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