Month: February 2014

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Long Flights…What to Do?

Here are a few things to remember before you board for a long flight…

Make sure all of your electronic devices are fully charged. You may be fortunate enough to be on a plane with power outlets under the seat. But, it’s a good idea to check first. Having everything charged means you can use your tablet or computer during the flight and your phone is ready to go once you land.

Drink water…lots of it. Airplane air is dry.

Use lip balm and eye drops if you need them…dry air.

If you would like to sleep more comfortably, take an inflatable neck pillow and an eye mask to help.

If you remove your shoes, take a pair of slippers or socks to protect your feet.

Dress in layers.

Take a shawl, pashmina, or large scarf to use as a blanket, pillow, or extra layer.

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Car Rental…Part Two

Have you ever rented a car and then asked for an upgrade when you get to the rental car counter? You may get a free upgrade if cars are available. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

Do you have a membership in AAA, AARP, a frequent flyer plan, or some other reward program? If so, check out their website to see if renting a car through them is a better and cheaper option. Even if you don’t book through them, ask about discounts at the counter for members of your program.

Check the car for dents, scuff marks, and anything else that could be looked at as damage to the vehicle. Make sure everything works. Take photos of anything that looks like it could be potential damage. Renting in France, damages exist on many cars. It’s just a way of life. It doesn’t hurt to protect yourself with photos.

When you return your rental car, wait until the agent checks it over and hands you a final bill.

Many car rental agreements in the US don’t let you drive to Mexico and sometimes not even to Canada. Your car insurance may not cover international rentals, either. Your credit card company may offer some protection but maybe not enough. It would be a good idea to purchase insurance specially for either Mexico or Canada from the rental place.

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Car Rental Tips

What do you do when you rent a car when traveling? Do you pay for gas ahead of time? Can you take the car across borders? What about insurance? Think about these tips…

Perhaps you have a pre-dawn flight. If so, prepaying for gas can be a great plan if you think time will be a concern when you return the car. Otherwise, you will probably end up paying much more than necessary for that fuel. We have always found that filling up the tank ourselves is a much better option.

Having said that, always check for the nearest gas station when you leave the car rental place. It’s easier to do it then instead of when you’re in a hurry to get to the airport.

Before you leave home, check with your insurance company to see what coverage you have on rental cars. Take a copy of your insurance card with you and make sure it has your agent’s phone number on it.

Check with your credit card company to see if they will cover additional items your car insurance does not. Some companies have excellent coverage.

Pay attention to the newer fee charged by car rental companies. It’s called a “loss of use” charge. It means the rental company can charge for the loss of that vehicle in case of an accident. Your insurance company may not cover this but many credit card companies do when you pay for your rental with that card.

More tips next time. Stay tuned.

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Italy Beckons…Again

This is the second part of a place I recently learned about. Painting, writing, and eating in Italy…does it get any better than this?

Check out their site for more information.

Find your inner artist or author in Tuscany
– New year, new skill…
Feed your creative side at The Watermill at Posara in Italy with a range of painting and creative writing courses held at a picturesque 17th century grain, chestnut and olive mill in rural north-west Tuscany.
In true Italian fashion, food plays an important role on each of the Watermill’s courses. Fuel your brain with superb local cuisine from Tuscany and the neighbouring regions of Liguria and Emilia-Romagna, be it gorgonzola soufflés, traditional Ligurian pesto using fresh basil from the garden or homemade tiramisu, all washed down with pre-dinner aperitivi and wines.
The Watermill at Posara’s 2014 programme includes 13 painting courses and three creative writing courses (crime fiction, TV scriptwriting and writing romance) Two sample courses include:
They say that everyone has a book in them, and author Sharon Kendrick knows exactly how to extract ideas from her students. With more than 90 Mills & Boon books to her name, she’s led six immensely popular courses at the Mill. During the week (3-10 May 2014), Sharon will guide you through the entire process, from the early days of plots, characters and dialogue, right through to selling your story and working with agents. Personable and enthusiastic, Sharon’s passion for romantic fiction is contagious and she knows exactly how to bring out the best in her students. Costs from £ (GBP) 1,310 pp (two sharing)*.
It doesn’t matter if you haven’t picked up a paintbrush since school as all levels are catered for on this course (7-14 June 2014), led by sympathetic American artist Becky Joy. You’ll be given the tools to create your own unique style through brushwork and colour. Your paintings will be filled with light when you discover how to make a painting glow. You’ll head out and about into the Tuscan hills, using the local surroundings as inspiration. There’s plenty of one-to-one tuition with Becky, and the week ends with an informal exhibition showcasing all of the students’ work. Costs from £ (GBP) 1,310 pp (two sharing)*.
Self-taught English artist Trevor Lingard (20-27 September 2014) has won international acclaim for his watercolours, which are colourful and dynamic. Introducing figures into your work, he reckons, cold be the hallmark of success.Trevor’s teaching is enthusiastic and informative and caters for artists of all levels. He aims to help students to build their confidence and encourages a loose approach to watercolours. On location, in the beautiful landscapes surrounding the mill, and in the studio, he’ll demonstrate architectural, figurative, townscape and landscape compositions. Costs from £ (GBP) 1,310 pp (two sharing)*.
*Prices include all tuition, seven nights’ accommodation, all meals (including local restaurants), drinks and aperitivi, transfers (to/from Pisa), local transport, materials and a mid-week excursion. Flights extra.
For further information on the above courses contact The Watermill at Posara on (UK number)


Sounds wonderful to me…