Traveling Thursday

Traveling Thursday – Beauty Bargains

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Christmas clearance sales can be the perfect time to stock up on the toiletries for your travels in the coming year.

Remember those special “value” sets of fragrances and lotions or “limited edition” holiday makeup palettes? These items are now half-off and the price is bound to drop again in a few days. These special deals can be found at all levels of the retail ladder – drug, discount, and department stores. A bevvy of deals can also be found at Bath and Body Works semi-annual sale.

Last year I bought a set of four body-sprays for two dollars. I found all of the fragrances to be nice and light. They’re not my favorites but they’re also inexpensive so if I leave one in the hotel, it’s no big loss. The same is true for the discounted eyeshadow I bought on clearance last year. They were cheap enough that I tossed some of the more outlandish colors and kept those that fall within my comfort zone. The colors don’t have as much staying power as my normal makeup but for vacation, they work just fine.

This is also a great time of year to stock up on manicure sets and other beauty tools. These might not be durable enough for daily use but they work just fine for vacation and again, if you leave them behind, it’s no great loss.

Happy bargain hunting!

 

 

 

Traveling Thursday – Frommer’s

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Oh Frommer’s, how I love your website and all it’s many helpful tools for travelers.
First, let’s talk about the walking tours. When we traveled to New Orleans a few weeks ago, we took two organized tours but I also printed out a copy of the Garden District walking tour from the site. It was easy to follow the instructions and very informative. While I’m a believer in organized tours, I also like to mix it up with some independent exploration and this was a great way to do that. There are walking tour itineraries for a great number of cities. Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, Boston, Rome and Hong Kong are just a few. Many cities have multiple tours.

This brings me to the city guides. There is so much information on these pages including attraction and restaurant recommendations, tips for getting around, special listings for active pursuits, suggested itineraries and listings of available side trips.

There are other sections on trip ideas and tips/tools.

This site is a great resource for any traveler. Be sure to check it out.

 

 

 

Traveling Thursday – Leaf peeping

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Pumpkin spice latte season  Err, I mean autumn officially starts this weekend and soon, many of us will take to the road to do a little leaf peeping. I’ve put together a list of links to make your planning easier and your trip just a bit more enjoyable.

Oh before we get to the links, did you know that the US Forest Service has a fall color hotline?  800-354-4595

The Foliage Network (frequently updated maps)
Fall Photography tips
Unexpected Fall Color Spots
State by State Guide to Fall Color (includes links and state-specific numbers)
Fodor’s Guide to Fall
Travel + Leisure Ultimate Fall Guide
Scenic Drives in the Northeast

And a few links highlighting spots that are close to home, for me anyway…
Upstate SC Best State Parks for Color
Upstate SC Leaf Report
Romantic Asheville’s Fall Foliage Info
Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway Gas Availability Map
Blue Ridge Parkway Fall Guide

No matter where you go to see the leaves, remember to have fun and be patient on the roads. Take your time and be open to unexpected stops like apple orchards, craft fairs, and small diners. Remember, it’s an adventure and not a race.

Traveling Thursday – Greetings and salutations

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We’re always busy. We’re always running. We ask someone how they’re doing but rarely want to hear anything more than a cursory response. I’ve made it my goal to slow down a little and really mean it when I ask someone how things are going.
Even if you don’t do this during your everyday life, I challenge you to do it on your next vacation. I know it’s not always reasonable to have a long chat with everyone you encounter during your trip but when you have the chance, take it. Be a warmer, friendlier version of yourself.

Find out if the person at the front desk of the hotel is having a good day before diving into your questions about local attractions and restaurants. Talk to the servers at the restaurants and your tour guides. I’m not saying you have to find out their life history, or share yours, but just take sometime to treat them like a human being and you’ll be surprised how the conversations you’ll have can add to the enjoyment of your trip. By taking this approach, I’ve heard amazing stories, learned about other cultures and customs (even when traveling domestically), laughed my butt off, and been treated to great recommendations. You’ll also find that when you are friendly to those you encounter, they start to look out for you which is fantastic when traveling solo.

By doing this on vacation, I’ve also found it easier to incorporate this approach into my daily life. You be surprised how something so simple can make you happy and help bring a little of that vacation feeling into even the most mundane things.

