Sorry everyone - this past weekend I was going to take pictures of clothes prior to packing them and then what they looked like packed. I never got the time to do it.
What I do want to share with you today is picking a seat on a plane. We have a little trick that works well if the flight is NOT overbooked. And of course this only works if you can pick your seats.
We will choose the very back of the plane - third or fourth row from the back - and choose the two aisle seats in the middle row. People will not book a seat in the middle of the middle row. The only time these get assigned are on flights that are overbooked. We have had about a 75% success rate of having that middle seat empty. Having that seat empty gives us room to spread out. We can take turns lying down to sleep.
In this picture we would choose row 38 - either the two aisle rows in the middle row of the plane or the aisle and window seat on side of the plane. In row 39 we would choose the aisle and window seats on the side of the plane. See in illustration above that I marked the seats we would choose with a blue X and then highlighted them in yellow. That would leave an empty seat between us. Now if by chance the flight is overbooked and all seats are assigned, I guarantee you the person stuck in the middle will be thrilled to switch so you can sit next to your loved one. You do not want the last row and try to stay away from the second to the last row. The last row is right by the bathrooms that will smell after so many hours and most do not recline.
If you are willing to pay extra emergency row exists are also great.
We just used this strategy to fly to Rome last month and having the extra seat was AMAZING. :)
Also for the IPhone I use the app called SeatGuru by Trip Advisor. You can enter your flight and it will give you information about the different seats. It will tell you a bad seat versus a good seat.
Travel Adapters
I received a great email today from one of the group concerning travel adapters. They do have many great adapters out there and they won't break the bank. For some reason I tend to go with the small single adapters but I have used the universal and they are great too. If I can give you one word of advise about travel adapters - make sure they fit correctly before you leave. What do I mean by this - I have used many travel adapters throughout the years and yes some are just a pain in the bottom.
Issues I have encountered:
1) Hard to get plugged in - I have to force the electric cord into the adapter. This tends to happen when it is a universal but at the plug in side.
2) Cord won't stay plugged into the adapter - falls out. If you are using a curling iron or flat iron this is very annoying. This is something easy to test before you leave.
3) Does not plug into their outlet well - sometimes the outlet is recessed in other countries and if you have something that is wide where it plugs in then you cannot get it into their outlet.
I have tried in the past to buy step-down converters for small appliances. They usually burn up and melt. Don't waste your money. Instead buy something that is dual voltage.
Here is the curling iron I purchased on Amazon several years back. It is a little hard to use because of the size but worth it because of the size. If that makes sense. I think it curls really well too. If it is dual voltage it will say.
Dual Voltage Curling Iron
Ok - here is typically what I take:
The little ones are great and usually squeeze into any outlet. I never have issues with the little ones not working.
Travel Adapter
Just make sure for USB items to bring the wall charger.
Here is a good universal USB adapter
Dual USB Adapter
I do promise a letter will be out soon with information about the trip. I have finished reserving everything and I want to share the accommodations with everyone. Where there are family and friends traveling together - I will keep them together. There are 3 nights throughout the trip where I had to book double rooms. I could not book apartments or different room types. My only choice was single or double.
Saturday May 28th Dublin: CityNorth Hotel - free shuttle from the airport and a shuttle offered every 20 minutes to Dublin City Center with a cost of 12.50Euro per person for round trip. Double and single rooms offered:
Click to checkout CityNorth Hotel
Sunday May 29th and Monday May 30th Waterford: Rhu Glenn Country Club Hotel - Double and single rooms offered:
Click to checkout Rhu Glenn Country Club Hotel
Tuesday May 31st Cobh: Bella Vista Hotel and Self Catering Suites - Apartments, doubles, and singles offered. I reserved several apartments for the families and groups of friends.
Click to checkout Bella Vista
We have two 3 bedroom suites, a 4 bedroom suite, three 2 bedrooms suites, and a couple double and twin rooms.
Wednesday June 1st Dingle: This one was hard. The two larger hotels that could accommodate our group had outrageous pricing. So I reserved rooms throughout several B&Bs. Here are a few :) I did reserve twins, doubles, triples, and a couple quads for families.
