When we travel, we often see the TI, or Tourist Information, signs. We find them in airports and in cities.
They are a good place to go for local information, local maps, discounts, and up-to-date events. They are also a great place to hire a local tour guide when you need one.
Have you ever hired a tour guide? If so, what was your experience?
Paris’s more-than-a-century-old, white paper Métro tickets are on their way out. Starting in 2019, entry to Paris’s über-efficient public transport system—including buses and express RER trains—will be done through contactless Navigo cards. The city’s transport agency, Ile-de-France Mobilités, announced Wednesday that it would be rolling out two different travel cards, in addition to the unlimited Navigo card for residents already available, over the next year for all sorts of travelers and commuters.
If you’re visiting the city for a short time, you’ll need the Navigo Easy pass, available starting in April 2019. Almost identical to London’s Oyster card (which we love), the Easy pass costs €2 ($2.34) to buy. Then, you’ll load up the card with T+ rides—what the paper tickets represent now—which will cost the same in 2019 as they do today: €1.90 ($2.22) per ride or €14.90 ($17.39) for a pack of 10 rides. That’s a more than 20 percent discount, and will cover one-way Métro rides, RER trains in Zone 1 (central Paris), and bus trips. Much like the Oyster card in London, you can top the card up as needed at all transit stations so be sure not to throw yours away.
“There will be no time limit on them and the card is not nominative, meaning it can be given to a friend,” said Ile-de-France Mobilités in a press release. You can also load Orlybus (to Paris Orly Airport) or Roissybus (to Charles de Gaulle Airport) tickets on the Easy pass as well.
When traveling you might consider packing some of these things? Why? Read on.
Duct Tape
Pack duct tape to protect your bag, fix broken zippers, rips, and torn handles. Don’t worry. You don’t need to pack the whole heavy roll. While the travel size package is nice, it’s cheaper and just as easy to wrap some around a pencil or a straw.
Whistle
I never used this, but some travelers wouldn’t be caught without one. I guess if I was traveling alone and wasn’t sure about the neighborhood, it would be great to have.
Decoy Wallet
Again…never used this. You could keep a small change purse in your purse. Put a few dollars and some coins in it in case you were ever robbed.
Reusable Water Bottle
These come in handy as they take up so little room. Once you’re through security, you can fill it from the water foundation or at a restaurant.
Laundry Bag
I always have some type of laundry bag in my suitcase. I really don’t want my dirty clothes smelling up my clean ones. Depending on how long I’m gone and if the apartment or hotel has a washing machine…I don’t have to keep those dirty clothes for very long. Don’t forget to pack some laundry detergent as well. If you buy the little pack-type detergent, leave it in its original bag. No need to have TSA grill you about your little packs of white powder.
Reusable Shopping Bag
Do you chronically leave a stack of plastic or paper shopping bags behind in your hotel room when you check out? Then you’re the perfect candidate for a reusable shopping bag that can be folded up and stowed in your day bag, then whipped out to hold the day’s purchases. And since reusable bags tend to be tougher than the disposable ones, they are handy for heavier purchases and can do double duty as picnic baskets and beach bags.
Emergency Snack
Okay…I am NEVER without this. A small bag of almonds in my purse has saved me many times. I get just enough protein and carbs to hold me over until I can find something other than street food that’s still alive. I also have a granola bar handy. You never know!
Extra Memory Card
There has been only one time when I forgot to pack this. That was the time my camera’s memory was full and I had to spend extra time finding a store. Not good. Pack one.
Power Strip
Outlet shortage at the airport? A multi-socket power strip helps share the juice from a single public outlet. Forgot your charging iPod in your hotel room? By plugging all of your electronics into the same place, you’ll be less likely to leave one behind. One catch: Abroad, you’ll need to use an adapter and a converter
Bandanna
The list of obvious uses for a bandanna is long—hand towel, lens cleaner, eye mask, hair tie, headband, scarf, cooling device (when dampened), but this versatile carry-on can also work in a pinch as a pillow when you tie it around a bundled-up sweater, as a sling for a sprained arm, or…whatever works for you.
Travel Mug
To prevent damage, transport sunglasses or delicate souvenirs in an empty travel mug with a wide mouth. Make sure it’s got a secure screw top. During your trip, the mug can be an ecofriendly to-go cup or a great decoy for stashing valuables in your hotel room. I mean what thief would steal a coffee-stained thermos?
