Tag: travel

Travel Tips | Paris Public Transportation

On By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, France, Paris, Travel, travel apps, travel hacks, travel tips, travellingLeave a comment

There is SO much to see and do in Paris that you should put together a plan for your transportation needs BEFORE you arrive. Oh, and pack your most comfortable shoes because walking is the easiest way to get around Paris. What I love so much about seeing Paris by foot is that you never know what you may find around every corner-a musician, street art, or who knows?? Enjoy the journey!

For our Girls’ Trip 2023, I researched the easiest and most cost-effective ways to use public transportation to supplement our walking just so we don’t get shin splints on our first day! I average about 10 miles a day walking when I’m in Paris but unfortunately, I don’t get that level of exercise at home in Boise where we have to drive everywhere. We are in Paris for a full six days for our Girls’ Trip so, while we will no doubt walk ALOT, we will also want to use the excellent bus and Metro system to supplement getting around Paris. Surface traffic on the busy Paris streets is terrible as it is in most cities. Why waste time (and money!) being stuck in car traffic when there are cheaper and faster alternatives in the form of buses and Metros available all over Paris. I usually only use Uber as a last resort and getting taxis can be very difficult in Paris.

Two Public Transportation Payment Card Options to Consider:

NAVIGO DECOUVERTE CARD:

WHAT IS IT?

  • A multi-use public transportation card (like the Oyster card in London) that covers all of Metro Paris and can be used for unlimited use during a specific time frame on the Metro (subway), RER trains (including to the airport, Disneyland and Versailles), buses (great way to get around and see Paris quicker than taking a car because buses have their own designated street lanes), trams and even the Montmartre funicular unless you want to walk up the 300+ steps

WHO NEEDS IT?

  • Tourists who plan to use public transportation in Central Paris alot and don’t care about getting any discounts on local attractions (see Visite card below for that) 

WHERE DO I BUY?

  • Purchase the Navigo Decouverte card at any Metro, RER station or the airport at the Billets Paris et Ile-de-France train ticket window that normally sells tickets and passes
  • You have to provide a color headshot photo 3cm tall x 2.5cm wide (passport photo size) that goes on the card itself.
  • You have to choose a validity zone when you purchase it. To get around the center of Paris, the one for zones 1-2 is perfect.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

  • 30€ for a week pass which runs from Monday through Sunday plus 5€ fee (non-refundable) for the physical Navigo card itself (no children pricing)

HOW DO I USE IT?

  • At Metro and RER stations, hold the card against the purple reader zones on the turnstiles or barriers to open fare gates. Keep the card against the scan zone until you hear a sound indicating it has been read correctly to validate
  • As you enter a bus, you will see a Navigo reader machine to tap your card against in order to validate your ride.
  • Failure to validate your ticket every time you use it could result in a fine (I’ve seen 50€ fines!) by security officers who routinely check passengers for validated cards/tickets

FOR MORE INFO ON NAVIGO CARD GO HERE: Navigo monthly and weekly travel passes | RATP

VISITE CARD:

    WHAT IS IT?

    • A multi-use public transportation card that covers all of Metro Paris and can be used for unlimited use during a specific time frame on the Metro (subway), RER trains (including to the airport, Disneyland and Versailles), buses (great way to get around and see Paris), trams and even the Montmartre funicular
    • Purchase passes for different period of 1, 2, 3, or 5 days. It is valid from midnight on the first day and ends at midnight on the last day.

    WHO NEEDS IT?

    • Tourists who may only need public transportation for a day or two and would use discount on attractions that come with the card like for the Opera Garnier, sightseeing cruises on the Seine or a bus tour, etc.

    WHERE DO I BUY?

    • Purchase the Visite card at any Metro, RER station or the airport at the Billets Paris et Ile-de-France train ticket window that normally sells tickets and passes. After you buy it, you must write your first and last name on it along with the starting and ending dates of validity. No photo is needed.

    HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

    • Pricing is by day and by zone and ranges from 1 day in zones 1-3 for $15 US to 5 days in zones 1-5 for $74. Zones 1-3 will all you to travel around the city. Zones 4-5 will get you to Disneyland, Versailles and the airports.
    • There is children pricing with this pass. See online site for more details.

    HOW DO I USE IT?

    • At Metro and RER stations, hold the card against the purple reader zones on the turnstiles or barriers to open fare gates. Keep the card against the scan zone until you hear a sound indicating it has been read correctly to validate
    • As you enter a bus, you will see a reader machine to tap your card against in order to validate your ride. Failure to do so could result in a fine by security officers who routinely check passengers for validated cards or tickets

    FOR MORE INFO ON VISITE CARD GO HERE: Paris Visite travel pass | RATP

    Transportation apps

    • G7 for taxis-have used with some success
    • Uber-works pretty well in Paris
    • Paris Metro for subway
    • Citymapper to get around town-I use this app for walking guidance, but it does show other transportation options as well
    • Rome2Rio for transportation to show all options to get from Point A to Point B-my preferred app

    Helpful links below from RATP (Régie autonome des transports parisiens aka in English as Parisian Autonomous Transport Administration), which is the state-owned public transportation operator.

    RATP site Paris Public Transportation PDF maps:

    Travel Tips | Medical Care Abroad

    On By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Medical Care Abroad, Travel, travel apps, travel hacks, Travel medical care, travel tips, travelling, Uncategorized2 Comments

    Plan for the unexpected! You don’t want to be googling for the nearest hospital or how to call an ambulance during a medical emergency when visiting a foreign country. Trust me-been there, done that!

    When Thom and I both got Covid while in Florence on a trip, the first thing I did was start researching local medical care. I was surprised that they didn’t have the urgent care centers like we do in the US where you can just walk in and see a doctor with no appointment. In Florence, if you need immediate medical care, you have to go to the emergency room at the hospital. Some cities will have medical clinics, some won’t. However, pharmacists are very helpful in European countries. They will talk to you, ask about symptoms, and suggest medications. In Florence, I was able to get several meds that helped us with our mild Covid symptoms. I did have to buy a thermometer and an oximeter in Italy, both of which I now travel with on all our trips.

    After travelling to Vietnam from our home base in China during my work assignment there, we started travelling with a robust first aid kit. Thom rolled his ankle stepping off a curb our first night in Hanoi on a vacation. We quickly found out that there is no ice in Vietnam, at least none that we could find, so he held a cold Coke can to his ankle to reduce the swelling. The pharmacies were not stocked well like Europe, but we finally found a wrap and he hobbled around on our Halong Bay cruise. Now we travel with an instant ice pack and that wrap.

