Author: Wendy VanHatten

Travel writer, author, editor, magazine editor-in-chief, traveler, co-founder of www.forkscorksandbrews.com
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Essential Items to Pack in Your Carry-On Bag

When traveling, there are essential items to pack in your carry-on bag. Depending on how, where, and when you travel you might have favorites or additions to this list.

getting ready to pack and travel
Getting ready to travel

Essential Items to Pack

A toothbrush is one of the absolute essential items to pack. This is especially important to me if I am flying, but also is essential if I am on a driving trip. I want a toothbrush handy in my carry-on bag.

Medications are another of the essential items to pack and have handy. If you are flying, TSA highly recommends not putting any medications in checked luggage. These may be as simple as pain meds or your prescription meds. Both are important.

Portable charges are not only handy, but essential. You have no idea if the airport has outlets or if they are all in used. Keeping your phone charged is handy if you need to contact the airline about a change of flight.

Some extra clothes are always essential items to pack. Of course, this depends on how long your trip or flight is, but who doesn’t like some fresh clothes to wear?

I take a reusable water bottle. This could be as simple as buying a bottle of water once you are through security or bringing your own from home. Empty of course.

Extra face masks are definitely essential items to pack. Since you want to change your regularly be sure to pack plenty in your carry-on bag.

Speaking of masks, if you need to block out light so you can get some rest, then sleep masks might be essential items for you.

Since I do not like being cold, essential items to pack for me include shawls. They do not take up much room in my carry-on bag. You may want to include a lightweight blanket instead.

Some essential items to pack for some people include a good set of headphones to block out noise. This is important on long flights to get some rest or to watch your favorite movie.

Small bottles of hand sanitizer, hand wipes, and lotions are all essential items in my carry-on bag. I can clean my hands, the tray table when flying, and the door handle when driving.

Why Pack These Items?

Face it, flight delays seem to be getting more frequent. Cancellations can happen to just about any flight. Plan on being without your checked luggage and carry the essential items with you. If you are driving, your luggage may be out of reach or in the back of the trunk. If you have these essential items in a bag closer to you, your trip can be more enjoyable.

It you would like more travel tips, check out https://travelsandescapes.net/

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International Travel

If your plans include travel out of the US, you need to pay attention to these restrictions and additional requirements.

You will need to have a COVID-19 test to come back into the US. Plan for the time and extra expense.

Make sure you know the guidelines for the country where you will be traveling to, as many are different.

You may need to quarantine.

Rules change daily it seems. Check with the US State Department before you plan your trip, before you buy tickets, and before you leave for the airport.

You can even register with the State Department so you receive alerts and info while you are traveling. Check here https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/

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Five Tips for COVID-Friendly Travel

Guest post by Jesse Clark

5 Tips for COVID-Friendly Travel

The United States and many other countries are starting to round the corner on the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an exciting development, even if this global event will likely stretch on for a while longer. For many people, the option to travel is suddenly realistic again. Of course, you want to continue being safe, even as case counts drop. The following five tips can help you enjoy safe travels, presented by TravelsandEscapes.net.

1. Remember General COVID Safety Tips

Vacations are about relaxing and getting away from the rigidity and rules of everyday life. However, that doesn’t mean that you should lighten up on COVID safety, according to the CDC. Remember to practice social distancing and to wear a mask when appropriate. Additionally, if you have not yet received the vaccine, discuss the options with a medical professional. Keep in mind that some destinations may require vaccination for travel.

2. Consider Alternative Travel Options

Think about your options for traveling. Getting to and from your destination is likely the riskiest part of vacationing in terms of COVID. It can be hard to socially distance when on a plane or train. Consider other options such as taking a road trip in your car. Alternatively, some airlines and train operators have special plans to help protect passengers. While it may not be feasible for everyone, in some cases, you may be able to charter private transportation. Explore your options and choose what you feel most comfortable doing.

3. Make Sure You Know Your Destination’s COVID Rules

Keep in mind that wherever you are traveling may have different rules for COVID than your home. This is especially significant in international travel. However, it can also be the case when traveling between provinces or states, and even cities in some cases. There may be both stricter and more relaxed rules. In either case, be prepared to read up on and comply with destination regulations and for general cultural shifts regarding COVID.

4. Look for Private Accommodation Options

Crowded hotels and resorts can become disease hotspots. Instead, consider renting private accommodations such as online homestays. Many options can be as affordable as a hotel room or other traditional accommodation. This is a great choice if you are planning a group vacation. You can get together with friends and family at a destination while still socially distancing yourself from strangers.

