I get questions all the time on packing tips. Because I travel so much, people assume I’m an expert on packing. I’m learning, but I’m certainly no expert. I make the same mistake as everyone else--I pack too much and say a few choice words because my suitcase is too heavy to carry.
When my children were growing up, and packing for a trip, they used to ask me all the time, “Mom, can I take ‘this’ or ‘that’ with me on the trip?” My answer was always the same: “You can take whatever you want, as long as you can carry it.” My daughters, now young women, remember those words and repeat them back to me quite often, particularly when I can’t pick up my own suitcase because I over packed
I recently read an article in our trade magazine ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) that had some good pointers that might prove useful when packing for future trips. It is particularly important now when most airlines are charging for checked luggage. Cutting down is the name of the game.
Make a packing list so you don’t forget anything. This list could also help with repacking --not to forget anything hanging behind the bathroom door or a pair of shoes under the bed. Also, if you are one of those unfortunate few who have their luggage lost or stolen, you have a list of the contents for insurance purposes.
Think about where you’re going and plan your wardrobe accordingly. Are you going on a bicycle trip through France, a luxury cruise in the Mediterranean, a business meeting in Chicago or river rafting in Colorado? Consider the events you will participate in, both day and night, and write down what you will need for the different activities. Crosscheck your packing list to see if one piece can be worn with more than one outfit. Pick clothes that coordinate well together.
Over the years my travel wardrobe is basically black, with colorful accessories. Black hides a multitude of sins, and it also matches my shoes. I try hard to get away with two pairs of shoes: shoes for walking and a pair of sandals or flats to change into for the evening. Depending on the trip, I may include my hiking boots.
Since I often have to carry my own suitcase, I long ago stopped packing an outfit for every occasion. Also, since most of my trips are over two weeks, I have started using the hotel ‘s laundry facilities. It can get expensive, but it sure beats packing 14 different outfits. I always pack a windbreaker with a hood and a jacket/sweater. For outdoor activities I layer my clothes to be prepared for cooler weather.
By making a list, I have a good idea what I want to take. Next, I start laying everything out in my guestroom. Actually, I may start a week before the trip and when I remember something, I put it with the other items. Once everything is laid out, I go over my itinerary again and try to eliminate what I think I can live without.
Over the years I have tried folding my clothes, layering my clothes, and using those space-saver airtight bags. The article I just read suggests ironing everything first, then button all buttons, zip all zippers and fold your clothes like they do in the stores. Also, using a piece of tissue paper when folding your clothes helps prevent wrinkling. That seems like a lot of work to me. Again, check your itinerary and think chronologically, placing the items to be worn first on the top. Eliminate wasted space by possibly rolling t-shirts or putting socks and underwear in the insides of shoes.
Several months ago I found a great travel bag at a container store. This bag can be folded flat and has at least 15 pockets of different shapes and sizes. I have my toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, make-up, tweezers, aspires, band-aids, body lotion, liquid soap, deodorant, sunscreen, hair gel, hair spray, etc. This bag always stays packed and after each trip, I refill everything. Now, with the new rules about carrying liquids on board, I put this travel bag in my checked luggage.
Thank goodness for digital cameras. Not having to pack rolls and rolls of film saves me lots of room in my carry-on. I do pack my camera accessories, i.e. a battery charger and lenses and even my laptop computer in my carry-on. I used to carry a corkscrew, a Swiss army knife and razor in the bag, but that is now packed separately in my checked baggage and stays in the suitcase to be used on my next trip. I also keep a small umbrella and rain cape packed, just in case.
As for jewelry, leave the flashy stuff at home. Once again, it depends on where you’re going. In most deluxe hotels and on cruise ships, there is a safe in the room (or cabin), and expensive jewelry can be locked up. If you were going to a third world country, where there is lots of poverty, I definitely would leave my good jewelry home. It doesn’t pay to advertise, or better yet, don’t take what you don’t want to lose.
Always carry travel documents, medications, jewelry and your passport in your carry-on luggage. Label each piece of luggage, inside and out, with your name and telephone number, not your address. I actually put my business card in my luggage tag. Remove old airline tags to avoid confusion. I carry my passport, credit cards and cash on my body, in a holder that fits around my neck. There are several different types of travel holders that fit around your waist or under your arm. Find one that is comfortable for you and if there is not a safe in your room, I’d definitely carry my passport, cash and credit cards with me.
Throughout the years I have learned lots of tricks that make traveling a little easier. I always carry extra zip-lock plastic bags for a wet bathing suit or a bottle of lotion that might leak. I also use disposable shower caps to cover my shoes to protect my clothes. I bring pre-addressed labels that I can stick on postcards. I pack one or two wire coat hangers for drying clothes. I always carry a small bottle of anti-bacterial soap in my pocket.
If you have helpful hints on packing or information you’ve gathered over the years that could prove helpful, please let me know. I’ll gladly pass on your information.
Have a great trip.
TRAVEL TIP: Better Safe Than Sorry
In the past few years I’ve written several articles on travel safety. Sometimes we get lax and in a rush to get ready for a trip, we sometimes forget the basics.
When I travel I tend to use credit cards and a debit card whenever I can. Before I leave home I always call my credit card companies and tell them where I am going and the dates I am traveling. I always take more than one credit card; if I should lose one I don’t want to be stranded far away from home without a credit card for unexpected expenses. I do not sign the back of my credit cards. Instead, I write photo I.D. required. That will certainly make it harder for someone to walk into Neiman Marcus in Dallas or Harrods in London and buy that diamond bracelet they always wanted! Seriously, every time you use your credit card having to show photo identification is an added safety factor.
I also make sure I have a photocopy of everything in my wallet--driver’s license, credit cards (both front and back,) insurance cards, etc. Not only will I have the account numbers if my wallet is stolen, I will also have the numbers to call to report the loss. I do not carry my social security card with me. Most of us know our social security numbers and that is not a valid form of identification. Someone who steals your wallet could do serious damage if they also have your social security number.
I recently read in a travel magazine that if your wallet is stolen and you lose credit cards, you should also call the three national credit reporting organizations (Equifax: 800-525-6285, Experian: 888-397-3742 and Trans Union: 800-680-7289) and place a fraud alert on your name as well as the Social Security fraud line (800-269-0271.) If thieves decide to buy a big-ticket item, this could prevent serious damage to your credit and stop the thieves dead in their tracks.
