My Melange

Newport- Cliff Walk

Lets go for a little walk.  A Cliff Walk.

We begin on a cloudy, hazy, day with the clouds sprinkling now and then.

We start out at the intersection of Narragansett Avenue, where the path is paved.  We walk South.

We come upon the Forty Steps.  This is where the servants of the mansions that line the coast would gather after work for parties into the wee hours of the morning.  Some met an untimely death at the cliffs edge.

We curve around and we see a view to the North.  You can barely see the Harbor and downtown Newport in the background.

We come to this cool stone tunnel.  Up above is the property of one of the mansions.

And of course, a peak back the other way.

The coast is lined with jagged rocks.  We see unidentified birds hanging out on the rocks.

The backyards of the mansions meld into the path and the rocks below.  What a view to have from your window.

 

This gorgeous gem is part of the Salve Regina University.  Not a bad campus, eh?

All of the grounds are beautifully landscaped and manicured.

Again, looking back too see how far we have come.

The drop is much higher than it looks.

A shady spot on the walk complete with a lovely combination of brick and stone, red and gray, curves and
angles.

The giant moss covered tree trunk here is a reminder of how old this area really is.  I love its position right next to the equally old and weathered stone wall.

And finally we get close enough to see that the birds are Cormorants.  They seem to be enjoying the spray from the surf, or looking for food.

Join me next time when our walk continues down to the famous Vanderbilt summer home, The Breakers.

Travel Tip Tuesday - Destination Newport

What better what way to kick off my series on Newport, Rhode Island than to feature it as a destination for this weeks Travel Tip Tuesday!?

Newport is a port city, surrounded on three sides by water.  Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean to be specific.  It is full of craggy coastlines, mansions, history, hauntings, shopping, galleries, restaurants, fishing and maritime fun.

   

There is so much to do there, one can certainly get overwhelmed.  I spent four days, but one could easily fill up a week with all the wonderful activities available.

Here is an overview of the Best of Newport.

Cliff Walk. A stunning 3 1/2 mile walk along the eastern coastline, where you can enjoy wildflowers, birds, ocean views and a look at some of the famous mansions on the water.  Most of the trail is a pleasant walk, but at some point it becomes more of a rock-climbing adventure.

Ten Mile Drive.  A breathtaking drive around the entire Newport coastline.  Enjoy passing ocean views, Fort Adams State Park, resorts, country clubs, golf courses, fisherme

n and huge summer homes overlooking the ocean.  There are even a few up for auction, so you may be able to acquire some oceanfront property.

Mansions.  Drive along Bellevue Avenue and drool at the site of the gilded gold wrought iron gates and ornate finials the size of your car.  It you want a closer look, drive in the gates and wander around the grounds.  You can have tours of the inside, but you'll pay admission.  A few of the best include The Elms, Marblehouse and The Breakers (Vanderbilt summer home).  Visit the Newport Mansions website for more info. 

Bed & Breakfasts.  There are over 300 B&B's located in Newport. With that many to choose from, there is certainly one that will fit your needs.  The downtown area as well as the historic architecture lend itself well to Bed and Breakfast accommodations.  Tons of historic old houses.  Our Inn was built in 1857 and had huge rooms with fireplaces and a large wrap-around porch.  There is no other way to stay, in my opinion.

Fresh Seafood.  Head downtown to the wharf area and see lobster-men hauling in their fresh catch of  the day.  Many will let you buy lobster right from the boat. The Aquidnick Lobster Company on Bowen's Wharf is another great option for lobster, crab, mussels and oysters.  The area is also know for Quahog's, the largest in the clam family. Don't want the hassle of cooking on vacation?  The Wharf area is loaded with seafood restaurants. The Landing and The Mooring are two great options, both with excellent harbor views.

Ghost Tours.  Take a 90 minute lantern-led stroll through historic Newport in the evening and hear tales of the haunted city by the sea.  Or why not check out the haunted chairs during a ghost tour of the beautiful Belcourt Castle. Bwahahahahaaa.

