Rome

Ah, Rome.  It is a city that is #1 on many a bucket list.  I finally realized that dream not long ago and the Eternal City was everything that I expected it to be.  Breathtaking views await at every turn and history is in the air.

Getting There

When you go to Rome, you will most likely fly into Leonardo da Vinci International, the airport most convenient to Rome.  This great city is easy to get around in because public transportation reaches every corner, starting at the airport.  No tourist in their right mind should drive in Rome.  Watching the cars cut in and out of traffic is like watching a slapstick comedy.  The lack of order and law enforcement is mind-boggling.  Cars are parked on sidewalks and medians.

The easiest way out of the airport is the Leonardo Express train.  The trains leave run every 30 minutes and the inexpensive tickets can be bought from vending machines right by the tracks.  One thing you should be aware of is that luggage goes on overhead racks on the train and there is no one to help you lift your bags.  However, most seats have ample legroom and you can keep a rather large bag at your feet.

The train will take you directly into Termini Station.  It is a safe place to be during the day but don’t linger in the area after the sun goes down.  We took a taxi from Termini to the hotel.  Buses were available at the station but handling luggage on a bus is difficult.  The taxi fare was less than €20 and our English-speaking driver dropped us right at our hotel door.

When in Rome, take only marked taxis.  You will find a long queue of cabs just outside of Termini.  Before you leave home, contact your hotel staff and find out what the taxi rate should be.  If the driver tries to overcharge you when you arrive, walk directly into your hotel and enlist the help of the staff there.  They are often able to intercede on your behalf.

Money Matters

You will need to pick up some Euros and the best way to do that is through ATMs.  You won’t pay exchange fees at ATMs but your bank might charge a small foreign transaction fee.  My bank’s fee was so minimal that I barely noticed it.  You will need to carry at least a small amount of cash as some smaller vendors don’t accept credit cards.  Euros are easy for Americans to understand.  The system is not that different from our dollar system.  This Wiki page explains it all very well.

What to See

There’s so much to see in Rome that you will want to plan your trip carefully so that you won’t miss a thing.  Here are the top sites to see:

• Roman Forum
• Pantheon
• Spanish Steps
• Trevi Fountain
• Vatican & St. Peter’s Square
• Coliseum
• Villa Borghese
• Appia Antiqua

I suggest that you start with the Roman Forum and pay a little extra for a guided tour.  Tours are available in several languages and are very informative.  Our group was led by an English-speaking archaeologist and she gave us an in-depth look at Roman history that helped us understand every other site we visited over the following days.  We toured the Forum with her and then she sent us up Palentine Hill on our own.  The views at the top of the hill are some of the best in Rome.  Our ticket package at the Forum also included admission to the Coliseum anytime with the next 24 hours, allowing us to by-pass those long ticket lines the next day.

If you do nothing else in Rome, go to the Vatican.  I knew that they had a nice art collection but I did not anticipate the magnificent scope of the collection.  We spent the day walking through long, winding hallways and into gallery after gallery of the most stunning art collection in the world.  The gift shops at the Vatican are nice, too.  I brought home some very affordable souvenirs.  If you plan on sending postcards mail them from the Vatican Post Office.  They have their own official stamps and the delivery is much speedier than that of the Italian government.

When you leave the Vatican, walk around the corner to St. Peter’s Square.  (I don’t know why they call it a square when it is clearly round.)  It is free to enter and well worth the visit.  The walls, ceilings and artwork in St. Peter’s Basilica are just breathtaking.  After you finish the first floor, be sure to find the staircase that leads to the basement.  Several popes are interred there, including St. Peter himself.  I was surprised to see that many people stopped and looked at St. Peter’s tomb but most seemed more interested in paying their respects to more modern popes.  I was in awe of standing before the final resting place of the man who walked with Jesus.  If you do go to the Holy See, go early because the ticket lines become very, very long.

We stayed out in Parioli, a lovely suburb on the north side of Rome.  We were within walking distance of the Villa Borghese, a beautiful park which hosts the Rome zoo and a splendid art gallery.  You must have reservations to go through the museum but they are easy to come by.  Plan to spend some time strolling the beautiful paths of the park.  The lovely picture at the top of this blog is of the Temple of Aesculapius, which sits in the midst of the park.

From Villa Borghese, we walked to Castel Sant'Angelo, a.k.a Hadrian’s Tomb.  Once you’ve toured in the inside, make the climb to the roof for a bird’s eye view of the Vatican.  After touring the Castel, we had a nice, inexpensive lunch at a simple street café just across the Tiber  from the Castel.  The gentlemen there spoke no English but were charming and welcoming.  We got along just fine using gestures and a lot of smiles.  Those two elderly gentlemen were the sweetest, most welcoming people we met in Italy.

