Thursday, February 20, 2014

Luggage Important in Your Travels.

 Luggage comes in every size, shape and color these days.  What do you pick?  In our younger years we'd buy the set of 3 or 5 pieces with everything matching because it was "cheaper".  Over night car travel was then the bulk of our travels and so the cheap multi-sized pieces worked.  But, not for long...the type of travel you do really dictates the type of luggage you should tote.  When you fly you are restricted to the number of pieces you can carry, as well as the weight.....unless you're ok paying an arm and a leg for more.  How long are you going?  Are you checking or carrying on?  AND if you're carrying on, can you actually lift your suitcase over your head to put in the overhead compartments?  The above Helium Sky Delsey) is a large check type bag we purchased for our daughter for her birthday.  It's light weight, something under 10 pounds.  Far lighter empty then our older style multi-piece luggage sets.  Luggage was heavier because weight didn't used to be an issue.  It is now.  Zippers and frames get broken with lots of use and being tossed around by the airlines.
This is the carry on she choose.  It's a Delsey, but not the same line, and does't match.  She choose it because it only weights 6.8 pounds empty.  Huge consideration when you're traveling alone and need to be able to lift it yourself to place in the overhead.  Notice both suitcases have the 2 outside pockets with separate zippered compartments.  Another important consideration.  Though the new molded plastic...cool designs are easier to see on the conveyor built after your flight, they do not have any outside storage.  Outside storage is a good place to place wet items to keep them separate from your regular luggage, papers you need to keep flat, items you need to be able to reach quickly (probably a bit more of concern with a carry on).
 Out with the old and in with the new.  The black on the left was my large check back, also a Helium, purchased at AAA a good number of years ago.  Notice it also has the 2 outside pockets.  Over the years the flippers on several of the zippers have gone by the wayside, and most recently the outside frame has snapped completely.  I wondered why it was getting hard to line up properly to zip, to pull the handle in and out etc, when hubby spotted the snapped frame.  I've replaced it with the newest model of the same series a Delsey Helium Breeze.  While not quite as light as the  large suitcase Darling Daughter choose, it has a few items that fit my personal travel needs and weights 11.3 pounds empty.  Many we looked at were considerably heavier (particularly the cheaper suitcases).
 This gizmo tells you if you bag is over 50 pounds........very important feature, as the bulk of our travel is by plane.  While we can and do weight suitcases at home after their packed, not easy to do on the return trip often.  You rarely pack the same on the return trip with consideration for dirty items, and souvenirs you've picked up along the way etc.
 This outside zippered area is something I've not seen before.

It has a sleeves that can be snapped across the bottom of the suitcase to separate items you might not want mixed with your regular clothing......perhaps dirty shoes?  Maybe you need to be able to reach items quickly without messing with your whole packed bag?  You can pull those items out while your suitcase is still zippered shut.  Looks like a neat option that could be quite useful.
 For items (good clothes) you don't want wrinkled, this has the pretty traditional mess unit in the lid of the suitcase; but it also has a 3rd zipper
 that allows you to open up the whole thing for larger items (suits or dresses).  So you have 3 areas there to work with.  Once opened this area is about an inch thick.
Another consideration is the newer design of 4 wheels vs the more traditional design of old black suitcase of 2 wheels.  With 4 wheels you have added stability, maneuverability and you can walk it beside you vs pulling it behind you.........easier on the arms, less physical.

Consider more then cost when you purchase luggage.  Think about how you travel, what type of clothing you pack, what are you packing/travel needs.  Young strong people probably are less concerned with weight of the suitcase or easy of toting it.

I choose red this time, hoping the dirt won't be too much a factor.  My hope is being able to spot it easier on the conveyor belt.  I've added 2 different colored luggage tags...again to help differentiate my suitcase from someone else's; plus if one falls off........I have a back up.  I will also add a colorful strap and or bow of brightly colored yarn.  Anything you can do to spot your suitcase as "different" is of value.

**Sorry folks, it's been a good long while since I've posted here, life got busy.  Hope my regular readers are still with me.  Also having issues with the template and will be needing to make changes again with it it.**

Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

How Heavy is Your Luggage?

