Not Your Average Gal

Copywriter. Content Creator. Constant Sassypants.

Archives for August 2014

The View

By

Pardon me while I have a moment.

This morning,  I departed from this view:


Then had a beautiful view of  One World Trade Center while I was landing. (I didn’t take a picture. I try hard to enjoy a moment without feeling a need to capture it.)

I ate lunch with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Now I’m sitting here enjoying this aviation view at new Delta Sky Deck. Outside, mind you.


My husband said it once while we were flying, “It still baffles me how these giant things get off the ground.”

So, I will park my butt here for another few (5) hours and enjoy the view.

America is pretty darn good looking. And I’m pretty darn lucky.

The Anticipation Before a Trip

By

I imagine Portugal will be much like this:

protugl1portugal

What? Your thoughts don’t usually involve Colin Firth? How sad.

This is my favorite time in travel planning – the days before. Some studies say the very act of anticipating your upcoming travels can be more exciting than traveling itself. I actually agree. You can only imagine what things will look like or feel like. And very often, the reality can be a painful letdown OR so different than what you imagined, that you’re way out of your comfort zone. That happened when we went to Siem Reap, Cambodia. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but my first couple days were an adjustment, but I left wanting to go back immediately and still think of Cambodia as the highlight of our honeymoon.

Right now I’m a bundle of nerves and pure excitement. I’m full of internal conversations.

“How will I fill my time with that silly 10 hour layover in JFK? Oh yeah, they have the new SkyClub there. I’ll just park my booty and write. And free beer!”

“Wonder who my seat-mate will be on the flight to Barcelona? Hope he or she doesn’t crop dust.”

“Should I just take a taxi to the hotel when I arrive to Barcelona? Maybe just arrange it with the hotel. No, that’s so lame and touristy. Get a cab. Experience the people, Caroline! Maybe I’ll arrange it through the hotel…”

“What if the girls’ flight is delayed into Barcelona I’m left with the Sangria all by myself? Dreams can come true.”

“I have 2 whole nights and 1 whole day alone in Lisbon…what if Colin Firth really IS there?”

It’s totally normal to answer your own questions, right?

I’ve been to Barcelona before, around 11 years ago, when I had an internship in London and just jetted over to Barcelona for a weekend. I intentionally wanted that to sound as snotty as it did. I don’t think I’ll post pictures from those days, to of course, save the girls I traveled with some embarrassment. I would never be caught in a tube top with giant, thick-heeled, chunky sandals from Steve Madden. Never… So that said, I sort of know what to expect with Barcelona.

Lisbon, Portugal, on the other hand, will be totally new. It’s been on my list to travel to for a while because of the exceptional reviews I’ve heard from fellow travelers. So when my girlfriends told me they were heading to Lisbon at the tail end of their yearly, 2-week European getaway and wondered if I wanted to come along, I very quickly contemplated and booked a ticket within a week. I’ve been eagerly watching them post pictures on Facebook from the first part of the trip to Turkey and Italy. They freakin’ met Tim Gunn at the airport too! Can’t wait to meet up with them in Barcelona. I absolutely would have regretted not going, especially with these two nutbags. That’s an endearing term, you guys.

10273785_10104935892314054_4171370868761694604_n
Sas, Caroline & Lu. Only nicknames of friends have been provided to protect the innocent.

That’s what travel is about. Living your life in a way that you can take up the opportunity to travel, sometimes even on a whim. I actually didn’t need to spend a week contemplating it, but I’m an over-thinker by nature. This was sort of no-brainer opportunity.

Below is the basic itinerary.

Day 1 – Travel: US -> Barcelona, Spain

Day 2 – Day 5: Barcelona, Spain

Day 5 – Day 8: Lisbon, Portugal

Day 9 – Travel: Lisbon, Portugal -> US

So I essentially have a week of seeing new things, meeting new people and of course, drinking some Sangria and eating tapas with my girls. (Okay, probably lots of Sangria.) This is my thing, people! I’m so excited!

