Should I travel because of all the terror outside of my home country?

If you believe the papers, you may well want to stay home and become a recluse. The world can be a dangerous place and the headlines today only added to the fear with news of terrorist attacks. Was travelling less dangerous years ago, I doubt it, but if you paid attention to the news and watched the government warnings, travel was not dangerous then and it is not dangerous now. The key is to be careful where you go and when you go. In retirement we can plan our trips at any time of the year. So if there is an outbreak of violence when we want to travel, postpone the trip. Why do people want to travel to places where there is a history or an outbreak of violence? 

Is it better to be cavalier and argue that when you have come as far with your life as retirement, nothing is going to stop you continuing in the way you want? Alternatively is it more sensible to cower at home, examining the world  from the safety of your computer or television set?

What about the risks of flying compared with driving to the supermarket or gym, and is staying at home really safe anyway? 

Ultimately it is not of course what statistics or what the Internet or the government says, it's how you feel about the journey and destination.   

So check out the area and the country and travel if you want to, just be careful. Staying at home can be just as dangerous, if you believe the politicians of fear that are currently making noise in the press. Travel is fun, educational and safe if you plan correctly.

How to Handle Jet Lag

Many of us travel at this time of year, so I thought I would pass on this information for those of you who are flying. 

A friend of mine is flying off to Paris this week and she is looking forward to a restful trip and we talked a little bit about how to overcome jet lag.

Whether you’re flying from New York to Paris on business, or taking a vacation from Florida to Hawaii, you will probably have to deal with that bane of travellers everywhere: jet lag.

  

With symptoms that vary from daytime sleepiness to gastrointestinal problems to headache to insomnia, jet lag occurs when you cross several time zones quickly, putting your body clock at odds with your external environment. If you’re an Alaskan visiting the Philadelphia branch of your company, for instance, you might be wide awake (7:00 p.m. Alaska time) when the rest of your office is fast asleep (12:00 a.m. Philadelphia time). And the five hour time difference makes a seven a.m. wake up call seem like you’re being awakened in the middle of the night.

The first few days in a new time zone can make all of your normal  rhythms seem out of sync. You have to wake up when you’re used to  sleeping, you’re hungry in the middle of afternoon and aren’t hungry  at meal times, you have to be up and active when your body thinks  you should be asleep. All of this can be disorienting and downright  exhausting.

Fortunately, it’s not difficult to reduce the effects of jet lag on your  body. Before you leave for a foreign time zone, try to reduce your  levels of stress and make sure you get enough sleep. You should also  try to book a flight that will arrive at your destination in the early  evening, which will allow you to go to sleep at the correct time for  your time zone and get a fresh start in the morning.

Before you board the airplane, pack your carry on suitcase with  sleeping aids, like night shades, earplugs, and a neck rest. These items  can help you get rest on the airplane and in your new hotel room.  Make sure to set your watch to your destination’s time as soon as you  get on the airplane. To get acclimated to the new time zone, try to  stay awake during your destination’s daytime hours or get some sleep  during your destination’s nighttime hours.

You can also consider trying Melatonin, an herbal supplement that  can promote sleep and decrease jet lag in some people. Although Canada and many European countries either prohibit or regulate the  use of this supplement, you can obtain it fairly easily in the U.S. If  you decide to try melatonin, you might consider taking five milligram  doses of the supplement at the target bedtime about three to four days  before you leave. Of course, you should contact your primary care  physician before taking any supplements.

Once you've reached your destination, make every effort possible  to adjust your activities (eating, sleeping, and exercising) to the new  time zone. Try to expose yourself to natural light when possible,  which can help your body clock reset itself more quickly. On your  first day in the new time zone, you’ll want to stay awake until 10  pm. local time. (If you need to nap, do so for a short time during the  afternoon.)

To make sure you get enough sleep when travelling, make sure your  hotel room is completely dark and that you've set the temperature  to somewhere between 54 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. You might  consider using a fan or a radio static to block out external noise that  might wake you up. Avoid alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, and eating  heavy meals at least three to four hours before you try to sleep, as all  of these items can keep you awake.

Vblogs (Video Blogs) that share the world with us

YouTube allows anyone to travel without leaving home, for example You can tour France ... in this virtual presentation ...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-oME72bwzg all you need is an Internet connection and a computer. Learning the language is helpful but enjoying France visually is still very good. More than 40 million people visit each year and many know little or no French.

There are also many travel related sites, for example those of you who watch Public Television in the United States or Canada know Rick Steves. Rick posts new content all the time about Europe's top destinations and tips to help you have a smarter, happier trip on his YouTube Channel. Don't miss a thing. Subscribe at https://goo.gl/8iBEnS 

The Travel Documentary Channel  is an online series that describes travel in general or tourist attractions without recommending particular package deals or tour operators. 

If you prefer a hint of the past in your online adventures then Travel Film Archive on YouTube may be the place to start. You can travel back in time and around the world with The Travel Film Archive. The Travel Film Archive is a collection of travelogues and educational and industrial films -- many of them in color - that show the world the way it was between 1900 and 1970. Their holdings include archives of the renowned travel filmmakers Burton Holmes, Andre de la Varre, and James A. FitzPatrick, as well as footage shot by many other intinerant cameramen.

Another interesting site is Travel videos of the world all free Videos include but are not limited to Italy, France, England, Scandinavia, Germany, Austria, Budapest, Prague, St. Petersburg, Istanbul, Greece, Spain. USA, South America, Canada, Egypt, and Asia. The travel movies are entertaining, educational and show how to get the most out of your trip. Most episodes are 10-15 minutes in length, and all of the movies are free.

