Category: Babcia and Yia Yia!

Join Alex and Terri as they talk all things travel. From great destinations to which travel TV shows are on the top of their binge list, Babcia and Yia Yia have your travel addiction covered!

Milan Day Trip

brown concrete building during daytime

Milano

Tucked up in the north of Italy is the banking and fashion capitol of the country, Milan. Probably most famous for three things, Milan may not constitute a big ticket stay but it can be an ideal day trip. Now hold your fashionista horses for a moment! Normally when we say that a destination makes a good day trip, we often include it as a great launch or a graceful exit from a longer excursion. This is not the town for that as the international airport is a very expensive 45 minute ride away! Very expensive. 

Instead, navigate Milan by rail. It’s an easy ride in and out of Venice or Florence and is a great launching pad into France’s Riviera region. The main train station has its own story that speaks to the erratic history of the turn of the century and the socialist fervor that enveloped this very new consolidated country. Be sure to take in the massive main hall that was built to make you fell small. That said, what brings the first time visitor to Milan?

Leonardo da Vinci head bust

 

There’s a lot here. In order to make this a credible day trip, focus on the big three. The Duomo, its neighbor the Galleria and the iconic Last Supper. Economically, it can be strung together in about three hours making a mid morning arrival and a late lunch a perfect day. The Duomo also offers a spectacular rooftop experience that lets you meander through the life size statuary and ponder the massive undertaking to actually get it built.

Reserved ticket options also exist for draws like the famous La Scala Opera House and its adjoining museum. If you are not an opera enthusiast, check out the amazing Cimitero Monumentale di Milano. This amazing outdoor space is full of the most spectacular funerary art rivaling, no surpassing that of Per Lachaise in Paris. Additionally, the local Renaissance family, the Sforzas, have their Castello on full display to round out the top draw choices. 

a large ornate building with a large clock on the top

If Milan is on your list for just a few things, making it a day trip is totally worth it.  The main train station is more than a thirty minute walk so, taking a taxi into the main piazza will be a must but other than that, Milano is an easy breezy visit from Florence or Venice.

 

 

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Why small group service is the future of travel.

brown concrete buildings beside calm body of water

Here’s the deal: the travel industry is over run with so many small businesses, it’s hard to even know what all the choices are! So, we’re up for the challenge of helping you make the right travel choices for your needs. We know! Even if you don’t pick us for your adventure, we want you to know that we support every traveler finding the right kind of travel to fit their vibe. Let’s level the playing field just a little!

abandoned building during daytime

Rule number one: Time is money.

The first rule of travel is that you will always pay for your time. Without a slower travel pace and a flexible calendar you are not going to see a huge savings in this department. But what about all those great deals we see? They are going to people who don’t have to be back in the office on Monday. This is especially true of the thousands of TikTok influencers who are out to show you how their points work to their advantage and that they’ve only spent $15.73 on an 18 hour flight from San Francisco to New Zealand. 

Instead, expect 5 bands of travel.

These bands range from everything is planned for you to do it yourself. Each band can cost a lot or be accomplished on a budget. It all depends on what you are willing to pay for. As always, refer to rule number one as you sort through these incredible choices.

  • All inclusive stays and tours including cruises are exactly what they sound like. This is a great choice if you don’t want to lift a finger except to order the next cocktail. Often the experiences included are “best of” or icon based and excursions often just scratch the surface. Yes, it can be a bit more relaxing but it can also not be as satisfying. One last note, beware of those really great deals! Cheap package prices can also mean lots of nickel and diming fees.
  • Multi city, large group tours that include bus transport can be appealing as they seem to hit all the high spots in a region readily. However, they can also feel a little grueling as they often try to cover a lot of ground. I don’t know about you, but 60 people on a tour bus going through 6 countries in 3 weeks does not sound like fun. The upswing here is the price is usually good. 
  • Pre-slugged itinerary purchases that may or may not be part of a larger grouping are similar to large group tours but can be pre-purchased for a specific group. The downside is that there is no customization to these excursions and they basically cover the same best of sites that larger groups flock to.
  • Boutique travel could be considered the sweet spot. Customizable itineraries for no more than 10 travelers at a time. Boutique travel is full of immersive experiences that focus on getting to know a region or meet a very specific purpose. Boutique travel mixes the icons with the hidden gems by getting rid of the industry middle men as they approach travel from the perspective of experience rather than just thinking about the big sites. 
  • DIY travel has been a huge trend in travel for ages. However, DIY can wind up causing a lot of stress if you are worried about getting a good deal, finding a great reservation or concerned that you are missing out on one activity or another. Some people have embraced the DIY attitude feeling that it allows for all their money to go to exactly what they choose and some really like the process of planning itself. Even Disney has caught on to the popularity of DIY planning as you have to pre-book and arrange almost every move you make up to a year in advance of your big trip. It’s a good choice if you are up for the challenge.

Eiffel tower during nighttime

The second rule of travel is that something will go wrong.

Murphy’s law will always find a way to wreak havoc on anyone’s travel plans and being ready for this is an important aspect of any level of travel. We highly recommend travel insurance no matter what kind of travel you are interested in. This is particularly important, though, if you plan to develop your own travel plans. It takes just one moment, from a cancelled flight to a lost suitcase to make things miserable. Some of these things can come out of nowhere like when Italian train workers go on strike for the day or when a freak August snowstorm knocks out a good Swiss hike in the Alps. The bottom line is get the insurance.

The third rule of travel is that you’ll NEVER, EVER get to everything on your bucket list

There is not a set of travel plans that ever existed that got to every tic on the checklist. And that’s okay. Regardless of your tier of travel, don’t get your hopes up that everything is going to happen. Not the “best of”, not the “DIY”, not even the customized small group boutique travel will get to absolutely everything on the itinerary. Instead, be prepared that something will fall through and that it’s okay. When looking at the different tiers, it seems that boutique travel has the most success in hitting the mark. With flexible timing, small groups have a better chance of bouncing back as compared to the bigger ideas that will simply cancel an activity and move on. 

people inside library

The fourth rule of travel is that DIY isn’t always the best option.

