Tag: Gifts

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How Do You Travel?

When traveling, do you pay attention to what you do and how you act?

Check out these simple suggestions. Maybe you have more you’d like to share…

Don’t leave a mess. This is true whether you’re staying in a hotel, camping on the beach, tenting in a national park, or hanging out in a vacation rental. It is a good idea to clean up after yourself and make sure everything is back where it belongs before you check out.

Be respectful of the local culture. That means you may need to research local customs wherever you are going. Clothing, language, shaking hands, when to speak, and more. Learn some key phrases. Please and thank you go a long ways. If you say it incorrectly, at least you tried. You could always ask how to pronounce a word.

Have you engaged with the locals? Ask questions. Find out the best place to go for coffee or an afternoon spritz. Ask where the best place is to buy a few groceries.

Take photos…but enjoy the scenery. I’ve been in places where someone is trying to get the perfect shot. Guess what? There are dozens of people in their way also looking at the same thing. Don’t worry about your perfect photo. Enjoy what you’re looking at and get a few shots at the same time. Also check if you can use a flash when you’re in a museum or palace. Pay attention.

Shop local. Need a souvenir? Check out the neighborhood markets, street fairs, and local shops. I look for interesting spices and cooking gadgets to bring to my friends. Last time in Saint Remy, I brought knobs for a dresser. Make your shopping unique.

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Can I Bring My Snow Globe?

Flying with Gifts…TSA Rules

Maybe you’re getting ready to fly somewhere this holiday season and have gifts. Or, maybe you’ve been somewhere and want to bring home some souvenirs.

Do you know the TSA rules and guidelines?

Avoid anything that appears to be a weapon. Even a toy weapon. This might be common sense…but TSA says those toys look like the real thing in a scanner.

Instead of putting them in your carry-on…place them in checked baggage.

Also, avoid strong liquors over 140 proof. This means absinthe, rum, or anything with more than 70% alcohol. It doesn’t matter if it’s in your carry-on. TSA will take it.

Speaking of three ounce liquids in your carry-on, this applies to ALL liquids, even bottles of liquor or wine.

I know it seems odd, but don’t gift wrap your gifts. They probably will be unwrapped. Instead, use gift bags, or wait until you arrive to wrap them.

Keep in mind if you are traveling from overseas…international food souvenirs like meats and cheeses will probably be tossed. This isn’t a TSA rule, but a customs and agriculture regulation.

Last…don’t bring home or take as a gift a snow globe. Yep…a snow globe. Especially if it is bigger than a tennis ball. Why? The liquid in them is most likely more than three ounces. Who would have thought?

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What Should I Give?

Wondering what to give for a gift this year? Looking for something different than your usual ideas?

You’re looking for a special gift for a special friend or loved one. But, you just don’t know what to do.

How about giving travel? That’s right…Travel.

Here are a few ideas to get you started thinking.

1…Accommodations: Give a free night at a hotel or a gift card to Airbnb, bedandbreakfast,com, or any hotel chain. These are usually open to dates the person chooses.

2…Airfare: While airfare is probably non-refundable, give a gift card from an airline. Check to see if that airline flies into the person’s home airport before you spend the money.

3…Car Service: How about an Uber gift card?

4…Museums: Check out museums in the person’s home town or one they like to visit and buy them a membership. If that’s not in your budget, how about a day pass?

5…Food Tours: Many cities have food or specialized tours. A gift certificate might be just the thing.

6…City Pass: Many cities also have City Passes, where attractions are discounted. Check to see if the city nearby has one.

7…Classes: Cooking classes, wine tasting classes, cheese tasting classes are all fun things they might not do on their own. Pick one which will interest your friend.

8…Eating: Face it…who doesn’t like to get a gift certificate to a restaurant? Give them one to a favorite or surprise them with a new and different place.

9…Surprise: Is there a NASCAR driving school they’ve always wanted to go to? How about an in-depth cooking class at the CIA? Maybe it’s a private lesson from a ski instructor in Breckenridge. Whatever it is…this might be your opportunity to give a bucket-list gift.

Whatever you do…it will certainly be different than socks!