A Simply Wonderful Life, the Travel Page

NEW SITE!

2020-09-08T13:48:00.004-07:00

A Simply Wonderful Life, the Travel Page is now Simply Wonderful Travel and can be found at Simply Wonderful Travel.

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TRAVEL & DINING IN THE TIME OF COVID

2020-08-25T16:22:00.000-07:00

Covid certainly has changed the world of travel. I’ve had to cancel two major trips this year and I’m sure that others have had to cancel long anticipated trips, as well.

When Americans travel these days, it is mostly domestic and very often by car rather than by plane. While a great many restaurants are open, many are operating at reduced capacity. Some people are choosing only to dine on-site if outdoor seating is available. However, curbside pick-up is readily available and when traveling, that might be your best or even your only option in some locales.

So how can you make the most of your curbside pickup? It’s not particularly appetizing to eat out of a Styrofoam box, using the plastic flatware that the restaurant may or may not have remembered to stick in with your food.

The best solution is to take some simple dishware and flatware with you. There are some nice affordable options on the market.

If you’re traveling solo, a simple lunchbox like this one might suit your needs. It comes with its own flatware. The bonus is that is that it snaps shut, which makes it a great way to safely stow leftovers in your cooler or hotel fridge.

If you’re traveling with others, you might want something more substantial. I love this backpack that came with everything needed to dine away from home, including service for four, a small cutting board, a sharp knife, and salt and pepper shakers. I’ve taken this thing on several trips with me, including sailing trips when no galley was available.

Oh – and it also comes with a corkscrew and four wine glasses. That definitely improves the quality of your on-the-go dining experience.

TRAVEL RAINCOATS

2020-08-18T15:08:00.001-07:00

Every time I’ve visited Europe, there has been at a notable amount of rain. I now know to never cross the pond without a sturdy raincoat tucked into my luggage. Yes, you can wear a regular coat and take an umbrella but if you’re being very active at all, an umbrella can be cumbersome.

It is helpful to wear a jacket that allows you to quickly pull up a hood when a light shower pops up. Also, look for one with large front pockets for your cell phone, tissues and anything else you want to keep dry but close at hand. The best kind of hood will allow you to fully cover your head loosely. Drawstring hoods are nice if you’re hiking in the woods during a monsoon, but if you are checking out the sites in London or Paris, you’ll want a hood that will cover your hair without scrunching it up and ruining your hairstyle.

You'll need a jacket that is long enough to cover your tush. Trust me on this one. Not even a good umbrella can keep your rear dry in a good London downpour.

Price is also a consideration for most of us. You need not spend a fortune to get a coat that suits your travel needs. This Columbia jacket from Amazon is functional and affordable. It comes in a nice range of colors that should fit just about any travel wardrobe color scheme.

B&B, HOUSE OR HOTEL?

2020-08-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

These days, there are so many lodging options available to choose from that making a choice can be overwhelming. How do you choose the right one from the myriad of options available?

Many people think that the most important factor to consider is price. However, the most important thing to consider is actually the size and composition of your travel party. When trying to decide what kind of lodging to book for your next trip, ask yourself the following:

Are you traveling solo or with others?
If you are traveling with others, what personal tastes and needs might they have? Is anyone in your group handicapped? Will anyone need a quiet place to work? Is anyone on a special diet that might require an in-room kitchen? Does anyone need a fridge for medication?
How long do you intend to stay? The longer you intend to stay, especially when traveling with others, the bigger you will want your space to be.

You’ll also want to consider your own personal taste and travel style. When I travel solo, I prefer the quiet comradery of a B&B. B&Bs are usually charming houses with lovely furnishings. On my last road trip, I picked Hall Place B&B in Glasgow, KY specifically because it was old (which I love) and absolutely gorgeous. The owner was quite welcoming and I felt comfortable there. It was the perfect choice for me during that solo trip.

When our family went to the Outer Banks, we needed more space than even a large hotel suite would have afforded us. We needed plenty of space to stretch out and enough rooms that we could each find a private little corner when we’d had a bit too much togetherness. Since several restaurants were still closed due to Covid, we also needed a good-sized kitchen to cook most of our reals. We found this great beach apartment that met our needs beautifully.

When traveling with friends, we're usually just crashing somewhere for one or two nights and all we want is a clean, safe place to lay our heads, so any decent chain hotel will do.

There are so many wonderful and affordable lodging options available these days and, with a little bit of research, travelers are often able to score excellent lodging at an economical price. You can research hotels on the web and book directly, but I often find better rates on travel discount sites.

I have long been a fan of Expedia.com, which not only offers great prices on all kinds of places to stay, but also offers phenomenal rates on rooms (often free) if you bundle your hotel, air and car package through them. Another company that I've been using over the past year is Booking.com. You can't go wrong with either site.

TRAVEL LAPTOPS

2020-07-14T18:03:00.001-07:00

Very often when I travel, I need to take a laptop with me to work on writing projects. The one that I work on at home is far too large and heavy to stuff into a bag and drag along with me.

The good news is that there are several small, lightweight versions that can be had at ridiculously low prices. I love this one from RCA. It weighs a mere 2.4 pounds. You can't find one much lighter than that. It suites my needs just as well as a full-size laptop and it also fits quite neatly on those small airplane tray tables.

There are several other options as well, at several price points. These models also come highly recommended. I suggest that if you are shopping around for one, you carefully consider your individual needs. Some are better suited for gaming, while others are better suited for work-related projects.

In order to make sure that you can save and recover your files on any of your devices, be sure to use as service such as OneDrive or Google Docs. That makes switching back and forth between different laptops absolutely seamless.

DITCH BAGS

2020-07-07T18:05:00.002-07:00

When I was sailing, I learned to keep a “ditch bag” handy at all times. My ditch bag contained everything that I might need should we have to abandon ship in an emergency situation.

