Filling Your Time on the Plane

I know a lot of people dread plane rides and packing for one. In my last post I talked about what to wear on the plane and now I’d like to talk about how to enjoy flying, even in your cramped economy seat, when you aren’t sleeping, because that’s not always easy or an option. (See that jet lag post I wrote.) When you have hours ahead of you where you’re basically stuck in a seat, how do you keep yourself entertained? I bring a range of things, because I almost always travel with my husband, but a lot of times he likes to sleep and I’m on my own.

Games – I love games. I bring several different kinds – ones for just me and ones to play with others. I have a favorite game that I take with me everywhere, even when I’m not traveling. Fluxx is a game that never gets old, because the rules change as you play, as well as the way to win. Through goal, action and rule cards you try to beat your fellow players and outwit them so they don’t win. A typical game lasts about 10-15 minutes, but we have played with six people and played for an hour. Unfortunately, you can really only play with three people, tops, on the plane, because you need to be near each other and have the use of seat trays. There are several different versions and I have four or five and they are all fun.

A deck of cards can go a long way, as well as regular travel games everyone likes: Connect Four, Battleship (though those little pieces hurt your fingers), Guess Who and more. If you have kids, you might like Zigity. It’s a fantastic game from the makers of Cranium that asks players to spell, add, complete a picture and match objects. The cards are plastic coated, so they are pretty much child-proof. Spills and spit wipe right off!

For individual gaming, we bring handheld games (Nintendo DS) and the iPad mini, because it is a multipurpose gadget. I also like Pocket Posh range of notebook games and often carry one of logic problems around with me. They have ones for Sudoku, crosswords, acrostics, word find and just about any other paper game you love, in a convenient pocket-sized book.

Books – I’m a reader. I’m almost always in the middle of a book. I find it a great way to pass the time on the plane and to relax in the evening on my trip. Of course, books can take up a lot of space in your carry-on that you need for, I don’t know, clothes probably. Also, when you finish in the middle of your trip, you have two problems: 1. You need another book. 2. You’re stuck with a book you might want to keep taking up valuable packing room. This is where ebooks come in really handy. Your tablet (or phone) not only lets you play games on it, but you can download the Kindle app on it and take a bunch of books in a little package. If you’re traveling with another book reader, like I do, I also bring my Kindle, because even the two together are still pretty slim and smaller than two books.

Don't take this many :)  |  photo credit

Magazines – I don’t always want to put forth the effort of reading chapter after chapter on the plane. Sometimes I just want to stare at pictures or read the latest celebrity news. This is when I turn to magazines. I always pack two-three in my carry-on. Yes, I know I can also get these on my tablet, which is a great option and space-saver, but I like turning pages and actual paper. Since I’m not carrying around copies of Vogue and Cosmo, an Entertainment Weekly and People takes up a lot less room and can slip into the outside pocket of my carry-on. And when I’m finished with them, I can leave them for the flight attendants or next traveler, making it an even better deal, because other people are reading them, too.

Movies – Sometimes your flight is long enough to have movies on the overhead. Sometimes you’re lucky enough to have your own screen in your seatback. If there’s neither, then you can always load some videos on your phone, tablet or laptop to amuse yourself with. Just make sure to bring your headphones, so you aren’t disturbing others.

Ideas jotted down in Evernote

Work – While not as fun as some other options, work may need to get done. As a blogger, inspiration can strike anywhere, so I need to jot ideas down when I think of them. I have Evernote on all my devices, so I can make notes and also work on blog posts wherever I am. I keep my editorial calendar and articles in the works for clients in Dropbox, which I also have on all my devices, so I can access anything important I need anywhere I go and share files as needed. This is a good place to store copies of your important documents, passport and credit cards, in case you lose them or find them gone missing at any time during your travels. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use them.

There’s never a shortage of things to do or bring on the plane with you. Always remember a bottle of water and some snacks, just in case, because flying’s much better when you aren’t hungry or dehydrated.

How do you amuse yourself (and your spouse/family/child) on the plane?

Please Stop Wearing Your Pajamas on the Plane

So, I don’t know if you know this, but it’s kind of unacceptable to wear your night clothes outside. You aren’t a college kid – and even if you are, that’s still gross. The plane still counts as going out in public, so make a little bit of effort. It doesn’t have to be much, and you can wear clothes that are as comfortable as your PJs, but make you look like a person. You don’t have to be constricted on your flight, but you also don’t have to look like a hot mess that people dread sitting next to. I’m not saying you have to dress up and put on a full face of makeup, but at least put on actual clothes and comb your hair. Thank you.

We all want to relax when we travel, but there are good ways to do it and there are a lot of nuh-uh ways to do it. Even if you’re flying overnight or have to get up at 5am to make it to the airport, a bunch of people are still going to see you. Maybe you’re thinking “I don’t care what that bunch of strangers thinks of me,” but if you look good, you’ll feel better about yourself and will get better service, because people will take you seriously. Here are some tips to get pajama comfort in real world clothes and not look like a total slob when you travel.