The myth that DIY travel is budget travel is a bit of an issue in the travel industry. While creating bespoke plans is quite the draw there are a few reasons that DIYers may want to look at other options. First, a lot of DIYers do not have access to the same relationships that professionals do and, as a result they miss out on hidden experiences and venues. Additionally, these relationships often offer a discount to professionals that can often be passed on in a package price. Moreover, travel professionals have a unique perspective that can meet certain travel goals. Boutique travel experiences can create bespoke itineraries for specific goals like literary or musical trips, historical or artistic trips, or simply teaching good travel skills. These kind of experiences include a consultation, and a lot of preplanning. We like to include a lot of pre and post trip communication and will even add in workshops for things like packing or passports.

 

Regardless of your comfort level of travel, we wish you the best and hope for amazing memories! If you are interested in boutique travel, check out our current offerings by clicking here!

 

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Venice 101

blue and white boat on water near concrete bridge during daytime

Venice is an all star destination that comes with its own set of  travel challenges. But, wow, are those challenges worth taking on as Venice does not disappoint! Home of world class museums, Michelin worthy food, and an atmosphere that charms the socks off of everyone that steps off a boat, Venice is everything a traveler is looking for. So, how does a true traveler approach this historical icon? Here are our top takes on the myths and realities of the city of canals.

Myth No. 1: Venice is packed every Summer.

Yes…. and no. To be fair, all of Italy is packed every Summer but Venice had plenty of breathing room with the right strategies. For example, there is never a wait for a table at lunch and a simple reservation ensures that dinner plans are not kept waiting at all. Honestly, the two areas where crowds are prevalent: at the basilica and on the Rialto. Other than that, good booking habits ensured that there are no waits at all even in the high season.

concrete building near body of water

Reality No. 1: Transportation is going to cost- big time!

Probably the thing that will shock any traveler the most is the monopoly on the transportation system. Between the water taxis, the iconic gondoliers, and the vaporetto, it’s hard to fathom how much is shelled out just to get around. The harsh reality is that it’s pretty hard to skirt that help. It’s an easy city to lose your way and the labyrinth of private docks and narrow passages can sometimes need a helping hand- especially with luggage! Expect a gondola ride to run between $85.00 and $130.00, a vaporetto pass to run about $25.00 for a few days, and a water taxi transfer to run about $75.00 per person with luggage. In short, they have the boats and they know that you don’t.

Myth No. 2: The water in Venice is tidal and that makes it smell.

This couldn’t be further from the truth! It may surprise you but the water of the lagoon is pretty clean and does not have that over salty, tidal smell at all. Regardless of the time of tide, expect the water to be pretty choppy on the big lagoon and rather peaceful on the back canals. Simply put, the water, in every direction, is sublime.

flood in Venice Italy

Reality No. 2: The water isn’t always sublime.

Venice’s treasure can also become it’s nemesis. During certain parts of the year, the dreaded Aqua Alta, or tall water, floods certain parts of the islands. It has become so famous because it floods the very popular Piazza San Marco. Many have seen the fantastical photos of of the square flooded with raised wooden walkways. however, don’t expect the entire island to be underwater at these times, there’s plenty of dry land to enjoy.

Myth No. 3: Google maps is the best way to get around Venice.

If there is one thing that locals have let me know, it’s that google maps will not get you from point A to point B. In fact, google maps seems to be the number one way to get lost in Venice. Instead, rely on local directions and paper maps to make getting from one place to another easier. Getting your luggage to your hotel simply isn’t fun when you have to lug it over three extra bridges and down a dead end passageway. Trust us.

potted petaled flowers on black metal rack

 

Reality No. 3: You will get lost.

There is no way around it! You will get lost in the labyrinth of narrow pedestrian streets and shady alleyways that lace this city together. The good news is that Venice is an island and you can only go so far before you dead end at the water. The better news is that there are two sure fire ways to help you get out of this jam. First, duck into a local business and pick up their business card. Often, the back has a map on it that will help you out! Also, if you find yourself a little too far from familiar territory, use the direction signs on the corners of bigger intersections that will point you toward the bigger sites like the Rialto Bridge or Piazza San Marco. The bottom line is that is important to wander throughout the neighborhoods. Get lost! It’s Okay.

Myth No. 4: Everything is crowded all the time.

True, the big draws like The Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Square and the basilica and, The Rialto Bridge all make for crowded, pick pocket friendly destinations. However, there are a few times when you can find these beauties a little calmer. Book tickets for anything on Piazza SanMarco as early as possible. If the Basilica gets a bit overwhelming, head for the back right hand corner and enjoy the little museum and rooftop upstairs for a small fee. Here, you can see the magnificent horses that grace the roof. This means before the cruise ship groups. Check out the bridge after your dinner and dessert as the crowds really thin out and you can see it lit up. woman sitting on concrete surface

Reality No. 4: There are plenty of out of the way places to enjoy.

As popular as Venice is, many people don’t walk past the big sites and explore the out of the way, charming neighborhoods that lace the city together. Take a little time to walk away from the crowds so that you can enjoy a few of the quieter moments. That’s right. Walk the other neighborhoods. Take some time to duck into a church and see a masterpiece. Wander into a local shop that sells nothing but tassels. Peruse a bookshop. Sit at a cafe and enjoy an Aperol spritz. Wander for the sake of wandering.

Myth No. 5: Location doesn’t matter: it’s all an island.

Not true. It can affect price and the amount of time it takes to get somewhere. This can work to your advantage though! If you are willing to add in a few extra steps, lovely accommodations are available for a better price. Additionally, menus further away from Piazza San Marco are small, more authentic, and often come with a less touristy price tag.

yellow and blue concrete building

Reality No. 5: Hotel rates are based on their proximity to the water.

Star systems that rate hotels in Europe are common enough but Venice has its own set of standards that other cities just don’t have to consider. For example, five star hotels must have a private dock on the waterways regardless of any other amenities. This means that a three star hotel could actually be nicer and cheaper than a four star hotel. Our pick for a mid range hotel with all that Venice charm? Hotel Novociento. Family run with a great location, it can’t be beat!

 

 

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The thing travelers forget to ask for at the holidays.

book page showing heart-shape

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We are happy to celebrate all the holidays in global style and one tradition we love to share is the Scandinavian tradition of reading a book on Christmas Eve. Choosing a cherished book for someone can seem daunting but this thoughtful gift, unwrapped on a cozy evening, could be one of the best memories of the holiday season. Here are our picks for the reading travelers in you life!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3unHPyJeRLdimqEkoDrK54?si=qq6bkYz2SxqRsRtf1BLLjg

 

Mystery Maniac

The Venice Sketchbook by Rhys Bowen is a multi-generational story that brings the reader through the magnificent streets of Venice as the characters deal with love, war, happiness, and betrayal and the clues left in an old sketchbook.  

