Travel Prep

Cuba: Ready Or Not, Here We Come!

December 29, 2016 By Caroline Peterson

As you know, I’m a pretty good little planner. I like having my ducks in a row when I travel. Not every moment of every trip planned, just documents ready, arrangements made and bags packed in Tetris-like fashion.

Cuba is probably the one country I’ve traveled to that having that planner personality is key. Except, of course, this the one time I haven’t exactly donned my Type-A hat.

Crap.

It’s been a crazy Q4 at work, absolutely the busiest, most exhausting time I’ve had at my job in the last 4 years. Combine that with traveling to see the hubster, family, a wedding and well…Cuba took a back seat.

Xanax, now please.

The following is an except from my brain currently:

Since our American credit and debit cards will not work in Cuba, we needed to figure out just how much cash to bring in order to exchange it. It took a lot of back and forth between the 4 of us on what we felt comfortable with based on conflicting information from friends and online. We didn’t want to be without cash (duh) but too much and it we’d be left with CUCs and no place to exchange them back.

You have to remember, Cuba is a third world country that still has sanctions against it from the US. Information seemingly changes weekly.

We knew we needed a tourist card (visa) that we could get at our boarding gate, but we heard just yesterdayÂ that we also needed medical insurance. Some places said to buy it separately and some places said to check your airline. Literally within the last 3 months, airlines now include your medical insurance fee with the cost of your flight. So as long as you have your boarding pass with you in Cuba, it serves as proof of medical insurance. Phew.

I still need to buy extra travel insurance, for my electronic valuables.

Which reminds me, I need to back up all my stuff: computer, iphone, photos, etc.

Which reminds me, I need to activate my SIM card.

But shit, AT&T still hasn’t sent me confirmation they’ve unlocked my phone!

SEE! I’m leaving in 2 days and still finalizing stuff for CUBA. This would be slightly better if I were heading to Japan or even Mexico, but Cuba feels like so much more because so little is known about American tourists there.

AH.

Do I pack that extra dress? (NO!)

Will my SIM work, will I have service in case of an emergency?

I heard the taxi drivers were on strike. How much would a taxi even cost?

I need to pack my protein bars so I don’t get hangry in case the customs line takes 2 hours like I’ve heard. Protecting my marriage and preventing hanger, go hand-in-hand.

Feliz AÃ±o Neuvo.

I promise myself I’m going to say Happy New Year in Spanish to someone while I’m there. Gotta talk myself into it.

I’ve printed enough maps and restaurants and monuments and emergency phone numbers to kill at least 3 trees.

We all got upgraded on our flight to Havana, so that’s exciting. I’m sure we’ll annoy half of first class with our giddy antics, but whatever, those people need to loosen up their bluetooth ear pieces anyway.

If we get upgraded on the way back, how will I know? No wi-fi. Do I have to wait in line at the airport. THE HORROR.

Girlfriends fly in today. Hubster flies in tomorrow. Nail appts made for tomorrow. Prosecco is ready in the fridge.

I think I’m good, right?

Right.

Oh, I haven’t seen the hubster in over a month. This is the longest we’ve ever gone without seeing each other.

Must make time for major make-out session.Â

Adios, mis amigos!

I’m Going To Cuba!

December 8, 2016 By Caroline Peterson

You may remember, I contemplated going to Cuba last year on my first solo trip. While the US-Cuba traveling restrictions certainly improved, things were still a bit too unpredictable at that point with getting into Cuba that I didn’t feel confident in it. I knew it would ease up soon, but not soon enough for that trip.

So when we saw the regulations essentially lifted and US carriers now have the ability to fly to Cuba, I jumped at the chance to go with my two numbnut-travel gal palsÂ AND the hubster. Yes, this timed perfectly with one of his few weeks off of work as a first year ER resident. Boo-yah.

So what do we do in the land of mojitos?

I have no idea.

Lies.

Travel Docs

Prior to boarding our flight,Â we must obtain a tourist card (should cost $25-50USD)Â which willÂ specify what our itinerary is for the length of the stay and allow us toÂ choose one of 12 reasons why we’re going. While I hear it’s not totally stringent, authority scares me, soooo I’ll be abiding by the rules. I need to carry my passport and tourist card with me at all times. The tourist card also serves as proof we have medical insurance too, since it is included in the fee to get one. We have a tour planned for nearly every day and an idea of what were doing for the days we’re not. This sort of stipulation doesn’t intimidate me much. When I traveled on a student visa while interning in the UK, there were similar obligations that needed to be met so I could stay longer than the normal 30-day tourist visa.

