Hello from the other side - AMA

[hunterlee]

Hello from Europe!

 

I am reaching out if any escorts and/or fellow members had questions about Western Europe, Eastern Europe or Turkey. Anything regarding lifestyle, budgeting, transportation, and or any travel oriented questions.

 

Since it is still fresh on my mind I figure I would give my months of research on an easy spark notes list.

 

Feel free to comment on the thread so just incase someone else has the same question it will be answered or if you do not feel comfortable you may PM me so I can answer your specific questions.

 

Hunter!

[+ WilliamM]

Good post, Hunter. I have been concentrating on Russia and Eastern Europe. Beside Russia, I have been to Prague, Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia. My thoughts have been visits to Poland and Ukraine, or some other Eastern Europe countries you suggest. I liked all of the above countries, but especially Bosnia because people were so willing to talk about the 1990s war.

 

I particularly liked Bosnia-Herz.'s second largest city, Mostar, because of the mix of people. I not interesting in a sex trip, because I almost made some disastrous mistakes in Mostar. I travel with a friend or by myself. PMs welcome.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated, Hunter.

[hunterlee]

General Traveling Tips

- European airlines limit carry on bags much smaller than domestic US

- Buy your liquid toiletries when you land. (Unless it's medication), tsa and European airport security = pain in ass or if your liquids decide to explode in your bag

- Pack light, inexpensive self service laundry / inexpensive serviced laundry all over Europe.

- Flashy brand name clothing / jewelry? Don't, unfortunately lots of pick pocketers and luggage thieves (they are pros!), save yourself a potential headache.

 

Travel Budget Conscious Tips

- I'm cheap, I hate paying for checked baggage and having my luggage and its contents thrown around. I have a suitcase that fits underneath a plane seat and fits 3 weeks worth of summer clothing.

- I usually travel with that one suitcase, I'm too cheap to pay to board the plane first or be loyal to an airline. I typically board last. Overhead space usually fills up and when that happens I don't need to check in my bag and can slip it underneath the seat Infront of me.

- https://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Inch-Wheeled-Underseat-Carry/dp/B007XAI67E

- Google flights great way to scoop cheap flights around the world with different airlines, economy to first class suites

 

Paper Currency

- Exchange booths will rape you, low commission with terrible rates or okay rates with high commission, pick your rape.

- Banks in the States don't give good exchange rates

- Best way to get cash, major banks have partner banks overseas, look it up on your bank website. You may withdraw money with your debt card from their partner bank"s atms without incurring fees. Gives the best rates and no commission or fees.

- (Safety) During the day, check the atm machine slot (sometimes thieves put devices on them) and look around if anyone is overlooking your atm. Be smart.

- Many places in Eastern Europe and Turkey are cash only.

- Get rid of your foreign coins, banks don't exchange them.

 

Plastic Currency (highly recommend)

- A travel credit card (visa or MasterCard) with no foreign exchange fees give the best exchange rate. (Western Europe & Parts of Eastern Europe)

- Many places don't take Amex

 

Haggling

- Western Europe don't unless at a garage sale / flea market

- Eastern Europe yes 20-40% off price they say in the markets

- Turkey yes 40-60% off price they say

 

Tipping

- Many Europeans don't tip, they love zealous American tipping,

- Many countries include service in bill already. Go ahead and ask.

- 5-10% / rounding the bill up is normal tipping if service not included.

- Try to hand your sever cash if tipping

 

Visas

- every county is different besides the european schengen

- check our gov website

- check the countries visa policy

[hunterlee]

Good post, Hunter. I have been concentrating on Russia and Eastern Europe. Beside Russia, I have been to Prague, Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia. My thoughts have been visits to Poland and Ukraine, or some other Eastern Europe countries you suggest. I liked all of the above countries, but especially Bosnia because people were so willing to talk about the 1990s war.

 

I particularly liked Bosnia-Herz.'s second largest city, Mostar, because of the mix of people. I not interesting in a sex trip, because I almost made some disastrous mistakes in Mostar. I travel with a friend or by myself. PMs welcome.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated, Hunter.

 

Hi William!

 

I am curious do you speak other languages?

 

What I have noticed is generally many people do not speak english or have very basic english speaking skills.

 

You bring up a good point, Homosexuality In Very Eastern Europe or Turkey potentially DANGEROUS. Especially Turkey and beyond where the population is 95% or higher muslim demographic. You probably already knew this but thought i mention.

 

Eastern Europe = Bang for your buck

Your dollar goes much further in these countries.

 

Turkey (Almost 3 lira to 1 usd)

- 3 course meal major city on the water 15 usd or cheaper

- fresh juices 3-4 lira

- street vender food 3 - 10 lira

- nice room county side - 30 - 70 usd

- nice room in city - 100 - 200 usd

- everything out side of Istanbul is negotiable including taxis and hotels

- showers are gross, bring flip flops

 

I am planning a 2/3 month backpacking trip through some of the former soviet, so I will have more info for you later.

My List: Czech, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. Maybe you should come along

 

I have not been to those countries, I can not personally comment however I personally would not go to the Ukraine currently, as there is much social unrest and violence in parts of the country and the us consulate has stated you are SOL in an emergency.

[+ WilliamM]

I am planning a 2/3 month backpacking trip through some of the former soviet, so I will have more info for you later.

My List: Czech, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. Maybe you should come along

 

I have not been to those countries, I can not personally comment however I personally would not go to the Ukraine currently, as there is much social unrest and violence in parts of the country and the us consulate has stated you are SOL in an emergency.

 

I have not visited Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria so will be very interested in your experiences. Concerning the language issue, I had no trouble with just English in Eastern Europe, but it was quite difficult in Russia.

 

Ukraine is included because I have a friend who lives in the country. As much as he may want, I do not plan to visit Eastern Ukraine. But, I am not 100%

sure. I have done a great deal of reading about Ukraine.

 

Many years ago, I purchased a plane ticket to Turkey, but had to cancel for some reason.

 

It is pleasure to discuss these wonderful countries. Please contact me when you return from Eastern Europe. I am very interested, Hunter.

[liubit]

I live in Prague. Beautiful city, beautiful boys. One hint: never tell a Czech that their country is in Eastern Europe. They hate that, because it reminds them of the Soviet domination and their Communist past, which they would rather forget. The Czech Republic is located in Central Europe. They make the valid point that Vienna is further East than Prague.

[Irtwo]

Yeah, Czechoslovakia (old name I know) was always a kind of special case as far as the "Eastern Europe" label goes.

[+ WilliamM]

Slovenia is in central Europe as well. But, it's not a big deal because Tito was a relatively decent person, at least compared to Stalin.

[+ WilliamM]

I live in Prague. Beautiful city, beautiful boys. One hint: never tell a Czech that their country is in Eastern Europe. They hate that, because it reminds them of the Soviet domination and their Communist past, which they would rather forget. The Czech Republic is located in Central Europe. They make the valid point that Vienna is further East than Prague.

 

I received a wedding invitation in the summer of 2010 for a wedding in Florence, where I had been before. The only flight, relatively close, was round trip from Philadelphia to Prague. It meant a lot of traveling in Europe, but was well-worth it. I spent more time in Prague than Florence by a day.