In many developing countries it isn’t always practical using credit or debit cards. In the larger cities there are ATM machines in most banks, but not in small, rural villages. Sometimes carrying cash is a necessity. When shopping at flea markets in Botswana or Honduras, it’s important to have cash in the local currency. Sometimes lots of one-dollar bills come in handy. When carrying cash I always wear a money belt. I do carry a small amount of money for purchases in my pockets or in a purse with a strap that goes across my chest. I also pin a small change purse to the inside of my jacket or blouse. I don’t ever open my money belt in public…that is asking for trouble.
If there is a safe in my hotel room, I leave my passport, but always have a copy with me. Depending on what I’m doing for the day, I will also leave my money belt, credit cards, airline tickets, etc.
Another safety tip I recently read about was locking your car with your automatic door lock on your key. Most of us get out of our car, key in hand, press the locking mechanism and walk away. Apparently thieves have discovered a way to clone your security code when locking your door automatically. This has been working well at tourist attractions and shopping malls when thieves know you will be gone for a while. The police suggest manually lock your car door by hitting the lock button inside your car or using the key itself to lock the door. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
A word about hotel reservations. I know many people like to wing it and don’t want to be tied to a set itinerary. However, trying to find a hotel room at midnight isn’t fun either. When my daughter Erin and I were driving across country several years ago, we arrived in La Crosse, Wisconsin, at 9:00 pm and there wasn’t a hotel room to be found. The entire city was sold out. When I realized we would have to drive to Madison, Wisconsin, a two hour drive, I picked up my AAA book and started calling major hotel chains, i.e. Days Inn, Holiday Inn, Courtyard, etc. There was very little available, but we did manage to make a reservation at the Holiday Inn Express, arriving at midnight. The moral of the story: once you decide on your destination for the night, go online or call ahead and make reservations. Most people stop between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm and hotels sell out. Guaranteeing your reservation to a credit card will guarantee you a place to stay, even if you arrive at 9:00 pm.
One quick word about jewelry…leave the good stuff home!! Seriously, if you are traveling to third world or developing countries, or anywhere, for that matter, there’s no reason to be flashing your two-carat diamond ring. I have had clients look at me and tell me they haven’t had their wedding ring off in 20 years, and they don’t want to take it off now. I understand the sentimentality, but wearing jewelry when traveling attracts too much attention and puts you and the group in a precarious position.
I think the best word of advice is to use your intuition and be smart. Be aware of where you are and who is around you. Traveling is fun and going new places is exciting. Be safe.
When I travel I tend to use credit cards and a debit card whenever I can. Before I leave home I always call my credit card companies and tell them where I am going and the dates I am traveling. I always take more than one credit card; if I should lose one I don’t want to be stranded far away from home without a credit card for unexpected expenses. I do not sign the back of my credit cards. Instead, I write photo I.D. required. That will certainly make it harder for someone to walk into Neiman Marcus in Dallas or Harrods in London and buy that diamond bracelet they always wanted! Seriously, every time you use your credit card having to show photo identification is an added safety factor.
I also make sure I have a photocopy of everything in my wallet--driver’s license, credit cards (both front and back,) insurance cards, etc. Not only will I have the account numbers if my wallet is stolen, I will also have the numbers to call to report the loss. I do not carry my social security card with me. Most of us know our social security numbers and that is not a valid form of identification. Someone who steals your wallet could do serious damage if they also have your social security number.
I recently read in a travel magazine that if your wallet is stolen and you lose credit cards, you should also call the three national credit reporting organizations (Equifax: 800-525-6285, Experian: 888-397-3742 and Trans Union: 800-680-7289) and place a fraud alert on your name as well as the Social Security fraud line (800-269-0271.) If thieves decide to buy a big-ticket item, this could prevent serious damage to your credit and stop the thieves dead in their tracks.
In many developing countries it isn’t always practical using credit or debit cards. In the larger cities there are ATM machines in most banks, but not in small, rural villages. Sometimes carrying cash is a necessity. When shopping at flea markets in Botswana or Honduras, it’s important to have cash in the local currency. Sometimes lots of one-dollar bills come in handy. When carrying cash I always wear a money belt. I do carry a small amount of money for purchases in my pockets or in a purse with a strap that goes across my chest. I also pin a small change purse to the inside of my jacket or blouse. I don’t ever open my money belt in public…that is asking for trouble.
If there is a safe in my hotel room, I leave my passport, but always have a copy with me. Depending on what I’m doing for the day, I will also leave my money belt, credit cards, airline tickets, etc.
Another safety tip I recently read about was locking your car with your automatic door lock on your key. Most of us get out of our car, key in hand, press the locking mechanism and walk away. Apparently thieves have discovered a way to clone your security code when locking your door automatically. This has been working well at tourist attractions and shopping malls when thieves know you will be gone for a while. The police suggest manually lock your car door by hitting the lock button inside your car or using the key itself to lock the door. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
A word about hotel reservations. I know many people like to wing it and don’t want to be tied to a set itinerary. However, trying to find a hotel room at midnight isn’t fun either. When my daughter Erin and I were driving across country several years ago, we arrived in La Crosse, Wisconsin, at 9:00 pm and there wasn’t a hotel room to be found. The entire city was sold out. When I realized we would have to drive to Madison, Wisconsin, a two hour drive, I picked up my AAA book and started calling major hotel chains, i.e. Days Inn, Holiday Inn, Courtyard, etc. There was very little available, but we did manage to make a reservation at the Holiday Inn Express, arriving at midnight. The moral of the story: once you decide on your destination for the night, go online or call ahead and make reservations. Most people stop between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm and hotels sell out. Guaranteeing your reservation to a credit card will guarantee you a place to stay, even if you arrive at 9:00 pm.
One quick word about jewelry…leave the good stuff home!! Seriously, if you are traveling to third world or developing countries, or anywhere, for that matter, there’s no reason to be flashing your two-carat diamond ring. I have had clients look at me and tell me they haven’t had their wedding ring off in 20 years, and they don’t want to take it off now. I understand the sentimentality, but wearing jewelry when traveling attracts too much attention and puts you and the group in a precarious position.