Accommodations

It’s a quick trip—5 days, 4 nights. I booked our flights through Delta. Yup, again, American carriers can now fly there. It’s a quick flight from where I live—1.5 hours to Cuban cigars and classic cars. We’re staying in Havana the whole time and doing a day trip to Las Terrazas for one morning and afternoon. I booked our stay through AirBnb because all decent hotels were already booked for New Years.

Oh yeah.

Minor detail. I’m going over New Years!Â We’ll say PISS OFF to 2016 and wholeheartedly welcome in 2017 on an island we were forbidden to be on as Americans a little less than 2 years ago.

Money

American credit cards still won’t work there, so you need to exchange money on arrival and pay for everything inÂ Cuban Convertible Peso orÂ CUC. Exchanging US Dollars incurs a lot more fees than other currencies, so we’ll be exchanging Euros to avoid those penalties. Ah, the benefits of having friends who travel for work all the time and are currently inÂ Czech Republic.

Internet

From what I hear, there is very little internet, let alone Wi-Fi. So while the hubster is looking forward to disconnecting, I’m having a minor panic attack.

But how do I prove I’m in Cuba if I can’t check-in on Facebook!?

We actually need to print out maps or use that funny service we pay for called AAA and get maps! I need to make sure I have all the phone numbers I need because I can’t Google on the spot. My phone will be onÂ roaming, so I’ll try to avoid it.

Actually, I’m sure it will be refreshing. I want to share with you how we booked our flights and landed our sweet AirBnb penthouse, but I’d like to actually get there and explore our laid-out itinerary before I offer it up as the best advice.

Can you pick up what I’m throwing down?

What are you most interested in seeing from a land that has not been overrun by American tourists yet?

How I Pack Just A Carry-On For Long Trips

June 2, 2016 By Caroline Peterson

I’m leaving on a jet plane for South Korea and Japan today, with only a roller carry-on and my laptop bag. We’ll be traveling for nearly two weeks.

Boom. Nailed it. Bloody Mary in hand, of course.

I won’t lie — packing can be the bane of my existence. But I’ve found that packing for trips longer than a week actually can be a fun Tetris game of “how the hell are we going to make this fit?”

When we traveled to Thailand and Cambodia years ago, I was warned to only do a carry-on, more specifically a backpack, because it would be easier to navigate. It was soÂ successful that I vowed I’d continue to travel withÂ the beauty that is carry-on only.

I won’t go into a lengthy post (maybe later) about how I roll up my underwear into my shoes. But I will offer a few simple tips that should help you be a carry-on only god or goddess.

So, how do I do it? It’s quite simple.

Choose exactly what you’re going to wear.

Yes, I often take pictures to make sure it works out. And, I mean, I’m cute. Amiright?

No throwing in tops or bottoms because you want options. Obviously clothes with more versatility are best. You know, tank tops that can be worn with or without a button down. Or dresses that can be comfy enough to tour in, but dressed up with a simple scarf. I always, always travel with one white and one black v-neck cotton t-shirt. I can dress them up/down and wear them while jaunting between airports. I usually have 2 pairs of pants, one pair of jeggings/leggings and a simple dress or two. Then tops to mix and match.

The key to packing light and re-wearing things is being able to wash them. Obviously, if you have access to a washer and dryer there’s no need to overpack. But if you’re in hotels or hostels or AirBnbs, just take a couple packs of detergent and scrub those nasty undies. Mine always smell like roses. If you have access to laundry service and it’s cheap, even better.

I also got stuck with a couple more tops than I wanted while packing for this trip, so this time I wrote down just how many options I’d have without bringing 2 tops I was debating.Â It worked. I think I’ll do this again in the future.

Packing Cubes.

These have been a game-changer for me. Roll up your clothes (or not), toss ’em in the cubes, zip up and welcome to more room in your bag. I use these from eBags and Eagle Creek.

I don’t pack heels.

