Ready... Set... PACK!

I'm getting ready for my two week Central European Adventure and I thought it might be helpful if a shared a few packing tips.  Since we will be traveling by train, I am careful not to carry too much luggage.  You have to load and unload these items yourself through teh narrow train doorway.  Also, we usually walk from teh rail station to the hotel... so having a lot to lug around the city isn't pleasant. 

When I shop, I am always on the lookout for comfortable shoes with multiple purpose.  Cushy walkers that are not sneakers are at the top of my list.  I love my Clarks.  I also amke sure to bring two pair of shoes with different heel hights.  that way, if a rotate them, the pressure is not always on the same part of ym foot... giving them a bit of a rest each day.

Another staple in my wardrobe is a long skirt made with lycra.  You can crush it, ball it up or roll it and it still hangs out without a wrinkle.  You can use it for a fancy dinner, strapless mini dress or beach cover up.  Lycra in blouses and slacks provide the same no wrinkle packing ease so I can manage a carry on rolling suitcase for two weeks worth of clothing with no washing in between!

Adding several great scarves to your suitcvase can really stretch a wardrobe.  Use them for teh beach, a chilly night or to dress up a neckline and you can leave your jewelry at home.  I also like to take two fine gauge knit sweaters for evening or layering. Open front sweaters that drape and can be belted are the most versatile. 

Here is my basic packing list below... happy travels!

PACKING LIST
 
CLOTHES

Choose one basic color (black, navy, brown) and add 2 accent colors for your travel wear
Plan to wear each item 2x, mix and match. 
 
What to pack:

Tops or shirts 3-4 Bathing suit
Blouses 3-4 Cover-up
Shorts 2 Sand shoes if needed
Capris 2-3 Rain resistant coat  or jacket
Slacks 2 plus wear one on the plane Hat
Sweatshirt or sweater , take 1, wear 1 Wrinkle proof dress, nylons, shoes, slip (if needed)
Sneakers, sandals Socks 2-3  pair 
Dressy jacket or sweater or pashmina Accessories (jewelry, scarves, etc)
Undies 5 Bras
Pj’s 1-2 Light robe
Slippers
 
 *to compress underwear and keep personal items from being touched by security personnel, pack underwear in gallon size ziploc bags and press out all of the air.  This keeps everything sanitary and also takes up less room.

 
MISCELLANEOUS 
Sunglasses Curling iron
Extra glasses Camera
Nylon stuff bag Film, charger
Books and magazines Alarm clock
Pen and paper Binoculars (optional)
Games or cards Zip loc bags (or pack socks, undies in them)
 
TOILETRIES 

• Pack all liquids and meds in zip loc bags 

Make-up Antacid
Toothpaste and brush Anti-diarrhea medicine
Deodorant Antibiotic cream
Perfume Bandaids
Sunscreen Shaver
Shampoo and conditioner Aspercreme
Body lotion Pain reliever
Comb and brush Moleskin
Nail file, polish and remover Safety pins and rubber bands
Small sewing kit

Do what you LOVE... love what you do!

When you travel, have you ever had the opportunity to take a unique side trip that was completely unexpected... but was the best part of your trip?  Some of my favorite memories are these unexpected adventures.  Once, I sang in a choir in Belgium when I joined a family for Sunday Mass... and yes, I sang in French!  In Paris on a holiday weekend I took a night boat ride along the Seine.  All of the local folks were out on the streets with their blankets, candles and bottles of wine enjoying the balmy May evening as I observed them from an open air boat.  When traveling in Interlaken, Switzerland, we had a planned tandem paraglide jump.  The next day when we ascended to the Schilthorn, there was our instructor... making a jump from the top of Europe!

With a little research and a good travel agent, these encounters can be more than chance and happen on every vacation.  I always research the area that I am headed to and look at the calendars for the local cities.  What celebrations are going on?  Is there a special exhibition at the museum... and more importantly, what is free or low cost?

Let your travel planner know what your hobbies are.  Extreme sports or organist?  Butterflies or Architecture?  No matter where you are traveling, there are places that will enhance your vacation by catering to your special interest.  Even when your somewhere that is not your favorite activity.  I recently attended a NASCAR race with my husband and we were able to sign on the finish line before the start of the race.