I anticipate that I’ll still blog while I’m on the road even if it is a quick trip because I’d like to give you a peek of what I’m experiencing. I’ll probably be posting more on my Facebook page as that’s easier to access abroad, so be sure to follow that. I’ll definitely be doing a full Spain and Portugal post in the near future. After Scotland, of course.

And with that, I must bid you adieu to get the last of my things together.

Hasta Luego!

(French AND Spanish in two sentences. I’m muy smarto.)

I’ll leave you with one last, inspiring video. It captures the many reasons why traveling is so fulfilling for so many people.

Travel Is from The Perennial Plate on Vimeo.

When Weight Holds You Back

By

In a former life, I went bungee jumping.

Former life = when my boobs were small enough to only need a built-in bra in my tank top.

Oh man, those were the days.

I was in Vegas with a couple of my girlfriends in my early 20’s and each of us promised to do something “adventurous.” One got a tattoo of her name written in Mandarin. I often wonder if that actually does say her name. Then two of us went bungee jumping.

Tattoo, Bungee, Bungee
Tattoo, Bungee, Bungee
Can't take me anywhere.
Can’t take me anywhere.

I vividly remember thinking I weighed too much to bungee jump. No, really. I was a fit girl, in her early 20’s who wasn’t wearing a bra for goodness sakes. I would love to be back there! But I was bigger than my tiny friends and for that I have a myriad of hang-ups about my weight. I decided to bungee jump anyway and forget the voice in my head telling me I was too big to do it.

Fun fact: Did you know you go up to bungee jump as a group and they do it one-by-one by weight? Yup. The heavier you are, the further down the line you are…and the longer you have to wait. I was third to last. So that was fun. And definitely didn’t play into the voice telling me that I was fat.

But you know what? I did it. I freakin’ did it.

There may or may not be video after the jump of me yelling to my girlfriends, “Did my boobs fall out?!” (They didn’t. I know you’re all heartbroken.)

The point is, I heard that stupid voice talk about my weight trying to shame me into not doing it…and I did it anyway.

As I pack for my trip to Spain and Portugal, nearly a decade later, that same voice comes back. Even in looking at tour excursions, some that may involve wearing a swimsuit AROUND STRANGERS, that same fear tells me to forget it.

I bought a dress recently (for $13!) that I thought would be perfect for Spain and Portugal and was super lightweight, which meant it took up very little room in my bag. But once I got home, I started having second thoughts.

photo

“Is it too short? No, really. Do you think it’s too short?” I asked my husband that enough times that he just stopped answering. You know those cartoon characters that just blink when someone asks them the same question over and over? He sort of looked like that. I even texted my girlfriends who I’m meeting in Spain. “No! I love it! Not too short!”

So why am I second guessing it? Because it’s out of my realm. Out of my comfort zone. I don’t normally wear dresses that are “that” short. For gosh sakes, it shows my legs! And when I’m doing something different, fear strikes.

I don’t want this upcoming trip to be gripped in fear over my weight. Granted, I am going alone (to meet up with girlfriends) and I’ll be alone for an entire day and night in Portugal before I head back to the US. I don’t necessarily fear that. (Truth be told, I am a bit anxious about it, but heck I lived in London alone for a month longer than other interns because my company wanted to extend my stay. I can do a day!) If I can travel internationally alone, why would I let my weight hold me back from doing things once I’m there?

Well, I’m here to tell you that I’m not going to do that! I promise that if that voice pops up and tells me not to take a picture at a certain angle or not to go paddle boarding b/c I’ll be in a suit, I’m going to tell it to shut up. I will not let my negative weight-talk hold me back.

And I’m going to wear that damn dress.

My Travel Essentials

By

Ah, the airplane bag. If there’s a favorite part of packing, then this is it. This is my wheelhouse. I remember loading up my bright blue Eddie Bauer backpack when I was little, making sure I had something to do during every hour of my flight.

Nowadays, it’s more about making sure I have all of the essentials, outside of my clothes, that can fit nicely in one bag. With my trip to Spain and Portugal fast approaching, I put together a list of some of my travel essentials. Some of these, obviously, can go into your suitcase, but I find that I like having access during my flight.