    I decided to write this post to help others when we stayed last month at a quaint Swiss hotel in Chur that was a wood beam concussion obstacle course (see pic above) waiting to happen. If/when Thom knocked himself out after running into a beam, I wondered what I would do. Did I want to depend on the night help that may or may not be staffing the hotel front desk? Do they even have a hospital here in the middle of the Alps? Luckily, we didn’t hurt ourselves on those charming low beams but next time I travel, I will be better prepared and research in advance so if, God forbid, something happens, I can quickly take the appropriate action. I put together the following list to help me and now you to prepare for possible medical issues you may encounter when you travel.

    Practical tips when you are travelling:

    1. Go to the nearest pharmacy (look for green cross sign-see pictures above) but don’t expect them to be open 24/7 like in the US. European pharmacists act like doctors in many regards and will talk with you, ask questions and can diagnose and prescribe medicine for many simple medical issues like sore throats, muscle pain, migraines, etc. My husband got what he needed from a pharmacist in Basel, Switzerland on a recent trip-easy and cheap! The pharmacist interviewed Thom and gave him meds for a persistent cough.
    2. Call 112 in most European countries for urgent medical assistance (the US 911 equivalent) or call an Uber/taxi yourself and go directly to the nearest hospital if the condition warrants it. House calls might be possible. If you are staying at hotel or an Airbnb, ask the front desk/host to assist you in finding a doctor who can come and see you.
    3. Handling medical costs-Nearly all European countries have a universal health care system. Each country will have different payment arrangements for health care, and it is not all “free” for travelers as some might assume. However, the costs are minimal compared to medical costs in the US for the uninsured. You may be asked to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment. Check your medical insurance policy before you travel. You may not be covered when you are outside the US. If you are on Medicare, it doesn’t cover healthcare during international travel. However, some Medicare Advantage (like Part C) plans may cover certain emergencies if they occur outside the United States. Check out any travel insurance plans and compare before you buy. Notify the company immediately that you purchased travel insurance from if you have to use it for an injury. They can work directly with the hospital/doctor to get bills paid-here are some sites to research:

    Travel Insurance Quotes Online – TravelSafe

    Buy Now | iTravelInsured Travel SE – IMG (imglobal.com)

    Travel Medical Insurance (betins.com

    TRAVEL MEDICAL PACKING LIST

    Prescription meds (preferably packed in labeled original containers) If you forget them, ask the pharmacist for them even if you don’t have a prescription on you-they may give them to you or, better yet, take a picture of your prescription and show it to the pharmacist. Certain drugs in Europe are over the counter and don’t need a prescription like they do in the US. Make sure to follow new directions given as some meds may be stronger than the US version. The pharmacist in Paris gave me prescription thyroid meds that I forgot on a trip and didn’t need any documentation to prove I was taking it. Pack extra meds in case you are delayed.

    Over The Counter Meds:

    Nyquil/Dayquil

    Cough suppressant

    Saline nasal spray-good for preventing bloody noses

    Tylenol or Advil PM (helpful to aid sleeping while adjusting to time zones)

    Suntan lotion and sunburn relief (aloe vera gel)

    Pain reliever: Tylenol and/or ibuprofen

    Benadryl

    Imodium

    Tagamet

    Laxatives or stool softeners

    Motion sickness meds

    Eye drops

    Medical help:

    Antibacterial wipes (clean that airplane seat space)

    Hand sanitizer (so handy when using public transportation)

    Self-adhesive wrap

    Tiny scissors to cut gauze, etc.

    Instant cold pack

    Antibiotic ointment

    Antiseptic to clean wounds

    Band-Aids (all sizes)

    Moleskin (to cover blisters)

    Gauze

    Medical tape

    Calamine lotion

    Tweezers (removing splinters, etc.)

    Thermometer

    Oximeter

    Covid tests

    Face masks-handy for areas with bad AQI and crowded spaces

    Dental:

    Travel Fixodent

    Dental repair kit

    Back issues:

    Blow up pillow for hard seat (trains, concerts, etc.)

    Back brace

    Hair ties to make Denny roll out of towels (for back issues)

    Walking stick (collapsible)

    Salon PAS

    CBD cream

    Knee brace

    Plug in heating pad (after long day of walking, we fought over who got this first)

    Be safe with your travel emergency kit:

    • Make a list of all your prescription meds and take a doctor’s note that explains any prescription opioids or medications with needles. You never know when TSA may ask questions.
    • If you are travelling with kids, keep the first aid kit out of reach and locked.

    With some planning and preparations before you travel, any emergency that comes up that is minor can be handled with your travel emergency kit. For serious illnesses and injuries, seek out medical care immediately. Enjoy a healthy and safe journey!

    Key sites to check out before you travel:

    Go to the US embassy’s site and select where you are travelling and look under the “US Citizens Services” section for medical services information.

    France/Paris https://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/france/paris/healthcare/emergencies/emergencies-in-paris and https://en.parisinfo.com/practical-paris/useful-info/health-in-paris

    General https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/health-care-during-travel

    Top 10 Paris Travel Apps

    On By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, France, Paris, Travel, travel apps, travel hacks, travel tips, travelling, Uncategorized, vacationLeave a comment

    I use many different travel apps to help my adventures go smoothly but, with our Girls’ Trip to Paris coming up quickly, I put together a specific list of the top travel apps that are “must haves” for us to use there. I thought I would share my favorites so you too can embrace technology and enjoy the journey!

    Of course, there are many apps out there that are super niche for Paris only but the apps I’ve decided to share are ones that I’ve used in Paris and found essential in the past. The websites for the apps below are included so you can check them out and decide if they will work for you. Then, if you determine you need these apps, download the app to your mobile device to use while you are travelling. Make sure you set up any profiles in advance so you are ready to use (for example, Uber will need payment info stored). Many people ask me about what to do with their phones while they are travelling abroad. There is so much information around this topic that I wrote a separate blog post here My Top Phone Tips for Traveling Abroad – Travels with Melinda.

    GETTING AROUND

    Rome2Rio: discover how to get anywhere is an app that I have used in many different European places and all across the US. My favorite app! You just input where you want to go from Point A to Point B and it searches any city, town, landmark, attraction or address across the globe with thousands of routes to easily get you from A to B. It gives you timetables and estimated pricing for all types of transportation-trams, bus, subway, train, taxi, etc. If you decide to walk, it tells you how long it will take and helps guide you around that way too. In planning a logical itinerary, this is the app I use most often.

