My Mélange

Travel Tip Tuesday - Why go solo?

I know many of you out there would never think of venturing out on vacation alone, whatever the reason. 

Maybe your other half would never hear of it.  Perhaps you don't want to ditch your yearly girlfriend

getaway. Fear may rear its ugly head, making you scared to spend THAT much time alone with yourself.  

But for those of you who have already traveled solo, or some of you that may be teetering on the fence, I offer you 5 reasons to go solo.

1.  You can do what YOU want.  "What do you wanna do today?" ,  "I dunno, what do you wanna do today?"  Sound familiar? Yeah,we have all been there.  When you have one or more people in the mix trying to figure out an itinerary, someone always gets the short end of the stick, someone gets pissed off and lets face it, it is frustrating for everyone.  If you go solo, you get to skip all the drama and do whatever you want.

2.  You never miss a trick.  When you travel with other people, you spend lots of time talking to them. When you travel alone, you can become a better observer and soak up everything happening around you. You have more time to appreciate hidden details that would otherwise go unnoticed because you are focused on your companions.  These details and captured moments may very well make your trip that much better.

3.  Set your own pace.  Remember when you were in the car as a kid and Dad had to stop for coffee, Mom wanted to stop a few miles later for food and then a few minutes later your brother had to pee. You were the one whining and rolling your eyes in the back seat, crying "C,mon, we are never gonna get there!!"  You can avoid all of that by going alone.  Stop at a cafe if your feet hurt, leave the museum early if you are bored, take 50 pictures in the park without your traveling companions pacing back and forth crying "Aren't you done yet? How many pictures of the park do you really need?"

4.  Score that deal!  Picture this, you find that deal of a lifetime on the Internet, but you sigh because you have to check with so-and-so.  Gotta make sure the dates and times work for them.  By the time you coordinate and hem and haw back and forth-the deal is long gone.  Well, if you are the only one going- you get to pick the dates and book that deal!  And these days if you find it- you have to book it right away!

5.  Make new friends.  If you are traveling alone, you may find others traveling alone and strike up a conversation.  Maybe with one of the guests in your hotel, maybe with a stranger in a restaurant.  You will meet other travelers that you may never have met if you were traveling with someone else.  Perhaps you will make fast friends with folks of different cultures, in different parts of the world, that last a lifetime.  How nice that would be.

And as an added bonus, if you are lucky enough to have a significant other who  supports your solo travels, best friends or parents that are staying behind, maybe you'll  just have a built in ride to and from the airport!

***

So, who out there has traveled solo?  What do you like and dislike?  Would you do it again?  What's the best thing about it for you?  

For those of you who haven't yet, would you like to?  Why or why not?

And while you're at it, stop by Cherrye's for her Travel Tip this Tuesday!  

Travel Tip Tuesday : Shipping Luggage

If you have ever had felt uncomfortable about airport security rummaging through your luggage and possibly finding some of your unmentionables- you may want to consider this.

If you have ever had valuables lost or stolen from your luggage-you may want to partake.

If you have prayed, stressed and sweated on the plane about whether your luggage would arrive at the airport with you-this may be a stress reliever.

If you are tired of backaches, sore shoulders and general fatigue from lifting and dragging heavy bags around on vacation-you'll definitely want to check into it.

If you have ever actually had your luggage lost and had to spend part of your trip and extra money, purchasing clothes and toiletries- you may be the perfect candidate.

For what you ask?

For shipping your luggage!

It is not that crazy anymore.

Many travelers find it is an easy, stress-free, backache free alternative to any and all of the above scenarios, though it does still generally remain a more expensive option.

However, since the airlines are now charging for checking bags, and even slapping on extra fees  for over-sized bags, the difference between shipping and checking, might not be as large as it used to be.

Shipping bags generally makes more sense for domestic travel.  International shipping is still out of reach for most, in this budget travelers humble opinion.

There are luggage companies out there that specialize in shipping luggage and odd sized items like skis, musical instruments or golf clubs.  They offer very personalized service, but it comes at a hefty price.  They are Luggage Forward and Luggage Free.  If you can afford their fees-more power to ya!