Speaking of the language, you don’t really need to learn Italian before visiting Rome but it is helpful to know a few key words.  It is a courtesy to the locals to at least learn hello, please and thank you in their language.  I listened to Italian for Dummies for a few weeks before I left.  I learned to say “I don’t speak Italian very well” and used that expression more than any other with the exceptions of “good morning” and “thank you.”

The only time I needed to utilize my limited Italian skills was when we wanted to buy bus tickets.  Those tickets are bought through tobacco shops and magazine kiosks.  None of the people running the kiosks we visited spoke English.

The bus system is really the best way to get around Rome while doing your sightseeing.  You can buy a seven day ticket and ride all week quite economically.  You validate it on your first day of use and then merely hop off and on at will for the rest of the week.  Visit this site for the specifics.

Safety

Don’t wear obvious jewelry in Rome.  Women in Rome wear scarves rather than necklaces.  A big necklace marks the wearer as tourist who might be a bit vulnerable.

Watch your pockets and bags closely on buses and trains.  If you’re a woman, carry a cross-body bag and wear it in front of you, not to the side or the back.  If you’re a man, either wear a money belt or put your wallet deep in your front pants pocket.  My sweetie reported having his tush tapped on more than one occasion and it wasn’t done by a flirty female.

What to Wear

It seems that every man, woman and child wears a nattily wrapped scarf every day.  You will feel out of place if you won’t wear one.  You will see a lot of dark colors such as maroon, navy and black.  The only white sneakers you will see there are on joggers and tourists.  Jeans are worn with nice shoes and good shirts.

Rome is a walking city with rough, uneven streets.  When you’re strolling about the Forum, you’ll be walking in rocks and dirt.  While at the Coliseum, you’ll be climbing steep steps. Wear your most comfortable walking shoes.  Everywhere I went, I wore my beloved Lands End driving mocs (see previous post on travel essentials).

As far as the temps, I found Rome temperature to be very much like northern Florida during our November visit.  I wore a light coat every morning but wound up taking it off in the afternoon sun.  If you travel there in summer, it can become horribly hot, so plan accordingly.

What to Eat

What to eat in Rome?  I wasn’t as impressed with the food as I thought I would be but I can say that I never had a bad meal.  I can also report that their pizzas are pretty tasty.  Pastries are big there, as well.  Nutella is everywhere there, even on breakfast buffets.  The street-side sandwich shops serve up some excellent fair.  Don’t’ forget to try the wine – Italians do it right.

Where to Stay

The choice of where to stay is obviously a matter of personal taste.  You can stay right in the heart of Rome in modern hotels, if you so choose.  However, you might consider staying in the suburbs if you want a genuine look at how modern Romans live.  The charming Hotel Delle Muse was in a nice area that was safe and charming.  We had a tiny but clean and pleasant room with balcony.  The hotel is a family-owned hotel that is quite warm and welcoming.  Most of the staff members speak English.

The hotel offers a free breakfast and the food is good.  We ate all of our breakfasts and many of our dinners there.  We saw most of the same staff every day and the place began to feel like home.  A bus stop is just about a block away from the front door, making it easy to get anywhere that you want to go.  It is a lovely area to walk in, even after dark and there are several nice restaurants nearby.

What to Buy

It seemed to me that shopping in Rome is either very high-end designer wear or low-end street goods.  However, I did find some fun things in tourist gift shops.  The Forum has a nice little gift shop offering beautiful souvenirs in a wide range of prices.  I bought several beautiful calendars and postcards there.  The Vatican has several nice shops with items well within anyone’s price range.  I’m not Catholic but some members of my family are, so I brought back a few rosaries.  My grandson had specifically asked for a replica of the Coliseum and I bought one of those from a street vendor who had a booth situated between the Forum and the Coliseum.  I also found some wonderful tri-colored pasta from a sandwich shop we visited.

One thing you definitely do not want to buy is a knock-off purse from a street vendor.  Italy is home to many fine designers and the government is very protective of their interests.  It is not only illegal to sell knock-off goods; it is equally illegal to buy or even possess one.  The penalties for doing so are quiet serious.  The vendors who sell souvenirs from tables and booths are safe but avoid buying from those who spread out their wears on blankets on the sidewalks.

Also, make sure that you take your receipt from every restaurant and store you patronize.  The tax police sometimes follow people and ask to see the receipt.  It didn’t happen to us but I have heard of it happening to others.

Leaving Rome

It was hard to pull ourselves away from the beauty of The Eternal City.  We spent our last day at Appia Antiqua and it was the perfect way to say goodbye to Rome.  We didn’t have a plan, so we just wandered around that beautiful park.  We found the ruins of ancient aqueducts, a cistern and a watchtower.  We stumbled across an ancient home that was being restored by the current residents.  It was a wonderful place to absorb the feel of ancient Rome.  If you go, don’t take the subway route suggested on the official site.  The better ruins are on the other side of the park, so take the bus route instead.