5. Pack Smart for the Situation

Traveling during a global pandemic can be an anxiety-provoking experience. Make it less stressful by packing intelligently. For example, you should ensure that your travel documents are easy to access. A passport wallet can help with organization, and use a luggage tag to clearly identify your luggage, especially if you are traveling with others with similar bags.

You also want to stay up to date with the latest news for both your home and your destination, so take measures to keep your devices juiced up by investing in a reliable charger. Consider setting up news alerts for your phone, smartwatch, or another device. However, if you are feeling worried, try limiting yourself to checking the news once per day or less. Doomscrolling is hurting more than helping.

As the situation improves, COVID-friendly travel becomes more possible. For many people, the recent improvements in the state of the pandemic present an exciting opportunity to travel. However, that is no reason to throw caution to the wind. The above tips can help you enjoy your trip while staying safe.

For more tips and travel ideas check out http://travelsandescapes.net/

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Montezuma Castle Near Flagstaff, AZ

If you travel in the southwest United States, you know about the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde. You might have never heard of Montezuma Castle, however.

What exactly is Montezuma Castle?

Southern Sinagua farmers built this five-story 20 room dwelling between 1100 and 1300 south of Flagstaff, Arizona. Called Montezuma Castle, It occupies a cliff recess 100 feet above the valley floor.

Why is it called Montezuma Castle?

Early American settlers assumed it was built by the Aztec, therefore naming it Montezuma Castle. One structure, called Castle A, is badly deteriorated. It was once an imposing five-story apartment-like building with around 45 rooms. After all this time, many entrances are still visible.

Reliable water could be found in the creek and fertile land on the nearby terrace. Close by is Montezuma Well, a limestone sink formed long ago. It is still fed by continuously flowing springs. Crops, consisting of corn, beans, squash, and cotton, were irrigated by a canal system with its waters. The pit house dates to about 1050. Dwellings near it range in size from one-room houses to larger pueblos.

Was it a Large Dwelling?

Between 1125 and 1400 about 100 to 150 people lived here.

Why Was it Abandoned?

No one knows why the Southern Sinagua people migrated away by the early 1400s. Speculation includes overpopulation, depletion of resources, disease, spiritual beliefs, or conflicts.

Both the castle and the well have visitor centers with exhibits showing how the people lived in the area.

Where Can I Find More Information?

More information can be found at www.nps.gov, www.nps.gov’moca, and www.nps.gov/tuzi.

How Do I Get to Montezuma Castle?

If You Go: Montezuma Castle is located 50 miles south of Flagstaff off I-17.

What is the Weather Like?

Since this is in a high desert, it is hot. There is not much shade on the trail to the site, so be mindful of the sun and heat. Dress appropriately and take water with you.

Find more interesting side trips at http://travelsandescapes.net

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What Vaccinations are Required for France?

Traveling to France is on my list. Therefore, I have read a lot of sites and posts about Covid-19 and vaccinations in France. I want to know in advance what vaccinations are required of me, where I can go, and what I can do before I plan my trip.

What Does France Require?

French President Emmanuel Marcon introduced new Covid-19 regulations for vaccinations this summer. These mandates will start in August. They include limiting places with more than 50 people, like bars, cafes, trains, planes, etc. to those who are vaccinated or recently tested negative for Covid-19.

What if Americans Have Had Their Vaccinations?

If you are a vaccinated American, the white card issued by the US CDC does not always serve as the French Health Pass.

What is a French Health Pass?

Bring your card showing your vaccinations with you to France. Any willing French doctor or pharmacist can enter the vaccination information in the French system. This will generate a printout with a QR code. You can then create a paper or electronic version of the French Health Pass.

How Can You Do This?

How can you find a pharmacist to do this? Many pharmacies offer antigen tests free to Americans, with results in 30 minutes.

What is Acceptable?

The French Consular office in D.C. and the U.S. Embassy confirmed the CDC-issued white vaccination card is considered acceptable proof of vaccination for entry to France. If you are flying on Air France, check ahead of time. There have been flights that did not accept the vaccination card and wanted the French QR code.

Can you show your digital copy from your phone? Possibly, depending on where you are and how strict that establishment is.

What About Unvaccinated Americans?

As for Americans, if you are unvaccinated, you will be required to show a negative PCR test or rapid test taken within 72 hours prior to departure for France.

Bottom Line…

If you are going in the near future, check your airline, hotel, and other important places you will be to see what exactly is required. Right now, it can be a little confusing.

