Do you enjoy having a glass of wine or a cocktail when you fly?
Have you read that airlines are no longer serving alcohol on flights? Not a big deal to some. To others, it may be.
Since some flyers really enjoy it, they have wondered whether it’s okay to bring their own drinks, cocktails, etc. on the flight. Is it okay to buy a small bottle in the airport once you’re through security and open it on the plane? Is it okay to buy a cocktail in an airport bar and then bring it with you in a plastic cup? Are there any instances where you can drink on the plane?
According to the FAA you may not do that. Why? The serving entity has to be the one holding the liquor license. So, no alcoholic beverages on the plane unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to the passenger.
Keep in mind, this is for drinking only. Other rules apply to what you have in your carryon or checked luggage.
Maybe in time, rules will change and airlines will go back to serving alcohol. Until then…no wine on the plane.
How does a traveler cope with stay-at-home orders? In a word: creatively. Right now, it’s important for people to limit long-distance travel in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Fortunately, as Travel and Escapes helpfully explains, there are ways for your family to satisfy wanderlust without doing too much actual wandering.
Here’s a look at how to plan a great — and responsible — family vacation.
Going Camping
Head to a nearby campground for a socially-distanced nature vacation.
COVID-19 has complicated travel, yes, but you can still satisfy the urge to get away. Nature offers us tons of safe, socially distanced opportunities to unplug and recharge. There are hidden treasures all around you — now is your chance to discover the wonders right under your nose.
You board the airplane for your flight, looking for your
seat. As you walk down the aisle, you discover it may be less than ideal.
In fact, it looks like you may have just about the worst seat on the plane. Is it in the back row, stuck by the lavatory, with no window? Does your seat recline? Is this a long flight?
Is the plane full or can you ask to sit somewhere else? If not, you may want to think about where your seat is before you purchase that ticket next time you want to fly.
Here are a few suggestions and things to think about before
you book your LAX to CDG flight. After all, 10 hours in the air can feel like
several days if you have a terrible seat.
Before you pack your bags, do a thorough check of the plane
and its seats. When you are on the airline’s site, see if there is a map of
open seats. In addition, check SeatGuru to see what they have to say about
specific seats. They will show you where windows are, where the lavatories are
located, and which seats may have reduced width.
If you are flying on an airline where you can pick your seat
as you reserve your flight, check out the seats in advance. Then, book your
flight and book your seat.
Even though you do that, keep in mind things could change. Why?
Airlines sometimes need to rearrange seating due to issues we don’t know about.
One time we saw a complete row taped off. When we asked, we were told there
were some problems with the seat fasteners in that section. That meant 15
people had to be reseated.
If that happens and the airline notifies you when you are at
the gate, ask the gate agent what seats are available. There may be something
they can do. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Be polite…
Another reason you may lose your seat is if you show up late
for your flight. The airline may have already booked someone else into that
seat. This is especially true if you did not check in online 24 hours in
advance. Moral of the story…check in in advance and arrive early!
Next time you are getting ready to book, think about seats
as well as days and times.
The following post about finding balance is from a friend of mine in the publishing and marketing business. It appeared in a recent newsletter of hers. I like it and find it to be helpful in many situations and areas. See what you think.
Would these suggestions help you with finding balance when you travel or when you write about your travels? Think about them…
If you want to read more of hers, check out
DocUmeantPublishing.com
Finding Balance
Are you fast
becoming overwhelmed? Are the projects you meant to get done being pushed aside
by life? If you hope to reach your goals in business, spend your time productively,
and be sure not to waste what little time you are given. This brief article
will give you four ways to help get each day off to a productive start.
1. Establish
Boundaries
We often have
a hard time focusing on our work when family needs are pulling us in many
different directions. Yes, we should address immediate needs—our child just
slammed their fingers in the door—but for smaller things, we will be able to
make much greater progress if we learn to set boundaries.