Someone named Mathew Karsten who became a world traveler in 2010 has a website dedicated to the best travel video sites on YouTube. Check it out here
Some of the channels he recommends are:

 Fun For Louis His name is  is Louis Cole. he make a Daily Video blog of my life!  Heenjoy travelling the world with friends, having fun and inspiring others!

Sona's Travels  Sonia says that traveling is about an attitude, not about a checklist. Each city has it's own vibe, pace and energy. Come along with me as I show you the little nooks and corners that have made my trips special for me. And because every traveler needs to be prepared, I bestow on to you the tips and tricks I have gathered over the years about everything you need when traveling: packing, etc. She puts out a new Video Blog every Thursday

Travel with Kristen Sarah The videos you’ll find on Kristen’s channel help you experience a place through her eyes, and it’s often pretty damn funny. She also publishes interesting how-to videos. 
 
Davids Been Here   David roams the planet with a camera, giving you quick & simple facts about the many locations he visits. He’s got over 1300 videos on his channel, so depending what country you’re interested in, odds are high that David’s been there.

Google Flights Explorer a new way to find a cheap flight

Where should I look to get the best deal on flights to wherever (Some countries not yet supported)?

We are off to Hawaii in September and I am starting to look for flights. I like many use online booking systems but when I found this I was very excited. Time and  money saved.  The information is from the blog site YVR deals, but the information can be used for any airport Google Flights Explorer supports.

All you need to do is search all the major airlines, preferably at once. My current favorite way to do this would be using Google Flights Explorer because you can just enter 'Hawaii' into the 'To' box, and see current airfares from all the major airlines, to all airports in Hawaii, at one time. Not to mention how easy it is to browse through different date combinations.

Even if you're planning to go for a longer date range than this tool supports (currently up to 2 weeks), it will give you an excellent idea of what the typical bottom price is right now to each airport in Hawaii, and which airline(s) it can be found on. Use it as a starting point, and then use a tool with more precise search options, such as...

My second favorite way would be to search using Kayak or Hipmunk. both have all the sort and filter options I need, and searches all major airlines. Click on 'Make my dates flexible' and set it to '+/- 3 days'. You may be surprised how often being a little flexible with your dates can result in a better price.

With both of these search engines, I will need to search the 4 major airports in Hawaii individually. 

What about the thousands of other travel websites that promote airfares to Hawaii?

This is the noise. There is no shortage of travel sites or brands trying to convince you that they have the cheapest flights from Vancouver to Hawaii. The truth is though, there's only one unique source of passenger prices that they're gathering their info from, and that's the ticket prices from the major airlines themselves. Travel aggregators really can't offer a lower price than the airline itself, as there's already virtually no markup.

There are few reasons why I think travelers waste an enormous amount of time checking multiple websites, hoping for a better deal over the one they already found (studies show it to be an average of 22 different sites over 10 periods of research!). The first reason is just human nature. We all want to compare prices for a holiday and make sure we're getting the best travel deal for our dollar.

But I think the biggest reason is simply the noise of travel marketing. With so many travel sites and brands offering holidays competing for your attention, all hoping you'll book through them, combined with the fact that not one of them will *ever* admit to you that their source of ticket prices is the same as everyone else, it's little wonder BC travelers waste so much time searching.

What about searching the airline's website directly?

There's nothing wrong with doing that. It's usually just a lot easier to search all of the airlines heading to Hawaii at once, with a better interface using a good travel search tool. It's amazing how poor many of the airline's search interfaces are. The fares for airplane seats found on any half-decent search engine will be the same as those found on the airline's own website.

One thing vacationers heading to Hawaii can do is just use a search tool to search all the airlines at once, and then go to the airline's own site to book it once you've figured out exactly which flight you want, and what the price is.

What about my local travel agency or independent travel agent in BC?

They're seeing the same prices you are. Depending on the agency or agent, they may or may not charge you a 'booking fee' on top of the airfare price, for their time. As there's virtually no markup on the cost of flights, they can't offer you a price that's any cheaper than from the airline, or from a search tool that properly searches the latest airfares.

Ways to make Travel Easier for seniors

My mother in law is 88 and she still enjoys travelling, but she finds it stressful at times. As we get older we may have to rethink how we plan to travel.

Some of the elderly may find it more stressful to travel but there are ways to make it is much easier trip though if you plan ahead. Many elderly people take daily medications so make sure you have plenty of it. Put it in a safe place where it isn’t likely to get lost. If you have extra pills you will want to pack them separately. If you have some in your purse and some in your luggage you are fine if one of them gets lost.

If you are flying make sure you have a note from the doctor to identify what the medications are. You will have to show them to security and you can keep the lines moving if you have the right documentation with you. Holiday travel is very busy but don’t think for a second that security is going to let their guard down and just let you pass through with it.

Don’t attempt to carry heavy bags around the airport. This can result in you getting hurt. If the airline you are traveling with offers a kiosk outside drive up to it and then go park your car. It is also a good idea to invest in luggage that has wheels on the bottom. This way you can pull them along instead of having to carry them any distance. Most head, back, and neck injuries occur around the holidays due to carrying heavy luggage.

If you use a walker or wheelchair make sure you contact the airline in advance. They are more than willing to accommodate such needs. Since the airport is so busy during the holidays though you need to let them know in advance. This way they can be sure to have staff available to assist you.