My Travel Essentials

travelessentials2
Cat not included.

1. Travel bag

I bought this for Thailand and Cambodia and have pretty much used it on every domestic trip thereafter too. It doubled as my airplane bag and my purse until I found a smaller one that I liked at the night market while in Southeast Asia. I bought it in turquoise because it was different than the normal black I go with. I’ve received quite a few compliments. It has a secret compartment for my important documents (#13) as well as an iPad holder in the front. I got this on eBags.com. I lurrrrve them. Seriously. You can often find sweet deals on travel-related items.

baggalini
Looks like they don’t sell the turquoise color I have anymore. They still have other fun colors to choose.

2. Purse or Day Bag

After painstakingly going through many options, I chose the PacSafe Metrosafe 200 GII Anti-Theft Shoulder Bag to use during the day while in Spain and Portugal. When we went to Thailand and Cambodia, we used this Patagonia lightweight, easily collapsable backpack in black and loved it. Mostly because the hubster was the one who carried it and I was left hands-free without a purse. But, since he won’t be coming with me to Spain and Portugal, I needed something safer than a backpack, especially for when I’m off on my own. This offers RFID protection in its front pocket. Basically, that means people can’t steal my shit. I realize everyone wants to be me and this prevents assholes from stealing my identity through my credit cards or my passport. It also has Slash-proof straps so no one can cut my straps and run. Plus, this is big enough to carry my DSLR without it looking like a camera bag. Bonus! This will be my first time using it, so I’m excited to see how it pans out. No, it’s not as pretty as my fashionable purses. But again, function over form, people. I also got this on eBags.

pacsafe

 

3. DSLR Camera

Yup. I'm bringing this bad boy. Which means I'll need to protect it, without carrying around a separate bag for it. Do you see the functionality theme? I found out about the camera cover thanks to tips from Be My Travel Muse. She uses it, so I bought it because she’s a pretty rad traveler. We'll see how it works. The camera I have is a Canon Rebel T3.

4. Point and Shoot Camera

For times when I don't want to bring around the bad boy (see above). I'll have my Canon Powershot SX260 HS to put in my purse. It's been a great camera so far. I highly recommend it. The only thing I would change is where the flash that pops up. It's in a weird location, so very often, people have their finger over that area. It has led to many entertaining moments, with people wondering what just pushed on their finger.

5. iPad

Ain't nobody got time to be carrying around a laptop, unless you're, you know, on a business trip or are traveling for more than a few weeks. I use my iPad to Facetime (when wireless is available), research cities with the TripAdvisor app and check my email mostly.  My iPad also doubles as a Kindle with the Kindle app so I can read self-improvement books along the way. No, I’m not joking. What’s fiction?

6. Wireless keyboard

I want to write while I'm traveling. This allows me to blog (lucky you) while still on the road without lugging around my MacBook Pro. You can see it here when I was blogging on our anniversary.

7. Surge Protector

I love this multi-outlet surge protector. I can easily charge everything at night without worrying about things blowing a fuse. Plus, it has handy-dandy USB ports for even more charging opportunities.

surge

 

8. Chargers and Gear Ties

Obviously, you’ll need to charge your electronics, so bring your chargers. I learned about these ties from one of my favorite travel bloggers: The Planet D. These have been a lifesaver for a type-A personality like me. It keeps all my wires wrapped up tightly and in place. It may seem silly, but anything I can do to minimize hassle, including unwrapping wires, I find very valuable. They come in fun colors too. You can do green for your Apple gear (get it) and orange for your camera gear and maybe black for your external hard drive… I’m just saying that’s something you could do, not that I do that… I again, got them on Amazon.

ties

 

9. Converters and/or Adaptors

I think I'll only need an adaptor for this trip. Most of my electronics convert or step up/down on their own. If I desperately need a converter while there, I can easily buy one. I bought these adaptors from Amazon. Can you tell we love our Amazon Prime membership?

10. Compression Socks

“If you're lucky, I'll wear these for you tonight. Me-ow.” The hubster doesn’t find me entertaining 100% of the time.

