My boyfriend is currently solo traveling for 5.5 weeks. I miss him a lot but I enjoy hearing his stories and I am so happy for him that he gets to do this now.

I’m picking him up in a few weeks and I want to make coming home as pleasant as possible. He cleaned his house before he left but I’m planning changing his sheets into fresh ones right before I go and putting some stuff in the fridge so I can make him a nice breakfast the next morning.

What else do you like to have/see/do after a few weeks of traveling?

I just had around 500 euros stolen from my spare wallet i keep in my luggage. I have no idea when it happened as i hadn't looked inside the wallet for over a month as i hadn't needed to use it (I'm in Asia). I usually lock up the wallet + laptop in the dorm room lockers but i did get a bit lazy since i was feeling so safe everywhere and i felt like i could trust everyone in my dorm (i know i am an idiot)

I feel so stupid for letting this happen. I know i shouldn't have had that much cash on me but i am travelling for a year and i had that much lying around at home and wanted to use it bit by bit. I also should have locked my bags every time they were in a luggage area etc

Does anyone have any advice on how to cope with this. I was feeling so safe and i am no longer feeling safe anymore, especially since i have no idea when this happened, if it was in a hostel or in transit etc. usually this wallet is deep in my backpack in a random pocket so someone would have had to really go through my stuff to find it OR it was at some point where it was in a locker by itself. What's weird is they didnt take my laptop or my passport but just the money and the credit card (they left a debit card and travel card in the same wallet).

i feel sooooo stupid 😭😭 its also such an expensive lesson too, i wish it could have just been something like 50 euros

hi everyone, maybe some of you saw my post a couple weeks ago. now i’m writing from a cafe, looking through the hundreds of pictures i’ve taken. back home :(( I think this trip woke me up to some things about myself and my life that i needed to be slapped in the face with. I have new motivation to expand my normal life to feel more like something i don’t have to escape from. I know myself a bit better. And I have made a couple friends that fingers crossed i’ll stay in touch with!

in more practical terms:
- keep your bag with you all the fucking time, I got my card stolen
- it is OK and IMPORTANT to be able to say no thanks i don’t want to go / stay out any more.
- depends on the person but for me, making a point to talk to my closest people every couple of days made a big difference

people are really really similar!!! from all different countries, across different ages and languages. there is so much love to be found in everything if you make a point to look. go take the trip yall, the years won’t come back

oh also!! everyone says wherever you go there you are, which is true, but how much of who you think you are is just you falling into a pattern? that’s then reinforced by your environment and the people around you? there might be more of you than you knew.

alr dreaming about the next time, europe here I come, once I’ve finished my degree and I’m less broke lol

(my old post because it’s hidden on my profile lol: https://www.reddit.com/r/solotravel/s/OMXZoXhnH3)

I (male, middle-aged (ugh), American) just returned from a 17-day solo trip to Rome, Budapest and Prague and thought I would share my list of "don't"s.

Nothing Earth-shattering here (and nothing city-specific), but maybe some Redditors will find something useful. (And they're not really hard and fast don'ts, it's just how I structured the post. By all means, do what works best for you.)

* Don't take taxis/Uber/Lyft everywhere. I took transit (buses, subways, trams) much more on this trip than ever before and it was great. Add in a lot of walking and a few scooters and I experienced the cities in a way that isn't possible when riding in a car from the hotel to Site A to Site B and back. As a bonus, I spent less money and really didn't sacrifice much in terms of time or convenience.

* Don't dress like a stereotypical American. Again, this was a new one for me. I've never been the most stylish person (at home or abroad), but I tried to improve my look a bit on this trip, especially while in Italy. Nothing crazy - for example, think a button-down linen shirt instead of a t-shirt with a sports team logo - but I actually liked it. As with riding transit, I felt like I was experiencing the city in a somewhat deeper way, and I felt a little less like a tourist. Interestingly (to combine these first two bullets), I was asked for transit directions several times (at least once in the local language), and was actually able to provide useful replies. I felt like an honorary local! (Granted, they were pretty easy questions - like, does this line go to Roma Termini, which happened to be my destination - but still.)

