Traveling and Medications.

When traveling there are a few things to remember if you are on any medications, have Diabetes or other long standing diagnosis.
1. Carry your meds with you, not in your checked bags.
2. Make sure the airline staff know you will be taking meds while on the flight.
3. Carry your own snacks if Diabetic incase your sugars run too high or low.
4. Make sure all meds are in the original containters
5. If traveling overseas or out of the country,  Check the legality of your meds in the country you are visiting.
    A Dr.'s note also that states your diagnosis is very helpful.

Planning ahead will allow you to put your physical issues aside and enjoy the adventure.

Christmas Travel, Rental Cars and Snow!... Oh NO, Ho Ho Ho!!

We were planning on flying from San Diego to Reno on Christmas day. Then getting a rental car and driving up the mountain to South Lake Tahoe... Tons of issues, and I will know better next time.
First, the nonstop doesn't land (Southwest airlines) until almost 2. Then you need to pick up your luggage and head over to the Rental Car desk. Here is the problem..
Rental car companies do not rent chains, so if you are going into snow and you do not have a four wheel drive vehicle, then you must stop at Walmart or somewhere and buy them. (this is in the winter of course)..

Rental car companies cannot guarantee your car until arrival so you have to guesstimate the tire size and bring snow chains with you... Will TSA let you bring them? Great question..

I first called Southwest, they said not on your carry on but you can check them. (the weight alone makes it an issue). Second she said to call TSA. So I did. They were very nice, there final answer was it should be fine but it is at the discretion of the officers at the airport.

So, we will be driving half way on Christmas Eve, then driving up the safer way thru Sacramento on Christmas day. Arriving 4 + hours before the planned arrival if we flew.

This has been very, very stressful. Southwest is a great airline, we have a lot of credit now to use on other trips. Second, since it is Christmas, Walmart will not be open, and spending Christmas looking for chains is not going to work for me.

So, if you are traveling on Christmas and renting a car. Please plan ahead...

I would like to thank my hubby for being willing to change the plans.. Not knowing until the last minute if we were going to be able to get to our destination is not a great holiday memory.

We will fly in the spring, and there is a shuttle that can take you to South Lake Tahoe, but will pass this time.

There is my holiday tip for today.
Happy Holidays.

BiNational Border crossing and airport now open! YEAH!!!!!!

Here is all the info via an article by USA Today.
Bi-National Airport article.

Here is also the website for all you need to know to travel in and out of the Tijuana International Airport.

For years my parents traveled via the International Airport in Tijuana.. Now with the new bridge it is easier for anyone to chose either the San Diego or Tiajuana airport.

Here is another article (sorry, it is wikipedia) with the history and cost. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_Border_Xpress

Travel and Terrorism

With yet another shooting, Mass Shooting in the USA.. The issue of travel safety comes to mind.

Let me explain, I have traveled to many countries that are not considered the safest. I have traveled to westernized countries where crime and petty theft is rampant... And I hear from relatives and friends from around the world sharing their concerns and gracious words as they watch the United States struggle with more gun violence. For many years, people would ask if the USA was safe, because we broadcast all our crime on international T.V. and other cultures would see our Good guys vs. bad guys movies as a picture of our "American" Culture. The fear of those considering a trip to the USA is now shared by those that live here.

There are some countries that are inherently not safe due to political strife. North Korea, Syria and many more... There are some countries that are safe if you do not go to specific areas,Thailand and Mexico come to mind. Both beautiful and safe if you stay away from the identified areas.

It is only in the U.S.A. that the safety issues cannot be addressed with a map or simple tips. The shootings are in rural areas, expensive neighborhoods, schools, and everywhere in between. 

The tools to stay safe while traveling are easier to follow in other countries then our own. We wonder how others travel to these unsafe regions.. Yet most of the world is fearful of coming here, not knowing where (not when) the next shooting will occur.

Explore the world... Do not let fear stop you.. Right now it may be easier to stay safe abroad then here in the U.S.A.

South Lake Tahoe..

I have never been a snow person... and over the years this has limited my travel experiences. My son took it upon himself to change this by moving to Lake Tahoe.. This is a place I had wanted to visit in the summer... but alas, my first trip was in Nov. after the first snow...
From San Diego, I took the 5 then crossed over in Sacramento at the 50. Although the 395 is shorter by a significant distance, the mountainous terrain, makes it only a half hour shorter.
My first view of the lake was amazing. It was beautiful... It was cold, but being close to the lake keeps it not as blustery as on the mountains and ski slopes.

