Gear
I have a friend who lives a much cooler life of overseas travel than I ever will. After a trip to see her was thwarted by natural disaster, I had a credit with Delta that expired one year later. What seemed like a little while later, I was catching up on work at a coffee shop, I thought to log in to my Delta account to see when it expired, and found it expired that same day! Yikes!
My friend had moved in that year, and it seemed fitting to use the credit towards an adventure to visit her in her new home. A few text messages with her and the husband and we had planned a trip to Washington D.C. for a few weeks later.
The next morning I kept myself busy exploring their neighborhood until Melissa was free, then we made one last trip to their old place in the stunning Kalorama neighborhood, the same neighborhood where the Obama family resides until their youngest daughter finishes high school. In the meantime, James was on his way from Des Moines to Reagan Airport with a quick layover in Minneapolis. Once we were all together, it was great to catch up and hear about their latest adventures!
James and I rented this great apartment on AirBnB - right around the corner from our friends old place - HA! We found this cute coffee shop just down the street from where we stayed. We relied on public transportation and a few Uber rides plus a rented motorcycle on the second to last day! One day we booked tickets for a tour bus that lets you hop on and off throughout the day - a great way to see as much of a city in a short amount of time. We timed the first half of the tour so we could meet up with Melissa for lunch at Old Ebbitt Grill, a famous political lunch spot.
I know it sounds corny, but I've always liked seeing sights from television and movies, so it was fun to see some places from The West Wing, Scandal, and House of Cards.
I had been to DC before; once in eighth grade on a class trip, and again in 2010 to see Melissa, but this was James first trip! When I first visited DC, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorial had recently opened and it was neat to see how the bronze statues had aged. 
The newer Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial was amazing to see for the first time. The powerful words of both MLK Jr. and FDR were carved around each respective memorial and were especially meaningful in the wake of racial tension and the 2016 election cycle that had already begun. As we got the lay of the land from our tour bus, James suggested we rent a motorcycle to better see the city, and in no time he had found a place just across the state line in Virginia where we could rent a bike and two helmets. The next morning while I had a conference call, he took the train to pick up the bike and by lunch we were cruising around.
The bike also let us revisit some of the memorials at night
which was such a breathtaking experience.
The annoying hoards of thirteen year-olds on tour groups may have felt
like karmic retribution for my days as an annoying thirteen year old in a tour
group...
Right before our trip, I decided I needed a better travel camera; something small enough I could put in my purse, but would still give me the manual control from my DSLR. I purchased the Sony A6000 and I absolutely love it! It also let me move photos from my camera to my phone on the go, allowing me to post on social media throughout our trip. 10/10 would purchase again.
It was such a fun adventure and we are lucky to have such great friends and I'm thrilled they live MUCH closer these days! Enjoy these photos!
Vacation Flashback: Washington DC 2015
Thursday, September 7, 2017
I have a friend who lives a much cooler life of overseas travel than I ever will. After a trip to see her was thwarted by natural disaster, I had a credit with Delta that expired one year later. What seemed like a little while later, I was catching up on work at a coffee shop, I thought to log in to my Delta account to see when it expired, and found it expired that same day! Yikes!
My friend had moved in that year, and it seemed fitting to use the credit towards an adventure to visit her in her new home. A few text messages with her and the husband and we had planned a trip to Washington D.C. for a few weeks later.
The next morning I kept myself busy exploring their neighborhood until Melissa was free, then we made one last trip to their old place in the stunning Kalorama neighborhood, the same neighborhood where the Obama family resides until their youngest daughter finishes high school. In the meantime, James was on his way from Des Moines to Reagan Airport with a quick layover in Minneapolis. Once we were all together, it was great to catch up and hear about their latest adventures!
James and I rented this great apartment on AirBnB - right around the corner from our friends old place - HA! We found this cute coffee shop just down the street from where we stayed. We relied on public transportation and a few Uber rides plus a rented motorcycle on the second to last day! One day we booked tickets for a tour bus that lets you hop on and off throughout the day - a great way to see as much of a city in a short amount of time. We timed the first half of the tour so we could meet up with Melissa for lunch at Old Ebbitt Grill, a famous political lunch spot.
I know it sounds corny, but I've always liked seeing sights from television and movies, so it was fun to see some places from The West Wing, Scandal, and House of Cards.
I had been to DC before; once in eighth grade on a class trip, and again in 2010 to see Melissa, but this was James first trip! When I first visited DC, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorial had recently opened and it was neat to see how the bronze statues had aged. The newer Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial was amazing to see for the first time. The powerful words of both MLK Jr. and FDR were carved around each respective memorial and were especially meaningful in the wake of racial tension and the 2016 election cycle that had already begun. As we got the lay of the land from our tour bus, James suggested we rent a motorcycle to better see the city, and in no time he had found a place just across the state line in Virginia where we could rent a bike and two helmets. The next morning while I had a conference call, he took the train to pick up the bike and by lunch we were cruising around.
The bike also let us revisit some of the memorials at night
which was such a breathtaking experience.
The annoying hoards of thirteen year-olds on tour groups may have felt
like karmic retribution for my days as an annoying thirteen year old in a tour
group...
Right before our trip, I decided I needed a better travel camera; something small enough I could put in my purse, but would still give me the manual control from my DSLR. I purchased the Sony A6000 and I absolutely love it! It also let me move photos from my camera to my phone on the go, allowing me to post on social media throughout our trip. 10/10 would purchase again.