    Citymapper – The Ultimate Transport App is a free public transit app with mapping that displays transport options, usually with live timing, between any two locations in a supported city.  Similar to Rome2Rio but very helpful for getting around by any means of transportation from e-scooters to walking to biking to subways. I like this app best for getting around by foot.

    Google Maps can be used to navigate around town. This is the app my husband likes best.

    Uber is great to get around and I have successfully used it in Paris (not the case in some European cities). Check here Uber Cities – Rides Around the World | Uber before you go to other countries to see if Uber is available. I’ve never used Bolt but it works in Paris too.

    RATP for the Paris Metro. This app has maps and train schedules plus it will notify you of delays. Having the app gives you free access to the RATP WiFi network.

    G7 Taxi to book a taxi for immediate pick-up or schedule a ride up to 14 days in advance. You can pay the driver via the app or when you take the ride. I’ve had better luck with Uber getting rides but I have this app too just in case.

    COMMUNICATING

    Google Translate instantly translates words, phrases, and web pages between English and over 100 other languages. I’ve used this app mostly to translate menus.

    WhatsApp–I have found that some restaurants in Europe use this app instead of other apps to book reservations. Airbnb hosts may use this vs. text/call. You can also stay in touch with friends and family for free no matter where you are vs. using international phone service because WhatsApp uses Wi-Fi not phone data. If you don’t want to use your cell (usually $10 a day for international use) then just use WhatsApp. You can message, chat and video chat for free. Just make sure whomever you want to connect with back home also has the app and, of course, you will need to be connected to Wi-Fi to use it but it’s free!

    EATING

    The Fork app is for making reservations at restaurants. Availability is given in real time. You don’t need to make reservations for the cafes you will find on every block in Paris but for popular restaurants you may want to reserve in advance so not to be disappointed.

    USING THE FACILITIES

    Toilets of Paris app helps you find public toilettes, water closet or W.C. aka bathrooms/restrooms. This app is available on iOS and android and includes public bathrooms and those in restaurants, where you will probably need to buy at least a drink to use their facilities. Large hotels with lobby bathrooms are great places to go too.

    Now that you’re all set with the essential travel apps, take off to the City of Lights and have an amazing adventure!

    Planning for Paris-Girls’ Trip 2023 Part One

    On By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, France, Girls Trip, Giverny, Left Bank, Moulin Rouge, Paris, Travel, travel tips, travelling, Uncategorized1 Comment

    It’s time to finalize the details for our Girls’ Trip to Paris 2023! We visited London and Florence the past two years on our annual trip and had a blast. Now it’s time to take on the City of Lights. I’ve been to Paris several times, both on business trips and personal vacations, but Becky and Patti will be seeing Paris for the first time. How special! I get to lean in on all my past experiences and take them to all the truly magical places in Paris. I look forward to seeing Paris through their “first time” lens. I predict love at first sight. Come along on our journey!

    For each Girls’ Trip, I act as the trip planner and the first thing I want to know is what is the one “must see” for each person on the trip. Then, I can research those experiences and work our trip itinerary around them. Here are our three “must see” places for our trip to Paris:

    AN EVENING CABARET SHOW AT THE MOULIN ROUGE

    The Moulin Rouge, which translates to “Red Mill”, was built in 1889, the same year as the Eiffel Tower. It is situated below the Montmartre neighborhood in Pigalle. This famous cabaret show features elaborately dressed yet topless show girls. Admittedly this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s been around for over a hundred years so it’s legendary and we love all music and theater so this will be quite the experience!

    Show Details

    At the Moulin Rouge, shows run every day of the week and there are 2 shows every day:

    • 9 pm show with optional dinner starting at 7 pm (dinner show ticket holders will get the best seats)
    • 11 pm show only

    Plan to arrive early! These shows are usually sold out so arrive at the entrance one hour before the time of your show. Doors close ten minutes before the start of the show, and you won’t be allowed to enter if you arrive late. There is no refund policy for Moulin Rouge tickets so arrange your transportation and allow, as always, for the Paris traffic jams that are bad at all hours.

    Buy your Moulin Rouge tickets as soon as you book your travel dates. You never know when travel groups will suck up all the available tickets, as this show is always on their itineraries. You can buy direct from Moulin Rouge (Official Website) for tickets to all showtimes and options. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to buy the tickets there, you can also book through Viator:  Paris Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show with Champagne Only or Dinner 2023 (viator.com) but not all options like the 9 pm show are available on this site. Prices vary depending on the date/time you go but, when I was researching our tickets, they were as follows: $240 euros for the 7 pm Dinner+Show; $178 euros for the 9 pm Show Only; $133 euros for the 11 pm Show Only. I would say this is fairly on par pricing as compared with a Las Vegas or Broadway show.

    Getting there

    Of course, you can walk there or take the Metro aka subway. This is how I prefer to get around Paris during the day. However, you’ll be there in the evening and the Pigalle neighborhood is probably not the best place to wander around late at night. Known for being a tourist magnet, you can imagine that all kinds of folks would frequent here around showtimes to take advantage of people visiting Paris. I would recommend using an Uber, which works quite well in Paris. I have not had great luck with taxi apps in Paris working so, at least for me, taxis won’t be an option. If you do take the Metro, the closest station to Moulin Rouge is Blanche on Metro line 2.

    AFTERNOON WALK ON THE LEFT BANK

    The Left Bank is a special place best enjoyed in an afternoon walk about. First, grab some wine, cheese, fruit (figs if they are in season), sandwiches and a baguette-all at different small stores specializing in their product. Take your goodies to Luxembourg Gardens aka Jardin du Luxembourg for a picnic and people watching. There are benches and tables scattered throughout this beautiful park. Watch people sail model boats on the central pond, which served as an inspiration for a similar one in Central Park in NYC-another favorite place of mine. Then, find the Medici Fountain and take lots of pictures at this idyllic spot. Instagram worthy!

    It’s just a short walk fifteen-minute from Luxembourg Garden to Shakespeare & Co., THE bookstore to visit when in Paris. After grabbing a travel book and getting it officially stamped with their logo inside, it’s time for a cappuccino at the nearest café. Then, take a ten-minute walk from Shakespeare & Co. to the Pantheon (I’m a Midnight in Paris fan!) for a tour of this iconic monument and symbol of the French Revolution built in the 18th century. We’ll visit the crypt which houses the remains of Victor Hugo, Voltaire, and Marie Curie and climb up to the dome to see the panoramic views of the city.

    DAY TRIP TO MONET’S HOUSE IN GIVERNY

    As lovers of art and especially Monet, we will take the time to do a side trip from Paris to Giverny to walk the lily gardens, stroll through the artist’s house and studio, and immerse ourselves in all things Monet. I was there a few years ago and took the pictures above. It was like being in a Monet painting on this lovely day.