Some people equip their ditch bags with everything they need to survive for 72 hours, including first-aid, food and water. Since our boat was always in sight of land, I didn’t worry about survival issues. I packed only the basics that I would need once ashore – my wallet, cell phone, car keys, etc.

Now you might be wondering why I’m talking about ditch bags on a travel blog. Well, here it is: You never know when you or a loved one might have some sort of emergency that will require you to be away from home for a couple days. If that happens, you will want to take along some basic grooming supplies, electronics and clothing.

Just a couple of weeks ago, I received such a call, summoning me to my hometown, roughly 75 miles away. Chances were that I’d be staying for at least one night, possibly two. No worries - I tucked enough clothes for two days into my prepared ditch bag and was out the door in five minutes flat.

The best time to prepare your ditch bag is when you return from a trip. Instead of unpacking those grooming supplies, stash them in an overnight bag that you can grab in a hurry. If you have an extra wall charger and/or cord for your phone, add that to the bag, as well. The goal is to get out the door quickly and efficiently when the time comes. Whatever you can think of that you might need for a two-night stay should go into that bag.

Keep the bag relatively small and the clothing that you pack quite simple. On my last emergency trip, I stuck to jeans and tees. I wouldn’t need anything dressier than that for the situation I was rushing into. It would be an odd emergency indeed that would require any sort of dressy clothing.

I love this bag I found on Amazon. Not only does the classic black and white design go well with any outfit, but the bag’s design is highly functional. It has a separate compartment in the bottom for shoes, as well as several interior pockets that will help keep you organized.

I hope that you rarely, if ever, need a ditch bag. However, you will never regret being prepared.

WALLETS & WRISTLETS

2020-06-30T16:22:00.001-07:00

Travel wallets are a very personal choice. What one person might deem the perfect wallet could actually be a giant fail for another person. It’s all a matter of priorities and of taste.

What do you look for in a travel wallet or wristlet? Do you want maximum protection from identity thieves? Are you more interested in convenience? Or are you all about personal style? The choice is yours and the options are practically endless.

Personally, I opt for safety first. RFID blocking wallets are essential for protecting your credit cards and passport. Thieves can and do use scanners to read magnetic strips on credit cards right through your pocket or bag in order to grab your info and go on spending sprees. Twice when I went to Florida, one of my credit cards was hacked. I highly suspect that my cards were scanned while I was walking in a large crowd. Once I bought this RFID blocking passport wallet, that issue was resolved. My cards have not been hacked since.

Now, as effective as that wallet is, it’s not particularly attractive, nor does it lend itself to use as an evening bag. For a little more style and utility, I love this simple wristlet. It has enough room for my phone, reading glasses and lipstick, along with the RFID passport wallet. Plus, it tucks neatly into my carry-on bag.

When picking wristlets, I also suggest that you pick one that matches your travel wardrobe as much as possible. The same wristlet that rode along in your backpack all day could serve as a sleek clutch bag when you go out to a nice dinner in the evening.

Finally, rather than buying a wallet or wristlet strictly for travel, I suggest that you find one that fits your daily lifestyle so that you need not change back and forth between the wallet you use for travel and the one that you use in daily life. It just makes life a little bit simpler and easier, and couldn’t we all use a little simpler, easier life these days?

THE OUTER BANKS – THE ULTIMATE FAMILY BEACH VACATION

2020-06-23T18:21:00.001-07:00

This post is a little longer than I usually write, simply because there is so much to love about North Carolina’s Outer Banks. I fell in love with the Outer Banks (OBX) when I was just a kid. Family friends kept a boat at the Oregon Inlet marina and I was smitten on my very first visit.

Located on the east coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks stretches out approximately 200 miles to the south, offering pristine beaches, interesting historical sites, ancient lighthouses, fun shopping and great dining options, all accompanied by intriguing myths and legends. There truly is something for everyone there.

Beach in Hatteras Village

Love wildlife? The OBX is home to wild horses, sea turtles and ghost crabs, to just name a few.

Interested in history? You can check out the lost colony of Roanoke, visit the spot where the Wright Brothers took their famous first flight or explore the island that was once Blackbeard the Pirate’s hideout.

View Atop Wright Brothers Memorial

Want to shop? There are too many shops to count in the Outer Banks. One of my favorites is called Wings, an OBX chain. They are a great source for affordable hats, tee, beach gear and salt water taffy (an OBX staple). If you prefer your shopping a little more upscale, you’ll find lots of boutiques and art galleries along the way, as well.

No mater what kind of lodging you seek, you will find it somewhere in the region. Everything from campsites to small cottages to luxury hotels are available, almost all with easy beach access. I recently rented a spacious two-bedroom apartment in Hatteras Village. Looking out the living room window, we had a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean. On the opposite side, the kitchen window provided a panoramic view of the Pamlico Sound.

The Atlantic Ocean From Our Apartment

Even though our visit took place right as restaurants were starting to re-open from Covid shutdown and dine-in was limited, we were able to find amazing food. The apartment had a full kitchen and we took groceries with us, but we also indulged in some wonderful curbside pick-up meals. We enjoyed pizza from Gingerbread House Bakery & Pizza in Frisco, an assortment of amazing entrees from Eduardo’s Taco Stand on Ocracoke, yummy pastries from Orange Blossom Bakery & Café in Buxton, and delicious ice cream from the Happy Belly, located just a few yards from our lodging. On our last night there, we were able to enjoy eating on the deck at Oceanas Bistro in Avon. Every meal was a delight.

When you visit the beaches of the Outer Banks, you’ll want to take some beach equipment with you. During our visit, I didn’t see any beach-side rentals for chairs and umbrellas like you might see in other locales. I suggest you take some sort of tent or umbrella, along with some chairs. I like this beach tent, which offers not only shade but a safe hiding place for your belongings.