Local Events.  Golf and Tennis tournaments, Polo matches, regattas, jazz festivals,   Newport has it all.  And it is not just a summer destination.  There are tons of things to do all year long.  Check here, here and here for more information on upcoming events.

Boating.  Newport has every kind of boat tour imaginable.  Try the Adirondack II Schooner for a sailboat ride in the harbor.  Gansett Cruises offers a more relaxing experience.  Try a sunset cruise or my favorite- a sunrise breakfast cruise. Or just head down to Bowen's Wharf for more cruising options. 

The Beaches.  Easton's Beach, also known as First Beach is the only beach with a concession area, carousel and aquarium, making it the best for families.  The Atlantic Beach Club on First Beach has live music on the weekend. Baily's Beach and Gooseberry Beach are located on Ocean Drive.   Second and Third Beach are both located further out in Middletown.  Surfers can be found at Second Beach. Parking rates are astronomical though, ranging from $10-$25. 

Vineyards.  The Newport area boasts two wineries, both give tours and tastings. Newport Vineyards is the closest to downtown and has a very large selection of wines.  All grapes are grown locally.  Greenvale Vineyards is 5 miles from Newport in nearby Portsmouth. Tour the beautiful vineyard and views of the Sakkonet River.  Visit on a Saturday in the Summer to hear jazz.

Stay tuned for more in depth posts and pictures about Newport.

And don't forget to head over to My Bella Vita.  Geggie is minding the store while Cherrye is away and she is reviewing 7 US hotels.

Till next time....Happy Travels!

Just back from.....

 
                                                photo courtesy of gonewport.com

Newport! 

That's right.

It was Newport, Rhode Island. 

Janie was the clever girl who guessed it first.  Your little gift will be on it's way amica mia!

Thanks to all of you for your participation!!

Since there is so much more than one posts worth to tell about Newport (and only about 200 photos), I think I will have several Newport features over the next few weeks.

Stay tuned!

Travel Tip Tuesday-Destinations

This week, for Travel Tip Tuesday, Cherrye and I are focusing on destinations.  As you might have figured out by now, my two favorite destinations are France and Italy.  But, believe or not, I know there are other great places on this planet of ours and I would love to visit them all!!

It is hard to pick just one, but this week I am going to focus on my top pick. 

 
© Pontus Edenberg| Dreamstime.com

Morocco.  Stunning Morocco.  Why Morocco, you ask?

Well, first of all, it does have a French influence.  Maybe that has something to do with it, non?   

Secondly, I think it has a bit of a mysterious feel to it.  It's a bit different.  It is not at the top of everyone's must-see list.  In fact, I bet most would not think to go there and many will never make it there in their lifetime.  Morocco seems to fly under the radar, virtually unnoticed. 

You know the movie Casablanca?  Well, Casablanca is in Morocco.  And for most, that is all they know about Morocco.  Well, you may have also Rocked the Casbah, to the Clash, back in the day.  But seriously, that's it!

But there is so much more, let me show you...

Morocco has beautiful deserts.  Deep terracotta colored sand dunes, like this one.  So beautiful.

 
© Galyna Andrushko | Dreamstime.com

And since it is on the coast of Africa, it has beautifully clear aquamarine water and red jagged cliffs.  Breathtaking.

 
© Anatolij Kivrins | Dreamstime.com

And then there is the eye-popping architecture.  Bright bold colors like azure blue, burnt orange and mint greens set against pure white and clay colored structures.

 
© Scubabartek| Dreamstime.com

The arches that I love so much in France and Italy, are similar, yet distinctively different here.  They have a round shape, but come to more of a point at the tip.  It is very unique.  And the mosaic tile-work is just exquisite. 

 
© Peter Cullen| Dreamstime.com

Though in the desert, it is also home to tropical foliage and lush gardens, like the Majorelle Gardens in Marrakesh.

