Monday, February 28, 2022
Six Top Tips to Stay Safe During Travels
Saturday, February 26, 2022
Leave With Confidence
- Alert your credit card company(s) and bank - You don't want your purchases to get declined because your credit card company thinks your card has be stolen. Let them know you'll be on vacation, for how long, and where, so all your purchases go through like normal. A lot of bank apps or websites allow you to do this without actually talking to a rep, so that's easy!
- Leave your info and itinerary with someone at home - You never know what might happen, so make sure you give someone you would contact in the case of an emergency a copy of your plans for vacation. It's nice for people to know if you need help or that you're even gone.
- Clean out your wallet/purse - You don't need that yogurt punch card or your 900 crumpled up receipts taking up space. Take only the necessities and then use the extra room to keep receipts so you can stay within your travel budget. Often, I'll use an app called Smart Receipts, which lets me take photos of my receipts and it adds everything up for me and keeps a runny tally.
- Call your cell phone carrier - If you'll be traveling out of the country, you'll want to make sure your mobile works, or else what's the point? Contact your carrier and make sure you don't need to get on a different plan for the duration of your trip and learn about any excess charges for international calling, roaming and text messages. In these cases, I ask everyone to skip texting me and instead use Facebook Messenger or the Voxer app, for free communication. (You might prefer WhatsApp.)
- Go through your fridge - No one wants to come home to smelly house. Eat anything you can that's a leftover or close to an expiration date. Throw out what you need to, so when you come home, it's not full of rotting foods. If you can't eat everything in there, you can always make meals and freeze them, so then you have easy food for when you return and are trying to ease back into daily life. (While you're at it, take out the trash, too.)
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Staying Healthy On Vacation
Even though Covid and all its variants are floating around and still a big problem, that doesn't mean it's the only thing you can get sick with on vacation. Flu season, regular colds, and just general germs are still exist, especially with mask mandates being non-existent most places and people being lax with social distancing.
<just a quick reminder to get vaccinated & boosted> |
I've had my share of sickness on trips. My first visit to San Francisco had me looking super miserable on our tour of Alcatraz. I ended up with THE WORST head cold in Vegas, which turned into a sinus infection. I started to feel the crud creep up on me in Hawaii, but by then I learned how to stave it off with all the Vitamin D. Need a quick cold remedy so you can get back on your feet and enjoy your trip? Here's what I know, in addition to always carrying some Halls Defense and Emergen-C in your bag:
Take a hot shower - Steam is great for breathing, and a hot shower can really open up your nasal passages if you've got a stuffy nose.
Eat extra foods high in protein - Proteins help boost your body's infection defense, so load up on things like eggs, chickpeas, yogurt, quinoa, lentils, pumpkin seeds and tuna.
Hydrate - This is especially important as you travel anyway, because you're getting more exercise than normal (hopefully). Drink two or more cups of water more than you usually do. I always travel with a reusable water bottle, so this is the time to fill it up and drink it while out and about.
Get 7-8 hours of sleep - I'm a horrible monster if I don't get enough sleep, even on vacation. I tend to schedule myself for the whole day, but knowing how I am, I also schedule in down time, because I know I need to not be go, go, go 24 hours a day. I try my best to get as much sleep as I can, because if I don't, not only am I crabby and stressed out, I know I'm also likely to get sick.
Exercise/walk - Walking increases your ability to breathe better and it's also incredibly good for you. Fresh air and exercise are underrated, so even if you feel gross, try to get up and moving, because you may end up feeling much better, much faster than if you just lay in bed like a lump. You'll also still be able to see some stuff, which you won't see from the inside of your room.
Clean your hands - Yes, you're probably sick of hearing this, but washing your hands frequently and/or using antibacterial spray/gel can limit your exposure to germs, even if you're still masking (which I highly recommend in crowded places), and can keep you from lingering in your sickness if you're unfortunate enough to get sick while you're traveling.