I know, my fashionista heart just broke. When I traveled for work, of course I would pack them. But on vacation? Nah. This time I have 2 pairs of Tieks flats, my running shoes and a cute pair of sneakers. I wear either the sneakers or running shoes on the plane. Which brings me to my next point.

Wear the bulky stuff to the airport.

I have basically 3 layers on right now. My tank top. My denim shirt. My scarf and coat. The scarf and coat fit in my favorite laptop bag. Plus, I’m wearing my bulkier shoes and thicker pants. That saved a ton of space in my bag. Yeah, I may re-wear this again and again on my flights, but it’s cute and comfy enough that I’m cool with it. Plus, I’m not walking around with “Juicy” spelled on my ass, while carrying my own pillow and looking totally bewildered about how this whole “security line” thing works.

Teeny, tiny toiletries.

How’s that for alliteration? I get all of my products in travel size or put them in travel sized bottles. If I’m staying hotels, I don’t take my conditioner and just use the one provided by the hotel. I like my shampoo and find my hair doesn’t like hotel versions, so that I’ll pack. Other things like deodorant or face wash or zit cream…travel size.

I remind myself that the more room I have, the more fun things I can buy.

I didn’t bring a purse. We have a small, foldable backpack that we’ll carry our stuff in during the day. But, I didn’t want to pack my relatively small purse when I could buy one in South Korea or Japan and have something functional from a cool place!

I also remind myself that I usually can buy anything I forget.

While it’s on the bucket list, I’m not traveling in the desert. (Side note: I really wanted to spell dessert. Dessert sounds awesome right now.) That means I can usually find whatever I’ve forgotten or suddenly desperately need. Now, bras and shirts? I probably won’t find those speciality sizes when traveling, so I make sure I have them in my arsenal. But other things like socks or a hair brush? Eh. If I forget it, I can find it somewhere.

That’s it! It’s really not that difficult and NO you don’t need that 6th shirt to wear. Trust me.

I’ll be updating the blog while we’re away and hope to have a couple posts real-time. I know I’m behind on my Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong trip. Graduating medical school and having the hubster move away in a couple weeks has kept us a bit busy. So I think, for now, I’ll focus on getting South Korea and Japan out in relative real-time and pepper in my trips from before throughout the year. Deal? Deal.

Domo arigato!

Adios, Bitchachos! My First All-Inclusive Experience Begins.

February 25, 2016 By Caroline Peterson

I’m leaving on a jet plane for Cancun this weekend. My first time in Mexico. My first time at an all-inclusive.

(Not my first rodeo with beergaritas.)

My Type-A planner mind isn’t quite sure what to do. I haven’t felt it necessary to look up the best restaurants or bars because, well, I’ve got that in unlimited quantities at our hotel. OlÃ©! I briefly looked at excursions but we are truly only there for 4 days and 3 nights. I’m okay with every moment not being planned for the sake…the sake of…relaxing?

WTF is happening to me?!

Quick someone give me a To Do list before I lose my mind.

I am adequately prepared with obnoxious beach apparel though that can only be described as…Floridian. Basically, imagine the colors pink, peach, coral, yellow, aqua and lime green all throw up on maxi dresses and flowy tops.

Boom, nailed it. Living in Florida for nearly 4 years has paid off! (I really did buy this dress. Cute, right?)

Debating on bringing my laptop to catch up on some blog posts and post pictures. I’m sure the hubster will be thrilled with that idea. <side eye>

I guess that’s really it? I’m not sure what to expect, so I don’t have many expectations, which I suppose is the best way to go on trips. If the food sucks I won’t be very aware because I haven’t been to an all-inclusive before. Plus, I’m sure soggy cheetos will taste good to me after a few frozen piÃ±a coladas. What? Stop judging. The resort is right on the beach and each room is a suite with an ocean view, so if I somehow manage to complain about that, you have full permission to slap my ass. You’re required to enjoy it though. It’s a good bum.

Adios, bitchachos!

Have you ever been to an all-inclusive? Where and how did you like it?

2016 Travel Plans

February 9, 2016 By Caroline Peterson

February: Cancun, Mexico

Yup, you read that right. I’m finally letting go of the planning reigns and doing an all-inclusive resort for the very first time. We’re using points to fly and stay there. Duh. (Less one night paid in cash, so I can earn some points). A couple of our pals were planning on going to Cancun and asked us if we wanted to go. They were looking at theÂ Hyatt Zilaria, which is an adults-only Resort.