Establishing
our boundaries is an age-old challenge. Whether the boundaries are for our
personal life or our business, the challenge remains the same. We need to
discover, somehow, that perfect balance so that we can remain focused. There is
nothing more precious than time, and we have to safeguard our productive time
by keeping distractions to a minimum. One way is to let our family know that we
need a certain block of time to focus on our writing, or marketing, or whatever
needs to be accomplished. It is imperative that we do this in one way or
another. A ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign posted on our door is one sure way to remind
the family that this is our productive time. Once boundaries are set around our
work and the time we’ve designated to be productive, we can turn our focus towards
a second challenge we are bound to encounter.
2.
Procrastination
This is
another major challenge that we all face. While good intentions are all ‘well
and good’, the best intentions do nothing to get the job done. If the bad habit
of putting things off is the biggest challenge we face, we should consider
making a list of the things to accomplish. It can be quite helpful. List items
in the order of importance, or perhaps in the order of the length of time it
will take for each to be completed, and then work through the list as the day
progresses. Check or cross off each item on the TO-DO list as it is
accomplished. At the end of the day, the number of checked off items might well
show that more has been accomplished than expected! Any items on the list that
were not completed should be carried over to the top of the next day’s TO-DO
list.
3. Manage
social media time
This is harder
than it appears. We go online to check our social media sites and post an
interesting tidbit or two, and before we know it half the day is gone. Again,
set boundaries. Set aside small blocks of time for each social media site.
Better yet, invest in a program that helps automate social media posts. This
will prevent the wasting of productive time browsing through social media files.
4. Take a
break
While
consistent efforts to complete TO-DO lists will help keep our business moving
in the right direction, some downtime can also be a valuable time management
tool. As mentioned in my book, The Complete Library of Entrepreneurial Wisdom,
“. . . know when to draw the line.”[1]
Step away and
refresh mind, body, and soul. We should get plenty of rest and exercise. This
will keep our minds sharp, allowing us to come back to the tasks at hand with a
fresh energy and sense of enthusiasm. We might even come up with a new idea on
how to grow our business, a direction to take our story, or accomplish a task
more easily.
These are just
a few of the ways to help develop balance in our business lives. If we go
through the day paying attention to setting boundaries, avoiding
procrastination, managing social media time, and even taking occasional breaks,
we might very well find that we’ve accomplished much more than we ever thought
possible.
Driving in France is not difficult. There are toll roads in France and driving on them can be a little confusing the first time you enter the ticket lanes. No need to worry if you don’t speak French. They have great pictures to guide you. With a little advance education, you can navigate these with ease.
Keep in mind, on most toll roads in France you take a ticket when you enter the highway and pay a toll when you exit.
That’s great. Now to know how to pay, which lane to use, and
when to pay with a credit card.
The signs above the toll station will tell you what to do.
If you see a lowercase t, this means you can only pay by
telepeage in that lane. You need a transponder and account, similar to our Fast
Track in California. If you are visiting…don’t enter this lane. This is an
important piece to remember. You don’t want to enter this lane if you are in
France on vacation.
The simplest way to pay is to enter a lane with a green
downward pointing arrow. In some cases, there will be a Euro sign. This means
you can pay with Euros, either coins or bills. Once you enter the lane, insert
your toll ticket in the slot marked ticket. The amount due will be displayed.
You may add coins or bills until the amount is paid. The barrier will then
rise.
If you want a receipt, push the Recu button.
If you have a problem, press the Assistance intercom button.
Wait for assistance. Whatever you do…don’t back up.
Tolls are charged by distance. Your tolls will vary. In fact, you may find a toll road where you do not have a ticket. There is just a charge. Again, enter the correct lane and use your Euros to pay the amount listed on the machine.
We always have a bunch of Euro coins in the car. Be sure to
keep the larger coins for tolls as the machines probably will not take the
small amount coins.
Don’t be surprised by the amount. Tolls can get quite expensive. On a recent trip from Paris to Colmar, the tolls amounted to over 50 Euros. The distance was about 330 miles.