Wear a mask - If you do get sick, masking is even more important for those around you and to keep from spreading your germs to others. It's also important for you to get tested for Covid, just in case. There are a lot of testing sites up and running, or you can travel with at-home tests, which are easy to use and give you a quick response.
In addition to these things, don't forget to eat well as much as you can on your trip, so your body has the nutrition to keep your immune system at its best. Now, go forth and have an amazing trip!
Tell me all your best healthy travel tips, or your worst case of sickness on a trip!
Saturday, February 19, 2022
Always Have Your Bag Packed
Do you dread packing? Or wish you could just find a great deal, book it and leave with little time to prepare? Why not keep a bag packed with all your necessities that will just require a few additions before heading out the door? I'm headed to Vegas in just a few days and it, literally, took me 20 minutes to pack for it, and it all fit in a backpack.
There are always going to be items that you take on every trip, so start by making a basic packing list and go from there:
You pretty much use the same toiletries time and time again, so purchase some travel-sizes of your favorites and keep them packed. Minimus is a great place to get health and beauty products in tiny sizes that are perfect for your carry-on or ask for sample sizes when you go buy your cosmetics at Sephora, Ulta, or other makeup retailers.
When packing makeup, instead of waiting until you have used it the day you leave, pack items that are nearly empty – but good for one to two weeks more use – and use new ones at home. You can always decant your items into smaller containers, too.
Undergarments
I’ve never gone anywhere without socks and underwear, so I doubt it’s common among the majority of travelers to leave home without them. Purchase a half dozen of each solely to pack your travel bag. This way they’re always in there and you don’t get to your destination and have to go shopping for these important items. Look for clothing made of soy or bamboo, as they will be odor-resistant, moisture-wicking and quick-drying.
Charger for electronics
Everyone travels with at least a few electronics. Be it an iPod, laptop, mobile phone or an eBook reader, you’re going to need to charge it at some point in your trip. Look for a multi-charger that can charge all your gadgets with just one cord. This eliminates the last-minute scramble to find all your adapters and the inevitable knotted mass that you find upon making it to your destination.
Convertible layers
You never know what the weather is going to be like when you travel. You could encounter a freak snowstorm, monsoon rains or even a heat wave. I always suggest bringing a fleece or similar pullover and several tanks or t-shirts that can be worn alone or underneath other clothing. When it’s warm, one layer is probably more than enough, but if it’s cold, you’ll be glad you packed that cardigan or sweater.
Packable jacket
This is another item I always pack to be prepared. Maybe it’s 80 degrees and sunny where you’re going, but that doesn’t mean it will stay that way. A lightweight packable jacket is great for repelling rain, keeps your hands free like an umbrella won’t, packs small and can double as an outer layer should it become chilly.
With the essentials in your bag already, you can easily throw in other items that you’ll need at the last minute, like a spare pair of shoes and several tops and bottoms that all go together. Here are some tips on packing light.
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
6 Reasons Vacation Rentals Are Awesome
You get a kitchen
You (generally) have a separate bedroom
You can choose your amenities
You can choose your price range
You can feel at home
You have a true local on-call
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Lunar New Year Activities
This has been a very long, stressful week, so while I take a bit of time for myself before I come back with a full post of great things, I thought I'd show you a few highlights of the last couple of weeks that we've been doing Lunar New Year activities. It's been a lot of fun and I highly recommending doing things in your city if they are offered.
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
8 Alternative Budget Spring Break Destinations
Spring Break may be fast approaching, but non-essential travel is still kind of frowned upon, and you probably don't feel comfortable visiting a place that's packed full of drunken tourists. We all want to get away from home and have some fun, so if you're trying to take a trip that's somewhat safe and also budget-friendly, here are 8 options for you:
- Washington, DC - With Covid restrictions finally lifted, most of the museums have reopened. The weather is generally nice during the spring, so eating outside will be pleasant, allowing you to dig in to the rich foodie scene. If you want to eat inside, right now you will need to show proof of vaccination. Here are some of the things we did on one of our previous trips.
