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Pack Your Bag

These packing tips are not new but are always good reminders, especially when planning a trip longer than a weekend.
Make a list before you start packing for your next trip. Not only are the chances of forgetting something less but it may help you to organize your luggage better. Include clothes as well as tickets, guidebooks, ID’s, passports, money, camera, batteries, chargers, vitamins, etc. etc. etc.

Once you have your list, try laying everything you plan to take on your bed. Take a look at the amount of items, the number of outfits, how many shoes you have in the pile, how many sweaters you really have, etc.
Does it all fit in the luggage you were going to pack? Do you really need everything you have in the pile? Can you consolidate outfits to eliminate some shoes or extra tops or bottoms? Will one black sweater fit the bill for the whole trip, allowing you to leave your navy and cream ones at home? Shoes can take up a lot of room. Can you coordinate so fewer pairs are needed?
You may be amazed at what you can leave home!
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February Trip Ideas

Looking for someplace different to head off to this February? Check out these destinations.

Head to the Canary Islands off the coast of Spain…

Summer is not the only time of year when the Canary Island of Tenerife celebrates fiesta. On February 7 islanders will head to the city of Santa Cruz to elect a Child King and three days later the Carnival Queen is chosen. By February 17 on Ash Wednesday visitors to Tenerife can witness a colorful funeral procession where a paper mache sardine packed with fireworks is set alight. Celebrations conclude on February 21 with a big festival procession. Go to www.webtenerife.com for more information.

Or take a trip to Italy and celebrate Caravaggio Year…

Rome has declared 2010 Caravaggio Year in honor of the Baroque artist. This year marks the 400th anniversary of his death which is being marked by several special exhibitions of his works. Thirty of his works of art are going on display in Rome at the Scuderie del Quirinale from February 17. In May, a Caravaggio exhibition is opening in Florence at the Palazzo Pitti while at the end of the year Rimini will host paintings by Caravaggio in Castel Sismondo. Right now some of the artist’s most important works are on display in Forli. More information can be found at www.scuderiequirinale.it.






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Today’s Trip

First Myron ventured outside. After all the birds were singing in the bush a few feet away.

Next came Mable…after checking things out carefully. These are brave cats…yeah right.
Point is…your next adventurous trip may be just outside your door.
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More Fun Wine Facts

Rain continues to come to northern California…and the grapes are glad it does this time of year. Napa Now has provided some more wine trivia…
There are anywhere from 500 to 1300 vines per acre.
Eight to 12 pounds of grapes are produced by one vine.
About 120 gallons of wine will come from a ton of grapes. And barrels per acre…13.5.
You will get about 4 to 6 bottles per vine, 500 to 700 bottles per ton, 4,000 bottles per acre. That equates to 16,000 glasses per acre. And there is no fat in a 5 ounce glass of dry wine.
There are approximately 400 wineries in Napa Valley. 1838 was the first year grapes were planted in Napa Valley with the first large winery built after Prohibition by Robert Mondavi.
What was the biggest Napa Valley crop before grapes? Prunes.
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Flight Info

I just read about a site that allows users to scan an entire month for airfares to find the least expensive rate. Haven’t tried it yet, but I did look at it and it appears easy to use.
Go to www.itasoftware.com and log in as a guest. You have to actually book your flights on a site of your choice, but it is interesting to see if certain days could be cheaper for you.
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Non Stop Caribbean

When looking to get away to the Caribbean this winter, think about some of these great escapes.
Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao: Just 18 miles off the coast of Venezuela these islands are outside the hurricane belt. Hike the trails in Aruba’s Arikok National Park. Dive one of the island’s 86 dive sites off the western shore of Bonaire. Marvel at the vibrant Dutch architecture and have fun shopping on Curacao.
Cayman Islands: Grand Cayman provides divers with a glimpse of the Cayman Trench, an underwater canyon that plunges nearly 25,000 feet deep. Or snorkel with the rays at Stingray City, a string of sandbars in the North Sound.
Barbados: Even though Barbados is an independent nation, the British flavor is still present. Cars drive on the left and cricket is the national sport.
Grenada: This island has a law stating that buildings cannot be taller than a coconut palm tree! Take a hike through the rain forest in Grand Etang Forest Reserve…then swim in one of the cascade pools at Concord Falls.
Guadeloupe: This archipelago has a land area of more than 580 square miles, all on adjoining islands. Plant lovers should not miss the Jardin Botanique de Deshaies with more than 900 plant species.
St. Lucia: Boasting long stretches of beaches with white, golden and volcanic sand this island’s verdant interior has some of the best hiking in the region. Pitons, St. Lucia’s twin volcanic peaks, overlook Soufriere harbor. You can climb to Gros Piton.
Many flights are now non-stop to these destinations. Be aware when booking your flight that “direct flights” are not the same as “non stop flights”. Check more than just the flight number.
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Rainy Day

Grey skies overhead doesn’t have to limit your photos, as my professional photographer daughter-in-law will tell you. Sometimes no sun gives an interesting quality to your photos.
Now if it would just stop raining long enough to take more shots…
I know…I know…we need the rain. And the Robins are here, flowers are starting to bloom and I’ve been talking to my favorite garden nursery lady. Not a bad way to start Spring 2010.
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Ski Vacations

Pack your skis and hit the slopes.
Did you know that adult day passes range from $34 at Lost Trail Powder Mountain, Montana to $97 at Vail, Colorado? This might make a difference which resort you head off to. Check with local grocery store chains or ski rental places for discounts.
Many times the best discounts are on packs of four or more tickets. Online check out www.skicoupons.com, www.liftopia.com and www.discountlifttickets.net for other discounted tickets.