TravelsandEscapes

Ever thought about a round-the-world trip? While a RTW trip isn’t for everybody, it is a great way to explore a range of destinations in a unique manner.

Some things to consider include the following.

Plan. Make a list of what you really want to see and do. This isn’t a destination. It’s a complete set of flights. Therefore, you need to plan exactly the areas of the world you want to visit. 

Take your time. Spread out your visits and plan on taking a good month for your adventure. Give each place you visit enough time to see what you came there to see. Remember, you need to factor in checking out of your hotel, getting to the airport, customs, etc. Spend enough time in each place.

Move either east or west throughout your journey. It could be a requirement for some RTW tickets, but for the best use of time…pick east or west traveling.

Buy a single ticket from a company that specializes in RTW fares. Most will require you to complete your travel within one year and many are limited to 15 or 16 stops or flight segments.  Or buy individual tickets and arrange those flights to meet your schedule. Make sure to check out all your options before you buy.

Think about flying business class.

Use your air miles to support what you can.

Remember to check what visas you will need, which countries require to apply in advance, and to check the State Department’s information page for each country you plan to visit.

Have fun.

Do you know how to find the best seat when booking your long flight? Here are some things to consider…

Know your plane model. For long haul flights, the most spacious double decker Airbus A380 is your best bet. With larger windows, HD video screens, and lower cabin pressure, these planes make that long flight more bearable. Check out your booking website to see what plane your particular flight will use. 

Check out the airline as well. Some, such as American, are now squeezing 10 seats per row into a Boeing 777. Nine used to be the standard.

Check out the seats. Go to SeatGuru.com to see where your seat is and where the best legroom is.

Check with your airline to view all options available. Is economy your best bet? Or do you want to upgrade to premium economy or business?

Now you’re on your long flight…how do you settle in? Do you have a routine?

Do you set your sleep schedule? If your flight covers multiple time zones, it might be a good idea to adjust your eating and sleeping schedules to match your destination.

Do you take a sleep aid? Check with your doctor first. If it is okay, you might want to give it a test run at home. No sense getting on the plane expecting to sleep and it does the opposite and keeps you wide awake. Or, what if it makes you so groggy you can’t function for at least 24 hours after you wake up? You’ll also know how soon before it starts to work. 

Do you keep the same routines as you do at home? If you brush your teeth twice a day or seven times a day…do that on the plane. Keep the routine, whatever it is.

What do you do when a long flight is ahead of you? Here are some things to think about before you board your flight.

Make sure all your electronic devices are charged. If you want to play games or watch a movie…you want a fully charged device.

Maybe you think you’ll watch the airline movies. Great idea…unless your TV doesn’t work. That happened to me once and it’s not something that can be fixed at 38,000 feet by the flight attendant.

Think about what you’re wearing. Layers are great as the plane may get cold or you may get warm. If you wear contacts, it might be a good idea to take them out and put on your glasses before the flight.

Pick a good seat when booking your flight. SeatGuru has a great map that shows the seats and describes them. Have some airline miles but not enough for a ticket? Think about using them to upgrade your seat.

Do you need to travel with your medications? Do you know the TSA rules and regs about that? How many can you take with you? What about an IV bag or syringe?

According to the TSA, you may travel with an unlimited amount of pills and solid meds plus anything related to those. That includes freezer packs, IV bags, syringes, and pumps…just as long as those are all declared prior to going through security. That means you need to stop at the airline counter to check in and declare those items.

What if your meds are in liquid form and exceed the 3.4 ounces limit? Again, you must inform the airline prior to going through security.

It’s always a good idea to have your meds in their original prescription bottles as well. 

It’s also a good idea to keep them with you in your purse or carry on bag and not in your checked luggage.

There are special circumstances for passengers traveling with radioactive meds and oxygen tanks or other respiratory equipment. Be sure to check with TSA or your airline. 

Restaurants come and go. Some are memorable…some, not so much. Some are trendy, some offer amazing food, and some offer all that and more. I love it when we find that amazing place with tasty food on our travels. I also love it when that place is close by.

Backdoor Bistro in Vacaville, CA is one of those finds. Serving locally sourced and sustainable food as much as possible, Chef Lindsey and her staff are to be complimented on making this spot a ‘go to’ place in Vacaville.

Check out their wine maker dinners or go for a burger and a beer.

The duck with creamy polenta and broccoli slaw was awesome last week. I wonder what the special will be this week?

Are you one of those who travels with a carry on bag and stows it in the first available overhead space you find…even when your seat is toward the back of the airplane?

Or, are you a traveler that brings a huge bag and tries to pass it off as a carry on bag?

Or, do you travel with two large bags; one as your carry on and one as your personal bag? Do you put them both in the overhead bin because you want the space under your feet free and clear?

Recently, we experienced all three of these on a short flight. 

In the first instance, the flight attendant asked the passenger to remove his bag and place it near his seat. They offered to gate check it for free if that didn’t work.

In the second one, the gate agent did not allow the passenger to take an oversize bag on the plane as a carry on. She firmly, but politely, told him it would be gate checked.

In the third instance, the flight attendant move one of the two bags to another bin several rows back…and the passenger decided to put it under his feet instead.

What are your thoughts?

Have you thought about bringing toiletries with multiple uses? I’ve mentioned before that baby shampoo doubles as laundry detergent. You can also find shampoo and conditioner in one. Use a lotion that doubles as your sunscreen to save room.

If you still concerned about room, take a look at the new shampoo, soap, and laundry detergent sheets. I haven’t used them but am going to investigate their use…stay tuned. If they work, they would really be a huge space saver. Plus, you wouldn’t need to worry about having them in your one quart plastic bag for TSA to inspect. They aren’t liquid!

Overpacking…Part Two

How many pairs of shoes do you take? It probably depends on what you’re doing and where you’re going. Ideally, you could get by with two pair. Wear one pair for walking and pack one for going out at night.

If that doesn’t fit your trip, you may need to pack an additional pair. Other than that…you’re probably overpacking. If you’re going hiking in the Alps…you might need yet another pair. It depends on your trip. Keep in mind, you really don’t need a different pair for each day. Save some room in your suitcase by having the right shoes for your trip.

How many outfits do you pack? You can pack less bottoms and more tops for a change of pace. Think about lightweight, washable fabrics. These can be washed at night and will be dry by morning. Another benefit…if you roll your lightweight clothes, they don’t take up much room in your suitcase.

Have you ever packed an outfit or a top that you never wear at home? Maybe it’s not your favorite color or it isn’t a style you like. Chances are…if you don’t wear it at home, you probably won’t wear it on vacation. Leave it home…