You only have to say, “adults-only,” once for me to say, “MARGARITA!” I mean, I love your kids, I swear. Just not when they are playing Marco Polo for the umpteenth time.

March, April or May: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The hubster has to take an exam in Philadelphia in order to graduate medical school. Much to his personality, he hasn’t planned when he’s taking itÂ yet. Much to my personality, I want to know dates so I can see if I’m able to tag along. Go ahead, hubster. Take your exam. I’ll be over here high-fiving Ben Franklin and ringing The Liberty Bell.

We’ll see. Schedules have to permit.

Fun fact: I used to live in near PhillyÂ as a youngster.

June: Southeast Asia

Remember that trip we had to cancel? (I hope putting in on here doesn’t jinx it.) We’re going to try to do it again this year, but probably revamp the itinerary a bit. Even after I had to cancel, I feltÂ we probably would have beenÂ too rushed on that trip and that notion sat with me for a while. Enough to make me rethink what we’d do with 2 weeks this time around.

I’m still debating about which countries to visit…stay tuned. Our flights there and back have been booked, using points of course!

July – beyond: No clue

The hubster will officially be a doctor after May. I can’t believe it. I mean, I can, he’s fucking smart. But it’s been one long, tough road. I’ve supported thisÂ guy as he busted his ass to go back to school, just so he could get into med school and then, you know, go through the rigors that happen in med school.

So, after this summer, there may not be much traveling going on except maybe to visit each otherÂ when he starts hisÂ emergency medicine residency. More on that later.

So, those are my travel plans. What do you think? Share yours!

My Next Adventure: Take a Guess Where & I’ll Buy you Something

September 17, 2015 By Caroline Peterson

It’s been a rough and tumble, rock ’em, sock ’em few months in our household. Things are certainly looking up after having to cancel our trip to Southeast Asia and finding a healthier balance with the hubster’s med school schedule though. After sitting down with himÂ to make sure he was in a betterÂ place now both mentally and physically with the rigors of med school, I decided to investigate my next adventure.

Where, you may ask?

That’s the fun part!

Especially since I’m going to bring something back forÂ two fantastic readers.

office

Say what?

I know. I love getting free shitÂ too!

The first two readers toÂ correctly guess where I’m going on my upcoming trip, willÂ win a gift from me that I will purchase on my international adventure. Obviously, I won’t know what I’m bringing back until I get there, but that’s half the fun. I imagine it would be something along the lines of a neat decorative item, fun jewelry, yummy local food or a plastic ashtray…who knows?!Â The possibilities are endless. If you win, I only ask that you post a photo of your gift on social media and tag Caroline Made This.

Hints:

My flights for this trip are booked and general itineraries have been made. I mentioned a few options for places I’d go in a post on here. Even better, and probably more accurate,Â there are hints on my social media accounts that will give you some ideas. If you meander over to my Facebook page you’ll see a screen capture of my first flight. Also, if you follow me on Twitter, you can probably see some tweets that offer insight. My Pinterest page may offer the best glimpse into my travels though…

I am traveling to 3 countries and you’ll need to guess all 3 (in no specific order). OneÂ country is considered a self-governing region. (I will not consider connecting flights as countries I’m visiting.) I will be with friends for the first portion of the trip and alone for the last half.

Psst. If you’ve read this much, you’re ahead of the game because most people just skip to the part below. Well done, chaps.

To Enter:

Step 1Â – Comment below with your best guesses of the 3 countries I’m visiting
Step 2Â -Â Share my Facebook page

(This won’t increase your odds of winning, but will win you a place in my heart, and that’s important, life-achieving kind of stuff.)

Best of luck!

Very Official-Looking Rules:
The giveawayÂ concludesÂ at 11:59pm on Sunday, September 20, 2015.Â (2) Two people will win. (1) One entry per person. The first (2) two peopleÂ to guess correctly in Step 1Â by commenting belowÂ on this pageÂ will win. Â You do not need to complete both stepsÂ to qualify to be a winner. I will email the winners at the conclusion of the giveaway, so be sure to enter your correct email address. Also, if you know where I’m going because I’ve told you,Â I know you know and therefore you’re ineligibleÂ for Step 1. Consider being privy to the information before everyone else your reward!

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