You may want to arrive at the airport an hour earlier than specified if you need special assistance. During the holiday season you will find the airport to be very crowded and this can result in it taking longer for you to get to your gate. It may be a good idea for you to take an early morning flight when the traffic is lighter there too if you can get one.

It is a good idea to carry your medical history with you when you travel. This is even more important if you have ongoing health issues. Your medical history can help medical professionals that aren’t familiar with your needs assist you if you aren’t able to tell them. Make sure the medical history includes information regarding any medications you may be allergic to.

Oxygen tanks are a common item that elderly people need when they travel for the holidays. It can be difficult to carry all of them with you that you will need for the duration. Instead of just staying home though talk with the company that delivers your oxygen. Chances are they can arrange for you to get the additional tanks you need when you land at the airport. If you are driving then you will be able to have the oxygen tanks delivered to the hotel or the residence where you are staying.

It isn't a good idea to travel with several oxygen tanks in your vehicle. They can burst into flames if you are involved in a car accident. They are also very heavy and take up a great deal of space. Even if your oxygen tank provider doesn't cover the area where you are going for the holidays, they can put you in touch with another company that does.

Just because a person is older doesn't mean they don’t enjoy traveling. Take your time to make sure you cover all your basis. This will help to ensure you remain safe while you are traveling . The better trip you have getting to your final destination the more you will enjoy your trip.

Packing for a trip

Packing for travelling is an art that I have not yet mastered. I usually over pack even though I think I am not.  I found an interesting site One Bag Packing which helped me a great deal when it came to packing for my trips.  Here is some information that I found useful and hope you do as well. Visit the site it is useful for all travellers.

If there's a "trick" to travelling light, it's the understanding and proper use of a packing list (albeit a different type of list than those you have likely seen). Apart from that, however, there's no single specific secret. Travelling light is a skill comprised of a very large number of very small considerations. Taken individually, many of these might seem relatively unimportant (or unnecessarily meticulous); collectively, however, this selection of small sanities makes it possible to journey for extended periods of time carrying no more than will fit in a surprisingly small bag

I strongly suggest starting with Using A Packing List, because that will yield the most benefit in the least amount of time. Once you've begun to develop your own personal list, continue as and where your interests lead you; you needn't learn everything immediately.

Looking for luggage tips? You'll find much on that topic under the What To Pack It In menu. Appreciate, however, that merely acquiring a new bag, no matter how "perfect", will no more turn you into a one-bag traveller than a superb violin will turn you into a concert soloist!

Take time off and enjoy life

I hope that you are planning a summer vacation, but it might surprise you to learn that the U.S. is the only country in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with no legally required vacation days or holidays. Many countries give their citizens much more time off than the U.S., and the European Union requires at least four weeks of paid vacation a year.

So Who Gets the Most Time Off?

Austrians seem to get the most generous offer with 22 paid vacation days and 13 separate individual holiday days. France also provides a substantial time off package, with 30 paid vacation days a year. Spain and Portugal offer 34 and 35 paid vacation days and holidays, respectively. Belgium and Germany offer 20-paid vacation days and 10 individual holiday days annually.

Historically, so many Europeans choose to take their time off in August, that many businesses in those cities simply close down for the month. French and Italians like to travel to major cities and beaches all around Europe during their month off in August.

Americans Do Not Utilize Time Off

It’s no surprise that Americans do not want to take time away fromwork. Many workers leave their paid time off (PTO) unused, despite near-universal recognition of the importance and benefits of using PTO, from reducing stress to improving productivity when we return to work. 

However, when the U.S. Travel Association asked GfK Public Affairs and Corporate Communications to examine the attitudes and beliefs underlying America’s hard-charging work culture, GfK discovered that the benefits of PTO were no match for the fears that are keeping them at work.

In a survey of more than 1,300 employees and senior business leaders across the United States, it was revealed that workers construct many of their own biggest barriers to taking time off. Returning to a mountain of work and the feeling that nobody else could do their job were cited as the top reasons for not using PTO. The effects of a tough economy still linger with one-third of respondents, who said they could not afford to use their time off, and roughly, a fifth of workers expressed concern that they would be seen as replaceable if they used their PTO.

Although there is no obligation for time off in the United States, the private sector usually offers workers 10 vacation days and 6 individual holiday days. That is bad enough, but to make matters worse, most Americans do not even utilize the full amount of paid time off they receive. Research firm Harris Interactive asserts that Americans only use about 51 percent of their eligible vacation time.

Adam Sacks, president of the Tourism Economics division of Oxford Economics, argues that unused vacation time makes the economy less efficient. “Leaving earned days on the table,” he argues, “harms, not helps, employers by creating a less productive and less loyal employee.”

It seems that the American work ethic and job worries provide an unhealthy pressure, making them less likely to take time away from work. When Americans do take time off, many of them still answer emails and complete other work-related tasks. This all-work mentality has serious implications for companies, employees, and the overall economy.

When it comes to taking PTO, Americans themselves can be the biggest barriers.  Some reasons cited are:

• Returning To A “Mountain Of Work”: Fully 40 percent of American workers cite the heavy workload awaiting their return as the top challenge in taking PTO.
• The Work Martyr Complex: More than one-third of employees (35%) won’t use their time off because they believe “nobody else can do the work while I’m away.”
• Face Time, All the Time: Roughly three-in-ten (28%) respondents do not use all their time off because they want to show complete dedication to the company and their job.
• Lingering Effects Of A Tough Economy: One in three respondents (33%) say they simply “cannot afford” to take PTO. More than one-fifth of respondents (22%) said they didn’t want others to see them as “replaceable.”