Murder in Tuscany by TA Williams  is book 3 in the series is the newest story about Dan, a retired English detective who helps the local authorities. Helping him along the way is his loyal dog Oscar.

person picking white and red book on bookshelfHistorical Fiction Junkies

The Paris Library by Janet Charles an instant classic that will have you wondering what in the world a library in Paris has to do with a small town in Montana?! Follow this epic story down the street of Paris and through the Nazi occupation as Odile figures out how to navigate her young life during some of the darkest days she’s known. Based on true accounts, this book will be a library standard for decades to come. 

The Paris Apartment by Kelly Bowen Why is that apartment to mysterious? Read and find out what happened there and what treasure awaits!

The Paris Dressmaker by Christy Camberon

Poland by James Michener Eight centuries, three families, Tatar invasion to Poland’s reappearance.  The common thread through all these years in Poland’s undying Pride!…Rebuild, Rebuild, Rebuild!

 

 

books on brown wooden shelf

Our Fave Non Fiction Picks

The Unknowns: The Untold Story of America’s Unknown Soldier and WWI’s Most Decorated Heroes Who Brought Him Home By Patick O’Donnell

Warsaw 1944: Hitler, Himmler and the Crushing of a City by Alexandra Richie The traumatic story of one of the last major battles of World War II.  The Poles fought off the German troops for 63 days. This is the first account to see the tragedy from both German and Polish perspectives. Common Thread throughout Poland is the Poles unbreakable Spirit

open book beside white ceramic teacup on saucer

 

The Foodie

Searching for Italy by Stanley Tucci

1,000 foods to eat before you die: food lover’s life list by Mimi Sheraton This is the ultimate guide for the food lover! You will encounter the best cuisines for all over the world. Whether you are dreaming of a diner in Chicago or a local breakfast in downtown Stockholm, this book has it covered. 

Ireland’s Green Larder:  The Definitive History of Irish Food and Drink by Margaret Hickey This tells the story of food and drink in Ireland.  It begins in ancient times and brings us right up to today’s thriving food scene.  This book digs into the day to day life of the people. You sure don’t want to miss the story of how Queen Maeve died after being hit by a piece of hard cheese.  The history of Ireland’s History is brought to life in such a magical way you won’t forget it!

The Romantic

The Little Cafe in Copenhagen by Julie Caplan part of a larger series that will have anyone hopping from fabulous destination to fabulous destination as the reader follows a string of women as they reset themselves for true success and maybe find a little romance along the way. You can’t beat it if you are looking for a Hallmark movie on the page!

A Postcard from Italy by Alex Brown What happens when a postcard drops to the floor in an old storage warehouse? Grace finds out as she tracks down the story of the mysterious owner of the storage unit and her epic story in Italy.

Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch Lina is spending the summer in Tuscany, not because she wants to but because it is her mother’s dying wish. Her mother wanted her to get to know her father. Lina uncovers secret romances, art, hidden bakeries and more. She has always heard that people come to Italy for Love and Gelato but she finds out she has found so much more. 

woman in white dress sitting on brown wooden chair reading book on beach during daytime

Logistics Lover

Building The Cycling City: The Dutch Blueprint for Urban Vitality By Melissa Bruntlett Bikes and Amsterdam go hand in hand. But how does it even work? And, more importantly, how will it affect the traveler in Europe in the years to come? 

The Turning Tide: a Biography of the Irish Sea by Jon Gower What the waters between Ireland and England must have witnessed! This is written in true Irish storytelling style and envelopes the importance of the sea from all aspects.

Best travel guide we’ve seen this year:

Walking Amsterdam:  The Best City Guide by National Geographic This guide offers 13 step by step, mapped itineraries that allow you to explore Amsterdam like a local. It covers everyone’s likes:  from shoppers to history lovers.  You will find something that fits your taste.

Les Frenchies  This digital travel guide might be the best kept secret in Paris travel guides! Antoine and Colleen are feet on the ground locals that are ready to share their picks and pans to make travel to Paris a total success!!! 

Paris In Stride Jessie Kanalos Weiner This is truly an outstanding guide to walking in Paris.  It will take you to places that are both icons and then some that are hidden gems.  You will see all the must sees, some new finds and some old revisited places that have been forgotten.  This guide will definitely leave you long for Paris and counting the days until you return. 

 

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5 Ways to Connect Art To Your Travel

Art and travel go hand in hand just like peas and carrots. This is true no matter where in the world you roam but it may stand out even more when you wander in Europe. Well organized and very relatable, the art of Europe always seems to surface into the stories and memories of travelers. But what if art just isn’t your thing? What if every time you even hear the word art, you involuntarily roll your eyes toward the heavens? More importantly, what if you want to enjoy art but you just aren’t sure how to make it happen? This is your lucky day! We’ve got a plan made just for you!

Do what you like.

So you can’t wrap your mind around the art world. Okay. Maybe, instead, you are a movie buff. Use that comfy space to expand your understanding of the art world. There are plenty of choices. Pop the popcorn and check out some of these amazing films:

  • Woman in Gold with Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds which is a 2015 movie about Gustav Klimt and post war Austria.
  • Monuments Men with George Clooney and Matt Damon which is the story of stolen art during the war.
  • Made You Look which is a true crime doc all about the forgeries of Jackson Pollack

Find The Story.

Invest in art by reading both fiction and nonfiction. If you are a book junkie, then the art world has got you covered! There are so many amazing stories that weave together great worls of art and their creators. Here are just a few:

  • Girl With A Pearl Earring by Traci Chevalier
  • Cooking for Piccasso by Camille Aubray
  • DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
  • The Monet Murders by Josh Lanyon

 

Mix it up.

The idea that you have committed yourself to go to a very large building with a lot of canvases on the wall can realistically feel defeating. The truth is that sometimes the big, iconic museums are just too much to handle and it may be better to dip your toe in the art pool at a smaller venue. Additionally, collective art like the CarnaValet in Paris with its signs, shops, and apartments as well as paintings may give your eye more variety to focus on in a shorter amount of time.