My body usually does fine on long-haul flights. But the last time we traveled, my ankles swelled even though I made sure to get up every so often. The red wine proooooobably didn’t help. Mind you, this was after one 14 hour flight and another 8 hour flight. So I think I held up pretty well if my ankles only swelled a bit. Anyway, I want to hit the ground running (pun intended ) when I get to Barcelona, so I'll be putting these on prior to my flight just to make sure.

11. Ear Plugs

Much to the hubster's chagrin, I'm a light sleeper. Sleep is sort of necessary, so I bring this puppies. Always.

12. RFID Sleeves

Many banks are now passing these out when you get a new debit card. It protects your information from assholes who can just simply STAND NEXT TO YOU and use a device to read your card. Who thinks about this shit? Jerks, that’s who. RFID sleeves ensure your stuff is jerk-proof.

RFID

13. My Documents Folder

As specified here, these are all the essentials I'll need in case something happens and I can't access it online.

There are other items not pictured here, like a change wallet. You tend to get a lot of change while in Europe. Find a cute change purse at Target to remedy this. It will be tough, but you can handle it. I just gave you an excuse to go to Target! You’re welcome.

Other miscellaneous items include: Band-Aids, trashy magazines, a couple granola bars and water. Bring water. Hopefully out of your own reusable bottle (just don’t have it filled when you’re going through security).

Those are my go-to items. Obviously, adjust for your needs. I hope you found this helpful and if you did, pass it on or let me know!

Did I miss anything? What are your travel essentials?

How I Organize for an International Trip

By

I’m leaving for Spain and Portugal next week! I’m leaving for Spain and Portugal next week! Did you hear? I’m leaving for Spain and Portugal next week!

walken2

So, now is the time I usually start gathering all of my important paperwork, so to speak. Copies of passports, itineraries, confirmation numbers, etc.  Basically, I'm making sure I have my shit together. I'm not one for surprises because I've lacked in planning. I'll probably spend more time being mad at myself than fixing the issue at hand because I planned poorly. Did I mention I have mad problems?

Moving on.

Below is a list of what I organize prior to leaving for an international trip. Some people just like having an email trail with correspondence they can access and some people like carrying a binder of their entire trip, day-by-day. These are what work for me and I think would be useful for anyone, regardless of how you decide to organize. Obviously if you're traveling for business, much of this won't apply.

This upcoming trip to Spain and Portugal is straight-forward; I know where I'm staying the whole time. When we went to Southeast Asia we decided on accommodations and cities where were going to next, on the fly. We sometimes didn't even know where we were staying until the day before. (We live on the edge. It was actually a blast to travel like that.) So basically, what I'm saying is, adjust as necessary for your needs.

Spreadsheet of Hotels and Flights

The hubster actually created this puppy for our trip to Thailand and Cambodia. It was inspired by a friend who had traveled there and put together a similar spreadsheet. Travelers like helping travelers. We’re good people. It was extra handy to have.  You could simply add a column in the spreadsheet for costs, like we did, and this could double as your budget sheet as well.

Itinerary

I’m sure you could really get detailed and include seat numbers, rooms requested, people you talked to etc. But this works for me.

Print-outs of City Information or Tour Correspondence

If you’re like me, you’ve investigated some areas you’d like to see along the way.  I usually print some things out, including email correspondences I’ve possibly had with arranged tours. I like having stuff to leaf through on the flight or in the evening while winding down to make sure I haven’t “missed” anything. I mainly use my iPad now to explore cities. I personally love the Trip Advisor app.

Screen Shot 2014-08-20 at 10.17.04 PM

Fun Fact: Did you know I’m in the top 10% of reviewers in Fort Lauderdale on Trip Advisor? It’s true. And no, no one has paid me to say that. Sadly.

But having a few print-outs from websites never hurt. Plus, the emails can serve as proof you’ve booked tours if you ever need it.