 
© Andrea Poole| Dreamstime.com

Souk's are a dream come true for a flea market queen like me.  These markets are filled with everything from handmade Moroccan wooden carved furniture, lanterns, slippers, rugs, pottery, food and spices. A trip to a souk would be a must for me! 

 
© Mypix| Dreamstime.com

And speaking of food, the cuisine is also intriguing and sounds deliciously different.  Of course, I am familiar with couscous, which is a Moroccan dish, but I would love to sample a Tagine.  This is a traditional North African dish named after the pot used to cook it.  It is like a slow cooked stew, containing a meat, vegetables and many different spices native to the area.   I'd also sample some Harira, a traditional Moroccan soup, as well as the ubiquitous mint tea.

 
© Jana Bacikova| Dreamstime.com

I have never been on vacation to an area where camels roam or better yet, are used as transportation.  And that also intrigues me.  Now, I have seen camels up close and personal at petting zoo's, but that's the extent of my contact.  They aren't necessarily pretty creatures, but I think it might be fun to go for a camel ride, don't you?

 
© Oleg Seleznev| Dreamstime.com

And after said camel ride would be the perfect time to partake in a spa-like experience...local style!  How about a visit to a hammam?  These are tiled bathhouses with steam rooms, baths, scrubs and some even have massages. I'd love to experience this.  The goal is to wash yourself off, open your pores with hot steam, scrub yourself down 'till you're baby smooth and then rub in some aromatic oil.  

 Ohhh yes...pleeease!

And now for some practical info:

The most well-known area's in Morocco are Casablanca, Marrakesh, Tangier and Fès.

The currency is called the Dirham.  Currently one Dirham is equal to approx .14 USD, which makes it an excellent spot to visit in the current economy!

Morocco is very close to Europe, so ferries are available from Spain, France and Italy.  Check here for schedules and rates. It is also very easy to fly from Europe to Morocco.  Flights are available from the US as well.  Royal Air Maroc is Morocco's airline.

Once in Morocco, trains seem to be the best way to get around. 

To read more about Morocco, check the following links to these articles or blogs that offer a wealth of information.

http://www.morocco.com/
http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-srv/misc/0804_MoroccoDecoder/index.html
http://budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2008/02/25/AR2008022502908.html
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/moroccos-secret-sands
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/10339
http://www.cntraveller.co.uk/Guides/Morocco/Marrakech/
http://www3.nationalgeographic.com/places/countries/country_morocco.html
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/morocco/
http://www.fodors.com/world/africa-and-middle-east/morocco/fez-and-meknes/

Blogs

The View from Morocco
Real Travel
My Marrakesh

So, I hope you have enjoyed this armchair tour of Morocco.  After writing this and posting these fabulous photos of the area, it makes me even more determined to get there...someday.  But, once I get the bug...it's hard to think of anything else until I can make it happen! 

Morocco waits for you....will you go?  If you have been, what was your impression?  What is one of your dream destinations?

And, don't forget to pop on over to Cherrye's blog to see which destination she is highlighting today!!

Happy Travels!

US Airlines in Trouble?

In the last few weeks several situations have occurred that frankly, makes me question the Airline industry here is the US.

It started a few weeks ago with Southwest Airlines.  Many of their planes had to be grounded for not performing required inspections.  Seems that they may have conspired with their buddies over at the FAA, who decided they didn't need to inspect their planes for cracks in the fuselage.  Are these airlines and our government just a little too chummy?

Next up are American and Delta, who grounded planes and canceled hundreds of flights due to wiring concerns.

Not to be excluded is United.  Seems they may have missed some maintenance checks as well, so they grounded about 30 planes.

Newer discount carrier Skybus announced that they are closing up shop.  Oh, and passengers who have purchased tickets aren't necessarily getting their money back.  They need to contact their credit card companies.  This one really hits home for me because Skybus was helping to fuel growth at my local airport, Stewart International.