But as a budget traveler, I'd like to suggest UPS, FedEx or DHL. 

Fast, reliable, door-to-door service, at  much better rates.

The more organized you are, the better you plan and the more advanced notice you can give, shipping at a reasonable cost is most certainly within reach!

Since I prefer DHL, I used them to price a 30 pound suitcase, 24 x 14 x 9 to go from my home in upstate NY to Savannah Georgia. 

If I shipped on Tuesday and wanted it the next day by noon, it would cost me $ 158. 43. 

But the price goes down from there. 

The best rate?  If I choose the 2 day ground option, arriving Thursday by end of day, it would only be only $17.14. 

Not bad eh?  I think it is totally do-able. 

The key here is to plan, be organized and time it just right. 

***

So what do you think?  Have you tried shipping your luggage?  Please share your experience.  If not, do you think you would give this method a try?  Is the convenience, peace of mind worth it to you?

Now, make sure to go see what Cherrye is talking about this Travel Tip Tuesday!!

Travel Tip Tuesday: Money Matters

 

Now, more than ever, money matters.

In this economy, every little penny makes a difference.  

Here are 10 Money Tips, many of which I just followed myself for my recent trip.  How to save it, how to make the most of it, how to secure it and how to protect it.

1.  Always contact the banks who hold your ATM cards and credit cards to inform them you will be traveling out of the country.

2.  Why not call your credit card companies to ask them to lower your interest rate or see if they have any current promotions that will save you money if you use your card on vacation?  I tried it and got a promotional rate of 3% on any purchases for the next six months! 

3.  Travelers checks are a thing of the past.  Don't waste your time.

4.  Never change foreign currency at a bank or a change bureau.  The exchange rate is much higher and the added fees are a rip off.

5.  Check xe.com before you leave.  This way you'll know the approximate exchange rate and can have some idea of what to plan for.

6.  Call your credit card companies to get informed on their Foreign Transaction Fees and exchange rates.  Try to use the card with the best rate for most of your transactions. Fees can vary widely.

7.  Sign up at a local credit union for an ATM and credit card.  They offer the best rates- hands down. If you use a participating ATM location to withdraw cash- you will not be charged a fee for using the machine.  They will convert to the current exchange rate and only tack on a 1% Foreign Transaction Fee.

8.  Do not withdraw large amounts of cash and walk around with your life savings to last the whole trip.  Instead, withdraw the cash you'll need for a day or two, and return every few days to withdraw more.  This way, if your cash is stolen- you still have some money in the bank in an emergency.

9.  I recommend waiting until you get to your airport to withdraw some cash with your ATM card to use in your foreign destination.  But if you are just not that adventurous, you can visit a major bank branch in the US and change out a small amount of foreign currency, but just enough to get you a train ticket or taxi fare, as you'll pay a bit more at the bank.  Whatever you do, don't exchange money at the airport. Again, the fees will get you!

10.  Make copies of all of your credit cards, front and back.  Either keep them  in a secure location or back home with a loved one.  This way if your card is lost or stolen, you will have access to the important phone and card numbers to report your card(s) stolen.

***

What are your favorite money tips for travel?  Tips on how to grow it on trees are always welcomed!

Now head on over to My Bella Vita to check out her Travel Tips today!

Travel Tip Tuesday : Green Transportation in Paris

By now, most of you have heard of Vélib, the awesome biking program in the city of Paris, that allows locals and tourists alike, the opportunity to rent bikes to get around Paris.  

It has been a beautiful thing.  Cheap. Easy. Green. Dare I say genius.

Watch this video on Vélib's first anniversary.

Well, that was big news when it launched in July 2007, a little over a year ago, and the program is still growing strong.

But now it is old news.

The new news is that now Paris will offer the same great program, but with cars!

Voiturelib, free car in French, is the new program that will offer residents and tourists the opportunity to use  one of 2,000 small blue cars scattered around the city.  Like Vélib, you can pick up at one station, use it for a small fee, and drop off at another station.  The best part- you won't have to book in advance. And yet another bonus- the cars are electric!  

