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.

Not bad, just different

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I’ve been at my new job for just over three months now. Thankfully, I feel more settled with each passing day but there are still moments of sheer terror or regret. Anytime that I feel confident that I’ve wrapped my head around the tasks that lay before me, something changes drastically. There have been tears and curses but those are starting to give way to contented sighs and a feeling of accomplishment.

After a little reflection I realize that I’m no longer defined by my job. I hesitate to put that into words because part of me still thinks that means I don’t care about my job. That’s not true. It’s just that now I can talk about who I am and what I like without even referencing the work that I do.

In the past, I’ve viewed my job as an extension of who I am. I’m now starting to see that it doesn’t have to be that way. I can care about my job and work hard without letting my profession dominate every facet of my life. I think this is that whole “work-life balance” that people talk about. It’s a strange feeling and I still sometimes spend the evening checking e-mail and freaking out about the next day, but it happens less than before and I’m starting to like that a lot.

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.

Traveling Thursday – You are not a European*.

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When traveling it is not a good idea to select clothing, jewelry or accessories that made you stand out. By blending in, you become less attractive to pickpockets and other criminals.

With that said, your efforts to blend in shouldn’t ruin your vacation. I once had a gentleman tell me that his feet were blistered and sore because his wife wouldn’t let him wear his regular white tennis shoes in Europe. She didn’t want them to look like Americans so their tennis shoes and jeans were replaced by loafers and a trendy all-black wardrobe. After offering the gentleman some band-aids, I had to sigh and shake my head. I understand where his wife was coming from, but she might have gone a little too far.

Research tactics for not looking like an American tourist and you’ll see that some make sense and should probably be followed. I agree with tips to limit logo apparel, ditch the fanny pack in favor of a money belt, be mindful of new personal space expectations, leave big pieces of jewelry at home, and slow down and enjoy the relaxed pace. It’s also nice to learn several key phrases in the local language. Your pronunciation is likely to be off but many locals just appreciate the fact that you’re trying.

Beyond that, you need to use your best judgment. Leaving your comfortable tennis shoes at home could cause you to miss part of your itinerary if your new trendy Euro-loafers aren’t broken in. The same is true for the no-sock advice. Some travel sites would even tell you not to be obvious about taking photos. Again, that’s up to you but if you’ve spent your whole life dreaming of seeing the Eiffel Tower, why stop yourself from taking 100 photos just because you’re worried about looking like a tourist?

Make the simple changes but think long and hard about the rest. I think most locals would agree that they’re much more interested in your attitude and willingness to try new things than your apparel.

*Unless you really are a European and then I’d love to know your thoughts on the topic.

Fresh to Order – Buckhead

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Fresh to Order BuckheadIn our travels earlier this summer, we visited Fresh to Order in Buckhead, Georgia. The restaurant was recommended by a member of the valet staff at our hotel. I’m so glad we took the time to ask him for a recommendation.

Fresh to Order, or f2O, is a casual-dining atmosphere with fantastic meals made in about 10 minutes for roughly $10 per entree. The ingredients are chosen with care and the meals are very tasty.

When we walked in to f2O, the staff greeted us promptly and explained the concept. They were very eager to help with questions. Since everything was made fresh, they were happy to accommodate special requests with our order.

soup flightSince we both had light lunches, we were pretty hungry. We each started out with an appetizer. I chose the soup flight that features five different soups in sampler sizes. This is a great idea and I’m surprised that more restaurants don’t offer this.  My flight including tomato basil (Yumm and I don’t like tomato soup.), corn chowder (good but got a bit too sweet at the end), chicken and dumplings (good), chicken tortilla (very nice), and mushroom (my favorite!!).

Mr. McB had the ale laced chicken fingers. He said they were hot, juicy, and flavorful.

steak paniniFor our entrees, I had the bourbon filet steak panini. It was delicious beef with bleu cheese, caramelized onions, baby greens, and horseradish aioli. The flavors played well together. The sandwich was hot and the bread was deliciously crusty. The kettle chips were a nice side for the sandwich.