I once rearranged a client's entire proposed itinerary to incorporate a visit to Budapest on St Stephen's Day.  The city goes crazy with a huge festival that includes local crafts, jousting, street vendors and a brilliant fireworks display over the Parliament building.  On their original plan, they would have missed that by just two days.

I am completing an itinerary today for a couple who love gardens.  They wanted to take in the Chelsea Flower Show in London on their next vacation.  I could have stopped there, but I also know that they love the theater, politics and architecture along with history.  They are also devoted Rotarians.  Their schedule now includes a visit to Parliament, lunch with a local Rotary Club, en evening at the theater in London, an organ concert at Notre Dame, and a guided tour of Versailles and the gardens as part of their tour.   OH... and of course, they will ride the London Eye... after dark as it is quite beautiful and romantic!

There are many wonderful and unexpected adventures that await if you just know where to look.

The Marriage of Figaro

Figaro has finally "proposed" the honeymoon agenda. 

HONEYMOON Itinerary

Prepared for: Figaro & Susanna

May 26

                Arrive in Seville.  Check into your hotel

                PETIT PALACE CANALEJAS SEVILLA

                Breakfast included daily

May 27

Majestuosa Morning Tour  3.5 hours

Departure at 9AM

pinned by Lucy AuburnSeville is the capital of the province of the same name. With a population of some 704,000 people, Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain and is considered the cultural centre of the region. Its history dates back more than 2,000 years. Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and Moors all left their presence in the city. We will also discover the most emblematic monuments of Seville by minibus: the University, the Old Tabac Factory, the Plaza de Espana, the centerpiece of the 1929 Iberoamerican Exposition, San Telmo Palace, The Golden Tower, Isabel II bridge. We will then discover Santa Cruz, the famous Jewish quarter: a labyrinth of narrow streets which lead to the gorgeous Plaza de los Venerables. We will start our tour by visiting the Royal Alcazares, World Heritage and one of the most remaining examples of Mudejar architecture and the visit of the Cathedral of Seville, the largest gothic cathedral of the world, where Christopher Columbus' remains lie.

The afternoon is at your leisure.  Take time for a siesta so you may enjoy the exciting nightlife and the custom of tapas (a variety of snacks)… a Spanish cuisine.

May 28

                Take some time this morning to discover the city by bicycle (available for FREE at your hotel.)

Tonight you will enjoy a Flamenco Show with dinner at Palacio Andaluz.  Your tickets will be at the box office.

May 29

                JEREZ & CADIZ   9 hours

pinned by Camila Román DemoYour 8AM departure will take you out of the city today to visit Jerez and Cadiz.  After only one hour's ride, we will start our excursion with a guided tour of the Cathedral of Wine, called so for the high quality of its wines, the cathedral-like shape of its bodegas. We will end the visit by tasting some of its products. Next we will head off to witness a unique equestrian show where Andalucian horses will dance while ridden by master jockeys. The excursion continues to the Puerto de Santa Maria where you will have free time to enjoy lunch before stepping on board to cross the bay (those who prefer not to put their sea legs to the test, may continue by bus) Once in Cadiz, the oldest town in Western Europe, we will enjoy great views from the bus as we pass through the city. This concludes our day here and we will make our way back to Sevilla.

May 30

Enjoy a visit to the Museo del Baile Flamenco to learn more about the Andalusian Culture as well as the history of the dance.

Then, experience Seville from the water as you cruise the Guadalquivir for one hour.

Visit the Centro Andaluz se Arte Contemporaneo (Contemporary Arts Center) located Monastery.  The permenant collection contains works by Louis Gordillo, Candida Hofer, Rebecca horn and more.  Complete you visit with a tour of the old monastery grounds.

May 31

                Granada and the Alhambra Palace  12 hours

Mai Spy onto Wanderlust Granada, an evoking city where multiple civilizations that once lived on Andalucian soil left a cultural legacy that is a marvel of the world. The Alhambra is the joy that crowns this beautiful city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. We will visit the Nazarian city, the Alhambra, where every inch squared is a work of art. During our visit of the palaces, grand halls, rooms and exquisite gardens, we will understand why the last Arabic king cried, retreating as the Catholic Kings conquered it. We will then meander through the Generalife gardens with an official guide, these gardens being some of the most impressive in the world. At the end of the visit you will have time to relax in Granada before finally returning to Seville, never to forget this most spell bounding of experiences.

