Posted on by

Packing and Wrinkles

What do you use when packing to avoid as many wrinkled clothes as possible? Did you know that plastic reduces friction? Did you also know that friction causes wrinkles?
So my packing aficionado…plastic should be your friend when packing. Save those dry cleaner bags. Either pack your clothes inside or layer the bags in between clothes.
Resealable plastic bags are great to keep any items gathered together and then can be used for countless things when you get to your destination.
Posted on by

Airline Tickets

With Christmas fast approaching, who wouldn’t like to receive a trip? Give one to your kids and they can come see you, give one to a friend that needs a break or surprise your spouse. How do you do it? Here are some ideas.
Give an airline ticket. But…you may not want to actually BUY the ticket. There are better options if you do not know all the details of when they can travel.
Purchase an airline gift card. If that’s the route you take, be sure to look at the redemption rules. Some have expiration dates, some cannot be redeemed online and some have fees to redeem them.
Think about purchasing a gift card from American Express or etc. and the person can use it on a variety of airlines.
Or purchase miles for the passenger if they have a frequent flyer account with that airline.
Use your own miles to book their trip…if you know the details of the trip.
Think of buying a gift card from Southwest Airlines…where there is no fee to change flying dates nor for checked bags.
At any rate, think fast. According to USA Today fares are expected to be 17% more expensive this holiday period compared to last year. There probably won’t be as many last minute deals either.
Posted on by

Jardin Botanique de Montreal

With over 22,000 plant species, 10 exhibition greenhouses, 30 themed gardens and researchers and staff The Botanical Gardens in Montreal ranks as one of the world’s finest. Here some Zebra Grass was lined our walkway.
It does not matter what season you visit, there will be plants and exhibits to delight. The Japanese Garden shows off dozens of illuminated scenes. Meant to represent a Japanese fisherman…he’s trying his hand at catching something!
Anybody know what these are? I was surprised…


It’s a definite must see if you are in Montreal. Even though it is a little out of the way, the Metro stop is only a few blocks from the entrance. And your walk will take you right by the Olympic Stadium.
Posted on by

Reviews

When you are looking for a hotel, B & B, restaurant or anything else do you read reviews? If so, how much do you believe what is written?
I read reviews…but I also look at the number of positive ones versus the negative ones. Anybody can write a bad review. But if there are several bad ones to few positive ones…I will probably not use that hotel or etc.
On the other hand I look closely at the positive ones, paying close attention to the words used. If the rooms in a B & B are “charming” or “cozy” I may think they are small. In that case I would read some more reviews to see if anyone else talks about the size of the rooms. If someone says their experience was memorable and would definitely come back…there is a good chance I will look closely at that one.
Another question. Do you write a review of your hotel, restaurant or etc. after you return home? I do. And I am truthful and specific about my experience…positive or negative.
How about you?
Posted on by

LeTerra Nostra


If you are planning a trip to Montreal a fabulous B & B is LeTerra Nostra. Appearing rather simple from the outside, the stone building houses a gem of a place.

Once you open the front door and are greeted by the owner, Mimi, you step into a world of French hospitality and tastefully appointed rooms everywhere you look.
Three course breakfasts were different each day, starting with fruits and juices each morning. Pears in croissants, scrambled eggs with bacon and veggies, mini-muffins, pastries, crepes with home made berry compote, fresh baked banana breads…and coffee made to order. What a way to start the day.
When the weather cooperates, a terraced patio out back provides a setting for breakfast or late afternoon snacks.
Each bedroom is generous sized, with a king size bed, closets and more. Bathrooms, with both a shower and a huge tub are fantastic…complete with heated tile floors.
Mimi uses her decorator skills throughout as every room is tastefully decorated and unique in its own way. You won’t lack for anything when staying here. Hospitality…food…personalized directions…comfortable surroundings…your special whims catered to…it’s all here. Check it out.

Posted on by

Holiday Travel

It’s Fall and if you are traveling over the holidays…here are some things to think about.
Book Now! The sooner you can book, the better. Perhaps you could get a cheaper flight closer to your trip, but do you really want to chance that? Plus this way you can get the seat you want…or at least closer to it!
Book your flight for early in the day. You are less likely to deal with delays and hectic situations at the airport.
If you can travel on the actual holiday you can save some money, according to the airlines. And if you are flying from the east coast to the west an early departure puts you on the ground with most of the day left to celebrate.
Consider an alternate airport. You may have to drive, but if weather is not an issue you may save enough money on your flights to make it worth your time.
If you are flying to Europe, try to fly on December 25, 26 or 27 or New Year’s Eve to beat the crowds. Remember to check out your cab or hotel shuttle needs ahead of time, though. They might not be running on those days.
Always check any hidden flight costs when you book. And make peace with your flight costs. You can bring your own snacks to avoid costly airport food. Bring non-sugar foods like vegetables, or nuts or cereal. Don’t forget reading material, your iPod, cell phone and laptop…including their chargers.
Leave early…early enough that it may seem ridiculous. You may have to wait in the security line an extra long time or perhaps you will get behind those that just take a long time whatever they do! This gives you just a little more room to breathe. You can always sit and relax before boarding your plane. Or wander through the airport. Some now have mini-museums or art galleries where you can spend some time.
Posted on by

TSA Travel Tip

Coming back from Denver this weekend we noticed something as we went through security. Most of the lines were the same length…something the TSA agents on hand try hard to maintain. However, two lines out of 10 or 12 had two men reading the x-ray machine, instead of just one.
At first you really don’t think anything about that. After all, Denver is a big airport with lots of travelers. But as we inched (slowly inched) closer the x-ray machine it became painfully aware why there were two agents there.
Training (in its slowest form) was taking place. I understand training the agents and I certainly am all for it…
Next time, however, I will look for those lines where two agents are intently looking at the x-rayed bags…and avoid them!