America’s Hard-Charging Work Culture

A report in Forbes concluded that if employees took an additional day off each year, the U.S. economy would benefit with an extra $73 billion in output and advantages to both employees and businesses.

Benefits of Holidays

There are many obvious benefits to vacations. Individuals often mention feeling more relaxed, productive, and happy. There is also research that shows that annual holidays significantly decrease the risk of heart attacks in both men and women. Vacationers also report lower blood pressure, improved mental health, less stress, and enhanced energy.

Americans don’t want to ask for the time, and employers are reluctant to offer it, but why? Allowing workers to take time off can put stress on the rest of the team, but so can all work and no play!

• It doesn’t help anyone to have employees burning the midnight oil without a break. Organizations wind up with employee burnout. 37 percent of all working dads said they would consider the option of taking a new job with less pay if it offered a better work-life balance.
• It’s just plain healthy to take vacations. Employees are allowed to unplug, unwind and de-stress. In a study of 13,000 middle-aged men at risk for heart disease, those who skipped vacations for five (5) consecutive years were found to be 30 percent more likely to suffer heart attacks than those who took at least one week off each year.
• Vacations will facilitate higher energy levels, creativity, and a fresh perspective. Taking time off can be very positive for the employee, their co-workers and the clients that they interact with.
• All of the benefits of taking time off can improve the bottom line for the company. Employees come back energized and engaged, improving pro

Companies with individuals who take time off also experience lower burnout rates and higher retention. Nevertheless, according to National Geographic, do not look for quick solutions immediately after a vacation. The study shows that the recuperative benefits of a vacation start kicking in after two weeks.

So…stop reading this and take some time off!

Tips on travelling within a budget

1. Dress well. When you are out sightseeing and need a restroom, you can walk into the finest of hotels and use their facilities, which are usually positioned off the lobby and no one will see you as out of place.

2. For the price of a spa treatment, make a day of it at some of the world’s best hotels and resorts. Book an early treatment and then you can work out in the gym, use the pool, take a sauna, and maybe even relax in a meditation room.  You’ll be able to do all this without having to pay for an up scale hotel room. Additionally, some hotels will comp your parking ticket. 

3. For the ladies, think about going to the finest department store in any city and get your make-up done. Most luxury department stores have make-up artists on hand who will be happy to doll you up for an evening on the town. While you aren't required to make a purchase, it’s a nice thing to do. Besides, who doesn't need a new lipstick, mascara, or skin care item?  It’s especially fun to see what look you receive in different locales. 

4. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to enjoy some of the world’s best restaurants. Many cities have Restaurant Week, where restaurants offer a Prix fixe (Fixed Price) menu. You can check out the prices beforehand so you know exactly how much you’ll be spending. Just allow for drinks and gratuity. Or, splurge on a glass of champagne or a cocktail at the bar of a great hotel or restaurant. Add an appetizer and you still can have a world-class experience for way less than $100. The people watching is free. 

5. You may be a flying tourist, but if stuck with a long airport stay, buy a day pass to an airline club. For around $50, you can lounge in comfy chairs, enjoy free Wi-Fi, TV, magazines, and sometimes even free snacks and drinks along with all those business and first-class travellers. 

6. Check out the arts gallery district when visiting a city for show openings. While some may be invitation only, many are happy to have visitors. Enjoy the art, a drink, perhaps a canapé, and always savoir the people watching. It’s easy to fit in…..just wear black. 

7. One should choose friends for their fine qualities and personalities. But it doesn't hurt if you select some who also have first or second homes in geographically desirable locales so you can travel without paying for hotels. Just be sure to be a thoughtful, entertaining house-guest. 

8. A B&B offers double the warmth and cultural intimacy for half the price of a hotel. You'll find them in most countries if you know the local word: Husrom is Norwegian for sobe which is Slovenian for Gästezimmer which is German for rooms in a private home. 

9. Avoid touristy restaurants with "We speak English" signs and multilingual menus. Those that are filled with locals serve better food for less money. I look for a short, handwritten menu in the local language only. Go with the daily specials. 

10. Ask for a deal on your hotel room. You'll have the best chance of getting a discount if business is slow. Go direct (a room-finding service costs the hotel a booking fee), offer to pay in cash, or stay at least three night

Maui Vacations website

We have been to Maui three times and we love the Island and we hope to be going again in Sept. One of the best resources for what is going on in Mauii is Maui Vacations  

The author Jon Blum, is Passionate about Maui and it shows in the care and the presentation of information about the island. His site and Newsletter covers Maui Hotels & Condos, Maui Car Rental Deals, Maui Restaurants, Things To Do, Photos Videos Webcams  and Weddings & Honeymoons. 

The Newsletter, I believe is a must read for those new to Maui; or for those returning (like us) this newsletter provides us with updated changes and news about this island paradise.

Please tell your friends to subscribe to his newsletter, use the blue Newsletter box near the menu on any page of the Maui Vacations website.

Tips for Finding the Best Holiday Travel Deals Online

The internet gives us access to just about anything we can imagine. This includes finding flights, trains, buses, hotel rooms, and rental cars that we can use to travel for the holidays. While most of these entities are more expensive when you travel over the holidays due the demand, you can still find some good deals if you take the time to look. 

You will generally find that you can save the most money on holiday travel if you purchase a complete package deal. This is less expensive than buying each piece that you need individually. It also provides you with only one confirmation number that you need to keep track of instead of several different ones. 