Tonight I am watching CNN and they announce that yet again American Airlines is disrupting service.  AA is canceling hundreds of flights to inspect their MD-80 fleet. Again.

Oh come on already! 

Canceling flights for inspections?  I don't understand this concept.  Shouldn't someone be managing this inspection process?  Shouldn't there be a way to schedule a plane for an inspection without disrupting service, without canceling flights that people have already paid for and have planned vacations or business trips around?

I know, it would take someone with a plan, someone with intelligence. A stroke of genius. A college degree. I know it is asking alot, but this isn't rocket science or brain surgery.  Or is it?

What are your thoughts on this?  Does this affect which airline you fly with?  Does this scare you?  Are you considering not flying or taking a vacation because of this poor mismanagement?  Is the FAA doing all that they can to protect us in the air?

Ok, now it's your turn to weigh in!

Gifts Ideas for Travelers

I thought I would put together a little list of some fun things to recommend as holiday gifts for the traveler(s) in your life. Maybe you will add a few to your Wish List this Holiday Season!  Since most of my readers are ladies, the recommendations are decidedly feminine, though a few things may appeal to the men who read as well.  Here we go...

To keep up on all the latest deals and travel trends and drop-dead gorgeous photos, give a magazine subscription to Travel + Leisure or National Geographic Traveler.

No thoughts on where to take your next vacation? Get more ideas from 1000 Places To See Before You Die.

Not your everyday set of travel guides, Luxe City Guides are just that, Luxe.  And lovely to look at too.  Available by city..or if you really like the recipient, go for the LUXE World Grand Tour Box!

Give the gift of language with Rosetta Stone and learn to speak like the locals.

Take their mind off of a 3 hour runway delay with an iPod shuffle.

Disheveled hair and smudged make-up after a plane ride can really get you down.  Give a beautiful etched purse mirror for quick touch-ups on the go.

Don't want freshly manicured tootsies touching grungy carpet in your hotel room or the tile floors at the hotel pool do you? Eeewww. Travel slippers are a stylish alternative to ugly tube socks. 

Philosophy amazing grace perfume oil is the perfect size for obeying airport carry-on restrictions.  It leaves you smelling shower fresh and clean.

Variety is the spice of life, so why not spice up your hotel room with this collection of travel candles from Tocca. So many good flavors to try! 

Need to travel with your baubles?  Keep all your bling-bling safely tucked away in a stylish Jewelry Roll.

For the independent traveler, going solo, who just loves to park themselves at a cafe for hours and write ...a refillable leather journal is a must.

Make memories by giving a gift certificate for a  Snapfish Photobook.  It allows your special someone to create a personalized photo album, with their own vacation photos and captions.

A nice Florentine bag for your laptop or for toting around all the souvenirs you plan to bring me, uh, ahem, bring home from your trip, won't have people thinking you just came home from a European backpacking adventure.  Fashionably functional, or is it Functionally fashionable.  Whatever. Either way, it's a great looking bag.

Happy Shopping!  Oh and if you don't mind me asking...would you mind sharing what is on your wish list this year?

The Falling Dollar

It's official, the US Dollar is in the toilet!  Now, more than ever, Europeans are flocking to the US...because it is cheap for them to travel here..and their money goes a long way!  And while that is great for our economy and I welcome them all with open arms...I still wish the Dollar wasn't falling!

But there is hope for those of use who still want to make that dream vacation to Europe a reality. It can be done, but you just might have to work a little harder at rationing out your pennies once you get there.  So, here are some ways to experience the good life in my two favorite places and not just sit staring at the four walls of your hotel room.