Speaking of time, it’s time to not feel guilty about seeing every single thing when you visit a museum! Walk your walk and look along the way. Feel free to stop at what catches your eye. It’s just fine! Speech over.

 

Be a doer and not a looker.

Art can fall more into the doing category instead of the looking category. Look to see what art venues are offering. For example you can drop in for a drawing session at the Cloisters through The Met in NYC or the V and A in London has a ton of workshops from stitching to photography. Some are free and some are not, but it’s worth seeing if there’s something that you’re interested in.

Jump in the deep end.

Immersive art experiences have been a huge trend over the past few years and they are starting to produce events for more and more famous artists. Enjoy art by walking into a room which surrounds you with music and some of the most famous canvases in the world. The headliner of these exhibitions has been Van Gogh. His work was set to music and then slightly animated to give you the sense of of storyline. In just 45 minutes or so, you can immerse yourself into his world and then reacquaint yourself with some of his most famous works and motifs. You might be surprised by how much you know!

Coming in at a strong second is the Monet and friends experience which was most recently at Biltmore. Truth be told, I’m a huge fan of Impressionism (and any art professional will most likely tell you that makes me no art expert). But, this exhibit lacked something I couldn’t put my finger on. I loved the work and I loved the music but it just didn’t match the Van Gogh experience note for note. Still it was a worthy excursion and certainly not a waste of time.

 

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Your Travel Wardrobe Is In Your Closet. Right Now.

mini brown opened suit case on large suit case

You hear it all the time! Create a capsule wardrobe to be a successful traveler. It makes any potential packer think that they need to order and buy specialty clothes to only use when there’s a suitcase at hand. Not so fast! We, here at Babcia and YiaYia, think that you might be selling yourself and your closet a little short. That’s right, we think you probably have far more than you think to complete the perfect travel wardrobe.

In fact, we think that you probably have clothes that you love to wear that could be the foundation for that super elusive capsule wardrobe that all the rage. But where do you even start? We’ve got some easy steps to help!

person holding assorted clothes in wooden hanger

Weed out what won’t pack well.

You already know all of the things in your closet that are high maintenance They wrinkle fast and never wash well. You probably pull them out once or twice a year. They probably won’t pack very well anyway. Additionally, you probably know what kind of weather your head toward so out of season stuff is not part of your packing equation.

Choose a color.

You know the color. It’s your favorite one and you pair it with black and white all the time. Ours is blue. It goes with our complexions and never fails to photograph well. You probably have this color weaving in and out of every rack in your closet anyway.

assorted-color apparels

Set out your neutrals.

Black. White. Denim. The gang’s all here! These are the pieces that go with pretty much anything. These wardrobe basics are the foundation to your mix and match packing style.

Edit out the cliche items.

It’s time to do a double take. Is there anything in your potential packing pile that screams tourist? Message tees? Super bold colors that scream “pick my pockets”? Shoes that say “I have no idea how to travel comfortably with style”? Now is the time to edit those items out of your capsule concept.

white and blue shirts hanging on white wooden cabinet

Start to mix and match.

Now that you’ve got yourself focused. It’s time to start pairing items together so that everything you take pulls a double shift. We start with the amount of days from take off to laundry. Do you have seven days until laundry? Then you need 5 bottoms in cool weather and 6 bottoms in hot weather. (Why six? Try sweating all day and then trying to look refreshed for dinner.) Seven days also needs 6-7 tops. There are many people who will give you different numbers but sweat doesn’t lie. Match them together. Make those outfits. Then make sure each top has a different bottom that will make a new look.

Minus one for dresses.

If you like dresses, simply subtract one for every dress you plan to pack. Just remember that every dress you take needs to pack well. It also needs to be useful. Dresses for a rafting trip won’t do you much good but an easy to use maxi dress might be just perfect for evenings in Paris.

assorted-color clothes

Weave in the layers.

No matter what the weather, we always pack a wrap, a cardigan, and a scarf. Sounds like overkill? Well, we find that we use every single item every single time. Wraps are perfect as a double for plane blanket or pillow. Cardigans cover up if it gets a little too breezy. Scarves can cover bare shoulders or shorts in a pinch if you need to cover up at a particular site like a church or mosque. The most important thing about these pieces is that they go with every single outfit we bring.

Finish off with three pairs of shoes.

You are definitely going to need walking shoes. These will most likely be your bulkiest shoes and you will most likely wear them on the plane just like us. Additionally, you are going to want a pair of shoes that turns all of your outfits into a smarter look for evening. This may be a pair of flats or sandals. The point is, they elevate your look somehow to give you a little oomph. Lastly, you may want to add in beachy flip flops or a second pair of walkers depending on your needs. The most important thing about any pair of shoes you choose is that they go with every outfit you just made for your travel capsule wardrobe.

Take it for a test drive.

Now, weeks before your trip, take all of those picks and pack them up. Zip that suitcase closed and put it in the corner. Try not to open it for three or four days. Then, take it all out and decide if it’s a keeper. We promise you probably only need to change out a few items. You’re ready to make a shopping list of the very few things that may be missing.

clothing items and pair of shoes in luggage

We bet you feel a lot better!

We told you! You DO have a lot of items to contribute to a great travel capsule wardrobe. While you may want to add in a few last items, your closet is already full of great pieces to travel with. One last tip: take things that you love but may be expiring soon. If you need to ditch them for a little extra packing space on the way back home, it won’t hurt too much. Happy travels!

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The Tao of Our Travel

woman in white monokini sitting on rock

The recipe for the perfect trip is very hard to nail down. It seems that instead of leaning toward the chemistry of baking, it tends to sway more toward the wishy washy one pot recipes that grandmas are famous for. You know what I mean. You follow the steps, you use the right ingredients, but, somehow, someway, it simply does not taste like your grandma’s magic.

Take us with you! Listen in to our conversation on our podcast! Just click here!

Travel dreamers have always strived to unravel the mystery of the perfect get away and, quite frankly, have often failed. The two largest barriers that come to mind regarding this failure are lack of time and a false sense of expectations. So, how do you make a trip the perfect experience? We’ve got a plan!

The Mission: How to plan a trip that makes everybody happy?