I am just as in love with the Outer Banks as a grandmother as I was as a child. I suggest you pack up your family or your friends or your significant other and go have a summer vacation that will result in a lifetime of precious memories.

P.S. If you go, I highly suggest that you go ghost crab hunting. It’s a fun, educational, free activity for the kids. The object is not to actually catch the little critters but rather just spot and watch them. To find ghost crabs, walk on the beach just after sunset. Take a flashlight and shine it out just in front of where you walk. They only come out at night when the beaches are dark and quiet. When they see your flashlight, they freeze for a moment, then scatter away as fast as they can. We saw dozens within just a few minutes of being on the beach.

Moonlight Ghost Crab hunting

Ghost Crab

Safe & Clean Travel

2020-06-16T16:22:00.001-07:00

Travel can be oh so glamourous. And, it can sometimes be oh so gross. When you travel, you are facing the hazard of contacting cooties no matter where you go.

Think about every surface that you will touch during your travels that was likely previously touched by others:

The handrail on the parking shuttle or the door handle of your taxi or shuttle
The escalator or stair rail
The luggage tracking ticket you were given when you checked your bag
The bins at security
The ID, boarding pass or phone that you just handed over to airport staff
The credit card that you just gave the barista, not to mention the cup that they handed you
The arm of the chair you sat in at the gate
Someone else’s luggage that you gave a little nudge to in order to make room in the overhead bin
Anything and everything on the plane

Once you land, if you checked baggage, just think of how many people have touched the handle of your luggage since it last left your hands. Think about that rental agreement that requires you to sign a screen with your finger.

Are you grossed out yet? I am. There way too many opportunities for those cooties to be spread around.

Some things have recently changed in light of COVID. TSA and gate agents now ask that you scan your own documents rather than hand them over. Airlines are actually cleaning and sanitizing their planes between flights. Restaurants and shops are doing all that they can to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Most airlines are requiring that all staff and passengers wear masks when boarding and in-flight, which is a big improvement in and of itself.

Still, the responsibility for your own health and safety, as well as that of your family, rests squarely on your own shoulders. What can you do to minimize your risk? It doesn’t take a lot of money or effort the ward off those worrisome cooties.
First, arm yourself accordingly. Carry both liquid hand sanitizer and wipes. Sometimes a quick splash of liquid sanitizer works fine but at other times you will want the wipes to clean a surface that you will be touching repeatedly, like your tray table or armrest. Regulations now allow you to carry up to 12oz of liquid hand sanitizer through security. However, you can carry as many sanitizing wipes with you as you want because they do not fall under the restrictions for liquids. I love the fresh scent of these from Clorox.

Thin disposable gloves are handy too, at least until you get through security. It is easier to put on gloves to get through the process, then pitch them in the trash once you get through security than it is to worry about sanitizing after you touch each surface you come in contract with.

So many stores and restaurants still ask that you sign your receipt on check-out. They are supposed to give touch screens a good sanitizing after each customer but I’ve seen how half-hearted those efforts can be. This handy little multi-tool can put space between you those touch screens or door handles that must be pulled towards you to open. I put mine on my keychain and it goes with me everywhere.

Please pack smart and take these items along with you so that you can stay safe and truly enjoy your travels.

The Perfect Cabin Bag

2020-04-05T17:33:00.001-07:00

I have long searched for the perfect cabin bag, a.k.a. personal item. Some were just too big, while others were just too small. Some were too cumbersome. I’ve come close to finding the right one several times and I was almost there with the last one but it had no outside pockets.

Why are outside pockets an issue? Given that seatback pockets are so filthy, I put absolutely nothing into them. On my last trip, that left me sitting and holding my bottle of water for the duration of the flight. What I really needed was a bag with outside pockets to provide easy access to anything that I might want while in transit, such as my water bottle, sanitizing wipes, reading glasses, tissues, etc.

One day, I stumbled across the perfect bag, quite by accident. I’d ordered this lunch tote for work. After using it just twice, I realized that it would serve as the perfect personal item when I fly.

It fits neatly under the seat in front of me, leaving plenty of room for my purse and my feet. It opens wide and provides ample space for my electronics, cosmetics and anything else that I want to keep nearby during the flight. I can put a water bottle in one outside mesh pocket and the other things I’ll need in the other pocket. The flat bottom allows it to set up neatly without falling over. Because it was designed to a lunch tote, it is durable and easily wipes clean. It suits my needs perfectly. Finally, the low price makes it a winner all the way around.

Save Time and Money with Mobile Parking Apps

2019-07-28T15:46:00.001-07:00

While planning a weekend trip to Chicago with my two oldest grandchildren, I found a lovely boutique hotel right off the Mag Mile. Looking at the hotel website in regards to parking, I learned that the only parking option offered by the hotel was valet. I planned to drive a rental car and did not want to turn it over to any other driver. Plus, their valet service was a bit pricey.

So, I emailed the hotel, explaining that I could not use the valet and asked what other options were available nearby. The hotel staffer kindly recommended two garages very near the hotel and he also referred me to two different mobile parking apps.

I looked at the parking garage sites first and found that one was full and that the other wouldn’t allow the size of vehicle I would be driving, so I turned to the mobile parking apps. I was shocked to see the differences between the parking garage sites and the parking app sites. Not only did I find that parking app I chose (SpotHero) had more up-to-date information regarding height restrictions (my behemoth-size rental car would fit my chosen garage after all) but the rates were considerably cheaper. The garage offered a rate of $63 if I prepaid on its site, but SpotHero offered a spot in the same garage for $50.

I was leery because it seemed too good to be true, but I took a chance and booked it anyway. SpotHero emailed my confirmation to me, complete with directions on how to use my code and what to do if something went awry. The whole experience was just as smooth and easy as can be. Never again will I park in a city garage without first checking SpotHero.