It was such a fun adventure and we are lucky to have such great friends and I'm thrilled they live MUCH closer these days! Enjoy these photos!
That's right, someone who has never raised small children is here today to tell you all about traveling with small children! Not to play armchair quarterback, but with ten years of traveling under my belt, I feel like I've seen some of what works and what doesn't. I contribute over on The Kidsperts (www.thekidsperts.com) and wanted to share some tips with both audiences. Most of my advice is towards parents of kids under six years old. I feel like your six year old can keep themselves busy as needed, and keep up with you in a crowded airport, but take this (like all advice) with a grain of salt.
Packing & Planning
Skip the cute roller bag. I get it - you're flying to see Grandma who got your child the adorable roller bag featuring whatever animal or character, but the small bag holds very little and are difficult to access during the flight. Not only are they a pain when you're on the plane, but you're asking a lot of your kid to drag it behind them in a new, crowded environment when all they want to do is look around. I've seen kids struggle with these bags, or mom and dad having to snatch the bag quickly because the kid can't keep up more often than I've ever seen them successfully used. Save the cute roller bag for your next road trip and consider having mom or dad carry a large backpack for your child's carry-on, or a backpack your kid can wear.
Pick the right shoes. As an adult, I try to wear shoes I can easily remove for the TSA Security Check, but your child under the age of 12 can keep theirs on. I've seen flustered parents dealing with a child's shoe slipping off in the middle of the very busy airport terminal, and I'm sure you don't want that to be you. Laces or velcro or whatever, pick shoes your child can walk in comfortably.
Get your kid prepared. Consider what will be new to your child and help them prepare. Whether it's talking about wearing a seat belt on the plane, talking about what to do if they get separated at the airport, or riding on the train between gates, help prepare your child for their new experiences.
At the Airport
Pack snacks. Did you know you can pack food in your carry-on? Airport food is overpriced and lacks variety, so might as well pack cheap snacks your kids like. Chewy snacks like Fruit Snacks can help your child's ears to pop during the flight too, avoiding tears just after takeoff and before landing.
Board early. Even before they call for first class, they usually announce families with small children who need additional time can board early, and I see so many parents miss out on this! Even though your ticket may say Zone 4, get your family ready to spring into action when they call for family boarding. This gives you a bit extra time to fold up a stroller for gate check and get settled in your seats.
Plan ahead for your layover. Obviously you don't want to have a 30 minute layover and risk missing your connecting flight, but a long layover can be a great way to let your toddler burn off energy. Some airports, like Dallas and Minneapolis, have a designated play area for kids. Chicago's OHare has a Children's museum at the airport, and Chicago and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airports have really neat tunnels connecting the terminals. In Chicago you'll enjoy a little neon light show, and Atlanta has art installations. The moving sidewalks can be fun for kids and there are usually really wide walkways, but be mindful when a hoard of travelers need to get by quickly.
Find a quiet corner. Often a flight will have an empty gate nearby and it can be a great place for your kid to run, scream, climb on stuff - whatever! without disrupting other travelers. This can also be a good spot to picnic a quick lunch, watch something on a tablet, or have your kid crash for nap across a few seats.
During the Flights
Plan activities. I'm sure your kid can keep themselves busy, but being confined to a seat during a flight can be a whole new experience, especially if there's turbulence and the seat belt light is on. I remember my mom packing playdoh for flights when I was a kid, but also consider sticker books, markers, etc. to keep your kid busy and happy.
Break the screen time rules. Most parents have limits on how much screen time their kids can enjoy each day/week, but this is the right time to break the rules. I would recommend not letting your kid play with the tablet or phone until you're seated on the plane, so the novelty doesn't wear off in the boarding lounge. The FAA now lets you keep electronics on the entire flight, as long as the device is in airplane mode. This means you'll want to load Netflix videos, games, and apps before you leave home. Amazon Fire tablets are super affordable, and it would be worth getting one for each kid.
Headphones. You can probably tune out Elmo, or Dora the Explorer (or anything other than that annoying Caillou kid), but your fellow travelers shouldn't have to. These Kid's Headphones have maximum volume settings to protect their hearing, AND have a built in splitter so you can plug in a second set and let two children watch the same show, or watch with your kid. I would suggest having your child use these for a few weeks before the flight so they get used to wearing headphones.
Flyebaby for children under 25 lbs. I first saw the Flyebaby when the mom next to me set it up once we had reached our cruising altitude, and I immediately started asking questions. It's a portable hammock that anchors to the tray table and parent, letting you interact with your baby during the flight. It can't be used during taxi, takeoff, landing, or major turbulence, but a great way to keep your baby engaged during the flight.
Your kid calls the shots. I know, I know. You're a wonderful parent who establishes and enforces boundaries so that your child grows up to be a perfect adult. Just like I tell parents during portrait sessions; this is not the time for parenting, you should absolutely negotiate with the tiny terrorist. This may sound harsh but after keeping your child safe, parents number one concern should be minimizing the impact to other passengers. Just like I wouldn't play my movie without headphones so that other passengers have to listen to Step Brothers or Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby, we should try to minimize what other travelers are subjected to. I know you're probably on vacation, but unlike at a store or mall where I can walk away from your 2 year old who is having a meltdown because he realized his shoes are brown, I (and 50+ other passengers) are held hostage by a child's tantrum. Your small child's behavior isn't your fault! I think highly of the parents who do their best to fix the situation. If I could beg of you one thing, give into what your child wants, distract them with more snacks, a new show on the tablet, playdoh, your earrings - whatever! As long as it isn't going to hurt them or you, it's totally okay to give into their demands.