Stretchy jeans – I love my pajama pants, but they are for the house or slumber parties (you know, if I were 12). Jeans with stretch are kind of the next best thing, plus they look good and I can wear them when I get to my destination too. Many stretchy jeans are also lightweight, so they work even in warmer temps. They won’t dig into your waist or hips and make you hate them by the end of your plane ride.

Maxi skirts – If jeans aren’t for you, then throw on a maxi skirt. It gives you freedom of movement, coverage and might be even more comfy than your favorite pajama pants. You’ll also love it when you get to your destination, especially if you’re headed to the beach. Most can work for day or evening, whether you’re sightseeing or headed to a beachfront dinner. Bonus if you wear a maxi dress, because that eliminates a top to find.

Leggings – I love leggings, but they aren’t pants. No offense, but you can see through almost all leggings, so if you want everyone to see your bits, go right ahead and wear a short top with them, but I guarantee, you will feel more comfortable and those around you will enjoy your leggings a lot more if you pair them with a tunic top of some sort. There are tons of cute ones. Your fave chambray top could probably work, if it covers your butt. (Same goes for yoga pants, which I don't feel belong outside the house/gym either, despite how comfortable they are.)

Tank Top or T-shirt – Let’s face it, you’re probably pairing your pajama bottoms with one of these, so you won’t be falling out of your comfort zone. Choose a tank or tee that will work with the other stuff you’ve packed and it’ll serve you even better. A breathable fabric is always best. Columbia, REI and Lucy have great looking tops in fabrics that are great for active people (and hot airplanes) that wick moisture and resist odors. Try to avoid those shiny running tops or things that look like you’re on your way to the gym, because unless you plan on running laps in the airport (and people probably won’t take kindly to you doing so), just go for something normal looking.

Cardigan – Layering when you travel is really important. Sometimes the plane is sweltering and sometimes it’s freezing, so you need to be ready for anything. It’s also nice to have at your destination if it gets a bit chilly (you know when you go to a tropical location and then go inside and merchants and restaurants are blasting the a/c). It’s always good to have. Look for something versatile with your travel outfit and your travel wardrobe. Lightweight and slouchy ones are always a good bet.

Pashmina/large scarf – A pashmina is great for a lot of things: a sarong, a wrap, a makeshift beach/picnic blanket, an emergency towel, a tote bag, a pillow. That’s right. Throwing one around your neck or on top of your carry-on doesn’t seem so useless now, huh? It can give you an extra layer of warmth on a cold plane, too.

Ballet Flats – I’ve seen people wear their slippers to the airport. This freaks me out almost more than slept-in pajamas, because they are now getting outside dirt on their slippers that they also lounge on the bed and couch with, tracking grossness everywhere. I like to keep inside and outside dirt separate (we are not inside shoe-wearing people), and would rather wear shoes I can use on my trip on the plane and use that space in my carry-on for something more important. There are some spectacular ballet flats that are really comfy whether you’re wearing them on the plane or tromping all over your destination. They look good with pretty much everything, too. If you’re grossed out by taking off your shoes and standing in bare feet in the security line (I completely understand that squicky feeling), then get a pair of those no-show socks that are thin and are made specifically for flats.

There you have it. Come up with an outfit that works for you and lay it out a day or so before your trip, so it’s easy to throw on, grab your travel bag and go. No fuss, no thinking, so you can focus on other things, like making sure to turn off relevant lights and appliances, brushing your teeth, combing your hair and locking the door behind you. You’ll look presentable at the airport and won’t have to change when you reach your destination and want to go out and do stuff...unless you’re hitting the beach right away.

What are your favorite pieces to wear when you travel?

48 Hours of Fun on a Budget in Paris

In this blog series I show you how easy it is to budget travel anywhere and I also give you a quick overview of a new city each time in a brief 48-hour itinerary.

So many people have Paris on their travel wish list. I've been lucky enough to have gone twice, even though I've only been for three days each time. Amazingly, you can see a lot in three days if you aren't crazy about seeing every single site, because you probably won't be able to cram that all in there. Pick a few important sites and then get out in the city and enjoy it. 48 hours may not seem like much, but you're in Paris. Even if you just sat in the park near the Eiffel Tower with a baguette, it's pretty awesome, but let's go over where to go on a budget to make the most of your time and money. 

Day 1

Whether you're coming from London or somewhere else, we're going to assume you arrived last night so you can get everything out of your time in Paris. Get up early and take the Metro to the Catacombs. Make sure to arrive about an hour before they open, because you can't buy tickets ahead of time and they only allow a certain number of visitors in each day. If you don't get their before opening, the line gets crazy long and snakes around the block. While waiting in line, send someone to get you a breakfast (if you didn't grab something before you set out). Standing in line facing the catacombs entrance, there is a fabulous café (Café du Rendez-Vous) across the street and a few blocks up. Get some to-go coffee and a bag of pastries and your wait in line will be awesome (especially if it's cold out). Make sure to bring some hand wipes or napkins with you. €5

Even after a few hours in the Catacombs, you'll find you have most of the day left. Jump on the Metro (make sure to ask at the gift shop where the nearest stop is, since you come out a totally different exit from where you entered) and spend the rest of the day at Versailles. You're probably hungry now after all that walking. You can grab lunch at one of the several dining venues at Versailles or stop at a restaurant between the train station and the chateau. We actually ate at this crazy kitsch place called the Buffalo Grill. It was wild west themed with cowboy paraphernalia and saloon doors, but the steak was incredibly good and super affordable. We loved it. Average entree only €12, which includes a drink. 

