Travel Tips

________________________________________________ by Brenda Murray Do you need to learn a language before you travel to a foreign country? Absolutely not. But it is helpful to learn a few phrases and here's why: It's respectful to at least learn how to say hello, please, and thank you to the people who are serving you (waiters, front desk staff, bus drivers etc). People really appreciate it if you make an effort. Taking the time to learn a few phrases in anticipation of your trip will build excitement and enhance your experience. Learning a few phrases will help you to communicate your basic needs,...

________________________________________________ by Brenda Murray You have four choices when it comes to handling laundry while traveling: You take so many clothes that you never wear anything twice and you bring a giant suitcase. Don’t do this. Unless you have an entourage of "staff" carrying all your stuff, this is a bad idea.  You pay for laundry service at your hotel. This is the most expensive option. Often the cost to clean the clothing item is more than what you paid to purchase the item. You search for a coin laundromat after you arrive. But searching for a laundromat then waiting...

________________________________________________ by Brenda Murray American appliances run on 110 volts, while European appliances are 220 volts. The type of plug and socket used in America is A and B.  Check the list below to see which type of plug and socket is found most commonly in some popular European destinations. Adapters can be purchased in many airports but you may wish to purchase an adapter online before you travel.     A B C E F G J K L Austria     X         Belgium*   X           Canada X X Denmark  ...

________________________________________________ by Brenda Murray You can fit everything you need in one carry on bag. Here's how: Clothing Choose clothing with thin materials that you can layer. For a weeklong vacation this is what I pack: 5 thin shirts. That way you have a new blouse for 5 days and you will wash out your 2 favorites and wear them twice. 3 pairs of underwear. Wash them out at night and they will be dry in the morning. 2 pairs of thin slacks--the one you're wearing on the plane and an extra pair. 2 pairs of capris for if it is...

________________________________________________ by Brenda Murray As you already know, I'm a hand luggage only person for lots of good reasons that you can see here. Every airline has different dimension and weight maximums for hand luggage. It's important to check what the dimensions and weight are before you head to the airport. Nevertheless, the range of height, width and depth is similar. The dimensions of my current go-to carry on bag (the only luggage I take with me) are 13 x 19 x 9.5 inches (33 x 49 x 24 cm). That carry on luggage has been just fine for all the airlines...