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Originally Posted by akalic
Hi guys, I did a search on RS and I couldn't find exact answers to some amateur questions that I have.
1) I'm planning on getting a really nice backpacking bag (no luggage), would MEC do? I'm quite sure no one brings a rolling luggage...I don't want to.
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some people do the rolling luggage thing, if you're only going to larger cities with a lot of pavement, then yeah it could be to your advantage. backpacks are always going to be more versatile of course, like if you have to run to catch that train or whatever you do when you're in a hurry. my buddy traveled with an MEC bag, it was fine. there's other companies also just hit up the travel stores along broadway and take a look and try them out. just remember, bigger bags are great because you can carry more and buy more, but then you have to lug it around and if it's 45C out, it's not so fun.
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2) Is it absolutely essential to book hostels before flying over? Would it make more sense to just buy a nice guide book and plan as we're heading to the next city? I don' tknow where i'm getting with this question lol, but I'm just wondering if getting into hostels are difficult or not (fully booked often)
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I would book the first hostel you go to after flying over. if you're itinerary is solid and all set then sure whatever why not book all in advanced. when i went over, i just booked the day before or even just showed up day of (don't recommend that one). rarely were we shut out and if we were, we just found another place. the popular hostels will be filled up early day of or won't be able to accommodate you for all nights or might split your party up. especially during peak season, (july to mid-august)
i just hit up hostelworld.com or hostels.com the day before and booked or at did some recon before heading out. i remember the guide books being pretty spotty on the hostels section.
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4) any guide books that any of you can personally recommend? I was reading some threads and Frommer's is apparently decent? Michelin? I guess the emphasis would be on a good map of hostels/hotels/attractions/foods, wait I just mentioned pretty much everything.psh..
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frommer's, lonely planet and fodors, are all pretty standard, they all cover the same stuff. fodors had colour pictures which was nice when you are deciding where to go next and you've never heard of the place. when you get to the hostel just ask the front desk for recommendations.
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3) random tips? Some of the sites I've looked at to find tips have just sent me a crap load of generic tips with a lot of ads...
Again, thanks guys
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travelpod.com might help, has other people's experiences.