Parents who are actively trying to make their kid happy mid-flight get a pass over those who put their toddler in timeout on a flight and let the kid scream for all three minutes.
Yes, that actually happened on one of my flights.
At the end of the day, kids have a mind of their own and who can say what will and won't work; hopefully these suggestions will be a tool to get you started in the right direction! What other travel tips do you have? Leave them in the comments!Yes, that actually happened on one of my flights.
This post originally appeared on www.thekidsperts.com.
Traveling with Small Children
Friday, June 16, 2017
That's right, someone who has never raised small children is here today to tell you all about traveling with small children! Not to play armchair quarterback, but with ten years of traveling under my belt, I feel like I've seen some of what works and what doesn't. I contribute over on The Kidsperts (www.thekidsperts.com) and wanted to share some tips with both audiences. Most of my advice is towards parents of kids under six years old. I feel like your six year old can keep themselves busy as needed, and keep up with you in a crowded airport, but take this (like all advice) with a grain of salt.
Packing & Planning
Skip the cute roller bag. I get it - you're flying to see Grandma who got your child the adorable roller bag featuring whatever animal or character, but the small bag holds very little and are difficult to access during the flight. Not only are they a pain when you're on the plane, but you're asking a lot of your kid to drag it behind them in a new, crowded environment when all they want to do is look around. I've seen kids struggle with these bags, or mom and dad having to snatch the bag quickly because the kid can't keep up more often than I've ever seen them successfully used. Save the cute roller bag for your next road trip and consider having mom or dad carry a large backpack for your child's carry-on, or a backpack your kid can wear.
Pick the right shoes. As an adult, I try to wear shoes I can easily remove for the TSA Security Check, but your child under the age of 12 can keep theirs on. I've seen flustered parents dealing with a child's shoe slipping off in the middle of the very busy airport terminal, and I'm sure you don't want that to be you. Laces or velcro or whatever, pick shoes your child can walk in comfortably.
Get your kid prepared. Consider what will be new to your child and help them prepare. Whether it's talking about wearing a seat belt on the plane, talking about what to do if they get separated at the airport, or riding on the train between gates, help prepare your child for their new experiences.
At the Airport
Pack snacks. Did you know you can pack food in your carry-on? Airport food is overpriced and lacks variety, so might as well pack cheap snacks your kids like. Chewy snacks like Fruit Snacks can help your child's ears to pop during the flight too, avoiding tears just after takeoff and before landing.
Board early. Even before they call for first class, they usually announce families with small children who need additional time can board early, and I see so many parents miss out on this! Even though your ticket may say Zone 4, get your family ready to spring into action when they call for family boarding. This gives you a bit extra time to fold up a stroller for gate check and get settled in your seats.
Plan ahead for your layover. Obviously you don't want to have a 30 minute layover and risk missing your connecting flight, but a long layover can be a great way to let your toddler burn off energy. Some airports, like Dallas and Minneapolis, have a designated play area for kids. Chicago's OHare has a Children's museum at the airport, and Chicago and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airports have really neat tunnels connecting the terminals. In Chicago you'll enjoy a little neon light show, and Atlanta has art installations. The moving sidewalks can be fun for kids and there are usually really wide walkways, but be mindful when a hoard of travelers need to get by quickly.
Find a quiet corner. Often a flight will have an empty gate nearby and it can be a great place for your kid to run, scream, climb on stuff - whatever! without disrupting other travelers. This can also be a good spot to picnic a quick lunch, watch something on a tablet, or have your kid crash for nap across a few seats.
During the Flights
Plan activities. I'm sure your kid can keep themselves busy, but being confined to a seat during a flight can be a whole new experience, especially if there's turbulence and the seat belt light is on. I remember my mom packing playdoh for flights when I was a kid, but also consider sticker books, markers, etc. to keep your kid busy and happy.
Break the screen time rules. Most parents have limits on how much screen time their kids can enjoy each day/week, but this is the right time to break the rules. I would recommend not letting your kid play with the tablet or phone until you're seated on the plane, so the novelty doesn't wear off in the boarding lounge. The FAA now lets you keep electronics on the entire flight, as long as the device is in airplane mode. This means you'll want to load Netflix videos, games, and apps before you leave home. Amazon Fire tablets are super affordable, and it would be worth getting one for each kid.
Headphones. You can probably tune out Elmo, or Dora the Explorer (or anything other than that annoying Caillou kid), but your fellow travelers shouldn't have to. These Kid's Headphones have maximum volume settings to protect their hearing, AND have a built in splitter so you can plug in a second set and let two children watch the same show, or watch with your kid. I would suggest having your child use these for a few weeks before the flight so they get used to wearing headphones.
Flyebaby for children under 25 lbs. I first saw the Flyebaby when the mom next to me set it up once we had reached our cruising altitude, and I immediately started asking questions. It's a portable hammock that anchors to the tray table and parent, letting you interact with your baby during the flight. It can't be used during taxi, takeoff, landing, or major turbulence, but a great way to keep your baby engaged during the flight.
