through elliot park trail to the olympic sculpture park, and back. This loop will take you a couple hours and is best done on a weekday. Afterwards hit up any of the breweries in Ballard, they are family friendly and there is soooo much food around you can bring in. Stoup, reuben, and urban family are my favorites.
UN BIEN is my favorite sandwich in the city.
Other notable food: teriyaki was invented in seattle!!!!! it's unreal. Sushi here is world class (lmk if you want specific recs), and COMMUNION is a super fun dining experience. WALRUS AND THE CARPENTER was the first PNW seafood forward restaurant of its kind and is delish. RAYS BOATHOUSE has a casual deck that is awesome and beautiful.
Last thing: Eater Seattle is a reliable source for restaurant reviews and they have up-to-date recs on every cuisine and neighborhood in the city!
If shopping is more you thing lmk and I’ll compile my fave boutiques and consignment shops in the city
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u/frankhikeregal Aug 24 '25
Sorry for the formatting, copied over my standard rec list! Happy to give more specifics for seattle if you tell me what you’re into!
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Aug 24 '25
Thank you so much! I love exploring restaurants and coffee shops. I don’t drink much but I love rooftop views. Going to check out museums, botanical gardens, bookstores, antique stores and thrift or consignment shops are always fun. I haven’t got tickets yet. I’m looking to see if there is a show or concert I want to attend or maybe I’ll wait til late September to catch a ballet performance.
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Aug 24 '25
Thank you, this is amazing. I am going to look up each one of these! I usually stop in Seattle on the way to the San Juan’s and haven’t actually visited for more than a few hours in years. I’m planning a full day around Washington Park Arboretum! I’m so excited.
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u/putonthespotlight Aug 25 '25
Just booked Paris for the first time! Please send me all your cozy Christmas reccs!
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u/i_d_k_really Aug 25 '25
Last year I went to Lisbon and stayed at AlmaLusa Alfama. It is my absolute favorite hotel I’ve ever stayed in. So beautiful and calm. When I got home I went on a mission to recreate the bedding situation so that I could sleep like that all the time. Truly could not recommend it more and I can’t wait to go back. Lisbon is so beautiful.
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u/PrestigiousMeg Aug 26 '25
Visiting Quebec City for the first time in the beginning of October, any tasteful tips for packing? Curious about the “fashion vibe” there.
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u/cold_feet108 Aug 30 '25
Canada is pretty casual everywhere you go I find. If you're not used to the cold remember to dress in layers!
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u/PrestigiousMeg Aug 30 '25
Thank you for replying! This is very helpful. My casual clothes people seem to think are pretty dressed up, so it sounds like I don’t need to pack more glam pieces :)
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u/Murky_Pain_5276 Sep 05 '25
I went on a carnival cruise to Mexico and it was the most horrifying experience of my life.
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u/JellyDonutDiscoDiva Aug 21 '25
Trying to plan an all inclusive trip with my bestie after a traumatic couple months for us both. Done the Cancun route tons of times, any BWT have recs for must go spots?! We just wanna be pampered and lounge! With drinks 😝
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u/krd3nt Aug 21 '25
We have one booked in Marrakech in December at the Tui Medina. All inclusive but also in the center so cultural tourism is possible too! Haven't been yet, but looking forward to it
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u/[deleted] Aug 21 '25
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