Clear Winner
20. July 2008
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Passing through the mall last night I found a cool product that gives you one more tool to make traveling like a princess easier in these crazy times. MasterCuts salon sells an airline approved travel kit, which is really nothing more than three 3 0z clear plastic (hard) bottles and a good quality clear plastic zipper bag. Duh!! you might say, so what’s so cool about that? Well first of all it’s only $5.95. Second it is very clean, clear, and flexible so it fits into your carry-on, tote, or travel backpack purse easily, yet can be pulled out for TSA inspections quickly. Finally, and really important to this princess, is that the bottles have screw on tops. I’m so tired of the flip tops or rocker tops opening up and making a sloppy mess inside the plastic and oozing out into my backpack. I don’t know about you but I usually find out about this mess at absolutely the most inconvenient times. Can’t wait to fill those bottles and give it a try on my next trip.
Airline Travel, Airports, Princess Preferences, Travel Comfort, Travel Tips for Business, Travel Tips for Women | 0 Comments »
Top Ten Repeated
19. July 2008
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In the previous blog entry I spoke of shipping luggage ahead and carefully packing your carry-on with essentials. That reminded me of this posting that generated positive feedback. Thought it might be helpful again.
Here are my TOP TEN ESSENTIALS to carry in your Travel Backpack/purse.
- Three day supply of prescription medications and any over the counter drugs… Advil, Aleve, Sudafed, Xantec, GasX,etc., that you might need to rid of any physical irritations.
- Ear plugs (If I travel with a cold they help tremendously on take-off and landing.)
- Packets of Tissue (One is never enough and loose tissues in your bag make a mess.)
- Two pair of glasses in separate compartments (I’m always looking for a pair, or my companion is.)
- Pens (Not a hundred, just three or four and the ones that don’t burst from air pressure)
- Little notebook (I carry a little Red Book to jot down things to remember like places that others recommend.)
- Hand cream (Extra moisturizer in a TSA approved size)
- Nail file (Love those little ones. I usually have two because one is always lost. I don’t think a trip goes by that I don’t use it frequently.)
- Bandages (Assorted sizes. You can be very creative with bandages.)
- Cough Drops (Just be without one when you really need it and you’ll know why it is on the list.)
Airline Travel, Airports, Inexperienced Travelers, Travel Comfort, Travel Tips for Women, Travel bags, Uncategorized | 0 Comments »
More on Luggage
17. July 2008
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Saw an interesting blog on an alternative to paying airlines for your luggage. Airfarewatchdog.com talks about the option of shipping luggage ahead using a professional mailing service. As I think about it, I’m loving it. When we go to Arizona for a week this March, or Florida for 10 days in January it is a great option. That way I can stick in some of my personal items that I usually start to miss after a few days. They recommend using boxes not luggage to save weight for your items. Not sure the cost is that much of a savings, but just think about how easy it would be to have a service take care of everything….now that’s traveling like a princess. All I would need to do is select necessities for my travel backpack purse, including some clean underwear, my medications, and my toothbrush, just in case something gets lost. See my blog on Top Ten items to pack in your carry-on of February 26, 2008. I’m going to repeat it for everyone in my next posting. Airfarewatchdog.com includes some good tips about using a luggage service like this. I say why not? Anything to get away from the poor service of the airlines. OH and the only negative is that you have to send it five days ahead….no last minute packing. Hmmmmmm I might need a small carry-on for last minute stuff. I can see it now…that carry-on gets heavier and bigger. Soon I need a small suitcase and then I have to pay the airlines anyway. This could be a problem I’d have to consider seriously.