There are various types of lodging here, from a very cheap motel 6 to high end ski lodges and Casinos.
Here is a quick link to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. (do not go there)...
Our next trip we will be staying at the 7 seas inn.. very excited to read the reviews of this mom and pop place.

So far the best breakfasts are at Heidi's

...

We will be going back up over the Christmas holidays.. a more indepth review will be in the works.
Happy Snow Days. South Lake Tahoe... it is as pretty as it looks.
Kendall

Mexico... Some great points

Here is a great tongue in cheek explanation why you should visit Mexico. Yes there are dangerous parts, but there are also some wonderful spots. Check it out!

Thank you Buzzfeed 11 reasons NOT to visit Mexico.

Carlsbad, Ca. by a world traveling Swiss tourist and surf enthusiast. Rahel Buergin

      Carlsbad is surfing, skating, ocean, sun and exercising. I stayed in Carlsbad for 3 weeks and I LOVE IT! The people are friendly and warm. Everybody has a smile for you and I felt comfortable the whole time.
     When you are looking for a vacation in California but you do not want to go to a big city, then Come to Carlsbad! You can do so many things, hiking, surfing, skating,swimming in the ocean, going to concerts , eating in nice restaurants, play volleyball, ride a bicycle, go out in the evening and a lot more. You are about an hour from San Diego and an hour and a half from Los Angeles.
     Carlsbad is very safe. It is no problem to walk alone through the town. Also, when you have a problem you can ask any and everyone. In downtown there are a lot of nice bars and restaurants. They are not expensive and they are very safe.
     During the summer there are many tourists in Carlsbad but this is not a problem. It is not very crowded and most of them have good behavior.
     Well, I know, I WILL visit Carlsbad again. I think Carlsbad is the best city (town) in California. The sun shines every day and the people are happy like I am.
   

I want to thank Rahel for contributing to the blog and being our guest over the last few weeks. You have been a joy!
                        Kendall Holmes

Switzerland by Rahel Buergin Guest writer from Swtizerland

Switzerland is a very small country in the middle of Europe. It is surrounded by the countries: Germany (northward), France (westward), Italy (southward) and Austria (Eastward).
     Switzerland has 26 cantons. Every canton has it's own dialect. Traditional Swiss meals are mostly with cheese or chocolate. The chocolate is very good.. Every canton also has a special delicacy. An example in the canton of Thurgau (the name comes from the river Thur), the apples are very popular. This canton has a second name called Mostindien, in English is means Cider India. Another example is the canton Aargau. very popular here is Aargauer Rueblitorte (Carrot Cake)!.
     The 26 cantons are always in competition, but not too much. Just like every canton has it's own meal, they also each have their own flag. My canton "Thurgau" has a lion and a woman on the flag. In the winter-time. most people go to the mountains for skiing.
     In Switzerland, skiing and ice hockey are very popular sports. During the summertime a lot of people spend their vacations here. Some of people go to other countries while many stay in Switzerland. We are lucky because we have a minimum of 4 weeks vacation but most have 5 weeks.
     Swiss people are not the most open and it is not normal to greet strangers on the street. BUT, when a Swiss person opens his hear, then they are very friendly and warm. And this person will do alot for you!.

Rahel  is a  Swiss world traveler and has been staying in Carlsbad, Ca. before she begins a month long journey thru several of the National Parks through out the South-West. She is currently writing an article on her experiences in Carlsbad, Ca.

North Korea: Vacation Destination ?!? North Korea Woos Tourists...

I love YouTube and international newspapers.. North Korea is of interest and there are some great YouTube videos of travel to the closed country.  I have some relatives in Mexico City right now and was reading the local English newspaper there. Here is a great article on Vacation options and tourism in North Korea.

North Korea Woos Tourists

My first full Uber experience, Great and Horrible Experiences

After having posted and practiced vicariously thru friends , I had my first real Uber experience the other day.
It was great and terrible. Completely based on the driver.
I am located in Carlsbad, Ca. and had a conference at the Concourse at LAX a hotel. The location of the hotel plays into the story. It is at the entrance of LAX and is the closest to the airport. right in-front of the LAX sign. As of May 2015, Uber is allowed to drop off but not pick up at the airport.

I arrived at Union (train) Station in  Los Angeles at 7:30 in the morning, Hit my Uber app on my phone and with in 10 minutes my ride was there.
Because it was in the middle of the morning commute, I got a notice that said the fees would be 1.7 times higher for the next 5 minutes. I waited the 5 minutes to request the ride.
The app allowed me to follow my ride until it arrived, a picture of the driver and the license plate number was listed. When you leave Union Station go out the front entrance and walk to the right. The Uber driver will meet you in the passenger loading zone.
My driver was friendly, was able to maneuver around a lot of the traffic and I arrived at my conference a half hour later. (## Yes, LAX is no where close to the train station) The FlyAway is only $8 each way and works well, I have taken it several times. But since I wasn't going directly to LAX I took Uber.
The total cost was $22.00 which was waived for my first ride. I was confident and ready to use Uber again that afternoon.