Your kid calls the shots. I know, I know. You're a wonderful parent who establishes and enforces boundaries so that your child grows up to be a perfect adult. Just like I tell parents during portrait sessions; this is not the time for parenting, you should absolutely negotiate with the tiny terrorist. This may sound harsh but after keeping your child safe, parents number one concern should be minimizing the impact to other passengers. Just like I wouldn't play my movie without headphones so that other passengers have to listen to Step Brothers or Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby, we should try to minimize what other travelers are subjected to. I know you're probably on vacation, but unlike at a store or mall where I can walk away from your 2 year old who is having a meltdown because he realized his shoes are brown, I (and 50+ other passengers) are held hostage by a child's tantrum. Your small child's behavior isn't your fault! I think highly of the parents who do their best to fix the situation. If I could beg of you one thing, give into what your child wants, distract them with more snacks, a new show on the tablet, playdoh, your earrings - whatever! As long as it isn't going to hurt them or you, it's totally okay to give into their demands.
Parents who are actively trying to make their kid happy mid-flight get a pass over those who put their toddler in timeout on a flight and let the kid scream for all three minutes.
Yes, that actually happened on one of my flights.
At the end of the day, kids have a mind of their own and who can say what will and won't work; hopefully these suggestions will be a tool to get you started in the right direction! What other travel tips do you have? Leave them in the comments!Yes, that actually happened on one of my flights.
This post originally appeared on www.thekidsperts.com.
Now that I'm getting back into the swing of traveling, I've put together my list of must haves to make travel easier and more enjoyable. This list isn't all-inclusive by any means, just things I wouldn't want to travel without.
Travel Purse/Carry On Bag
Most major airlines allow you to have one carry-on and one personal item, like a purse or laptop bag. I get that most guys don't want to carry a purse, but we'll cover that next! Even if you aren't a large purse person, I suggest investing in a large tote-style bag for traveling - you can even put your small purse inside, if that's more your style. I have a large Coach leather tote in black, similar to this one that holds a book or magazine, phone, headphones, wallet - everything I want access to during my flight. Mine can even hold my iPad or laptop if I want it for a longer flight.
Travel Laptop Bag
Laptop bags have 3 categories, backpacks, messenger bags, and roller bags. I am not a fan of roller bags as they rarely roll down the aisle well and seem to take a beating as they bang into every seat down the aisle. I'm pretty sure I look like the worlds largest 2nd grader with my backpack on, but it is a comfortable way to carry a laptop. chargers, and other travel items. When I travel internationally, I throw in a change of clothes, just in case my luggage doesn't arrive when I do. I have this bag, which has a TSA-approved compartment for my laptop, so I can just unzip the panel and send the bag through the x-ray without removing my laptop. Not an issue if you have TSA PreCheck, but a really convenient feature to have. Some folks prefer messenger style, so I picked these three designs with a little bit more style than the standard Samsonite bag. I usually put my backpack in the overhead bin, so I don't pack anything I'd want during flight in this bag.
Travel Shoes
I'm a fan of comfortable shoes everyday, but they are even more important when traveling. From ease of taking off and putting back on at the TSA checkpoint and slipping them off during a long flight, you also want shoes that will let you run across the airport to catch your connecting flight when your first flight was delayed. Some friends rave over TOMS, but I'm partial to Crocs (clearly I can't be trusted for fashion advice) for their non-skid soles and arch support.
Must-have technology for traveling
My technology picks are all based on my preferences, but there are so many options out there for you when it comes to brand and features. Here's my favorites:
1) I'd be totally lost without my iPhone while traveling, in addition to using it for movies, games, and podcasts during flights, the mobile apps for airlines and hotels have changed the way I travel. I get real-time updates on flight status and gate changes, can check-in and change seats, and use my phone as my mobile ticket. I also get text alerts from the airlines if there is a major change or delay - this is a huge change from the hours I'd spend at a gate with updates every 15 minutes about our delay. The airlines' apps usually work while in-flight, even if you didn't purchase wifi, and United's app has movies and shows you can stream for free.
2) Santa brought me an Apple Watch for Christmas (I got the Series 1, 38mm Space Gray/Black). I know I'm not getting full use of my Apple Watch yet, but I love the world clock when I'm traveling between time zones, getting airline updates, and seeing the local weather on my wrist.
3&4) I love my iPad mini for watching movies in-flight, or watching Netflix in my hotel room. Some DVDs include a free digital copy, or you can rent or purchase from iTunes, and Netflix now allows downloading some shows/movies for offline watching. Amazon's Kindle Fire has a much more wallet-friendly price point.
5) I recently splurged on a Macbook Air, mostly for travel. The long battery life (8-10 hours), and quick boot up have made using on the airplane so much more enjoyable. My work laptop is more powerful but is also slowed down by the security software and has some restricted use. Others may find the Chromebook as a better choice for their needs.
6&7) I think everyone needs a hobby they can enjoy while traveling, and mine is photography. I don't like to travel with my professional gear (it's heavy and expensive), but want a bit more control than my phone offers. Before our trip to DC, I purchased a Sony a6000; a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. It's small (fits in my purse easily) and can be used with manual controls, or in full auto mode. I can also transfer images and video directly to my phone through the Sony app to post on social media, which is nice. This Sony camera is just as powerful and a bit more compact.
Miscellaneous Travel Necessities
1) When traveling somewhere with a greater risk of pickpockets, I like having some of my money/cards concealed. I purchased scarves with concealed zipper pockets for my sister and bonus kid. The pocket is large enough to hold your phone plus some cash or cards and would be great for running errands when you don't want to carry a purse.