Traveling Thursday – Alerts from your airline

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Mr. McB’s last two business trips have involved flight cancellations the day before departure. In both instances, the cancellations were not weather related. Thankfully, he signed up for the airline’s alert service when booking the flight and received a call to announce the cancellations and give instructions for rebooking.

Every traveler should sign up for these notifications when booking a flight. Each airline has its own way of doing this  but it’s always pretty simple and I believe some automatically opt you in. Seriously, say yes to the alerts and save yourself a lot of hassle.

Oh and for those of you who are often on airport pickup duty like I am, I highly recommend FlightStats to track your loved ones travels. They also have a mobile alert system.

 

Traveling Thursday – Time to breathe

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While I can occasionally be satisfied with a relaxing vacation spent hanging out on the beach or by the pool, I’m usually cramming a lot more activity into my vacation days. There are times when I wake up with ten hours of carefully scheduled activities in front of me. I must admit, my body doesn’t always appreciate being pushed to the brink when it’s been looking forward to a break.

I know I’m not the only one who travels like this. With the rising cost of transportation and hotel stays, we push all we can onto the schedule. It makes sense, especially if you are traveling a great distance but it might also be robbing us of some of the joy we should feel on vacation.

Here are a few tactics to add some relaxation back to your next trip.

Buy good shoes, even if they’re expensive. Foot pain will make you feel tired and grouchy. Invest in a good pair of shoes, and break them in before traveling.

Prioritize the things you want to see and do and then draft an itinerary. Plan for the “musts” and pencil in the rest.

Ge organized before you go. Write down the hours for all the attractions that interest you. Print out directions to these places. Think about what you’re going to wear. Planning all of this before you leave adds to the anticipation and helps save you time on the trip.

Give yourself at least one late wake-up during the trip. Whether it’s the first day or the last, treat yourself to a little extra snooze.

Do something to treat yourself whether it is a massage, spa treatment, performance, or something sweet.

Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t see everything. It’s OK. You can go back. What’s really important is that you thoroughly enjoyed everything you were able to see.

Traveling Thursday – Grocery store souvenirs

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Last summer while traveling in Switzerland, I was appalled at the prices of…well, nearly everything. I wanted to bring home some souvenirs but I was not willing to spend a small fortune on meaningless nick-knacks.

Thankfully, I was able to solve my problem with just a little trip to the grocery store. Instead of picking up items that would simply collect dust, I bought a variety of cookies, jams, and chocolate that were uniquely Swiss for a fraction of the cost. I did a little research and also picked up a few small bottles of Rivella, a soft drink that is made with byproducts of the cheese-making process. None of my friends and family were disappointed with their gifts, in fact most were eager to try something new and “exotic.”

Next time you’re visiting a new place, even in the states, take a trip to the supermarket when looking for a low-cost souvenir. Ask around to find out if there’s a special item that’s popular with the locals and then bring it home for the special people in your life. This type of gift allows them to experience your travels more than a t-shirt or snow globe. It will also prove to be much easier on your pocketbook.

Traveling Thursday – Fit in with the frequent fliers

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Seeing a frequent flier glide through the security line at the airport is a thing of beauty. They know what to expect and plan accordingly. It’s true that many of them learned the ropes through experience and repetition but even infrequent fliers can fit in by just doing a little homework.

First, familiarize yourself with the 3-1-1 rule. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this rule, travelers are allowed to carry-on just one, one-quart zippered baggie with liquids, aerosols, and gels that are 3.4 oz or less. I have no doubt that  3-1-1 violations are the biggest reason for delays in security. When packing, if you aren’t sure whether something is considered to be a liquid or gel, just assume that it is. I know of instances where peanut butter and peaches packed in syrup were considered to be liquid/gels. Also, don’t try to get through security by freezing a bottle of water. It may be in a solid form when you go through security but that’s not how the TSA will see it. My husband, not the culprit,  has a humorous story to go along with this last bit. As you would expect, the fiasco and resulting debates held up the security line quite a bit.