We were exhausted by the time our vacation was over, so we hired a car to take us to the airport.  It was a nice change from taking a taxi and the train back to the airport.  Our driver met us in the lobby of our hotel and drove us to the airport along roads that we had not yet seen.  He was charming and interesting and he dropped us off at the airport for a mere €55.  We arrived at the airport so much more relaxed than if we’d had to deal with a cab, then the train.  If I ever go to Rome again, I will hire a driver for both my arrival and my departure.

I could practically write a book on the joys of visiting Rome but there’s just not enough time or space here to write about it all.  However, as the old adage goes, a picture tells a thousand words, so I’m going to let these pictures do the rest of my talking.

Spring Break Tips

I am in the midst of preparing for my annual trip to Florida with my grandchildren.  Sherman didn’t strategize his march on Atlanta as much as I do our drive to Florida. 
 
We’ve been making this southern voyage for over 40 years.  The first few years, I rode along as a kid in the back seat of my parents' station wagon.  Later, I moved to the front seat as the parent of two little ones.  My role now is that of grandmother, tour leader and chief financier for my two grandkids’ spring break adventures.  I’ve learned a lot of handy tips over those 40 years and I’m sharing my secrets for sanity here with you now.  This is a long post, so I’ve broken it down into four steps for easy referencing. 
 
Step One:  Planning the Activities
 
If you plan on going to any of the major theme parks, don’t just show up at the park unprepared.  Spending as little as 30 minutes on the park website before you leave home will help you maximize your time and money on the day that you arrive.
 
Here’s what I’m doing on-line to prepare for our day at Universal’s Islands of Adventure: 

• I created an account on the site so that I will receive discount offers and updates as to what is going on at Universal during our trip.
• I ordered our tickets so that we don’t have to stand in that line when we get there.  Standing in the ticket line can take an hour or more at some parks.  I’d rather spend that hour having fun.  The delivery options include printing them out, having them mailed or picking them up at will-call. 
• I reviewed the various attractions and chose the highlights we should hit.  The youngest member of our little troupe is too young for big scary rides, so I’m noting which attractions are best for families with young children. 
• I’ve read about the best places to eat and what kind of special deals are available.  For example, if you eat at Universal’s Harry Potter themed restaurant and order Butterbeer, you get a souvenir cup that can be refilled with other drinks all day long at a discounted price. 
• Finally, I’ve noted the park hours so we know what time to get there.  Always arrive at the park when it opens.  You’ll get so much more out of your day if you can get there early.  The ride lines are much shorter early in the day.

 
Step Two:  Prepping the Car
 
Get your vehicle serviced.  Have the oil, tires, washer fluid, hoses, etc. all checked and changed, if necessary.  Do a little spring cleaning on the interior, cleaning the windows and vacuuming.  Make sure that you have an emergency kit to handle emergencies like flat tires and include a first aid kit for minor injuries. 
 
Line the back seat with a blanket, sheet or a beach towel to catch all of those French fries, cookie crumbs, etc., that the kids will inevitably scatter about.  When you reach your destination, pull out the blanket/sheet/towel and shake the crud and crumbs out.  We throw ours in the washing machine as soon as we arrive and then use it as a beach blanket later in the week.
 
Pack a few drinks, snacks, fruit and sandwiches to save time and money on the road.  Take enough cold drinks for everyone to have at least two.  We also pack fresh and dried fruit, Girl Scout cookies, sandwiches, pretzels and raisins.  
 
Remind everyone to travel light, taking along only what they really need.  When you’re traveling with kids, count on bringing home more stuff than you started with.  Last year, my grandkids both won an assortment of large stuffed animals at Busch Gardens and squeezing it all into the car was quite the feat.
 
Here are a few handy things to take along for the ride: 

• Plastic shopping bags for containing trash in the car or transporting wet bathing suits.
• Lots of quarters for those Florida toll booths.  To avoid last minute fumbling, I keep our change in a lidded coffee cup that sits in one of the car’s drink holders. 
• A second set of car keys, just in case you lose one set or inadvertently lock them in the car.
• A roll of paper towels.  Kids, drinks, ‘nuff said. 

Step Three:  In Transit
 
If you have babies or toddlers, make the drive an overnight one and they will probably sleep most of the way.  This works best if you have two or more drivers and can switch off so no one gets too snoozy behind the wheel.  Just feed the kids some dinner, plug a movie into the DVD player and let them doze off. 
 