* Don't use the hotel gym. Yes, the hotel gym has its advantages - especially if, against all odds, it is well equipped: There's no extra cost, the time commitment is minimized, and maybe there will be a bowl with free apples. But - to continue a theme - there is great value in doing the non-touristy thing. When I go to a local gym, it often takes me to a part of town I wouldn't otherwise see, it typically puts me among locals (instead of other hotel guests), and, once again, it just enhances my feel for the city. (And I can still pick up a couple of apples when I get back.)

* Don't sit at a table or booth in a restaurant/bar. Sometimes there is no choice, of course, But if the location has a bar area, I prefer to sit there. The opportunities for interaction are much greater.

* Don't be phone obsessed. I like to go out to bars and pubs in the evening and the siren's call of the smartphone is even greater than usual when sitting there by myself. But watching videos and reading articles is not particularly sociable or welcoming - I could do that in my hotel room, after all - so I make an effort to put the phone in my pocket and present myself in a way that conveys interest, curiosity, respect and friendliness. Yes, I still look at it at times, but at least I'm giving interaction a chance.

* Don't be ratings-obsessed. I don't know how many times I've looked for a place to eat or drink and found a dozen options around me that were all 4.4 to 4.6 on Google Maps. So, this time, I tried to just go with my gut more often while walking around and select places that, for whatever reason, caught my eye. It worked well. No bad experiences (or bad food), I found myself in places that felt truly local at times, and it felt good to not be told where to go by an app.

* Don't completely avoid a foreign language. I am embarrassed that I only speak English and grateful that the language is so widespread. Even in cities where English is commonly spoken, though, I have found it useful to know at least the following eight words/phrases in the local language: Hello, goodbye, yes, no, please, thank you, you're welcome, pardon me. (As an introvert, that actually covers a large percentage of my conversations.)

Thanks for your time. I look forward to reading much better advice in the comments.

Hello all, I am 31M from Singapore and this would be my first solo trip to Europe in December.

About 2 years ago, I did visit Germany (Briefly Munich) and Poland (Krakow + Warsaw) and Austria with my friends.

As East germany, West poland and Czech republic seems close by and rather accessible by train I would like to visit these areas.

Since I will be visiting during the early to mid/late dec I wish to visit the Christmas markets.

So far, the only two countries I solo travelled to was Japan and Thailand and it is abit of a personal goal to travel outside of Asia on my own.

I am rather nervous about the trip due to personal safety but the cities I am visiting seems rather safe.

I have about 19 full days of travel this time. Flying in to Berlin and leaving via Prague.

My current plan is

Germany

6 days Berlin (Cold war, WW2, nightlife..? Seems like a big place, this city is already bigger than the country I am from..)

1 day trip to Potsdam from Berlin (Palace?, garden?)

2 days Dresden

Traveling to Poland

3 days Wroclaw (Seems like a cozy place)

From Poland to Czech republic

1 day trip Cesky Krumlov from Prague (Looks scenic)

1 day trip Kutna Hora from Prague (Bone church, sadly silver mines are closed)

4 days Prague (Castle and old town)

This leaves one extra day, which I am deciding between Berlin/Wroclaw and Prague.

I havent planned a proper itinerary right now as I am deciding on cities to visit. I do like scenic spots, historical sights, musuems (natural history, general history and national musuems) and castles so there should be plenty to see.

I am rather shy person but I found that I am slightly more sociable during my previous solo trips. Hence I am thinking of staying in hostels in Berlin / Prague to hopefully make new friends or have a chat.

I would check out some bars, not too sure about clubs though.

Plus it is also winter time, which shorter daylight hours so.. this limits visiting tourist attractions in the morning/afternon and christmas market / musuems / bars? in the evening.