Click to checkout Quayside
Click to checkout Dingle Eask View
Click to checkout Hillgrove
Click to checkout bar Ba Sraide Inn
Click to checkout Murphy's Pub and B&B
Click to checkout Dingle Brewery Gate
Thursday June 2nd Dublin: Two bedroom apartments that sleep 5. Within walking distance of many great sites in Dublin. For those that cannot really walk - short cab ride.
Click to checkout StayCity Apartments
Friday June 3rd, Saturday June 4th, and Sunday June 5th Venice: I have several apartments to accommodate everyone. Friends and families will be placed together.
Click to checkout apartment Malibran
Click to checkout apartment Altana
Click to checkout apartment Boteri
Click to checkout apartment Bovolo
Click to checkout apartment Ca' del Doge
All accommodations have been reserved in Euro. Euro can fluctuate. The current exchange rate is 1.09US buys 1.00Euro. Prices below are at current Euro rate. Let's hope the dollar gets stronger by May.
Rates:
CityNorth Dublin - 125Euro for 2 people sharing (includes breakfast). 125Euro is 136US divided by 2 = 68US per person
Rhu Glenn Waterford - 75Euro for 2 people sharing (includes breakfast). 75Euro is 82us divided by 2 = 41US times 2 for two nights = 82US per person
Bella Vista Cobh - 40Euro per person (includes continental style breakfast). 40Euro is 43.50US per person
Various Dingle - Dingle B&Bs range from 35US to 67US per person. I believe all include breakfast. I have overbooked in Dingle just in case.
StayCity Dublin - 212Euro for a 2 bedroom apartment that sleeps 5 (breakfast not included). 212Euro is 231US divided by 4 = 57.75US per person -OR- divided by 5 = 46.20US per person
Venice - FREE
If you have any questions or requests please email me at d.nicodemus@comcast.net. I don't mind at all. I want everyone to have the best trip EVER!!
One of the most stressful things about traveling for me used to be packing. However I created a packing list and I learned how to make packing easier and now I no longer stress.
The most important bag to me is my personal item bag. I recently received a Tumi Alpha 2 medium tote from my place of employment for my 35th anniversary. I used it on our last trip and it worked well as my personal bag. However I love a tote bag also it is just harder to keep organized. The great thing about the Tumi is it slides on the handle of our carry on bag. Below is a picture of a tote that works well.
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What I pack in the personal bag:
1) medicine - sinus, sleep aide - always good on a long flight, ibuprofen, tums, etc
2) cheater glasses for reading or watching a movie
3) ear buds - I always bring my own and most will hook into the airplane audio system. I also use an app on my cell phone called white noise. It helps me sleep and drowns out all other noise such as a crying baby. If you don't want to use a noise app then bring a pair of ear plugs just in case.
4) inflatable neck pillow - sometimes I even use this as a pillow if the hotel pillow smells undesirable.
5) phone, book or kindle, IPad or tablet if desired - and their charging cords
6) charging brick - a lot of planes now have USB ports to charge your electronics but not all planes so come prepared.
7) snacks - chocolate, chips, bars. etc. We also always make sure to have lots of water. You cannot take liquids through airport security so we purchase a couple bottle prior to boarding the flight. NOTE: Many travel sites say bring an empty water bottle. Don't do this for overseas flights. You do not want to drink any faucet water overseas. I learned this lesson the hard way. I only drink bottle water overseas.
8) toothbrush and toothpaste
9) tissues
10) makeup remover clothes - I like to freshen up my makeup about an hour before we land.
11) fresh wipes to keep your bum clean - oh and your hands too :)
12) socks because my feet always get cold
13) change of undies
14) travel size hair spray and brush - again to freshen up an hour before we land.
16) passport, credit cards, cash, etc
17) deodorant
18) If we are going to use a GPS overseas I pack the GPS. I have to turn it on as soon as we land to get a signal by the time we get to the rental car.
19) hair clip and ties
20) Sunglasses
21) pen to fill out any documentation required
22) change of clothes if you checked your normal bag and didn't carry it on with you.
23) jewelry - I like to keep my jewelry close to me. I NEVER wear any when I go through security. I don't put anything on until I am on the plane. It makes getting through security easier.
24) some cigarettes and cigars if you smoke (matches)
25) lotion - 3oz since I have to take it through security
26) luggage scale
27) voltage converters for overseas
Now remember - I only use one bag for all my clothes and it is always carry on size of about 21 inches.
