5 Travel Essentials

Yahoo! Travel recently asked 5 travel experts what was the one item they never travel without. They were:

1 - A book

2 - Digital luggage scale

3 - Laptop

4 - Tumi roller bag

5 - Headphones

I agree with 3 out of the 5 for my personal preferences. Since the list was a total of 5 items here are my 5 items I can  never travel without (in no particular order):

1 - My Tumi roller bag

2 - Microsoft Surface (mini laptop)

3 - Camera

4 - Headphones

5 - Phone

{love my Tumi luggage!}

What are some items you can never travel without?

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10 Attractions You Can Count On

If you are on a schedule here are some sights that you can set your clock to. I have been to two fo them (and hope to visit more in the future). See Travel Channel's original article here. 

Rathaus-Glockenspiel

In the heart of Munich, pedestrian traffic in the bustling Marienplatz square stands still at 11 a.m. as eager tourists crane their necks to glimpse the historic Glockenspiel, which sits atop the Neues Rathaus, or “New Town Hall.” The charming, 2-level clock’s 43 bells and 32 life-size figurines re-enact 16th-century scenes, including knights jousting and dancing the Schäfflertanz. The performance lasts about 12 minutes.

When to Catch It: 11 a.m., noon and 5 p.m. daily, March through October

{from my trip to Germany in 2010}

Changing of the Guard

Tourists assemble in front of Buckingham Palace to see the red-coated soldiers bark orders and march in a 45-minute ceremony in this quintessentially British display of pomp and pageantry.

When to Catch It: The guard begins assembling daily at 11:15 a.m., but get there earlier to secure a decent spot. Occasionally canceled because of heavy rainfall. 

Dubai Fountain

Set against the great Burj Khalifa Lake, a mesmerizing series of lights and graceful water jets makes up the great Dubai Fountain. At night, it shines so brightly that it can be seen from space.

When to Catch It: 1 and 1:30 p.m. daily — except Friday, when it starts at 1:30 and 2 p.m. — as well as every half-hour from 6 to 11 p.m. nightly

Old Faithful

Yellowstone is home to the majority of the world’s preserved geysers, in large part because it was America’s first national park, established in 1872. Old Faithful’s eruptions aren’t the largest or the most frequent, but true to its name, they are the most consistent — shooting 8,000 gallons of water up to 180 feet into the air about every 90 minutes.

When to Catch It: You can see crowds gathering on the benches and predicted geyser eruption times (plus or minus 10 minutes) on the National Park Service’s Old Faithful live cam.

Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong

The Symphony of Lights laser show claims the entire spectacular Hong Kong skyline as its backdrop. Divided into 5 parts, the 13-minute show builds excitement slowly, until the tops of the skyscrapers erupt with radiance. While tickets to the world’s largest light show are free it may worth the steep cocktail prices at a roof top bar to view the show.

When to Catch It: 8 p.m. nightly. Suspended in cases of severe weather.

Bridge Bats, Austin

During the summer 1.5 million bats emerge from underneath Congress Avenue Bridge in downtown Austin. Hundreds of people gather to witness the world’s largest urban bat colony. The Mexican free-tailed bats migrate each spring from central Mexico and devour up to 20,000 pounds of insects on these nightly flights. 

When to Catch It: Crowds converge around dusk most summer nights.

Disneyland Forever Fireworks, Anaheim, CA

This year the fireworks display will join a new 1.5-million-light Paint the Night parade and World of Color water show as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebration starting May 22.

When to Catch It:  9:30 p.m. nightly

Eiffel Tower Sparkles, Paris

In 1999 20,000 flashing lights were installed for its millennial New Year’s Eve celebration. Fifteen years later, those same lights make the tower sparkle for 5 minutes at the top of every hour.

When to Catch It: Every hour from sundown until 1 a.m. 

How many of these attractions have you been to? 

