Travel Prep by Mom for Jenn’s First Solo International Trip!
Preparing myself for travel is one thing; preparing my daughter for travel is another - especially when it involves solo travel to another country. While she's not a child any more and is a very capable adult, a parent's worry hovering involvement doesn't end. Jenn is on her way to Hong Kong and China for ten days. Watch as I offer my travel words of wisdom on packing and hear Jenn's silent "Yes, Mom... Yes, Mom!" Lots of travel tips for all! Order now! Business Travel Success: How to Reduce Stress, Be More Productive and Travel With Confidence! To receive a free copy of our ...
Ahhhh! Is My Word for the WahWah Spa Experience
If you’re like me, living a life with a never-ending to-do list, making time to truly unwind is something we dream of though seldom make the time for. When we finally do make it a priority to relax, whether we’re near the crash-and-burn point or just want to give ourselves a physical and mental break for all the doing-ness, we look for a way to really enjoy the experience and make it worthwhile to check out for awhile. I found the perfect place to forget about the to-do list for awhile - hours and hours, in fact. With lingering effects that ...
Air New Zealand’s #NoLagToLondon In-Air Focus Group Takes On Jet Lag
With all of the joys that come with traveling, I can think of only one intrinsic downside - jet lag! Quickly changing time zones can not only wreck havoc on your body, but can also put a damper on an exciting trip. The causes are well known (dehydration, normal rhythm out of sync, sitting in a cramped space for hours, etc...), but what can we do to combat them? Recently, Air New Zealand invited me to take part in an "In-air Focus Group" to find out what can be done to reduce the effects of the dreaded jet lag. Our Air New Zealand focus ...
What Do You Collect on Your Travels?
Magnets, postcards, ornaments, spoons, shot glasses, maps, coffee mugs - whatever it is that appeals to you, create a habit of always bringing home a "special something" that can instantly bring back your great memories of your travels around the country or around the world. Many collectibles don't cost much in money but return value over and over again as you fondly recall a city, a beach, foods, time with family and friends. When I reached my 50th U.S. state in the Summer of 2012, I was ecstatic to have visited each and every state. Though it was also bittersweet because ...
A Reader Asks: I’d Love to Go to France But I Don’t Speak French – Help!
[caption id="attachment_3321" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Avenue des Champs Elysees -- A Must-Do! Enjoy lunch at an outdoor cafe and people watch, then shop! shop! shop![/caption] Reader Sue asks: I would love to plan a solo trip to Paris but I speak absolutely NO French. Will I be able to navigate the city, hotel and restaurants? It was easy when I went to Rome because almost everyone spoke some English. Sue – I understand completely how you feel. I was wondering the same thing on my first trip to France. Next week I’m heading to Japan for my inaugural visit and have that same ...
Reader Question: What Adaptor is Needed in the UK For My Kindle?
A reader asks: I am going to England in June and need to know what type of converter or adaptor I need for my Kindle. How exciting for you! Bring an adaptor for your Kindle that looks like this: The UK adaptor is large (compared to other countries) and has three, substantial, flat prongs. You can purchase either a UK-only adaptor or a multi-country adaptor. I tend to like the multi-country adaptors.... [Read more]
Six Weeks to Summer Series: Days 23-30 – Airport Workouts
It is Days 23-230 of this 42-day series on Six Weeks to Summer: A Traveler’s Fitness Plan. Airports are known for their long walkways to gates. Take advantage of this and get your walking in for the day! I did this recently at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport where I had a four-hour layover time. Several airports (both in the U.S. and internationally) have lockers in which you can store your... [Read more]
Shower Cap: One of Your Best Travel Companions
Whenever I stay at hotels that offer shower caps as an amenity, I grab them. They weigh virtually nothing and take up no room. There are many travel uses for shower caps but here are a few besides the obvious use of a cap when showering: Shoe covers. Cover your shoes with them to protect everything else in your bag. Electronics covers. Okay, this only works for smaller items but they work well. Makeup... [Read more]
ALWAYS Use the “Do Not Disturb” Sign!