    We will wander the fields with haystacks and walk through the house and gardens. The lily ponds in person look exactly like Monet’s paintings-so surreal. Giverny sits at the confluence of the river Seine and the river Epte in the region of Normandy. While the big draw in Giverny is Monet’s garden and home, this village has existed since neolithic times and there is a church dating from the Middle Ages to explore as well as a Museum of Impressionism and plenty of cafes and shops.

    Buy tickets:

    Monet’s gardens are open every day including public holidays from 9.30 am to 6 pm from April 1st through November 1st. Buy timed entry tickets online at Claude Monet’s house in Giverny. They do have a great store there so bring a bag to carry home some souvenirs.

    How to get there:

    Giverny is 75KM (47 miles) from Paris and 4KM (2.5 miles) from the small town of Vernon where the train will stop coming from the Saint-Lazare Paris station. The fastest trains (don’t book a “local” with many stops) complete the journey in about an hour. Book your train ticket from Paris to Giverny here: Trainline : Search, Compare & Buy Cheap Train Tickets (thetrainline.com). You could also take a bus or drive, but we will take the train ride to sit back, relax and see the French countryside. When Giverny is open, a shuttle bus will take you from the train station to Giverny’s parking lot. The round-trip costs 10 euros and only takes about 15 minutes. You can buy your ticket on board.

    If you really want to walk, it’s about 5KM or 3 miles and mostly flat following the tracks of an ancient railroad. Go down the Albufera street and cross the bridge over the Seine. At the roundabout ignore the signs for Giverny which are meant for cars. Go straight on, cross the first street “Route de Giverny” and take the pathway to your right just before the drugstore. Enjoy the journey!

    Top Travel Apps

    On By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Phone tips, Phone travel tips, Travel, travel apps, travel hacks, travel tips, travelling, UncategorizedLeave a comment

    I use many different travel apps so that my adventures go smoothly. I thought I would share my favorites to help you too. I’ve included websites for many apps below so you can check them out and decide if they will work for you. Then, download the app to your mobile device to use while you are travelling. Embrace technology and enjoy the journey!

    PLANNING THE TRIP:

    OVERALL PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION

    OneNote–I use Microsoft OneNote, which is a digital note-taking app where I can jot down ideas, make to-do lists (my fav!), and more. OneNote is part of Microsoft 365 and you can sign in with your Microsoft account. Using OneNote, I can access my travel notes/files on my laptop AND my mobile device while travelling. I have a separate notebook for each trip. Within each notebook, I have sections/pages for every place, flights, hotels, etc. I will put in screenshots and download files for any tickets and travel confirmations. This way I can travel paperless, quickly pulling up anything up on my phone (even without Wi-Fi or cell service-which happens to me a lot!) that I might need while travelling. You can also share the OneNote with fellow travelers on your journey. That way you can collaborate on all the details!

    TripIt – Highest-rated trip planner and flight tracker is very popular. I tried TripIt out on our last two trips and it’s best feature is that when you book a flight, hotel, car, or other reservation, you can simply forward it to plans@tripit.com, and they automatically add it to your trip file. You can also add in other details yourself like tours you are taking, concerts, etc. I liked that you could click into a trip item and it shows the address and then you can click on the address and get mapping to get there. Try it!

    AIRLINES

    Once you know the place and the dates, you will want to start looking at airline prices. Tip: set up an alert (see apps below) to track how the prices are fluctuating. If you know you definitely want a particular airline, make sure you download their app and set up a search on that site. Hot tips: Book on a Sunday to save up to 15% on average according to Expedia data and book at least a month before domestic flights and six months before international travel to save 10% on average. Depart on a Wednesday to save up to 15% on average.

    Download the brand app-I fly Delta primarily so I have their app downloaded. They will notify me of any flight changes and push notifications to my phone about gate changes, boarding announcements, etc.

    General airline search for flights and pricing:

    Skyscanner: Compare Cheap Flights & Book Airline Tickets to Everywhere | Skyscanner

    Google: https://www.google.com/flights

    SeatGuru: Airline Seat Maps, Flights shopping and Flight information- Best Airplane Seats – SeatGuru (owned by Tripadvisor) Find out details on your airplane seats (do they recline, are they close to bathrooms,etc.) and book flights.

    TRANSPORTATION & GETTING AROUND

    Rome2Rio: discover how to get anywhere is an app that I have used in many different European places and all across the US. My favorite app! You just input that you want to go from Point A to Point B and it searches any city, town, landmark, attraction or address across the globe with thousands of routes to easily get you from A to B. It gives you timetables and estimated pricing for all types of transportation-tram, bus, subway, train, taxi, etc. If you decide to walk, it tells you how long it will take and helps guide you around that way too.

    Citymapper – The Ultimate Transport App Citymapper is a free public transit app with mapping that displays transport options, usually with live timing, between any two locations in a supported city.  Similar to Rome2Rio but very helpful for getting around by any means of transportation from e-scooters to walking to biking to subways. I like this app best for getting around by foot.

    Google Maps can be used to navigate around town. This is the app my husband likes best.

    Uber is great to get around if it is available in the city/country you are visiting and your cell service works. Check here Uber Cities – Rides Around the World | Uber before you go and download the app. I’ve used Uber in many places around the world and sometimes it works like a charm and other times I’ve had to figure out a back-up plan (like bus or walking) when you just can’t get a driver to accept your ride.

    FREE NOW – Europe’s best mobility app. Available in 100+ cities (free-now.com) is handy because Uber not available in all countries. This app covers taxis, scooters, scooters and electric bicycles, or rent a car in sharing.

    Subways are a great way to get around town. Download the subway app for the city you are visiting to get all the information on fares, how to pay (tap to pay in NYC/Europe which you do with your smart watch, phone with Google Pay or Apple Pay or credit card). Want to know which stops are accessible with elevator in case you can’t do stairs? It should be on the app.

    TRAINS

    We have travelled by train and trams all over the UK, Italy, Switzerland and, in the Fall of 2023, we will be in France. Europe has far superior train systems than the US. Every country has their own train systems so too numerous to mention. Here are some aggregate sights to research train travel no matter what country you are going to be in:

    Book, search & compare trains, buses & flights (GoEuro) | Omio

    https://www.seat61.com/

    HOTELS

    Brand app-I stay in Marriotts (when not using Airbnb) if at all possible because I have Platinum Elite status and get all kinds of nice upgrades and late check-out. Download the hotel app where you are staying and make sure you are getting points for spending money there! We are on a trip to Switzerland right now and almost all of our hotel stays are free using points accrued from our trip last year to the UK.