2) I got a similar inflatable travel pillow before my long trips to Asia, and I would absolutely recommend. Since they're inflatable, they don't take up much space when deflated, but this one has a soft over so no scratchy edges. This one includes and eye mask, ear plugs, and carrying bag.
3) The TSA allows up to 1 quart zipper bag filled with containers less than 3oz (yes, that includes airline sized alcohol bottles...) and these silicone bottles are great for toiletries. Be sure to put them in your open carry-on bag as you'll remove and place them in a bin.
4) Many people don't realize you can carry an empty water bottle though security and fill at the drinking fountains past the TSA Check Point. A nice insulated bottle like this would easily fit in your carry on and help keep you hydrated on long flights.
5&6) Headphones are key for listening to podcasts and watching movies during your flight, but can also help block out the noises around you. I like the earbud style, this one has an in-line microphone for making calls as well. I also have these over the ear headphones that generate white noise and do a fantastic job of blocking out engine noise and crying babies.
So these are my must have travel necessities; what do you think my bag is missing? Leave me a comment!
My 2017 Travel Necessities
Friday, April 14, 2017
Now that I'm getting back into the swing of traveling, I've put together my list of must haves to make travel easier and more enjoyable. This list isn't all-inclusive by any means, just things I wouldn't want to travel without.
Travel Purse/Carry On Bag
Most major airlines allow you to have one carry-on and one personal item, like a purse or laptop bag. I get that most guys don't want to carry a purse, but we'll cover that next! Even if you aren't a large purse person, I suggest investing in a large tote-style bag for traveling - you can even put your small purse inside, if that's more your style. I have a large Coach leather tote in black, similar to this one that holds a book or magazine, phone, headphones, wallet - everything I want access to during my flight. Mine can even hold my iPad or laptop if I want it for a longer flight.
Travel Laptop Bag
Laptop bags have 3 categories, backpacks, messenger bags, and roller bags. I am not a fan of roller bags as they rarely roll down the aisle well and seem to take a beating as they bang into every seat down the aisle. I'm pretty sure I look like the worlds largest 2nd grader with my backpack on, but it is a comfortable way to carry a laptop. chargers, and other travel items. When I travel internationally, I throw in a change of clothes, just in case my luggage doesn't arrive when I do. I have this bag, which has a TSA-approved compartment for my laptop, so I can just unzip the panel and send the bag through the x-ray without removing my laptop. Not an issue if you have TSA PreCheck, but a really convenient feature to have. Some folks prefer messenger style, so I picked these three designs with a little bit more style than the standard Samsonite bag. I usually put my backpack in the overhead bin, so I don't pack anything I'd want during flight in this bag.
Travel Shoes
I'm a fan of comfortable shoes everyday, but they are even more important when traveling. From ease of taking off and putting back on at the TSA checkpoint and slipping them off during a long flight, you also want shoes that will let you run across the airport to catch your connecting flight when your first flight was delayed. Some friends rave over TOMS, but I'm partial to Crocs (clearly I can't be trusted for fashion advice) for their non-skid soles and arch support.
Must-have technology for traveling
My technology picks are all based on my preferences, but there are so many options out there for you when it comes to brand and features. Here's my favorites:
1) I'd be totally lost without my iPhone while traveling, in addition to using it for movies, games, and podcasts during flights, the mobile apps for airlines and hotels have changed the way I travel. I get real-time updates on flight status and gate changes, can check-in and change seats, and use my phone as my mobile ticket. I also get text alerts from the airlines if there is a major change or delay - this is a huge change from the hours I'd spend at a gate with updates every 15 minutes about our delay. The airlines' apps usually work while in-flight, even if you didn't purchase wifi, and United's app has movies and shows you can stream for free.
2) Santa brought me an Apple Watch for Christmas (I got the Series 1, 38mm Space Gray/Black). I know I'm not getting full use of my Apple Watch yet, but I love the world clock when I'm traveling between time zones, getting airline updates, and seeing the local weather on my wrist.
3&4) I love my iPad mini for watching movies in-flight, or watching Netflix in my hotel room. Some DVDs include a free digital copy, or you can rent or purchase from iTunes, and Netflix now allows downloading some shows/movies for offline watching. Amazon's Kindle Fire has a much more wallet-friendly price point.
5) I recently splurged on a Macbook Air, mostly for travel. The long battery life (8-10 hours), and quick boot up have made using on the airplane so much more enjoyable. My work laptop is more powerful but is also slowed down by the security software and has some restricted use. Others may find the Chromebook as a better choice for their needs.
6&7) I think everyone needs a hobby they can enjoy while traveling, and mine is photography. I don't like to travel with my professional gear (it's heavy and expensive), but want a bit more control than my phone offers. Before our trip to DC, I purchased a Sony a6000; a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. It's small (fits in my purse easily) and can be used with manual controls, or in full auto mode. I can also transfer images and video directly to my phone through the Sony app to post on social media, which is nice. This Sony camera is just as powerful and a bit more compact.
Miscellaneous Travel Necessities
1) When traveling somewhere with a greater risk of pickpockets, I like having some of my money/cards concealed. I purchased scarves with concealed zipper pockets for my sister and bonus kid. The pocket is large enough to hold your phone plus some cash or cards and would be great for running errands when you don't want to carry a purse.
2) I got a similar inflatable travel pillow before my long trips to Asia, and I would absolutely recommend. Since they're inflatable, they don't take up much space when deflated, but this one has a soft over so no scratchy edges. This one includes and eye mask, ear plugs, and carrying bag.
