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These home remedies may assist you when traveling.

Ginger: It has been known to have anti-inflammatory properties as well as aid in digestion. It may even work for motion sickness.

Chamomile: This can be used to sooth a stomach ache.

Warm Salt Water: It sounds odd, but drinking a glass can aid in soothing a sore throat.

Baking Soda: Ever read the labels on antacids? They contain bicarbonate of soda…baking soda. Mix a teaspoon in some warm water to get rid of indigestion or heartburn.

Lemons: Squeezing a lemon in some water may also soothe an upset stomach.

You certainly won’t need all of these…but it may be a good idea to pack some ginger tablets, a packet of salt, or some baking soda in your travel bag.

Renting a villa can be the best option for your travels. Here are some things to think about before you rent.

Check out the area where you will be spending most of your time. This means knowing the towns, attractions, and areas you want to visit. Once you have that decided you can start looking for rentals. There are many sites available that will let you check out the interior, the exterior, the surrounding areas, nearby attractions, and even let you talk to the owners.

Check out Google Earth for street view. It may make a difference between what is said and what is real.

What size of a place do you need? What services do you need?

Read the reviews. Read the good ones and the bad ones. Don’t just concentrate on one or the other.

Talk to the owner, if possible. Sometimes that will be the deciding factor for me.

Read the contract…make sure they send you one! Make sure it includes your rental dates, what is covered, any amenities not included, cancellation policy, tipping, and whether there will be services that require a fee. If the site says it sleeps 4 to 6, what does that mean? How many bedrooms? What kind of beds? Does it say beach front, beach view, or close to the beach? What does that mean. Google Earth is a great help on this one. Close to the beach may mean six or even ten blocks away. What does gourmet kitchen really mean?

Pay with a secure method.

Consider buying travel insurance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Recently I learned of a place in Italy where painting and creative writing courses are offered. Solo travelers to groups…it all looks like a place I want to visit. Check out what they have to say…

Early in 2014 every website and travel guru has their best destination list for the year. I’ve taken a look at many of their suggestions and wanted to share some places and reasons to go there.

This is a list I found that works for foodies…

Marrakesh, Morocco for its Tagines. These classics are simmered in the conical clay cookware and often include food such as chicken with preserved lemons and olives or lamb with prunes.

Hong Kong, China apparently is home to the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant.

Turin, Italy has so many reasons to visit if you are into food. It’s home to Salone del Gusto, the Slow Food organization’s biennial extravaganza of cuisine. Of course, there’s also abicerin, gianduja, Barolo wines, and truffles.

Lyon, France is known for its more than 20 Michelin starred restaurants in the city but also for its small, family run eating places. It’s a foodie paradise.

New Orleans, Louisiana offers food in the traditional Louisiana-French style to Cajun dishes to the mix of both. And, of course…there are those beignets.

More destinations will follow later…

According to a study I read, over 50% of Americans don’t know what travel insurance covers. Do you know? Do you purchase travel insurance?

Here are some facts from a report from ThePointsGuy.com, a travel news and advice website.

Expensive trips to international destinations with limited access to medical care…good time to have travel insurance.

Travel insurance does not protect against all types of trip cancellations.

Refundable airline tickets are probably better than travel insurance if you are worried about changing your mind. Travel insurance doesn’t usually reimburse for a simple change of plans.

Ask your credit card companies about protection they offer when you use their cards for traveling.

If you are getting travel insurance for medical reasons, ask detailed questions about the coverage offered. Also, ask about providers and access to them.

Concerned about stolen luggage? Make sure that is covered by the policy.

Did you know…

In the summer of 2013 the average economy class flight from the US to Europe cost $1,284.

Those flights were booked 31 weeks in advance. That’s almost eight months…