Makeup on the Move

2017-10-26T14:46:00.001-07:00

Traveling with cosmetics is a pain. They can take up a lot of space, there’s that whole Ziploc issue when you fly and there’s always a risk of something popping open in transit and ruining other stuff in your bag.

Yes, I know I could be brave and just leave it all at home. However, I do not want to scare small children I may encounter, so I never travel without my cosmetics and I never will.

Packing cosmetics does present some challenges: 1) You want to keep them secure so that they don’t leak; 2) You’re only allowed to take so much in that little Ziploc; and 3) Organizing your brushes, pencils and compacts can be difficult with some bags.

Using your stuff once you arrive can present some real problems, too. So many guest baths lack the counter space you might need to spread things out.

The best solution is a sturdy makeup bag that can hang on a towel rack near the bathroom sink. I’ve tried many versions and while all have been decent enough, my all-time favorite is this version from Lyceem.

Click here to purchase for $18.99 on Amazon

This bag has so many divided pockets that it is super easy to be super organized. It can sit or lay on a counter. If there is no counter space, it can hang on a towel bar for easy access. The mesh pockets allow you to see exactly what is in every pocket, so you’ll never have to dig around to find what you want.

When you fly, only liquids, pastes and gels need go into your quart-size Ziploc bag. Powdered and solid cosmetics can go directly into your Lyceem. Once you’ve cleared security and don’t need to have the liquids bag out, it slips neatly into the main pocket of the Lyceem.

I have used this bag on several trips and have been quite pleased with it. At just $18.99, I was quite pleased with the price, too.

Should you buy trip insurance?

2017-10-21T05:36:00.000-07:00

Travel can be awfully expensive. When you’re planning a trip, the costs add up quickly. So, should you add another $25-$150 for trip insurance to that already large travel bill? A few years ago, I would have said a firm no. However, I have seen and experienced enough that I’ve changed my stance on that.

So many things can affect travel plans. I’ve seen countless friends cancel travel plans at the last minute due to illness in the family or their own illness. I myself nearly had to cancel a trip because of a surprise, late season snowstorm.

Travel insurance often covers many things in addition to last-minute cancellation. I plunked down $125 for insurance on my last trip. It not only covered me if the trip was cancelled but it also provided extra protection for lost luggage, medical expenses, emergency evacuation and extra life insurance. That $125 investment brought me great peace of mind.

Just like with many other travel options, buying insurance is subjective. Consider the following factors:

How much is this trip costing you? If something goes wrong, can you afford to lose the money you’ve already invested?
How is your health? Is there any potential that you might encounter health problems when traveling far from home? Does your health insurance cover you once you leave your homeland? Some do not.
Do you have loved ones whose health could cause you to cancel or interrupt a trip?
How dangerous is your trip? Will you be enjoying quiet days in museums or will you be skiing in the Alps?
Are any of your deposits non-refundable?
Do you want the peace of mind that insurance can bring?

I have to admit to making a somewhat costly mistake recently. We were supposed to travel to the U.K. in early October and spend two weeks driving about England, Wales and Scotland. The cost was relatively low. The risk was low. I thought about insurance at least my airline ticket but just never got around to doing it.

Two days before departure, I go the devastating call that my son was diagnosed with a brain tumor and would be having surgery to remove it in just a few days. Of course, the trip was instantly cancelled.

The airline charged a change fee and said the we could use the tickets later if we booked by January and traveled by March. That's just not going to work for me. I'm not going anywhere for a while.

What did we lose? The cost of the airline tickets, airport transfers and deposits on hotels. I lost about $1500 out of pocket. I should have at least insured the plane ticket. It definitely would have been to my financial benefit to do that. I could have given that recouped money to my son to help with his expenses.

While the loss of $1500 is the least of my concerns right now, I do consider it a lesson learned. From now on, I will always buy the insurance.

Save Money by Changing Airports

2017-09-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

I live less than 30 minutes away from a perfectly good airport. However, when I travel I often drive to airports in neighboring states. Why? Because departing from an airport just two to three hours away from home can save me as much as $600 on an international flight and $300 on a domestic flight.

When researching flights online, I always mark the box that gives the option of checking multiple airports. Many major cities have more than one. For example, if you fly into or out of Chicago, you can choose between Midway and O’Hare.

As lovely and convenient as our Indianapolis airport is, I rarely fly out of it. I usually find better rates out of Cincinnati but research is key. Sometimes the Cincinnati rates are only about $50 cheaper than Indy, so I’ll pass on those. It’s not worth the cost of gas to drive two hours for that slight difference.

Airfare shouldn’t be the only consideration. Ground transportation can be a principal factor. If someone can drop you off at your home airport and you don’t have to pay for long-term parking, it might be better to do that than drive two hours and then pay for parking.

Convenience can be important, too. When flying to D.C. for a conference a few years ago, I had the choice of landing at Dulles or Reagan. The Dulles flights were cheaper but Reagan was closer to the conference. I could take the subway straight from Reagan to my hotel. That saved me both time and money after landing, so I was willing to pay a slightly higher airfare in that instance.

When you’re booking your flights, a little flexibility can save you a lot of money. Just be sure to weigh all the factors (length of drive, cost of gas, cost of parking and convenience) to make sure that the money you save on airfare is more than any additional costs you might incur on the ground.

Overcoming Airport Anxiety

2017-09-21T14:19:00.002-07:00

A dear friend of mine hates to travel. I once asked her why and it boiled down to the stress of navigating the maze that she perceived airports to be. Having to take connecting flights left her particularly nervous. She hates getting off a plane in a strange city, reading the connecting flight screens and trying to find her next gate. She is not the only person I know who finds all of that to be stressful. I’d say that roughly half of my friends and acquaintances hate airports.

Personally, I find airports to be fun and exciting. I love people watching, sampling different restaurants, checking out art displays and shopping. Once upon a time, though, I also found airports to be intimidating. Like my friend, I really hated changing planes.

