OT: General OT Thread [NO POLITICS, RACE OR RELIGION]

[WeekapaugGroove]

I can't get on a plane and not fall asleep. Something about the white noise or something but it's every single time.

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[BUCKnation]

I'm headed on my honeymoon in August. Spending a week in Istanbul and a week in Bali, for a total of two weeks away.

I am really excited, of course. However, I do lot have a lot of experience with international travel, let alone with twelve-fifteen hour flights. Istanbul is a direct flight from O'Hare - 12 hours - Bali is a direct flight from Istanbul - 12 hours - and my flight back from Bali to ORD has two stops which includes a 15 hour flight between Singapore and San Francisco, and a total of 26 hours of travel time.

Any suggestions as to how to make the trip comfortable? Any tips otherwise when it comes to international travel that I should keep in mind?

I've traveled quite a bit overseas.

If you're in economy try to to get an aisle seat in the middle with you and your sig other, assuming the plane is in a 3-4-3 format. This will allow you to at least not have to deal with a someone else bothering you to go to the bathroom or vice versa.

For me, jet lag doesn't really hit until I start until I stop moving, as in if I'm doing activities or sightseeing im not tired at all, but I pass out as soon as I calm down in the hotel. Obviously try to get some sleep in on the flight, especially going east with the timezones.

A travel card like the amex plat or chase sapphire reserve is smart and they will help you get into some lounges, even internationally.

Also, I hope you get a decent amount of time in singapore, that airport is incredible.

[MikeIsGood]

I'm headed on my honeymoon in August. Spending a week in Istanbul and a week in Bali, for a total of two weeks away.

I am really excited, of course. However, I do lot have a lot of experience with international travel, let alone with twelve-fifteen hour flights. Istanbul is a direct flight from O'Hare - 12 hours - Bali is a direct flight from Istanbul - 12 hours - and my flight back from Bali to ORD has two stops which includes a 15 hour flight between Singapore and San Francisco, and a total of 26 hours of travel time.

Any suggestions as to how to make the trip comfortable? Any tips otherwise when it comes to international travel that I should keep in mind?

I've traveled quite a bit overseas.

If you're in economy try to to get an aisle seat in the middle with you and your sig other, assuming the plane is in a 3-4-3 format. This will allow you to at least not have to deal with a someone else bothering you to go to the bathroom or vice versa.

For me, jet lag doesn't really hit until I start until I stop moving, as in if I'm doing activities or sightseeing im not tired at all, but I pass out as soon as I calm down in the hotel. Obviously try to get some sleep in on the flight, especially going east with the timezones.

A travel card like the amex plat or chase sapphire reserve is smart and they will help you get into some lounges, even internationally.

Also, I hope you get a decent amount of time in singapore, that airport is incredible.

Echo all of this. The middle aisle split with 2 passengers is a great tip.

One thing I'll add is that I'd consider sleeping meds if you are like me and can't sleep on planes. Even though like BUCK I've powered through and not had the jetlag kick in until I sit down/end of day, it's still a slog to be awake 30 hours, with those 30 hours being travel + activity. Sleeping on the plane, even for an hour or 2, really helps a lot IMO. Zzz-Quil or whatever OTC of your preference might be worth a look.

[humanrefutation]

I'm headed on my honeymoon in August. Spending a week in Istanbul and a week in Bali, for a total of two weeks away.

I am really excited, of course. However, I do lot have a lot of experience with international travel, let alone with twelve-fifteen hour flights. Istanbul is a direct flight from O'Hare - 12 hours - Bali is a direct flight from Istanbul - 12 hours - and my flight back from Bali to ORD has two stops which includes a 15 hour flight between Singapore and San Francisco, and a total of 26 hours of travel time.

Any suggestions as to how to make the trip comfortable? Any tips otherwise when it comes to international travel that I should keep in mind?

Granted it's to Europe usually, but I always try to do a quick nap on the plane (2-3 hours) then stay up the rest of the day. I try being out exploring the city and avoid a dark hotel room with a comfy bed. By the time I get to the hotel I'm exhausted from being awake 18 hours, carrying luggage,and walking the city that I sleep pretty good with melatonin. Just try to wake up early and get exercise during the day.

Congrats and best of luck. How did you choose Istanbul? It's on my list but wife is not convinced. Would love feedback.