• Pick one.  Try to pick the one city you would really like to go..and stay for as long as you can.  Fight the urge to go on a country wide tour.  The extra cost of planes, trains and automobiles (yep, I said it), not to mention gas, going from place to place can add up quickly.  Plus, you can really delve in and experience everything that one city has to offer...and feel like a local.
• Airport transfers.  Yes, taxis are convenient, but costly.  Look for alternate ways of getting to and from the airport.  Paris and Rome have buses or trains that run into the city center that are efficient and inexpensive.  Florence, has very nice budget hotels that are within walking distance of the train station- so you wouldn't even need anything but your own 2 feet.  If you pack everything in a wheelie carry-on, like I do, you don't have to worry about lugging around all that baggage!  Worse case scenario- get as close to your hotel as possible- and then if you can't-possibly-take-another-step- taking a taxi for a few blocks is much cheaper than from 35 miles away!
• Speaking of feet.  Walk.  Most cities in Europe are meant to be explored on foot.  That is the best way to discover all the nooks and crannies anyway.  Renting a bike is also another great option, especially when the weather is good.  If you must use public transportation, try to get a multi-day pass if it is available.  You will get more bang for your buck.
• Museums.  Some museums are always free. Other cities, like Paris and Rome have days when National Museums waive the entrance fees.  For Rome it is the last Sunday of the month, for Paris it is the first Sunday.  Why not try to plan your trip accordingly?  You can save some hefty admission prices! 
• Research.  Do a little and it could pay off.  Scour the Internet for deals on some attractions or concerts.  For example, the Vedettes du Pont Neuf in Paris, offers coupons for boat rides on the Siene at 4 Euro off regular admission if you book in advance, on-line.  It is a seamless, easy process.
• Shopping.  Don't always assume that buying your favorite French or Italian products, right from the source, will save you money.  In the end, it could cost you.  You need to factor in the Euro to Dollar conversion- and only then if it is less expensive would it make sense to buy. Many of these products that you know and love are available right in the good ole US of A, so do the math first!
• Cafe anyone?  Did you know that sitting at a table in a cafe in always more expensive than standing at the bar?  Bellying up to the bar for your morning espresso will save you about half and you'll fit in like a local in the process.
• Prix-Fixe.  Always eat from a prix-fixe menu.  They offer the best value.  Try to make lunch your big meal of the day.  Some good restaurants have lunch menus that cost half of what dinner does. You will still get the same great food, service and try that *place* you have been just dying to try!  Many bistros may serve 2 course prix-fixe menu's.  Those are a great option!  A main dish and dessert or a starter and a main dish are more than enough to fill you up.  And if you are in Italy, why not just order a dish of the chefs special pasta of the day?  More than enough to satisfy and nothing but the best, freshest ingredients found at the market that day!
• Water and Wine.  No splurging on bottles of wine or bottled water if you are on a budget! Tap water is always potable(and free) and the house wine is generally better than anything I drink at home, and a fraction of the price.  Stay away from soda...it'll cost ya!
• Wine Bars.   Pop in for lunch or dinner.  These are often family owned, tiny, communal places with tons of wines by the glass available along with meat and cheese plates and simple, homemade fare like omelettes, panini, soups and more..that won't break the bank!
• Picnics.  Stop by a local food market, pick up some bread, cheese, olives, fresh fruit...maybe a rotisserie chicken and potatoes, and a blanket and head out to a picnic.  No matter where you go, this is a cheap and easy meal... and you can't beat the scenery!  In Paris, try the Luxembourg Gardens or the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower.  Florence has the Boboli Gardens.  And in Venice, where there is not alot of green, plop down on the edge of the Piazza San Marco and dangle your legs above the Grand Canal and watch the vaperetto and gondolas glide by. 
• The best things in life are free.  You have heard this before, right?  Well, it is true!  Often, just being in the place you have dreamed of visiting is enough.  For many, just standing in front of the Colosseum, or the Arc du Triomphe is enough of a thrill, without having to pay admission to go in or go to the top.  In all honesty, I could stand all day and night in the courtyard of the Louvre, drooling over its facade, without ever venturing inside, and be fully satisfied.  There is enough free *eye candy* in France and Italy to keep me busy for centuries. (And no, I am not talking about the waiters). Visiting street markets or window shopping in Florence, standing on the Spanish Steps or throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain in Rome, strolling along the banks of the Seine in Paris admiring all its bridges, or standing amongst a thousand fluttering pigeons in the beautiful Piazza San Marco in Venice, while music fills the air, all cost nothing. It is all free. Free for the taking. 