How did I make the switch from being a timid flyer to a calm, confident one? The answer is simple: Preparation. The more you know before you go, the more relaxed and confidant you will be while traveling. Preparation eliminates that unsettling feeling that being in an unfamiliar place can bring.

Before you leave, check out the web page for your home airport and any airports that you will be in during your trip. Airport maps can be a wealth of information. If you’re going to be changing planes and your gates are far apart, there might be a short-cut tunnel or a train/bus that will get you to your departure gate faster than walking the length of both terminals. Those maps also show you where the restaurants, shops and restrooms are.

There are some free phone apps that help you navigate your way through the airport. I love Ifly, both the web and the app. You can plug in your flight info and get very specific directions to your next gate. I hear GateGuru is good, although I haven’t tried that one yet.

The most useful app to download to your phone is the one that your airline provides. I am currently a Delta devotee and their app is wonderful. Before you even book a flight, download the airline app to your phone and create a personal profile. You can book flights through the app but if you booked your flight using another tool or even an agency, you can add your flight information using your reservation number. Be sure that your reservation is in the app because the tools provided will come in handy before and during your flight.

Delta’s app allows me to:

See how many days are left until I can check in.
Check in by phone and keep my boarding pass on my screen, eliminating the need for a paper boarding pass.
Check my flight status and receive notifications regarding last minute delays or changes.
Pull down up those handy airport maps. The app knows what flights I have coming up and it has those maps in queue for me.
Track my checked bags.
Record a parking reminder for help in finding my car when I return.
See what movies are currently playing in-flight and download an app that provides free entertainment while in the air.

There is a lot of comfort in having all of that information at my fingertips. I am able to travel calm and confident knowing that I can find my gate, my luggage and my car simply by looking at my phone.

Finding Your Bag in a Sea of Black

2017-09-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

Have you ever stood in front of the luggage carousel, waiting for your stuff and accidentally picked up one that looks identical to yours? Have you ever seen someone accidentally pick up your bag? Have you ever had a bag stolen at the airport?

The problem is that most of us gravitate to either black, navy or gray luggage. There are only so many suitcase manufacturers out there so it only makes sense that a lot of us carry identical bags.

You may have read on other blogs to tie a ribbon or a scarf on your luggage to set it apart. That’s not a bad idea except that ribbons and scarves are too easily removed, whether by intentional means (by a thief) or unintentional (excessive bumping around while being handled).

There are several affordable and effective ways to set your bag apart from the look-alikes at the airport. My favorite method is two-fold. First, I bought a set of big pink luggage tags. Luggage tags are easy to remove, so as a back-up, I bought pink Duck Tape and put a strip on the bottom of each of my bags. I put it on several years ago and it’s still hanging tight. With my bright tag on the top of the bag (if it has survived the flight) and the pink tape on the bottom of the bag, I can spot my bag quickly no matter which end comes off the conveyor first.

Big, bright luggage tags

Bright strip of tape

Duck Tape

Two other options are handle grips and luggage straps. It’s a matter of personal choice but I say the brighter the better.

Handle Wraps

Luggage Straps

If your luggage is uniquely marked, not only will it help you find it in baggage claim faster but it will help the airline find it faster should it be misdirected. It also deters thieves. Most thieves will avoid uniquely marked bags because they are too easily spotted by their rightful owners.

My Favorite Travel Accessory

2017-08-31T14:07:00.001-07:00

You’ve probably heard the theoretical question, “If you could only take one thing with you to a deserted island, what would it be?” For me, the answer is Huggies baby wipes.

Why? Baby wipes, in my opinion, are darn-near magical. Here’s what I use them for:

Makeup remover. They work great on all kinds of makeup.
Shoe polisher. One quick swipe and your shoes will be clean and shiny again.
Hand cleaning. I like them better than hand sanitizer to get gooey things off my hands.
Stain removal. Be sure to test one out on a hidden area of your clothing first to make sure that it doesn't fade the color. I've never had that happen but that seems to be the standard disclosure.
ATM button cleaner - or any questionable surface, really. Keep them handy to wipe down the hotel room TV remote, door knobs or anything else that you suspect might not be sanitary.
Spill absorber. Wipes are damp but not too wet when they come out of the package, which means they can be pushed into service to clean up spills.
Quick freshen-up on long flights. Wash your face, cool your neck, wipe down any part of you that needs a quick clean-up.

I’ve tried several brands but the Huggies brand works best for me. They have just the tiniest bit of texture to each wipe, making them more effective than other brands.

Huggies Simply Clean

Now, before you go into doubt mode about what baby wipes can do, think about what substances they are designed to clean and what surfaces they are intended to be used on. ‘Nough said.

Travel Flat Iron

2017-08-29T13:37:00.000-07:00

On my last CIE trip to Ireland, one of my fellow travelers came to breakfast one morning and confided that she’d just burned off a lock of her hair with her flat iron. She said that it happened in the blink of an eye. She’s not the first or the last woman to experience that.

When you travel to another country, the haircare appliances that you use at home might not act the same, thanks to varying electrical systems. The “medium” setting that you use at home might translate to “super hot” in another country.

I looked around and finally found the international travel iron shown here.

Worldwide Dual Voltage Flat Iron

It comes complete with adapters for the most commonly traveled countries, as well as a thermal carrying case that allows you to pack it in your bag while it is still warm.

The best feature of this model is that the heat settings are not a mystery. Rather than guessing whether you need to set it at low or medium, you can set the exact temp that you want. I asked my stylist what setting I should use. He advised 385 degrees and that seemed to work out well. It was hot enough to style my hair but not hot enough to damage it. If you decide to try it out, ask your stylist what temp you should use for your own hair.

I’ve tried it out in several locations and it hasn’t let me down yet.

When Do You Pack?

2017-08-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

Knowing when to pack can be tricky. Some people (mostly men) can pack the hour before they leave for the airport and not miss one little detail. Others start making lists and setting things aside weeks or even months in advance. I fall into the latter group.