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Souvenirs

Every now and then I join a travel blogging link-up and this month it is about souvenirs. I love souvenirs and I love buying things on my travels. I just like being able to say, "I got that in ... " 

When I was younger I use to collect key chains and tee shirts, my mom collects refrigerator magnets. But on my third trip to Europe is when I started my collections. From my travels I collect Christmas ornaments and art work. I love both of these because they aren't just little trinket that sits around. The artwork is hung and tells a story of where we have been and the ornaments decorate our tree and remind us of the adventures we have been on (and they only come out once a year; my husband hates clutter so this is a bonus). 

{Just some of my many ornaments}

{Just some of our art collection}

What are some things you collect from your travels?

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Spring Getaways Around the U.S.

Wanting to travel somewhere for Spring but don’t know where? Yahoo! Travel has come up with a great list of suggestions!

Charleston, South Carolina

I have never been to “the South” so I would love to visit Charleston or Savannah, Georgia

Orlando, Florida

Pretty sure you can find something to do in this magical city; perhaps a theme park ;P

Washington, D.C. 

I have to see the cherry blossoms some day!

{Source}

Los Angeles, California 

Great time to check out LA’s new tourist campaign, “Culture L.A.”

Holland, Michigan

Their annual Tulip Time looks just beautiful!

{"Holland MI Tulips 01" by BazookaJoe at en.wikipedia; Source}

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Hurry if you want to catch some snow skiing!

San Diego, California

Great weather, beaches and an awesome zoo! Can’t go wrong with this Spring time destination!

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Campgrounds open in April

{Source}

Sanibel Island, Florida 

Seashell searching can be done year round!

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Airline Etiquette

This article comes from Yahoo! Travel it is what an ex-flight attendant thinks are some helpful airline etiquette tips. 

Prepare ahead of time

Prepare for your flight folks! This means includes arriving early and not packing too much. 

Don’t pack more than you can lift.

It really bothers me when I see people with these HUGE “carry-on” bags that can barely make it down the aisle. Come on, get rid of that bag and buy one within the airline’s regulations. It will save you and other passengers a lot of hassle.   

Help someone who’s struggling with their bags

I would help someone truly in need like an elderly passenger or a parent traveling alone with a child. But if you’re just one of those people that tries to shove your shit into a space that it obviously isn’t going to fit you are not going to get any help from me.  

Check before you recline

Reclining has become a hot-button battle. I think some courtesy is warranted here; maybe check to see what the person behind is doing. If they are asleep, recline, if they are working on their laptop maybe you should keep your seat in the upright position. And when food service begins, bring your seat back up so the person behind you can eat without the tray table jabbing him or her in the gut.

Armrest Rules

When you have three seats next to each other, who gets what armrest? To Whitmore, the answer is easy. “The person sitting in the aisle has the luxury of getting up first. The person by the window has the best view.” So, she thinks the person stuck in the middle should have domain over both of the two middle armrests. “Nobody knows that rule,” a surprised Whitmore says. We’re shocked, too.

I LOVE her answer to this! I was stuck in the middle when traveling to Hawaii and the guy in the window seat was hogging the armrest the ENTIRE time! How rude!  

Be respectful of those around you

Don’t play your music/video games/movies on your device without headphones. And try not to stink up the entire cabin with food you bring on board.

It’s OK to shoot down a chatty seatmate, but do it politely.

Allow those in front of you to disembark first

This should be an easy one but you would be surprised how many times someone across the aisle or behind me will try and disembark between me and my husband. Hello! We’re together and I’m pretty sure I can walk faster than you!

Hold your tongue

If you encounter a rude passenger, take it up with the flight attendant first.

Be a good parent

This one speaks for itself!

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Visiting Fun Events in Every State

A lot of people have New Year's resolutions like “travel more” or “be more adventurous”. If you are one of those people maybe you want to hit a big event in every state, something the state is known for. Yahoo! Travel came up with a list of “the most awesome event in every state". Check out the ones I thought to be fun below and click here for the whole list.