S;potted this cute item on Facebook the other day and thought I'd share with you all.  Thanksgiving maybe over....but the sentiment follows us right through the New Year when everyone breaks their resolutions about dieting, lol.

Did you travel for Thanksgiving?  It's the busiest travel time of the year.  We don't as 90+% of the family is here; which means others travel here.

 Do you carry on if you fly?  Do you find it hard to pack light enough you can lift the suitcase easily over your head to overhead compartments?  Will you be traveling for Christmas and or New Years?  Do yourself and the rest of your fellow travelers a favor.  Weigh your suitcase.  Seriously weigh it empty folks you'll be amazed how heavy it is.  These are 2 brand new light weight suitcases that can probably save you about 10 pounds!
10 pounds is huge when you're packing, whether it be for your carry on, or your checked luggage.  These are both Delsey, though from 2 different sets; just happened to be the configuration liked with outside pockets as well as the inside arrangement.  These are considerably lighter than our regular luggage.  We got these for our daughter who travels alot.  Being a book lover, 10 pounds could be several books!

Weigh your luggage, then put new luggage on your Christmas Wish List.  You'll be glad you did, and so will your fellow travelers as the plane will load quicker, the line checking in will move quicker when you don't have to unzip your luggage to find something to move from checked to carry on luggage to meet weight requirements.

Are you cold, and already tired of snow..........scroll back to the last 2 post and think warm, sun, beach.........you'll enjoy 2 posts by a guest blogger.

Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

The Carnary Islands



Say hi to my quest blogger, Nikolai Rudenko, a freelancer in advertising and marketing who enjoys travel and photography and sharing experiences with friends  Please enjoy his travel post on The Canary Islands, with information about Lanzarote and Tenerife.   It sure makes me want to pack my bags and head out for some adventure.  Look at those views!

The Canary Islands: Top Outdoor Excursions
If you’re looking for a summer break that involves more than just lazing on a perfectly formed beach, the Canary Islands would be the perfect choice for package holidays in the sun. While they’re certainly inundated with fabulous beaches, they also have plenty of outdoor excursions on offer which will bring you closer to the vast and breathtaking landscapes of these volcanic isles. Whichever Canary Island you choose to base your holiday on, there’ll be an outdoors adventure for you.



Lanzarote: Timanfaya National Park
Located on the southwest coast of the island, the Timanfaya National Park is a sight to behold. While you may be used to its beaches, watersports and tourist-clad resorts, a short coach ride will bring you closer to a side of Lanzarote you have never witnessed before.
While there hasn’t been any major volcanic activity recently, its volcanic past can be seen clearly as you cast your eyes over the barren landscape, with steam geysers being of particular interest to tourists.

Tenerife: Mount Teide
Mount Teide is a volcano in the heart of Tenerife’s Teide National Park. Considered to be sacred to the island’s aboriginal people, the volcano can be reached via public road, with a cable car ride taking avid visitors to its summit.
Gran Canaria: Maspalomas Sand Dunes
Located in the popular resort of Maspalomas on the south coast of the island, these sand dunes are vast, expansive and well worth a visit. Choose to explore them via a unique camel ride, or hop on a dune buggy to kick up some sand dust for an exhilarating trip!



Alternatively, the island of Fuerteventura was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, and provides plenty of fabulous outdoor excursions including the unique black sand beach at Ajuy. Wherever you choose, you can be sure to be within easy reach of memorable outdoor adventures that will add another facet to your Canary Island break.

Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Cyprus

Say hi to my quest blogger, Nikolai Rudenko, a freelancer in advertising and marketing who enjoys travel and photography and sharing experiences with friends  Please enjoy his travel post on Cyprus, it sure makes me want to pack my bags and head out for some adventure.



Captivating Cyprus

There's so much to love about Cyprus. For starters, it's the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the legendary goddess of love, and it's clear that she left her mark here. This captivating island is a beautiful place that's home to glorious seascapes, gorgeous golden sands stunning mountains, so as destinations go, Cyprus holidays are pretty close to perfect.

Anchored in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus offers a wonderful climate that regularly peaks in the early 30s during the summer season, and hovers around 20-25 during spring and autumn. Even during the winter months, temperatures on this lovely sunny island make t-shirts and shorts a possibility while the rest of Britain is shivering in winter's icy grip.

