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**The Hazards of Spinner Suitcases on Rough Terrain**

In the center of a lively Spanish colonial city, two fatigued travelers find themselves in a scenario all too well-known to experienced wanderers. Resting on a bench, they look disheartened and weary, their large suitcase lacking a wheel. The man, soaked in perspiration, has been hauling the bulky luggage over cobblestone paths, discovering the hard way that 4-wheel spinner suitcases are poorly suited for irregular surfaces.

This situation is common in historic locations like Guanajuato, Mexico, where sidewalks are frequently made of flagstones, cobblestones, or pavers. Traversing such terrain with a 4-wheel suitcase can be a tedious task, particularly when stairs come into play. Travelers often find themselves grappling with their luggage, frequently opting to use just two wheels or carrying the suitcase entirely.

**Spinner Suitcases: Ideal for Smooth Travel**

Spinner suitcases, featuring their streamlined design and four wheels, are perfect for smooth surfaces such as airports and hotels. They move effortlessly, making them suitable for vacations that involve minimal transitions between locations. However, for journeys that necessitate walking through historic city streets or utilizing public transportation, a suitcase with two large wheels is a more sensible option.

**Obstacles in Global Destinations**

In many international areas, particularly in Southeast Asia, sidewalks are not engineered for wheeled suitcases. They are often occupied by parked motorbikes, street food vendors, or displays of merchandise. In Vietnam, for instance, sidewalks can transform into an obstacle course, complicating suitcase maneuvering.

In developing nations, the lack of infrastructure comparable to the American Disabilities Act indicates that sidewalks can pose challenges for those with wheeled luggage. In Africa and various Caribbean islands, sidewalks might not exist, with locals carrying their belongings on their bodies or heads.

**Selecting the Appropriate Luggage**

For travelers who prefer not to utilize a backpack, choosing the right suitcase is essential. Brands such as Osprey and Eagle Creek provide sturdy luggage with lifetime warranties, created to endure the demands of frequent travel. Two-wheel suitcases equipped with Rollerblade-style wheels are advised for their strength on uneven terrains.

**Avoid Excessive Packing**

Overstuffing can heighten the difficulties of traveling with a suitcase. Heavy baggage can be hard to manage up and down stairs, especially in cities with restricted elevator options. Travelers are encouraged to pack light, opting for versatile clothing and laundering when necessary.

In summary, while spinner suitcases are stylish and practical for certain adventures, they may not be the most suitable option for journeys that involve rugged terrain. Travelers should take their itinerary and destination into account when choosing luggage to guarantee a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

Do You Understand the Optimal Times for Purchasing Travel Equipment? The Date on the Calendar Can Significantly Impact Your Wallet

Certainly, you can obtain high-quality travel equipment and renowned outdoor apparel for your adventures. The trick lies in acquiring it at the right moments, not just two days prior to your getaway.

I observe numerous individuals journeying with unreliable suitcases, bulky coats that fail to protect against the weather, and outfits that aren’t suitable for traveling with merely a carry-on. (If your carry-on is so heavy that you struggle to lift it into the overhead compartment alone, you’ve overpacked. Adjust your packing to avoid causing delays during boarding.)

Many of these travelers, if placed in REI or MEC during peak travel season, might exclaim, “These prices are too steep for me.” The reality is, you needn’t pay retail prices if you exercise patience and understand when to shop.

You don’t need to settle for such pricing to acquire decent travel equipment, backpacks, and clothing. You merely need to purchase these items during periods of low demand, when shoppers hold the advantage. This moment happens to be as I compose this — late September. Summer getaways have wrapped up, back-to-school shopping has concluded, and the weather will soon begin to cool down across much of the USA and Canada. It’s currently clearance season in retail.

This isn’t the sole opportunity for fantastic savings, however. There are multiple periods recognized as the top times to purchase travel gear. Whenever stores need to clear out the previous items to introduce new stock, significant discounts are prevalent.

Brands such as Columbia, Patagonia, and North Face release new styles at least biannually, and if you acquire the previous styles as these new ones debut, you can uncover remarkable deals. Have a look at this report on one of my preferred travel apparel brands and obtain a discount at their site: Craghoppers.

These discounts are appealing, yet not infrequent. You can uncover similar offers from many other travel clothing brands if you search for “sale” or “clearance” in their navigation, particularly during transitional seasons.

Here’s a link from the sale section at Backcountry.com. You can snag fantastic gear that’s simply last year’s shade (and possibly a few grams heavier) for a third of the original price. Or if you’re heading somewhere warm while the retailer is experiencing cold, capitalize on that!

