Before I get to this week's post, I have to relate an amusing coincidence. Last week, I wrote about bring a pillow on your trip. Well, On Sunday, after my Thursday post, I checked into a Holiday Inn Select in Atlanta and slept for 4 nights on the worst pillows -- it isn't just cheap hotels who provide low end pillows.
Packing for an extended trip can be fun, yet a bit overwhelming. Warning, here comes my diatribe to the travel newbie and experienced resister alike: forget hair curlers, a hair dryer, an iron and your bath robe; these are the luxuries of home that you will just have to do without. Anyway who wants to spend precious vacation time messing with his/her hair? Take a brush and pony tail holders (when applicable), and remember that natural beauty is all you need. Or, as Gary likes to say, “EUROPE IS NOT A FASHION SHOW.” But, of course, it is! A little black dress, a little makeup and some hair gel will take you a long way.
With that out of the way – Phew – we can get down to the business of packing for speed, stealth and comfort. When it comes to your luggage, don’t skimp; buy a very good, but low-key case. I do mean ONE. Lately we have been traveling carry-on only (COO). The benefits of COO are almost too numerous to count: at the top of the list, getting through customs quickly and onto your vacation or sleep in your hotel after a long, long flight. Many airlines are now charging for checked baggage. You can’t bring just any bag COO with you. To do this, you will need to make sure that your case or pack adheres to the airline carry-on rules.
When it comes to the type of bag to bring, our household is split in our recommendation. He is Mr. Backpack: had the same Kelty pack for 30 years and is proud to show its rips and scuff marks. Me? I’m a Wheelie-Bag Gal. Today there are so many versions to choose from, some satisfy both me and Backpack Boy. Before making your choice between these two, you need to ask yourself what activities you plan to do. If you plan to go from tour bus to tour bus or from hostel to hostel, you will probably be better off with a wheelie-bag. If you plan to go hiking, camping or anywhere off-pavement, get a backpack. Additionally, if you plan to ride the rails in Europe, a backpack is almost mandatory, as any other case will reap its share of snickers.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Bring Your Pillow
In honor of Gary coming home from Amsterdam in one piece, I am devoting this blog to one of his favorite travel tips: bring your pillow.
“Ounce for ounce, your pillow is the most valuable thing you will ever bring when you are out there,” says Gary Smith. His most sage words of advice ever uttered. If traveling in a group, just watch, s/he who brings a pillow is most popular. NEVER GIVE UP YOUR PILLOW – YOU WON’T GET IT BACK.
I often bring two.
You can always strap your pillow to the outside of your backpack or suitcase with a bungie cord. If you will want to take it on the plane, be sure to grab it before you hand-off your pack to security. Recently, a friend and novice traveler got back from her first trip to Europe. She chose to ignore Gary’s pillow advice, and she did it at her own discomfort. Upon returning from Ireland, she admitted that she thought of Gary every time she wanted her pillow, cursing her own name. Okay so maybe I am overstating it, but when you want your pillow, you really want your pillow. They also make a world of difference in your tent and at all of those cheap hotels that inadequately stock their rooms with pillows.
A couple of years ago, I bought a blow-up neck pillow. When you are on a long flight, this pillow can be your best friend. I find without it, I wake with a stiff neck; with it, I wake up rested. I believe that the blow-up ones are better than the ones made from foam or plant hulls because the blow-up ones take almost no room in your pack as they lie flat.
“Ounce for ounce, your pillow is the most valuable thing you will ever bring when you are out there,” says Gary Smith. His most sage words of advice ever uttered. If traveling in a group, just watch, s/he who brings a pillow is most popular. NEVER GIVE UP YOUR PILLOW – YOU WON’T GET IT BACK.
I often bring two.
You can always strap your pillow to the outside of your backpack or suitcase with a bungie cord. If you will want to take it on the plane, be sure to grab it before you hand-off your pack to security. Recently, a friend and novice traveler got back from her first trip to Europe. She chose to ignore Gary’s pillow advice, and she did it at her own discomfort. Upon returning from Ireland, she admitted that she thought of Gary every time she wanted her pillow, cursing her own name. Okay so maybe I am overstating it, but when you want your pillow, you really want your pillow. They also make a world of difference in your tent and at all of those cheap hotels that inadequately stock their rooms with pillows.
A couple of years ago, I bought a blow-up neck pillow. When you are on a long flight, this pillow can be your best friend. I find without it, I wake with a stiff neck; with it, I wake up rested. I believe that the blow-up ones are better than the ones made from foam or plant hulls because the blow-up ones take almost no room in your pack as they lie flat.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
My First Blog Entry
My blog is about how to travel third-class, how to do it safely and why it is more fun. I welcome all opinions on my blog. So, here is my first posting, which you can find in my book, "The Road to Hell: Making Heaven out of Third-Class Travel."
How Long Should You Stay?
The first real trek I took was three months across Western and Eastern Europe. It was long, but I wouldn’t have cut out a day. You would think that in three months, we could have fully investigated every nook and cranny of Europe, but there were many places we skipped due to time, and there were other places that we rushed through seeing.
Often how long you’re gone is a matter of how much money you have. In the money chapter, I give you a loose guide to what it will cost for your trip; please know those are just ballpark figures, and I encourage you to consider this question in reference to where you plan to go. Then stay as long as your wallet and your psyche can handle. Be sure to pace yourself. I believe strongly that you should spend more time in fewer places which will also help your budget.
How Long Should You Stay?
The first real trek I took was three months across Western and Eastern Europe. It was long, but I wouldn’t have cut out a day. You would think that in three months, we could have fully investigated every nook and cranny of Europe, but there were many places we skipped due to time, and there were other places that we rushed through seeing.
Often how long you’re gone is a matter of how much money you have. In the money chapter, I give you a loose guide to what it will cost for your trip; please know those are just ballpark figures, and I encourage you to consider this question in reference to where you plan to go. Then stay as long as your wallet and your psyche can handle. Be sure to pace yourself. I believe strongly that you should spend more time in fewer places which will also help your budget.
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