Viator vs TripAdvisor vs AirBnB vs direct booking

I've used TripAdvisor for years, but recently started getting emails from Viator, a TripAdvisor company.  I had signed up for TripAdvisor with my junk email address, but decided to change it to my regular address since I'm booking a lot now.  I had also signed up on Viator initially with the junk email but wanted to change it.  TripAdvisor easily let me change my email address AND my email sign-in address.  Viator let me change my sign-in but NOT my email address (which are the same).  I reached out to customer service multiple times, but they either did not understand or could do nothing.  All I can do is to delete my account and recreate it (I hope so anyway.)  In the meantime, I still have Viator bookings. 

I've recently been getting things from AirBnB as well and they usually pair up with my stay bookings.  I've done several things now through them and they seem like a good alternative to TripAdvisor.

I've also started using TripAdvisor and AirBnB to find the local folks and sign up with them directly.  Sometimes it's cheaper and I know they won't have to pay a commission.  I haven't been burned yet.  Also some don't allow for direct booking but direct to TripAdvisor. 

When I do book something either going forwards or for some past stuff, I will try to add links on my pages.

Luggage

There is nothing handier than boarding a plane with a carry-on that fits on top and another that goes under the seat.

I planned just to do carry=ons on all my trips, but I realized that I just wouldn't have enough space for 30 days in Europe.  I was able to comfortably fit 3 days in this.  And for trips no longer than that, perfect.

I loved this carry-on, because it has a "hanging closet".   You pack everything soft in this hanging closet, then scrunch it together with straps and push it in on the right side.  On the left is a section for harder things like shoes but that can also get squished.  When arriving at your destination, simply hang the closet part back up, and you can access all your stuff.

The company is called Solgaard (picture is linked there) and their stuff is somewhat pricey, however, it is extremely well belt.

For Europe, I've bought their check-in version which is much larger and should hold enough for 5 to 7 days, including heavy winter clothes (I AM going both to Spain AND Sweden in March after all.)  In addition to being able to pack more, I will also be able to include full bottles of shampoo, mouthwash, etc.  I'll just have to make sure they can endure squeezing.