Airline Travel, Boomer Women Travel, Grandmother Travel, Inexperienced Travelers, Princess Preferences, Travel Tips for Business, Travel Tips for Women, Travel bags | 0 Comments »
REPEAT OF BAREFOOT PRINCESS
15. July 2008
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THIS WAS POSTED EARLIER THIS SPRING BUT SEEMS MORE APPROPRIATE NOW THAT PRINCESESS ARE WEARING SANDALS ALL THE TIME.One of my pet peeves in the summer is the fact that most people, like me, are wearing sandles or flip-flops. They do not wear stockings. When they take their shoes off to go through security they walk barefoot. Now think about it. Thousands and thousands of feet walking over the same path barefoot. YUCK! It sickens me. Germs, disease, dirt….I’ve tried to remember to slip a pair of little footies in my WisePack™ , travel backpack, to wear when I go through security. It takes an extra couple of seconds (which seems like hours) to find them and put them on, but the peace of mind is worth it. You can choose nude colored footies, but they are harder to find in a hurry. I say go for the red ones or yellow so you can grab them easier. Others will be irritated because they have to wait, they may look at you like some cleanliness nut. I just look back and give them my “I’m a Princess and don’t want to dirty my feet” look and move on. One time I asked a TSA guard if she knew if the floor ever got washed. She smiled at me with a little wink in her eye, and said, “Well, they are supposed to wash them every night.” I gave her a “Yeh, sure” look back.
Airline Travel, Boomer Women Travel, Healthy travel, Travel Comfort, Travel Hassles | 0 Comments »
Can You Be a Princess on a Bike?
7. July 2008
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Like many of you, we couldn’t afford the air fare to go to some exotic place for a vacation this summer, so we tried something totally new. My husband and I planned a week in town, just the two of us. All of our kids and grandkids were out-of-town. No demands other than those we put on ourselves. OK, my husband got a few calls from work, but we won’t talk about that. We went to some new restaurants, sat on our deck, did some little house errands, and mostly enjoyed the quiet. Our major adventure was a bike trip to southern Minnesota to explore Lansboro, Minnesota and the Root River State bike trail. Our friends rave about this trip, but they are NOT princessess. They are adventurers, campers, outdoors folks. I, on the other hand, wanted to travel in my usual style, with just a few minor accommodations, never inconveniences. As it turned out it was a lovely two day event. We stayed at Mrs. B’s Inn, not a palace, but a lovely refurbished old Inn with warm and friendly innkeepers. Our room was beautiful decorated with roses and flowers just right for a princess (but not appreciated as much by her prince). Following a wonderful breakfast we were ready for the trail. While I must admit to being a bit apprehensive, I quickly relaxed with the leisurely pace we kept on the paved, flat, trail. As we wound through the lush greenery we were entertained by song birds of all varieties. The little red squirrels seemed accustomed to bikers going by, as they didn’t move when we came near. There were even rest rooms on the trail. Something a princess requires. We went for 20 miles that day. Not bad for a first excursion. Now I realize the photo below doesn’t flatter me..biker gear doesn’t do that. My rule is if no one knows you it doesn’t matter if you look like a princess. You notice that my WisePack™ backpack purse, came in very handy.
Emptied it of normal day-to- day stuff and put in lightweight extras that I thought we might need, like bananas, cherries, nuts, lots of tissue, mosquito spray, sun tan lotion, and wet hand sanitizers. It was a delightful experience and one I want to do again soon. So to all of you princesses out there, take it from me. It’s worth having a sore butt for a few hours to enjoy the royal treats that nature provides. Besides you get a good workout and can justify extravagant dessert! P.S. I did buy a pair of padded biker underwear for the next trip
At home vacations, Boomer Women Travel, Princess Preferences, Women Travelers, biking | 1 Comments »
Princess Nanna and her Grandson
5. July 2008
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Max and Princess Nanna at the Baltimore Harbor
My long awaited trip to Washington/Baltimore with MAX, my four and a half year old grandson, became a reality this past weekend and it was PERFECT! The flight, and all that is typical for flights this summer, went without a hitch. The weather was delightful, the time spent terrific, and, most importantly, Max had a great time, which meant I had a great time. As most grandparents know, it’s really fun sharing experiences with your grandkids, especially if you are a former elementary teacher and love to see the “aha” moments as they happen. Washington D.C. and Baltimore’s Harbor are amazing places for “edufun” as I call it. I think traveling with Max was more fun than traveling with my own daughters. Probably because he knows I’m tuned into his every whim, and best of all I’m a Princess, which means the “little special perks” will be free flowing. I must say that I had forgotten what it was like to be in charge of for a child 24 hours a day for three days. It’s an awesome responsibility. It was a good thing my sister, Lenore, her husband, Paul, and Dennis, my 17 year old nephew were there to share their home and their hospitality.