I think the best word of advice is to use your intuition and be smart. Be aware of where you are and who is around you. Traveling is fun and going new places is exciting. Be safe.
TRAVEL TIP: Health Tips for Traveling Abroad
I realize I write a travel column, not a family column. However, when you are sidetracked with a knee replacement, and not traveling, a family column sounds pretty good. The “Cox” family have been in the paper several times this past month; thank you for all your wonderful comments and letting me share the happy events in our lives.
In the past eight years, the majority of my travels have been to developing or third world countries. I’m often asked if I experienced any health problems while traveling, and are there any “secret remedies” to avoid the usual travel maladies.
I have no secret remedies or family recipes to avoid the typical travel woes, but I do pass on lots of advice for those going to a developing country.
The first thing I suggest is to see your family doctor to make sure you have no health problems that would be difficult to treat far from home. Next, I suggest you go to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website: www.cdc.gov/travel/ to see if any vaccinations are needed. You can also check with a local travel clinic for the same information (Loma Linda Travel Clinic, 909-558-4594.) If vaccinations are suggested, it’s best to start several weeks or even months in advance. Some vaccines don’t reach their highest protection until six weeks after the injection. Some viral diseases, i.e. Hepatitis A, require multiple vaccinations at timed intervals. This is also a good time to update routine immunizations, i.e. polio and tetanus-diphtheria. Living in the United States, many diseases have been eradicated, however, that is not the case in many developing countries.
If you’re going to a country with a risk of malaria, the travel clinic, or your personal physician will prescribe anti-malaria medication. Remember to start taking your malaria medicine before you leave on your trip, take it during your travels and keep taking it after you get home. There are several different types of malaria medicine; some you take once a week, others you take daily. Tell the doctor your travel destination, which will determine the type of malaria medicine you need to take. Once you have all the required immunizations, make sure to keep your immunization record with your passport, in case you’re required to show proof of vaccinations in order to enter a country.
The most common problem when traveling in third world countries is travelers’ diarrhea. Even if you follow all the rules: drink only bottled water, avoid ice, don’t eat fruits or vegetables that can’t be peeled, use bottled water to brush your teeth, avoid eating foods from street vendors, don’t eat raw or undercooked seafood or meats, etc., etc., I’m not sure you can totally avoid a day or two of discomfort. It happens to the best of us. Eve John got sick in India and I managed to be down for a day in Vietnam. In both places we received excellent care and managed to be back with the group the next day. In most cases a little Pedialyte will help. I recently read that taking Pepto Bismol four times a day while traveling is a good prophylaxis for travelers’ diarrhea. My only other suggestion is to pack some Imodium and hope for the best.
Whenever I travel, I do have my own personal first-aid kit, which definitely includes both Imodium and Pepto Bismol. I also carry antacids, cough and cold medications, Tylenol, ibuprofen, a decongestant and antihistamine for allergies, some antibiotic ointment and hydrocortisone cream for bites, Band-Aids and moleskin for blisters. If you’re going on a cruise or even traveling on a bus over winding roads, make sure you have some Dramamine or Bonine for motion sickness. Also, I always pack sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, lip balm and a good insect repellent that contains DEET. I also carry anti-bacterial cleanser in my pocket, i.e. Purell, and use it throughout the day as needed. According to every article I’ve read on international travel, hand washing is one of the most important practices in preventing illness from infection. In fact, I’ve become so paranoid I even carry Purell in my purse at home and use it several times a day, particularly if I’m not near a restroom.
International travelers should be aware that medical care in some countries might only be available in larger cities and at private clinics. I do recommend buying travel insurance that includes trip cancellation for medical reasons, medical care in case of illness, hospitalization and emergency medical transportation. If you cancel your trip due to illness, or become ill overseas, you must see a doctor in order to be reimbursed for your trip, or the unused portion of the trip. Keep all your receipts.
If you take prescription drugs, make sure you pack enough for the duration of your trip, and have an extra prescription in case of emergency. If you have allergies or are allergic to certain medications, or have a medical condition, I strongly suggest wearing a medical information bracelet. One of my clients, highly allergic to peanuts, learns the word for peanut in the language of the country she’s visiting. In China, she had our guide write out a sentence, in Chinese, that let the restaurants know she could not have any foods with peanuts or peanut oil. If you wear prescription eyewear, make sure to bring an extra pair of contacts or glasses. I always pack two pairs of sunglasses. I found out the hard way that trying to buy a pair of sunglasses in the middle of the Amazon rainforest is impossible!
Traveling to third world countries is interesting, educational, fun and sometimes challenging. The joy of traveling to far off and exotic places is more than compensation for having to take a few vaccinations in order to make travel safer. My philosophy is, I’d rather be safe than sorry. Have a good trip.
In the past eight years, the majority of my travels have been to developing or third world countries. I’m often asked if I experienced any health problems while traveling, and are there any “secret remedies” to avoid the usual travel maladies.
I have no secret remedies or family recipes to avoid the typical travel woes, but I do pass on lots of advice for those going to a developing country.
The first thing I suggest is to see your family doctor to make sure you have no health problems that would be difficult to treat far from home. Next, I suggest you go to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website: www.cdc.gov/travel/ to see if any vaccinations are needed. You can also check with a local travel clinic for the same information (Loma Linda Travel Clinic, 909-558-4594.) If vaccinations are suggested, it’s best to start several weeks or even months in advance. Some vaccines don’t reach their highest protection until six weeks after the injection. Some viral diseases, i.e. Hepatitis A, require multiple vaccinations at timed intervals. This is also a good time to update routine immunizations, i.e. polio and tetanus-diphtheria. Living in the United States, many diseases have been eradicated, however, that is not the case in many developing countries.
If you’re going to a country with a risk of malaria, the travel clinic, or your personal physician will prescribe anti-malaria medication. Remember to start taking your malaria medicine before you leave on your trip, take it during your travels and keep taking it after you get home. There are several different types of malaria medicine; some you take once a week, others you take daily. Tell the doctor your travel destination, which will determine the type of malaria medicine you need to take. Once you have all the required immunizations, make sure to keep your immunization record with your passport, in case you’re required to show proof of vaccinations in order to enter a country.
