PACKING... ESSENTIALS... THE ELUSIVE 1 QUART BAG

I am a light packer when it comes to traveling.   Occasionally I may over pack on a vacation trip, but when I travel for business I pack as light as possible.  I HATE absolutely HATE having to check luggage.  That's a whole different blog post!  Generally my clothes and shoes are all laid out within a matter of minutes, what I struggle with is what will I put in that elusive 1 quart bag that the TSA will screen like it's a living child.   Plus let's be honest I need to at least attempt to still look presentable while I travel, so what do I consider essential when I go. 

Let's cover a minimalists version of what should go in that little bag.  Keep in mind that everything liquid has to be 3 oz or less or TSA will throw IT OUT!  Few things are more annoying than watching your favorite gel or lotion go in the garbage.  I've had an entire bottle of gel thrown out that I had just bought! Similar to watching dollar bills going in the garbage don't you think?

So here for your perusal is Purple Shoes' Essential list: 

1. Conditioner - most hotels have shampoo, or shampoo and conditioner in one.  I always bring my favorite conditioner so at least my hair is moisturized

2. Lotion -  the nice hotels will have some, but the more off hotels will not.  Skin gets dry while traveling, trust me it's a necessity.  I like Nivea Creme in the little tin can or AMIR essential extracts. Moisture without the oily feeling. Sometimes I take two bottles!

3. A purchase of TSA approved bottles. These are available at just about any Wal-mart, Target and pharmacies.  I have plastic one's I can write on with a marker and that have colored caps.   Fill one with your favorite cleanser and one with your favorite moisturizer.  Your face is very sensitive to change.  When you are traveling is not the time to change your cleansers you are stressed enough.

4. Toothbrush - I like the electronic travel one available in multicolor and comes with an additional head from www.ulta.com. It comes with a cap as well to keep that nasty bacteria out.  If you don't use an electronic tooth brush purchase a cap or carrier for your toothbrush.  Nothing nastier than some gel on your toothbrush that shouldn't be there!

5. Toothpaste - so many kinds in the travel section pick your favorite.

6. A washcloth in a plastic baggie. In Europe and often times in Mexico there won't be on in your room.  Don't ask. I have yet to figure out why!

Makeup as long as it's powder doesn't have to go in the baggie, it can go in a compartment in your bag.  At least I haven't had a problem with this any time.  TSA may have something else to say.   My foundation is even powder or cream to powder so I don't have to deal with this!  I will often take a little bottle of hair spray that goes in the baggie and A LOT of hair ties.  Scrunchies and bobby pins are your friends ladies while you travel.  For men... look for the small bottles of hair gel in the sample areas of the store or use one of your approved TSA bottles.   I almost always stuff away a chap stick.  This will help with cracked skin and your lips.  I also always take perfume.  I feel naked without it, which is a bad feeling when you are traveling!! Especially considering where all I go.

What are some of your favorite "essentials"!???

BUT IT'S A DRY HEAT... Phoenix Arizona fun in the sun

When you think of Phoenix you probably think of the sun, snowbirds, maybe the Diamondbacks baseball team?  Do you think of a vacation spot with lots of fun things to do?   It's one of my favorite places to go.  Party because my allergies don't act up and partially because one of my best friends lives there. 

A ticket to Phoenix is usually inexpensive if you can pick when you want to go.   It's a major stopping point for United, Southwest and American.   I caught a non-stop flight on Southwest for less than $250  round trip.  I like to use their website.  www.southwest.com  They have some good web only and last minute fares.  I do recommend paying the early bird check in for $25.  That way you get the seat you want.

Started out my long weekend with crepes at this awesome local place.  Cups N' Crepes.  It's a long wait for a seat, but well worth it.  I had a BLTA (avacado mmmm) savory crepe.   We sat and drank our coffee and tea and decided to have a lingonberry & creme cheese crepe for dessert.  I've never had a lingonberry, but I tell you... I'll have one again if it comes dressed in a crepe like that!  They had smooth soothing coffee as well.  Here's their link.  I recommend perusing their menu before you go there's too much yummy stuff to make up your mind. Here are some photos to do the food more justice from the owner.  Thanks so much Terrie!   I can't wait for my next visit to your business!   Cups N' Crepes


That evening we headed to the local Mesa Theatre playhouse and saw She Stoops to Conquer.  Delightful, funny and we almost had a chicken leg thrown at our faces from one of the actors who's character was continually eating. 