So What Are the Optimal Times to Purchase Travel Equipment?

If you’re after the latest and trendiest times to buy travel gear, it’s when the new 800-page edition of Vogue is released in spring and fall. You’ll have access to the newest and most fashionable in “this year’s trendy shades.”

That’s also when the discounts begin to appear to eliminate current inventory. Click on these links for examples of sales occurring as I write this, as we transition into fall, shifting from warm weather gear to autumn and winter items. If you read this later, and the link redirects you to a homepage, look for a tab labeled “Outlet,” “Bargain Bin,” or “Sale.”

Explore the deals at REI

Check out the clearance section at Backcountry.com

The second major turnover occurs in the spring when jackets are slashed to rock-bottom prices to sell them and bikinis make their debut in stores. Logically, this should commence around May, yet it truly starts gearing up as early as February — peak ski season. If a winter item isn’t performing well, they’ll recognize it by that point, and discounts intensify as the spring thaw approaches.

By late March and April, both physical and online outlets will be unloading base layers, goggles, and beanies for the cost of a six-pack of craft beer.

There are also smaller key moments where deals appear abundantly, typically coinciding with shopping holidays. Labor Day triggers sales due to timing, as do Thanksgiving, Father’s Day, or President’s Day.

Purchasing Travel Apparel Direct Can Be Surprisingly Affordable

In addition to the online stores I mentioned earlier, note that many brands operate their own shops and some are quick to discount slow-selling items. This doesn’t indicate there’s anything wrong with them. Generally, it just means a new style or color is replacing the previous ones. These travel clothing brands follow a similar cycle as fashion brands and face comparable pressures to introduce new offerings each season.

Simply asserting, “Our travel shirt is incredibly popular so we’re not making any changes” doesn’t suffice for most brands, particularly if they belong to a large corporate group. To secure new orders, they must present buyers a new iteration. This might not make immediate sense, but it’s the reality. (This is

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Visiting Dhaka, Bangladesh can be an intense adventure and one that poses challenges in planning. There is a limited amount of information available about the attractions within the city, let alone those just a short drive away. (And while I refer to it as a short drive, be aware that traffic can significantly delay your journey if your timing isn’t optimal.) Nonetheless, there are some fascinating places to explore within a day that justify the time spent in a vehicle.

You can view the video above and then continue reading to organize a day trip around Dhaka.

**Begin Early**

Dhaka experiences a transition from wet to dry seasons, yet remains predominantly hot and humid throughout the year. To dodge the peak of the heat and traffic congestion, it’s advisable to commence your day around 7:30 am. You could start earlier, but anything before 7 in the morning will have you waiting for attractions to open at your destination.

It’s advisable to hire a local driver. This can be arranged through a tour company or a reliable contact (tour companies may charge up to $100 per day for a driver and guide), but ride-sharing apps present a more affordable option. Using Uber, you can secure a driver for the day, adding stops along your route as needed or inputting them all at once. The overall cost for a round trip from Dhaka to these major sites will be $20-40.

**Proceed To Sonargaon**

Pronounced “sho-nar-gone,” it was formerly the capital of ancient Bengal. Presently, it is a smaller municipality featuring vast open-air parks and historical landmarks like the Folk Museum. Within, you can observe ancient arts and crafts from the eras of the various Bengal Sultanates that existed in this territory. The Folk Museum has a nominal entry fee, and you can spend an hour or two exploring the museum buildings and enjoying the expansive green spaces.

A quick 10-minute drive away is Panam Nagar, or Panam City. Another former capital, dating back to the 13th century, it stands as one of the most remarkable sites near Dhaka. It has undergone destruction and reconstruction by several colonial powers before being entirely abandoned in the 1960s. Today, it remains a vast ghost town, with architecture gradually being reclaimed by nature.

Regrettably, no videos are allowed on the premises (lots of individuals were stealthily recording with their phones, but that’s not for me to divulge) but still, it is a photographer’s paradise. Vivid colors, haunting structures, and plenty of selfie possibilities await you in Panam.

**Discover The Towns**

One of the intriguing features of these areas around Dhaka is that they’re considerably less crowded. You can meander into the towns, interact with locals, visit community markets, and stumble upon historic treasures like the Goaldi Mosque, constructed in 1519. Currently, it is uninhabited and stands as a historic site in a tranquil neighborhood. From that point, you can venture out to experience a slower-paced side of Bangladesh before returning to Dhaka to indulge in the street food on Bailey Road. Arrive by 19:00 and savor all the delights. My dining recommendations can be found in the video here.