The most common problem when traveling in third world countries is travelers’ diarrhea. Even if you follow all the rules: drink only bottled water, avoid ice, don’t eat fruits or vegetables that can’t be peeled, use bottled water to brush your teeth, avoid eating foods from street vendors, don’t eat raw or undercooked seafood or meats, etc., etc., I’m not sure you can totally avoid a day or two of discomfort. It happens to the best of us. Eve John got sick in India and I managed to be down for a day in Vietnam. In both places we received excellent care and managed to be back with the group the next day. In most cases a little Pedialyte will help. I recently read that taking Pepto Bismol four times a day while traveling is a good prophylaxis for travelers’ diarrhea. My only other suggestion is to pack some Imodium and hope for the best.
Whenever I travel, I do have my own personal first-aid kit, which definitely includes both Imodium and Pepto Bismol. I also carry antacids, cough and cold medications, Tylenol, ibuprofen, a decongestant and antihistamine for allergies, some antibiotic ointment and hydrocortisone cream for bites, Band-Aids and moleskin for blisters. If you’re going on a cruise or even traveling on a bus over winding roads, make sure you have some Dramamine or Bonine for motion sickness. Also, I always pack sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, lip balm and a good insect repellent that contains DEET. I also carry anti-bacterial cleanser in my pocket, i.e. Purell, and use it throughout the day as needed. According to every article I’ve read on international travel, hand washing is one of the most important practices in preventing illness from infection. In fact, I’ve become so paranoid I even carry Purell in my purse at home and use it several times a day, particularly if I’m not near a restroom.
International travelers should be aware that medical care in some countries might only be available in larger cities and at private clinics. I do recommend buying travel insurance that includes trip cancellation for medical reasons, medical care in case of illness, hospitalization and emergency medical transportation. If you cancel your trip due to illness, or become ill overseas, you must see a doctor in order to be reimbursed for your trip, or the unused portion of the trip. Keep all your receipts.
If you take prescription drugs, make sure you pack enough for the duration of your trip, and have an extra prescription in case of emergency. If you have allergies or are allergic to certain medications, or have a medical condition, I strongly suggest wearing a medical information bracelet. One of my clients, highly allergic to peanuts, learns the word for peanut in the language of the country she’s visiting. In China, she had our guide write out a sentence, in Chinese, that let the restaurants know she could not have any foods with peanuts or peanut oil. If you wear prescription eyewear, make sure to bring an extra pair of contacts or glasses. I always pack two pairs of sunglasses. I found out the hard way that trying to buy a pair of sunglasses in the middle of the Amazon rainforest is impossible!
Traveling to third world countries is interesting, educational, fun and sometimes challenging. The joy of traveling to far off and exotic places is more than compensation for having to take a few vaccinations in order to make travel safer. My philosophy is, I’d rather be safe than sorry. Have a good trip.
Happy First Birthday, Sarah Bina!
Over the years I’ve been known by lots of monikers--mom, chauffer, cook, circus club president, travel agent, Kiwanian, travel writer, mother-in-law and grandma, to name just a few. By far, grandma is my favorite!I was on my way to Portugal, via New Jersey, when I received the call that my daughter, Heather, had gone into labor. I arrived at the hospital shortly after Sarah Bina was born and I knew then and there, she had my heart forever. It’s hard to believe it has been a year since Sarah Bina was born--October 5, 2008.
I decided that being a grandmother definitely gives me bragging rights, so this column is dedicated to Sarah Bina’s first birthday. Sarah is my first grandchild and is named after my mother, who died in 2006. In this picture, my mother is framed by my daughters, Heather (left) and Erin (right) with me above.
Among Ashkenazi Jews (Jews from Germany and Eastern Europe,) it is customary to name children after a deceased relative. This is a way of honoring that person and keeping their memory alive. Naming a child is one of the most important decisions new parents make. The Talmud (Berachot 7b) teaches that a Hebrew name has an influence on its bearer. Hence, it is extremely important to name your children after individuals with positive character traits who have led fortunate lives and have helped bring goodness to the world. My mother, who died at age 89, was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Bina, her middle name, is a Hebrew name that means understanding, intelligence and wisdom.Over the past year I have visited Passaic Park, New Jersey, where Heather, Rob and Sarah Bina make their home. Only 30 minutes from downtown Manhattan through the Lincoln Tunnel (20 minutes by train or express bus,) Passaic Park is an old town with beautiful, large, wooden-frame houses, parks, and shopping centers nearby. It is also a town in transition with a growing, young observant community. There are several synagogues and religious schools, a kosher market and a kosher bakery within a half-mile of their home. It is a common sight to see women pushing strollers to and from the main shopping area or out and about on “Shabbat” (Sabbat begins on Friday evening at sundown and is over on Saturday evening at sundown.) There are even three kosher restaurants in Passaic--a Chinese restaurant, a deli and a pizza parlor. Traffic in Passaic is light since most residents commute into Manhattan by bus or train. The biggest traffic jam I saw was the abundance of strollers parked outside the synagogue on Simchat Torah (The Joy of the Torah--the celebration of the completion of and the beginning of the “Reading of the Torah.”) It was definitely a joyous occasion and entire families were celebrating at the synagogue.
Most of my trips back east are in combination with groups I am taking to Europe. I usually go three or four days early and spend time with Sarah. When I’m not traveling, I go on the web cam every Sunday and Sarah and I “chat.” In the following photograph you can see her delight with the phone!
I got to see when she first started crawling and when she pulled herself up on the bookcase. I’m waiting for her to start walking --that should be any day now. This year Sarah, along with her parents, visited California twice--the last time was this past September for her Auntie Erin’s wedding.Happy birthday, Sarah Bina! I’ll see you in November for Thanksgiving.
Heather, Sarah Bina, and Rob Tzall:
Erin's Wedding
You never know what will happen when you board an airplane.These past several weeks have been hectic, to say the least. Closing my physical office, opening my cyber office and having to learn the technology that keeps me in continuous contact with my clients has been a challenge. (If cut you off, I do apologize.) Once I get my Blackberry in sync with my laptop and Bluetooth, I’ll be a happy camper.