Hopefully there is enough time to chill like in a sauna or cafe.

Anyway, if anyone have experience in visiting the above locations. Please feel free to leave any recommendations and tips.

I hope I have not allocated too little / too much time in each city. Plus I am still wondering what I should spend that extra day on.

Thanks for reading.

Hi guys.

I'm planning my first solo backpacking trip through the Baltics and Scandinavia in early September and would love some feedback from people who've done a similar route.

Current itinerary:

• Vilnius – 3 nights
• Riga – 3 nights
• Tallinn – 3 nights
• Ferry to Helsinki – 2 nights
• Ferry to Stockholm – 3 nights

A few questions:

• Does the pacing look reasonable, or am I spending too much/little time anywhere?
• If you could add or remove a night from one city, what would you change?
• Any must-see attractions, neighbourhoods, cafés, bars or day trips that aren't always in the guidebooks?
• Is early September generally a good time for this route?
• Any tips for the ferries, hostels, or getting between the cities?

I'm mainly interested in history, architecture, good food, walking around cities, viewpoints, and experiencing local culture rather than nightlife.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Get the travel insurance. Get. The. Travel. Insurance.

I solo’d to Peru last week to do some volunteering at an animal rehabilitation center in Iquitos, Peru. I was also going to Cusco afterwards to see Machu Picchu and explore the town.
I was pretty deep into the jungle when this happened, about two hours from any medical facilities. I slipped on some mud and my ankle went the other way. I’m pretty sure the weight of my boot is what snapped my ankle back into place as I tried to lift my leg up. Sucked. Thankfully there were some strong guys around me to carry me back down the mountain. Without them Im not sure what I would have done. Crawled probably, lol.
I hitchhiked with another volunteer to the town, and transferred into a tuktuk to get to the hospital. Had to book an emergency flight back to the New York - including two layovers. I missed my second flight because my first one ran late. It was a whole shit show. All while being wheelchair bound with a language barrier. The travel insurance is going to cover that flight (approx 2500 US), and all hospital bills ($35 US, lol) which is such a blessing. The travel insurance itself was $100.

All this to say, get the travel insurance.

Portugal 15-16 max days trip. SOLO Travel. From Montreal (canada)

I'm mostly into outdoors, trails, hikes. (but of course i can't miss gorgeous cities)

I planned to do Lisbon/Sintra + best parts of the fisherman's trail + Algarve + back to lisbon area.

But i just learned about Madeira and WOW. Should i try to add it ? Should i only visit lisbon for 2 days and the rest of the time entirely in Madeira ?

is this this too much :

Montreal to Lisbon - to Madeira - Back to lisbon - Bus south to Half of the Fisherman's Trail - to Sagres - Lagos back to Lisbon - to Montreal

thank you !

Hi ! 14-15 days Trip (including flying in and back home) I want to do Fisherman's trip + Visiting Portugal main attractions. What do you guys suggest ?

I'm very fit and used to trails so i think i would have no problem doing it under the normal ''13 days''. but i dont want Fisherman's trail to take my whole trip so i think about shortening the trail to 7-8 days. Starting at Odeceixe instead of porto covo.

Will go late august to september - Flying from Montreal (Canada). what i was thinking :

day 1 : fly to lisbon and enjoy night

day 2 : enjoy lisbon

day 3 : bus to Sintra

day 4 : bus to Odeceixe

day 4 or 5 to day 11 : Odeceixe → Lagos (fisherman's trail)

day 12 or 13 : Algarve : visiting Lagos or leave ?

day 12 or 13 : Algarve : Seven Hanging valleys trail

day 14 : Stay in Algarve ? what else should i see ? Faro ? or go back to lisbon already ?

day 15 : bus back to lisbon and fly back home

How does it look ? should i extend it 1-2 days for a MUST SEE in portugal ? Or without extending, should i just skip some places i mentionned ?