More information and tips about traveling can be found at tips/http://travelsandescapes.net

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Dollar-Stretching Tips for Travelers

Guest post by Jesse at jesse@soulful-travel.com

Dollar-Stretching Tips for Travelers

Photo via Pixabay by ThePixelman

Traveling has many benefits, but for those who don’t have much time or money, it can be difficult to get away. Fortunately, there are several ways you can travel to just about anywhere your heart desires without breaking the bank, and if you do a bit of research ahead of time, you’ll save yourself several hours of driving or walking by looking for the best destinations for your needs.

That research is important; while the idea of jetting off to a new city is romantic and fun, it’s not ideal for those looking for a way to save time and money. Do some homework to find not only the best deal on transportation, but the best deal on a place to stay and how to find one close to everything you need. For instance, if you grab a hotel room by the airport simply because it has the cheapest rate, you might find yourself having to spend extra money on a cab or Uber to get to restaurants and events, or you might have to walk long distances to get there, which will take up valuable time.

Travels and Escapes shares some great tips on how to avoid wasting hours and dollars on your next trip.

Plan ahead

Planning your trip a couple of months in advance will often ensure you get the best deal on accommodations and plane tickets. You can also plan your departure and arrival on days that aren’t typically peak travel times; Tuesdays are usually the best days to get a good price for air travel, according to BudgetTravel.

Do some homework

Make sure you know everything worth knowing about your transportation and accommodations before you book anything. Resorts sometimes have added, “hidden” fees that you won’t see until the end of your stay, which can be a nasty surprise to say the least. Understanding exactly what you’ll be responsible for will help you stay on budget and will give you peace of mind.

Think locally

Travel doesn’t have to be exclusively to faraway places; you can likely find all sorts of fun things to do in cities near you. Look online for the best cities to visit that are within an hour or two of your hometown and take a day or weekend trip. This is a great option for people who have full schedules and can’t afford to take a longer trip.

You don’t even have to leave town! Simply rent a vacation home in San Diego and stay near the city’s attractions that interest you. For example, if you want to enjoy San Diego’s thriving restaurant and music scene, you can find a home in the Gaslamp Quarter. If you’d prefer to spend time near the water, look for a home near one of San Diego’s beautiful beaches. Most vacation homes come with fully equipped kitchens, so you’ll be able to save substantially by cooking your own meals instead of eating out all the time.

Take public transit

Just about anywhere you visit will have some form of public transportation, so take advantage of it! It’s usually either free or very inexpensive, and if you’ll be doing a lot of sightseeing it’s the way to go if you want to save money (and shoe leather).

Remember that traveling on a budget means you’ll need to be careful about keeping your funds safe. Never flash your cash in public, and, if possible, wear a travel pack that straps to your body to keep your money and credit cards close. With a little planning, you’ll be able to take the trip you’ve always wanted to take and keep your cash where you want it: in your pocket.

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Helpful Passport Information

Helpful Passport Info

In 1996, the U.S. Department of State issued 5.5 million passports. Fast forward to 2019 and that number has since been trending upward, reaching just under 21 million in 2019.  

Need to send in your old passport to get a new one? The Department of State recommends that applicants use a trackable shipping method, such as Priority Mail Express, to keep tabs on their application and know when it arrives safely at its destination.

Think you have plenty of time to renew? Don’t take your passport’s expiration date at face value. Some countries have a six-month or three-month passport validity rule that requires your passport to be valid for a certain amount of time after your date of entry.

If your passport was issued after August 2007, you’ve got what is called an e-passport. This has a small integrated chip in the back cover that stores your passport information and a biometric identifier based on your photograph. To protect passport holders from unknowingly falling victim to high-tech identity theft, there are metallic elements in the cover of the passport, making it impossible for the passport to be digitally “read” until it’s physically open.

Has your appearance changed significantly? You probably need to apply for a new passport. This is in case you’ve lost or gained a lot of weight, so much so that you look different than you do in your passport photo. It also applies if you have undergone significant facial surgery, trauma, or if you’ve added or removed large facial tattoos or piercings.

Your photo must also reflect your current appearance. Face the camera and keep your expression neutral. Don’t wear a uniform with any writing on it.

What if you travel a lot and you run out of pages? The standard issue passport is 28 pages long. You can request one that is 52 pages at no extra cost. If you fill that up, you will need a new one.

You will also need a new one if yours is damaged more than just wear and tear. If it went swimming and is damaged by water, or if your kids drew all over it with their favorite crayons, or if there are tears on the book cover or the page with your personal info…you will definitely need a new one.

Did you know most countries want you to have at least one blank page for stamps? Some countries require to have up to three blank pages in your passport for visa and immigration stamps. Be sure to check before you travel.