Add a wedding and a total knee replacement to the mixture and my life has been a bit stressful. My knee surgery went fine (thank you, Dr. Gustafson,) and I am home recovering, learning to walk straight, and to bend my knee at a 120 degree angle. Another challenge.
But this article is not about my tech or knee problems, it is about a love story that culminated in the wedding of my youngest daughter, Erin Allison Cox on September 6, 2009. Erin grew up in Redlands and between the Great Y Circus and cheerleading at Redlands High School, was active in the Redlands community. Erin graduated from RHS in 1998, and continued her education at the University of California at Davis followed by four years of medical school at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. Like her mother and sister, Heather Cox Tzall, Erin inherited the “travel gene” and has worked and traveled in many third world countries, including, Nicaragua, Honduras, Cuba and Uganda.
This love story actually began in June, 2007, when Erin, upon medical school graduation, was assigned by the US Army to Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, to begin her four-year residency in OB/Gyn. Earlier that April, knowing her assignment, Erin traveled to San Antonio to buy a small condo since she would be living there for at least four years. The condo was to be refurbished and available the Friday before the Memorial Day weekend, when Erin and I planned to fly back to San Antonio to start the moving-in process. Unfortunately (or fortunately as the case may be) we received notice two days prior to our travels that the condo would not close until the Tuesday after the Memorial Day weekend. I could not go with her at that time so Erin changed her reservations and left on her own from Ontario on Monday. When she changed planes in Las Vegas, she sat next to a friendly couple from San Antonio: Denise and Joe Haley. They talked all the way back to San Antonio, and by the time the plane landed, Joe and Denise had taken Erin under their wing. They drove her to Ft. Sam Houston that evening, they waited for her household goods to be delivered a few days later when Erin was back in New York for graduation, and they helped her with the delivery of her new couch a week later. To Erin, and to me, 1500 miles away, Joe and Denise were a godsend.
Their friendship continued and three months after Erin moved to San Antonio, Denise asked her if she would like to be fixed up with the son of a friend--a young man who worked in the local DA’s office. The rest is history. On September 6, 2007, Erin had a blind date with Shane Patrick Keyser, an assistant D.A. with the District Attorney’s office in San Antonio, Texas.
Shane was born and raised in the San Antonio area. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and, after traveling and working a couple of years, completed his law school education at St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio. Shane has a younger brother, Mike Keyser, and a younger sister, Erin Keyser Davis. His parents and grandmother also live in San Antonio. After dating for exactly two years, Erin and Shane were married at the home of Bill and Marjorie Handel on Sunday, September 6, 2009. Bill performed the ceremony and, as expected, was full of humor and yet very sentimental since Marjorie has known Erin since birth and Bill has known her almost as long.
Erin’s attendants included Heather Cox Tzall, New Jersey, Dr. Lisa Levine, New York, Rebecca Dengrove, New York, Cheryl Concannon Lynch, San Diego and Stacy Ellsworth, Redlands. Groomsmen were Mike Keyser, San Antonio, Chris Parker, Dallas, John Muller, San Antonio Patrick Ehemann, Virginia and David Deleon, San Antonio.
This is a love story, but also a story how travel can build new and long lasting friendships.
TRAVEL TIP: Working in Cyberspace & Luggage Update
I first want to thank Janet Landfried for writing the Travel Tips column these past several weeks. Her articles on Southeast Asia were wonderful and it definitely makes me want to go back.
I have moved from my physical office on State Street to a world of computers, Blackberry’s and phones that are not at all sure how and where they are suppose to ring and also seem to be dropping calls. The world of technology is still a mystery to me and I think at my age I’m on the downward slope of the learning curve. It’s interesting how a dot, dash, or slash communicates something totally different to the computer than I had in mind. And having to learn a completely new airline computer system has been a daunting challenge. For over 20 years I have worked on Apollo, the United Airlines network. Travel of America uses Sabre, a division of American Airlines. The only saving grace in the whole mess is the city abbreviations are the same in both computer systems: LAX is still Los Angeles, YUL is still Montreal and SMF is still Sacramento. (I always remembered that abbreviation because for many years I called the people working in our state capital Smurfs--little blue men from outer space.) But that is about the only thing that is similar!! Thank you for you patience during the changeover. If I’ve “dropped” your call, it isn’t that I don’t want to talk to you, it’s somewhere in cyberspace trying to find the right “static IP address.”
In many ways it’s been lovely. I can now take more time with individual clients, share a cup of coffee going over documents and have fun planning vacations and putting together new and different itineraries. With my daughter, Erin, getting married over the Labor Day weekend, it has definitely given me more time to help her and do a lot of the foot work. In June, Erin started her third year of residency in OB/GYN at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. As a Captain in the U.S. Army, Erin gets very little time off and since she is getting married in Los Angeles, I have done a lot of the calling, planning and running. All mothers of the bride will certainly understand!!!
I now sit in front of my world map and dream. Where next? I know people think I have been everywhere, but there are still lots and lots of places I haven’t been and would love to visit. I haven’t been to Japan. I haven’t been to Transylvania to see Dracula’s Castle. I haven’t been to Greenland, Iceland, or Norway. There is still much of South America I would love to see plus a Gorilla Trek in Rwanda is still a dream of mine. That actually may be possible in August, 2010. Mostly it’s been my knees preventing me from going. According to my daughter, Erin, who was on a trek four years ago when living in Uganda, it is rough terrain and can take from one to eight hours to get to the gorilla families. But, come mid-September I will have my first bionic knee and hopefully my second in December. By April, I’ll be ready for my Turkey group (visiting Cappadocia will be a breeze) and by August I’ll be ready for Kenya, with a side trip to Rwanda.
Several months ago, before my trip to Australia in April, I wrote an article on luggage and bought some new lightweight luggage for the trip. Since then I have received several calls about the luggage, asking me the brand name and where I purchased it. I purchased it through the Internet: www.DiscountLuggage.com. The name of the luggage is Hawa SUB -0-G.
