Travel Tip #16: calling home

Ok, so about 4 blogs ago I had a blog about the various online social networking options, but what if you simply want to call home...

1. 1. Of course there is your cell phone. Call your provider and inquire as to using your phone overseas. They may need to change the plan, unlock the sim card ect... be very clear as to charges/roaming fees ect... I was told by Verizon that I can bring my Blackberry storm overseas and use it without any additional charges as long as I request an international phone plan for the time I am away (about $40/month)
   
2. Skype-have I written about Skype before? If so, it is well worth repeating. Anyone can get a Skype account (http://www.skype.com/) and with a $10 credit purchase, you can call anywhere in the world for pennies. I have a monthly plan of $2.99/month that allows me to call anywhere in the USA (even if I am in Thailand for example) with no restrictions. This is a great thing to have simply to make calls Stateside! I did purchase a headset (2 in fact since I ran over the first set with my chair). When traveling, I use a ear plugs (like what I use for my ipod) and talk into the microphone. If you are brave you can even turn on your video option...
3. http://www.magicjack.com/ is the newest and coolest. Buy the little 2 inch x 1 inch device at Staples or on-line along with a phone. Plug the phone into the magicjack, the magicjack into the USB port and viola-you have a working "land line". Complete with phone number, voice mail and probably a host of other features that I have not learned about yet. It is amazing, you can plug the magicjack/phone into any computer, and you can cal home as if they were the next state over!

Now, granted communicating today in the year 2009 is so much easier than even 5 years ago, I still recommend that you limit the amount of time you spend call (or even writing) home. Remember-you are on vacation,the trip of a lifetime. Be Present. Every time you call home (or check your emails) you are mentally leaving the place you spend hundreds/thousands to visit. Be Present!

Travel tip #15

For authentic meals that leave aparty in your mouth:

• follow your nose
• try a place that is hustling and bustling with locals
• eat what those around you are eating, why go to another country to eat at McD's?
• drink what they are drinking
• eat at the times the locals eat, the food will be fresh, the atmosphere alive
• try to fit in as many meals as possible-you have a limited time in the country...eat a little less at each meal and you can fit in an extra meal or two.
• if traveling with a friend, share meals, and get different items so you can share
• be sure you have an idea of the price-typically a local joint will be reasonable, but it is safe to ask before you get a bill you were not expecting.
• Have FUN!
• eat at the market, great treasures await!

Travel Tip #10: what to do for hours in an airport

Visit www.expedia.com/daily/airports for an overview of Harriet Baskas's book Stuck at the Airport which gives all sorts of tips on what to do in 65 airports when you have lots of time before a flight.

In any aiport the people watching is fascinating!

In the Bangkok airport (BKK), you

1. can get a massage



2. go to bottom floor of the terminal and eat like a local (at local prices). Be sure to try the fried papaya salad!



3. There are several kiosks for internet usage for free and in the business center (departure level) you can go on line for as long as you wish (not inexpesive, but an option if you must get intouch with someone!).



4. Grab a Thai coffee (cheapest to buy it in the food court on the bottom floor), find a bench and people watch.

Tip # 9: Before you fly

Tip #9:
Before you fly, visit www.seatguru.com to get the best seat.
Visit www.flighttracker.com to learn about current weather conditions and delay conditions across the country. Also gives you updates on wait times at security.
www.expedia.com/daily/aiports gives you information on what to do while waiting at the airport.

Tip #8: Checking in

Tip # :
Arrive 3 hours prior to your flight. This allows for getting a good seat assignment. Or visit www.seat guru.com to choose your perfect seat weeks in advance!
Also be ready to board when the gate opens (typically 30 minutes prior to departure)-to get your checked luggage stored and to settle in.

Tip #3: Zip Locks

Tip #3: Zip Lock baggies of various sizes
I always bring a stash of zip locks with me on every trip. Especially when traveling to countries like Thailand and India, having these on hand can make life so easy.
Quart size:

1. Of course you need one qt size with all you carry on liguids (3-1-1).
2. Jewelry
3. Tissues for your day pack
4. Organize electrical cords for my computer and camera
5. IF you have checked luggage, be sure to put any liguid in a baggie-there is always a chance it will leak on route
6. Packing trash

Gallon size:

1. I pack my clothes in these. Less weight than the mesh bags found at luggage stores. Easy to organize t-shirts, undies, socks, scarves, ect... And, you can press out all the air so they become very compressed-allowing more room in you luggage (especially useful if you are traveling with only a carry on).
2. Shoes
3. Wet bathing suit
4. Dirty laundry
5. Organizing treasures for your return home

I never seem to have enough baggies on hand. Bring at least 6 of each size, including sandwich bags that are handy when you are backpacking and you need to carry your soap from guest house to guest house.

Tip #2: Best investment for peace of mind!

Tip #2:

TravelSafe (found on Magellan's web site)

We found this at an airport years ago on our way to Ghana, West Africa. It has been one of the best travel purchases we have ever made!

A sturdy bag that holds my passport, extra travelers checks, jewlery, ect that stays in the hotel room while I am tooling around for the day.

Because it is reinforced with "slash proof stainless steel mesh", it locks around any secure fixture, allowing you to leave your valuables in the room without any worry of them walking away!

Tip #1: How to keep my money safe...

Hi my name is Beth Ann Brancato-Misenhimer.
This is me, in a rice paddy showing my group of Culture Junkies (an endearing name I have created for the wonderful people who travel on my tours)
please see my web site for more details on that! http://www.stressescapetours.com/thaiyoga.html
With 20 + years of traveling experience, and now running tours to wonderful places around the globe i.e. Thailand and India yoga retreats and tours to Thailand to take Thai Yoga massage courses.

When someone signs up for one of our trips to a far away land, they typically have LOTS of questions for me. I thougth it would be helpful to blog one tip a day to help you begin your journey of a lifetime!

Tip #1: Purchase a security wallet (neck pouch or waist belt). You can find these at your local AAA store, or on line (check out Magellans.com). This money pouch will become the most important item you have when "on the road". Even in very safe countries, I ALWAYS have my money pouch with me. It sits under the elastic of my undies, all my valuables safely on me.

Money belts/neck pouches are meant to be worn underneath your clothes holding your passport, cash, travelers checks, credit cards, airline tickets and copies of any prescriptions.

to avoid looking like I just gained 15 pounds on the waist I .... see Tip #2 tomorrow...