I love arriving into a new hotel room, even after years and years of traveling. There’s just something about checking out what a room has to offer that still excites me. Until the other night… … when the first thing I saw at 11:30 pm after the lights went on was luggage. Open luggage on the floor, luggage that wasn’t mine. It didn’t take me long to realize the room was... [Read more]
Six Weeks to Summer Series: Days 23-24 – Winning the Fight Against Stress Eating
It is Days 23-24 of this 42-day series on Six Weeks to Summer: A Traveler’s Fitness Plan. Just passed the half-way point to my goal of a 12-pound donation back to the universe! Travel and Stress seem to naturally go together. Struggles to get through Security with your possessions and body intact, flight delays, sitting inside a tube next to someone you’d never want as a Facebook friend breathing... [Read more]
Six Weeks to Summer Series: Days 18-22 – Get Out and Move!
It is Days 18-22 of this 42-day series on Six Weeks to Summer: A Traveler’s Fitness Plan. Wearing a pedometer to track the number of steps I walk each day is helping to keep me moving. The days are getting nicer in Norway and the streets are calling! Rather than using my hotel’s fitness center, I hit the streets and walked to the fitness center in town. The hotels in town have an arrangement... [Read more]
Six Weeks to Summer Series: Days 15-17 – How a Hotel Can Impact Our Health and Fitness Goals
It is Days 15-17 of this 42-day series on Six Weeks to Summer: A Traveler’s Fitness Plan. I am combining a few days into one post since I have virtually done the same-same each of the past few days in my goal towards fitness. I am now in Kristiansand, Norway at Rica Hotel’s Hotel Norge (pronounced ‘Nor-ga’) and will be here much of the next two weeks. There are three health-friendly... [Read more]
More Than a Restaurant, Luihn’s is an Experience
Do you ever find a restaurant so special that you want to tell the world? Yet at the same time keep it a secret all to yourself? That’s what I have found at Luihn’s. Located in Kristiansand Norway, chef Roy Parker is someone I wish I could pack in my suitcase and take up residence in my kitchen forever. His wife, Lisbeth. is wine connoisseur extraordinaire. She also comes home in my suitcase,... [Read more]
Six Weeks to Summer Series: Day 14 Norway Bound!
It is Day 14 of this 42-day series on Six Weeks to Summer: A Traveler’s Fitness Plan. Travel Day (again)! As I get ready to close my suitcase and head out the door, I take an inventory of my food stash that will be traveling with me: Chocolate-flavored protein powder Chia seed Protein bars Walnuts Two packages of tuna to add to a salad Beef jerky These will be part of my upcoming breakfasts and snacks... [Read more]
Six Weeks to Summer Series: Day 13 Home for 36 Hours!
It is Day 13 of this 42-day series on Six Weeks to Summer: A Traveler’s Fitness Plan. I arrived home close to midnight on Monday night. I am home until noon on Wednesday. 36 hours to unpack, do laundry, go through two weeks of mail, get to hair and nail appointments, pack again, do a radio interview, and get over the 13-hour time difference between Japan and home, while getting ready for an upcoming... [Read more]
Six Weeks to Summer Series: Day 12 Homeward Bound from Japan
It is Day 12 of this 42-day series on Six Weeks to Summer: A Traveler’s Fitness Plan. Two flights to get home – 26 hours door to door. I arrived at Narita Airport too early to check in. Typical international check-in is about two hours prior to the flight and I arrived earlier than that. Wandering around, I scoped out the offerings of the Japanese restaurants throughout the terminal. Thankfully... [Read more]
Six Weeks to Summer Series: Day 11 Tokyo Touring
It is Day 11 of this 42-day series on Six Weeks to Summer: A Traveler’s Fitness Plan. The day started in Yokohama as that is where we disembarked our cruise ship. This looks like a really nice city to visit, though it will have to be on a future trip. I am Tokyo-bound to spend a bit of time with my husband exploring the city before he heads to Hong Kong for business. This is my official first visit... [Read more]
Air New Zealand’s #NoLagToLondon In-Air Focus Group Takes On Jet Lag
With all of the joys that come with traveling, I can think of only one intrinsic downside – jet lag! Quickly changing time zones can not only wreck havoc on your body, but can also put a damper on an exciting trip. The causes are well known (dehydration, normal rhythm out of sync, sitting in a cramped space for hours, etc…), but what can we do to combat them? Recently, Air New Zealand invited... [Read more]