    APARTMENTS

    We often stay in an Airbnb when we are in one place for more than a few days. I’ve written a separate blog post Top 5 Tips to Book an Airbnb you can check out. Download the Airbnb app on your phone and best of luck finding the perfect place to stay on your next adventure!

    TOURS

    Viator/TripAdvisor (same company-different sites) research everything there from hotels to tours to general things to do. You can read traveler reviews to determine if it seems like a good fit for you. This is my “go to” place when I start to research a location to visit.

    SEEING THE SIGHTS

    Audio Tours for Europe by Rick Steves-use for research and also while travelling vs. taking a tour-free! Download to your phone and bring your ear buds (don’t forget your power source to plug into when your battery dies).

    Homepage – Smartify: When you visit a museum, you scan the piece of art and hear all about it. Available on iOS, Android and mobile web-app. Smartify delivers tours, way-finding, object-recognition and much more. Super excited to try out this app again when we visit NYC and see exhibits of Warhol and Banksy.

    Bimble Your Favourite Places. Share & Get Place Recommendations to share the sights you see with others! Save travel places and easily refer for yourself and others. You can create a Bimple or discover Bimples from other people to get inspired.

    FOOD

    I don’t claim to be a foodie, but many people are so making reservations to eat while you are travelling is important. Research places before you go and make your reservations through one of the many apps that are available:

    Book the best restaurants nearby | OpenTable make your restaurant reservations in the US, UK, India, Australia and Mexico.

    Book the best restaurants in Europe | TheFork for your dining in Europe.

    Yelp is always a good resource to research restaurants and direct you to their website to see how to make reservations depending on where it is located.

    PACKING

    I only travel with a backpack and a carry-on. My motto is “never check a bag” so that you can arrive in your destination ready to go! Whether one week or a month, it’s only a carry-on for me. See my separate blog post on packing here Top 5 Travel Packing Tips – Travels with Melinda.

    Packr – Travel packing list app for each trip  is popular free travel packing list app for iPhone and iPad. Packr will organize your luggage and suitcase for each trip depending on weather and activities.

    TAKING THE TRIP:

    COMMUNICATING

    Many people ask me about what to do with their phones while they are travelling abroad. There is so much information around this topic that I wrote a separate blog post here My Top Phone Tips for Traveling Abroad – Travels with Melinda Please check it out!

    Google Translate-When you go to places where English is not spoken or menu/signs aren’t in English, Google Translate comes in very handy. It’s a free app that instantly translates words, phrases, and web pages between English and over 100 other languages. We landed in Florence for our girls’ trip and the first restaurant we went to in the Oltrarno had no menus in English and no waiters who spoke English so we learned how to translate everything quickly so we could order. Of course, I still wound up with soup instead of the pasta I thought I ordered but everyone else did well!

    WhatsApp–I have found that some restaurants in Europe use this app instead of other apps to book reservations. Airbnb hosts may use this vs. text/call. You can also stay in touch with friends and family for free no matter where you are vs. using international phone service because WhatsApp uses Wi-Fi not phone data. If you don’t want to use your cell (usually $10 a day for international use) then just use WhatsApp. You can message, chat and video chat for free. Just make sure whomever you want to connect with back home also has the app and, of course, you will need to be connected to Wi-Fi to use it but it’s free!

    TRAVEL INSURANCE

    Check your medical insurance policy before you travel. You may not be covered when you are outside the US. If you are on Medicare, it doesn’t cover healthcare during international travel. However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may cover certain emergencies if they occur outside the United States. Check out any travel insurance plans and compare before you buy. Here are a few sites to research:

    Travel Insurance Quotes Online – TravelSafe

    Buy Now | iTravelInsured Travel SE – IMG (imglobal.com)

    Travel Medical Insurance (betins.com)

    STAYING SAFE

    Travel Advisories (state.gov) Are there any travel advisories where you are travelling? Good to know before you go. To receive updated travel advisories and alerts while you are travelling, sign up at travel.state.gov/stayingconnected for one of the ways to stay alert. One of these ways is to sign up for the STEP Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (state.gov) which is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

    Official list of embassies from the U.S. Department of State (usembassy.gov)– good to have this list handy in case you are travelling and lose your passport or need assistance from the embassy.

    While you hope it doesn’t happen to you on a trip, it’s better to be prepared in case you lose or have stolen your wallet. Take a picture (and keep it in the cloud where you can access it if you have to with WiFi) of the contents of your wallet including:

    • Fronts and backs fo credit, debit, and insurance cards
    • Passport
    • Driver’s license

    Download a locator app for your phone in case it is stolen and know how to lock it so a thief can’t access your information.

    Most credit card companies and banks say they don’t need to be notified if you are travelling but my travel companions and I have all had our credit cards locked the first time we use them outside the US so I still try to reach out and alert them. Usually you can do this online.  My husband and I also keep one credit card and passport separate from other credit cards and driver’s license. That way if you get a pickpocket, they get one or the other. Also consider using hotel safe to keep one or the other. As long as you have a copy of your passport with you, you can keep your passport in the safe. Just don’t forget items that you stash in the safe!

    WHEN YOU JUST HAVE TO GO

    Apps to download and use when you have to go NOW and you are out and about (on Android and iOS) I was in Central Park in NYC, pulled up my Flush app which uses your location to find the nearest public bathroom and quickly found the closest facility. Lifesaver!

    So many apps to help you enjoy the journey!

    My Top Phone Tips for Traveling Abroad

    On By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Phone tips, Phone travel tips, Travel, travel hacks, travel tips, travelling, Uncategorized2 Comments

    As much as you might dream of getting away from it all while travelling and not using your laptop or mobile device, the reality is that these devices are really a vital part of our lives now. There are so many phone apps just to make travel easier! I want to share my top phone tips for travelling abroad based on my experience so you can be better prepared for your next trip. The classic red phone booths in the UK are great for picture taking but don’t count on them to phone home. Enjoy the journey!

    How do I use my phone when I travel outside the U.S.?