Silicone Travel Bottles
TSA-approved mini bottles are old news to an experienced traveler like you. But their rigid plastic shells waste expensive moisturizer, sunscreen, and hair products that can’t be squeezed out. I’ve tried. Replace them with squishy travel bottles made from transparent, soft silicone. These are easy to clean, more flexible to pack, and good ’til the last drop.
Safety Pins
The safety pin…almost as good as duct tape. This multifunctional travel tool can clasp the zippers of your day pack together to deter thieves, serve as a missing button, or zipper pull.
Now that you have an idea of what to pack, let’s talk about what NOT to pack.
More clothes than you need
Since clothes tend to make up the bulk of your suitcase, this is an area where you can consolidate. And, here’s where a list comes in handy. So does planning your wardrobe around neutral colors.
I’m not saying you need to wear the same things day after day.
If you’re staying where there is a washer…you will have to pack less things. Remember to bring detergent. No washer? Pack things that can be washed in the sink at night. By morning, you’ll have clean clothes.
If you check the weather before you go, you’ll also have a better idea of what bulky items you can leave at home. Dressing in layers may work better than packing heavy sweaters.
Are any of these ideas or trends on your travel list for 2018 or 2019?
Apparently, women traveling together is going to be a big deal in 2018. At least that’s what I’ve been informed. Do you agree? If so…why and how? Last year the solo travel industry blossomed. Did you take a solo trip?
Cooking classes have always been popular. In 2018, they are becoming the thing to do. You learn to cook…then you eat. Sounds good to me.
Likewise, safaris have been a popular trip. Some areas in Africa are experiencing major water shortages and are cutting back on these trips. That leaves other areas picking up the slack. Some places could be more dangerous. Be sure to check before you go. Safety should be a concern wherever you go.
Fitness trips are quickly expanding and offering more options. No longer are just trekking trips offered. You now can cycle in the Alps, run marathons across the world, kayak the oceans, sail your own adventure, and more. Interested?
What are your travel trends for 2018? How about 2019?
You could literally go to some type of street market every day in Provence. Really.
Whether you’re looking specifically for antiques, linens, clothes, soaps, collectibles, knives, cough drops made with balsamic, flowers, fabrics, shoes, spoons and spatulas made from olive wood, lavender everything…the list goes on and on.
Antiques had their own places at most markets. Door knobs, boules, picture frames, wooden boxes, iron toys, tools, rusted, faded signs, and more.
Then, there’s food. Olives of every color and size, fresh-baked breads, local meats, cured hard and soft salamis, chocolate and nougat candies, countless creamy and pungent cheeses, frozen and fresh fish, seasonal fruits, spices from all corners of the globe, red, black, white, and green poivre, jars of duck fat, local specialty cookies from that region, bunches of herbs, garlic bigger than my hand, colorful vegetables…this list is even larger.
You could spend all day.
So…we went. To several.
We opted for a morning here and there. Which means we spent several different times at different markets in different towns and villages. Streets lined with vendors, side streets filled with flowers, and people everywhere.
We saw some of the same vendors at multiple places. And, we discovered new ones. We now have favorites.
This is what we discovered…
Everyone was polite. No one pushed to get in line before anyone else. Everybody said ‘Bonjour’, ‘Merci’, and ‘Au Revoir.’
Locals shop for food and whatever else they need. Chefs shop for whatever is in season. You’ll find whatever they buy on the menu today. Could be ripe, mouth-dripping strawberries, which were in season in May. Maybe those would end up in desserts. Could be fat, creamy-white asparagus, also in season in May. Soup made from them looks like cream and tastes like silk with a hint of white pepper. Maybe you’ll find quail eggs, the latest flavor of sausage, or pureed beet root.
Nougat made an appearance at every market as well. Flavored with anything from pistachios to apricots to dried fruits. Sweet treat.
There are always plenty of cheeses to pick from. How about an aged Comte? Sharp, pungent, and an absolute favorite. Or, the just-made goat cheese…this came as a dessert with an apricot puree. To die for. I didn’t think it was appropriate to lick the plate when I was finished. I wanted to.
Bread vendors sell out early. Get your baguette first thing if you want one. Everybody else does. That way you can carry it like the French do. Wrapped in plain paper, under your arm or in your market bag.
We saw the same organ grinder at two different markets. No monkey. The organ grinder at a third market had a large cat with him. He was on a leash and accepted treats. Go figure.
Wine vendors give out samples. Of course, every vendor gives out samples. What better way to try before you buy?