Alaska: Iditarod; March 7-22: Anchorage to Nome, AK
Just watching this 1,000mi sled-dog race through the Alaskan wilderness on TV will have you shivering in your flannel pajamas. It’s cold. But that doesn’t stop over 60 teams from racing their Siberian huskies to Nome every year, recreating a supply route that once brought reinforcements to gold miners.

Delaware: Punkin' Chunkin'; November 6-8: Dover, DE
What started as a typical two-beers-deep argument about who could throw a pumpkin farther has grown into the most celebrated annual event in Delaware. Teams compete in a number of divisions (catapult, human power, air cannon) and recent winners have come close to chucking a pumpkin almost an entire mile.

{source}

Florida: Fantasy Fest; October 23 - November 1: Key West, FL
Fantasy Fest can get a little weird, as attendees dress in elaborate Mardi Gras-esque costumes, or costumes made entirely of paint, or well, costumes made out of nothing at all.

Georgia: The Masters; April 9-12: Augusta, GA
They don’t call it “a tradition unlike any other” for nothing. The biggest crown in golf is actually a green jacket, and it’s awarded to the winner of this four-day tournament held every year at the Augusta National Golf Club.

Hawaii: Ironman World Championships; October 10: Kona, HI
While triathlons have become the midlife crisis sport of choice for many Americans, the original and greatest race of them all takes place on the Big Island in October. Competitors swim 2.4mi through the cool Pacific, bike 112mi through the heat, hills, and wind on the King Kamehameha Highway, and then run a 26.2mi marathon alongside scorching lava fields. And they do it all without sending their friends a million of those annoying “Will you please sponsor me?” emails.

Louisiana: Mardi Gras; February 17: New Orleans, LA
This might be the only time of the year when a few strings of cheap plastic beads will get you a better show than a bankroll of singles.

Missouri: American Royal World Series of BBQ; October 2-5: Kansas City, MO
Boy, you win one American League pennant and all of a sudden they’re naming all kinds of world series after you. Or maybe they’ve been doing this since 1899. Either way, the top chefs from around the country descend on KC to see who’s got the best smoked meat, which you can chow down on while watching live cooking demos and rocking out to nightly concerts.

Nevada: Burning Man; August 21 - September 7: Black Rock Desert, NV
The music lineup is one of the best in the world (some would say), since people stay up for seven straight days/nights in primitive conditions to listen to it. Not to mention walk around with no clothes on, spend days with complete strangers, forget to eat, and then burn down a giant wood statue at the end before returning to the real world.

New Jersey: Miss America Pageant; September 13: Atlantic City, NJ
This American cultural icon that has returned — after a brief run as a Las Vegas reality show — to its rightful home in Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. And it's always televised for your viewing pleasure.

New Mexico: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta; October 3-11: ABQ, NM
Before it was known for Breaking Bad; Albuquerque was most famous for its annual hot air balloon festival. It peaks with the launch of hundreds of hot air balloons all at once.

{source}

New York: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; November 26: New York, NY
This is the one event a year that actually gets millions of people to tune in and watch giant balloons float through New York City

Tennessee: Bonnaroo; June 11-14: Manchester, TN
This outdoor festival is the only way organizers can contain egos like Kanye West, Jack White, Elton John, and Skrillex (who all headlined different parts of last year’s event) to perform at the same event.

Texas: State Fair of Texas; September 25 - October 18: Dallas, TX
Sure, SxSW would’ve been the easy choice, but does hanging out in Austin with a bunch of folks from LA/NY really count as a Lone Star experience? Probably not, which is why the state fair is the better move; not only does it switch up the syntax (come on, state fair “of”?) but also extends to almost a full month of rides, cows, fried food, and barbecue.

