Just a few random travel tips from some readers… You probably already know these, but it’s good to hear them again.
Visit off season to avoid crowds. Anytime you can avoid crowds of people, especially in popular destinations, is a good thing.
Pack light…
Use the local transportation…metro, subway, etc.
Book tickets for events, museums, attractions, etc. online before you go.
Where do you stay when traveling? Do you get a hotel or an apartment or vacation home? One of the trends seems to be in what people are renting. Staying for one night in a hotel makes sense. But, what about a week or more?
When we travel we like to have space to move around and spread out. That means renting an apartment or someone’s vacation home. Usually, it’s more cost effective and comfortable. We also find it gives us a better experience when wandering around the city.
You can check out the place you’re renting on line, check the neighborhoods on line, and even get a street view on line.
Recently I read that traveling keeps you younger. Do you agree? I believe it.
Traveling gives you a sense of what other cultures and places are like. Traveling lets you experience those different cultures and places…if you let them. Don’t think everything has to be like it is’back home’. It shouldn’t be…you are in a different place than you were at home.
Enjoy the experience.
Four different wines from Vouvray, France. All are Chenin Blanc wines…all different. In one I could definitely taste the limestone, mineral soil. Another one was fruitier but still crisp. Of course, the bubbly was a favorite of mine.
Wonderful tasting and food pairing. Thanks to Joel, TasteLive, and the people who sent the wonderful wines.
Do you have a travel bucket list? If so…what places do you want to visit?
Do you add to it as new places intrigue you? I do…mine will never be completed as it grows every year.
Has anyone used any of these apps when exploring cities?
Field Trip is free for Android and iOS. It is a Google designed app that uses your phone’s location service to pick up on what’s cool around you.
Historypin is free for Android, iOS, Windows Phones. You can pick a landmark and see what it looked like a hundred years ago.
Stray Boots does cost per tour for Android and iOS. Families or groups may enjoy the combination of a city tour with a scavenger hunt.
Trying to identify your bag if it gets lost can be tricky. Let’s see…it’s black, has wheels, is about this size, and has two zippers. Hmm…wonder how many bags that describes?
Next time before you give your bag to the airline, take a couple of photos with your cell phone. Try to get as many distinguishing shots as you can. It may help the airline track it down.
Don’t forget to have a tag with your name and a phone number on it. Most do not suggest adding your address unless it’s a business address. And…don’t lose your baggage claim ticket.
I know you love those small bags of peanuts and pretzels the airlines give. But, do you want a little more of a snack than that? Here are some ideas you can take in your carry on bag or purse.
Dried fruit in a resealable bag doesn’t take up much room. Add nuts or popcorn in another bag and eat them together. Don’t pack them in the same bag as the dried fruit tends to make the nuts and popcorn soggy. Not so good!
You can also take fresh fruit that’s easy to eat. Grapes, apples, or oranges work well. Cut up the apples and oranges before you get on the plane!
Make your own peanut butter or almond butter crackers and pack them in their own bag. You could do the same with small rice cakes.
Pack some string cheese and whole grain tortilla chips.
Don’t be like the guy next to me on the last flight…his sandwich made the whole plane smell like grilled onions!
Happy flying.
Part two of security line tips:
It’s a good idea to check with your airline and find out the recommended arrival time. International times will be different than domestic. They may even vary from airline to airline.
Wear shoes you can slip on and off easily, if possible. Same goes for jackets and sweaters.
Remember to remove anything metal and place it in the bin to go through the scanner. I’m always amazed at people who forget they have on a belt or left keys in their pockets. Having said that, I wear a sterling silver bracelet most days. I’ve worn it for years…literally years. Through countless airport scanners. It never sets off the scanner. On the last trip home from San Diego…the scanner beeped. I had to remove it and I felt like I just committed a faux pas. I asked the TSA agent if this was a new scanner and she said yes…lesson learned. I know now to remove my bracelet!
The TSA says to leave gifts unwrapped. Apparently they figure we all use kryptonite wrapping paper that the x-ray machines can’t see through. Not sure. Bottom line…leave the gifts unwrapped!
It doesn’t matter whether you are flying to Rome or to Denver…you still need to go through airport security. Being prepared makes a difference to me. It may save you time and hassle as well.
Get organized in your carry on luggage. The TSA says if you pack your carry on suitcase in layers it speeds up the process for their viewing agents. They don’t have to wonder what they are looking at in your luggage. I prefer to roll my clothes, but I still have my suitcase organized.
You know you’re going to need your boarding pass and ID. Have it ready BEFORE you arrive at the agent checking these items. Nothing worse than being behind someone who is searching and searching for their ID that dropped into the abyss of their bag.
Have your 3 ounce containers in a clear zip top bag before you get to the security line. Know where you put it in your carry on bag. Standing in line is not the time to discover your bottles are 6 ounces or to wonder where you put them in the bag.
More later…