Another favorite were the spoons, spatulas, and serving platters made from olive wood. Beautiful doesn’t begin to describe them. Use them and they will quickly become your favorite.
Colorful linens for tables, dishcloths, napkins, and hand towels lit up the aisles. Brilliant blues, bright yellows, deep reds, and blinding whites… What color do you want?
Scarves and cashmere pashminas in more shades of blue than I’ve ever seen. Was the scarf guy telling me the truth when he said that color was made for me?
Baskets vied with their own colors, shapes, and sizes for attention. I could just see my cat adopting one of them. But, I’d have to get it on the plane and it wouldn’t fit in my carry-on.
Assume there is one vendor for each type of food or item…and you would be wrong. This is another thing which amazed us. The number of vendors selling the same or similar items was amazing. Each had their own twist, specialty, or way of selling.
At one market, we saw at least four olive vendors and five sausage makers. Another time, there were over seven vendors with table linens. Everybody seemed to be doing a brisk business. I guess if you weren’t…you probably didn’t return.
Did I mention the duck fat? Small jars, large jars, duck fat and beans, foie gras, foie gras with duck fat…there was definitely a love affair with duck fat. AKA…graisse de canard.
Paella cooked in yard-wide pans looked and smelled like saffron coated fish. Yum. Croissants so flaky we wore the crumbs all day. Of course, our espressos were the perfect accompaniment. Whatever you’re hungry for, breakfast, lunch, or café au lait, find your favorite food. It’s probably at the street market.
At the end of the morning, we left with provisions for that night’s dinner, snacks to eat throughout the day, linens to bring home, and memories of what we tasted and saw. Those croissant crumbs? They stayed with us.
We’re already making plans to go back. Provence and street markets…a match made for us.
So much to see…
Such a variety…
Here she is…
Statues galore…
Recently I read about some apps which may be useful as you travel. Check these out and let me know if you’ve tried any of them.
Memrise: According to users, Memrise lets you learn about different languages and cultures on-the-go with classes on a broad variety of topics in over 200 languages.
WiFi Map
WiFi Map highlights hotspots around your current location and provides the password. Is this something you would use? Of course, remember to be careful what data you access while using public WiFi.
MyPanda
MyPanda measures the security of an area using GPS. I learned the app was founded as a response to the horrific 2015 Paris terrorist attacks, and alerts users to any threats of violence in their immediate area. In select cities (like New York City and Los Angeles) the app locates the nearest police station and gives you the fastest way to get there and the option to call authorities with one tap.
UnTappd
Are you a beer drinker? Try this app to connect you with the best local brews, bars, breweries, and other drinking venues nearby. It says it also gives opinions on the local beers.
OpenTable
I’ve used this app quite a lot. You can make your reservations ahead of time at the restaurant of your choice or check out reviews to try a new one. It lets you search by location, time, or type of cuisine.
La Jolla brings to mind sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets, great shopping, wave skimming armadas of pelicans, and endless views of the Pacific Ocean. I don’t necessarily think of museums or old maps when I head to La Jolla.
But, if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, how about the Map and Atlas Museum? Not your ordinary museum, this one offers an appreciation and awareness for the geography, history, politics, and beauty of antique collectible maps and atlases.
I was impressed by the maps detailing the world…from centuries ago. Many of the old drawings were so close to what is reality today. This is a rare find. And, not one you’d probably expect in La Jolla.
Next time you’re here…stop in.
Pantai Inn
About a year ago we stayed at the Pantai Inn in La Jolla. Looking at the resort today…I would stay there again in a heart beat.
Welcome to Bali. Well, maybe not actually Bali.
But it sure felt like it.
Stepping out of the car, soothing sounds of gently flowing water and lightly tinkling bells made me smile. Tasteful, gold and purple umbrellas and lightly scented tropical flowers took my smile to another level. Walking between impressive sculptures, which I learned were Padma sculptures, gave me a peaceful feeling. Immediately, I was in a different place.
Walking in to the Pantai Inn in La Jolla, California, offered a glimpse of a Bali inspired resort. Those Padma sculptures? Being greeted by the Padma lets you leave the stresses of the outside world, and welcomes you into a place of serenity and tranquility.
Guess what? It worked.
But, it kept getting better. Attention to every detail, and I mean every detail, greeted me with water features, exotic landscaping, colors, sights, and sounds. I could have landed on any tropical island.
My own private island.
As it is, this one-acre piece of property includes rough-shingled cottages to Art Deco influences to Balinese design. And, it’s not on an island at all.