A couple nights later we enjoyed the Glendale Jobing.com Arena with Bon Jovi.  Jon definitely still has it.  Both our arms ached from "Raising our hands"!  We have been trying to get into the Yard House a second time but to no avail.  This year we came 3 hrs early and still couldn't get in for a table, two hour wait!  Maybe next year we'll go.  We decided to forgo food and get a beer.

Hell's Half Acre looked a little daunting but with no line and several places to sit we entered at our own risk.  The music was all 80's hair bands including several Bon Jovi tunes.  Our waitresses were scantily clad.  We decided if you got it, flaunt it.   The actual concert of course was the shining event of the evening.  We were tired but wired from it on our way out.

Every day while I'm there we start our morning with a cup of coffee from the It's a Grind Coffee House. http://www.itsagrind.com/ The coffee here is fabulous, not bitter, not overly milky, they always ask before they put whip on it and it's fresh ground to order. I love it.  It might also be the outside seating they have and that they never kick us out no matter if we sit there for 2-3 hours or not.

The last place we went to was TQLA.  A tex-mex place that served, as you may have guessed, tequila of all kinds.   They had a flight of different margaritas that I really wanted to try, but I had a plane to catch.  I did have two blood orange margaritas and the steak nachos that were to delicious.  Sitting out in the sun I really could have basked in the heat, the food and the yummy alcohol, but someone said blueberry cheesecake.  Homemade.  I'm game.  Somehow we went from we'll split it to I'll have my own thanks!

All in all a very satisfying trip as always.  Dry heat or not, Arizona is one of my favorite places to visit.

Prague: Czechoslovakia the Paris of Eastern Europe

Prague the Paris of Eastern Europe.  At least that is what everyone told me when I said I was going to Prague.  You have to spend the weekend there.  I had the choice between Prague and Milan.  I chose Prague.  I want to do more of Italy than just Milan.  What a choice though right? Czechoslovakia is one of the few countries not on using the Euro, they use the Czech crown.  If I hadn’t have checked before I left I wouldn’t have known.  Also no visa is required.  Although I did tell my travel companion the day before that he needed one.  He almost had a heart attack.  I think he's still mad at me.

One of the few cities not hit as hard by the World Wars leaving the majority of their structures, statues and buildings still intact.  Cobblestone streets busy with small sleek European cars.  The Vltava River flowing majestically through the city reflecting the afternoon sun back to the passerby.  The famous bridges, stunning market squares, and bustling side streets all lending to the mystique of Prague.  

 

Most notably in the old town square is a medieval astronomical clock.  It is the third oldest clock of its kind in the world.   See the link for the hourly ceremony.  It’s beautiful and fun to watch.  The entire square comes to a halt and all eyes go up.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk9lwsenZOo.

Beer is plentiful and cheap in Prague.  It’s actually cheaper than water.  Every restaurant we went to there were flights of beer samples for sale.  Venison was a popular dish served at a majority of the restaurants that we went to for dinner.  My favorite dish was made of venison in cranberry gravy with dumplings and for dessert blueberry dumplings with fresh cream.  It was to die for.  They do not skimp on the serving size.  It was a good thing we had several blocks to walk back to our hotel.   Oddly we were seated family style at the next open seats next to thankfully an couple American college students.   One of my favorite nights sharing traveling experiences at this local place in downtown Prague.

Pictures to come if I can ever figure out how to download my camera!  Prague is definitely a must see.

Bucket List of Traveling...

My "Bucket" list of places I want to see before I kick the tin pail...

Below is the list of places I want to see still.  Considering I've been to 3 continents, 30+ countries and only the heavens remember how many cities I'm surprised I still want... but I do.  I always want more culture, more museums, more adventure... so here is my list.  Post yours.. perhaps I've missed a few?