- Phoenix/Tempe - Arizona isn't at the height of its hot temps in March/April, making it an ideal vacation destination. Get amazing hotel rates or spend a little extra for a luxury resort that may be offering up to 40% off. There are a lot of cool things to see and do there, and tons of delicious Mexican food, too.
- Palm Springs - While not as exotic as much of the rest of this list, and known mostly for their golfing, Palm Springs is a nature-lovers’ desert oasis. From hiking, horseback riding and swimming, there is something for everyone who loves to be outside. Steeped in Native American and Mexican culture, the city is now a resort paradise that draws regular travelers and celebrities alike. You can find great deals on accommodations, entertainment and even dining and spa services. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it – and find it for less – in the desert of Palm Springs.
- Austin, Texas - While the city may be weird, it's also romantic and unique. Learn to get down and lose your two left feet on Saturdays at the White Horse for free with lessons from Two Left Foots. The Blanton Museum of Art stays open late on Third Thursdays, so it's the perfect post-dinner activity. The New Movement has free and affordable comedy shows all week long. And what's cooler than a speakeasy? Behind a false bookcase in Firehouse Lounge, you'll find a secluded bar for a drink with your travel companion(s).
- Los Angeles - California has some fantastic weather much of the year, or at least better than other parts of the country. I've never turned down a trip to LA, because Disneyland, Universal, Hollywood, delicious foods, amazing art. I mean, the list goes on and on. Couple that with flights that are almost 25% less than other times of the year and you really can't go wrong. My friend and I spent two days in LA last year when we did theme parks and we were never disappointed by what we found to do.
- New Orleans - I've traveled to New Orleans and have written several posts about it. With Mardi Gras behind them, Spring is a wonderful time to visit. Not only do you get to take advantage of the warm weather, but you also aren't wading through hoards of tourists. Save on your trip to New Orleans with the Power Pass. Starting as low as $28 per day, gain entry to the must-see attractions of the city. Choose from places like the Musee Conti Wax Museum, Audubon Zoo, Cajun Pride Swamp Tour and much more! Available in 1, 2, 3 and 5 day durations. Add a 1-3 day MealTicket to eat at awesome restaurants for one low price. If you know you’ll be stuffing your face with étouffée, jambalaya and other Cajun deliciousness, this is definitely the way to go!
- San Francisco - This may seem like a really expensive destination, but if you look for hotels in the Union Square area, you can find rates as low as $120 for a 4-star hotel. Find awesome, and affordable, things to do there using this 48 hours post.
- Las Vegas - As long as you don't gamble away your savings in the casinos, you can totally make a trip to Sin City cheap. Rates at the MGM Grand can run you under $100 per night, and you can spend less at a less-luxurious hotel. Not sure how to keep your money in your pockets? Here are free and cheap ideas and what you can do if you have kids in tow.
Saturday, February 5, 2022
Happy Lunar New Year
I know this shows old years. Last year was the Year of the Ox, and next year will be the Year of the Rabbit |
So, Saehae bok mani badeuseyo - May you receive lots of luck in the new year in Korean - and I'll be back with my local festivities soon. You can follow me on Instagram to follow along in real time.
Do you have a favorite way to ring in the New Year, Lunar or otherwise?
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Tucson In Food Photos
Before I left for Arizona, I put out a call to my Tucson friends to give me their favorite places to eat in the city that wasn't Eegee's (because I was already going to go there). They, honestly, did not disappoint me and gave me way more suggestions than I had time to eat at. That's okay though, because I had a list of options for wherever I was, and I appreciate that.
When we lived in Tucson, we were very close to a couple of places, and one of my favorites was a 50s-style diner called Little Anthony's Diner. Needless to say, they had a lot of new stuff on the menu, including these enormous, ridiculous milkshakes. You know I had to try it out.
This is called the I Want S'more Rama Lama Ding Dong Shake, because it had toasted marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, and a full Ding Dong on it. It took 20 minutes or something to make and it came with a sparkler like it was my dang birthday. I was all in.