There are literally hundreds of sites online where you can look for holiday travel deals. One of he sites I I recommend Travelzoo.com.  We were recently travelling to Australia and I wanted to book a flight from Melbourne to the Gold Coast. The best deal I could find on line was from JetStar for $90 one way. Through Travelzoo I learned about a one day sale that JetStar  was having a one day sale where the tickets were two for the price of one. I saved $180 on this leg of our flight. The membership of Travelzoo is free. Another site I recommend is Hipmunk . What I like about this site is that it not only compares flights but you can see all of your options at once, making it easier to compare.

You can search by your destination in a search engine or choose the various sites you have heard about. It is a good idea to keep a list of the sites you visit and the prices you are coming across. This way you can compare the prices and easily remember where you want to go back to. One of the tricks used by the airlines sites is to track your visits through "cookies" on your computer and to use that information to either increase or decrease the prices offered to you. If you are visiting sites more than a few times, use the ability of your browsers to clear your cookies.

Most of the time fares will be cheaper online than by contacting the place directly because it saves their business time of having to set up the travel arrangements for you. Make sure you carefully read all of the information though because some travel deals have hidden costs that you don’t want to be liable for. You also need to check into the cancellation policies and about rescheduling your trip. 

Some online travel deals don’t offer any refunds at all so if a family member dies or you have an unexpected illness you won’t be able to get your money back. Even if you show up late for your flight because you got caught up at security they won’t honor your purchase. This can be extremely risky because there are too many variables that can affect holiday travel. 

Make sure you also pay close attention to the amount of time that you will be in the process of getting to your destination. You may find a killer price but it isn't going to be worth it if you have several connecting flights and layovers along the way. Look for direct methods to get to your destination whenever it is possible. There are simply too many delays during holiday travel to ensure you can get to those connections on time. 

Many of the sites you visit online will allow you to sign up for special offers and promotions. You should take advantage of these offers so that you don’t have to continually return to their site to check for changes in prices. Some of them even allow you to enter a price so that you can be notified if the price of the trip you want drops to that price. For those that can only afford holiday travel if it fits a specific budget, this is a valuable feature. 

During your search online for holiday travel, be flexible with your dates. You will be able to save hundreds of dollars just by being willing to leave a day earlier or leaving in the evening instead of the afternoon. Those that want a specific travel arrangement will find this ties them into more expensive offers. Even if you travel a day earlier and have to pay for a hotel room that extra night you could save hundreds of dollars. 

It does take some initial planning of where you want to travel and how you are going to get there in order to find the best travel deals. Investing a few hours of your time in getting the best price though is well worth the savings you will get from it. Millions of people travel each year over the holidays but some of them pay more for the same trip because they didn't look for holiday travel deals online. 

Dealing with Motion Sickness when you travel

I have an inner ear problem so when I travel I suffer from motion sickness and I  have an extra element to prepare for when I am think about traveling. Not everyone experiences motion sickness the same and it may not happen every time. For example some people get motion sick on a cruise ship but not while they are in a car. Others may get queasy when they are on a train but not on an airplane.

Common symptoms of motion sickness include sweating, nausea, dizziness, saliva in the mouth that is more than usual, and vomiting. Most people know when it is coming on and do all they can to minimize the effects. Many women many suffer from motion sickness when they are pregnant due to the changes taken place in their body. Children are also quite susceptible to it as well.

There are plenty of things you can do on your own to help prevent the effects of motion sickness from occurring. Many adults find they don’t suffer from motion sickness if they drive the car. This is because the sensors in their brain view the scenery flashing by differently when they are in the driver’s seat. This is why so many get sick when they travel by train. If you are susceptible to motion sickness as a passenger in a car avoid a window seat on a train. You also want to avoid those seats that face backwards.

Children should avoid trying to play games or read books in a moving vehicle if they suffer from motion sickness. They should also ride in the middle seat in order to offer them a view out the front of the vehicle instead of from their peripheral vision on the side windows. Offer them light snacks before travel such as crackers and water. Avoid having them travel on an empty stomach or after eating a large meal.

For those that still suffer from motion sickness, an over the counter or a prescription medication may be required for successful holiday travel to take place. Make sure you carefully follow the instructions of such medications. Don’t exceed the recommended dose. If it says to take it with food or water then make sure you do so. Some of them require consumption during a specific period of time prior to your departure so pay attention to this important detail.

Even so, no method or medication is 100% foolproof when it comes to motion sickness. Some people experience it only once in a while and others deal with it all the time. Try to get to some fresh air if possible. If you are on an airplane turn on the air above you and take slow, deep breaths. You will find bags offered in case you do end up having to vomit. You can also try to make your way to the bathroom where you will have more privacy.

While it may be embarrassing you need to understand you aren’t the only one that has problems with motion sickness. The fact that the mode of transportation you are taking may be full during the holiday season can be stressful but you will never have to see most of them ever again. You may want to carry extra clothing with you for those in your part that do suffer from motion sickness, especially children who may end up vomiting on their clothing.

Don’t let your travel plans be stopped due to your fear of suffering from motion sickness. Do all you can to subside the symptoms on your own. If that isn’t effective then try various over the counter products. As a last resort as your doctor for a prescription medication to help ensure you can get through the travel process so you can enjoy your holidays. If you find certain types of transportation are more difficult for you than others you should avoid them if possible. 