There is something else that is free.  Memories.  All the wonderful subconscious memories that you are making on your trip, to carry around with you, day after day, year after year, and relive in the stories told to friends and family.  Memories are souvenirs of the mind.  Only you don't set out with a list to make them or pack them carefully in your suitcase for the trip home.  They just happen, magically.  You don't plan them, or say "Today, I am going to remember my experience at breakfast".  It just happens.  They just appear out of nowhere.  The longer you wait, the more you share them, the stronger they become. Your trip would never be the same without them. Nor will any trip ever have the same set, etched in your mind.  Not only are these precious memories free for the making, they are priceless. No one would dare put a price tag on them.

Go create some wonderful, new memories.  Come home and tell your stories, share them with anyone who'll listen.  You will relive your trip over and over again...until it is time for you to create some new memories. And hopefully, when that time comes, the Dollar will have risen again!

So... now it's your turn.  Tell me, what are some of your favorite tips to keep the cost down when you travel?

Photo: Colloseum in Rome, Italy

Paris or Bust

Well, after waiting many long months, it has finally come.  I feel as though I get to return *home*.  At least that is the way it feels as soon as I step off the plane and breath the crisp, clean Paris air.  Oh yeah, and when I have my first croissant and cafe creme.  And when I see the Seine again.  And visit a cafe, and stoll the Île Saint-Louis....I could go on and on.

Madison is safely tucked away at Grandma's house and I am semi-packed.  I am getting those butterflies I always get right before a big trip...just like at Christmas when you are a kid.  You want it to come, but in another way you don't..because as soon as it does, you know that soon it will be over. 

I'll be leaving you tomorrow for 10 glorious days.  I'll miss you, dear reader.  Each and every one of you.  Honestly, I will.  I have never left for such a long stretch before...but just think, in a few two short weeks, I will have tons more photos and stories to share about Paris.  So....stay tuned!!!

Anne and Tara...it won't be long now!

Corey and Melanie...just you wait, next time Provence is right around the corner

Sognatrice.... I'll get your wildlife shots or die tryin'

And to all the rest I will do my best to bring back the best of Paris and hopefully show you even more reasons to love  the European lifestyle.

A beintot.

Photo:  One of my favorite cafes Le Flore en l'ile, on the Île Saint-Louis, Paris

Three weeks and counting....

Until I leave for Paris. I really can't believe it.  Time flies. What I really don't understand though, is how it creeps up on you.  I am a self-professed anal over-planner....and you would think I am always ready for anything.  Months of reading, note scribbling, web surfing, checklist making *and remaking*, itinerary planning, reservation requesting...you get the idea...all boils down to sheer panic at the last minute. Some days I feel like Munch's 'The Scream' painting looks.  I realize that I am running out of time, a precious commodity around here these days, and I still feel like I have so much to do.

Wanna know what is stressing me out....well...here is just a sample of my to-do list...