Not to mention that Dennis is a “superhero” of Max. 
I was a proud princess walking with Max as we traveled on the Metro to the Natural History Museum to see the giant dinosaur bones and learn about natural science. They have a great room for little kids where they can explore on their own. And, the best part is they have seats for Grandparents. 
Good thing I had my WisePack™ to carry the snacks this growing boy needs. Because Max has so many dietary restrictions, I can’t just pick up an overpriced, sugar laden snacks. With my backpack, purse I was able to carry bananas, gluten-free animal crackers, fruit leather and other nutritious goodies, as well as the most important items…four Hot Wheels cars…and still have room for two bottles of water, and hold that precious little hand all the time. It was amazing how my backpack got lighter as the day went on. 
Our trip to the National Aquarium was spectacular. No matter how many times I’ve been there I’m enthralled by the amazing aqua spectacles. Even their fish sandwich in the cafe was good. I must admit that those little rain forrest frogs are my favorites. Max and I were playing “I Spy” as we tried to find the yellow, red and blue ones in the little jungle terrariums. Max loved the sharks. Shopping at the gift shop provided an opportunity to add some special things to my “What’s in Nanna’s backpack?” collection.
Our biggest treat on the trip was being able to see Lion King at Kennedy Center. My sister surprised us and herself by learning she could get free tickets as a faculty member of the Kennedy Center. Max had seen it a year ago when it was in our town, but what a difference one year made….not to mention sitting with his 17 year old idol. He didn’t blink! The show was exceptionally electric. The audience was alive and far different from the midwest audiences I’m used to. This made our trip extra memorable.
I did learn one very important lesson about traveling on an airplane with a little boy. Make sure they go potty 30 minutes before you start to land (even if they say they don’t have to). This became an issue on both legs of the flight. Going out Max announced he had to go potty just as the crew was beginning preparation for the descent. I managed to rush him down the aisle under the evil eye of the flight attendant and get back before they were locking everything down. Whew!! On the trip home I wasn’t so lucky. We were heading down quickly and Max declared, ”I oh so have to go potty.” Don’t you love the “oh so.” I said, you can’t go now and prayed. Knowing there was a lavatory ahead of us, I planned my strategy. As soon as people started moving, Max and I pushed our way to the lavatory door, shoved ourselves into the tiny space, barely able to turn with our three bags and backpacks. Max made it…sort of…he missed the toilet and managed to spray the entire bathroom. He said, “I feel oh so much better.” We both did the best we could at cleaning up (not a job for a Princess). As we opened the door we realized there was no one left on the plane so we made a hasty exit to a real restroom where Nanna took care of her needs and Max washed his hands thoroughly. I felt lucky that this was the only “event” of our adventure.
I know that this trip will be in our memories for many years to come. It ranks up there with one of my most joyous times of my life. I’m so glad I could do it. On the other hand, Max and I have “adventures” every Tuesday around town or in my yard. These are memorable times too. Soon Max will choose to be with friends rather than Princess Nanna and that makes all of this even more meaningful. Did I mention I love being Princess Nanna? Not sure how I will travel with the twin boys when they get older, but I’m trying really hard to live each moment and make them unique and special.
Airline Travel, Airports, Boomer Women Travel, Grandmother Travel, Travel Easy | 0 Comments »
Women Who Created Travel Princesses
25. June 2008
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Have you ever wondered who in the travel industry really understands the Travel Princesses out there? Well take a look at the list of Top 25 Women Influencers in the Travel Industry done by Forbes Magazine. These are women who have created some of the best services for women travelers and have made huge sums of money doing it. Why? Because they understand how big our market is. According to Forbes women are driving 70% of all leisure travel and make 80% of the corporate travel bookings. That’s no surprise because research has shown for years that women make 85% of all purchasing decisions. These amazing women range from the CEO of Travelocity, to the creater of Cruisecritic.com, to the COO of Four Seasons Resorts. They are working for women, and more importantly for the Travel Princesses out there.