Smart Baby Boomer Travelers

If you ask a representative sample of baby boomers that are approaching their retirement years what they are looking forward to the most about retirement, the most common answer that comes back is, “travel”.  There is something about the romance and fun of travel that appeals to us as we think about stepping out of the work world and doing things we have been hoping to do for all our lives.  And travel has that sense of adventure that calls to us when we look forward to a time when our responsibilities are few but we have the resources to realize our dreams.

If travel is a major objective of your retirement planning, the earlier in life you get started planning your travel adventures, the more fun your trips will be.  They say that anticipation is half the fun of a trip.  So why not start now planning for your various destinations and the adventures you want to have when you get there?

If the baby boomer got a chance to travel during those child rearing years, you no doubt already have some solid travel disciplines in place to use for routine trips.  Most of us have learned to travel smart from business travel or traveling to see family over the years.  But it’s a good idea to review your preparation check lists when you start thinking of longer trips, perhaps to more exotic and unknown locations such as Europe, The Middle East or South America.

Remember that when you are retired and planning longer trips, that is going to present some unique challenges in terms of packing.  Its one thing to pack for three days in Orlando but its something else entirely to pack for two weeks in Germany or Greece.  It takes an experienced and prepared traveler to only take the essentials and to keep your packing light and efficient.  Some core principles that will help you include…

• Take things that don’t need pressing or a lot of maintenance.  If you can use the same garment over several days, that cuts down on your bulk considerably.  You can even rinse out wash and wear garments in your hotel room and hang them up in the bathroom while you sleep and they will good as new in the morning. 

• Don’t pack it.  Buy it.  It might pay to pick up some of your disposable items when you get to your destination.  You can buy your toiletries and even a garment or two if something gets left behind once you arrive.  And by not taking a lot of disposable items, you cut down on the chances you will have trouble with security.  

• Check your bags.  You see people who try to drag everything on board with them to avoid baggage claim.  These are your rookie travelers.  Better to trust the airline with the bag and be prepared if your bag gets lost than to have all that struggle trying to get everything into bags you can take on board. 

• Be prepared to lose your bags.  Just pack a small carry on with what you must have that first night in the hotel.  Include small items for changing clothes, sleepwear and hard to replace toiletries so if you do find your bags didn’t make the trip, you can stay comfortable until they catch up to you.

Be smart and think ahead about where you are going and what you will need there.  Read as much as you can about your destination and book your accommodations well in advance so you know you are expected even in a part of the world that is new to you.  These kinds of preparations will make your retirement travel fun and exciting and keep you on the road regularly for many years to come.

Travel in Winter

When you're travelling, whether through Canada or abroad, you may notice you have a rosier outlook on life – and why wouldn't you? Many of the responsibilities of everyday life fade away and you get to enjoy all new experiences. Now, new research sheds some more light on the correlation between happiness and travelling, revealing how vacations impact travelers  social media posts. 

Happiness in 140 characters 

A study was conducted by researchers from the University of Vermont who culled large batches of data – about 37 million tweets – regarding the sentiments people express while on Twitter. Then, they analyzed how those feelings changed given how far they moved from their home. Interestingly, the team found that the further people moved from their home location, the happier their tweets tended to be. 

"Expressed happiness increases logarithmically with distance from an individual's average location," the researchers found. 

Although the findings do not pinpoint specific locations as the happiest, there are certain destinations that have proven to be particularly adept at improving your mood if you're in a rut. In fact, researchers from Legatum Institute recently ranked the world's happiest countries, and if you're looking to be surrounded by some of the cheeriest people in the world, Norway is the best choice. But if you are a Canadian hoping to escape the cold then Norway is more likely a summer time destination. 

As we hit the start of winter many of my friends think about packing up and leaving the wet coast of Canada before the snow starts.  Whether you're a first-time Snowbird or looking for a new winter locale, read on for what to consider before you take flight.

1. Convenience: Considering the cultural similarities between Canada and the U.S. and that Canadians can generally stay south for up to six months out of every twelve, U.S. destinations have always been very popular with the Snowbird.
2. Weather: Florida remains the number-one destination for Snowbirds but, if consistent sun is your priority, consider Mexico or the cooler but sunny, Phoenix, Arizona.
3. Affordability: Panama's reasonable cost of living and incentive programs for foreigners purchasing second homes make this Central American country an attractive option.
4. Ambience and activities: If a beautiful beach and proximity to parks and reserves is your idea of holiday heaven, Samara, Costa Rica, may be where to nest this winter. But if you're as much a city slicker as a nature lover, Tampa Bay or Tucson offer extensive dining, shopping and cultural attractions.
5. Golf: Those who love the links can't go wrong in Myrtle Beach or California's Coachella Valley

Travel sites for Boomers

At this time of year, winter is starting to take over from fall, and thoughts turn to travel or planning to travel, to get away from the dark days of  rain and snow that ensure the west coast is kept green in the spring, summer and fall of the year. But in the deep winter, my soul years for warmer climes and so planning for travel becomes a priority.

My thanks to Helen Cockrell, whose blog is Lets Age Well, it ain't the Age, its the Attitude   She has a wonderful perspective on aging so I would recommend her blog to you.

So, anyway, I thought I would share our favourite planning websites.  I know I always like it when I start working on a project like a trip, and everything is all in one place.   Most of the sites are available for anyone to use, although they do tend to be targeted toward Boomer travellers  You will find good information, discounts and deals on them.  Have a great trip!!

• Baby Boomers Traveling – This is a great site for the latest information on things like gas prices, or currency exchange rates. Good tips from folks who’ve been there.

