 I'm packing to leave for a long weekend ~ But just wanted to wish you a Happy Easter or Happy Weekend if you don't celebrate this holiday. We were headed out to go hiking and camp on the mountain, but its still raining so we will camp in hotel, lol. But it will still be a fun weekend.
I have a ton of road trip picture to upload -- hopefully by Friday or else I will just forget them and begin fresh. So stay tune for random travel love. Catch you later~  Phew. I cannot believe how fast this year is flying by. As I'm packing for a quick (I will only be gone a week this time) trip I was thinking about Arline Apps. Someone ask me, the other day if I used them and the answer is: Of course!  Because even if you uninstall them on your way home from the airport, I totally recommend tracking your plane and downloading that boarding pass onto an airline app.
Let’s be real: you’ll be looking at your phone anyway... Why not have it let you know if your gate changes or if your flight is delayed. There are about a million travel hacks out there, but I download airline and train apps and actually USE them. And as I said, you can always delete afterwards. I have deleted most of my European apps, but (wink) I maybe reinstalling them again soon. See you at the airport~  New Dresses, lol! Hi Travel Fam! April weather is perfect for shopping, lol Part of the fun of traveling is shopping for the trip. I found these new sundress the other day..next on the list is new sandals.  But aside from shopping, and planning the next adventure, I’m doing everything I can to be outside.  The flowers and trees are in full bloom now and spring is finally here!  And my next adventure is taking me some place even warmer~ I can't wait to explore.  And you know I don't mind the rain.  See you at the airport!
Hi Travel Family!
I'm the first to admit I don't mask like I should... But when I fly my skin dries out so fast it's a must. My current go to travel accessory is Pacifica Pollution Fight Blue Algae Mask. Pacifica is a Vegan company so you know the products are high quality and safe to use. I buy mine from Amazon and always keep a supply in my travel case. And for only $3.99 how could you go wrong?
This is an affiliate link. I do receive a few pennies from the sale of this item, but it does not affect your cost. Buy shopping this way you keep this website going (and not being overrun by adds). I never promote an item I don't use or love.
 Another mini used book haul~ Hello ~ So I’m wondering, how do you feel about New Year’s resolutions? My 2017 resolution was to stop spending so much on printed books and working so much. I actually went on a book buying fast for several months in 2017 and cut way, way back in 2018. It was difficult because I so love books, but it is made easier when I think about having to either ship them or store them when we move again. And the working so much? Well, I have taken a bit more time off and am back to daily walks, which help me handle the stress a lot better. Just getting away from my desk and out in nature has made a big difference.  Behold the beautiful New Mexico Mountains!  Bring on the veggies! I also vowed to eat better - which I'm still enjoying. :D
Some resolutions really change your life, others not so much. So for 2019 I am working on buying used books (cheaper and recycling is always a good idea) and also being picky about how many I keep. I'm going to continue eating the clean, veggie rich diet and make more time to travel. I think we may visit Sweden this year as well as some short trips in the US. So how about you? What are your resolutions and are you keeping them?  Read Part One Here: Travel Fees and How to Avoid Them It’s been my experience that frequent flier programs are not all that. Be careful when it comes to using frequent flyer programs, because they sometimes impose fees on your supposed free flights. These could include a fuel charge, airport fees, and redemption charges when you cash in the miles. #Fail Whats a fuel charge? Fuel surcharges are another tricky fee to avoid. They are often tacked onto your frequent flyer miles, and to small children who don’t take up a seat. International flights will be the most expensive. It pays to compare costs carefully. The cheap fare you see may not be so cheap after all if the airline imposes fuel surcharges or other hidden fees.  And don’t get me started on checked bag fees! Most of the so called budget airlines will stick you will a $35 and up bag fee (each way) if you want to bring more than just a carry-on bag. As one of my friends points out this is the “Fly Naked” deal. Its cheap airfare if you don’t need more than a backpack, but if you are spending anytime anywhere your gonna need luggage and you will end up paying for that privilege. So if you plan on a trip longer than a few days, you will be adding a bag and a charge to the ticket price. But pack lightly, and beware overweight baggage fees. Over the limit fees can be exorbitant! If you are checking a bag, avoid adding even more fees by making sure you don’t over-pack. Weigh your luggage before you leave to avoid any surprises. Other fees on budget airlines you may be tempted to opt for are priority boarding and seat upgrades.  Note me sitting in the extended leg room seats whenever possible, lol Personally being 5’9 I usually buy extend leg room, unless it is more than the ticket, (yes, I’ve seen that). But priority boarding, if I have an assigned seat isn't an issue and can add another $10 - $25 per ticket, depending on the airlines. The only downside is you may not be able to put your luggage in the bin over your seat. But is that worth $25 to you? Personally I’d rather board towards the end, walk to my seat and take off, rather than sit for 10-15 minutes while people push by. But that’s totally up to you.  Aaah....the hurry up and wait of boarding. Car Rental Fees When renting a car, check to make sure the fee includes everything, with no added extras. Remember that your credit card will offer travel protection for collisions, so you might not need additional insurance. But it is always wise to call your credit card company before your trip to see if you have limited coverage out of state or out of country. I was picking up a car at Heathrow (London airport) and witnessed an American woman crying over the fact she thought she was covered until her insurance company found the international loop hole and she was on the hook for an extra $10,000USD in damages from the rental company. #TrueStory  Also beware key replacement, alternate drop-off locations, taxes and fuel surcharges can all be tacked on to the final car rental bill. Picking up a car in one state and dropping off in another usually cost me an extra $200USD. #AlsoTrueStory And there will also be a charge if the gas tank isn't at the level you picked it up at. It is always more affordable to top it off yourself, rather than opting for them to fill it for you.  Next time we will discuss accommodations and the hidden fees of some hotels and vacation rentals. Think those fees are small? I’ve seen hotel parking in New Orleans for an astonishing $45 a day! Along with holiday house fees you might not know about.
Until then~ |
Author Welcome to my travel blog, my healthy Vegan lifestyle blog and my life! It's a lot, but it's my passions and I just love to write about it. Here I share tips, stories and photos from my adventures and life. This is the place where people can find daily inspiration to travel and motivation to live healthier lives and laugh a bit too! 
Archives
May 2019
Categories
All
Most Popular Blog
|
RSS Feed