Istanbul has always been near the top of our shortlist of places to visit because of its historical significance. But I've always wanted to see the Blue Mosque, the Haggia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, and also have so much of the amazing food that's all over the city. Not even to mention the Europe-Asia connection and the gorgeous bosphorus separating the continents. Many friends and family members of mine have been there and raved about the experience.

I'll let you know how it goes when I get back!

[humanrefutation]

I'm headed on my honeymoon in August. Spending a week in Istanbul and a week in Bali, for a total of two weeks away.

I am really excited, of course. However, I do lot have a lot of experience with international travel, let alone with twelve-fifteen hour flights. Istanbul is a direct flight from O'Hare - 12 hours - Bali is a direct flight from Istanbul - 12 hours - and my flight back from Bali to ORD has two stops which includes a 15 hour flight between Singapore and San Francisco, and a total of 26 hours of travel time.

Any suggestions as to how to make the trip comfortable? Any tips otherwise when it comes to international travel that I should keep in mind?

I've traveled quite a bit overseas.

If you're in economy try to to get an aisle seat in the middle with you and your sig other, assuming the plane is in a 3-4-3 format. This will allow you to at least not have to deal with a someone else bothering you to go to the bathroom or vice versa.

For me, jet lag doesn't really hit until I start until I stop moving, as in if I'm doing activities or sightseeing im not tired at all, but I pass out as soon as I calm down in the hotel. Obviously try to get some sleep in on the flight, especially going east with the timezones.

A travel card like the amex plat or chase sapphire reserve is smart and they will help you get into some lounges, even internationally.

Also, I hope you get a decent amount of time in singapore, that airport is incredible.

Excellent suggestions. I've got the CSR and a big chunk of my trip is being paid through points. But I'm definitely taking advantage of the lounge access, especially in Singapore. I just used the meal credit to pay for dinner at an airport in Denver during a layover a couple weeks ago.

[humanrefutation]

I'm headed on my honeymoon in August. Spending a week in Istanbul and a week in Bali, for a total of two weeks away.

I am really excited, of course. However, I do lot have a lot of experience with international travel, let alone with twelve-fifteen hour flights. Istanbul is a direct flight from O'Hare - 12 hours - Bali is a direct flight from Istanbul - 12 hours - and my flight back from Bali to ORD has two stops which includes a 15 hour flight between Singapore and San Francisco, and a total of 26 hours of travel time.

Any suggestions as to how to make the trip comfortable? Any tips otherwise when it comes to international travel that I should keep in mind?

I've traveled quite a bit overseas.

If you're in economy try to to get an aisle seat in the middle with you and your sig other, assuming the plane is in a 3-4-3 format. This will allow you to at least not have to deal with a someone else bothering you to go to the bathroom or vice versa.

For me, jet lag doesn't really hit until I start until I stop moving, as in if I'm doing activities or sightseeing im not tired at all, but I pass out as soon as I calm down in the hotel. Obviously try to get some sleep in on the flight, especially going east with the timezones.

A travel card like the amex plat or chase sapphire reserve is smart and they will help you get into some lounges, even internationally.

Also, I hope you get a decent amount of time in singapore, that airport is incredible.

Echo all of this. The middle aisle split with 2 passengers is a great tip.

One thing I'll add is that I'd consider sleeping meds if you are like me and can't sleep on planes. Even though like BUCK I've powered through and not had the jetlag kick in until I sit down/end of day, it's still a slog to be awake 30 hours, with those 30 hours being travel + activity. Sleeping on the plane, even for an hour or 2, really helps a lot IMO. Zzz-Quil or whatever OTC of your preference might be worth a look.

I generally don't have difficulty falling asleep on planes, once we're cruising. My flight out is at 9PM and we land in Istanbul at 4PM local time, so I'm sure I'll have to sleep a bit on the plane if I want to get anything out of that first day. Same with Istanbul to Bali - takeoff at 2AM and landing at 8PM local time.

I just need to invest in a comfy neck pillow, though.

[DingleJerry]

I can't get on a plane and not fall asleep. Something about the white noise or something but it's every single time.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

I hate you lol.