Now the bad. As Uber cannot pick up at the airport, you must move the location pin on your phone which is where Uber will find you, down the street, so Uber will pick you up. I did not know you could do this until the next day when I was sharing my HORRIBLE experience with other conference goers. The afternoon concierge at the hotel told me to walk down the street until Uber recognizes you. So in the middle of a not great part of town, off I went walking. (TIP: you can move the location pin then once you get your ride, call or text the driver of your real location. found this out the next day so did not try it).
The driver arrived at the corner about 20 minutes later. Once in his car, he took the long way back to the train station, I at first thought he was going around traffic. Wrong, he at the height of the traffic got ON the freeway while I saw the above mentioned FlyAway get off and go the way my morning driver did. Uber estimates the time of the drive (accounting for traffic) and it was 45 mins. NOPE 1.5 hours later, we arrive.
He charged me for the extra time and the fee was over 30 dollars. Ridiculous. Second, he was an older gentleman was playing loudly the most foul rap music. I am not a prude but this made the trip even more awkward and I did feel unsafe. 

The good part is you can review your driver afterwards. I DID with both the good and bad drivers.

Second, you are given pictures of the driver, car and license plate. So there is no chance of getting in the wrong car.

I would and will use Uber again, but now I have learned and will check out a few drivers before getting in for a long ride.

Next time I may try Lyft to see the difference.

Fair Dinkum in Viva Las Vegas? Hotel trumped AirBnb. First time ever!

Las Vegas is as far away from Fair Dinkum travel as you can get. And this is where we are going over a weekend this summer. We will be seeing a a show and then trying out a few restaurants. Our favorite natural area around there is Red Rocks. If you haven't taken the time to go thru there while in Vegas, you are missing a beautiful sight. Not to mention a great salve for your over stimulated  assaulted senses after walking the strip.

But I digress, My first line of lodging, AirBnb, this is first city I have seen, where this is not the best option. We want to stay on the strip or at least not more then a block off.
Tip 1. When making hotel/ lodging reservations in Vegas, LOCATION is everything, one block off in the wrong direction or two far north or south of the main drag defeats the purpose of location. Have a map out of all the big name hotels and really get a feel for how far you are. Use Google Maps to walk the area around where you want to stay. Make sure it is safe.

Las Vegas has done a great job of providing multiple transportation modes along the strip, but you do not want to walk thru an unsafe area to get to them.

Tip 2. Check out hotel prices vs. AirBnB. We found (first time ever) that a hotel is going to be closer and more cost efficient then a room via AirBnB.

We will be evaluating and staying at the Carriage House. It has mixed reviews on Trip Advisor, but mostly good and inexpensive.

I will go over on another blog, how to really read a Trip Advisor Review.

REVISED: TripAdvisor review of the Carriage House in Las Vegas

How to get the most out of your points for travel and vacations

I should be saying, "use your best travel credit card, rack up those points travel for almost free". And this time next year, I hope to be saying that. Many friends travel for work so their points add up quickly and from only a few sources. One close friend, her husband travels to China once a month. They get tons of points... And use those through out the year. Another close friend uses and researches points like others do coupons. Every hotel stay they have done they are either paying 1/2 due to points or racking up points for another trip.

Using points needs to be easy, simple and a natural part of everyday life. This was a website that I posted about a few years ago, I just went there and now he also has an app.

The Points Guy  : is a wonderful site that helps you Maximize your travel.. I have connected the link to the beginners page. It is much less overwhelming then his main page. But required reading if you want to maximize your travel rewards and points.

Before you start out for your Summer and Fall Adventures, Visit the point guy and incorporate some of the best options into your travel and daily shopping. By next year, Check in and lets see how many points you have. I will also be doing a running total every few months to see how I am doing as well.

Fair Dinkum!

Travel Sites for finding the best air routes and costs.

Getting ready for summer or early planning for Fall Vacations. Here are four great sites and apps. that will help you save money and get the best deals possible.


Hopper : When to Fly and Buy, is online and like many others also can download the app to changes on flights you want.

Which Budget : Searches airlines of all sizes for the best routes and costs. Most only cover top airlines.

Airfare WatchDog :Promo codes for airline sales and prices

Yapta:  Notifies you when prices drop and many times you  can get a refund if already purchased.