McB's meal from f2OMcB ordered the balsamic steak with baby greens and mac and cheese. The beef was tender and the balsamic Cabernet reduction added a fantastic flavor. He was happy with the mac-n-cheese as well.

We had a great experience at Fresh 2 Order. Our delicious food was prepared quickly and the whole meal was affordable. I’m sure we’ll make time to visit f20 on a future trip to Atlanta.

Traveling Thursday – Tip of the Hat

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On a recent business trip, Mr. McB and his coworkers used the hotel’s free shuttle to go to dinner. On the return trip, one of the coworkers asked if the driver could stop at a store so she could buy some personal items. The driver gladly complied with her request. When the group left the shuttle, they tipped the driver. He was surprised that they would tip him.

I ran into a similar situation when the valet helped me with a few bags while the bellman was otherwise engaged. He was generally shocked when I pressed a few dollars into his hand.

On a walking tour a few years ago, I was the only person (out of a group of 30) to tip our fantastic guide.

I chose to believe that this isn’t a case of people being cheap but rather a lack of understanding of the importance of tipping workers within the hospitality industry. These folks (porters, valets, housekeepers, guides, drivers…) are there to make your experience special. You can reward their hard work with a tip in addition to learning their names and bragging about them on surveys and/or in your TripAdvisor review.

TravelSense offers a handy tipping guideline card. Magellan’s has a handy grid and Conde’ Nast offers a great article about tipping customs around the globe.

I highly recommend looking at your trip in advance and setting aside your tipping money in a special envelope. By putting the money aside, you know that you have the right denomination and by physically separating them, you won’t feel like the tips are cutting into your spending money.

Artisphere Greenville

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artisphere greenville scMy tardiness is shameful but here I am posting about Artisphere, a festival that we attended back on May 12. Since Greenville hosts this event annually, I feel the information here is still relevant.

When McB and I went downtown for Artisphere we were looking forward to enjoying a nice walk while taking in some interesting pieces from a variety of vendors. That’s exactly what we got.

There were at least 100 different vendors selling everything from large, vibrant landscape photography to textiles and furniture. As with most art festivals, some items were within our budget and others were not. This time around it seems like the more I loved something, the more 0’s you’d find on the price tag. While we didn’t make any purchases at the festival, there are a couple of artists including Lisa Norris and Kreg Yingst that really made an impression.

The event did feature live music and some activities for kids. The live music, or at least the performances that were occurring while we were there, was found on a side street in a small, congested tent close to the food vendors. This configuration wasn’t ideal because most of the space in the tent was taken up by people eating lunch.

The food vendors did offer a good opportunity to try some small plates from a lot of Greenville restaurants. Mimi’s Steakhouse of Japan offered the best bargain of the day and their food was quite tasty.

It was a nice (free) event with lots to see. I’m sure we’ll be back for next year’s event, May 10-12, 2013.

bridge

chalk artist

We also treated ourselves to a stop at Luna Rosa for gelato. The ordering system (pay first, pick your flavors later) was a bit confusing but other than that, the service was good. McB got a vanilla and sweet cream frappe. He enjoyed it but it was definitely much different from the thick milkshakes that he normally prefers.

marsala berry gelatoI got three-berry Marsala gelato. The Marsala brought both a sweetness and an alcohol (winey?) flavor which went well with the sometimes tart berries. The gelato was very fresh and the texture was just right. By the end of the dish, the sweetness of the wine was becoming just a bit overpowering but it was a very inventive flavor and I’m glad I tried it.

Traveling Thursday – Thrifty is nifty.

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As travelers, most of us are looking for a bargain. It’s why we use Priceline and Kayak or check flight prices around 3 p.m. on Tuesdays.

During our travels this summer, I’ve been thinking about other “hidden” tricks for keeping the cost of vacations low.

Loyalty = lower gas prices
Consider doing your shopping at a supermarket that allows you to rack up gas discounts through your grocery purchases. You can earn even more by buying gift cards at the same markets. Many outlets offer gas station, restaurant, and/or hotel gift cards. Why not get an extra benefit from money you’re already planning to spend on your vacation?