The reality? It’s mission impossible. Even if you painstakingly asked everyone for a list of what they want to do at each destination, made arrangements for everything on the list, and detailed an itinerary, no group will be completely satisfied. In fact, it turns out when you are planning for others, it’s because they are not quite sure what they really want to do. In other words, very little of their opinion should make it’s way into your final plans. Instead, keep their interests and abilities in mind when mixing up your next batch of travel. Sort of like chili, each spice makes somebody happy.

assorted-color of houses near lake

Water

The book, Blue Mind by Wallace Nichols, is all about the psychology of interacting with water. It turns out that water simply makes us all happy. As a result, it is an essential ingredient to any travel. Now, now, don’t get skeptical! We’re not saying that it is essential to pack your bikini for any successful trip! Instead, think about all the ways you can include water into your trip like:

  • Taking a short boat ride on a lake
  • Going kayaking
  • Dropping a fishing line
  • Enjoying a canal cruise
  • Eating in a coastal restaurant
  • Transitioning to a new location on a ferry
  • and, yes, going to the beach!

Animals

Just as water calms the soul, animals warm the heart. Adding in an animal encounter of any kind can be a way for everyone to reset their patience and temper as you spend so much quality time together.

woman riding horse
  • Going horseback riding
  • Visiting a conservation focused zoo even when it’s not the marquee event
  • Attending a sheep dog demonstration
  • Learning about sled dogs while holding one of the puppies
  • Trying your hand at falconry
  • Focusing part of your travel on a eco-conscious animal experience like an elephant sanctuary
  • Having tea at a cat cafe

Adventure

Like it or not, there is no escaping that some sense of adventure contributes to lifelong memories and deep connections to destinations. In fact, I would feel comfortable saying that getting a little out of your comfort zone may be just the sense of pride you or anyone you are traveling with. Adventure does not mean that there is a need to push yourself to the limit Amazing Race style. It does mean trying things like:

a man riding a zip line through a forest
  • Plunging in and going white water rafting
  • Renting a bike to explore the city, the beach or the countryside
  • Going over the edge and zip lining
  • Aiming high and experiencing a pristine hot air balloon ride
  • Setting your sites on a serious goal like climbing and hiking
  • Investigating the very cool sport of canyoning
  • Joining in the fun of a scavenger hunt
  • White knuckling the twists and turns of a roller coaster

Foodtivity

It’s great to eat local foods but it’s REALLY great to experience food. Now, don’t get nervous. We are not saying that there is a need to eat snails or scorpions. But we are saying that food is so much more than fuel especially as we travel. Food is and always will be a bridge between people. Strangers will smile at each other when they both know that the cup of coffee they are drinking is one of the best they have ever had. Families will share and converse over which pastry to buy from the patisserie. Foodtivities are essential to connecting. Think about:

  • Going on a foodie walking tour
  • Taking a cooking class to learn how to make the regional dumpling
  • Attending a class to be the next great baker
  • Finding your way to a farm that hosts travelers
  • Dining at an experience restaurant
  • Buying candy at the local convenience store
  • Gathering the supplies and enjoying a picnic in a local park

The secret is in the seasoning.

There are two essential ingredients that may quickly get overlooked but warrant a serious amount of consideration. Ready? Culture and a home base.

Culture? Yes! We know, we know it’s the whole reason that you are traveling. However, it’s so obvious that sometimes we miss the art, music, and ambiance that we’ve traveled so far to see. Culture isn’t in the icons, it’s around the corner from them. It’s in the artwork, it’s heard in the music and swayed to during dance. It lives on the stage and weaves through the food proudly set on a table. Mostly, it lives within the hearts of the locals and how happy they are that you are interested in their world. Do not forget to season every plan with culture.

Pragmatically, a home base is a great way to settle into the rhythms of a destination. Choose a local coffee shop to stop into every morning. Take an evening stroll in the same park each afternoon. Enjoy the same sunset each night. The choices are endless and they usually lead to connections that last.

Lastly, here are a few quick garnishes to make your trip plate look its best.

  • Rick Steves always mentions that it’s important to “plan like you are going to return”. In other words, don’t feel like you’ve got to jam in every last venue. We are so guilty of this one!
  • Research, read and research more. Then ensure you have the proper reservations taken care of before you leave. More and more, popular sites are not offering “day of” reservations. This is true for The Anne Frank House, The Vatican Scavi, and much more.
  • Document your senses to remember the moment. Sometimes we see so well that we forget to use our other senses. How did the wind feel on your face at the top of the mountain? What did the train station sound like in New York City? What did you smell in the market square in Poland? How did the patisserie taste in the cafe in Paris? Round out your memories.
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15 Easy Travel Tips For First Time Travelers

15 Easy Travel Tips For First Time Travelers

I’m in the middle of planning my Summer trips and thinking about all of the different details that it takes to pin down each location and ensure that I’ve smoothed out all the potential bumps in my travel road. As always, I divide my planning into three distinct stages: plane tickets, lodging and transport, and lastly, experiences. I do this for two reasons. First, it allows me to extend my budget over a couple of months and second, it gives me a chance to research and know that I’m doing exactly what I set out to experience. So, what have I learned over years of planning? Here are a few well worn travel tips!

As I piece my travel puzzle together, it certainly brings to mind the ebb and flow that’s needed to make any trip a success. How do I choose the most convenient yet economical hotels? What if my kids have jetlag? What if I choose sights that are boring to some of my travel partners? It can drive any trip planner a little nutty! Whether you are traveling with kids or friends, a little sage advice can make or break your trip. So, let’s break down each of these steps and ease the pressure with a few well worn tips!

Stage One: Planning plane travel

By far, your biggest single expense you will deal with on any trip are your tickets to get you to your destination! How do you choose wisely? Well, there’s more to consider than just price.

1. Choose a family friendly hub.

Most airlines like to route travelers from smaller airports to designated hubs that allows for easy transfer to international flights. When deciding which tickets to purchase, take into consideration that hub and whether or not it’s convenient for your whole group to meet at or simply pass through. For example, Atlanta has a lot to keep kids entertained while you wait for your flight while Newark- not so much! Palm Beach has a little putting course and playground after the TSA check while Miami has a row of bars. Choose accordingly! In addition to your wait time, you may have others, like grandma and grandpa, joining you on your trip to, say, Europe. Consider having them meet you at you hub so you can all fly to your final destination together. This gives you more adult hands on the longest leg of your trip.