• My Itchy Travel Feet  – One of the best travel sites around, for boomers or anyone. Great advice on what to bring, where to go and what to watch out for.

• Baby Boomer Trips  – Great trip ideas, discounts, advice, etc.

• Velvet Escape  – This is a general travel site, but has wonderful advice and information on exotic locales all over the world. Comprehensive information and the areas, accommodations, and things to do.

• AARP Travel  – AARP always does these sites well and this one is no exception. Very good details, discounts, and information.

• Vacations to Go  – We use this one often to book our trips. Can really get some good deals for package trips here.

• Cruise Critic  – This is a good site for cruise deals.

• Senior Travel  – This is a good site if you’re an older Boomer, especially for discounts and deals.

• TravelZoo  This is a subscription service or you can go to their website. travelzoo is a global Internet company, their team researches, evaluates and tests thousands of deals to find those with true value. Every week they recommend only deals whose accuracy and availability tehey can confirm. With over 26 million subscribers, we are the largest publisher of deals on the Internet.

Where in the world do you need to go?

Travel is a learning experience and for some travelling can challenge the paradigms we use to manage our  life and our loves.

Some places may represent psychological, spiritual or aesthetic states of being as much as physical locations. Such places can offer us a certain “energy” to discover and sit with essential questions

Travel allows compelling ideas to first come to us as metaphors or abstractions. 

Spirit places can take all shapes and forms. Listen for places that are beckoning to you…put your ear close to them.

When we see something that we cannot explain and when our assumptions are turned upside down, we know our culture is probably playing tricks with our ability to see accurately

When you are travelling the trick is to pay attention to what you’re paying attention to. But more importantly  pay attention to what habits prevent you from seeing with fresh eyes.


When we are on our journey on some days our senses can’t take it all in! So much happens in a day…if we could just slow it all down! 

And yet we often stop looking when we get home-- the landscape’s too familiar…or appears that way


Keeping notes or a journal helps anchor us when we travel. By Asking provocative questions, drawing, lists, shaped writing, dialogues with  persons and places we use techniques for seeing the several sides of our experiences. The gifts of travelling expands when we reflect.


When you travel try to cover the events of  the day in 10 minutes so at least you have the basics down. Then focus on the intriguing bits that are signalling you. When you’re home, try bringing the same attention you give to a travel day to being at home. How does that change your experience of the day?

Travel introduces us to people’s stories. Many, by their own account, reflect lives stifled by class, location and history. What can we learn from our own reaction to other’s stories about our values and possible future actions?


Travel reminds us that time is elastic--people have different attitudes towards time and what to do with it. If you lived in a different “time” culture, what might emerge for you?


Travel lets us try on new identities. What rules are you living by that may be keeping you tied to an outdated identity? If you could try out a different life for a while, what might it look like? 


You may know where to start but chances are the road will turn and you will have to trust in the turning and to trust in the new paradigms you have or will create for yourself

Getting ready to travel to Australia soon

As we prepare to leave for Australia near the end of the month to spend Xmas with my daughter and grandson,  I read this timely article on some things we should look our for as we travel. Enjoy!

Source

Here are a few of the most common money mistakes people encounter while traveling -- along with some fresh-from-the-road tips for how to avoid them in your own journeys.

Mistake No. 1: Not Preparing for Emergencies
When traveling, financial emergencies can range from theft to medical issues that require immediate attention (not to mention the frustration at not being able to find an open bank or ATM during a national holiday). When Davis lost her ATM card, she immediately got on the phone with her bank to minimize the impact of any fraudulent activity. Fortunately, she also had her husband's back-up card with her. For the rest of her trip, she was very selective about her use of ATMs.

How you can avoid it: "Always keep the number for the information line for your bank in a separate notebook, just in case," said Davis. "I'd also suggest checking with your bank before leaving home about what the policy would be to get a new card to you if there's a problem."
[InvestingAnswers Feature: Why Travel Insurance Might Be Worth Packing

Mistake No. 2: You Don't Have Enough Cash on Hand
Though you may go for several days (or even weeks) back home without dipping into your wallet for cash, don't rely too much on plastic while traveling. You never know when your card will be declined -- either due to a flagged charge from your bank or because a merchant doesn't accept your credit card. (Discover is not commonly accepted abroad, for example.) 
How you can avoid it: Davis' recommendation: "Always take at least a few notes in the local currency with you when switching countries. You never know when a bank machine you'd been counting on will be out of service and there's nothing more frustrating than being unable to do anything because you don't have the right kind of funds."

Mistake No. 3: Not Notifying Your Credit Card Company of Your Plans
It recently happened to me -- I neglected to call my credit card company before a transatlantic cruise to Spain. A charge to one of my credit cards was flagged in the Caribbean at the first port of call, and the card was rendered useless until we reached a mainland port where I could access a phone.

How you can avoid it: It just takes a few minutes to get on the phone with your company to give them a head's up. Most companies make the process pretty painless, and it will save you a lot of hassle in the long run. 

Mistake No. 4: Getting Ripped Off on Exchange Rates
Novice travelers frequently fall prey to this mistake, because converting money to local currencies sometimes puts you at the mercy of others, who might see an opportunity to make an extra buck off your dollars. 

How you can avoid it: The best thing to do is minimize the number of exchanges you do, because each time you change currency, that transaction will have fees associated with it. Experts say debit cards and credit cards typically have the best exchange rates, though many carry foreign transaction fees -- find out before you travel in order to get the best deal. The worst exchange rate you'll find are those that seem "easiest" for tourists, such as exchanging money at hotels, according to the New York Times.