Utah: Sundance Film Festival; January 22 - February 1: Park City, UT

Since Utah is a state known for its open-mindedness and encouragement of creative thought, it was a natural choice for Robert Redford when he needed a home for this festival aimed at fostering the potential of independent films in the US. And it has! Launching the success of classics like Napoleon Dynamite and Super Troopers — meow.

Washington: Seafair; July 25 - August 2: Seattle, WA
On Lake Washington, a Friday night torchlight parade filled with pirates leads to a weekend of on-the-water parties, which leads to a Sunday filled with insane, high-speed boat racing and aerial tricks from the Navy’s Blue Angels.

{source}

Wyoming: Cheyenne Frontier Days; July 17-26: Cheyenne, WY

Typically rodeos in a state like Wyoming are nothing special. But this is the biggest of them all, complete with a chuckwagon cook-off, carnival midway, concerts from bands like Alabama, and a daily pancake breakfast.

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How to Spot the American

When I travel abroad one thing I worry about (and my European friends say I'm ridiculous for worrying about it) is if I will look American. I don’t necessarily want to look American; I just want to blend in.

Yahoo!Travel has a list out of habits us Americans have that scream, "I'M AN AMERICAN!"

1. We’re the only ones wearing white athletic socks.

For real. Others around the world mostly wear darker-colored socks. In fact, according to Olivier Magny (French author of Stuff Parisians Like) in Paris, people actually find white socks offensive. Why are you looking at my socks? Mine usually are colored anyway.

2. We have superwhite, supernice teeth

Un-naturally white, perfectly straight-toothed smiles have “U.S.A.” written all over them. Ricky Gervais, the English comic known for his notoriously bad imperfect even says so: “Americans, they are obsessed with perfect teeth.” Whereas others, like the Brits, are more comfortable having teeth with “character.” I would NEVER trade my beautiful smile (that I have been working on since the 3rd grade) for teeth with "character"

3. We’re shocked by all the naked breasts.

America likes to pretend it’s puritanical. Europeans, Australians, Brazilians, etc., just put it out there more, what with naked girls in the newspapers and on TV commercials, and with all those topless beaches. We Americans are the ones staring at all the toplessness, looking slightly uncomfortable, yet fascinated.

4. We don’t care about the soccer match.

If there’s a good soccer game (or “football” as much of the world refers to it) on TV, in just about any country in the world, you’ll see a crowd of rowdy and very emotionally involved fans watching and cheering. Americans barely know when the World Cup is happening, and most of us probably couldn’t name too many soccer players beyond David Beckham (Does he even play anymore?) and Cristiano Ronaldo – and let’s be honest, that’s mostly because they’re adorable. I don’t know who Cristiano Ronaldo is either…

5. We say ethnocentric things like: “What’s that in normal degrees [a.k.a., Fahrenheit]?”

FYI - Only five countries in the world use Fahrenheit (U.S., Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Islands, and Palau). So technically, “normal” temperatures are actually Celsius temperatures. That being the case, we should probably have an idea of it when traveling abroad. (Hint: Zero degrees Celsius is freezing – literally – and 32 degrees Celsius is pretty darn hot.) Just put an app on your phone, is that so hard? I'm one to admit I don’t know the conversion off the top of my head and when I see 19C I have no idea what that is in Fahrenheit. Honestly, I don’t know why the world all can't get on the same measuring system…it's annoying.

6. We clap at everything.

For example, you know how sometimes people clap when the pilot lands the plane safely after a bumpy flight? International folk say they just don’t get it. I don’t clap at everything, I find it annoying and sometimes uncalled for.

7. We’re obsessed with Purell.

“Why do you use so much hand sanitizer?” asks German Sophie-Claire Hoeller. We’re not good with germs or dirt (hence the more intense showering and deodorizing habits than say, Europeans, for example). Come to think of it, this American writer is often the only one with a supply of antibacterial wipes on group trips with international travelers. Of course, everyone’s always asking to use one when things get icky… I do have a small hand sanitizer in my purse that I carry with me all the time. But I only use it when there isn’t a sink and need to wash my hands for some reason - whether it's because the sink at the truck stop wasn’t working or I just dropped my dogs off at the groomer and now my hands smell of dog and slobber.