Airline Travel, Healthy travel, What is a Travel Princess, Wisepack website links, Women Travelers | 0 Comments »
Hungry Princess
17. June 2008
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While I wouldn’t call her a princess, Lisa Lillien, known as “Hungry Girl,” has turned her wonderful blog into a book called, ”Hungry Girl.” Not only is it a unique “survival” guide to guilt-free, low calorie eating, it has a chapter on grab and go eats for the airport, as well as on-the-road snacking. Lisa has brilliantly become an advocate for specific guilt-free products, but includes many adaptable suggestions, plus great recipes. I just traveled Sun Country Airlines, and passed on, what they describe as, their “famous cheeseburgers”, which are unsuitable for a princess of any sort. The flight attendant sadly remarked that they may have to give up these “famous cheeseburgers” because of oil prices. Luckily, I tucked a Kashi Power Bar in my WisePack™ travel backpack purse. Now that I have read Lisa’s book I will choose Fiber One bars next time. I also had a bottle of Smart Water which I paid $5 for in the airport. Sun Country charges $2 for bottled water. Sun Country has now announced they do not take cash any more…just credit cards. I know that Lisa understands the temptations of a Hungry Princess from the titles of her chapters and sections. For example “Something to Savor” which includes low calorie candy and gums. She even has suggestions if you have a Frap Attack! and need a Starbucks. Yes, this is a guide for all traveling princesses. P.S. it’s great for home ideas too.
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Raining on Your Parade
13. June 2008
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We have had so much rain lately that I’m wondering if an Ark is something a Travel Princess needs. With the rotten economy and the cost of air fare, people are planning their vacations with some trepidation. What if it rains while I’m there? What if I have to sit inside or walk the streets with a soggy umbrella? What if the day at the beach requires an umbrella for rain, rather than sun. Princesses don’t like to be wet, not even damp. Well I just learned that Priceline.com has an answer for that fear. They are offering a Sunshine Guarantee promotion which includes a refund for any days it rains on your vacation booked through them. This includes, air fare, hotels, and car. I’ve read as much of the fine print as I can bare and even though there are some fine points, this really looks like a great insurance policy. The cities it covers are real vacation spots. Also, Sun Country is running a real deal on trips to Chicago. Chicago is a great place for a Princess. There are many things to do, great museums, incredible restaurants, and promenading down the Magnificent Mile is a royal treat. I say, check it out, pack your WisePack™ travel backpack purse with a handy travel umbrella and be off. PS. Princesses don’t really melt.
Airline Travel, Airports, Budget Traveling, Solo Traveling, Travel Tips for Women, Wisepack website links, Women Travelers | 0 Comments »
On the Road Again
11. June 2008
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It’s been awhile since I’ve been on a business trip, but tomorrow I leave for Phoenix to speak at the NAWBO national conference. I’ll be presenting a session called, “Being Ready to Sell Your Business When the Time is Right.” It’s all part of a new consulting practice I started called Red Book, LLC. Just thinking about all I have written on the state of air travel in the past few months has caused me to have some anxiety. If you’ve been following this blog, you know I don’t carry bags on the plane, I like my creature comforts, and, I am the Travel Princess. I worry that it will be difficult to maintain my persona in these trying times. Packing seems like a chore. It’s always harder for a very short trip. That “you never know” syndrome takes over and you pack more than necessary. I decided to take all my Babbett items. Black capri pants, short jacket and a couple of tops. These are all light weight and take very little space. I spoke of travel clothes in my blog of January 24. Of course I’ll take a wrap or big scarf of some sort because even though I will be in sunny, warm Phoenix, at the majestic Biltmore Hotel, the meeting rooms are usually subzero and freezing. I wrote about bringing a wrap on January 14. Something about being cold by air conditioning that can make a princess miserable. OK, here is the killer, I need to pack a swim suit. This strikes fear in the heart of most women. But, when I think about it, this is all going to be women…successful women…busy women…women who don’t think about being thin, with perky breasts. Yes, my black suit will look royal. So I’m off to pack my one bag. Selecting just a few pair of shoes is my next challenge, but I think I have room for two pairs, plus the ones I’ll wear on the plane. Knowing I’ll have my WisePack™ travel purse packed with items I need on the plane, gets me about as compact as I can be. So I guess my only worry now is traveling Sun Country. If they have any mechanical breakdown, they cancel flights.
Airline Travel, Airports, Boomer Women Travel, Travel Hassles, Travel bags, Women Travelers | 0 Comments »