If you consider yourself a top-tier traveler, you might not realize it, but as you go down the budget ladder, the exposure to travel noise increases significantly. It’s an unavoidable consequence of mingling with large groups of people, and in various cultures, noise levels are as normal as exhaust emissions and red tape, often accepted as part of life. This is true for airports, trains, and buses, where discourteous individuals presume that everyone else is interested in their discussions and videos.

How effectively do you manage noise? How soundly do you sleep?

If you’re gearing up to backpack globally on a budget, it’s crucial to become adept at ignoring noise. Alternatively, you should prepare a set of solutions. Brace yourself for nighttime sounds that may exceed anything you’ve encountered, even if you’re from New York City.

Sources of Travel Noise Worldwide

I am reminded of this truth every time I return to my residence in Mexico. In the otherwise charming city of Guanajuato, where I live, enjoying a truly peaceful night is a rare experience. There are typically five barking dogs on the rooftops of each block, and due to the city’s hilly terrain, I can hear nearly all of them at some point during the night, especially if they start a chain reaction when one of them begins.

At least I’m not in the central area, though. There, if a soccer/football game is in play and the bars are bustling, the noise persists until the early morning hours, with booming bass sounds that few windows can block. Street performers are singing and shouting just below those windows, and fireworks often add to the commotion.

Across Latin America, this continues with church bells, gas vendors, garbage collection trucks, and intoxicated people singing in the streets. It’s common for bars to vie for patrons by cranking their music up louder than their competitors. If you’re indoors, conversing is nearly impossible; if you’re outside, you’re subjected to competing stereos playing different tracks.

In countries where people live closely and have fostered a “live and let live” mindset, complaints are rare; you simply tolerate the noise. It’s often culturally unacceptable to voice grievances about the mariachi band next door at 2:00 a.m. or the cannon-like fireworks at dawn on a Sunday, marking the beginning of a saints’ festival.

In Asia, you’ll see individuals dozing off on the subway, buses, benches, and even delivery carts. It’s no surprise: sleeping at night is tough with roosters crowing and everyone awake long before dawn to kickstart their day before the heat sets in. You haven’t truly experienced backpacking until you’ve managed to sleep through a cat in heat, two competing roosters, and a woman noisily sweeping the steps outside your bamboo hut at 5 a.m.

“Oh my god, the chickens!” This phrase echoes frequently from fellow budget travelers globally. Your previous urban assumption that roosters only crow at dawn is quickly dispelled. When do roosters actually crow? Whenever they like, which turns out to be quite often, day or night.

In the Middle East, the call to prayer rings out five times daily, at least once during hours that no reasonable person should be awake. If you find yourself in one of these nations during Ramadan, you’ll also get the unique experience of a person parading through the streets, beating a drum to awaken everyone so the faithful can eat before dawn. (And you’re expected to give this person a tip for their service afterward.)

In some regions, drivers constantly have one hand on the wheel and the other on the horn. In Egypt, they may opt to drive with their headlights off at night, erroneously believing it conserves battery power, yet that doesn’t prevent them from honking the horn, even when there’s no one around.

If you choose to stay in a fancy hotel, you can generally avoid all this. I don’t recall hearing even a single barking dog during my stay at the Villa Maria Cristina hotel in Guanajuato while I was there for a writing assignment on my first visit, and I’ve savored blissfully quiet nights behind the triple-glazed windows of Hiltons and Hyatts. The Four Seasons in Mexico City will make you feel as if there’s no traffic at that bustling intersection outside the hotel, and the Oberoi in Calcutta deserves the title “oasis” more than any other hotel. Money is a significant sound barrier.

However, if you opt for the $8 hostel just a few blocks away, it’s an entirely different experience. You’ll hear every car horn and vendor shout at nearly full volume.

There are merely three fundamental items you require for global travel: a passport, funds, and time. This saying, frequently credited to various sources throughout the years, mirrors a time when smartphones, credit cards, and travel insurance were not yet commonplace. Although these three components are still vital, contemporary travel demands further considerations.

Historically, a passport served as your key travel document, but nowadays, misplacing your phone can be equally distressing. Smartphones have become essential for navigation, staying in touch, and retrieving travel details. They offer notifications for flight modifications, QR codes for boarding passes, and even menus for dining. Consequently, they have transitioned into an indispensable element of the travel arsenal.

Travel insurance, which was once viewed as non-essential, is now strongly advised. It safeguards against unexpected occurrences like accidents or flight disruptions. Many travelers, particularly younger ones, may underestimate this, but holding insurance can lead to substantial savings and offer reassurance.