    • WhatsApp–You can message, chat and video chat for free. Just make sure whomever you want to connect with back home also has the app downloaded and, of course, you will need to be connected to WiFi to use it but it’s free! This has worked great for people I know who want to avoid any additional expenses when travelling.
    • Physical SIM card– If you have an unlocked phone, bring along a SIM remover tool (safety pin works too). Assuming your phone meets the usability criteria, you can purchase a SIM card when you land (most airports have kiosks selling these but they are usually cheaper once you get in a local neighborhood and can go to a convenience store). Check for:
      • How many GB? Local phone #? Lasts for how many days/months? Includes texts, phone calls and internet? Example of cost: 10£ for 21g of data.
      • You switch out your SIM card (keeping it safe somewhere while you travel) and pop in the new SIM card to have mobile access while there.
      • Safety tip: if a cell phone or any store offers to unlock your phone for you and install the SIM or asks you to leave your phone so they can do it, do not let them. All kinds of scams with that type of service. Do it yourself.
    • eSIM cards are another option to get a local number without having to hunt down a physical SIM card after you arrive. You can purchase and download an eSIM on your phone to connect to cell networks and get data. Tons of providers sell eSIMs online with options and prices depending on where you’re going and how much you’ll need to use your phone. I would recommend going to Amazon and search “international esim card” to see the options. So, make sure to dig around and check reviews before purchasing.
    • International plan activated on your mobile device-this is what I use. For my AT&T phone, it costs $10/day to use. When traveling with your family that are on your cellular account, if everyone is using the International Day Pass, one line is $10 a day and any additional lines are charged at 50% off (so my husband would be charged $5 a day).  Most carriers have similar services and fees. Very easy-you will automatically get charged the international fee when you use data, talk or text in another country and off you go! I use my mobile to call, text, tap to pay (very popular in Europe as way to use public transportation and pay for everything) and leverage Google directions to get around. On your next cell bill, you will see the charges. If there is a day you don’t use the mobile, you won’t get charged for that day. Other tips for international plan usage:
      • To use cellular data, make sure Data Roaming is turned on in your device settings.
      • To call or send a message to the U.S., dial +1 followed by the 10-digit number. The “+” sign usually appears if you press and hold the “0” key on your dial pad.
      • To call or send a message to another country, dial + (country code) followed by the local phone number.
      • Some devices have settings that automatically add the correct prefix or country code when you’re calling numbers in your contacts. For iOS, turn on Dial Assist in your device Settings.
    • Note: T-Mobile has a $100 International Monthly Plan that includes 250 minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited data for 30 days. This would be a good plan for trips of 10 days or more.

    What do I do if misplace or lose my phone? (test these before you go so you know what to do)

    • Android: Use a laptop and go to “Find My Device (google.com)” With this feature, you can:
      • Locate where it is-map is displayed
      • Play a sound (to help you find it-we used this feature when my husband’s phone fell out of his pocket at the playground when we were with the grandkids-it works!)
      • Secure your device-locks the phone and signs you out of your Google account. You can also display a message or phone number on your lock screen so that if someone finds your phone, they can contact you. You can still track device if you do this action.
      • Erase all content from the device. Only do this if you know you aren’t getting it back. You can’t locate it once you take this action.
    • iPhone: Use your Apple device to track your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, Mac, AirPods, AirTag) Sign in to iCloud.com/find or use the Find My app on another Apple device that you own. With this feature, you can:
      • Locate where it is-map is displayed
      • Play a sound
      • Lock the device
      • Mark it as lost: When you mark your device as lost, you remotely lock it with a passcode, keeping your information secure. This also disables Apple Pay on the missing device. And you can display a custom message with your contact information on the missing device.
      • Report your missing device to local law enforcement. Law enforcement might request the serial number of your device and you can find it through the link above.
      • File a Theft and Loss Claim here on this site.
      • Remotely erase everything if you don’t think you’ll get it back.
    • For both Android and iPhone, report your missing device to your wireless carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) asap. Ask the carrier to disable your account to prevent calls, texts, and data use.  Here are some of the major carriers contact info:
      • AT&T: 1-800-331-0500
      • T-Mobile: 1-877-746-0909
      • Verizon: 1-800-922-0204

    I hope these tips have been helpful and allow you to enjoy the journey!

    Revisiting Sydney, Australia

    On By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Australia, sydney, Uncategorized1 Comment

    As I started to plan my next trip to Australia and New Zealand, I realized I hadn’t ever written a blog post about the first time I visited Sydney, Australia a few years ago. Sydney was my first stop on a long business trip that took me from Sydney to Singapore to Tokyo-all fabulous and very different cities. I had a few days off in Sydney after the work was complete and I’ll try to recall all the fun things I did. My lasting impressions were of a clean and diverse city where the waterfront views were stunning, and the most amazing birds wandered the busy downtown streets and city parks.

    Taronga Zoo Sydney | Taronga Conservation Society Australia is perched on a hilltop across the harbor from the core Sydney downtown. This ferry ride was fast, easy and cheap, allowing me to admire the variety of boats up close in the harbor as we dodged them to arrive at our destination. Leaving the ferry, you have to take a gondola up the hill to the zoo, again providing amazing views of the harbor, Sydney Opera House and the downtown.

    Since experiencing the koalas was an absolute must do for me, I went straight to the gift shop to sign up for the Koala Encounter | Taronga Conservation Society Australia. You couldn’t book just a single ticket when I was there, so I paid for a group of three and invited the young couple standing behind me to join me for free. They accepted and off we went to commune with the koalas and learn all about their habitat. It was a sunny December day (summer there at that time!) so the animals were a little sleepy. I got up close and personal and they were just as cute as I thought they would be. I kissed a koala, and I liked it!

    The zoo is very spread out so wear your comfy shoes and be ready to get very close to the wildlife. One little park area that you could walk around and just be with the animals had kangaroos. Not a zoo employee in sight so they are very trusting of both the zoo tourists and the animals. Animals and human visitors are much more segregated in US zoos, so this was definitely a unique experience to see the animals so close up.

    Sydney Opera House | Home is another “must see” in Sydney. Famous for it’s “sails” architecture, I took the time for a The Sydney Opera House Tour for a behind the scenes look at this iconic landmark. I would highly recommend taking the tour as you will not only learn all about the history but also get to see all throughout the interior of the building. I regret that I wasn’t able to attend a performance while I was there, but I will definitely rectify that when we go back next year. Once you are done with the tour, spend some time hanging out on the promenade surrounding the Opera House and have a cocktail with a view!

    After work, my teammates and I would check out all the wonderful restaurants in Sydney. As it was summer, we would often sit outside on patios to enjoy the diverse and yummy offerings. There were places tucked away in alleyways lit up by overhead patio lights that were just charming. We visited a vinyl bar, Mojo Record Bar, where we ate, drank and bought vinyl while admiring the eclectic decorations. Of course, vinyl was on playing and it was a perfect night on the town in Sydney!

    We stayed downtown Sydney at the Hotel in Sydney, Australia | Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park (marriott.com). If you are a Marriott loyalist like me, you will appreciate their gorgeous lobby and the members lounge at this hotel. Within easy walking distance of all the shopping, cafes and also the harbor, this was the perfect location for my business/pleasure trip.

