TravelsandEscapes

I was preparing to participate in a Taste Live event online last night. But, I had problems. Someone decided to sleep on my paperwork.

So many of us have smartphones. Check out these apps that may help you in planning your next flight or your time in the airport.

You may have used www.seatguru.com to find the best seat when you booked your flight at home. In case you forgot, pull out your phone and use the SeatGuru app, choose the seat map advice option, put in your flight number, and pick your seat from the ones still available.

Do you have some time in the airport and want to grab some food? Use the GateGuru app. Just add your airport and terminal to find the eateries, services, and shops nearby. You can also find out how other travelers have rated those places and where to find a deal.

Have a good flight.

You know those disposable shower caps in hotel rooms that you always overlook? You might be surprised at what you can do with them when you travel.

Are you packing shoes in your suitcase that you don’t want to get scuffed? Place each shoe in its own shower cap to protect its finish. Or, are you packing tennis shoes with sturdy soles? Put one shoe in its own cap and those rough soles won’t scrape up against more delicate items.

Did you just polish your shoes before you started to pack your suitcase? Again, use a shower cap for each shoe and the recent polish won’t end up on your clothes.

The next time you see them in your hotel bathroom, grab the shower caps and toss them in your suitcase. You can always save them for later.

Sunset across the hills last night

Sunset over Lake Tahoe this past weekend…

These two look pretty lazy here. Guess they must have just finished tearing around the back yard.

When traveling in a region with a questionable water supply or trekking through the back country, how do you know when it’s okay to drink the water?

Here’s a thought. If your lodgings don’t allow you to flush the toilet paper…don’t drink the water. When hiking, water in streams may look crystal clear…but don’t risk drinking it. Also, think about how else you may be getting unsafe water into your body.

Don’t allow ice cubes in your drink or cocktail. Water or soda from a bottle is fine, but don’t pour it over ice. Plus, don’t drink any shower water or brush your teeth with tap water. Eat foods that are cooked. Which means no lettuce salads.

You could purify your own water with iodine tablets or portable water purifies used by campers and hikers.  Keep some hand sanitizing wipes handy as well.

Use common sense and you can avoid pesky or dangerous infections when traveling.

Blooms at the Farmer’s Market in San Francisco

Anyone want some fresh dates?

Then off to see where the races for the America’s Cup will be held. They’re getting ready for this round.

Team USA Oracle’s spot.

Flags from all over the world…

The Golden Gate Bridge, still fogged in

Quincie, Mary, and I ate a tasty lunch at Brassica in St. Helena…then some tasty wine at The Terraces in Napa. Great way to spend a Friday.