For those all essential bathroom breaks, avoid gas station restrooms.  I’ve bypassed them since a midnight stop at an Atlanta gas station restroom once proved to be just a little bit too scary thanks to some hoodlums hanging about.  Rest stops usually have a security guard on-site and are generally cleaner than gas stations.  The facilities are also larger and more comfortable.
 
Be sure to pack some fun little diversions for the kids.  We generally take family-oriented audio books and the “swag bags” I wrote about in a previous post. 
 
Step Four:  At Your Destination
 
When enjoying family vacations, remember to pace yourselves.  Two full days in a row of amusement parks can be exhausting.   Rotate high impact days, like Disney or Universal, with low impact days like sunning on the beach or relaxing by the pool.
 
Expect melt-downs from kids and adults alike about half-way through your trip.  Everyone will be tired from being on the run and having too much fun.  Being ready for the melt-downs allows you to handle the inevitable and make sure that mole hills don’t turn into mountains.  Sometimes a laid back day spent going to a movie and out to a quiet dinner can provide a restful break.  Only you can determine how best to allow your family to rest. 
 
Above all, remember to relax and enjoy this special time with your family.
 
This will be my last post until about April 4.  Come back to this site then and we’ll talk about Rome, Italy.  Ciao!

Packing Tips: Part 5, Packing it all in

Now that you know what you’re going to take, let’s talk about the actual packing.  There are several methods you can use, from just cramming it all in willy-nilly to neatly folding clothes in layers of tissue paper.  It’s all a matter of what works best for you. 

I find tissue paper to be a waste of time, money and space.  While many seasoned travelers swear by the rolling method, I find my things wrinkle more when I roll them, not less.   Rolling your clothes does allow you to fit a lot of things into your bag, though.  Personally, I prefer the bundling method.  It makes efficient use of space and I find that my clothes come out mostly wrinkle free and ready to wear. 

Before you begin, make sure that everything you are packing is in good shape.  Check to see that nothing is stained or torn and that all of the buttons are firmly attached. 

Next, lay everything out on your bed or hang it on a laundry rack so that you can see it all in one quick glance.

 

 

To start the bundling process, layer the pieces, starting with the largest and working up to the smallest. 

 

 

I usually add my pajamas as another layer between the tops and the jeans because they are the thinnest, lightest items in the stack.

 

Some people fold pants in with the shirts but I have more success folding my jeans individually and then using them as a core to wrap the tops around.

 

Finally, wrap the shirt sleeves, collars, hems and pant legs to the center, turning it all into one neat bundle.

 

Before you pack your bundle, run your belts  around the perimeter of the bag.  Also, slide your shoes into a recycled plastic shopping or newspaper bag and put them in the bottom of the bag.  I didn't bag them in this picture because I wanted to show you where I put them in the bag.  Always put your shoes and other heavy items at the bottom of your bag so that it will roll smoothly.  Don't forget to stuff your socks  inside the shoes. 

 

 

Next, place your bundle into your bag and fill in any empty spaces with underwear and/or other accessories. 

 

As I mentioned in a previous post, if you are traveling by air, take along a large tote or purse to hold things such as your electronics, snacks and the Ziploc that contains your TSA restricted liquids. 

Wear your heaviest, bulkiest shoes on the plane.  Wear your coat on the plane rather than have it take up room in your bags.  Your coat pockets can also serve as an ancillary bag.  My travel coat has extra deep pockets and I use it to stash my gloves, tissues and other assorted little things.  When you board, spread your coat out in your seat rather than shove it in the overhead bin.  You’ll have it handy to use as a blanket or a pillow, plus save room in the overheads.

Make sure that all of your bags, even the carry-ons, are marked inside and out with your phone number and email address but not your home address.  You don’t want to let potential luggage thieves know where your unattended home sits.  See that giant bright pink tag on my carry-on?  That big tag not only identifies my luggage but also makes it easy to spot.  

I am all organized and ready to roll.  You will be, too, if you follow this process.

 

 

Check this site in a few days for timely tips on doing a spring break Florida trip with the family.

Packing Tips: Part 4, The Clothes

What to wear, what to wear.  What a dilemma!  What you wear while traveling really is an important consideration.  The right clothes can affect your confidence, your comfort and, in some cases, even your safety.

Whether you’re traveling somewhere you’ve been 100 times or a place that you have previously visited only in your dreams, the considerations are the same.  When choosing your travel wardrobe, you need to know the following:

• What is the weather prediction at your destination during the days that you will be there?
• What activities will you be participating in?  Will you be sitting in a theater, sunning on the beach or hiking in the mountains?
• Are there restrictions at any of the sites you will be visiting?  Some European churches forbid bare shoulders and legs.  Some restaurants dictate that gentlemen wear jackets and ties.  If you are a woman, wearing overly revealing clothing in some countries could endanger your safety.