It is lightweight. The 26” case weighs only 5.5 pounds compared to the same size luggage by Pathfinder, which weights 13.5 pounds. However, I did find some problems with the lighter suitcase and would not recommend it. I found the biggest problem to be no handle on the side. Usually a suitcase has a handle on top, along with a pullout handle to help with rolling the suitcase, plus a handle on the side to pick it up to put in a trunk or on a train, etc. When a suitcase weighs 50 pounds I found it awkward to pick it up by the top handle, particularly if you are short. Even at the airline counter, when I put it on the scale to check in, it was awkward for them to put it on the conveyor belt without the side handle.
There are other brands of lightweight luggage. The LA Times did an article on the Hawa luggage and I though it looked good. It does look good, it just isn’t practical for me or anyone under 5’5.”
I’ve also been asked about the next Bill Handel trip. We really haven’t set a date. Most likely it will be a river cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest in June, 2010. I should know more in the next few weeks and will put it on my blog--www.WhereInTheWorldIsIlene.blogspot.com. I’m also putting a link on my blog to Travel of America’s new website. They have some awesome specials on cruises. They even have a rail/cruise package for those people who like to cruise, but not fly to get to the cruise.
Speaking of cruises, even when we book your air as part of your cruise package, you still have to pay for checked luggage at the airline counter. Very few airlines have free checked luggage. Southwest, Alaska and Jet Blue were still allowing a free checked bag, but don’t quote me! Check with the airline before going to the airport. Rules and regulations literally change overnight. This topic came up several weeks ago when some clients were surprised they had to pay to check their suitcases. Get use to it --I don’t seen it changing anytime soon.
Another reminder. If you are going out of the country please call your credit card company. With all the fraud going on they want to make sure you are the one using your credit card. If all of a sudden a charge is made in Bogotá, Columbia, and no one notified the company of your vacation itinerary, I guarantee they will not let the charge go through. Save yourself time, call your credit card company before leaving home.
Take care over the Labor Day weekend!
I have moved from my physical office on State Street to a world of computers, Blackberry’s and phones that are not at all sure how and where they are suppose to ring and also seem to be dropping calls. The world of technology is still a mystery to me and I think at my age I’m on the downward slope of the learning curve. It’s interesting how a dot, dash, or slash communicates something totally different to the computer than I had in mind. And having to learn a completely new airline computer system has been a daunting challenge. For over 20 years I have worked on Apollo, the United Airlines network. Travel of America uses Sabre, a division of American Airlines. The only saving grace in the whole mess is the city abbreviations are the same in both computer systems: LAX is still Los Angeles, YUL is still Montreal and SMF is still Sacramento. (I always remembered that abbreviation because for many years I called the people working in our state capital Smurfs--little blue men from outer space.) But that is about the only thing that is similar!! Thank you for you patience during the changeover. If I’ve “dropped” your call, it isn’t that I don’t want to talk to you, it’s somewhere in cyberspace trying to find the right “static IP address.”In many ways it’s been lovely. I can now take more time with individual clients, share a cup of coffee going over documents and have fun planning vacations and putting together new and different itineraries. With my daughter, Erin, getting married over the Labor Day weekend, it has definitely given me more time to help her and do a lot of the foot work. In June, Erin started her third year of residency in OB/GYN at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. As a Captain in the U.S. Army, Erin gets very little time off and since she is getting married in Los Angeles, I have done a lot of the calling, planning and running. All mothers of the bride will certainly understand!!!
I now sit in front of my world map and dream. Where next? I know people think I have been everywhere, but there are still lots and lots of places I haven’t been and would love to visit. I haven’t been to Japan. I haven’t been to Transylvania to see Dracula’s Castle. I haven’t been to Greenland, Iceland, or Norway. There is still much of South America I would love to see plus a Gorilla Trek in Rwanda is still a dream of mine. That actually may be possible in August, 2010. Mostly it’s been my knees preventing me from going. According to my daughter, Erin, who was on a trek four years ago when living in Uganda, it is rough terrain and can take from one to eight hours to get to the gorilla families. But, come mid-September I will have my first bionic knee and hopefully my second in December. By April, I’ll be ready for my Turkey group (visiting Cappadocia will be a breeze) and by August I’ll be ready for Kenya, with a side trip to Rwanda.
Several months ago, before my trip to Australia in April, I wrote an article on luggage and bought some new lightweight luggage for the trip. Since then I have received several calls about the luggage, asking me the brand name and where I purchased it. I purchased it through the Internet: www.DiscountLuggage.com. The name of the luggage is Hawa SUB -0-G.
It is lightweight. The 26” case weighs only 5.5 pounds compared to the same size luggage by Pathfinder, which weights 13.5 pounds. However, I did find some problems with the lighter suitcase and would not recommend it. I found the biggest problem to be no handle on the side. Usually a suitcase has a handle on top, along with a pullout handle to help with rolling the suitcase, plus a handle on the side to pick it up to put in a trunk or on a train, etc. When a suitcase weighs 50 pounds I found it awkward to pick it up by the top handle, particularly if you are short. Even at the airline counter, when I put it on the scale to check in, it was awkward for them to put it on the conveyor belt without the side handle.
There are other brands of lightweight luggage. The LA Times did an article on the Hawa luggage and I though it looked good. It does look good, it just isn’t practical for me or anyone under 5’5.”
I’ve also been asked about the next Bill Handel trip. We really haven’t set a date. Most likely it will be a river cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest in June, 2010. I should know more in the next few weeks and will put it on my blog--www.WhereInTheWorldIsIlene.blogspot.com. I’m also putting a link on my blog to Travel of America’s new website. They have some awesome specials on cruises. They even have a rail/cruise package for those people who like to cruise, but not fly to get to the cruise.
Speaking of cruises, even when we book your air as part of your cruise package, you still have to pay for checked luggage at the airline counter. Very few airlines have free checked luggage. Southwest, Alaska and Jet Blue were still allowing a free checked bag, but don’t quote me! Check with the airline before going to the airport. Rules and regulations literally change overnight. This topic came up several weeks ago when some clients were surprised they had to pay to check their suitcases. Get use to it --I don’t seen it changing anytime soon.
Another reminder. If you are going out of the country please call your credit card company. With all the fraud going on they want to make sure you are the one using your credit card. If all of a sudden a charge is made in Bogotá, Columbia, and no one notified the company of your vacation itinerary, I guarantee they will not let the charge go through. Save yourself time, call your credit card company before leaving home.