I'm the opposite, I just can't do it no matter what I try. Did a similar trip length being discussed here to Thailand last year. Did all I could to sleep, no luck. Get there and have to quarantine in hotel until covid test is back, this was at maybe 7 am local time. Figured I'd be able to get a good nap in the hotel but couldn't do it. Once we got cleared we went out and just kept going all night. Think I was up from roughly 5am Friday WI time until like 4 AM Monday morning Bangkok time. IDK, think it was like 55 hours or something like that (all natural), quite the ride.

[Beorn]

I'm headed on my honeymoon in August. Spending a week in Istanbul and a week in Bali, for a total of two weeks away.

I am really excited, of course. However, I do lot have a lot of experience with international travel, let alone with twelve-fifteen hour flights. Istanbul is a direct flight from O'Hare - 12 hours - Bali is a direct flight from Istanbul - 12 hours - and my flight back from Bali to ORD has two stops which includes a 15 hour flight between Singapore and San Francisco, and a total of 26 hours of travel time.

Any suggestions as to how to make the trip comfortable? Any tips otherwise when it comes to international travel that I should keep in mind?

Granted it's to Europe usually, but I always try to do a quick nap on the plane (2-3 hours) then stay up the rest of the day. I try being out exploring the city and avoid a dark hotel room with a comfy bed. By the time I get to the hotel I'm exhausted from being awake 18 hours, carrying luggage,and walking the city that I sleep pretty good with melatonin. Just try to wake up early and get exercise during the day.

Congrats and best of luck. How did you choose Istanbul? It's on my list but wife is not convinced. Would love feedback.

Istanbul has always been near the top of our shortlist of places to visit because of its historical significance. But I've always wanted to see the Blue Mosque, the Haggia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, and also have so much of the amazing food that's all over the city. Not even to mention the Europe-Asia connection and the gorgeous bosphorus separating the continents. Many friends and family members of mine have been there and raved about the experience.

I'll let you know how it goes when I get back!

Good luck with Istanbul, the travelling experience varies a lot depending on the airport you are arriving at.

[MartyConlonOnTheRun]

A travel card like the amex plat or chase sapphire reserve is smart and they will help you get into some lounges, even internationally.

Also, I hope you get a decent amount of time in singapore, that airport is incredible.

Excellent suggestions. I've got the CSR and a big chunk of my trip is being paid through points. But I'm definitely taking advantage of the lounge access, especially in Singapore. I just used the meal credit to pay for dinner at an airport in Denver during a layover a couple weeks ago.

Just third-ing this comment. Even if you don't travel much, getting one of these cards gives you 3-10x return on the first annual fee (you can always cancel when the second annual fee hits).
It amazes me how many people are risk averse to CCs when they are financially literate with no debt (I'm talking CPAs, engineers, etc). 5 minutes to add a new chase or amex card every 6 months to your account and would cover lodging or flights for a weekend. The same people who say "I don't travel much" then complain a month later because the highway side Hampton inn was $200 when visiting family, wedding, funeral, etc.

[ReasonablySober]

Never in a million years thought I would say this but I'm kind of loving baking. Not sweets but bagels, english muffins, no-kneed bread, pizza doughs, baguettes, shokupan, focaccia...I love all this ****. I worked from home today thinking I was gonna play some Final Fantasy, but I went grocery shopping at 7:00 am for bread flower and spent all day making loafs of bread and killer sandwich rolls. I need my company to fire me so I have a logical reason to move far away and just cook and bake for the next 30 years.

[stellation]

Never in a million years thought I would say this but I'm kind of loving baking. Not sweets but bagels, english muffins, no-kneed bread, pizza doughs, baguettes, shokupan, focaccia...I love all this ****. I worked from home today thinking I was gonna play some Final Fantasy, but I went grocery shopping at 7:00 am for bread flower and spent all day making loafs of bread and killer sandwich rolls. I need my company to fire me so I have a logical reason to move far away and just cook and bake for the next 30 years.

I hear you, brother. We're having some Portugese/Peri Peri style chicken burgers for dinner tonight, I've currently got a batch of dough fermenting to bake some pide to have them on. Love it, love it, love it.

[stellation]

This seems quite the idyllic life.

Watch on YouTube

[wichmae]

Anyone watching CONCACAF tonight?

[Licensed to Il]

I'm headed on my honeymoon in August. Spending a week in Istanbul and a week in Bali, for a total of two weeks away.