The property is huge and breathtaking. You can take your time exploring the chateau and the grounds. Make sure you've charged up your camera, because you're going to want to take a lot of them. You'll see where and how Marie Antionette lived and learn about the history of the chateau as it became what it is today from a simple hunting lodge. You also want to make sure you grab some macarons at the on-site Laduree. They aren't cheap, but they are so good and a Paris staple. Tickets run €18 and the Paris Pass would get you 20% off at the cafe. 

Head back to Paris on the train to Montparnasse station. Get a table at L'Assiette for a lovely French meal on a budget. If you aren't too hungry after your big day of walking, go straight to Montparnasse Tower and get something light to eat at the café. Montparnasse gives you a 360-degree view of the city from the outside observation deck, or 270-degrees from the inside viewing through large windows and binoculars. Seeing Paris at night is a totally different experience from the daytime and you'll get some pretty pics, plus learn a lot about Paris in general through interactive games and videos. This lovely view is only €15,00. 

Head back to your hotel or apartment and get a good night's sleep for tomorrow.

Day 2

Today is going to be a packed day, full of walking and stairs, so make sure to bring your good walking shoes. If you don't grab something to eat before you leave your hotel, then take the Metro to the Eiffel Tower and stop by one of the several food carts for a coffee or hot chocolate and pastry. Since the tower opens early in the day, this'll give you both a great chance to see the city as it wakes up and skip those crazy long lines of the afternoon. That means you can get all your photos in before the crowds make it difficult to get clear shots. Save time by buying your tickets online. Adults are €15,50.

Once you've romanticized your morning at the Eiffel Tower, your next stop is going to be Notre Dame. The lines here can get pretty long, too, but even so they seem to move fairly quickly and it's a great place to people watch. Beware of the peddlers trying to sell you cheap trinkets, unless you really need a bag of cheesy keychains. If they're open, you can climb the towers to see the gargoyles up close. It's 387 steps to the top. You might want to make a purchase at the gift shop, which actually has some very well made and unique items that make fantastic gifts and souvenirs. Admission is just €8,50.

Paris is full of food carts and small cafés. Right down the street from Notre Dame, across from those fun book stalls along the Seine, are little alleys packed with eateries and shops. now, the shops are kind of a tourist trap, but the food stalls are gold. You can get sandwiches, pizza, hot dogs or crepes. I'm quite a fan of the crepes made to order, but there's a huge selection of food depending on your tastes that day. Two can eat for around €15.

Now that you've fueled up and have more energy to continue your day, you're going to want to make your way over to the Champs-Élysées, which is always busy and lined with trendy stores and restaurants. At the western end is the stunning Arc de Triomphe. Now, you could just check it out from down the street, or you could go inside (through a tunnel that takes you under the busy street) and hike up to the top for another amazing view of the city. The steps are steep, and seem like they go on forever, but don't worry. It's totally worth it. There are small alcoves on the way up you can step into if you need to catch your breath. All this exercise can be yours for €9.50.

Now, I know anyone else would probably suggest you  head to the Louvre, but the lines there can be super long and your visit may be disappointing due to the crowds making it almost impossible to actually get near the art. Other museums also have long lines and may take hours to get into, and a lot of the art is something you can see online. If you're like me and don't really understand much modern art and can't stomach standing in line for three hours to see a Monet, then the Centre Pompidou is for you, plus it's one of the only museums that's open past 6pm, so you can fit it into your schedule anytime. Entry to the main museum is €13.00.

photo credit

No matter how long you stay at the museum, you can take advantage of those Parisian late dinner hours. Because you'll find yourself in a not-so-touristy area there are lots of local restaurants that serve delicious French food that isn't a rip-off. Make a reservation at Le Brise-Miche (you can do it on your phone, because the Pompidou has free WiFi). I'd say this will be your splurge meal, but the prices are really reasonable. Entreés cost an average of €16,00.

We saved money on our Paris trip with the Paris Pass. A 2-day pass is €122, but it includes entry to dozens of attractions, gives you discounts on others, plus you can use the hop-on hop-off bus (a €30 value) both days, sneak in an hour boat ride down the Seine (€13 value) and it includes all Metro rides within zones 1-3 (you'll only have to pay extra to come back from Versailles). The pass for the Metro was definitely invaluable. If you do everything on this list, you'll spend €149pp + transportation + pastries. If you buy the Paris Pass, you'll have access to extra activities and can swap out things you'd like to do more and you'll spend €191pp + pastries. This year the Euro is on par with the Dollar, so your real cost will be very close to this, making your two days less than €400/$500 for two travelers. 

Have you ever been to Paris? If so, what are your must-see attractions in the city?