Posts by Poney

Thanks for your feedback. As for me, I can’t get Free in Belgium. So I went with the T-Mobile eSIM card for $35—unlimited calls and texts, plus 12GB of data. Shared the connection with my wife and used the data non-stop over 4,000 km, except when Wi-Fi was available. Didn’t keep track of the calls. The connection with Europe didn’t bother me since, with the time difference, I had Wi-Fi to communicate. Now, for more than 15 days, you have to top up, but the eSIM was still working on the 16th day!???

Thanks, actually I’m planning to leave in early June 2026. But I can move it forward or back—I’m looking at a mid-length period, knowing that in the mountains (and these days in general) anything can change!

Thanks for your comment. Actually, I’d love to know the best time to go since I’m flexible and don’t want to be bothered by snow

Hello, We (two adults) would like to visit this legendary place. Recommended time to go—I’m currently planning for early June. Road trip with my car starting from Belgium.

Day 1: Belgium - Innsbruck Day 2: Innsbruck - Lago di Braies: Visit Innsbruck, then head to Lago di Braies. Day 3: Lago di Braies - San Vito di Cadore: Visit Lago di Braies, then Lago di Landro and Misurina. Day 4: San Vito di Cadore: Tre Cime Day 5: San Vito di Cadore: Cinque Torri (5 Torri) Day 6: San Vito di Cadore: Lago di Sorapis Day 7: San Vito di Cadore - St. Maddalena: Lago di Dobbiaco - churches in the late afternoon Day 8: St. Maddalena - Alpe di Siusi Day 9: Alpe di Siusi: Compatsch Day 10: Alpe di Siusi: Seceda Day 11: Alpe di Siusi - Venice: Lago di Carezza Day 12: Venice Day 13: Venice Day 14: Return trip

Thanks, Louis

Thanks for the info. The advisor didn’t mention it to me. In a rush, I got the e-SIM, especially since my phone only supports one physical SIM card + one e-SIM. It lets me keep both lines active if needed.

So I’m with Orange Belgium and I got a T-Mobile e-SIM: both companies strongly advised against keeping both active. At Apple, they didn’t understand why I’d want to. With no clear answer, I removed my SIM, which didn’t bother me too much since I had Wi-Fi in all my accommodations, and given the 8-hour time difference, calls with Europe weren’t at convenient times anyway.

True, Free is pretty good, but it’s not available in Belgium.

I’m trying to remember—it’s $35 for unlimited calls and texts plus 12 GB valid for 15 days from activation, and even longer because I still had validity after 16 days

My T-Mobile eSIM was more than efficient, and I don’t regret my purchase at all—I even had some left over!

Thanks! Trekking poles really helpful, water up to chest level at times but an amazing experience. Though I wasn’t expecting such huge crowds—crazy, crazy, crazy—or those 100°F temps!

Hi there, After easily crossing the Fremont, the next part gets tougher—big stop on the track with a deep tear along its entire length and no room on the sides. But a bit lower down, there’s the wash, a bit muddy with a car track. We tighten our belts, engage the 4x4, and go for it at full speed. Phew, we make it! We continue on the track, visit Bentonite Hills, then take a small crossroad to skip the loop and reach the temples. Finally, a little track on Gaia GPS lets us pass by Factory Butte and Moonscape. It’s 1 p.m., and the temperature is climbing well above 30°C.

Hi there! I think our European media really overhypes the US. 1. I just arrived, and the entry formalities—especially at SLC—were super chill, especially with the MPC (Mobile Passport Control). There was just one couple ahead of us, while the other line was packed. 2. While I was in Yellowstone, I got a call warning me about an imminent explosion that was scaring off tourists. Haven’t heard a thing about it here. 3. I rented a Jeep Wrangler from Rugged Rental—amazing car with a really elevated view, perfect for Yellowstone and the Tetons.

On the other hand, it’s *packed* here!

My bad.

Hi there,

I’m not sure what’s being said on the various European diplomatic sites, but on the Belgian one, they mention that an ESTA and/or visa aren’t a guarantee of entry. Immigration services have the final say—they could even ask to see your electronic devices like phones, tablets, or cameras. And there might be extra hassles for LGBTQIA+ travelers.

I know this one and others because I lived in Los Angeles for a year in my youth.

I even rented an RV to travel with my parents, and I have to say that their campgrounds are really well equipped.

You just need a good means of transportation because it’s not practical for grocery runs or restaurants… But Americans are very organized—I even saw one towing a small plane!

Hi there! Well, imagine this—I didn’t do nearly as much research for Namibia, which I’ve visited three times and absolutely love, as I normally would. The thing is, over there, it’s just part of the norm. In the US, if you run into trouble on the trails, you’re pretty much on your own.

« Must be a Belgian thing, this off-road stress LOL, because I see all our Belgian friends bringing up this issue lately »

Hi, I don’t speak for all Belgians! But personally, I’ve always been very meticulous when traveling. I’ve also been to Southern Africa on gravel roads without any problems because there’s assistance available as long as you have network coverage, especially in Sossusvlei, Namibia, in deep sand—but I had a locking differential, which really helped.

So this kind of road doesn’t scare me, but I take extreme care with my trips because I hate getting stuck due to equipment issues—that’s why I’m asking for info. So yes, I’ll be renting a Jeep Renegade with a spare tire, proper insurance, and a satellite phone. I’ve also noted the phone numbers for off-road recovery companies.

I probably won’t need all of this, and it costs more, but nothing beats setting off with peace of mind.

Cheers, Louis

Hi there, and thanks! I can assure you that the company I book with allows me to drive on gravel roads, but not off-road—meaning where there’s no road at all. They actually recommend their Jeep Renegade for the routes I mentioned, like Cathedral Valley, Burr Trail Northbound, Hole in the Rock, and Cottonwood Canyon. I chose this small company even though it’s more expensive ($300) than Alamo because of that, plus they have better CDW and SLP insurance.

Hi there, I just looked up Long Dong Silver, and some sites say it’s off-road, but I’m only allowed on gravel roads.

Thanks for your feedback!

1. No, it’s his vehicle. 2. Yes, spare tire, but for $200 more I could get a real 4x4—I’m thinking about it. 3. Senior—I don’t have the energy for camping anymore; it’s a choice. Louis