June 1

Borrow the bikes for a final spin around the city before you head for home.  Be sure to take plenty of photos to share with those back home.

"TRAPP"ed in Vermont

If you love the thought of a trip to Europe, but are thinking of a vacation just a little closer to home, try the Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont.  As the sign at the entrance says, it is “A Little Bit of Austria and a Lot of Vermont”.  The name may sound familiar and you would be right.  The original builders of the resort were the Baron and Maria von Trapp.  The same Baron and Maria of Sound of Music fame.  After their escape from Austria during World War II, they purchased this 2,500 acre tract of land because it reminded them of their favorite mountains in Austria. 

Here they built a family home and raised their children.  In 1950, they opened their 27 room home/inn to guests.  The original inn burnt down in 1980, allowing the family to reassess the property and come up with a multi-use resort concept including a newly rebuilt hotel and accompanying guest houses to better share their mountain experience with families.  When I first visited the resort in the early 80’s I was welcomed at a reception hosted by Maria von Trapp.  Marie passed away in 1987, but if you visit the resort today, chances are you will come across her children and grandchildren… who still tend to the daily operations of the family business. 

No matter the time of year you choose to visit there is always something to do.  In the winter they offer miles of groomed cross country and snowshoe trails.  These convert to spring and summer hiking trails and the newest addition… mountain bike trails.  Fall brings its own spectacular sights when the hills and mountains surrounding the resort turn into a vivid visual display of color.  You can even enjoy yourself during Vermont’s fifth season… MUD season.  The resort boasts a modern indoor recreation facility complete with indoor pool, outdoor hot tub with a view, sauna, spa treatment rooms, fitness classes and more.  You can also take a short walk down the hill to the old Austrian Tea House, home to their newest venture, a brew pub.  Taste half a dozen styles of beer while enjoying a snack or dessert. 

If you are feeling “TRAPPed” and in need of some new ideas, head off to the Trapp Family Lodge for some much needed rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.  It has worked for me for the past 20 years!

Has the MOUSE Lost His Magic?

It used to be that when you thought of the Walt Disney Companies you thought of cutting edge design and technology.  They were a company at the top of the game whether it was a feature film, television show, or animation.  This was also true when they stepped into the hospitality business.  Disneyland followed by Walt Disney World became the dream destination for every family.  While the dream to visit Disney is still alive and well, has the company kept up with that original, cutting edge feel?

In some areas, they are still excelling.  I have visited Walt Disney World in Orlando on two separate occasions since December, staying at both the Coronado Springs and the Contemporary Resorts.  Hands down, they are excelling in customer service/friendliness.  Greetings abound no matter where's you go and all staff are more than willing to help no matter the question or problem.  Also, the food is fantastic.  I spent most of my time the first week not in the parks, but at each of the hotels checking out the restaurants.  They also seem to be making a point of keeping the room décor fresh and updated. 

What were the low points?  Check-in on both occasions as well as the on-line reservation process was less than stellar.  I make a living using the internet and Disney’s web site is slow and difficult to use.  On our first visit, we arrived after 6PM and rooms were not cleaned and ready for occupation.  On the second trip, I arrived after midnight to a lobby filled with drunk conference attendees and NO ONE AT THE FRONT DESK.  As a single woman traveling alone, this was a major problem especially since I had pre-registered my arrival time and applied for the Magical Express.  They knew I was coming and what time I would arrive.  The on-property transportation system, while frequent, takes forever to get you from point A to point B.  We also found it difficult to find and follow road signs from point to point without the use of a map when driving ourselves.  When we finally visited a park, we chose EPCOT... our previous favorite from when the kids were younger.  This venue was built as the amusement park of the future and yet one of the attractions is Captain Eo… a sci-fi adventure made when Michael Jackson was a young man.  The technology and filming was outdated and the comments I heard leaving the theater were not good.  This was not the only outdated attraction in Epcot.  The few new attractions in the park always had long lines and no fast pass availability while the older duds were walk in ready.  

So, the question is, has the MOUSE lost his magic?  Not completely, there is still plenty of magic to go around, but without some new tricks up his sleeve, he just might.