I pack early for several reasons, the primary one being that I just can’t help myself. Even though I travel frequently, I still get very excited about each and every trip. I also want each and every trip to go as smoothly as possible. Making lists and packing early helps to facilitate that.

In addition to any personality quirks that you might have, when you pack depends on where you are going and what your personal needs are.

For example, when I visit my mother’s house in Florida, I can pack in one hour. We have a washer and dryer there, so that limits the amount of clothing I must take. We only do beaches and amusement parks, so even haircare, makeup and shoe needs are minimal. Packing for that trip truly is as simple as can be.

However, when we go to Europe, it’s a different story. In addition to clothes and makeup, I take umbrellas, power converters, snacks, electronics, a universal flat iron, maps and much, much more. My next trip across the pond is several weeks away but I’m already making a list and checking it twice.

Oh, let’s get real here – I am already half packed. It’s ridiculous, I know. Why in the world would anyone pack their bags so far in advance of a trip? The simple fact is that I do it because I enjoy it.

I’ve heard that the total enjoyment of any positive experience is 1/3 anticipation, 1/3 experiencing it and 1/3 recalling it when all is said and done. I wholeheartedly agree. Taking my time packing makes it a fun, enjoyable experience rather than a stressful one and it adds to the overall enjoyment of the trip.

My granddaughter recently convinced me of the joys of using packing cubes, so I ordered this set from Amazon.

$15.99 Packing Cube Set

Actually, I started with the bra barrel and liked it so well that I ordered the whole matching set.

$6.66 Bra Barrel

During last year’s long road trip to Canada, I found myself digging around in frustration for clean underwear that had shifted around with other things in the suitcase. I used the barrel on a short trip not long ago and congratulated myself for spending $6.66 so wisely.

Lighted Travel Mirrors

2017-08-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

Hotel vanity lighting is notoriously awful. In most cases, the lights are just too dim to allow a woman to see and put on makeup correctly. While some hotels have recently added swing mirrors with extra lighting, most have not. Worst of all, you never know what the next hotel will offer.

I think I have tried just about every mirror on the market, looking for just the right model. The first one was nice but required four large batteries, which made it too heavy to lug around in a suitcase. The second one magnified everything so much that I couldn’t really see my whole face to ensure that my makeup was applied evenly. The third one was simply too small. The fourth mirror was absolutely adorable but the lights were even more dim than the ones over the hotel vanity. The fifth one distorted my face so badly that it was like looking into a funhouse mirror.

Finally, I found this little beauty.

USB Travel Mirror

This is The One. It’s the perfect size and fits neatly into a medium size cosmetic bag. One side is magnified and one is not. It recharges via a USB cord and it holds a charge for quite a long time. Once charged, you can move it anywhere you want without having to worry about whether the cord will reach from the outlet to where you want to sit.

Finally, it weighs practically nothing, which makes it the ideal travel mirror. I’ve used it for two years and haven’t experienced a single problem with it. I’m hoping that it lasts a long time because it really is perfect for my needs.

Traveling Shoes

2017-08-15T15:49:00.001-07:00

Most travel experts will tell you to limit the number of shoes you take to two or three pair, and that’s pretty good advice. Shoes can be heavy and bulky.

The two most important things to consider is where you are going and what you will be doing. If you’re going to a tropical resort for a few days and won’t be doing much other than laying on the beach, just bring your flip-flops and maybe a pair of dressier sandals.

However, if you’re heading off to Europe, you can expect to encounter uneven sidewalks, cobblestone walks and steep stairs. So, for this post, I’m going to focus on those challenges.

Flats

I talked about my favorite flats in a recent post. I like to wear them when flying because they are easy on and off, and quite comfy. They are also non-slip and I can cover a lot of airport ground in these. They also work great as house slippers. They are as sturdy as sneakers but considerably dressier. They are acceptable for all but the dressiest occasions.

Sperry on Amazon

Hiking Boots

I pack my hiking boots if there’s the slightest chance I’ll need them. The day that I found myself walking up a steep, twisty turret to kiss the Blarney Stone, I was glad that I’d worn my hiking boots rather than my cute booties. The steps were crooked and slick with rain. If I’d worn the cute booties, my climb would have been a bit risky. They were worth the weight and the space they took up in the suitcase.

Some writers say that you should wear your heaviest shoes during transit rather than packing them but my personal preference is to throw them in my bag. If my luggage gets lost, I’d rather have my cute, versatile flats with me than my hiking boots. I just can’t see imagine to tea at Harrods wearing hiking boots.

Available in black and brown on Amazon

Heels

High heels are my vanity item. While I could get by without them on most trips, I like to take them for evenings out. I don’t have to take them but they do ramp up an outfit for a special evening out. Plus, sometimes after wearing hiking boots all day, it feels good to slip into something more feminine for the evening.

Low Price on Amazon

Bonus Shoes

I break the three pair rule with what I call my bonus shoes, something little and light that can fold up and be toted around in a purse. Folding flip-flops or ballet slippers can get you back from a late-night concert or dinner if your high heels are bothering you. I remember leaving the London theatre district one night only to find that the part of the Tube that we need to take was down. We had to do a considerable amount of unplanned walking. Oh, how I longed for those ballet slippers that night.

Flip-flops

Ballet Slippers

Are Group Tours Worth the Money?

2017-08-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

CIE Tours in Northern Ireland

I resisted group tours for years. I envisioned a bus full of boring geriatrics with whom I would have nothing in common with. The other thing I imagined was a huge travel bill.

I first dipped my toe into tour group travel with a day trip out of London. We boarded a bus from central London and headed out with a large group to see Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath. I found that I liked having everything managed for me. We paid the bus company and they took care of the transportation and the admissions. Not only were we dropped right at the door of the attractions (thus no parking hassles), but as a group, we were escorted right in and skipped the queue.