Once you have armed yourself with knowledge of all of the above, you can narrow down the things you need to take. 

First, to get the most out of everything you pack, pick a color theme offers versatility and pack only clothes within that color scheme.  Use lots of separates that can be mixed and matched with everything else.  Each top should go with more than one bottom.  Pick sturdy, stain resistant clothing that can be worn at least twice without washing or that can be easily hand-washed in a sink and quickly air-dried. 

Next consider your comfort.  Try to select outfits that are just as comfortable as they are stylish.  You don’t want to endure a nine-hour flight to Europe in tight fighting clothes that make it impossible for you to move around easily. 

How many outfits should you take?  It depends on how many days will you be traveling and what activities you will be participating in.  The availability of laundry facilities at your destination will influence the number of pieces you need to take.  When we do our spring break trip to Florida, I take just three days of clothing for a six day stay.  We stay at my mother’s house and do laundry every third day.  Traveling light leaves plenty of room in the car for all of the mouse ears, whale-shaped lunch boxes and seashells that my grandkids want to drag home.

Today I am taking off for  a five-day trip to California to see my brother.  On this trip, I’ll be taking a little more clothing than I normally do just because of the variety of activities we have planned.  We’ll be hiking and biking, which means I’ll want my toughest, most casual jeans and tees.  We’ll also be dining out a lot, so I’ll need better jeans and nice tops.  Although I could do laundry at his house, I don’t foresee having the time to.

I usually travel with black, grey and beige or white pieces.  Each piece can easily be matched with everything else in my suitcase.  Here’s what I plan to take with me on this week’s trip:

Two pairs of jeans, one dressy and one sporty.  I love these NYDJ jeans. 

 

 

I also packed a gray turtleneck from Chico's.  The list also includes two tees, one black and one white, like these from Chico's.  I always take my black button-down shirts.  It can be worn alone or as an extra layer on top of the other shirts. 

Of course, I've pack socks, underwear, sleepwear, etc.  I'm taking my sneakers for hiking and biking and my driving mocs for sightseeing and to use as slippers. 

On the plane, I'll be wearing jeans, a black turtle neck and my Michael Kors coat that I wrote about in a previous post.  I'll top my outfit with a colorful pashmina that adds both style and warmth.

All of these pieces allow me to mix and match as my whim and our activities vary.  Each piece is lightweight, sturdy and wrinkle resistant. 

It's time for me to head to the airport now.  Come back to this site in a few days and I’ll tell you how I packed all of these things into my little carry-on bag.

Packing Tips: Part 3, The Ziploc

The biggest packing problem for me is cramming all of the liquids, creams and aerosols that I need into that darn little Ziploc bag.  I try to travel strictly carry-on, making taking along everything I need a bit of a challenge.  However, it’s not an insurmountable challenge.  There are a few tricks that can be used to allow you to have all of your lotions and potions with you, yet remain compliant with airline restrictions. 

First, be clear about what really has to go into those bags.  Make-up pencils, such as brow pencils and eyeliner pencils are solid, so they do not have to be in the Ziploc.  Powders likewise are not restricted, so consider using powered eye shadow, blush and mineral foundation when traveling.  Anything you can take in solid or powder form will free up space in the tiny plastic bag.

Second, gather up sample and travel-sized bottles of the products you use.  Estee Lauder often includes travel size mascara in its gift-with-purchase packages and those small tubes can last as long as ten days.  Several of the large cosmetic companies give away samples simply for the asking.  When you go to the cosmetic counter, be sure to ask the salesperson if they have samples available.  They nearly always do.

If you can’t find sample or travel sizes of your beloved beauty products, get creative with downsizing the original packaging.  Just because your moisturizer came in a big bottle it doesn’t mean that it has to travel in a big bottle.  For example, a contact lens case can hold a few days’ worth of foundation or a week’s worth of eye cream.  Other small container options include craft paint pots, medicine containers and film canisters.  Any small bottle with a tightly screwed on lid can work.

As you pack your plastic bag, look at it like a jigsaw puzzle.  Fitting the pieces together neatly will allow you to squeeze more in than if you just toss it all in there carelessly.  Put your large items in first with the fattest items in the middle of the bag and the thinner things in the outer corners of the bag.  After the largest items are in place, fill in the gaps with the smaller ones.  Wedge tapered tubes together by laying turning them so that the lid of one rests against the bottom of the other.

If you’re a woman traveling with a man, chances are that his Ziploc will have a little extra space in it.  See if you can sweet-talk him into carrying a couple of things for you.  If you’re on a short tip, you might be able to share some things like toothpaste and shampoo, thereby saving room in both bags.
If all else fails, think about whether or not you really need to take shampoo, conditioner or soap.  All hotels provide them these days.  You can also buy what you need at your destination.  Unless you are traveling out into the boonies somewhere, you can buy the basics just about anywhere you go.  It might be fun to try out an exotic new shampoo or soap as part of the joy of traveling.  Just buy small bottles and leave them there when you go home.