    Travel Souvenir Ideas

    On By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Shopping, souvenirs, UncategorizedLeave a comment

    Who doesn’t love to bring home souvenirs both for yourself and others-but what to get??? Before every trip, I make a list of possible items to seek out to purchase while I am there. Depending on where I am going, I research what the place is known for (think Florence=leather) and who do I need to buy stuff for besides myself. If I’m going on a girls trip, I better be bringing home something good for my husband, which is usually vinyl because he collects it. Always, I need to bring home good gifts for the grandkids. I try to bring home unique Christmas gifts for the family. You get the idea!

    One new tradition that I started with our last trip to the UK, Paris and Italy was to send myself the most beautiful post card I could find from every place we went. When we got home, we had a great memory of our trip waiting for us and we ended up framing them.

    So, make a list of the who, what and where for your souvenir list and then do a little research. Looking for vinyl-go to Yelp in advance for the city you are going to and read the reviews/check store hours and put it on your agenda. Don’t wait till the last minute to get your list checked off as other priorities can come up during a trip and then you leave with regrets that you weren’t able to get what you wanted-it has happened to me several times and I learned. Below are some suggestions for you based on my travels.

    KIDS

    • Stuffed animals local to the area: I found a wild boar that roars in Florence-so unique! We have a shelf for the grandkids with all these animals for them to play with when they visit. Oh, the fun they’ve had enacting stories with the panda bear I got at the Great Wall in China taking on the koala and kangaroo from Australia. Hint-the bear wins.
    • Ducks for the bathtub: our prize collection of ducks from around the world for our grandkids range from Vincent Van Gogh duck from Paris (look for these at museums!) to Roman Soldier duck (Bath-from the Roman Baths there but there was also a specialty store that had so many to choose from!) to Queen Duck that we got in Liverpool on the day that she died. I hope that after our grandkids grow out of creating elaborate stories playing with them in the bathtub, we will store them until their kids are ready.
    • Placemats: We started this tradition when we were in Paris and placemats were easily found in many gift shops. When I got to Florence, I looked everywhere for them and finally found one. My sister took photos from our trip and had several placemats made for me too. I let the grandkids pick one every time they come over to eat (see picture below of placemats from our girls’ trip to Bath, England). This way we can talk about the places we’ve been and encourage a love of travel in them early on. Oh, the places you’ll go!

    CHRISTMAS GIFTS

    • Christmas tree ornaments: good for those who celebrate. My sister bought handblown ornaments for her entire office staff and had them shipped from the store in Bath. I love our NYC landmark building ornaments that we bought. Buy bubble wrap at a local stationary or postal store to carefully pack anything fragile.
    • Custom products: make all kinds of cool stuff with trip photos. For our girls’ trip, I took pictures from our trip and had them made into coasters and luggage tags for the ladies and myself. I use Shutterfly to create items like this but there are lots of online companies to pick from.

    ITEMS ANYONE WOULD LIKE

    • Food specialty items: think coffee beans (Hawaii) or tea bags (UK); Just remember that you will have to pack these items away in your checked bag or, if you are like me and only travel with a carry-on, they will have to be small to stay within liquid restrictions. Anything that smears is considered a liquid so that would include jams, honey, etc. in Europe.
    • Booze: buy what the locals drink-Scottish whiskey; Tuscany wine. Again, with liquid restrictions, you may want to see if the place will ship the booze home for you. I tried that with wine from a vineyard we visited in Tuscany and almost all the bottles made it but we did have one bottle break and shipping took two months.
    • Scarves: whether it’s designer (Milan) or handwoven (Ireland) both men AND women like scarves for fashion and to keep warm. No worries about the fit/size and super lightweight and easy to pack. Perfect gift!
    • Leather: eyeglass case, makeup case, handbag, bookmark, etc. We have purchased lots of items from the Florence Leather School because the students make the items there at the school and they offer free engraving.
    • Magnets: easy to find at any tourist store and so many people love these to post items on the fridge.

    STUFF I LIKE TO BUY

    • Pillow covers: My home is filled with pillows from everywhere in the world from China to Italy and all places in between. Many places sell the pillow cover, and you can get the pillow insert from Amazon when you return home. Easy to pack into a full carry-on, pillow covers can even be used to wrap and protect other souvenirs you buy like jewelry. We bought fabric at Liberty of London and Patti used it to make us pillow covers for Christmas presents since we couldn’t find any pillow covers to buy on our girls’ trip to London.
    • Kitchen towels: most places you can find kitchen towels. My favorites are from museums and Parliament gift stores (we have visited both the Scottish and UK Parliaments) They are light and won’t break and I use them every day in my kitchen.
    • Jewelry-I love to seek out unique jewelry pieces to bring home. They are easy to pack and every time I wear them, I have such fond memories of the trip. I have several jewelry artists that I’ve met on my travels and that I collect jewelry from now. It’s so special when you have seen the artist in action and then get to wear one of their pieces. Here are some favorites of mine:
    • Starbucks city mugs: I know, they are heavy and fragile and thus terrible items to pack, but I just love them and have collected them for years. From Moscow to Paris to Shanghai, I’ve got them and have wonderful memories of seeking them out wherever we are. On the last girls’ trip to London, we scored the original version of the London mug from a Starbucks we just happened to find when we got lost. This particular style with the raised images has been discontinued and run about $80 each on eBay so we all bought one and I drink my tea (also from the UK) in it. Next trip up is Milan in June. They have a Starbucks roaster fancy café so I’m hoping the mug selection is broad and that means I’ll be hauling it all over Italy/Switzerland for a few weeks before I return home, hopefully with it in one piece.
    • Local art: Walk the streets of Montmartre in Paris and you’ll find local artists sketching away and selling their art. We discovered a street artist in Florence who goes by the name Blub and then stumbled upon a limited edition print of Blub’s art in a local store. We were thrilled and bought a cardboard tube and had the studio roll it up for me to pack. It is now framed and hanging on our wall at home and is a fabulous reminder of our time spent hunting down Blub’s street art in the quaint streets of Florence.
    • Eyeglass frames: get the frames and bring home to get the lenses put in by your local optical place. I’ve had success with Costco. My frame collection is growing, and I now have two pairs from Florence and one from Tokyo.

    I hope you can find awesome souvenirs next time you travel that will remind you of your adventures. Enjoy the journey!