So, if you are ready to take your life into your hands, through caution to the wind, and drive with the French in Paris, you'll soon be able to do it.  Cheap. Easy. Green.

This proves once again that the French are quiet clever and inventive!  

Why can't Americans think of things like this or at least be open to adopting similar ideas for the betterment of our country and the environment?

So, what do you think of the program?  Would you rent a bike or a car in Paris?

***

Don't forget to head on over to see what Cherrye's Travel Tips are today!

Travel Tip Tuesday : Tackling Foreign Menus

Contrary to what you may think, I am not one of those adventurous eaters.  Oh, don't get me wrong, I love food- French, Italian or otherwise.  I consider myself a foodie, but I just don't like to eat anything weird.

I tried duck when I was in France, which was a first for me- and I loved it!  But it was duck breast served in a peach sauce.  It wasn't like a duck beak with intestine sauce.  There I draw the line.

One of my biggest fears when I first travelled to France and Italy was the food.  Europeans have some different staples than Americans. They eat lots of things that I haven't. Or wouldn't, for that matter.

While I know a fair amount of French and Italian, definitely enough to get around, I don't know enough to decode every detail on a foreign menu.

Frogs legs, tripe, rabbit, brains, livers- you name it, it's all on offer.

So how do you avoid eating something that you don't want?

Marling makes terrific menu decoder books, specific to each country.  They are small enough to fit comfortably in your purse or pocket and not seem too conspicuous if you need to slip it out at the table to translate your menu.  They are organized by course, (appetizer, entrée, dessert) and give details like cooking preparations and ingredients, which is also helpful to those with food allergies.  Versions for France and Italy cost under $10 and are well worth it , in this squeamish diner's opinion.  I would never leave home without one.

If free is more your style, Budget Travel magazine also has a version of a menu decoder.  It is available in HTML or PDF format, so you can just print it and go.  This one is very basic, not quite as comprehensive as Marling's books.  You may be able to translate the animal or bird, but not necessarily the part of the body, which may be a deal breaker.

Some restaurants and cafes may offer menus with English translations or separate English menus, so it never hurts to ask.  But keep in mind, most places that have English on the menu may be catering more to tourists.  Which is perfectly fine.  Nothing wrong with that.  

However, if you are like me, or you want to eat where the locals do, this may be a bit of a turn off.

Armed with this information, I urge you to go forth and experiment.  At least as much as your constitution will allow.

Now, if I could just get someone to rename sweetbreads- cause it sure ain't what you might think!

***

Don't forget to click over to My Bella Vita for more Travel Tip Tuesday!

Travel Tip Tuesday : Agriturismo

If the thought of staying with a real Italian family, on their farm, while helping with chores like harvesting grapes or olives, or picking fruits and vegetables, and sitting down to dinner with an authentic Italian meal, comprised of local foods grown on the farm, you want to stay in an Agriturismo.

Let me be clear here, this isn't your typical vacation, this is a working vacation.  But a unique, cultural experience you won't forget.

You'll get to learn about the area, the history, agriculture and more.  Best of all, these Agriturismi are located in the Italian countryside, so picturesque farmland and stunning views will always be part of the deal.

Another bonus is that these farm owners know their area.  They know the lay of the land and will offer up secret tips on little known, out of the way restaurants and activities, which aren't publicized. 

Caution must be taken in selecting one though.  Many offer delicious food, upscale accommodations and even swimming pools.  Others are more rustic and offer a basic bare bones experience.  These establishments are claimed to be regulated, but you could still wind up sleeping with the goats in the barn with an outhouse, if you are not careful.

Depending on what type you are looking for, at the very least, I would want to see pictures of the farm and accommodations, reviews of people who have stayed, maybe even the ability of talking to those folks and have direct contact with the owner/family member who runs the property.

Communicating by email back and forth or spending a few extra bucks on an actual phone call might be money well spent to prevent headaches (and maybe tummy and backaches) on your Italian farm holiday.

Here are several links of Argriturismi if you are so inclined:

Agriturismo Italy

Agriturismo.com

Italy Agritourism

Slow Travel Classifieds

Landscape Properties

***

See what Travel Tips Cherrye has on offer today over at My Bella Vita!   