Last tip about the Ziploc – you know you’re going to have to take it out at when you go through security at the airport so put it in an easily accessible outside pocket of your carry-on, briefcase or purse.  Those travelers who are standing in line behind you will appreciate your efficiency.

Visit this site again soon.  My next post will cover the most perplexing part of traveling for so many people - wardrobe planning and packing.

Packing Tips: Part 2, Air Travel & One Personal Item

They say that necessity is the mother of invention.  Checked bag fees are inspiring a lot of us to become inventive with how we pack our carry-ons in order to avoid those extra fees.

Some creative solutions include wearing multiple layers of clothing or donning outfits with multiple pockets.  Some people tempt fate and simply overstep the size limitations regarding carry-on luggage.

What few travelers stop to consider are the possibilities of that one personal item allowed in addition to a carry-on bag.  The guidelines for that item are rather loosely defined.  The United Airlines policy states, “In addition to one carry-on item, you may bring one personal item such as a shoulder bag, backpack, laptop bag or an item of similar size.”  The rules also state that coats, reading material, cameras and things purchased in the airport (in limited amounts) can be carried on board in addition to that personal item.

Don’t overlook just how much stuff you can pack in that often overlooked but precious extra bag.  Carrying a large purse or tote might make the difference between being able to travel strictly carry-on vs. having to check a bag and pay for the privilege.

I normally carry a fairly small purse.  However, when I board a plane, I take a large purse in addition to my carry-on bag.  I put things that I might want during the flight into my big purse and make sure that it is small enough to slide underneath the seat in front of me. 

Here’s what goes into that bag:

• A small purse.  On board the plane, I use it as a billfold for my credit cards and cash.  Once I reach my destination, it becomes my daily purse while the large purse stays stashed with my luggage.
• The TSA dictated Ziplock bag with my cosmetics
• My electronics (Kindle, phone, camera, etc.) and charging cords
• A small brush & a comb
• Gum, mints, snacks
• Reading glasses
• Tissues
• Travel umbrella.  (Caveat – Pull your umbrella out and put it in plain sight when you go through security.  I once got pulled aside for an extra search due to an umbrella in my bag resembling a club.)
• Baby wipes to clean your seat tray and armrests.  The airlines rarely clean those things between flights. 
• Pashmina.  Pashminas can keep you warm on a cold flight, serve as a headscarf should you need to walk out on the tarmac or cover up any drink stains that you might pick up during the flight.

This strategy frees up a lot of room in my suitcase allowing me to travel strictly carry-on and avoid checked bag fees.  It also makes it easier to access the things I might need on a long flight

Visit this site again in a few days and I’ll share a few tips for making the most of your little Ziplock bag.

Packing Tips: Part 1, The Luggage

This is part one in a series of packing tips.  There are just too many factors involved in good packing to write about it all in one post.  Today we’re going to talk about how to pick the right luggage for your needs.

Contemporary luggage comes in a wide variety of materials, colors, shapes and sizes.  The choices are virtually endless.  So, how do you start your search for the perfect travel bag? 

First, consider your budget.  How much can you spend, and more importantly, how much do you want to spend?  If you travel lightly and/or infrequently, almost any cheap bag could do the job.  However, if you plan to put a lot of miles or stress on your luggage, you might want to invest a little more money and get better pieces. 

Next, think about the type of traveling you do.  Do you generally stuff duffle bags in the trunk of your car for weekend trips to visit friends?  A nylon gym bag might be all that you need.  Will you be dragging your suitcase countless miles through airport corridors?  If so, you should choose sturdy pieces of luggage that roll along smoothly.  Do you plan to cram your belongings into a backpack and hike the Appalachian Trail?  Then you will want a lightweight but durable backpack.

Once you have a general idea of what you’re looking for, go on-line or to a store.  When I started shopping for new luggage, I first looked on-line, arming myself with information about the various options.  After I narrowed down my choices, I went to the store so that I could personally handle and get the feel of the bags that I had in mind.

I took my time in the store.  I travel quite a bit and will be living with and relying on these bags for years to come, so picking the right ones was very important to me.  I picked up each bag in the set to check the weight.  I was pleased to find that each one could be easily lifted with one finger. 

I also tested the handles.  In the past, I’ve suffered the pain of having bags with handles that either dug painfully into my hands or, worse, came off in my hands.  The handles on these bags were fabric and woven in.  Those handles will never separate from those bags.