I am really excited, of course. However, I do lot have a lot of experience with international travel, let alone with twelve-fifteen hour flights. Istanbul is a direct flight from O'Hare - 12 hours - Bali is a direct flight from Istanbul - 12 hours - and my flight back from Bali to ORD has two stops which includes a 15 hour flight between Singapore and San Francisco, and a total of 26 hours of travel time.

Any suggestions as to how to make the trip comfortable? Any tips otherwise when it comes to international travel that I should keep in mind?

Granted it's to Europe usually, but I always try to do a quick nap on the plane (2-3 hours) then stay up the rest of the day. I try being out exploring the city and avoid a dark hotel room with a comfy bed. By the time I get to the hotel I'm exhausted from being awake 18 hours, carrying luggage,and walking the city that I sleep pretty good with melatonin. Just try to wake up early and get exercise during the day.

Congrats and best of luck. How did you choose Istanbul? It's on my list but wife is not convinced. Would love feedback.

Istanbul has always been near the top of our shortlist of places to visit because of its historical significance. But I've always wanted to see the Blue Mosque, the Haggia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, and also have so much of the amazing food that's all over the city. Not even to mention the Europe-Asia connection and the gorgeous bosphorus separating the continents. Many friends and family members of mine have been there and raved about the experience.

I'll let you know how it goes when I get back!

I will definitely visit Instanbul some day. The Anthony Bourdain episode makes the street food seem incredible. Sarajevo is the closest place Ive been (to a city where two major cultures intersect) and its amazing.

[StickeeFingaz]

Anyone watching CONCACAF tonight?

Yea I just turned our game on. Guess I'm excited to see Zendejas tonight but that's about it.

[StickeeFingaz]

The drop-off in quality from our Nations League squad to this Gold Cup squad is wild.

[jschligs]

The drop-off in quality from our Nations League squad to this Gold Cup squad is wild.

Miazaga kept them onside, Long just watched.

I guess the good news is our first team is so young most of this 11 won’t play. But injuries would be bad for us.

Also cool to see Antonio start for Jamaica. As a West Ham fan it’s fun.

[vital_signs]

My team of 3 is down to 2 until a new hire starts and the other person decided to take 7 days off. Lord help me and screw people with no forethought as to what their absence will do to their team.

[Ill-yasova]

I'm headed on my honeymoon in August. Spending a week in Istanbul and a week in Bali, for a total of two weeks away.

I am really excited, of course. However, I do not have a lot of experience with international travel, let alone with twelve-fifteen hour flights. Istanbul is a direct flight from O'Hare - 12 hours - Bali is a direct flight from Istanbul - 12 hours - and my flight back from Bali to ORD has two stops which includes a 15 hour flight between Singapore and San Francisco, and a total of 26 hours of travel time.

Any suggestions as to how to make the trip comfortable? Any tips otherwise when it comes to international travel that I should keep in mind?

Booze and Gabapentin. You’re welcome.

[Kerb Hohl]

A travel card like the amex plat or chase sapphire reserve is smart and they will help you get into some lounges, even internationally.

Also, I hope you get a decent amount of time in singapore, that airport is incredible.

Excellent suggestions. I've got the CSR and a big chunk of my trip is being paid through points. But I'm definitely taking advantage of the lounge access, especially in Singapore. I just used the meal credit to pay for dinner at an airport in Denver during a layover a couple weeks ago.

Just third-ing this comment. Even if you don't travel much, getting one of these cards gives you 3-10x return on the first annual fee (you can always cancel when the second annual fee hits).
It amazes me how many people are risk averse to CCs when they are financially literate with no debt (I'm talking CPAs, engineers, etc). 5 minutes to add a new chase or amex card every 6 months to your account and would cover lodging or flights for a weekend. The same people who say "I don't travel much" then complain a month later because the highway side Hampton inn was $200 when visiting family, wedding, funeral, etc.

I used to kind of credit card cycle more. I use the hell out of CC points but haven't opened new ones much lately. I have a Citi Premeir card and currently just use it for absolutely everything possible and probably get like $1000 in rewards every year and just use it as cash back since that gives the greatest bang for buck. I also have Costco, Target, Amazon, etc. cards specific to those for the 5% or whatever it may be discount.

Do you just cycle a new rewards card every 6 months or so? I probably should start doing it again. It affects your credit score but not that much?