It’s also a good idea to review the list of items not allowed on a plane. Most of us know that a meat cleaver is not allowed but maybe you didn’t realize that you can’t carry-on a baseball bat. If in doubt, check the list.

Remember that unless you’re under 12 or over 74, you are going to have to take your shoes off to go through security. Make smart choices about your footwear.
Similarly, if you are wearing a coat, zippered sweatshirt, or sweater be prepared to take this off to go through security.

If you have a laptop, ipad, or kindle, be prepared to take these items out and place them in a separate bin. For more on these policies and checkpoint friendly laptop bags, visit this section of the TSA’s site.

Take off your belt and watch and really empty those pockets before going through the metal detector. I know this seems elementary but I’ve seen people swear their pockets are empty only to later produce a handful of change. If you’re this person, don’t be surprised when the growing crowd of travelers gets a bit testy while waiting for you to pass through the scanner repeatedly.

After taking these steps to get prepared, just pay attention to what the TSA agents are asking you to do. Certain security procedures (shoes – in a bin or on the belt, shoes- on top of the bin or anywhere, ID – on your person or in the bin…) vary from airport to airport but by paying attention to the directions you’re given, you can look like a world traveler.

Traveling Thursday – Theme Parks

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Schools start here in just a couple of weeks. It’s amazing that the long, lazy days of summer will soon give way to fall. Where has time gone?

Even as summer fades away, I know a number of families who are planning a trip to an amusement park before school begins. I’ve compiled a list of a few tips and ideas to help you get the most from your theme park trip.

  • Check into discounted tickets. You may be able to get these through AAA or using a coupon found online, through a fast food restaurant or even on a soda can. Do a little research to find savings.
  • Look for stay-and-play packages at hotels near the park.
  • Find out if you are allowed to take snacks or drinks into the park with you. This is another way to save money and make sure you’re properly hydrated.
  • Wear sunscreen. It’s amazing how quickly you can burn.
  • Look at the park map before visiting. Decide which rides you really want to do and make those a priority. Arrive early to get a jump on the crowds.
  • Scope out indoor, air-conditioned attractions and take a break during the midday sun.
  • Wear tennis shoes instead of flip-flops. Your feet will be more comfortable and better supported. You also don’t want to take the chance of losing your shoe on a ride.
  • Stay hydrated. I can’t say it often enough. Remember that water is a better choice than soda.
  • Grab maps and designate a meeting point and time if your family decides to split up to enjoy separate attractions.
  • If you have an emergency or start to feel ill, visit the first-aid station. Let the trained staff assess your situation and help as needed. It’s much less embarrassing to visit the first-aid station on your own steam than to be pulled from the park on a stretcher.
  • Pack cheap plastic ponchos. They’re great for water rides or sudden downpours.
  • Bring along a great attitude. There will be annoyances but instead of allowing yourself to get upset, try to laugh off your frustrations. The whole point of the day is for you to have a good time. Do your best to make it happen.

Traveling Thursday – Passport copies

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Having a passport lost or stolen happens more than anyone would care to admit.

Even if you’re sure there is no way you could possibly lose your passport, do me a favor and make several high quality copies of the photo page. These copies can make your life much easier in case an emergency arises.

Now, find two trusted family members or friends and give them each a copy. Ask them to place them wherever they keep their own vital documents. Let them know that while you hope to never have to ask, there may come a time when your passport is lost or stolen and you’ll need them to fax this copy to an American consulate or embassy.

You should also travel with at least one, if not two, copies of the photo page. I generally keep one copy folded in a ziploc baggie inside my toiletry case. It’s always there. I never have to think to add it when I pack. I keep another copy with my daily planner along with copies of my other travel documents. While the actual passport goes into the hotel safe, I usually keep this copy with me at all times.

So now that you’ve taken my advice, you don’t have to go into an absolute panic if something happens to your passport while you’re traveling. You simply get yourself to the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy and show them a copy of your photo page. There will still be loads of paperwork to fill out, but now you’ve got the information you’ll need to complete the forms.

If you realize that your copies are lost, stolen, or ruined, you just need to get in touch with your trusted loved one and ask him or her to fax a copy to the embassy.

For more information on what to do if your passport is lost or stolen while traveling abroad, visit the State Department’s site.