So, sunshine aside, what else can you expect from Cyprus holidays? Its resorts are plentiful and enormously varied. You've got party-mad Ayia Napa for non-stop nightlife and energetic clubs that will keep you dancing 'til the small hours. This is a great spot for 18-30s style getaways and, as well as a buzzing nightlife, it's also home to some cracking beaches. So make sure you pack your swimwear and plenty of Factor 30 - because sunburn and blisters are never a good look!

For something a little quieter, Nissi beach is located just a few miles away from Ayia Napa and makes a great spot for anyone who fancies being within reach of the nightlife, without compromising a good night's sleep. Or if you fancy soaking up a bit of classic Cypriot culture, head to the town of Paphos. This is a great place with a lovely harbour and stacks of historical sights nearby, including Aphrodite's Rock and the ancient Tombs of the Kings.

You'll find holidays here and in many other locations by flicking through the holiday brochures of major tour operators, like Thomas Cook. Even better, get online and search the website for all the latest moneys-saving deals and inspiration on where to go. One thing's for sure, Cyprus holidays are pretty special - and one visit to this captivating island is never usually the last...

Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.


Monday, October 28, 2013

Scotts Brats on Palm Beach, Aruba

Meet Scott and Leslie.  Scott and Leslie formerly of Wisconsin here in the United States now make their home in Aruba, One Happy Island.  After vacationing in Aruba for a good number of years, they got married on the beach, and the rest if history.  Scott and Leslie serve up an awesome breakfast, and lunch right on the beach in Aruba on Palm Beach.
They're located at the Playa Linda Resort, a very popular spot on the beach.

You can have a quick bite without breaking the bank.  The food is good, the service is fantastic, the  people are friendly, and the prices are reasonable.
You can walk right up and order and take it with you, to the beach, or the pool area.
You can eat while you're walking on the beach.

For breakfast and or brunch, you can enjoy the Bloody Mary Bar

I highly recommend Scotts Brats and Leslie Bunz (take another look at the pictures), for breakfast and or lunch.  We would have eaten here more then twice, but only found it on our last 2 days...this trip.  We will be back, and we will visit with Scott and Leslie and enjoy both breakfast and lunch with them.

AND as a bonus, folks they play great music.  Check it out and tell them Sandy and Ernie (Buckeye's) sent you.

Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Braves All Star Grill in The Atlanta Airport


 When you get up around 3 am to catch an early morning flight, having a Bloody Mary with your breakfast seems totally in line.........by this time we'd been up about 5 hours already.  Braves All Star Grill in the Atlanta airport is a must.  Good food, good Bloody Mary's and a really fun atmosphere.  Everyone was upbeat and fun........and they were far more awake then we were.  Hubby and I both had an omelet, toast, and fried potatoes with our coffee and Bloody Mary's.  Somehow a Bloody Mary for breakfast always signifies the beginning of vacation from our perspective.
 Braves All Star Grill is located in concourse D.  If you're tight on time, not to worry Carolyn and the other wait staff will get you in quickly.  Things were hoping with people coming and going.  We had some time to kill before our next flight so we got to relax and enjoyed the friendliness and efficiency afforded to all.
This was our wonderful, fun, and super waitress...Carolyn.  Please look her up she'll make your day.  Generally, you make do in most airports grabbing whatever you can; this was not such an occasion.  We enjoyed our breakfast, and we will return on our next flight through Atlanta's airport.  Have your phones powered up when you get there, they have a deal for you using your phones which results in your getting a discount.

Thank you Carolyn and Braves All Star Grill for a great start to our vacation!

Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Sunrise on Board Air Tran

 It's time for Travel Tip Thursday.  When you take an early morning flight...don't go sleep as soon as you get on the plane.  If you do.........you'll miss this.
 Don't pack your camera where you can't get to it.  I keep my small point and shoot nothing fancy camera in my purse, in my purse under the seat so I knab it quickly.
Not pictures you could put in a contest, but was happy not much of a reflection.  Held the camera close to the window, took the first picture with the flash, the other 2 without the flash.    This sunrise was taken out the window of my Air Tran flight heading from Columbus to Atlanta on my way to Aruba.  Do pop back in for photo's and information about Aruba, one of my favorite places to travel.

Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.