Take care over the Labor Day weekend!
TRAVEL TIP: Are You a Passport Procrastinator?
Not another column on passports! How many times can you tell people they need a passport to travel outside the United States? Apparently, it still hasn’t sunk in. Of course, it doesn’t help when the government keeps changing the rules.The final phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative went into effect June 1, 2009. It very clearly states that U.S. citizens must present a passport book, a passport card or another document approved by the U.S. government when entering the United States by land or by sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.
I’m not sure if it was the cruise companies or the cruise passengers that complained the loudest, but a tiny loophole was created. U.S. citizens who board a cruise ship at a port within the United States, travel only within the Western Hemisphere and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship may present government-issued photo identification (i.e. a drivers license,, along with proof of citizenship such as an original copy of his or her birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization.
This type of cruise is called a closed-loop cruise. So, for all you cruisers who love the three-, four- and seven-day cruises to Mexico out of Los Angeles or a short hop to the Bahamas out of Miami, or even a Canadian cruise (as long as it comes to the same port in the U.S.) have a temporary reprieve. However, keep in mind that you could be refused entrance into a foreign country without a passport card or a passport book. And, if there is an emergency and you need to fly back to the U.S., you will not be permitted to board the plane without a passport.
One day the government is really going to mean what it says--all U. S. citizens will need to have a passport if they plan to travel to foreign lands, including Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Save yourself a headache-- apply for a passport, or at least a passport card if you frequently go to Mexico or Canada. According to Ann at the passport office on Brookside, it is now taking four to six weeks to get a passport. A rush order takes two to three weeks. If you want to plan a trip or it’s an emergency and you need to depart within 14 days, you can make an appointment at the Los Angeles Passport Office (1-877-487-2778.) You will need proof you are leaving the country such as an airline ticket or trip itinerary. If you are really desperate you can contact a private company that will walk your application through, usually the same day. Be prepared to pay dearly for that service.
There are also some updated requirements for children and groups. Children under 16, who are U.S. citizens entering the U.S. by land or by sea from “contiguous territory” (Mexico or Canada,) may present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or a Canadian citizenship card.
Children under 19 traveling in groups, including school groups, religious groups, social or cultural organizations or sports teams, who are entering the U.S. by land or by sea from contiguous territory may present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or a Canadian citizenship card. Hopefully no one will need to fly back to the U.S. because without a passport, they will not be able to board a flight. These new regulations only apply when entering or leaving the U.S. by land or by sea.
Last week my article was about Redlands Travel Service moving from its present location on West State Street. I received several phone calls from clients who don’t own computers and still prefer to use a telephone or meet face to face. That’s great. Our phone numbers will not change and I always enjoy meeting with clients. You will receive the same personalized service plus enjoy the benefits of being affiliated with Travel of America. Between my computer and my cell phone, I can always be reached.
A Brighter Tomorrow
For several months there have been rumors that Redlands Travel is closing its doors. That is not the case. Times are changing and so is Redlands Travel Service. On the first of August we are moving from our physical space to cyberspace. It simply makes more sense. We have found that the majority of our clients are already communicating with us online or by phone. Thanks to cell phones and laptop computers, we can now work from anywhere (my granddaughter, Sarah Bina, is growing much too fast and this will definitely enable me to travel to New Jersey every few months so she will know her grandma!)
Don’t worry; you will still receive the same personalized service, the same quality products and the same expertise that has made Redlands Travel Service your choice to see the world. For our clients who enjoy meeting with us in person, we will gladly arrange a time to meet with you to review your travel documents, future travel plans, or to answer any of your travel related questions.
In order to broaden our approach to travel and enhance future trips, we have affiliated with Travel of America, an agency with which we have worked on many occasions planning the Bill Handel trips. Travel of America shares our commitment to personalized service and uses many of the same companies with whom we have worked with for many years.
We are also updating our website, www.RedlandsTravelService.com. On the site we are adding new features and information and will include the pictorial journal of past trips, formally seen on my blog, WhereInTheWorldIsIlene.blogspot.com. Click the comment box and let me know when you cyber visit.I keep using the term we. Peggy Jacinto, whom I have worked with for over 20 years, will continue to work with me. You can still reach us at the same familiar numbers:
909-792-8100 and
800-339-8417.
My e-mail is ilenecox@hotmail.com.
Peggy can be reached at 4peggyj@verizon.net.
Our new mailing address, as of August, will be
700 E. Redlands Blvd., Suite U407,
Redlands, CA 92373.
I will still continue traveling and writing my Travel Tips column. Look for articles on Turkey in October, Whale Watching in Baja in February, a wonderful river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest (part of the Bill Handel series) in June and a Kenya safari in late August.
We are excited about this next chapter in travel. We look forward to working with you on your future travel plans.
AUSTRALIA #8 -Farewell!
Our last two days in Sydney. We were up bright and early for our outing to Featherdale Wildlife Park, the Blue Mountains and to Leura Village for lunch. Since we had already been to Kangaroo Island and saw an abundance of animals in their natural environment, we scoffed at the thought of seeing animals in a “zoo-like” environment. It was fabulous.
Kangaroos and wallabies were bouncing around the park and koalas were smiling for pictures from their perch in a eucalyptus tree. In one area you could actually feed and pet the kangaroos and wallabies. When they had “had it” with tourists, they bounced off to a roped off area where no tourists were permitted. We even saw a wallaby with a joey in her pouch, sticking its head out to check out his new surroundings. So cute!!!
We walked through the park, amazed at the abundance of animals and the interesting and well-kept areas in which they were housed. I finally saw a tasmanian devil…strange looking with a disproportionate head and prominent jaw and teeth.
I also saw an albino kangaroo for the first time. I didn’t even know they existed. And I finally saw a Glossy Black Cockatoo (we looked in Kangaroo Island but never did find one in the wild.) It was an amazing morning and none of us wanted to leave the park. If you’re planning an outing outside Sydney, Featherdale Wildlife Park is a must. If you’re an animal person plan for at least two to three hours, you won’t be disappointed.Next on our agenda were the Blue Mountains and the famous “Three Sisters” rock formation. The Tree Sisters is one of several well-known natural attractions, a unique sandstone rock formation towering above the Jamison Valley at Echo Point. The name of the formation is from an Aboriginal legend about three sisters who fell in love with three brothers from another tribe, whom they were not allowed to marry. This caused a tribal battle. To make the story short, in order to protect the three sisters they were turned into stone by a witchdoctor. It was supposed to be a temporary spell, but the witchdoctor died and no one could reverse the spell. I love these romantic tales.