2. Share your trip wisely.

Whether I’m traveling on my own or with a group, I use the TripIt app to keep my itenerary straight. This app imports your email details into an easy to use timeline that helps you ensure that all of your reservations are taken care of and not overlapping. This includes flights, lodging, sites and transportation. Once you have a trip started, you can share it with all of the travelers in your group and interested parties who need to know where you are. Everyone in your group can keep up with the planning progress and share in the excitement. This works particularly well with small groups like moms and daughters.

3. Plan your luggage needs.

When buying your tickets, check into the luggage policies. Will the amount of bags you are taking be covered? What are the stroller and car seat policies? Can you choose your seats ahead of times? What are the carry-on requirements? Packing for a trip is dicey. You want to take everything you will need but you don’t want to lug it all around. Research the best advice out there and keep it to a minimum. For example, your airbandb may be able to provide you with a pack and play and a stroller and your hotel may be right next to a pharmacy. Checking for good laundry options will also help you pair down your packing. All in all, pre-pay for what you need so you don’t have to deal with it at the counter.

4. Choose an alternative airport.

You are headed to London and the tickets are expensive. However, there’s a $500.00 difference from home to Paris. Okay, get to Paris and take the train straight into Victoria Station. You just saved about $1000.00! Consider other airport alternatives: Shannon and Dublin, Warsaw and Krakow, Glasgow and Edinburgh, the list goes on. You may find that you have the opportunity for an adventure you never even considered.

5. Have an exit strategy.

Whether you Global Entry or don’t, having a good plan to get back to reality isn’t such a bad idea. This is also a good time to check on customs policies for your destination. For example, travelers go through customs before boarding flights in Dublin. Know what to expect.

Finding a place to rest your head

The next biggest chunk of money you will spend is on lodging and ground transportation. I use the word lodging because there are quite a few options out there.

1. Shop around.

There are more than just hotels available for your stay. Bed and Breakfasts, airbandb’ s, pensions, boutique hotels, and major chains await your stay. Look around and have a firm hold on all of your choices before you commit. Look them up on websites and apps, hunt them down in guidebooks and blogs and see exactly where they are located on google maps. Are your choices in good neighborhoods and close to what you want to do and see? Do they have rooms and amenities that fit your needs and budget? One last tip on this: the best smaller places go fast and you’ll need to book these early (especially the best airbandb’ s).

2. Location, Location, Location.

Take a moment and think about your trip. Is it a one city stay or are you planning to town hop? If you are planning to explore just one area, it may be more reasonable to rent a place with a kitchen, close to a train, as a launching pad for all of your adventures. Conversely, if you plan on town hopping, perhaps a mix of city centers and sleepy hamlets will be a better choice.

Personally, I’m a city center kind of traveler. I am always looking for lodging that allows me to be car free. I like to be able to stay right in the city center and walk. Think about your fellow travelers. What’s the best mix for you? One last note, sometimes we like to travel sans kids and if you are looking for a hotel that has fewer kids (I’m a teacher and like to travel kid free every now and then) check out the business hotel options. They usually have less family friendly amenities and a quieter feel.

Metro street signage

3. To rent a car or not to rent a car?

That is definitely an important question. Let me keep this simple, if you are staying in a city center and you don’t plan to leave it, skip the rental. If you are town hopping with more than two people or any sort of car seat, get a car. If you plan on going to the British Isles, the Black Forest, Northern Italy or Normandy, rent the car. Public transport in most of Europe is spot on and used more commonly than in the States. However, if you have a large group, it can be less economical. Keep this last thought in mind: standards are cheaper to rent than automatics. Practice before you go!

4. Book as directly as possible.

We are all fans of sites like TripAdvisor and Expedia but before you click the “check out” button, google the hotel and check their rates directly. If the website isn’t in English, just look around the screen for a flag, and click on it for language options, easy peasy. If the rate is the same or better, put the money directly into your service provider’s hands- no middle man needs to hold on to your private information without a reason! You can also simply click on your hotel of choice on google maps to access their site. If you can’t find the website, think twice! This may be an excellent time to use a booking service and buy the insurance for a small add-on fee.

5. Breakfast plans, anyone?

There are a few things you need while you travel and one of the most important is breakfast! You won’t enjoy your jam packed day if you don’t have any fuel. I consider two main choices. Some lodgings include your morning meal and others don’t. If it’s included at no extra charge, great! If not, check into how much you are being charged. You may find out that the price of one in house meal can cover your whole group at a local place that offers more local flavors. Consider finding a local bakery or deli to get your morning started.

Stage Three: Planning Activities

It’s the reason you have done all this planning. The reason you are willing to endure an uncomfortable airline seat for 7 plus hours. The fun stuff! There are so many choices to enjoy and it’s hard to know where to even start.

1. Research.

Know what you want to do and how you should go about doing it. As you put together your list of must do’s, take into account not only the time to do something but also the time to get there. Additionally, help kids out by not making everything a surprise. If you are going to Paris, let them read about the Eiffel Tower. If you are off to Japan, cherry blossom information is a must. The more kids know, the more they will enjoy the experience. This includes food! Allow kids to get used to the menu of your destination so that they are looking forward to all the local eats.

pile of books

2. Journal.

It doesn’t matter how you journal just do it. You can simply post to Facebook or get a new fancy leather book. Somehow, someway, journal. Seriously. I have never met a traveler who has looked back at a trip and said, “gee, I wish I hadn’t spent all that time writing or posting about all the cool things I did”. If anyone on your trip needs to journal, it the kids. Let them learn about where they are going and let them collect all the pamphlets and pictures they can. Let them become the trip expert. Put a small pair of kid scissors and tape in your bag so that they can cut a tape things into their journal along the way.

3. Find a playground.

That means you too, adult. Find a few places along the way to take a break. Rent some bikes (very easily done in most cities) and ride along the river for an hour. Go to an iconic park and take in the gardens. Take the kids to a neighborhood playground and let them make friends. (Language is no barrier for kids.)

4. Book some downtime.

Let’s face it, we all get tired out on our travels. It first starts with that nasty jet lag we have to shake and then it hits us again about 6 or 7 days in when we have traipsed all around taking in as much as we can. It’s at this point, in mid vacation, that I schedule something different. If I’m in Athens, a day Hydra or a day to just enjoy a stroll, to sleep in a bit, or simply enjoy all of the hotel’s amenities that we are paying for! Double or triple that downtime when traveling with kids.

bunch of people swimming beach

5. Be your trip’ s editor.

Face it. There is never enough time in any trip to see everything on your list. You have some tough decisions to make. Be prudent on what you include on your itenerary. Include a few bucket list icons, some experiences, some out of the way spots. Consider your much needed downtime and chances to eat at different locations.