Travel Tip Tuesday: Best of Paris

This Travel Tip Tuesday, Cherrye and I decided to collaborate on one of our favorite cities, Paris.  There are so many things to love about the City of Light, so it is hard to know where to begin, so I felt it best to put together a Best of  List.  Now, some of you may disagree, but keep in mind, it is my best, not the best.

Best of Paris

Best Museum.   I have been to many, not all, but many.  So far, my favorite has been the Rodin. The building itself is exquisite, the wrought iron banister leading to the second floor is to-die-for, his works are amazing.  Though the mansion is large, the small rooms allow it to remain intimate.  His larger works, like The Thinker, are nestled among the gardens out back.  You can even grab a nosh in the cafe.



Best Patisserie.  Hands down, it is Ladurée.  Each location is decorated a little differently, but they all exude that French style.   The window displays are perfectly delicious, as well as the signature Ladurée pastel packaging.  But the thing that keeps me coming back are the macaroons.  Rose, violet, pistachio, lime and cafe are just a few of the inventive flavors.


Best Wine Bar.  Though I have a handful of favorites, the Taverne Henri IV, located between the Pont Neuf and the Place Dauphine, will always top my list.  The cozy atmosphere, the delicious homemade food that changes daily, and the wonderful selection of inexpensive wines make this a favorite of many locals and tourists alike.  The location and the amicable owners are the real reason it holds a special place in my heart.

Best Spot For Sunset.  Located at the tip of the I'le de la Cité is a small park, called Square du Vert-Galant.  A lovely, serene spot to grab a park bench and relax, or smooch, like the locals do.  Walk out a bit further at sunset though and enjoy the stunning array of jewel-toned colors light up the sky as the glow from the setting sun slowly transforms the bridges and buildings from cold grey to warm amber.

Best For a Stroll.  Far away from the crowds and the center of the city is an area made famous by the movie Amelie.  The Canal Saint-Martin,  in the 10th arrondissement, is lined with trees, bridges, and locks along the canal.  It makes for a lovely, quiet, picturesque and shady walk.  There are several new boutiques and cafes in the area worth a visit, including the Hotel du Nord.


Best Quintessential Paris. Day or night, the I'le Saint Louis, exudes charm.  With its tiny cobbled streets, romantic quays, boutiques, bridges and stunning views of both the right and left bank of Paris, it showcases a bit of everything Paris has to offer, all in the tiniest of spaces. And Berthillon, Paris's best ice cream, is located right in the center of it all!  

Best Neighborhood.  The Marais is a lively section on the right bank and a perfect spot to spend a whole day.  Wander the streets, pop in and out of the funky boutiques, spend some time on the Place des Vosges or one of the many museums located here.  Locals flock here on Sundays, as it is one of the only places where shops are open.  If you like Greenwich Village in NYC, than you will love the Marais!

Best Off the Beaten Path.  Wander away from the touristy Place du Tertre, behind Sacré Coeur, and you will find the backstreets of the Buttes Montmartre.  It's a neighborhood lined with gorgeous examples of Haussmann architecture, large apartment buildings complete with French windows and iron balustrades, tiny streets with little French houses, quaint parks and passageways, a cemetery and a small vineyard on Rue St. Vincent.  I love getting lost there. 

So many more, so little time.  So, tell me what is on your Best of Paris list?

Don't forget, Cherrye has her favorites for Paris too!  Make sure you check it out!

Travel Tip Tuesday - Best Travel Blogs

This Travel Tip Tuesday, I have decided to share some travel blogs that I love.  There are so many different types of travel blogs.  Ones that highlight a specific location, ones that offer advice, ones that report on the best travel deals, ones that review travel gear...the list goes on and on.

I sure do appreciate that you consider me a resource for France and Italy- offering travel tips, advice, arm chair stories and photos. But let's face it, there are soooo many travel blogs out there, I would be foolish to keep them all to myself!  There are more than enough to go around.

And I am so into paying it forward; this is my way of throwing out some good karma into the universe.