Eric and I did our best to take it down, and we did a pretty good job, but there were still some casualties, because we still were trying to also eat food we ordered. Eric had the Hatch Green Chile Cheeseburger and my mom and I split Elvis's Favorite - a fried peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwich with honey and fries.
Almost, literally, across the street is an Eegee's, a local chain that serves hoagies and specialty drinks called Eegees that are like a cross between a Slurpee and a Slushy, but made with real fruit. Everyone wanted strawberry (the best one, in my opinion), so I just got the biggest one they serve. Do you think it's big enough?
Yes, we did go straight from dinner to get take-out from somewhere else, because we ate really early and I knew we'd be hungry later, but wouldn't want to go back out. So, here's my turkey sandwich, too. I thought in 20 years, my brain would have remembered it being way better than it was, but I wasn't disappointed with it either. I wolfed down my half at 9pm while checking email and uploading photos.
I had looked up best places for brunch in Tucson and my Facebook friend Liana recommended LaCo, which I was already looking at, so I knew that was going to be a winner. They are right downtown, so easy to find and close to a bunch of things. We took a shady table in their courtyard and were served by a woman who had a very Portland vibe about her. She used to live here, so that made a lot of sense.
I ordered the Potato Tacos, which were veggie soft tacos with tater tots in them. They were so good. Eric got the B.A.T. L.E.G. sandwich that was bacon, avocado, tomato, lettuce, fried egg, and herbed goat cheese, with balsamic reduction served on sliced sourdough.
My high school friend Kate mentioned a ton of places, including a BBQ joint called Brother John's that's on the outskirts of downtown and has been awarded Best BBQ in Tucson. We had eaten a lot of heavy things, so we went a bit light here. Eric got the Wedge Salad with brisket.
I ordered the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Salad and my mom decided on the Potato Skin with pulled pork, which turned out to be half a baked potato heaped with meat and cheese. All of it was awesome and I can see why they are highly recommended.
You know I love a good brunch. Liana also recommended checking out the Mercado, which is a block of independent shopping and eating establishments, so one morning we headed over, got an awesome coffee at Presta Coffee and then walked across the courtyard to order and snag a table at Seis Kitchen. All the restaurants share the outside seating, but there's quite a bit.
My mom just got a bean and cheese burrito, but Eric ordered the Chorizo and Potato Breakfast Tacos, while I got the Plato Mixto - eggs scrambled with cheese and green chiles and bacon, beans and breakfast potatoes, served with tortillas. I could only eat half of it, so I took the rest to go and enjoyed it the next evening while we were watching a movie.
While looking for a place that was open after 7pm in Oro Valley (where we were staying) and not driving 30 minutes to get there, Eric picked a place down the street called Harvest Restaurant. It had outdoor seating, and we sat in the area that was covered, but still sort of outside. We were able to get in on happy hour and view the sunset, too.
We got the Arancini risotto balls (above), I ordered the Short Rib Tacos, Eric got the Short Rib Nachos, and my mom ordered the Sweet and Salty Salad - chopped kale & roasted butternut squash in maple balsamic dressing w/ candied pecans, brie cheese, craisins & diced apples. Everyone swooned over their food.
We had a lot of food, but there were two desserts that were specials that sounded fantastic and we asked the waiter to choose his favorite. Between the Coconut Carrot Cake and the Peppermint Cheesecake, he recommended the carrot cake, so we ordered one to go. It was beautiful, but we didn't realize until we opened it later that it was half pineapple. Citrus does not like me. I loved it, but I also had the worst heartburn that evening. If that's not an issue you have, I'm envious, but I also recommend that cake.
It felt like we spent a lot of our time walking and eating, but that's okay. We had a great time doing both. I hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of our dining adventure. I'll be following up soon with things we did on our trip.
What are your favorite food cities, or even just your very favorite restaurant (and what do you order there)?