The Blue Mountain region is absolutely beautiful with many hiking trails, waterfalls and amazing rock formations. While most tourists come out to see the Three Sisters rock formation, there are lots of places to visit if you have the time and enjoy the great outdoors. On our way back to Sydney we stopped for a late lunch in Leura, a small village with quaint shops and a really nice restaurant, the Bon Ton.Sunday, our last day in Sydney. Carolyn Groves and I walked down to the Rocks, near the base of the Harbour Bridge, to an artisan outdoor market that stretched on for blocks.
Several members of the group visited the Sydney Aquarium and spent the afternoon in Darling Harbour. And then there was Dave and Lisa Lunzer and Sabina and Alan Duke, who had reservations to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge at 11:00 that morning.I’m glad to report that all went well and they had a great time on the climb. They reported in at 10:30, changed into the grey climbing suit and met with the other eight brave souls for an orientation meeting and a class on Bridge Climbing 101!!! According to the climbers, the view was magnificent, the climb down a bit scary, and the exaltation and realization that they actually climbed 440 feet above Sydney Harbour, priceless. Check out their smiling faces--they really enjoyed the climb. If you are planning a trip to Sydney the cost of the climb is $125 (AUS) per person and reservations are a must.
We met for cocktails at 6:00 that evening at the Shangri-La lounge to share our days’ adventures and then to the Summit Restaurant for our farewell dinner. The restaurant was delightful and we thoroughly enjoyed the revolving 360-degree view of the city skyline. According to Lisa and Sabina, it was a lot easier seeing the view from the restaurant and taking the elevator up 47 floors than it was climbing the bridge that morning!!!
Usually after a three-week trip I’m ready to head home. I wasn’t ready to leave Australia. The trip was wonderful from the rainforests and reefs of Cairns to the bright lights and excitement of Sydney. For nature lovers to city slickers, Australia has something for everyone.
AUSTRALIA #7 - Sydney, the Heartbeat of Australia
We flew into Sydney in the late afternoon. I had mixed emotions. I didn’t want to leave Tasmania, yet I was excited to get to Sydney. It also meant our trip was coming to an end.We stayed at the Shangri-La Hotel in the historic Rocks area overlooking Sydney Harbor and the Sydney Opera House. The view from our room was spectacular.
Once settled in the hotel we walked down the hill to Circular Quay, a lively area with parks, boutiques and restaurants and a great place to people watch. It is also the transportation hub for ferries and trains coming into the city and is quite near the Opera House.The following morning we were off early for a tour of the city. Our first stop--the Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of Australia's most well known and photographed landmarks. It is the world's largest (but not the longest) steel arch bridge with the top of the bridge standing 440 feet above the harbour. The bridge opened for traffic in March, 1932. Four people in the group had reservations to climb the bridge the following Sunday. It was interesting to see their reaction as our guide talked about the bridge and the height over the water.
Our next stop was Darling Harbour, a large recreational and pedestrian area near Chinatown in downtown Sydney. On my first trip to Sydney in 1999 we stayed in the Darling Harbour area and it was fun with all the restaurants and tourist attractions close by. Since 1999 the area has doubled in size. The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, a venue for the 2000 Summer Olympic, contributed to the area’s popularity along with several other major facilities including the Sydney Aquarium, the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Imax Theater, among others.
The last stop on our morning tour was Bondi Beach, well known among surfers worldwide. It became a household name during the 2000 Summer Olympics as the venue for volleyball. It has a beautiful white sandy beach and lots of cafes and restaurants, a popular nightspot for the younger crowd.
Absolutely no trip to Sydney would be complete without a tour of the Sydney Opera House. It is probably the most recognizable building in the world as well as the most famous performing arts center in the world. The tour of the Opera House was wonderful.
The planning of the Opera House actually began in the late 1940s. A competition was launched in September 1955 to find the best design for a multi-functional performing arts center. The criteria specified a large hall seating 3,000 and a small hall for 1,200 people, each to be designed for different uses including full-scale operas, orchestral and choral concerts, mass meetings, lectures, ballet performances and other presentations. The winner, announced in 1957, was Jorn Utzon, a Danish architect.
The estimated cost of the project was seven million dollars with a time estimate of three years. The Sydney Opera House opened its doors on October 20, 1973, 93 million dollars over budget and taking 14 years to build. Jorn Utzon, the architect, was ahead of his time. His original design was structurally impossible to build. After several long and frustrating years Utzon finally altered his design and gave the roof vaults a defined spherical geometry. This enabled the roofs to be constructed in a pre-cast fashion, greatly reducing both time and cost.
The construction problem’s continued and were compounded when a new government was elected in NSW (New South Wales) in 1965, partly on the campaign promise to "do something" about the cost overruns with the Opera House." The new government refused to agree to Utzon’s new design ideas and proposed construction methods. In February. 1966, Utzon was forced to resign as stage II was nearing completion. A team of Australian architects took over and after an extensive review of the proposed functions of the building, proceeded with its completion. Utzon went back to Denmark. He was not invited to the grand opening in 1973. In later years there was a reconciliation and Utzon was hired as a consultant for a new addition to the Opera House. In June, 2007, the Sydney Opera House was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jorn Utzon died in Copenhagen in November, 2008, at the age of 90, having never seen in person his masterpiece come to life for the world to enjoy.
The Opera House tour is an hour and cost approximately $25.00, less if you order online. Since we had tickets for a concert that same evening we strolled along the waterfront and had dinner at the very popular Opera House Bar, overlooking the Harbour Bridge.
The concert, Sense and Sensibility, from Bizet to Debussy, was fabulous and being in the Concert Hall made it even more special. A perfect ending to a wonderful day in Sydney.
Join me next week as we venture outside the city to Featherdale Wildlife Park and a tour of the Blue Mountains.
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