I know i'm skipping entirely the north (Porto, Douro Valley, etc)

IS IT CRIMINAL ?

(P.S. As you can read, i'm more of a ''must see landscapes'' than ''must see cities''. But i still wouldnt want miss the most charming city in the world haha!)

thank you so much for any help  !

I keep seeing numerous posts in regard to travelers not wanting to return home, or having trouble readjusting once there. Just to be clear - I LOVE traveling. However, I almost always am happy to come home after a really good trip.

Currently I’m at the airport waiting for my return flight after a fantastic 2 weeks in Catalonia. I absolutely will miss the food - even simple things like fresh bread - and the nature/medieval villages in the Pyrenees. However, I will not miss the “traveler tummy” (I have a sensitive stomach), and just prefer sleeping in my own bed.

Anyone else feel likewise?

Hi,

first of all IDGAS about Christmas or Christmas vibes. We don't celebrate but unfortunately I am a teacher and the only days I get off in winter are 23rd December until 2nd of January when we have school holidays in Germany. Husband and I only have plans for New Years so I decided to take a solo trip from 23rd to 29th Dec. I will fly out from BER Berlin, Germany and I wanna go up north. Like far north.

I know most of south and middle Scandinavia up to Bergen. Now I want to go further up. I'd like to experience real winter, darkness, maybe northern lights, lots of snow. I am also interested in museums and arts.

So first thing that comes to mind is Tromsø. But I just saw a post from some solo traveller that basically said Tromsø sucks during these specific dates because a lot is going on until like 20th of December but after that until New Years the city feels deserted and lonely, lots of places are closed and even some tour operators are on break so you can't do stuff like dog sledding etc. and especially as a solo traveller it feels nothing but extremely depressive and lonely.

So I would like to ask 1) if someone was in Tromsø between Christmas Eve and New Years and can share the experience and 2) which alternative cities you'd recommend? Except Rovaniemi - I am absolutely not interested in this x-mas tourism hype. I would also consider to re-visit Helsinki, Bergen or go to the Baltics but not Oslo, Copenhagen or Stockholm since I was there 10+ times.

Thank you!

I (31F) just recently got out of a 12 year relationship about a month ago. We were together since we were 19 and basically grew up together. We had an apartment, raised a puppy and had plans to get engaged, until he suddenly ended things.

Anyway, we had flights booked to go to Japan before covid hit, which then got cancelled. Since then, it was always a dream of ours to go but long story short, he couldn’t leave the country because of visa issues.

Now that I'm single, I took a month off from work in August and I very spontaneously booked a one way flight to Tokyo for August 10th. I've travelled to Europe and parts of Asia before including Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and India, and I loved every single country. I'm quite independent and go on solo hikes with my dog, but that's the most I've ever done. I guess I spent a solo night in LA years ago while travelling to meet friends, and it was a good experience. I stayed in a hostel and met some nice people.

I want to do a 2 week trip consisting of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, but I haven't booked any hotels or events yet. If I decide not to go, I'd lose the cost of my flight to Tokyo ($540) but that's it.

I'm leaning towards going, but I'd love to hear some perspective from people who've solo travelled before.

Thanks!

I'm my 30some years of life I've lived in about 40 different homes.

I grew up very a poor in a family that moved constantly. Usually it was just a different trailer in the same general area, but every so often we'd pack up and drive a few states away, rack up some bills, and either get evicted or leave right before it happened and start over somewhere new.

That life gave me a lot of independence and has likely led to my wanderlus. New friends everywhere, new people all the time, no roots, no one to rely on but myself. I moved out at 15, at 17 I left my rural area for the first city I ever lived in, and made my own way. At 19 I met a girl, got married, had a kid. Almost 20 years later we're madly in love.