My second foray into group travel was a day trip in Cancun. We boarded a bus downtown and made two stops along the way for lunch, shopping and swimming in a cenote (which I opted out of). We were dropped at the entrance to Chichen Itza where we were disbursed and explored the area on our own for several hours.

Then we got serious about group travel. When we decided to take our first trip to Ireland, my beloved suggested that we try a group tour. I was hesitant because every multiday group tour that I had looked at online was jaw-droppingly expensive. I could book similar trips on my own at half the price.

However, someone recommended that we try CIE Tours. We checked their reviews on Tripadvisor.com and they had very high ratings. When we looked at the site, we were pleasantly surprised at the cost of the tours they offer. We could not beat the prices by booking on our own.

CIE will make you feel a bit spoiled before you even leave home. They walk you through every step of the booking process and even help you find a discount that will apply toward your trip. You can book your own air travel but if you book it through them, your transportation to and from your destination airport is included in the fee.

I highly suggest that you let them book your air travel. They know the best flights and if anything goes awry, they can be your advocate with the airline.

About two weeks before you depart, you will receive a little present in the mail from CIE. They send you a very nice, very sturdy backpack containing all your trip vouchers. They send a map of your destination, as well as a brochure about the country/countries you will be visiting. They send luggage straps and luggage tags. They even send a VAT refund card that you can register before you leave home, making getting your VAT (Value Added Tax) refund quick and easy at the end of your trip.

When you arrive at your destination, you will see a sign saying, “CIE Tours” posted just outside the arrivals area. If you’re sporting your CIE backpack and have used the bright yellow luggage straps, your greeter will notice you instantly and rush to your side. If not, you can find your neatly dressed greeter by the sign.

He will check your name off the list and instruct you where to wait for the rest of your group. If you have wisely booked your air travel through CIE, you will find that many members of your group came in on the same plane or on one that arrived very close to the time that yours did.

You are then shuffled off to a bus where your hand over your luggage and head off toward your first night’s lodgings. This is the last time you will have to drag your luggage until the end of your trip. At every stop, your bus driver makes sure that your luggage gets to your room at check-in and back on the bus at check-out.

Once aboard the bus, your driver will chat along the way and let you know what to expect for the rest of the day. That night you will meet all your fellow travelers for dinner and your guide will give you all the information you need to know for the duration of your trip.

Every day you be well-fed and shuttled everywhere you go. You are never lost or alone unless you want to be. Your driver/guide is your guardian angel who will answer every question and help you to have as nice a trip as possible.

I have traveled with CIE twice. On the first trip, I went to The Republic of Ireland with my beloved. We traveled during the first week of the travel season. Because of last minute cancellations due to a snowstorm in the States, there were only six of us on a bus designed to hold many more. The small group allowed our guide the freedom to be even more attentive than usual. I felt completely spoiled and pampered by the time we had to fly back home.

My sweetheart did not want to come along when I decided that I wanted to go to Northern Ireland. I’d never done an international trip alone but I knew that if I booked with CIE, I wouldn’t really be alone. On this trip, I traveled in the fall and the bus was nearly full. What a wonderful time I had! I was instantly embraced by the whole group. The only meals I had alone were lunches the first two days and that was because I wanted to go off and do my own thing. Otherwise, every meal was shared with then new and now treasured friends. The other advantage to going on a group tour, especially if you are traveling without a companion, is that you will always be safe.

All dinners were included in the trip fee, except for one. All the breakfasts were included. Lunch was generally on our own except for one day when we made a special lunch stop as a group.

The tour company arranged for visits to several wonderful places, many that I would have never thought of on my own, such as Avoca Woolen Mills, Belleek China, Blarney Castle, Bunratty Castle and more. One our first trip we spent a night in Dromoland Castle and on my second trip I spent a night at Cabra Castle. I would have never have thought to arrange such magnificent accommodations myself. Walking tours with local guides were provided in some cities. They also arranged for memorable welcome night and farewell night dinners. If you go with CIE Tours, you will most certainly come home with many wonderful memories.

The comradery of the group was a favorite part of the trip for me. Far from a group of dull fuddy-duddies, I found myself surrounded by fun-loving people of all ages, from 25 to 85. We got to know each other and became fast friends over countless shared laughs. My only regret is that I did not make a point of getting contact information from more of these dear people than I did.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat!

Security Socks

2017-08-03T13:47:00.001-07:00

After yesterday’s post on getting through security fast was published, I remembered a little something else that I want to share with you and it’s these black lace footies from Amazon.

When I travel by plane, I wear these black Sperry’s. Not only are they easy to slip on and off, but they are also as comfortable as house slippers. The bonus is that they look nice enough to wear just about anywhere.

However, I don’t like to wear socks with them and not wearing socks when you go through security is just gross. I’m not about to walk across that filthy airport floor in bare feet.

These footies are a nifty little solution to that problem. They provide a nice barrier between my bare feet and that nasty floor. While they are not billed as “disposable”, they are inexpensive enough that I wear them once and throw them away. I put them on before I leave for the airport, peel them off after security and then toss them in the trash. I also pack a second pair for my trip back home.

Speeding Through Airport Security

2017-08-02T16:58:00.000-07:00

There is a scene in the movie, Up in the Air, where George Clooney’s character shares his secrets for getting through airport security lines at top speed. His primary piece of advice is to avoid getting in line behind families with strollers and to try to get in line behind businessmen. That’s pretty solid advice but there are more simple tricks that will help you just as much.

A speedy trip through security begins before you even leave home. In fact, it begins before you pack or dress to head out the door.
When you check-in for your flight (presumably on your phone or on-line at home, 24 hours in advance) take a moment to head on over to the TSA site and make sure that you know the security screening rules. They do change occasionally. While you’re checking in, also make sure that the name on your boarding pass matches the one on the ID you will present at the security gate.