Who knows maybe the karma fairy will throw a free trip into my lap as some sort good karma payment?

Well, one can hope.

Here are some of my favorites:

Budget Travel Blog.  This one is an extension of the magazine and covers so much more.  Current travel news, great photos, deals galore, and yes, travel tips. Whether you subscribe to the mag or not, this is one you shouldn't miss!

Spa Resorts. If you want a spa vacation, you can find it here.  This one is spas.  Nothin' but spas. Gorgeous pictures and delicious descriptions.  Even if you don't want a spa vacation- come here just for a little zen escape.

My Marrakesh.  Maryam gives us a wonderful look at her life living in Morocco.  This is a great resource if you are planning a trip there.  She is opening a resort of her own, so maybe you can make her home, your home, on your Moroccan vacation.

The Perrin Post.  Wendy writes for Conde Nast Magazine and is considered an authority on consumer travel issues.  Her blog covers a wide variety of travel topics.

Cheapest Destinations.  You know budget travel is near and dear to my heart.  It is no wonder I like this site!  It was a Forbes Best of the Web winner.  It covers travel destinations, deals, bargains, gear, books and more.

The Cranky Flier.  Brett is a self proclaimed airline dork.  His blog is about...you guessed it, flying.  Anything you ever wanted to know about planes, airports, airlines, and fees are found here.  
  

Gridskipper.  This one is pretty cool.  It covers 10 areas.  New York, Paris, San Fran and the Hamptons are a few. Short post's that are long on info.  Articles give recommendations on hip themed attractions complete with Google maps of the locations.  Love that!

Go Green Travel Green.  For all of your eco-conscious travelers out there, this is an excellent resource. This one covers green destinations, tips on green travel, green gear, green activities and my favorite, 31 Reasons to Travel Green, in pictures.

Ok, that's enough from me.  Now it is your turn!  I know you have your favorite travel blogs, please share them in the comments!

***

And speaking of travel blogs, visit My Bella Vita to see what travel tips Cherrye is sharing today!

  

Travel Tip Tuesday : Traveler Pitfalls

We have all had those nightmare trips or heard friends that have come home complaining and told you story after story about how this happened or that happened on their vacation.  Many people I have worked with also tell horror stories.  

With a little thought, planning and knowing what you want from your experience, most of these pitfalls can be avoided.

I have compiled a list of some of the biggest mistakes travelers make.  

Chock Full Itinerary

I am guilty of this one myself sometimes.  It is so easy to do, especially when you think you have just one opportunity in your lifetime to see and do everything available in your destination.  You don't want to miss a trick, as they say. 

Don't plan so much that you don't have the time to sit and savour the moments of watching life go by at a Paris café,  or listening to conversations in Italian as you walk around a street market admiring the fruits and veggies.  

Loose your regimented ways.  If you are having a great time at dinner, but you are getting antsy because the museum you wanted to be visiting will be closing soon-  take a breath, stay in the moment and cross the museum off your list.  Enjoy your dinner and take a leisurely walk around the Piazza instead. The museum will wait, but life never will. Most of  these places will always be there for you to return to and visit again.

Booking Group Tours

Some independent travelers make the mistake of planning a group tour to save money or because it is easier to have someone else to show you around. Think again, before you book.

Keep in mind that on a group tour you will be told when and where to eat and when to stop admiring that statue in a museum.  This can be very restricting and frustrating to people who are used to marching to the beat of their own drum!   Plus, you may not be thrilled to share a bus and breakfast with strangers you don't know.

Travel with Friends   

We all have those good friends that we think we could travel with.  But, can you really travel with them? Have you spent more than a few hours at a time with them?  Have you seen their bathroom habits or how much luggage they normally take with them?  Probably not.

Picture this, you and your girlfriend decide to go to a villa in Italy and to save money- you both try to recruit more troops to gather up another 8 or so people.  So, one girlfriend asks another and so on, and so-on. Now you have a house of 10 women and you have never met 8 of them.  Can you spell d-i-s-a-s-t-e-r?  