Next, as silly as I might have looked to other shoppers, I rolled each bag up and down the store aisles.  Testing the wheels on your luggage is step that should not be skipped.  So many bags are not balanced properly, causing them to wobble and rock as they roll.   The bags I picked soundly passed the no-wobble test. 

The last choice I had to face was color.  The set I was eyeing came in bright pink in addition to the traditional black.  I seriously considered the pretty pink but thought about how quickly it gets dirty and ultimately opted for the black.  I did, however, customize my bags with bright pink luggage tags that set them apart in the sea of black bags on the luggage carousel at the airport.  My inexpensive luggage tags can be easily cleaned or replaced when they start to show dirt.

Taking the time to do a little research and to handle my bags before buying them has really paid off.  I've already logged over 12,000 miles on them and they remain as good as new. 

Come back to this site in about four days.  The next entry will be about how to get the most mileage out of that “one personal item” for air travel.  Believe it or not, that item can make a big difference in how easily and economically you travel.

Fun Weekend in Chicago

This past weekend, I attended my first Strictly Sail in Chicago show and had an absolute ball.  Strictly Sail is an annual four-day boat show featuring gorgeous, high-end sailboats and a whole boatload (yes, I said boatload) of fun sailing stuff.

We paid $15 per person for a Saturday ticket.  What a bargain!  Our $15 investment allowed us to climb aboard several luxury yachts, shop for boat accessories and attend four informative seminars. Seminars took place all day long but we only had time to hit four.  I am fairly new to sailing and I feel as though I learned quite a bit.  The whole day was fun, educational and inspiring.  The show has both a Facebook page and a website,  http://www.strictlysail.com.

 

We found a nice affordable Doubletree Hilton on Ohio Street.  It is a warm and welcoming facility, plus when you check in, everyone in your party gets a big, warm cookie.  How can you not love that?  The location of this Doubletree cannot be beat – it sits halfway between Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue, making it perfect for Mag Mile dining and shopping.  The hotel has on-site parking for $45 a night but you can park in the area around the hotel for $35-$39.  We parked at the garage just across the street and paid $39. 

We enjoyed a casual, cozy dinner at Giordano’s on Rush Street.  As we arrived at prime dinner time on Saturday night, we had to wait 45 minutes.  I generally don’t wait more than 20 minutes for a table but we were already there, it was very cold outside and they had a nice warm bar, so we opted to wait.  I was so glad that we did.  The food and the service were excellent.  I didn’t keep track of bar bill, but our huge pizza and salad for two came to roughly $40.00.  It was a great, genuine Chicago deep-dish pizza experience.  I enjoyed it so much that I now plan on taking my girls there when we make our trip back to the city in August.  Check out their menu at http://giordanos.com.

Little overnight trips are a great way to shake off the winter blues.  My trip to Chicago certainly did that for me.

 

 

How to Get the Best Hotel Rates

$883 or $580 - which price would you rather pay?
 
These are the two different rates that I was quoted for the same Chicago hotel, on the same nights, for the same type of room.  So what made the big difference?  On the first reservation request, I did not use a promotional code and the price I was quoted was $883.  When I made the same request using the promotion code “NAVY”, the quote fell to $580.

I am planning a short stay near Navy Pier in August, so I checked to see if Navy Pier offers any special deals, such as hotel & dinner or hotel & theater packages.  While there were no specific packages offered, the promotional code for the nearby hotel was posted on the pier website.  Using it will save me about $330.  I believe that nice little savings more than justifies the five extra minutes I spent looking for a bargain.

There are several ways to find codes.  You can simple Google it.  Let’s say you want to stay at the Chicago Hilton.  In the Google search field, just type in “Chicago Hilton + promotional code”.  If that fails, look at websites for attractions located near your destination to see if they sponsor package deals or promo codes.

Oftentimes, hotels offer special rates to corporate or government employees.  Check with your employer’s H.R. department to see if any such travel benefits are available to you.  AARP and AAA offer travel discounts, as well.   Travel websites such as Orbitz or Expedia can also help you find great deals on great rooms at the last minute. 

Just be sure to check out all of your options before you book.  Taking a few minutes to do a little research can, and often will, result in big savings.  Why pay $883 when you can pay $580? 

What to do in Indianapolis During the Winter

At the beginning of this year, I wrote that one of my goals was to take my grandchildren to explore some sites close to home.  This past weekend, the kids came to visit and we had all of Saturday to spend together.  We’ve done the popular Indy sites (Zoo, Children’s Museum, etc.) over and over again, so we were looking for something different to do. The weather was incredibly warm for this time of year, so we headed to downtown Indy to see what we could see. 

We started our day at the Indianapolis Central Library, just off of Meridian Street.  Now you might not think of a library as an entertaining destination but the one in Indy is a wonderful place to visit.  Parking could not be more convenient as it is right in the basement of the library.  At $2.00, it was a bargain, as well. 