8. We ask for tap water.

Why is that so weird to non-Americans? “It’s simply not part of the culture,” says one Amsterdam resident. That’s true throughout Europe (where they often drink sparkling or mineral water with meals) and in other countries around the world where tap water may not taste good or be safe to drink. I do ask for tap water, mainly because I don’t want to for over the equivalent of $4 for a small bottle of water…

9. We’re the ones sporting all The North Face jackets.

The North Face accounted for more than a third of the outdoor apparel market by 2012, according to the New York Times. And the brand is just not as popular in Europe and other countries abroad with colder climates. There are some exceptions: Koreans have a recent obsession with the jackets – with teens actually ranking each other on the type of North Face they own. I only own North Face snow boots

10. We eat while walking.

In other lands, for example in many European countries, and in Asian countries like Japan, where dining is more sacred and savored, it’s considered uncivilized – or at least weird – to eat and walk. I don’t like to eat and walk. Plus in a foreign city with pick-pockets I want to keep my hands free and hold on to my bags.

11. We talk to strangers.

Ask a bunch of foreigners how to spot an American abroad and this is the one that comes up the most often. In fact, our outgoing personalities are often startling to more reserved types like Germans and Brits. Says one Swede, for example: “We don’t talk to people here.” Americans do seem to be more friendly and talkative then other cultures. I remember when we were on the subway in London my friends and I were chatting away and then we realized we were the only ones talking…

12. We tip.

Even if we know it’s not customary to tip in other countries around the world, somehow as Americans, it still feels wrong not to. But be careful – in some places, like Japan, it’s actually an insult to leave a gratuity. Hey if you don’t want me to tip I won't! Saves me some money!

13. We speak English. Only. And we expect everyone else to, as well.

There’s even a joke: What do you call someone who speaks two languages? Bilingual. What do you call someone who speaks one language? American. Maybe we need to work on that one. Ah, yes. The sad, sad fact that they do not push a foreign language on us here in America. I'm not sure why this is but I only had the option to start Spanish when I was in 8th grade (so like 13/14 yrs old). And we only have to take a year of it in high school.

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Where will I be going in 2015?

{flying over Maui and Lanai}

Where will I be going in 2015?

 

Travel wise we only have plans for Hawaii; call it a baby-moon if you will. We planned it almost a year ago (when we got back from Europe we booked the airline tickets). I know, I like to plan WAY ahead! But you kind of have to when you're using rewards points to book your flights.

 

{Mauna kea beach, hunu on Punaluu Beach, sunset at Hapuna Beach}

And on a more personal front, I will be taking one BIG step into motherhood in 20 weeks or less. I still think it's all a bit crazy - I am going to be a mom - I am going to have a daughter - whoa! This big event will change our lives, our perspective on life, how we travel and how often we travel.

 

What are your plans for 2015? Going anywhere new? Have any "firsts" planned? 

 

 

 

 

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2014 Review

 

Happy Monday (well as happy as a Monday could be)! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday; as you can tell I took the week off from blog world but I'm back today to review MY 2014 (it's crazy to think that it's almost over - time flies).

 

2014 was quite the travel year for us. We took a trip to Europe in April (my husband's first trip to Europe I might add) and in July we did a weekend in Chicago. I went to Lubbock, TX in early December and soon we'll be jetting across the Pacific to Hawaii!

 

{Top-Bottom, Left-Right: Amsterdam, Germany x 2, Lucern x 3, Paris x 2, Versilles}

Europe was amazing as always, I want to go again but during the Christmas season and hope to see some snow! And we could not have had better weather while in Chicago.