Over plan to your heart’s content and then acknowledge that you will not get to do everything on your list. It just won’t happen and that’s just fine. It only means that you have a good reason to go back! One last tip: pre-book tickets and reservations for high volume sights so that you can skip the ticket lines and ensure that you have a guaranteed entry. I once walked right past 300 people standing in line in Giverny and used my tickets to breeze through a back gate.

Mona Lisa painting

We can answer…

  • What are some good travel tips?
  • What are the best travel tips?
  • How can I make my trip even better?
  • What are some good tips for my trip to Europe?
  • How do I plan my trip?
Alexandra is a podcaster, educator, and travel junkie. While not in the classroom, you can find her exploring some corner of the world. After living in Japan and enjoying Asia, she now spends most of her time crossing the Atlantic finding the most attainable, authentic, and diverse experiences to share with this travel community.
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My Big Fat Trip Planning Strategy

So, if you are like most people, you have one shot a year to book the vacation of a lifetime. I’m not talking about a quick trip down to Florida for a long weekend or a girl’s trip to Vegas. I’m talking about mega- it takes some trip planning– travel. I’m talking about those 14 precious days that make the most memories for you and yours. For me, I have peace of mind when I am well planned and well documented. So, it takes me literally a year to plan, travel, and wrap up my summer trip each year. You may think that is incredibly long and way too much but I beg to differ. I don’t do anything more than what’s expected but I do have a clear process. Let’s begin….

It’s Time To Start Trip Planning…

It’s the holidays, and I’m getting together with my family near and far. The food and drinks are plentiful. Everyone is full of festive cheer. That cheer inevitably leads down memory lane and talk of adventures and mishaps which ALWAYS seems to roll right into that wonderful question: where to next? The planning year has started.

The New Year brings the answer to all of that chit chat about where to go and who is going to join in. That’s my cue (surprisingly, I’m my family’s resident trip planner) to get going. For the sake of example, let’s say we’ve made the big decision to visit Belgium and France this summer. I say the summer because that’s when I can get away. If you can travel outside the summer’s high season in one of the shoulder seasons (Easter to Memorial Day or Labor Day to Columbus Day) by all means take advantage!

Trip Planning Research….

January is my time to sit back research, read and hunt down all of those excursions, activities and locations we want to go and see. In this case, we were in search of two uncles who passed away in WWI. They were brothers who both died on September 27th, 1918. We wanted to know what happened, pay our respects and learn a little more about the area. After all, the 100th anniversary was upon us. What better time? I take the time to check my family tree and investigate the proper documents. I look up lists of off the beaten path ideas. I purchase guide books from my favorite authors. I digitally draw on google maps to dream up various itineraries. I watch travel shows and videos. I learn as much as I can before I commit. Once I do, that’s it, there’s no turning back!

Communicating Trip Planning…

In the past as January came to an end and February began, I would start with the creation of a closed private group on Facebook that includes only the travelers on our trip and specific people that opt in but need to be aware of what we are up to- our emergency contacts and nearest and dearest. This was our communication hub and the place we will dump everything involved on our trip.

These days, I still create a group for fun but I store my travel plans on TripIt. The website/app combo is perfect for keeping everything in one place. It’s also super easy to share. Over on Facebook? The first post is always the same: The sentence “excuse may I have a glass of white wine please?” in whatever language we will need.

The second move is always about air travel. It’s time to book and that’s my February task, getting everyone on a plane together. For us, we all travel to one airport from wherever we are to meet up and then continue together. That takes a lot of coordination and decisions about money. Do you plan to all book together or is someone going to book and everyone reimburse the purchaser? Perhaps you all contribute to an account ahead of time. Your choice, your comfort level. In this case, we booked our tickets together and decided to meet in Atlanta. I like to book my tickets well ahead of my trip. I can have those completely paid for well before I take off and not overwhelm my budget all at once.

Trip Planning Nuts and Bolts…
March marches in and there a few things for me to do. I need to ensure that I have a well planned travel route pinned down and a place to lay everyone’s head. All that research in January is about to be put to the test. Our facebook group has spent time voting on favorites and developing the overall itinerary. In our case, I need to reserve a car big enough for our group and hotel rooms in each of the towns we have chosen.

I’m just reserving so I’m not spending anything yet unless I choose to airbandb it. I am very comfortable tracking down reservations at a variety of places- traditional hotels, b and b’s and airbandbs. They all work for us and exploring airbandb options for a bigger group (read over 4 travelers) can be well worth the money. For our example trip, which is a road trip, we have decided on the following.

a narrow city street with old buildings in the background

All Planned Out…

Fly into Brussels and rent a car, spend the night (small weekender hotel) in a small suburb to meet up with our cousin for dinner.

Day 1- drive over the French border toward Reims and stop at our first cemetery (Somme) our hotel is in the city center it’s a well known name with many hotels all over the world.
Day 2- off to Muese Argonne to the second cemetery and then north to Rouen for two nights at a city center hotel.
Day 3- Rouen
Day 4- Mont Saint Michel at a traditional B and B on the Mont
Day 5- Bayeux at an airbandb
Day 6- Bayeux
Day 7- Honfluer at a city center boutique hotel
Day 8- Giverny at a traditional B and B
Day 9- Lille day trip to drop off our rental and catch the train to Bruges.
Day 10-Bruges at a city center hotel
Day 11- back to Brussels by train where our cousin meets us for dinner again and drops us at our airport hotel for an early morning flight home.

Whew! We will be traveling about 1,000 miles all together but it’s well timed and takes everyone’s favorites into consideration and it will take all of March to finish reserving and organizing, but we have everything we need to travel and sleep. Planes, trains, and automobiles have been checked off the list.

The Finishing Trip Planning Touches…

April and May find us ensuring we have prebooked and reserved any necessary tours. We have made arrangements for a WWII tour along the Normandy coast, reserved tickets for the express line at Monet’s garden, and booked a private guide for Mont Saint Michel. We’ve decided we don’t need much else ahead of time and opt for the flexibility. So we Facebook each other with our collective suggestions and keep a running list. We ensure we have chosen how we are getting to the meet up airport, (I’m driving in) and we’ve made decisions on who’s bringing what. I’m in charge of hairspray and an umbrella, my mom is bringing a curling iron, my sister has an iPad so the kids can watch Netflix on down time, etc. Three weeks to go.

