traveltales: TRAVEL MEMENTOS

Sunday, December 23, 2012

TRAVEL MEMENTOS

Key Ring to Wreath Ornament

Everyone wants to bring home a memento from their trip, but as I got older and traveled more I developed a real jaundiced eye for where I spent my money: where would I put it; what would I do with it; use it; ever look at it again?

Except for a very narrow space around a hall closet where I hung small oils or prints of memorable churches I simply ran out out of wall space. When the churches ran down below level even that had to stop.

After buying a shot glass at Balmoral Castle and one from Cuba they became the main post for a rather extensive collection.Three times I had a local wood working shop make me a case to hold 24-30 glasses to fit in various office wall spaces.Twice a year on a dull rainy day it is fun to dust that collection and remember many fun and interesting places.

I don't clothes or shoe shop, but I do sometimes do a little Christmas shopping for friends and family. I also buy unique ear rings, not expensive jewelry that can be bought anywhere. My unique ear rings are never seen on anyone else.

But my favorite item to look for and buy is a key ring specific to where I am visiting.When I get home the ring is removed and is replaced with a gold string. Then it is hung on my Christmas wreath. During the year the wreath hangs on the back wall of a closet where it is always ready for a new ornament. On Thanksgiving the wreath moves to the front foyer by the front door where I enjoy it until late January.

All my treasures are easily packed in my 22-inch roll-on and arrive home safely with no fuss.

Perhaps these ideas will give you inspiration for your own unique collections.

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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.