 

{Chicago}

And of course our biggest something this year was the announcement of our little girl that is due in May. And as you may have read in my previous post, my pregnancy was rough (to put it mildly) at the beginning. I am very happy and thankful that she seems to be happy and healthy in her little home (for the next 21 weeks at least).

 

I wanted to take a belly pic every week but I was sick and now I'm always tired and these signs are a little time consuming...and weeks 13 and 14 were taken without make-up.

 

Remember...  

{Blake Lively, source and me during my time in the hospital for uncontrollable vomiting}

 

 

What are some amazing things you did in 2014? I hope 2015 is just as great!



 

 

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World’s Most Fabulous Christmas Trees

In keeping with the Christmas spirit, today I wanted to share with you a list of the World's most famous, fabulous Christmas trees! This list can originally been seen on the luckiest girl in the world's web site, Samantha Brown.

I have been lucky enough to see 2 of these Christmas trees, however, I have been to every tree location except Galeries Lafayette (that will have to happen on my next trip to Paris!) and Rio.

Rockefeller Center, New York City

One of the favorite Christmas trees for New Yorkers and visitors to the city for over seven decades (since 1933), the Rockefeller Center experience is unlike any other around the world. One of the best things about the tree is you don’t have to travel to see the live lighting ceremony. NBC usually broadcasts it live the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. The tree is normally a Norway spruce that stands 70 to 100 feet tall and is decorated with over 45,000 multicolored lights and a “Swarovski Star” that is almost 10 feet tall.

 

Galeries Lafayette, Paris, France

Every year the Galeries Lafayette puts up a truly monstrous Christmas tree. Some years they have breathtaking and intricate visual designs and other years they turn the whole idea of a traditional tree on its head. This year they are displaying their tree upside down in the inverted, hanging from the ceiling position. This will land them on the naughty list for sure.

{source}

National Christmas Tree, Washington D.C.

In a time-honored tradition that dates back to 1923 and President Calvin Coolidge, every year we light the National Christmas Tree which belongs to all of us. It’s a joy to visit the Ellipse in President’s Park and browse through the trees representing the 50 states. While the weather is usually hit or miss, seeing the tree set against the White House at night is a stunning spectacle.

 

Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic

The Old Town Square in the city of Prague is stunning on a normal day. When they light the tree, it transforms the area into a magical blaze of lights, color and music. Stroll around and enjoy the festive atmosphere with some hot wine and be sure to sample the amazing food offered throughout the market.

 

Trafalgar Square, London, England

An annual gift from the people of Oslo, Norway to the British people as a thank you for the support they received during WWII, the lovely Christmas tree stands as a tradition and symbol of the holiday spirit. The tree is a Norway spruce rising about 65-70 feet into the air and is decorated in Norwegian style with around 500 white lights. Come for the tree but stay for the Christmas carols, there are usually several groups performing on any given night.

 

Rodrigo de Freitas Lake, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Not to be outdone by anyone in the world, Rio de Janeiro unveiled what they say is the largest ever floating Christmas tree (but, it’s not really a tree) on the Rodrigo de Freitas Lake. The hugely popular and festive lighting ceremony included a huge fireworks display and live music.

 

St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City

In every year since 1982, the tradition of displaying a Christmas tree and nativity scene at Saint Peter’s Square has officially become part of the Christmas season at the Vatican. Various European countries and regions offer the tree as a donation to the Pope and it has become quite an honor to have your local tree on display in Vatican City. This year’s tree is a white fir from the Italian province of Fabrizia, Calabria. It has a twin trunks (joined together) which makes it very unique.

 

Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy

There are many Christmas trees to admire in the city of Rome. You can find a very tall and impressive tree in the Piazza Venezia that stands as high as some of the nearby buildings. However, my favorite tree in Rome can be found on the Spanish Steps overlooking the Piazza di Spagna. This perfectly styled tree can be enjoyed from locations all the way down Via Condotti.

{My trip to Italy in 2008, Spanish Steps}

Have you ever seen any of these beautiful trees? 

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