When You Travel: Dress Like An Onion

Sure you know when you go snow skiing or hiking to dress in layers but this is equally important when you travel. Not only do you look more stylist in thin layers versus that one bulky piece of clothing, you are prepared for all kinds of weather. Layers allow you the flexibility to keep your body at a more consistent and comfortable temperature. When you have several thin layers you can increase your mix and match ability therefore decreasing the number of clothes you need to pack. Thin layers also have a better chance of hand washing and being dry the next morning.

How do you dress like an onion? In several layers. Many places I have visited where the daily temperature has varied 20+ degrees going from sunny and warm to overcast and snowing; so it pays to think ahead.

Begin with you base layer for wicking: Cooler weather options are to cover the entire body once with a thin layer of polypropylene, silk or wool to wick (transport) moisture away form the skin. Warmer weather options are to start with basic undergarments plus a tank top or light weight tee.

Next layer is for insulation and ventilation: Cooler weather options are to add a medium weight layer of insulation ( Usually wool or pile or polypropylene) to retain body heat. Warmer weather options are to add a light weight layer of clothing in a natural fiber.

Next layer is for more insulation and ventilation: Best for cooler weather,  add another medium to thick layer of insulation for extreme cold or rest periods. When you are traveling in warm weather climates you still may want to bring a light weight shawl  to cover your head or shoulders and knees as needed for religious or cultural etiquette.  This can also serve to shade you from the sun as needed too.

The final layer option is for rain and wind protection: In any season you may want to consider having protection from water and wind and snow with an outer protective shell.

So on your next trip consider this simple trick to maximize your travel wardrobe but still minimizing your volume. Comfort = Happy.

What has been your best or worst packing/clothing experience while traveling? 

How many days can you pack for and still take just a carry on?

Adapters or Converters – Which Do I Choose?

When you travel internationally you will find there are different configurations of electrical outlets and plugs as well as voltages and “cycles”.  Adapter plugs allow you to plug your appliances into wall outlets internationally.  Many countries can have more than one type of outlet configuration so it is recommended that you travel with several types with you.  You may also transit through countries where you will need an adapter or converter to power/charge your appliances while you layover.  Remember adapter plugs do not convert electricity and therefore may need to be used in conjunction with a converter or transformer.

There are two types of adapter plugs: Grounded and Ungrounded.  Ungrounded adapter plugs are for 2 pin appliances (such as hair dryers, curling irons, etc) and converters.  Grounded adapter plugs are for 2 and 3 pin appliances (such as computers, power tools and other appliances with a grounded pin) and converters.  Grounded plugs are listed a “G”.

Do you need a voltage converter?  That depends.  There are two types of electricity that countries operate on, 110/125V or 220/240V.  North American appliances run on 110/125V while the majority of the world runs on 220/240V.  A converter will change the voltage from 220/240V to 110/125V making it safe for your North American appliances.

Is your appliance Dual or Multi voltage? Many appliances these days are dual or multi voltage, they can run off either 110 or 220-volt electricity.  If your appliance is dual or multi voltage you do not need a converter but you may still need an adapter.  If your appliance is dual or multi voltage you will either have a manual switch or it will detect the voltage automatically and switch it to the appropriate voltage.  The information about your appliances ability should be on the device or the instruction manual.  If not contact the manufacturer to understand the requirements before you travel.

Adapter and converter kits can be purchased at stores or online.  The prices range from reasonable to very expensive.  You will need to read the specifications of the kits to ensure the appliances that you will be using do not overload them.  Most items that we travel with today are either multi voltage (laptops, some hair dryers and some curling irons, etc…) or do not draw a large amount of current.  This means that most reasonably priced adapter should work just fine, but check the specifications for the appliances you will be taking with you.

Image: Courtesy of Magellan's Travel Supplies

Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

 Ask anyone who has been stuck as a result from a major accident or delayed flight missing the connection and my bet is they would agree. Yes, it is worth it to pay anywhere from 3-6% of the trip cost for those unexpected experiences.

Your dream vacation can take a year to save for, but only a split second to ruin. While you can’t do anything to prevent an unexpected storm from closing the airport, you can do something to help cover your travel investment and buy travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide you coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage damage, and much more. Plus, with every insurance plan you will also receive 24-hour travel assistance that covers services like flight changes, lost wallet or passport, broken eye-wear, dinner reservations, transportation arrangements, identity theft services, lost luggage tracking and more.

Personally,  I feel the most important coverage offered is the medical expenses and emergency medical transportation. Did you know when you leave the United States you may not only be “out of network” but you may not be covered at all? Maybe your credit card like American Express covers you - do you know what your limits are and if it is primary or secondary coverage? I am not one to push any unnecessary extras but it pays to know these kind of things before something happens.

No one plans for broken bones, lost luggage, stolen passports, hurricanes, earthquakes or volcanos. No one plans to have their boss cancel their vacation before they have even left home. And no one plans to get into an accident. But it happens and the question is how do you want to manage it? If you never have to use it, then you may feel why did I pay for it? All that money could have gone to another vacation! But when you need it for what ever reason, then you will be happy to have it.

Have you had an experience with or without Travel Insurance? 

Travel as Kings and Queens of Old – by River Cruising

                                                   

In ancient times, merchants, musicians, Kings and Queens traveled throughout the lands by various means.  The one considered most luxurious was river cruising. This allowed them to see the heart of the country while traveling in style and security. In modern times, river cruising still provides the elegant lifestyle, all while providing a closer look and greater access to small towns and sites that sea going ships do not provide.

Unlike regular sea going cruise lines that sail around the exterior of countries, river cruising meanders through the heart of the country. Travel on historic and romantic rivers like the Rhine, Danube, Volga, Amazon, Nile and Mekong, you still have the benefit of unpacking only once but stopping at many destinations along your journey. The villages, cities and scenery are the destination – not the ship, with itineraries as varied as the rivers with focused excursions like Christmas Markets, Wine Tastings, Culinary Pairings, Gardens, Castles and Museums. River cruising offers the ability to walk off the ship and be in the heart of the city within steps. Because of their small size (8- 150 passenger) you rarely wait to get off or on the ship or need to take a tender, and seldom experience rough water.

                                    

Who is River Cruising ideal for?

• People who like the idea of unpacking once but visiting multiple destinations
• People who enjoy cruising and want to explore further inland
• People who like a laid back environment
• People who appreciate a good value

Who is River Cruising not ideal for?

• People who like having casinos and large workout facilities
• If you have difficulties using stairs some lines do not have elevators, so be aware when booking

Have you tried River Cruising yet?

Images: Courtesy of Uniworld Cruises & Afloat in France by Orient Express