1.  Australia... ALL OF IT!!!
2.  Egypt... Cairo, the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings...the museums...
3. Greece... Athens... need I say more?
4. Italy...Rome, Milan, Florence, Tuscany... I may need a month here!
5. Russia... Moscow.. I want to see the cathedrals
6. Iceland... just to say I've been!
7. Scotland...I fell in love with Edinburgh Castle.  I want to stay.
8. Ireland... I need to kiss the Blarney stone!
9. Houston, the RiverWalk
10. Oklahoma City, there's a museum showing there I want to see and E promises to take me before it ends.
11. Oceanside, OR ... the three arches and search for my retirement beach house
12. Vancouver, Canada
14. Puget Sound, Washington
15. Niagara Falls ... I want to take the boat ride and walk up the stairs to the top and get soaked by the mist.
16. Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC... they have an amazing spa.
17. New York City... when I have time to take it all in and I'm not falling off a train on my way.  Not that Sean wasn't a good sport about my injury.
18. Disney world... Orlando, Florida with my nieces ... okay maybe Epcot more for me and Disney for them
19. Yosemite National Park
20. Hike the Grand Canyon again... that one may have to wait for both knees and lungs to heal
21. Belize... the clearest water... expensive as all get out
22. Bora Bora... if it was good enough for Vin Diesel it's good enough for me!
23. Paris, France... just to see the Eiffel Tower and wine with breakfast!
24. Belvidere tea room in Claremore, OK... old buildings are a beautiful thing and who can resist tea!
25. Dallas, Texas... and not just the blasted airports!!!
26. Savannah, GA ... ghost trails
27. Philadelphia, PA... I love their Museum of Art
28.  Washington, D.C.... I could be there a month as well to see all the museums, the cherry festival...
29. Spain...  Spanish Riviera
30. Brazil... need another continent under my belt!

I should start small and work to the big stuff, but I hope to knock some of these off my list.  I just hope E likes to travel as much as I do! 

Tell me what your travel bucket list is!

AIRLINE TICKETS... the DOWN LOW on CHEAP

I start this week's post for my friend Emily as she prepares for her family vacation.

Buying airline tickets brings to mind both joy and heartburn.  The joy of a new experience, a new destination and a new possibility. There's not much to it right?  Make a call or log on the web right? Easy.   It isn't rocket science by any means, however, to keep the most of your money in your wallet there's a few things you want to keep in mind.  I personally do not like to pay more than I have to that's more money for my next trip.    

Tips for the Elusive "cheap" Ticket

1. Try to buy on Tuesday evenings.  I don't know why but there's a phenomena that takes place once a week, airlines have cheaper fares! They jump significantly the next day.

2. Be flexible on your travel dates.  One day, an overnight stay or an over the weekend stay can save you significantly.

3.  Kayak.com, Priceline.com, Travelocity.com, Orbitz.com... Are not all created equal.  Each is geared toward a specific type of buyer.   Formats differe as well.  Try a few and see what you find the most user friendly.  For the most part the pricing is all with in a few dollars of each other.   I personally prefer Travelocity.   One note:  Priceline tends to be good for when you have very flexible dates not when you have specific dates.  

4.  Once you've found a price on a "travel" site.  Check the airlines websites.  Buying direct can save you between $50-$150 depending on who you are looking at.  Southwest does not generally come up on the travel sites, you have to book on their site.  www.southwest.com

5.  Pay attention to the airline.  Delta goes just about everywhere.  Southwest & Airtran tend to be more the southern states from East to West.  US Airways runs southern states and up the Eastern Seaboard.  United tended to be from Chicago west. 

6. Sign up for the free air miles, EVERYWHERE.  You never know when you might get a free ticket, upgrade, or other special treatment just for 2 minutes of your time.  It also will get you access to the airlines weekly ads that often have cut rate flights on them.  If you have time to shop this is a good way to find a good price.

7. Don't buy the travel insurance unless you absolutely have to.  I find this to be a rip off of $25 of my hard earned cash.   I would pay for this however, if I rarely flew or I was concerned I might not make the trip after purchase of my ticket.  Otherwise... most airlines will let you reuse the cost of a ticket for a change fee, usually $100-150.  Note:  I said most!!! Always Always read the fine print.  In this case always think of your risk comfort level.

8. Buy AT LEAST 14-21 days before you travel.  Anything short of that is going to cost you horribly.

9. Take into account luggage.  Silly right, except the majority of the airlines are charging between $20-35 for a piece of luggage to be checked.  Southwest is one of the few that doesn't. 

10. Take the airport departure and destination into consideration.  Bigger is NOT always better.  Smaller airports are often easier to get in and out of, they are child friendly, smaller security lines and usually closer to your destination.   You pay a little more for this but sometimes it's worth it.

Travel is all about personal choice.  Inexpensive tickets are a great way to get to see more of the world with more money in your pocket, but ultimately comfort, speed, efficiency and attention are all up to you.