3) The TSA allows up to 1 quart zipper bag filled with containers less than 3oz (yes, that includes airline sized alcohol bottles...) and these silicone bottles are great for toiletries. Be sure to put them in your open carry-on bag as you'll remove and place them in a bin.
4) Many people don't realize you can carry an empty water bottle though security and fill at the drinking fountains past the TSA Check Point. A nice insulated bottle like this would easily fit in your carry on and help keep you hydrated on long flights.
5&6) Headphones are key for listening to podcasts and watching movies during your flight, but can also help block out the noises around you. I like the earbud style, this one has an in-line microphone for making calls as well. I also have these over the ear headphones that generate white noise and do a fantastic job of blocking out engine noise and crying babies.
So these are my must have travel necessities; what do you think my bag is missing? Leave me a comment!
I'm lucky and I know it. Travelling in 2012 is way easier than it was 50 years ago - heck easier than 10 years ago! Fifteen years ago, I would have called home every Sunday (when long distance rates were cheaper) for a few minutes and maybe some cards and letter exchanged in between. Ten years ago we *might* have emailed but it would be days between responses.
Staying in touch from Manila isn't much harder for me than when I'm home; I work 8am-5pm central time (9pm-6am here) and have access to free video and phone calls, not to mention constant access to email.
Phone calls haven't gotten much cheaper, but using a VOIP phone service, I can make free calls to any US number. I use Google Chat, a free feature within gmail to place calls and video chat. In fact, I just got done video chatting with my parents 8,000 miles away. Besides some minor video lag, I could hear and see them - for free. To improve the sound quality, I purchased a headset and microphone for about $4 on my last trip here - a great investment.
Our office also has free long distance, so I try to call my mom each day during my lunch break to check in. I've found a few short check-ins each week makes us both happier than extended periods between phone calls.
Text messaging isn't cheap here, but I can use Google Chat as well - however carrying around my laptop isn't exactly practical. My sister and I email quite a bit; between her desk job and cell phone, it is about as quick as text messaging, but at a fraction of the cost. Add in other emails and Facebook messages, its like I'm just around the corner.
I recently met someone who had over $2,000 USD in cell phone charges on an international trip - my methods of communication is MUCH cheaper, without having to sacrifice. In addition to the means of communication, I'm lucky to have so many loved ones to keep in touch with!
Keeping in touch
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
I'm lucky and I know it. Travelling in 2012 is way easier than it was 50 years ago - heck easier than 10 years ago! Fifteen years ago, I would have called home every Sunday (when long distance rates were cheaper) for a few minutes and maybe some cards and letter exchanged in between. Ten years ago we *might* have emailed but it would be days between responses.
Staying in touch from Manila isn't much harder for me than when I'm home; I work 8am-5pm central time (9pm-6am here) and have access to free video and phone calls, not to mention constant access to email.
Phone calls haven't gotten much cheaper, but using a VOIP phone service, I can make free calls to any US number. I use Google Chat, a free feature within gmail to place calls and video chat. In fact, I just got done video chatting with my parents 8,000 miles away. Besides some minor video lag, I could hear and see them - for free. To improve the sound quality, I purchased a headset and microphone for about $4 on my last trip here - a great investment.
Our office also has free long distance, so I try to call my mom each day during my lunch break to check in. I've found a few short check-ins each week makes us both happier than extended periods between phone calls.
Text messaging isn't cheap here, but I can use Google Chat as well - however carrying around my laptop isn't exactly practical. My sister and I email quite a bit; between her desk job and cell phone, it is about as quick as text messaging, but at a fraction of the cost. Add in other emails and Facebook messages, its like I'm just around the corner.
I recently met someone who had over $2,000 USD in cell phone charges on an international trip - my methods of communication is MUCH cheaper, without having to sacrifice. In addition to the means of communication, I'm lucky to have so many loved ones to keep in touch with!
As much of a stickler as I am for these rules, I'm kind of surprised I haven't blogged about them before. I did mention in an earlier post to trust your gut instinct, but I haven't gone into the details of the rules I have for myself when traveling.
As you read through this list, maybe you'll laugh, maybe you'll roll your eyes; but I hope you take it seriously. Some of it may sound silly or neurotic, but if the potential danger is death or worse? I'm okay being neurotic.
Picking the right hotel & room:
Checking in:
Being smart during your stay:
As you read through this list, maybe you'll laugh, maybe you'll roll your eyes; but I hope you take it seriously. Some of it may sound silly or neurotic, but if the potential danger is death or worse? I'm okay being neurotic.
Picking the right hotel & room:
- I only stay at hotels where you access your room after entering a lobby. No hotels with outdoor stairs or direct access to rooms. Hotels like the one pictured create opportunities for people who are not staying at the hotel to easily access rooms. I want every guest to have to walk through the lobby by the front desk.
- Stay on the 2nd floor or higher, ground floor rooms usually have windows that aren't super-secure and open to the parking lot.
- Don't stay near the emergency exit. How many times have you seen the side door propped open while a family loads their car? Or a side door with a broken lock? This could be easy access for an uninvited guest.
- Choose a room near the elevators. Elevators are usually near the center of the hotel and away from the emergency exits. While you may have to deal with noise from everyone staying on your floor getting on and off the elevator, that also means there are more people keeping an eye on your door and people who could help you in an emergency.
