We have so.many.products available to us today. I often have trouble trying to stuff all my toiletries into my travel case. And is shaving cream a liquid or not?!
Here is your solution.
Skip the shaving cream. Hair conditioner works just as well! It softens the hair and makes shaving a breeze.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Travel Tips by Theresa: protecting credit information
When you make a reservation for overseas lodging, it is often done via email to avoid paying international calling rates. Short-term apartment rental companies and small B&Bs generally require a credit card hold.
Send your information over several emails to dodge the information farmers who lurk online. Split your card number into two sections and expiration into another.
e.g.
Email 1:
This is Theresa, who made reservations for your apartment Lotus Blossom in Rome for the dates April 1-5, 2012. I will be sending you my card information in emails following.
Email 2:
1234 4321
Email 3:
4578 8765
Email 4:
November 2020
It is wise to spell out the month name in any date references to avoid confusion. European countries use the day/month/year format as opposed to our month/day/year format here in the States.
I also avoid contractions and colloquialisms in my correspondence, in case the recipient does not read English well.
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| image courtesy Wikimedia |
e.g.
Email 1:
This is Theresa, who made reservations for your apartment Lotus Blossom in Rome for the dates April 1-5, 2012. I will be sending you my card information in emails following.
Email 2:
1234 4321
Email 3:
4578 8765
Email 4:
November 2020
It is wise to spell out the month name in any date references to avoid confusion. European countries use the day/month/year format as opposed to our month/day/year format here in the States.
I also avoid contractions and colloquialisms in my correspondence, in case the recipient does not read English well.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Airport Mailers
Following up on my earlier post about treasured items you forgot you had in your pocket....I suggested that you bring a self-addressed stamped envelope for the purpose of mailing from the airport.I asked this question on the Fodor's forum and received some interesting answers. One user has successfully used an airport service called Airport Mailers. I was really glad to see someone has provided this service. Let's hope they expand to more airports! They are currently in 28.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Travel Tips by Theresa: prevent suitcase messes
I can hear you groaning, you know. You just opened your suitcase and everything is coated with a thick, sticky mess. Your shampoo is everywhere.
You can prevent these messes by replacing the pump or flip-top cap of containers that hold shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, or the like. Use a screw top lid from a 20 oz. soda bottle. For extra protection, place the bottle in a reclosable plastic bag.
And if you forgot to do this, hopefully you remembered your laundry detergent. Fill a disposable spice container that has a shaker top with powdered detergent. Shake a small amount into the bathroom sink, fill, and wash away!
You can prevent these messes by replacing the pump or flip-top cap of containers that hold shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, or the like. Use a screw top lid from a 20 oz. soda bottle. For extra protection, place the bottle in a reclosable plastic bag.
And if you forgot to do this, hopefully you remembered your laundry detergent. Fill a disposable spice container that has a shaker top with powdered detergent. Shake a small amount into the bathroom sink, fill, and wash away!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
The French Connection
Our connection involves a French Woman and her Dog, although The Dog does not have a speaking part. They were both very classy, she dressed to the nines and The Dog wearing a beautiful Pomeranian coat.
We flew from Dulles to Paris on an overnighter, arriving at about 6 a.m. Paris time (noon for us). While traveling on an overnight flight sounds ideal, it means that one arrives at their destination when not many people are awake yet at that destination.
We purchased our train tickets from a grumpy, half-asleep ticket agent at Charles de Gaulle airport and boarded the train into the city. The ride was ugly. I felt as if I were going through a typical inner city in the States. Graffiti splattered the buildings everywhere. The train itself was smooth and pleasant, at least.
The challenge was that we could not check into our apartment until noon. The rental agency assured us that there were plenty of sidewalk cafés in the area where we could sit and relax...surrounded by our suitcases. It sounded reasonable at the time.
We found our way to the neighborhood in which our apartment was situated, Le Marais, and stood on the corner near the Metro exit, examining the map and trying to determine which way to go. Enter French Woman with The Dog.
She spoke French beautifully. But no English. I took French in college, but that was a long time ago! Daniel took French in high school. We were hoping that between the two of us, we'd make out okay.
Despite the fact that there was a language barrier, it was apparent that French Woman with a Dog was endeavoring to help us find our way. She spoke French and I tried to answer in French. I couldn't remember all my numbers, so I wrote down the street number for which we were searching.
Honestly, I think she was just as lost as we were, but I certainly give her credit for trying!
She finally determined that we should go left, which was away from all the cafes which would open shortly. After many exclamations of "Merci!" and "D'accord!", we set off. It only took a few minutes to find it.
Determined that we knew where to go when noon rolled around, we headed back to the cafe area.
"Allo! Allo! Ici! Ici!" (Hello! Hello! Here! Here!)
It was French Woman with a Dog, waving us back in the "correct" direction. Apparently, she thought that we had completely missed the apartment. Oh, how to say "We can't check in until noon"?!
More gestures and pointing to our watches, and yes, we see the apartment.
Satisfied that the Americans knew where they were going, she continued her stroll.
See? The French are wonderful people.
Put aside all those preconceived notions and the fears that result.
We flew from Dulles to Paris on an overnighter, arriving at about 6 a.m. Paris time (noon for us). While traveling on an overnight flight sounds ideal, it means that one arrives at their destination when not many people are awake yet at that destination.