While you’re looking at your boarding pass confirming that your name is right, look up in the corner of it and see if you have a green check mark and the words “TSA pre-approved” printed there. Regardless of whether you have enrolled in the program, sometimes you will get that privilege for free and without asking. If that lovely green mark and those precious words appear, you have the right to go through the pre-checked line, meaning that you won’t have to take off your shoes and you won’t have to pull out your Ziploc. You can also enroll in the program for a fee but it must be done well in advance of your trip.

Next let’s talk about packing. Whether you travel strictly carry-on or prefer to check your bags is a matter of personal choice. Just keep in mind that the less you carry through security, the less you will have to have screened. If you are checking a bag¸ put nearly everything except for in-flight essentials, valuables and one change of clothing in your checked bag, leaving your carry-on and personal item (purse, briefcase, etc.) as light as possible.

Next, check your carry-on items for contraband. It’s easy to overlook little things like pocketknives, corkscrews, etc., that might have been left in the bag after your last adventure. Ladies, check your purse for lip gloss, nail polish and pointy nail files that will not be allowed through security.

Now that you have cleaned out the banned items, it is time to pack according to TSA guidelines. Make sure that all of your liquids are in bottles no bigger than 3.4 ounces and then put all of those bottles into one quart-sized Ziploc bag. As you pack, put your bag of liquids near the top of your carry-on or in an outside pocket that is easily accessed. You will be required to take out that bag when you go through security and you won’t want to waste time digging for it while in line. The same goes for your electronics. Some airports want even your phones and Kindles pulled out now, so prepare accordingly.

When it’s time to get dressed to go, think about the things that you will have to take off at the airport. Wear shoes that are easy to slip in and out of. You will be asked to take your watch off so why even put it on before you go? I slip mine in my purse and keep it there until I am past the security line. Belts must come off, too. Try to avoid wearing one, if you can.

Before you walk out the door, take a minute or two to look at the airport terminal map on-line. You may find that some airports have multiple security areas to choose from. For example, my home airport is Indianapolis. There are two terminals, A and B, and they each have their own security areas. However, you do not have to use the security line for the terminal you are departing from. You can go through either one. Just past security, there is a short public walkway that connects the two terminals. If B is backed up, I simply turn and go through A. Taking an alternate route can be a major time saver.

While you’re looking at the terminal maps, review the suggested arrival time. The general guidelines are to arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours prior to an international flight. However, some airport sites recommend arriving even earlier depending on how busy the airport may be.

When you reach the first security checkpoint, have your ID and your boarding pass ready to present. Once you get past that first point, if you are wearing a jacket, go ahead and take it off while you wait. Dig out that Ziploc bag and your electronics, too.

One you near the bins and the moving belts, stop chatting with your fellow travelers and listen to what the TSA agents are saying. They will give you helpful instructions and will often direct you to the fastest moving line. If you have a choice of lines, pick a line where the more experienced travelers with less baggage appear to be.

When you finally reach the bins, grab two and start filling them. I like to put my shoes, my Ziploc and my purse into the first bin. In the next bin, I put my coat and electronics. Some locations want your electronics in a bin with nothing else, so your coat may have to go in a separate bin. Don’t forget to check your pockets. Nothing can be in your pockets when you go through the screener.

When it is your turn to put your things on the belt, I suggest putting your carry-on on the belt first. It does not have to go in a bin. I put the bin with my purse on the belt next and then the electronics bin at the end. The agents will ask you to make sure that your last item has gone to the scanner before you step into the metal detector.

Once you’ve been cleared, grab your items as quickly as possible and move to the benches just past security to get yourself pulled back together. Do not block the line behind you by putting things back on while standing in front of the moving belt.

Again, listen carefully to the TSA agents, do what they tell you and do not argue. You absolutely will not win.

Timing Your Travels

2017-07-23T14:33:00.002-07:00

A great many people travel to Europe in the summer but I prefer the spring and fall, commonly known as the shoulder seasons. Why? For one, thing it is much cheaper. If you want to know how much cheaper, just take a look at the tour schedules and prices on the CIE Tours site or the Avalon Waterways site. You will instantly see the difference between the peak and the non-peak seasons. You will enjoy the same savings whether you are traveling with a professional tour group or out on your own.

There are many other advantages to traveling off-season:

The outdoor temps are more comfortable. I’d rather wear a light jacket and be comfortable than be sweltering on the hot pavement when sightseeing.
The crowds at airports, restaurants and attractions are smaller. You can avoid standing in long lines at the museums and historical sites. When we toured the Roman Forum one fall, we didn’t ask for the private tour but there was only one other couple in our little group, so it felt very much like a private tour. When we took a CIE tour early one spring, there were only 6 of us on a bus designed to hold about 30 people.
The service level increases because tour guides and service people aren’t as stressed as they might be during peak travel season.
I like my fall clothes better for travel. It’s easier for me to pull together a polished look by layering fall clothes than it is to pull together a outfit that I won’t melt in during summer.
Most people and places smell better in cooler months. Many Europeans, while very clean, do not use deodorant as we Americans do. For that reason, I’d rather enjoy their company during the cooler months. The same goes for enjoying the streets of Europe. Trash cans don’t emit the same aroma in March or December that they do in July or August.
There are fewer weather related travel problems. Going in the spring and fall helps you to avoid the flight delays that frequently occur in peak hurricane and/or snowstorm season.
The availability of hotel and B&B rooms increases, while the price goes down.
The scenery is usually much prettier. Just to prove my point, here are a few off-season travel shots.

Ireland in March

Pompeii, Italy in Autumn

Rome in Autumn

Westport, Ireland in October

I’d make a list of the disadvantages of off-season travel but I can’t think of a single one. I know that some people have work schedules that get in the way or they can only travel when the kids are on summer break, but if you can go during the shoulder seasons, I highly recommend it.