Checking in:
- I usually call a day before (or sometimes that same day as I travel) to confirm my room request. Yes, there are some hotels where I know which room numbers meet my preferences. At the hotel where I used to stay in Augusta, I asked for any room, 2nd floor or higher, ending in 13-16. I also built rapport with the staff there and they noted my requests/requirements in their system, which was super handy.
- Upon arrival, I confirm that the room they've assigned me meets my requirements. No need to be rude, but I do need to make sure I can feel safe.
- Almost always, they write my room number inside the key-card booklet. If the front desk assistant says my room number out loud and there are people around, I politely request a new room. No one needs to know my room number but me.
- I always request one key card and confirm that any requests for additional keys will require a photo ID, for most hotels this is standard. On every trip, I end up needing a new card because I locked myself out or my phone messed with the magnetic strip and I always ensure they ask for my ID. On the rare occasion where I'm not asked for an ID, I escalate the issue to the manager on duty. Saying "I'm locked out of my room, 513" should NOT be enough to get a room key.
- Try to take all of your luggage at once, but keep your guard up. Your hands are full, you're trying to juggle a roller bag, a laptop bag, a carry-on and your key card. Pay attention to who you see on your way to your room.
Being smart during your stay:
- Don't assume that because a room is expensive or in a nice part of town that it is safe. While staying at a Sheraton for $149/night, someone opened my door while I was asleep. Thank goodness the sliding bolt thing was in place.
- Don't take the stairs. Health-wise, it is smart to take the stairs, but taking the stairs by yourself can be dangerous. Most stairways at hotels meet fire code requirements which means they are poured cement or cinder block; meaning fire, water and sound don't pass through. Take the elevator.
- Park in smart places. I try to park at the end of the row, away from other cars and I don't walk between cars. I take the long way, every single time.
- Consider a hotel room alarm. Okay, I'll admit this one is a bit extreme. I have a travel hotel door alarm that I purchased at Lowes. It looks and functions like a door stopper when in the "off" position, but when placed behind the door in the on position, it becomes a noisy alarm. This would immediately alert you to someone trying to open your door, but you also latched the door guard, right? I'll admit that I don't always use the alarm, but it provides peace of mind when I feel I need it.
- Don't keep a routine. Want to workout in the hotel gym, then grab breakfast and return to your room? Shake it up each day by heading to the gym at a different time, or maybe workout after work. Keeping a routine makes it easier for someone to know where you'll be. A friend of mine found this out the hard way; it turns out someone was watching her and had learned her routine. Luckily, she alerted the hotel when she thought someone might have been following her.
- Don't open your door if you think someone is following you. It happens all the time, I get on the elevator and press my floor number and then someone else gets on and is headed to the same floor. (When getting on an elevator with others, I always let them pick their floor first) As I get off the elevator, I keep an eye on where the other person is going. If I don't think they are moving fast enough (and still behind me) or I get any sort of weird feeling I stop before opening my door. Once that door is open, an intruder can push me through the door and shut it behind them. Sometimes I play stupid and fuss with my phone or dig through my bag. Other times, I just stop and stand there and wait for them to go by. I'm not out to hurt anyone's feelings, I'm just looking out for myself.
- Don't drop your guard. Its nice when a hotel can feel like a home away from home, but remember its not. I don't breath a sigh of relief until I am in my room with the door locked. Please don't get me wrong, I don't walk around thinking that everyone is out to rape and/or murder me; but I refuse to create an opportunity to be a victim.
My Travel Rules
Monday, April 2, 2012
As much of a stickler as I am for these rules, I'm kind of surprised I haven't blogged about them before. I did mention in an earlier post to trust your gut instinct, but I haven't gone into the details of the rules I have for myself when traveling.
As you read through this list, maybe you'll laugh, maybe you'll roll your eyes; but I hope you take it seriously. Some of it may sound silly or neurotic, but if the potential danger is death or worse? I'm okay being neurotic.
Picking the right hotel & room:
Checking in:
Being smart during your stay:
As you read through this list, maybe you'll laugh, maybe you'll roll your eyes; but I hope you take it seriously. Some of it may sound silly or neurotic, but if the potential danger is death or worse? I'm okay being neurotic.
Picking the right hotel & room:
- I only stay at hotels where you access your room after entering a lobby. No hotels with outdoor stairs or direct access to rooms. Hotels like the one pictured create opportunities for people who are not staying at the hotel to easily access rooms. I want every guest to have to walk through the lobby by the front desk.
- Stay on the 2nd floor or higher, ground floor rooms usually have windows that aren't super-secure and open to the parking lot.
- Don't stay near the emergency exit. How many times have you seen the side door propped open while a family loads their car? Or a side door with a broken lock? This could be easy access for an uninvited guest.
- Choose a room near the elevators. Elevators are usually near the center of the hotel and away from the emergency exits. While you may have to deal with noise from everyone staying on your floor getting on and off the elevator, that also means there are more people keeping an eye on your door and people who could help you in an emergency.
Checking in:
- I usually call a day before (or sometimes that same day as I travel) to confirm my room request. Yes, there are some hotels where I know which room numbers meet my preferences. At the hotel where I used to stay in Augusta, I asked for any room, 2nd floor or higher, ending in 13-16. I also built rapport with the staff there and they noted my requests/requirements in their system, which was super handy.
- Upon arrival, I confirm that the room they've assigned me meets my requirements. No need to be rude, but I do need to make sure I can feel safe.