Traveling is becoming more common with today’s ease of
planning. From apps that help you bundle deals with booking flights, hotels and
even renting cars, to agencies that convince you just how great of a trip you
could have if you decided to see more of the world – it’s a game-changer. In
today’s world, all you need to make an affordable trip happen is a good
internet connection, a realistic budget, and a passion to pack your bags and
leave home.
Look for Online Deals
When you book through a trusted travel site like Priceline,
you’re getting the best deals available, including offers on amazing cruises!
Log in online or download the app to plan the trip of a lifetime. You can select
your location and choose the dates that fit your schedule best.
Your search will provide you with a list of the top-reviewed
hotels and access to flights with multiple airlines to choose from, and it will
help you determine which package discount offers you the best deal.
If you need to rent a car, look to a rental agency like
Enterprise. They have many rentals to choose from and competitive rates, and
there are a wide variety of deals available. You can save even more by using
Enterprise coupons and promo codes.
When it comes to buying travel items for your trip like luggage and clothing, look to save at big-box
retailers. Not only can you find discounted items, but some retailers offer
free gifts when you make a purchase. Stores
with free gift offers include Macy’s Walgreens, and Sears.
Try EF Ultimate Break
EF Ultimate Break is made primarily for young
adults looking to travel and experience a new culture without spending too much
money. The company offers incredible opportunities with short- and long-term
trips, including an easy payment plan system to allow travelers to pay when
they can, as long as the trip is paid for 30 days prior to departure.
This pre-planned trip company takes care of everything from
booking your flights to your buses, hotels and hostels, and even helps you with
an itinerary. You’ll get a mixture of planned excursions that you can skip out on if
you want, as well as free time to do what you wish. Each city will have a guide
to show you around, and you’ll also have a tour director to ensure your safe
arrival from location to location.
You’ll of course still need to bring a few travel essentials
along (no one likes to be without their phone charger,
for example), but if you’re looking for an adventure that includes all the
big-ticket items at an affordable rate, then EF Ultimate Break may be just
right for you.
Wander Wisely With Couch Surfing
Different from any other way to save money on traveling, try
your hand at couch
surfing. You’ll have the option of staying somewhere safe and approved without the hefty payments
of a hotel. Choose between the options of staying with somebody that literally
only offers their couch, or pick a place where you can have your own room to
get a full night’s rest at the end of the day. Your only worries will be
actually getting to your destination, paying for food and outside adventures
along the way, and having to leave when the trip ends!
Make new friends that’ll last a lifetime
through this option. You can choose who you stay with, talk to them long before
the trip, and have a local tell you where all of the best places to go are.
You’ll end up feeling like you’ve lived in the town forever while bonding over
your new adventure.
Traveling doesn’t have to be stressful. Let these suggested
websites help you save money so that you have that extra cash to spoil yourself
wherever you’re planning to travel. After all, who doesn’t love
souvenirs?
For the second week of a trip to France, we stayed in the
Champagne region. We decided to rent a place in a small town.
Small was definitely the operative word.
Reading the reviews, several people mentioned a bakery
nearby and a patisserie fairly close. Great. Since we liked the look of the
place, the area, and the chance to stay in a rural area, we choose the place in
Pocancy. Sure, it had five bedrooms and there were only four of us. Never mind
it had enough room for 20 of our closest friends. We decide to go for it.
What did we find?
The place was huge. Located behind a gated, stone wall on
two acres, this estate was impressive in its size. The pool was heated. Birds
and squirrels provided outdoor entertainment. Walls, 18 inches thick, blocked
out any and all noise. A rock band could have played a concert on the street
just outside the estate and we would have never heard it.
This wasn’t a new place. It had been there a long time. The
grounds were well kept, and the inside was clean and neat. They had an issue
with cell phone service and slllooowww wi-fi. But, what do you expect with
thick walls in the middle of nowhere?
The kitchen was well equipped. Most importantly, there were
plenty of wine glasses for us to taste champagnes from our trips to different
Champagne houses.