Obtaining a passport well before your trip is vital. Numerous nations mandate that a passport be valid for at least six months. Processing delays can happen, so planning ahead is prudent. For regular travelers, a business passport with additional pages is advantageous.

The financial dynamics of travel have transformed. While some destinations are cashless, others still favor cash transactions. A combination of cash and cards is recommended, with credit cards providing protection and advantages. It is crucial to avoid conversion fees by opting for transactions in the local currency.

The balance of time versus money is a significant factor. Travelers with ample time can wait for solutions, whereas those with greater financial resources can accelerate their plans. Slow travel frequently results in richer experiences and fewer interruptions.

Lastly, smartphones act as a backup for travel documents and itineraries. Applications like TripIt streamline schedules, while cloud storage guarantees access to necessary documents. It is crucial to ensure that travel partners can reach your phone and accounts during emergencies.

In summary, while a passport, money, and time remain core essentials for international travel, today’s travelers must also acknowledge the significance of technology, insurance, and financial tactics to guarantee a seamless journey.

STLV Trek to Vegas stands as the largest Star Trek Convention globally in most years. This expansive event spans 5 days in Las Vegas and is essential for any sci-fi enthusiast (and certainly Trekkie). The vastness of STLV, coupled with a trip to Las Vegas, entails numerous moving components that can make it challenging to grasp what one actually does at a Star Trek convention.

You can view the video above for your comprehensive guide to STLV and continue reading for the highlights.

What Is STLV?

STLV is one of the numerous fan conventions organized by Creation Entertainment. While not solely dedicated to Star Trek (STLV features guests and panels related to other fandoms), it predominantly focuses on the series created by Gene Roddenberry. STLV occurs annually in early August, running from Wednesday to Sunday at the Rio Hotel and Casino, which has recently come under Hyatt’s ownership.

Planning Your STLV

The first step is creating a World of Hyatt rewards program account if you don’t possess one already. You can earn and redeem Hyatt points for reservations at the Rio, but you cannot claim points after your stay (in contrast to most airline mileage schemes). It’s advisable to reserve a room at the Rio—off the strip, making it less convenient to stay at other properties—by mid-May at the latest to ensure you secure accommodation that suits your needs.

– After arriving at the hotel, you can register for a Rio Rewards card. This will allow you to accrue points from any purchases at the hotel (excluding your room) and Rio will send you complimentary stay offers throughout the year. By utilizing a Rio Rewards promotion, you can often obtain at least one night of your booking for free, either before or after the convention.

STLV tickets can be acquired as general admission or under various tiers, each offering its unique benefits. For general admission, Saturday and Sunday tend to be the busiest days, so I suggest purchasing tickets at least a month ahead. Throughout the year, particularly around several United States Federal Holidays, Creation also runs ticket sales. You can subscribe through their website to stay informed about any deals.

– Personally, I prefer to arrive at Rio the Sunday preceding STLV, plan some side excursions like Area 51, and depart the Tuesday following the convention. (There’s an unofficial Star Trek pool party on Monday after STLV that aids in recovery after the extended weekend.)

What’s STLV Like?

STLV functions like a Star Trek buffet, allowing you to select how you wish to assemble your experience. There are panel discussions with actors, crew, and writers who answer audience questions, a bustling vendor room brimming with merchandise, science presentations, concerts, and much more, all often happening simultaneously. You’ll need to make choices among all the events and any scheduled photo ops or autograph signings.

– Photo ops are enjoyable, but if you aim to engage further with a Trek personality, obtaining an autograph is a better route. You’ll pay for the autograph, but many are willing to take a selfie with you for free. Plus, you gain a few extra moments to converse with the Trek actor, writer, or crew member.

Money Saving Tips

An additional day before STLV allows you to visit a nearby grocery store to purchase snacks and any desired alcohol. The Rio, like many Las Vegas resorts, imposes steep markups on food and beverages, so shopping at a nearby grocery store can save you a significant amount over STLV. I also recommend bringing or acquiring a filtered water bottle to drink from the room faucet. The convention areas provide free water, but carrying a bottle reduces waste.

No Cosplay Needed

While dressing up isn’t necessary, feel free to get as creative as you wish if you choose to. At STLV, you can embody a different character each day, just ensure to wear comfortable walking shoes. The steps down the long hallways at the Rio accumulate quickly, and make sure to venture down to the Masquerade Bar in the evenings, where most attendees at STLV stop to relax.

For any Star Trek devotee, STLV is a convention worthy of attending at least once. Creation also organizes other regional ST-Conventions in different U.S. cities that are worth considering, but for the most significant event showcasing the best series, there’s no place like STLV Trek to Vegas.