Trip Planning Packing…

June is here and it’s go time! I am packed, the house is clean the arrangements for being gone are taken care of including the dog who will spend some time with good friends. I mention all of this is because all of these details are part of the travel process too. It’s not just the tickets and hotel confirmation numbers. There’s a lot to think about.

We meet up and head out! While some of us are headed home right after this trip, others are headed to other destinations, for me, I finally get back in the States by the end of July. Now, I know that sounds like a long time, but I’m staying with family and enjoying my Summer before I head back to the classroom. I’ve also planned a completely different adventure in tandem with this trip to Normandy. In this case, I was headed off to Krakow for a few weeks to relax.

Time To Reflect On All That Trip Planning…

August is my regrouping month and September is dedicated to getting back to work so it isn’t until October that I finally get around to the last stage of my trip. One of the most important parts of traveling is enjoying the memories of it! So, for me, it means it’s time to grab all those photos that our group dumped onto that private Facebook page and use Shutterfly to put together the narrative of how our trip went.

I include lots of things including our itinerary, the top 5 songs we listened to over and over in the car, pictures of our new friends and stories that are too good to forget! I also collect all of those scraps of maps, tickets, tourist pamphlets, and receipts and piece them together in a big poster frame. Now, you may not be a digital scrapbooker or someone who likes to plaster their walls with huge frames, but this is what I do to collect my memories. Find what makes you happy and do it. Somehow, someway, ensure you have your travel memories.

digital camera and tulips in white vase
Photo by Olenka Sergienko on Pexels.com

Back To Where We Started…

November has my book and Christmas cards on order- I use pics from my trip or trips. I’m almost there. I’m almost ready to wrap this up, literally. I order a book as my Christmas gift for everyone who went on our trip- whether it’s just two of us or six of us- if it’s Christmas, you get a book! Which brings me right back to where I started. The wine is poured, we page through memories and pictures and, inevitably, we wind up wondering “where to next?” My year is complete.

bubbly champagne on glasses
Photo by Taryn Elliott on Pexels.com

We can answer…

  • What is the best way to plan for a big family trip?
  • Where do I start to plan my vacation?
  • How do I plan my Summer trip?

Alexandra is a podcaster, educator, and travel junkie. While not in the classroom, you can find her exploring some corner of the world. After living in Japan and enjoying Asia, she now spends most of her time crossing the Atlantic finding the most attainable, authentic, and diverse experiences to share with this travel community.

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The Netherlands 101: Holland

windmill near body of water during daytime

It’s amazing that so much is packed into tiny Holland. It’s one of the 12 provinces that make up the mighty country of The Netherlands. Holland, it turns out, has just about every Dutch treat that you could ask for and more. From the amazing art to the bright green countryside, Holland delivers. While Amsterdam is the crowning jewel of this area and a highlight for many travelers, there is far more than this incredible town on offer. Here we go!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2zlHjrTVyRL8xIVg51AGft?si=JbXN6ogaTTuAyhoXCwaGUw

Rotterdam

Modern Rotterdam is the business hub for much of the area. This huge port city not only serves The Netherlands but also supports many other EU partners in global trade. While it looks like there isn’t much to enjoy, you can spend a laid back day seeing this town and its highlights. Check out the modern art at the Boijmans Museum then tuck into some international food on Witte de Withstraat. This street represents the country’s diverse history and is lined with plenty of cafes and boutiques. Round out your visit with a simple harbor ferry ride. You can find them right by the Erasmus Bridge in the middle of town.

The Hague and Delft

Just six miles away from Rotterdam is the lovely city of Delft. Full of real life Vermeer scenes and plenty of blue and white dishware. Delft’s historic city center square is a great jumping off point to explore the stories of the artist at the Vermeer Center, William of Orange at the Prinsenhof, and the iconic earthenware at the Royal Dutch Delfware Factory. It is easy to spend two days here if you add in the Delfhaven Port that’s a little closer to Rotterdam.

Meanwhile, the important business of the region takes shape just to the East. The Hague offers one gem worth seeing as you pass through making your way around. Vermeer’s enigmatic Girl With A Pearl Earring can be found in Mauritshuis Museum. There are other heavy hitters like Rembrandt and Rubens hanging about. You’ll find it’s worth the detour. It’s less than 10 minutes from the train station and this museum is covered by the Museumkart pass.

The Zuiderzee

Probably the most fascinating story of the Netherlands is that it’s actually bigger than it used to be. In fact, though the use of windmills and dike engineering, the country is far bigger than it used to be. For the best look at the Zuiderzee, which is the vast, shallow inlet dutch technology controls, head toward the north Hoorn and Enkhuizen for two enlightening museums on both the Zuiderzee itself and the Dutch East India Company.

Kinderdijk and Windmills

If there is one last thing that makes The Netherlands so unique, it has to be the windmills. For the best chance to see windmills in action, check out one of the following choices:

  • The Netherlands Open Air Museum in Arnhem toward the west. This open air museum gives you a day’s worth of historical fun. It’s the Williamsburg of The Netherlands.
  • The Kinderdijk Windmill Park to the south. This grouping of 13 windmills is an easy ferry ride from Rotterdam. Two of the windmills are tourable and you can get a good peak at the inner workings in this pretty little setting. Renting bikes when you hop off the ferry is a great choice. Expect to spend about half of a day to thoroughly enjoy.
  • The Zuiderzee Museum in the historic triangle to the north. With one tourable windmill and so much to see this might be just the little dose of wind power you need.
  • The Lieden Windmill Museum to the south. To get into the nitty gritty of how a windmill works, use this massive mill to climb in and get a close up look at all the pieces and parts.

Boat rides through that famous town, Geithoorn

One last note, there is a lot of Insta chatter about the town of Geithoorn. This very picturesque town with streets of water may be toward the top of your list. Thousands of people also put it at the top of their list. Expect it to be about 1.5 hours from Amsterdam and Hoorn. The benefit of connecting this scenic drive with Hoorn is that you can enjoy the A7 highway which takes you right over the Zuiderzee dikes. Check out this video to decide if getting to this particular site is worth it for you.

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