Like I mentioned previously in the blog - you can buy packing cubes but I love using the bags from sheets and drapes I have purchased in the past. Below is a picture. I have 3 different sizes of these. I also use gallon baggies for my delicates and I always take a couple quart size baggies.
Here is normally what I would take on a 10 to 14 day trip:
Shoes: 1 pair of dress shoes, 1 pair of shoes that are good for walking, and 1 or 2 pairs of flip flops or similar sandals. If you want to take boots - plan to wear the boots and pack the shoes. Make sure the boots come off easy because they make you remove them going through security unless you are TSA pre-check.
Bottoms: I only take 2 pairs of jeans because they take up the most room. I don't have a problem wearing jeans for two days in a row before calling them dirty; 2 pairs of capris if I am going someplace warm - in this case Italy; 2 comfy skirts; 2 or 3 dresses - they pack easy and do not take a ton of room; 3 pairs of leggings because they are so comfortable.
Tops: 8 to 10 tops that are not bulky. I bring a couple of long sleeve undershirts if it is going to be chilly and place that under a top. You will find if you try to bring a sweatshirt or sweater you won't have much room for other things. Take a jacket that will keep you warm but not sweat you out and wear it on the plane. Long flights can get chilly.
Undies: Bring enough for 7 days in case it takes that long to find laundry. I only take 2 regular bras and 1 strapless. I only take the strapless if really needed. Same with socks - 7 days. Worst case scenario you wash them in the sink. ;)
Misc clothes: Bring something to sleep in; tank tops for under shirts; slip if needed for the skirts or dresses; swim suit if you plan to swim;
Toiletries: razor; shaving cream; shampoo; conditioner; other hair products; perfume; q-tips; soap - just in case; travel straightener and curling iron. I found mine on amazon. REMEMBER - overseas your small appliances must be able to handle 220 volts. We only use 110 here in the states. The product will say duel voltage if it can.
OTHER: umbrella; camera; chargers or batteries; remaining cigars or cigarettes if you smoke (matches or lighters - punch for the cigar); travel documents not in your personal bag; foldable tripod; selfie stick; belt if needed; scarf
I just saw this online - how to make a hanging toiletry bag with a sheet bag and a hanger. What a great idea.
This weekend I will pack a carry on and take a picture so you can see what it looks like when I am done. :)
My husband and I have been very blessed in our life. We have been able to travel the world and cross many places off our bucket list. We are so excited to share this trip with everyone. I wanted to share a few travel tips that have helped us in different places throughout the world.
1) Patience is very important. Don't sweat the small stuff. If you miss a plane flight or your car gets towed - you can work it out. Don't let something bad ruin your trip.
2) Stash cash when you travel. I usually take about $400 US just as an emergency. Most places take US or you can exchange US. Don't stash in a checked bag. Try somewhere secretive - maybe under shoe inserts or zipped into the lining of your carry-on.
3) Pack a scarf or wrap similar to a sarong. It’s great for sun protection, a makeshift towel, carrying stuff around, an eye mask, covering your arms in a church if you are sleeveless, warmth in chilly regions, and much more.
4) Meet the locals. This is a way to find out more than you will every find in a guide book. Be sure to pickup a phrase book just in case you find yourself amongst locals that don't speak English. They are as excited to find out about our culture as you are about theirs.
5) Don't try to plan too much in one trip. You will end up exhausted at the end of the trip and you won't have a chance to really enjoy the places you did visit. I like to spend a minimum of 3 nights in one place. This way you get two full days to see everything.
6) Don't pack too much. I am sure if you traveled in the past you've packed 20 items and only wore 10. Now I have learned to take things that I absolutely love and plan to wear them a couple times. I never take something I have never worn before. This is especially important when you are on the go and not staying in the same place for a week. How much do you really need? - that is always the question I ask myself.
7) Keep an open mind and take in as much as you can. I love to take a note book and take notes so I can remember everything later. You will enjoy pulling out the notebook a few years after the trip and reading it.
8) Stay safe. If a situation doesn't feel comfortable then it probably isn't. Don't keep your wallet in your back pocket. Pick pockets are all over the world. Never take expensive jewelry. Downside your purse and make sure you keep it close. And DON'T keep all your cards, cash, and passport together. Always travel with copies of your passport. And MOST important trust in God - ask him to keep you safe. :)
I hope this helps.