How to help the people of Nepal

Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Nepal and the surrounding areas. Most of us are not able or is is appropriate to physically go to Nepal to help. There are Legitamate well trained groups there now. 

Please review the list and give as you feel called. 

The list below is partial list compiled by CNN

Each organization has a link. For a full report on what each agency is doing please use the link above. 

Here is a  partial list of the agencies.

Nepal Red Cross   There connection is not constant, so please try back if you get the blank screen. They are at the heart of the relief efforts.


Americares  Has began dispatching teams to assist in the search and rescue efforts.


CARE Is also on the ground and providing temporary shelter and ready to eat meals. 

International Medical Corps is on the ground coordinating their response and sending additional staff and resources to support relief efforts. You can support the Nepal Earthquake Response online, or by texting MED to 80888 to give $10.

Eco-Friendly Luxury Resorts

Here is a list from Travel Chanel of Eco Friendly Luxury Resorts... I have lots of reasons why there are other great options without having to sleep on the beach and be bit by local bugs. But to be fair, this is a great article on (for some) having the best of both worlds. 

For me to have a Fair Dinkum Experience, immersing yourself in the culture, the people and the geography is mandatory not a choice. 

I have written articles about Bed and Breakfasts and AirBnB.. both let you become a part of the area you are visiting. 

We have stayed in hotels, usually for two reasons. 
One: In some countries there are safety concerns and tour guides and hotel security is a must.
Second: Business trips. When I know that I am only there for a conference and am in the middle of traffic and in the business district. Hotels are a great option.

Aside from that, Explore the world the Fair Dinkum Way!

Top 50 Travel Quotes! from MatadorU

Here is a link to the article from MatadorU  BY LOLA (AKINMADE) ÅKERSTRÖM. 

As the quotes inspire, I am reminded that for me and this blog Travel is about adventure, discovering and reassessing life's goals and plans.

I do understand those that want to be pampered as a vacation choice. While for me this is not the path I take, there are ways to do this and still see the world. With one caveat! Leave the Hotel Grounds. Simple but true.


Have a wonderful Friday!

Trip Advisors top 10 Islands.Find your best and next article will be how to be at the best at a budget price.

Here is Trip Advisors top Islands for 2015. There are some amazing places to explore and visit.

You can explore and enjoy the best with in a budget and get a feel for the locals lifestyles. 

A brief review for planning your summer (NEVER IN SUMMER) vacation coming next.

Here they are.
Travels Choice Top Islands of 2015


After you have perused the best voted Islands in the world, go to Airbnb and VRBO (if you are staying in one place for more then a few days) and check out  your perfect destination with in your budget.

UBER: OOPPSSS

I have a friend that does not drive , he is ambulatory and has always used public transportation. I had encouraged him to use Uber.

Here is my disclaimer. I wanted to see how it would work. Every 20someting I know has applied for and at least attempted to work for either Uber or Lyft. I do think they are great alternatives to a taxi. Here is San Diego, they are trying to level the playing field with Taxi licenses being easier to get and there by lowering the cost and making them more competitive. 

Anyway, so together my friend and I downloaded the app, inputted his Credit Card number and decided to try it the next day.
(here is the Caveat) We did this on St. Patty's Day and did not want to be out and about with other drunks. This is why we thought we would do it the next day. My friend has to go to work but wanted someone there and I wanted to see the whole program in action. We met the next day at around 8:30 a.m.


Excited, we pulled out his phone and tapped the app. He listed where he wanted to go and said schedule...

NOTHING!! It must have been an amazing St. Patty's Day Celebration because there was not an UBER anywhere..  Thank goodness he was able to run to the bus and get where he needed to be.

One other person, had a mad semi lost driver with Uber. She doesn't drive and wanted to try it out and go to a smoothie place. The driver kept asking her where it was (yes she had inputted the address) once there, she asked her to wait 5 minutes while she gets her smoothie and the driver said No and took off.

Most of the experiences I hear about are great, but do not use UBER the day after a holiday and make sure you can guide your driver. :)

Keep it simple with my top two favorite Travel Apps.

I write and talk about keeping your travel experiences real, getting in touch with local faire and going off an your own. There are so many great apps out there for travel, but you can  spend your whole time with your head in your phone. Before I share my top two, here is a list of the top 5 from Elliott at Boarding Area.

My top Two from the list are: 

Trip Advisor is my all time favorite. You can look up hotels (motels/B and B's), Restaurants and Attractions. The great part is you can read the worst reviews and the best, from locals and tourists. You can connect with multiple booking sites, get great tips from regular people and things to be weary of. Yes, I am always writing reviews, but not just while away, but at home also.