- Almost always, they write my room number inside the key-card booklet. If the front desk assistant says my room number out loud and there are people around, I politely request a new room. No one needs to know my room number but me.
- I always request one key card and confirm that any requests for additional keys will require a photo ID, for most hotels this is standard. On every trip, I end up needing a new card because I locked myself out or my phone messed with the magnetic strip and I always ensure they ask for my ID. On the rare occasion where I'm not asked for an ID, I escalate the issue to the manager on duty. Saying "I'm locked out of my room, 513" should NOT be enough to get a room key.
- Try to take all of your luggage at once, but keep your guard up. Your hands are full, you're trying to juggle a roller bag, a laptop bag, a carry-on and your key card. Pay attention to who you see on your way to your room.
Being smart during your stay:
- Don't assume that because a room is expensive or in a nice part of town that it is safe. While staying at a Sheraton for $149/night, someone opened my door while I was asleep. Thank goodness the sliding bolt thing was in place.
- Don't take the stairs. Health-wise, it is smart to take the stairs, but taking the stairs by yourself can be dangerous. Most stairways at hotels meet fire code requirements which means they are poured cement or cinder block; meaning fire, water and sound don't pass through. Take the elevator.
- Park in smart places. I try to park at the end of the row, away from other cars and I don't walk between cars. I take the long way, every single time.
- Consider a hotel room alarm. Okay, I'll admit this one is a bit extreme. I have a travel hotel door alarm that I purchased at Lowes. It looks and functions like a door stopper when in the "off" position, but when placed behind the door in the on position, it becomes a noisy alarm. This would immediately alert you to someone trying to open your door, but you also latched the door guard, right? I'll admit that I don't always use the alarm, but it provides peace of mind when I feel I need it.
- Don't keep a routine. Want to workout in the hotel gym, then grab breakfast and return to your room? Shake it up each day by heading to the gym at a different time, or maybe workout after work. Keeping a routine makes it easier for someone to know where you'll be. A friend of mine found this out the hard way; it turns out someone was watching her and had learned her routine. Luckily, she alerted the hotel when she thought someone might have been following her.
- Don't open your door if you think someone is following you. It happens all the time, I get on the elevator and press my floor number and then someone else gets on and is headed to the same floor. (When getting on an elevator with others, I always let them pick their floor first) As I get off the elevator, I keep an eye on where the other person is going. If I don't think they are moving fast enough (and still behind me) or I get any sort of weird feeling I stop before opening my door. Once that door is open, an intruder can push me through the door and shut it behind them. Sometimes I play stupid and fuss with my phone or dig through my bag. Other times, I just stop and stand there and wait for them to go by. I'm not out to hurt anyone's feelings, I'm just looking out for myself.
- Don't drop your guard. Its nice when a hotel can feel like a home away from home, but remember its not. I don't breath a sigh of relief until I am in my room with the door locked. Please don't get me wrong, I don't walk around thinking that everyone is out to rape and/or murder me; but I refuse to create an opportunity to be a victim.
- Those stupid key cards - on a three week trip, I go through about five keys. Either my phone deactivates them, I lose them or I lock them in my room.
- Crappy hotel TV. Thank god most have HGTV
- Undoing the hospital corners of my bedding. I HAVE to be able to poke my feet out!
- Having to unplug a bed-side lamp to plug in my phone charger. And the hotels that have the nifty lamps with the built-in outlet? The outlet is in a funny position and won't work for my blackberry or iPad/iPod charger.
Last year, I stayed at the Marriott in Alpharetta, Georgia where I saw this beauty and I wondered why I didn't think of that - more specifically, why every hotel doesn't have this!
Here's a more detailed pic:
The end of the entertainment unit had two outlets, plus hook-ups for just about every type of video input. No fussing with the back of the TV! They even made it pretty fool-proof by adding a button next to the input slots so you don't have to find the corresponding channel with the remote. So if you want to hook up your computer for a video conference, just plug it in at the VGA spot and press the button next to it! Same for HDMI or the old school red/white/yellow input. Oh, and aux input too.
The connections were easy to access and super handy as a place to charge my phone and iPod. It was super convenient solution to a problem or annoyance I just thought I had to deal with.
Why didn't I think of that?
Friday, March 30, 2012
- Those stupid key cards - on a three week trip, I go through about five keys. Either my phone deactivates them, I lose them or I lock them in my room.
- Crappy hotel TV. Thank god most have HGTV
- Undoing the hospital corners of my bedding. I HAVE to be able to poke my feet out!
- Having to unplug a bed-side lamp to plug in my phone charger. And the hotels that have the nifty lamps with the built-in outlet? The outlet is in a funny position and won't work for my blackberry or iPad/iPod charger.
Last year, I stayed at the Marriott in Alpharetta, Georgia where I saw this beauty and I wondered why I didn't think of that - more specifically, why every hotel doesn't have this!
Here's a more detailed pic:
The end of the entertainment unit had two outlets, plus hook-ups for just about every type of video input. No fussing with the back of the TV! They even made it pretty fool-proof by adding a button next to the input slots so you don't have to find the corresponding channel with the remote. So if you want to hook up your computer for a video conference, just plug it in at the VGA spot and press the button next to it! Same for HDMI or the old school red/white/yellow input. Oh, and aux input too.
The connections were easy to access and super handy as a place to charge my phone and iPod. It was super convenient solution to a problem or annoyance I just thought I had to deal with.
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