Membership has its privileges.
We all know that AAA and AARP members can save a lot on travel expenses but consider your other memberships as well. I know some alumni associations and professional groups that offer hotel and rental car discounts. If you are member of a zoo, aquarium, garden, museum or other attraction, find out if you can use reciprocal benefits during your travels. With most reciprocal agreements, you can enjoy at least a 50 percent discount on admission fees.

Pack your snacks.
Whether you are flying or driving, there could be major savings in bringing your own munchies. Airport stores and food marts at hotels and resorts are infamous for over-inflated prices. I can remember a trip to a resort market where the items were selling for more than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.  By packing your own snacks, you avoid the high prices and make sure you’ve got nutritious options.

On trips to Vegas and Orlando, where we we staying in a unit with a kitchen, we took advantage of Southwest’s generous bag policy and packed staple food items in our extra bag. We were able to bring pasta, peanut butter, oatmeal, cereal, flat-breads, and canned soup. When we arrived, we still had to buy perishable items (at the higher resort-town prices) but we saved a lot of time and money by bringing what we could.  If you go this route, don’t be surprised to find a TSA inspection note in the bag.

Couponing isn’t just for the grocery store.
Be sure to pick up a coupon book found in most hotel lobbies or welcome centers. You can find some good deals while learning about the area you’re visiting.

Buy in advance?
Review the websites of the attractions you plan to visit to find out if you can get a discount by purchasing tickets in advance. I highly recommend buying advanced parking for sporting events and concerts. You can save money and avoid the hassle of lines.

Do you have any tricks for shaving the cost from your vacation? Leave your tips in the comments.

 

Traveling Thursday – Extreme Heat

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We were in Atlanta last weekend during their record-breaking heat wave. When HOTlanta is breaking records, you know it’s hot.

It was while I was sitting at the open-air sauna Turner Field that I decided to write a post about traveling and/or being outside in extreme heat.

PLAN AHEAD

  • Consider the temperatures when you are packing. Look for light-colored, light-weigh natural materials. Dri-fit shirts are becoming very popular, and if you sweat profusely they can help you stay dry but consider the fact that the very thing that makes them effective might hurt you since your body cools down as sweat evaporates from your skin.
  • Pack a hat and sunscreen.
  • Pack an empty water bottle to help with hydration. There are collapsible versions that will not take up a lot of room in your luggage. There are also versions with both a filter and freezer stick built in. Look around and find the bottle with features that will work well and make you want to stay hydrated.
  • Schedule your activities around the weather. Go outdoors in the morning and early evening and save your indoor activities for midday. This could be the perfect time to see a movie, go shopping, visit a museum, or even take a nap.
  • Check for airline delays. Heat brings storms and potential airline delays. Stay on top of this situation by setting up text alerts from your carrier. If you are caught by a storm and need to rebook, stay as calm as possible. You don’t want to take your frustrations out on anyone but especially not that airline employee you are counting on for help.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

  • STAY HYDRATED!!! It can’t be stated often enough. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. You are bound to run into trouble if your body becomes dehydrated. The rule of thumb is that you should drink eight ounces of water for every hour spent outside.
  • Muscle cramps could signal bad things. Visit the CDC’s site for great information on spotting the signs of heat exhaustion/stroke.
  • If you are going to a sporting event, concert, festival, or theme park, scope out the first-aid area. If something happens and you need immediate assistance, seek out an employee.
  • Lather up with sunscreen and wear a hat.
  • Don’t overdo it. It would be better to juggle your schedule, even if it means missing a few outings, than to try too many activities only to be overcome by the heat.
  • Eat small meals. Watch your protein intake as these cause high metabolic heat.
  • Listen to your body. If you start to feel queasy, dizzy, or flushed get to a cool place. If you vomit, seek first aid or call 9-1-1. It doesn’t take long to go from slightly overheated to distressed.

Oh and one final world of advice, if you are going to the Braves game when it’s 106, limit the number of pre-game samples you allow yourself at World of Coke.