Two kids and a long marriage later, here's the thing: I love my wife to death, but she's a homebody. Travel makes her nervous, and cities really aren't her thing. Not to mention it's impossible for us to find reliable babysitting. I love cities. Urban areas, urban hiking, people watching. And this year I finally realized I don't have to bring everyone every time. I can just go.

So I planned my first trip out of the country. Got my passport and last weekend I set off to drive to Canada for some camping, hiking, and a couple days in Toronto. The one thing I forgot to check? Air quality. I hit Buffalo, drove straight into a wall of smoke, and turned right back around.

I normally research a trip to death, and I did with this one too. Just never thought to look at current conditions. Lesson learned.

I'm trying again this weekend if weather allows. I really felt like I was in the Truman show last weekend.

Thankfully my wife is very supportive. I carry a lot of weight when I'm at home and I think she knows my mental health needs time away from it all.

Traveling solo (28F) 9 days July 24th- Aug3rd. I plan on booking almost nothing in advance unless there is something recommend to be booked in adv.

DAY 1: Land in Guatemala City around ~2pm, uber to Antigua

DAY 2: Explore Antigua, acclimatize. Book volcano tour for next day.

What should I do specifically in Antigua?

DAYS 3&4: Hike & Overnight Fuego Volcan Acatenango thru OX, travel to Lake Atitilan

DAYS 5&6: Explore Lake Atitilan, chill rest days. What specifically should I do? Looking at less-touristy areas to stay, I really want to enjoy local Guatemalan cuisine. Leaning towards San Juan la Laguna or Santa Cruz based off some quick research. 2 days too much/enough for the Lake and surrounding areas?

Help me decide!!

OPTION 1.

DAYS 7,8&9: Fly to Flores, explore Tikal and surrounding areas. Fly to GC & then home on day 9. Where to stay here? Any specific must-sees?

OPTION 2.

DAYS 7,8&9: From Atitilan (not sure if this is the best route) to the coast, surf in El Paredon. Beginner surfer. Not sure what else specifically to do at the coast?

I don't think I have enough time for Tikal/surrounding areas AND the coast.

Things I'm interested in: nature, diving, hikes, flora/fauna, chill time, beaches, surfing, socializing, local food/culture tours, caves etc

HAPPY FOR ANY RECOMMENDATIONS!!

Hi all! I’m planning my first solo trip as a female traveler and am thinking of going to Guatemala in January or February. I’m planning for about 8–9 days total and would love some advice on the second half of my itinerary!

Here’s what I have so far:

Day 1: Antigua
Arrive around noon, check in, and explore.

Day 2: Antigua
Full day to explore Antigua.

Day 3: Antigua → Lake Atitlán
Wake up and head to Lake Atitlán. I’m planning to stay in Santa Cruz.

Day 4: Lake Atitlán / Santa Cruz
My hotel is pretty private, but it’s right next to Free Cerveza, so I figure I can head over there if I want to socialize and then easily walk back to my hotel. I’m traveling solo and can be a little shy, so I like the idea of having somewhere social nearby without actually staying in a hostel.

Days 5–9: ???

This is where I’m stuck!

Would it be worth staying in another part of Lake Atitlán for a night or two? I was looking at Casa del Mundo for one night, but I’m wondering if it’s worth moving hotels since it seems a little isolated and possibly overrated. Would I be better off checking out another town around the lake instead?

For the rest of the trip, I’m considering:

• Flores/Tikal
• Fuentes Georginas
• Semuc Champey
• Or possibly leaving Guatemala and spending 2–3 days in El Salvador?

I’d love to hear what you would recommend, especially considering the amount of travel time involved. I don't want to spend half my trip getting from place to place.

Since this is my first solo trip, safety is definitely important to me. I’d also love opportunities to meet other travelers through group activities or social spots, but I’m not a huge partier/drinker and prefer having my own private room.

If you had Days 5–9 open, what would you choose? Stay longer around Lake Atitlán, head to Flores/Tikal, visit Semuc Champey or Fuentes Georginas, or add a few days in El Salvador?