Once you're all settled you find one didn't bring enough cash and wants to just pay people back at the end of the trip, another is an alcoholic,  another is loud and crude and dresses like a cheap hooker and yet another likes to sleep until noon and gets pissed when the rest of the house leaves her in the dust to sightsee.  This can be a vacation wrecker of the worst kind!  

Is it really worth the mind blowing drama and possibly destroying a friendship, just to save a few bucks? Make sure you know traveling companions really well and set some guidelines and ground-rules, long before you even plan your trip!

Always Speaking English

This one is near and dear to me.  Many people (Americans especially) travel to Europe and just expect that locals in a foreign county will speak English.  Big mistake!  

Not only is this rude, but also unrealistic, especially in smaller towns. There will most certainly be a language barrier in areas away from big cities in Europe.  It is best to learn some important phrases in the native language of your destination before you go.  Take a pocket dictionary with popular phrases along too.  How about a Kwikpoint or an electronic pocket translator?  There is no doubt you'll be less frustrated and get better treatment from locals when you at least attempt to speak their language.

Overpacking

Been there, done that, got the T-shirt!  I learned my lesson the hard way when I was unlucky enough to lug a huge, heavy suitcase up and down over footbridge after footbridge in Venice.  Yet, some people still do it, again and again.  I know someone that travelled with over 10 pieces of luggage and paid through the nose to have each concierge moving these suitcases from place to place for her.  

Seriously.  I don't think all the clothes I own would fill 10 suitcases, so what do you need all that for on a trip?  Who are you trying to impress here?  Are you having dinner with Coco Chanel?  Doubtful.

You know I am a fan of the carry-on.  But if you Can't. Possibly. Imagine. It. - at least mix and match your outfits to pare down on the stuff you take.  Lay everything you think you must take out on the bed and then put at least half of it back.  Plan to wash a few things along the way.  You're spine will thank you!

Under planning

Almost as bad as over-planning is not doing any planning at all.  I get it.  Some of you like to fly- by- the -seat- of -your -pants.  That's cool.  I am not suggesting that you go out and read enough guide books to write a term paper on your destination, or make a regimented itinerary mapping out every second of your trip.  But at least have some idea of where you are going and what you would like to do.

I can't imagine booking a trip, spending all the money that comes with traveling, and not having any idea what there is to do there.

Just read one guide book, a travel forum, or even ask a friend who has been there for some advice on attractions, restaurants and a general feel for the area.

And don't leave transportation to chance either.  You must have a plan or at least knowledge of the options, in advance for getting to and from the airport or between destinations.  There are just some things that require a little prior planning.

Tell me, what mistakes have you made while traveling?  What you have learned to do differently?  Tell us your story!

And don't forget to visit My Bella Vita to see what Cherrye's Travel Tip is this Tuesday!

See ya next week.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Polite Phrases

Remember the old saying, You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar?

Well, not only is that completely true, but it can be applied to so many situations in life.

Even travel.

One thing I have always done that bears mentioning is when traveling to other countries, especially those with other customs, cultural beliefs and languages other than mine, I learn what is considered polite in those areas.

Since my twin passions are France and Italy, today I will share a few simple phrases with you that are used frequently in these countries.  

Keep in mind that simple things like always saying Please and Thank You, Hello and Goodbye, Good morning and Good night are helpful phrases that spoken in a persons native language will often not only highlight the fact that you are being polite, but will often turn an otherwise chilly interaction, into a warm exchange, no matter what the scenario.

Here are a list of the most utilized.  

English                           French Italian

please                                                  s'il vous plait                      per favore

thank you(very much)                merci(beaucoup)                              grazie(mille)

hello/good day                               bonjour                                                buon giorno

goodbye                                              au revoir                        arrivederci

good evening                  bonsoir                               buona notte

i'm sorry                           je suis dèsolé mi dispiace

excuse me                       pardon                               scusi

You can visit word reference for pronunciation and audio links.

You can also go to Budget Travel to print a wallet sized card of Polite Phrases

 in 12 Languages.

Don't forget to head over the Cherrye's to get the low down on her Travel Tip this

Tuesday!

Until next week....Happy Travels!!