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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…

You’re planning your next trip and wonder how far in advance to purchase your airline tickets. What’s the optimal window? How far is too far? Yet, you really want tickets on a particular day.

What do you do?

After looking at multiple sites and multiple suggestions by trusted travel gurus, I have found answers all over the map. I’ve come to think there are no perfect suggestions that will work each and every time. Days of the week vary for purchasing. How far in advance to purchase varies according to different sites. Different airlines matter. When you are traveling matters.

A recent report form CheapAir tells us airfares are best at seven weeks prior to departure. Another report by Airlines Reporting Corporation says six weeks.

For domestic airfare, you can book too early, according to FareCompare. Three months is about right as that’s when domestic airlines start managing their flights and releasing the more affordable seats. It also helps if you are flexible when it comes to the dates.

If you’re traveling internationally, start your research early…try eight to nine months out. A good idea is to create a search on a site that will notify you when the prices change.

Of course, this might all change if you’re traveling a busy time of year. Think Christmas or summer vacations versus the middle of October. It really does matter.

No visit to Palm Springs would be complete without checking out Elvis’s home. This mid 1960s home is fun to see both from the outside and a guided tour.

Many other stars’ homes, both past and current ones, are marked on several maps. Take time to do a walking tour.

Enjoy your winter escape to Palm Springs…