I’ve travelled to Germany twice, once to Berlin and once to the Black Forest. Both trips were a long time ago, so I don’t remember everything, but I remember finding both quite boring and disappointing.

Berlin felt surprisingly limited for a major European capital, especially compared with a city like London, which has many more large and varied attractions.

The Reichstag was nicely designed and had a good view, but there wasn’t much to explore. I spent a long time preparing for the visit and finished it within a few minutes.

Madame Tussauds was smaller and less interesting than similar museums in other countries. There wasn’t much to do, and some of the candy being sold there had gone bad.

Berlin Zoo was bigger than an ordinary zoo and had more animals, but that alone didn’t make it exciting for me. Many of the animals felt unnecessary, and the aquarium wasn’t particularly impressive either.

I also visited during Christmas, but I was disappointed by the shopping and the Christmas market. There was barely anything I wanted to buy. I also paid to use a small ice-skating area without realising the surface was plastic, and I still don’t understand the point of skating on plastic instead of real ice.

The Black Forest was slightly more enjoyable, but it still didn’t feel very special.

Europa-Park looked more elaborate than many other amusement parks, but I felt that many of the rides were unoriginal, repetitive or similar to attractions I had already experienced elsewhere. Since the rides are the main reason I go to amusement parks, good design alone wasn’t enough.

I also visited a bird-of-prey park. It was an unusual idea, but I lost interest quite quickly.

The water park was probably the best part. It had modern technology, different slides and more interactive attractions, so it was more fun, especially in summer. However, I still didn’t find it exceptional overall.

I know that many people love Berlin, the Black Forest and Europa-Park, and I’m not saying they are objectively bad. They simply didn’t offer enough of the things I personally enjoy.

I’m looking for interactive activities, technology, large and varied attractions, amusement parks, spas, good shopping, real winter activities and unusual experiences. I especially like fun adrenaline, beautiful or impressive places and attractions that feel different from things I could experience elsewhere.

I’m considering giving Germany another chance and visiting Cologne or Bavaria, possibly Munich and the Bavarian Alps.

Are Cologne or Bavaria significantly different from Berlin and the Black Forest? Would they offer more exciting, interactive and unusual experiences, or am I likely to feel the same way?

Do you think I simply chose the wrong attractions, or might Germany not be the right destination for what I’m looking for?

I 30F am doing a solo trip to Norway this October for a total of 7 days and was wondering from locals or anyone who have visited what are some good spots to visit, eat and shop. I'm also bringing a film camera and digital camera as well. I am going to be staying in Oslo and Bergen.

More trip information:

Flying from Las Vegas Nevada, layover in Amsterdam for 5h and then should land in Oslo around 10pm or so if no delays.

Staying from the 17th-23rd of October. Staying in Oslo first and then leaving from Bergen airport.

I did do some research that eatting in restaurants can be a bit pricey how ever I don't mind eatting just once at a restaurant (does not have to be fancy) and then eat at local places that arnt so pricey. Also I know I want to see the opera house in Oslo and found out that they have a gift shop inside, is this true? Also what are the prices for museums and train tickets and what apps should I download in advance if I need to before my trip.

Kind regards and thank you:)

Niche question - I'm very interested in the history of the Vietnam War, and a dream of mine is to take a history focused trip to the country. There are tours from the US focused on the war, but they are quite expensive and given the demographics of those interested in that history in the US, not really my speed

For those who have been, is this something you can do on your own beyond the more standard touristy locations like Saigon, the Cu Chi tunnels, and Hue? Can you rent a car yourself for a day to go to remote locations like the A Shau valley, or barring that are there local guides you can book for a day who would take you out and show you around?

Hi Reddit,

I'm (36M) planning a solo road trip in the middle of November, starting from Edinburgh. I'll spend a total of 9 days + 2 half days (arrival and leaving day) in Scotland.