But, the peace and quiet, the lush, flower-filled greenery, and even the furnishings trick your mind into believing you really are at your own private island resort. I mean, get a glass of wine, relax in the courtyard, and look at the view. Seemingly endless blue sky meets wave after wave for as far as you can see. And, those sunsets. You have to see them to believe.
The best part? This was my home for a few days.
I was told the Pantai Inn had undergone an extensive renovation in all of its 30 suites and cottages. But, it was so much more than just renovating an existing motel that had been in the family for three generations. It’s more than wanting a place to resemble a Balinese resort. Authenticity was imperative to the family. So was state-of-the-art. Think contemporary beach resort meets old-world luxury.
I’d say they achieved it.
While each suite and cottage are unique, the Bali and Indonesia themes are evident. Authentic artwork and murals decorate the resort. Everything is just a little bit better than you’d expect.
Want to know what’s for breakfast the next morning? Just look on your refrigerator. A menu is posted for the following day. Maybe you’ll be lucky and have the lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote, or the feta, sun-dried tomato quiche. This is the way to start the day…great food and a spectacular view.
Stop in the reception area in the afternoon for a delightful, chef prepared sweet treat. Oh my…key lime mini cupcakes today. Or sit around the fire pit in the evening, enjoying the weather and a glass of wine.
I just lost track of the outside world. Now, that’s a vacation.
https://www.pantai.com/ for more information
Airport Apps
Sometimes having the right app makes your trip go easier. Have you ever used any of these?
Mobile Passport: I have not used this, but here is what the U.S. Customs and Border Protection have to say.
SAN DIEGO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection and San Diego International Airport today announced the expansion of Mobile Passport Control to SAN. Mobile Passport is the first authorized app to expedite a traveler’s arrival into the United States. Eligible travelers may voluntarily submit their passport information and answers to inspection-related questions to CBP via a smartphone or tablet app prior to arrival. Android and iPhone users can download the Mobile Passport app for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
“We continually strive to identify and implement new, more efficient ways of meeting the challenges posed by an increasingly complex mission and growing volumes in travel and trade,” said Pete Flores, director of field operations for CBP in San Diego. “We now have Automated Passport Control kiosks, Global Entry kiosks for our trusted travelers, and the use of smart-phone and mobile technologies to enhance the traveler experience.”
“We’re excited to launch this new program in San Diego just in time for the busy summer travel season,” said Kimberly Becker, President/CEO of San Diego International Airport. “Getting through the Customs process has never been so convenient, which allows more time to enjoy everything San Diego has to offer.”
MPC currently offers U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors a more efficient in-person inspection between the CBP officer and the traveler upon arrival in the United States. Much like Automated Passport Control, the app does not require pre-approval and is free to use. Travelers who successfully use the app will no longer have to complete a paper form or use an APC kiosk. As a result, travelers will experience shorter wait times, less congestion and faster processing.
There are five easy steps to MPC:
Eligible travelers arriving at San Diego International Airport can begin using the app on June 1 for CBP processing. The MPC pilot launched in August 2014 for eligible travelers arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and has since expanded to 23 airports. For more information on what airports have MPC available please visit, CBP.gov/MPC.
Hotel Tonight: This app provides a shortcut to hotels near your airport. It shows available rooms, in case your flight is delayed or you need a last minute hotel.
My TSA: The MyTSA app provides airline passengers with 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information on any mobile device. Save time and money with our helpful tips for preparing for security, including a searchable database of items that can and can’t go in checked or carry-on bags. With this app you can:
Google Translate: I use this for more than just at the airport. But, it’s handy to have if you need to find the right gate and you can’t remember your Italian.
TripIt and TripCase: These are travel itinerary apps that contain almost all details of a trip, including flight, car rental, lodging, and other details. The air travel information includes flight times, flight and booking numbers, seat assignments, terminal and gate information, and more.
I like to have all my information in one place, so this works well for me. You can set up notifications on your phone. Then 24 hours before your flight, the app will prompt you to check in online.
Gate Guru: This app helps when you need to get through the terminal efficiently. I feel it’s fairly up-to-date and useful in most airports. I’ve also noticed the security wait times tend to be a little off…sometimes longer, sometimes shorter.
Your Airline App: It’s always a good idea to have your airline app. It’s a quick way to see what’s going on with flight information, seat assignments, etc.
To my knowledge, these are available for both Android and IOS systems.