    Top 5 tips to book an Airbnb stay

    On By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Airbnb, Europe, Travel, travel hacks, travel tips, travelling, Uncategorized, vacation2 Comments

    Gazing out the window at the lively Montmartre cafes, I truly felt a part of the Parisian culture on a recent trip. This is one of the reasons I book an Airbnb for our stays that are a week or more. While I love my Marriott hotel stays, those work best for just a few days. An Airbnb is great for longer term stays and for groups like for our girls’ trips because we need more bathrooms and beds than a hotel room can provide. In Florence, we rented out an apartment in a villa (see top left pic below) where the family lived in one section, and we enjoyed three levels of living in a separate wing of the building. When my husband and I travel, often I will be working remote for a month or longer, so having strong Wi-Fi and a washer are necessary. I just booked our stay in an apartment in Strasbourg, France for a month, where I’ll be working remote during the week and taking day trips all over France on the weekends. My girls trip this year will be a stay in Paris on the Ile Saint-Louis Island in an amazing Airbnb with a water view. So much to look forward to!

    Doing research before booking your Airbnb is crucial to having a happy stay so please read my tips below before you hit that “reserve” button and enjoy your journey!

    1. Read the reviews. If there are complaints about noise and the beds being uncomfortable, look elsewhere. You need a good night’s sleep when you travel. If there are no reviews, don’t book it. The listing may be new and that’s the reason for zero reviews but let somebody else try it out first. The host should disclose any issues with the rental in the description (one posting I just read stated that “If you are 6-feet +, consider other bookings because one area of the ceiling has a clearance of 5’11”) but sometimes hosts aren’t so forthright so reviews are where you will discover the truth.
    2. Choose a Superhost if at all possible. They will care more about providing a clean, consistent experience because they want good reviews. If something is amiss, they will be more likely to make it right. We checked in to one apartment in London and the cleaners hadn’t shown up yet, so we had to drop our bags and leave once they did come. However, the host gave us a full night’s credit back to our Airbnb account which was absolutely the best outcome of a situation that can happen.
    3. Check out the neighborhood before you book. Some hosts provide the address up front, and others will only show a location in the general neighborhood “exact location provided after booking”. Either way, do your due diligence and investigate. We got a super deal on a place in Lisbon, Portugal but the neighborhood was a little rough, so we didn’t feel comfortable going out at night so now I go to Google maps and look at street view level to get a feel for the neighborhood before I book. Usually, the host will include details in “Getting around” section about what you can walk to like a market and public transportation nearby. Is accessibility an issue for you or members of your group? Is the neighborhood hilly or are there stairs to climb to the local market? All good thinks to know in advance.
    4. Consider the cancellation policy. Cancel policies vary by property so make sure you check. You will usually see for each listing either: “Free cancellation before (insert date)”, which is usually 30 days prior to start of reservation OR “Free cancellation for 48 hours”. Believe me, life can happen and with a restrictive cancel policy you will lose your entire payment. My husband had a heart attack, and we couldn’t go to NYC on a planned trip. Even after explaining the situation to the host, he refused to refund our money and he was within his rights to do so given that apartment’s published cancel policy. I was still upset, and, after that incident, I now refuse to book a place that doesn’t have a more lenient policy where I can get a 100% refund within 30 days of start of reservation.
    5. Check amenities and accessibility. I have stayed in Airbnbs all over Europe. Many places have steep stairs to not only get to the apartment but also within the unit. Elevators are as rare as air conditioning, dishwashers and dryers in many countries. If these are important to you, check to make sure the place you have picked to rent has them. Even small details like having a coffee pot for me are important. One place we rented had nothing but an electric kettle which is fine for tea. We had a lovely time shopping in the local neighborhood for a french press and coffee, leaving it all behind after our week’s stay so the next renter might enjoy it. If you will be working remote and need strong Wi-Fi, check the reviews to see if other renters have had any issues and check with the host. Where we stayed in London recently not only had 5 flights of stairs inside the unit but the Wi-Fi and cell coverage was weak and only worked in a few places inside the unit, which was just inconvenient for us. At our New Zealand cottage on the water, the host provided free use of kayaks and we had an amazing paddle around the bay. Our France rental this fall has use of bikes to get around the city which I am sure we will use on our month-long stay.

    I hope these tips help you book an amazing place. Safe travels!

    Top 5 Travel Packing Tips

    On By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, packing tips, Travel, travel hacks, travel tips, travelling, Uncategorized2 Comments

    I recommend you pack only a carry-on for whatever length of time you are travelling. Seriously, I went all over Europe last fall for 30+ days with only a carry-on. And this was a multi-purpose trip for me-I work remote, so I had to look business-like on virtual meetings and also had personal time off to enjoy sightseeing with my husband. If I can do it, so can you! Don’t be disappointed by lost baggage or sustain injuries caused by dragging around and lifting heavy luggage. If you follow my best practices, learned from travelling all over the world with only a carry-on, you will thank me. Enjoy the journey!

    Here we go: (downloadable travel checklist here Packing Checklist – Travels with Melinda)

    1. Pick a color palette and coordinate your outfits around it. I use black as the base and plan pops of color with scarves and jewelry. I envy people who can wear white shirts but mine just end up with stains so white is a no go for me.
    2. Try out the clothes in advance of the trip to see if they are comfortable and won’t wrinkle. When you wear them, are they comfortable and do they make you feel good? If so, take a picture to remember the look and put it in your packing list file. I’m a planner and start updating my basic packing list months in advance of any trip depending on where I am going and expected weather conditions.
    3. Lay out your 5 outfits (this is for any length of trip over 5 days) on the bed-tops, bottoms, underwear, socks, jewelry, scarves, etc. Then, see if you can mix and match them to create new looks. When you have your outfits picked, I recommend you roll all your items, sorting them into packing cubes by function, i.e., underwear/socks in one, tops in one, bottoms in another, etc. I use a hanging organizer for my jewelry and a hanging toiletries bag. Any clothing that is heavy or bulky won’t make the cut.
    4. Wash the chosen travel outfits in the sink and hang them to dry to test their worthiness before the trip. If they don’t dry overnight or dry but with terrible wrinkles, don’t pack them. That includes socks and underwear too. You may have the luxury of a washer at an ARBNB, but you probably won’t have a dryer at least in Europe and, if you’re at a hotel, you may be washing in the sink using handy laundry soap sheets that are easy to pack.
    5. Check the weather right before you go and adjust outfits as needed. Don’t need that umbrella and poncho? Great! Do need hat and gloves? Pack them. You don’t want to be cold, wet and miserable, so better to be prepared.

     More details on exact items I recommend for the best travel experience can be found on my website: Travel Essentials – Travels with Melinda.