I'm an enthusiast hobby photographer and thus my number 1 interests are gorgeous landscapes especially in the morning and late afternoon hours. It of course includes smaller hikes (preferably 2-4 hours at a time).

In-between I'd like to enjoy the local pub culture (food, whisky, beers) and specialty coffee. I'd be happy to meet other travelers and locals.

I've made a rough plan based on my impressions and google/forum research. Please help me refine it and give me your feedback. My main question is that I can't really estimate how many days I should spend at each location (for example, whether to take day trips or drive on to the next place?).

I'll have a rental car and I'd like to sleep in hostels (so preferably no camping). Budget is not a consideration this time.

My current idea of the main locations is:

Edinburgh → Glencoe → (Tobermory?) → Isle of Skye → (Torridon?) → Inverness → Cairngorms hike (good idea im November?) → Edinburgh

I'm alerady researching the basic "must-see" viewpoints and photo spots, but if you know any hidden gems or cafés/pubs please let me know :)

Thanks!

They kept me there checking my passport, even though I showed my UAE Residence ID. They didn't care at all; they seemed to enjoy keeping me there and whispering among themselves. He kept checking my passport as if it were fake, even though it has many stamps from all over the world.
He handed my UAE ID back and asked for more IDs, which is absurd. Finally, he let me in, and the other gossips all came over to watch me walk
I do not recommend visiting this country for Latino people. I'm pretty sure it was a form of racism

Everyone else has good friend groups or partners they go on holidays with. I don’t have any of that so I just solo travel when I can. But I don’t like talking about it because people are judgemental. Everytime I get asked I just say “not right now.” I actually plan on going somewhere in September. But I don’t want to mention it to work colleagues because I know they’ll be asking the usual “where are you going?” “Who are you going with?” I used to make stuff up and say im going with a friend I know. And then reality would be solo travel.

When I have annual leave booked off for over a week I know there will be questions and i’m trying to figure out how I respond about my trip without giving away too much of my situation.

I have booked the flights not too long ago, and I'm in the final stages of planning out the entire trip now (for mid October). I've come through a few back and forth moments for this plan but I think I'm finally happy with what I have! I don't mind the constant exploring and less relax days, but after doing a solo trip to Portugal not too long ago I've added in some days where I just fly into the city/area and then spend the day not doing much or very little (as you can see when I fly into the central and then south).

And just by judging by Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh videos/vlogs/reviews online I'm happy to settle with just a day trip for both. Both intense 7am starts until evenings but what they offer is more than what I want! And yes, I know I don't have Sa Pa but intend to go back to go see Sa Pa one day but it is not a priority right now as it doesn't interest me as much and I am much more intrigued with Ninh Binh's landscape :). That said, here it is:

Days 1–2 – Hanoi Old Quarter, food, coffee culture. Train Street early morning or late evening Hoan Kiem, Train Street, museums Recover from jet lag

Day 3 - Ha Long Bay day tour

Day 4 – Ninh Binh day tour Trang An / Tam Coc + Hoa Lu Back to Hanoi in the evening

Day 5 - Fly to Hue - spend half doing solo sights

Day 6 – Tour of Hue Get your guide full day.

Day 7 - Travel early and arrive by 12 to Da Nang via train, explore sights in Da Nang

Days 8 – Take the 2pm Da Nang + Hoi An guide tour. Ask to be left at Hoi An at end of it and see Lanterns.

Day 9 - Coconut Forest, Hoi an Old town, Fujian Assembly Hall, Shops/Markets. Come back to Da Nang late.

Day 10– Fly Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City

Days 10–13 – Ho Chi Minh City War Remnants, Cu Chi Tunnels

Day 11 Mekong Delta day trip

Day 12 Relax and explore

Day 13 - Back to Hanoi for overnight

Day 14 – Visit the day anything missed

Day 15 - Departure back to Ireland at midnight

Many thanks!