traveltales: A TRIP DECISION

Sunday, May 23, 2010

A TRIP DECISION

A Good One

A gal I traveled with many times nagged me for three years to go to Churchill, Manitoba, Canada to see the polar bears. I kept saying “Kelly, I don’t like cold weather! Besides I don’t have any heavy warm clothes.”

I had just returned home from hiking the Swiss Alps and was sitting at my desk when it hit me. My daughter had ski clothes that I could borrow. In hind sight, I’m amazed it took me three years to remember this. I picked up the phone and called my friend in New Jersey saying, “If you really want to go see the polar bears I’ll borrow warm clothes and go with you.”

Ecstatic she gave me the tour company phone number. I couldn’t believe it when I learned that they were totally booked eleven months in advance! So I placed another call to New Jersey and told her. “Well it’s all for not. They are totally booked for next year.”

“Not so fast gal. Give me a couple of days to do a bit of research and I’ll call you back.”

True to her word, I heard from her a few days later. Our second choice company had a couple of spots left for the following season. I begged the fellow I was talking to to hold two spots for a day or so until I could get back to Kelly, then back to him with her preferred date.

Long story short, I did, and he did, and we booked a trip for the following mid-October. There are two options to get to Churchill—fly in or take a many hour train ride from Winnipeg, as there are no roads into the city. We landed in Churchill after a new fallen snow the night before. I was warm in my heavy clothes and my feet were dry in my boots. I shoveled enough snow as a kid in New England to last me a lifetime, but it was kind of fun to just enjoy the fresh snow that was still clean and white..

I am glad I made this trip with my friend, as we had a wonderful time and she died the following May.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.