Whoever wrote about the patisserie and bakery being close
did not exactly match our idea of close. We like to walk to get our morning
pastries and bring them back to enjoy with coffee on the patio. In this case,
close was 15 kilometers away. Not exactly walking distance.
And, the small town? It was so small, we never did see any
other people coming or going. Houses were well attended with colorful flowers
surrounding every front door. Somebody must live there. We just never saw them.
Location was great as it took almost no time to get to a major road for day trips to Reims, Epernay, Troyes, Hautvillers, and Ay.
All in all, this was a great place on several levels. We
experienced a very small town, we relaxed, and we had never stayed in a place
quite like this.
Next time…perhaps closer to a patisserie and a market.
Live coral and live fish? Sure.
They have to be inspected by TSA, but you can bring them onboard.
How about your favorite coffee
maker? It is carry-on friendly.
Your desktop computer can come
with you as well. It has to go through the screening machines.
Bring your artificial skeleton
bones only after you let TSA know they aren’t real.
Your bowling ball or bocce
balls can be packed into your carry-on bag.
If you went to the beach and
have to bring some sand home, it can be in your carry-on bag. Just don’t let it
spill.
Same goes for rocks, as long as
they aren’t from a National Park.
Do you need to bring your
cymbals with you? Depending on the size of musical instruments, they may need
their own seat. Cymbals should be okay to put in the overhead bin.
If one of your resolutions for the new year include traveling abroad…that’s fantastic.
If this is the first time…that’s
also fantastic. I’m sure you have read all the tips about what to pack, what to
take in your carryon bag, when to book, and more.
In case you need a few more tips to
remember…check out these useful suggestions.
Remember the outlets in Europe are different than here in the US. Check to see what country uses what types of plugs. Get the right one and take it with you if you want to use your own hairdryer, phone charger, etc.
Speaking of hairdryers, check the
website of the hotel or vacation rental where you will be staying. Most times,
there is one included in the room or apartment. You could save a bunch of room
in your suitcase if you didn’t have to pack a bulky hairdryer.
Let your bank and credit card
companies know you will be traveling. Also let them know the dates and places.
No sense having a card declined because you are no longer in the US.
Take some cash with you. ATMs will
often charge a hefty fee to take out cash. Also, know which banks and which
machines are best to use for your bank.
Remember to dress accordingly in
the country where you will be. Avoid wearing shirts with sayings that could be
taken the wrong way, or clothes that look like they were made for working out.
In the US we tend to wear our sneakers, sweatshirts, and yoga pants everywhere.
That is not the case in many European countries.
Noise cancelling headphones are your
friend on a long flight. Just remember to remove them when the flight attendant
is talking to you.
Learn a few local phrases. Especially
learn please and thank you. Even if the shop owner or hotel person speaks
English, it’s still appreciated if you use their language.
Check your phone plan before you
go. You may be able to use your phone, or it may cost too much. Check out
something like an Orange card before you go. Remember to use WiFi at the hotel
or apartment to save on usage.
Try the local foods. Eat at the same time the locals do. Why? Both will give you a much better experience in that country. You didn’t come all the way to Italy to eat a fast food burger, did you? I hope not.
Understand about tipping. This varies
from country to country. It may be as simple as looking at your bill.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Space may be limited in a restaurant or on a bus. Don’t take up more space than
you need. The same goes for how loud you talk. Many countries speak quieter
than you may be used to. Pay attention and try to follow their lead.
For more tips, check back regularly to read the latest from TSA, the State Department, and fellow travelers. Sign up for my website at https://.www.travelsandescapes.net to follow me wherever I go. Have fun traveling.
Want to beat the lines when you’re in Rome, Florence, Sienna, Pairs, or any other city where there is a famous church or cathedral? You could buy tickets ahead of time, you could get them online, or you could beat all the crowds.
How?
Find out when their daily mass or their church service is and go to church. You’ll have a true experience of that church, without a bunch of tourists.
You’ll get the local flavor, you’ll probably be able to sit where you want, and no noisy tourists to deal with.