Once in inside, we took a scenic (yes, scenic) ride on the escalators up to the top floor of the library.  The best view of Indianapolis awaits you just as soon as you step off of the escalator.  After posing for a picture in front of that window, we walked the entire floor just to take in the views all around and to explore the massive collection of books.

Next, we took the elevator back down to the family area and with its fabulous reading and play areas.  The kids were fascinated by the pod reading chairs and the giant green screen room where kids can romp and see how they look on television.  After exploring every nook and cranny of that floor, we ventured outdoors.

In front of the library you will find a long grassy area, somewhat reminiscent of the Mall in Washington, D.C.  We walked approximately two blocks to the Indiana War Memorial, a museum and tribute to veterans of every war in American history.  I was surprised to see how much U.S. history is housed there.  Located in a beautiful old building, the path through this little gem takes you from the Revolution up through 9/11 and our current involvement overseas.  It was a pleasant, educational diversion and, best of all, it’s totally free. 

You can look up the names of your ancestors who have fought for Indiana and, if they’re not in the database, fill out a form to have them added to it.  You can linger as long as you want but I let the kids set the pace and we were out in about an hour. 

Rain was in the forecast later in the afternoon and we didn’t have umbrellas, so when we finished our tour of the museum we went back to the library and moved our car to the Circle Center Mall.  The parking garage at the mall is one of the cheapest places to park in Indianapolis.  Again, I paid only $2.00 for the time I was parked there.

Next we headed to Monument Circle, just a couple of blocks south on Meridian.  Oops.  It was closed for the day because volunteers were taking down the Christmas lights.  Ah well, we can go there another day.  I should have checked the website before we went.  We were able to walk around the outside of the Monument and take a nice picture of the kids with the State Capitol in the background. 

The afternoon was drawing to a close and we were all getting hungry, so we walked down Meridian Street to The Old Spaghetti Factory.  By getting there just before 5:00, we avoided having to wait for a table.  If you go there, be sure to ask for a table in the trolley car.  Kids love The Spaghetti Factory because, well, what kid doesn’t love spaghetti?  They also love the fact that every meal comes with spumoni.  The décor is fun and the price is right.  We all came away well fed for about $40.00, plus tip. 

As we left the restaurant and headed back toward our car, we spotted horse-drawn carriages coming off of the Circle.  We hailed one to ask if it was available.  The driver was on her way to another appointment but she gave us the company phone number along with instructions to walk to the Circle and call the office as we went.  We did so and were able to step right onto a Yellow Rose Carriage without waiting.  The cost was $50 for roughly a 30-minute ride.  Our driver, Josh, was as nice as can be and even used my camera to take pictures of our little group.  We finished up our ride and our evening just before the rains came. 

 

The Miracle of Baby Wipes

I was going over my packing list for an upcoming trip and it occurred to me that when I wrote about travel essentials, I forgot to tell you about baby wipes.  Baby wipes are probably the most helpful thing that you can take with you any trip.  In fact, once you see how many uses they have when you travel, you might start carrying them with you all of the time.  I do.

Baby wipes are lightweight and inexpensive and they have so many uses.  They pose no problems whatsoever when going through airport security.  Unlike many other products you might carry with you, they won’t melt in a hot car or spill open and ruin the luggage you’ve tucked them into.

I use baby wipes to:

1. Remove make-up.  They are an economical alternative to the wipes put out by the cosmetic companies.  If you worry that they won’t be gentle enough, consider that they are designed to safely clean newborn baby bottoms.  If you worry that they won’t be strong enough to do the job, consider what they are designed to clean off of those newborn baby bottoms.  Nuff said.
2. Shine shoes. 
3. Wipe down the outside of my purse. 
4. Remove stains from clothing.  They work just as well as stain removing pens. 
5. Clean ATM buttons before I use the machine.  I once saw a man with grimy hands walking away from a machine just as I walked up to it.  I haven’t touched an ATM since then without wiping it down first. 
6. Clean my hands.  Baby wipes are less drying than hand sanitizer. 
7. Freshen up all over.  If you get hot and sweaty while you’re out sightseeing, running a wipe over your neck, legs and arms will cool you down and eliminate that awful sticky feeling.  
8. Wipe down airplane armrests and trays.  Those things never get washed.  After you see what comes up the first time you use a baby wipe to clean the area around you and get a good look at the true ick factor made obvious on the wipe, you will never again sit in an airplane seat without giving it a good cleaning. 
9. Sanitize that infamously contaminated hotel room TV remote control.

These are just a few things that you can use baby wipes for when you are out and about.  Once you start traveling with them, I’m sure you will come up with even more creative ways to put them to work.