• Rework my itinerary, as other friends plans are changing
• Wait with baited breath to get a call that the  20" Tumi wheelie that will be my only source of luggage, has finally arrived at the store in the color I want
• Pack and unpack, several times...I am going all carry-on this time!
• Convince myself(and you guys now) that I am not crazy based on the carry-on thing
• Pare down my list of 500 cafes, restaurants and wine bars that I want to visit in my 10 days, to a more manageable list..like 250..tops!
• Uh, rework my itinerary...again!
• Compare noise canceling headphones to decide which ones are the best, without just dropping the ridiculous $300 for the Bose, like everyone else does.  Just-can't-afford-that!
• Purchase said headphones along with a tush-cush, inflatable neck supporter, travelsox, black mary-jane Crocs, solid shampoo and solid body butter and pray that they arrive within the next 2 weeks
• Jam 5 quarts worth of liquid cosmetics into a one quart clear zip lock bag
• Oh my god....I need a pedicure!
• Take a passport sized photo of myself for my Carte Orange
• Attempt to locate my converter for my digital camera battery charger *good luck*
• Buy an international phone card
• Practice my French..."je voudrais une carafe au vin rouge de la maison, s'il vous plait"
• Buy champagne to drink on our way to the airport *remember the $300 I am saving on the Bose headphones...that went to 'treating' us to a car service to and from JFK....you only turn 40 once ya know!*
• Taking the pooch to 'Grandma's' house
• Money... need I say more
• Uh, what are we he** doing with the mail?

Well, that's just some of my list.  It should be shrinking, but it is growing, taking on a life of its own!  As I cross something off, I think of four more things to write, and this doesn't even being to cover the added stress of worrying about how many hours I may be sitting on the tarmac.  Aargh!

I love to delegate and would love a little help at this point!  Who is gonna help me?  What are you gonna cross off my list for me??? What are the things that stress you out at the last minute when traveling?

More Travel Favorites

Pick a Card...Any Card

Want to get to know the quiet side streets of Paris or a picturesque stroll along the Seine?  Hate the idea of taking a walking tour with strangers and wandering off because your not interested in part of the itinerary?  Then you will love these cards! City Walks: Paris is a deck of 50 cards, each with a different walking adventure.  The front of the cards have a detailed map and walk route, the back has a list of all things you will encounter on your walk....from museums, shops, cafes and secret historic landmarks.  Each card covers a different area of the city. Pick a card or two are explore your heart out..without lugging around a heavy book!  These cards are available in Paris, London, Rome, Amsterdam, Vancouver, Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., New York and San Francisco.   They retail for about $15 and are available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

Moleskine to the Rescue

I am sure you have all seen or used a Moleskine at one time or another.  Personally, I love them.  Once again, they have come out with something I just can't live without.  It is a Moleskine City Notebook.  Basically, you can create your own personal guidebook.  It's a compact moleskine with plenty of blank pages(some are removable), a small pocket in the back for collecting business cards, tabbed blank sections for restaurants, favorite shopping spots, a street index, transparent sticky notes, bookmark ribbons...and it even has zone maps and a fold out metro map of the city in the middle of the book.  Retail is $17. To take a peek inside, get a complete list of the cities available or to purchase, visit the Moleskine   website.  I'll be making good use of the Paris notebook for my upcoming trip.

Show me the Money

With the dollar getting weaker and the Euro getting stronger, it gets increasingly hard to plan how much you will need for a trip to Europe.  I rely on the xe.com for all my currency conversions.  They give you so many options, it's not even funny.  And they update their rates every minute...can't get more accurate than that!

Just in Case

Have you found yourself in the hotel room, packing for the return trip home...only to find that your suitcase zipper ain't gonna make it?  All of your new purchases are taking up much more room in the suitcase than you thought, huh?  Maybe you have been in the check in line at the airport and your luggage is overweight.  What's a girl to do?  Well, don't worry.  Tumi has come out with the Just in Case Tote * love the name* for just such occasions. The lightweight case folds square and flat, and even snaps down in the folded position to take up next to no room in your luggage. When opened it is a sturdy, high quality nylon spacious tote that can take all of your suitcase overflow.  It also has a really cool sleeve sewn on the back, that ingeniously slips over the telescoping handle of your wheeled luggage, making it effortless to carry roll around.  It will set you back $50, but it's a Tumi, which is a great product and comes with a warranty.  A must have for me.

What are some of your favorite travel items?

Photos courtesy of Chronicle Books, Moleskine and Tumi, respectively