 Second is Google Maps. they are great for seeing the lay of the land and navigation.

In many areas (without WiFi) you can find and save the map you will need for the day and be wi fi free and still have the navigation you will want to go rogue.

Technology has allowed us to travel to parts unknown with a sense of safety and connectedness. But it can also create dependence on electronics that will detract from living the experience in real time. 

Please,  what ever travel apps you use, let them be a loose guide and then enjoy a Fair Dinkum Adventure!

From Budget Travel: 38 Great Travel Quotes! Which one will you travel by?

I apologize for the commercial but you can by pass it. The list is wonderful. Please chose your mantra..

It will entice you to travel more and travel more Fair Dinkum!

38 Great Travel Quotes by Budget Travel.

Historic Motel 6: A Room with a View!

Check out my review of the first Motel 6  EVER! It's on Trip Advisor and there are some pics also. A great find when in Santa Barbara, Ca.

Santa Barbara Get Away. How to extend your weekend get away!

In a recent post, I mentioned train travel and the joys of including the transportation as part of the vacation... A few days later, Gov. Jerry Brown, here in California, announced the first leg of construction on California's first bullet train had started... ..
With the new year in full swing, getting away for a short vacation is difficult... But you can still have a short, non-hectic, relaxing or family get away for a very reasonable price.
From San Diego, Ca. it is very easy to take the Amtrak to Santa Barbara... From where I am located, Carlsbad, Ca. it is only 39.00 each way to take the train....
You are able to sit back and enjoy the trip up the California Coastline.
While in Santa Barbara, you may either take advantage of a winter hotel get away package or use (for a couple) AirBnB... For families there are also other private options to find a short term rental.(AH!!! my next Blog Article, Coming out on Jan. 14th, 2015)...
Walking around the town is part of the fun... but as with lodging, you can rent a car or use Uber, Lyft or a Taxi (list of all taxi's in S.B.)... Santa Barbara also has a program to encourage and highlight that you can visit there and enjoy all it has to offer  Car Free.
The beaches, wineries, art galleries and shops make for a great vacation close to home.. Taking the train, allows you to extend your vacation from the moment you leave your home to the moment you arrive home...
Please use the links in this article to explore more of what Santa Barbara and Amtrak have to offer.

Trains: Make getting there .. The Vacation

I have found people either love or hate trains.... I love them... I love all forms of public transportation when possible... Unfortunately, I live where daily train and use of public transportation is not always possible... But... Love Trains...
When you take a train, you have a seat with a view, you can get up and move around, read and or meet new people...
There are some beautiful train routes around the world.. When we were in Greece we took the train from Athens to Meteora... We were the only non Greeks on the train and it was great..
To get practice, take a train from your local town to the next county or tourist spot... For us we can take the train to San Diego for a day trip, or to Santa Barbara or Los Angeles for an overnight get away...
Our vacation starts the minute we get on the train... The views along the coast are beautiful as well...
This year we are looking at taking one or two mini train vacations.. For us a Stay-Vacation is anywhere in the Continental USA...

My travel challenge for this week! Take a train.. even if it is only a few miles away... There are commuter trains and Amtrak... See your neighborhood and just beyond from a different perspective...
I will be posting some short trips to do via train and some longer ones over this year....
All Aborad!

Family Spring Break 2015.. Carlsbad, Ca

I was researching family destinations for Spring Break and found a great list!

What is extra great is my hometown is on the list.. Carlsbad Ca. 

I do have some thoughts on the others.. BUT NOW is the time to plan, there are some great airfare deals going on.. Plan ahead, at least for the flights...

There are some other great destinations on the list. Here is the link and full list from
Family Vacation Critic..

10 Best Spring Break Spots for Families

Amelia Island, Fla.

The Palm Beaches, Fla.

Carlsbad, Calif.   Great City to live in.. :)

U.S. Virgin Islands

Riviera Maya

Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Oahu, HI

Orange County, Calif.

Orlando

New York City

New Year's Travel Resolution!

I have already Tweeted a great article by Budget Travel on 2015 Travel resolutions... But I did want to weigh in on this myself also...

• Commit to exploring your neighborhood, town, city, state or other areas... 
• We think of travel as going away, planning hassles and travel nightmares.. A part of avoiding these are to see the whole experience as an adventure... 
• Second, see your town or neighborhood as a visitor would see it... Even when traveling to visit friends I always walk the areas.. 
• Say Hello to people as you go.. 
• Ask questions, Look for the best Locals spots... 
• Explore your world... 

For 2015.. See TRAVEL as stepping outside your door...

Fair Dinkum 2015!