Passport, Drivers License, Credit Cards and Insurance Cards

Get all of these bad boys out and in one place. Only take credit cards on the trip that you know you’ll use. For instance, I’m not bringing any cards that have a foreign transaction fee. Ain’t nobody got time for that. Plus, if something happens and you lose your cards, you at the very least have some at home if you don’t bring. every. single. one. with. you. Make sure you call each credit card company and let them know you’re traveling internationally so they don’t put a hold on your account for what they may think are fraudulent international charges, when all you want is a freakin’ frozen chocolate banana from 7-11 in Bangkok. What? I was hungry!

Insurance cards. Why would you need your insurance card? Because you could also get hurt abroad. In fact, I take the extra precaution and buy travel insurance (Not trip insurance, there’s a difference.) because my medical insurance, and most in fact, don’t cover medical expenses abroad. I usually use World Nomads. And again, I sadly was not paid for saying that. They’re easy to use and you can quickly extend insurance as you need it if you’re staying longer than anticipated. This is a nominal fee for the major expense it would be if I twisted my ankle or got a sinus infection or, you know, couldn’t recover from bad oysters and the Immodium AD just wasn’t working.  Also, Travel Insurance protects you (essentially) from political unrest if you need to be evacuated out of the country. Do I think this will happen in Spain and Portugal? No. Not if my Flamenco dancing skills have anything to say about it. It can create world peace, man.

You can also gather your hotel and airline membership cards, if you so desire. I don’t feel like these are totally necessary. If I ever need to prove my status with an airline, I can show my boarding pass, which has what level elite I am.  Same with a hotel, it’s usually already in your reservation.

Once you've gathered all of the above, follow these steps:

  1. Make 2 copies of everything. I like to put all of my ID's, credit cards and passport on one individual page, space permitting. Copy the FRONT and BACK. The important phone #’s are on the back.creditcards
  2. Give the additional copies of everything to someone who is sadly staying at home. Not a stranger, someone you can count on in a pinch and who won't freak out. So, probably not your mom. Also, make sure they won’t head to Macy’s and buy new heels with your credit cards info. Not that this has crossed my mind.
  3. Scan all paper copies and email everything to yourself in one email, including any digital docs. For instance, if your itinerary spreadsheet is in Excel.
  4. Take your set of copies and bring them with you on the trip.

I like to keep the copies I have of everything in an obscure manilla folder with “Don't steal my shit” written on the tab. Make sure all the printed copies you take are kept in a safe in your room or secured in a bag with a lock.

If you're ever in a crappy situation where you need to cancel a credit card, prove citizenship, access funds immediately or clarify reservations, you now have 3 options to choose from:

  • Call a lifeline (your pal at home with the paperwork)
  • Pull up your email
  • Grab your folder with all your copies

All of these steps are precautions and give me peace at mind, even if the only thing I pull out of the manilla folder is my confirmation number for a flight. It's better safe than sorry. Some say it's anal. But I like anal. Wait. That didn't come out right.

Happy travels!

Did I forget anything? How do you organize for a big trip?

Scotland it is!

By

You lads and lassies voted and it looks like the first country I’ll be writing about is…SCOTLAND.

I won’t lie, I’m quite surprised. Most people contacted me within months of traveling to Thailand and Cambodia wanting to know my itinerary, so I figured either one of those countries would have the most interest.

But you guys pulled a fast one on me and I’m happy to oblige.

I’ve been to Scotland twice.

Once when I was 17 as a Student Ambassador for People to People. (My boobs were so small. Those were the days.)

SCN_0001
Kelly, Dave and Caroline

Fun Fact: I’m friends with a lot of my travel pals from this 3-week trip to the UK and Ireland on Facebook. Knock Facebook all you want, but I think it’s pretty neat that I’m still in contact with people from a trip 16 years ago.

I also went to Scotland last year after our wedding in England. (That’s a Red Bull in my hand, marriage is exhausting.)

Scotland
Married Caroline

 

Both times I fell in love with the friendly locals, legendary tales and gorgeous, green rolling hills.

Stay tuned for the wee tales from my Scotland adventures. I anticipate having them up in the next month.

Why a month? Well, I have a big trip coming up in 2 weeks to Spain and Portugal and want to discuss the particulars of the planning and packing involved in international trips…in real time.

Imagine that.