Mistake No. 5: Missing Opportunities to Save on Gas, Airfare, Etc.
I get it -- traveling is for relaxing and not stressing out so much about saving a few bucks here and there. But with a little advanced preparation, you can enjoy your trip while minimizing the financial impact.

How you can avoid it: Here are some tips from Andrew Schrage of Money Crashers: Download a smartphone app to help you find the best places to fuel up on the road; book a hotel room with cooking facilities to cut down on your dining out bill ("You significantly increase the overall cost of your vacation by eating out three times a day," he warns) and use a daily deal website to whittle up to 50% off your entertainment on major tourist attractions. 

The Investing Answer: Put as much effort into preparing your finances for your trip as you do packing your bags. As much as possible, think through the scenarios you are likely to encounter while traveling. Call your credit card companies and banks to alert them of your plans and find about any fees you might be assessed before they show up on your statement after your trip.

Slovenia

A friend of mine will be travelling to Slovenia in the fall (mid October, to first week in November) with her adult son and I thought I would ask if anyone has any recommendations about where to stay, what to do and what are the must not miss activity or places in Slovenia.
Thanks

Tips to Survive High Gasoline Prices

Gasoline prices have seen its highs just recently. It seems for a moment that there would be no let up for the recent experience of rising of gas prices. It is a good thing that the price of crude oil might have gone down a bit. But it seems that this might just be for a little moment.


There would be no guarantee that the recent rise in gas prices already had reached its plateau and on the way of going down. It would only be some time before the crude oil prices may again be rising to record levels. Although the demand for oil in the world has gone down a bit, it does not mean that less and less people might need it. In fact, the demand for oil is still great and that this demand may once again bring a rise in crude oil and gas prices.


And with the recent rise in gas prices, car driving has become quite an expensive activity.  Cars, for the most part, are a necessity for a great number of people. Only a few might be thinking of giving up driving because of the high gas prices. More people would instead be thinking of surviving the recent rise of gas prices. Surviving for some might be applying some means of saving up on the fuel used when driving. One way that this can be done effectively is by improving the car's mileage. Apart from buying a new car with better mileage, it can also be possible to improve the mileage of your current car. Here are some tips that might help you out.


A car's mileage can be substantially improved by simply becoming more efficient at car driving. Efficient car driving is developing careful but effective driving skills. Avoiding aggressive driving may be one. Driving aggressively is handling or driving the car with sudden accelerations and braking which can waste a substantial amount of fuel. You can waste from 5 to 33 percent of fuel of your car. This waste can add up pretty much and can worsen with the rising gas prices. Surviving the rising gas prices can mean driving more carefully and avoiding sudden accelerations and stops. Driving this way can help improve gas mileage.


Another way to improve the car’s gas mileage is by getting rid of accumulated excess weight. Some cars can easily accumulate a lot of junk inside its trunk over time. Some people may just ignore them, but the excess weight can actually lessen the car's mileage. By simply making the car lighter by removing some unwanted weight, using less gas on each trip may be possible.


Carrying extra weight on the car means that it may require more power and energy to move. The extra energy needed means more fuel being used. Just by getting rid of the heavy junk or extra weight inside the car may be more than enough to help improve gas mileage.


Another way to maintain a car’s good mileage is to have it regularly checked. Cars may go through wear and tear every time it is being used. Over time, this could accumulate and affect the car’s mileage. One way of trying to prevent this is by following a car’s preventive maintenance schedule.


Most cars follow a certain maintenance schedule that allows them to remain efficient over time by keeping it properly maintained. A well maintained car can still enjoy good mileage even after many years on the road.  Regular maintenance checks will allow even an aging car to be properly tuned up can help it run with good mileage. That can greatly help car owners survive the rising gasoline prices along the way.

32 Ways to Keep the Kids Occupied

Great Ideas for Travelling Activities  

29. Car Colours:

Give each child a pen and piece of paper and tell them to choose a colour. From then on they have to mark down every time they see a car of the colour they have chosen.  The first person to spot say 15, or 30 cars of their chosen colour is the winner.

30. Alphabet Soup:

This is a game where everybody takes it in turns to come up with words beginning with the various letters of the alphabet. First person comes up with something for the letter “A” (apples), next person finds something with the letter “B” (boat) and so on.

X, U and Z are the most difficult, so it might be an idea to drop those letters. You can make the game harder by choosing categories such as famous people, or places or even animals and fruit.

31. Personal Bags

Let each child pack a small bag of their favourite toys and games to take with them. Make a rule that they are only allowed to take out one thing at a time, and they can only play with it for a certain amount of time, depending on the length of your journey.

Also encourage the kids to swap their toys/games if the journey is a long one so that they get a bit of variation in what they’re doing.

32. Travel Diary:

This one is extremely good for longer journeys, especially when you stop off at various places on the way. Each child will need a notepad and pen. The older ones can have disposable cameras and the younger ones can have art books and crayons.

Let them document the trip by taking pictures (or drawing) and writing notes about where they are, what they’ve seen and what they have done on the journey.

Not only will this keep them occupied, but it will also give YOU something to read on reflect on in time for the next journey.

No matter what the weather may be, rain, snow or shine, there’s something here for kids of just about all ages. 32 great activities and ideas to help you keep the kids occupied AND keep your sanity intact.

Finally a special happy birthday wish