We purchased our train tickets from a grumpy, half-asleep ticket agent at Charles de Gaulle airport and boarded the train into the city. The ride was ugly. I felt as if I were going through a typical inner city in the States. Graffiti splattered the buildings everywhere. The train itself was smooth and pleasant, at least.
The challenge was that we could not check into our apartment until noon. The rental agency assured us that there were plenty of sidewalk cafés in the area where we could sit and relax...surrounded by our suitcases. It sounded reasonable at the time.
We found our way to the neighborhood in which our apartment was situated, Le Marais, and stood on the corner near the Metro exit, examining the map and trying to determine which way to go. Enter French Woman with The Dog.
She spoke French beautifully. But no English. I took French in college, but that was a long time ago! Daniel took French in high school. We were hoping that between the two of us, we'd make out okay.
Despite the fact that there was a language barrier, it was apparent that French Woman with a Dog was endeavoring to help us find our way. She spoke French and I tried to answer in French. I couldn't remember all my numbers, so I wrote down the street number for which we were searching.
Honestly, I think she was just as lost as we were, but I certainly give her credit for trying!
She finally determined that we should go left, which was away from all the cafes which would open shortly. After many exclamations of "Merci!" and "D'accord!", we set off. It only took a few minutes to find it.
Determined that we knew where to go when noon rolled around, we headed back to the cafe area.
"Allo! Allo! Ici! Ici!" (Hello! Hello! Here! Here!)
It was French Woman with a Dog, waving us back in the "correct" direction. Apparently, she thought that we had completely missed the apartment. Oh, how to say "We can't check in until noon"?!
More gestures and pointing to our watches, and yes, we see the apartment.
Satisfied that the Americans knew where they were going, she continued her stroll.
See? The French are wonderful people.
Put aside all those preconceived notions and the fears that result.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Live like the locals
While hotel stays are comfortable and convenient, if you really want to live like a local in a European city, consider a short-term apartment rental. It is usually more economical in most cases.
We did this in Paris and in Rome. We were far from the madding crowds so actually had peace and quiet when we needed it....and after a long day of museums, ancient ruins, or "just one more work of art", it was a huge relief to spread out, prop up our tired feet, and relax - in chairs or on a couch, which you often don't have in a hotel.
Each morning, my husband and son would go downstairs and visit the local grocer for breakfast items. This was often a simple continental breakfast.
In Paris that consisted of a freshly baked French baguette with butter, apples, bananas, and orange juice. We didn't want to spend a great deal of time preparing breakfast, so this worked perfectly for us.
In Rome, we discovered Italian Cheerios at the local grocer. Different name, of course, but just as tasty as at home.
We also enjoyed the privacy of an apartment. When we stay in hotels, I worry about the security of our valuables and often put the "Do Not Disturb" sign up so housekeeping leaves the room alone. While we didn't return to our apartment to made beds, we really didn't care. It's our vacation!
There are links in the sidebar for the rental agencies we used.
The drawbacks to apartment dwelling just contribute to the adventure of the trip. The language barrier can be an issue, but there's usually someone around who can interpret your broken attempts at their language - or at least enthusiastic hand motions! Some apartments are in the midst of the hustle and bustle of city life and make getting to your daily tourist destination a little easier. But not always.
Tomorrow: getting around in Paris
We did this in Paris and in Rome. We were far from the madding crowds so actually had peace and quiet when we needed it....and after a long day of museums, ancient ruins, or "just one more work of art", it was a huge relief to spread out, prop up our tired feet, and relax - in chairs or on a couch, which you often don't have in a hotel.
Each morning, my husband and son would go downstairs and visit the local grocer for breakfast items. This was often a simple continental breakfast.
In Paris that consisted of a freshly baked French baguette with butter, apples, bananas, and orange juice. We didn't want to spend a great deal of time preparing breakfast, so this worked perfectly for us.
Our street in Paris, which has both a grocer and a bakery
Apartment entrance
Looking up from the courtyard
Apartment courtyard
spiral staircase to our apartment
local crepe stand where we bought lunch many times
apartment kitchen
In Rome, we discovered Italian Cheerios at the local grocer. Different name, of course, but just as tasty as at home.
We also enjoyed the privacy of an apartment. When we stay in hotels, I worry about the security of our valuables and often put the "Do Not Disturb" sign up so housekeeping leaves the room alone. While we didn't return to our apartment to made beds, we really didn't care. It's our vacation!
Our apartment in Rome
The view from our balcony
There are links in the sidebar for the rental agencies we used.
The drawbacks to apartment dwelling just contribute to the adventure of the trip. The language barrier can be an issue, but there's usually someone around who can interpret your broken attempts at their language - or at least enthusiastic hand motions! Some apartments are in the midst of the hustle and bustle of city life and make getting to your daily tourist destination a little easier. But not always.
Tomorrow: getting around in Paris
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Thursday's travel tip
We all complain about the security policies that are being implemented, particularly at airports. I hear story after story of favorite things being confiscated by the TSA.
To avoid this, bring a self-addressed stamped envelope to the airport with you so that you can place those items in it to mail home to yourself. Bring several stamps if you tend to forget that your Swiss Army knife is in your pocket!
To avoid this, bring a self-addressed stamped envelope to the airport with you so that you can place those items in it to mail home to yourself. Bring several stamps if you tend to forget that your Swiss Army knife is in your pocket!
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