What ID to take on a trip?

One of my biggest fears is losing my ID.  Then I worry if I will remember what to cancel should I be unfortunate enough to have it stolen or misplaced.

1. Consider leaving most of it behind.  We all have too many cards, right?  Do you really need that gas credit card this trip if you are flying?  Take only 1 or 2 picture ID, a credit card and bank card, health care and passport if you are going out of country.
2. I photocopy some of my ID, like my health card and my SIN number.  That way I always have the original and it saves  on wear of the card. (they are expensive to replace!)
3. Split up your credit cards from your cash, and your passport from your other ID.  That way if you lose one set, you still have other ID and access to money.  I put one set in my camera case, and the other in my purse or backpack.  
4. If you are leaving items in your room, use the hotel safe. If there isn’t one in your room then find a good hiding spot.  Just don’t forget to take them with you when you check out!
5. Finally, have a sheet of paper in your suitcase that itemizes your ID and where to phone to cancel your cards if they are stolen.  Then relax and enjoy your trip!

Rammed Earth Makes an Impression

The best thing about living in a resort town is the amazing amount of material there is to write about.  

The rammed earth wall at the visitor center at Nk’Mip Cultural Center in Osoyoos, BC, Canada always intrigues me.  The construction method is actually a revival of an age-old method used in regions where wood is scarce.  This structure rises over 18 feet high and curves over 262 feet and involves mixing concrete and soil to create beautiful natural colours that blend so well with the desert environment.  So unique is the Desert Centre that is was written up in the Architectural Digest.  

The First Nations invites visitors through these unique  doors into the theatre and exhibits that are housed behind the wall.  Beyond the displays of snakes and native history, the desert landscape opens to a walking trail with interpretive signs that allow you glimpses of the native habitat and wildlife.  Don’t worry, the guides do a regular walk to clear the path of any resident rattlesnakes who may decide to slither by!

Canadian Rights for Air Travellers

So many flight cancellations and airline closures makes a person worry about the traveller’s rights.

If you are a Canadian, you may be interested in knowing:

•  Airlines must make efforts to inform passengers of delays and changes 
• Travellers have a right to the flight, and the airline must provide the passengers another flight, or a refund
• When luggage does not arrive on the same flight, the airline must take steps to deliver it to the hotel asap, and will keep the person informed of status
• Carriers must make the terms and conditions of travel easily available to passengers

If you, as a passenger, feel that you have a complaint, or that the airline has not met the standard you expected, you may seek corrective measures.  If the airline does not address your concerns, you have the right to contact the Canadian Transportation Agency at          1-888-222-2592.

For more information on the Code or Conduct of Canadian Airlines you can visit http://www.tc.gc.ca/air/menu.htm

Great Way to Speak the Language-

I came across this great tip and wanted to pass it on.  If you are like me and find it challenging to learn a foreign language there is a neat way to communicate.

Fresh vegetables

 

 Take along a little “scrapbook” filled with pictures of simple items you may want help to find.  For example:  a taxi or bus, a bowl of rice, a cup of coffee, a bottle  of water, glass of wine, whatever.

Simply show the picture and shrug your shoulders, and someone will read your bewildered look and interpret your needs!

At the end of the Rainbow

 

Beauty is all around us

One of my favorite things to do when we have visitors is to take them to the viewpoint on Anarchist Mountain and experience the beauty with them.  On the trip this week we were treated to a beautiful rainbow that I managed to capture with my camera.

When you travel, even close to your own home, take your camera on each outing.  You can savor the memories of the children playing in the water fountain, or the natural beauty that often escapes us if we do not view it through a camera lens.  Summer ends too quickly, and our moments fade with them, so savor them!

Dinosaurs are Delightful

When my husband and I toured the Drumheller Tyrrell Museum in AB, Canada, we could relate to the dinosaurs!  The energy it took to keep up with our young grandchildren on the road trip made us feel ancient by the end of the vacation!.  But this museum was well worth the trip.

Battle of the Big Ones

  No matter what your age, the museum offers up interactive displays to inform you as well as enchant you.  Walk through an ancient seabed or explore a forest of plants that tower over your head.  The most popular of all has to be the Bone Yard, where the skeletons only need your imagination to recreate the fight for existence, that unfortunately, they lost.

Allow yourself enough time to thoroughly enjoy all the offerings of this amazing place!

 The badlands of southern Alberta are like dropping into a moonscape.  The heat in the summer can be daunting if you decide to do some exploring so take water and wear hats and sunscreen.

Looking for the Right Directions?

The Rand McNally Store features maps and navigational accessories for all your travel needs. Shop Now!

Tip for totes

 

CLIP ons!

You know those carabiners that sports enthusiasts use for rock climbing?  You find them often in hardware stores or sports stores.  Well, get a few to clip to the top of your suitcases when traveling.  Then hang stuff like extra shopping bags, purse, camera bags, etc to free up your hands when standing around at the airport.  It is easier than juggling things when you are searching for your passport or ticket!

PS. we are back from our road trip with grandsons, and I really needed extra hands for them!

Murphy’s Law: heat=broken air conditioner

Murphy’s Law dictates that the hottest week of the summer will mean that the air conditioner in the car will break down.  This is also the weekend that we are taking our grandsons on a road trip!  Here are my plans for traveling with small children in a hot car:

1.  Leave early and travel as many miles in the cool of the day.  Of course, Murphy’s Law has also kicked in and this is the day the little ones are sleeping later than usual!  Oh well, that gives me time to do this post!

2.  Wet face cloths in a baggie will allow me to moisten their skin when they start feeling hot.

3.  Pack a cooler with lots of cold drinks and some snacks.

4.  Bring lots of entertaining video games and toys to entertain them and keep their mind off the heat.

5.  Stop when they complain, find a park or a cool shady spot to let them run and play for a time.

6.  Promise them an ice cream when we arrive, of course Murphy’s Law will come to play again here for us, since we are probably the only people in the world whose grandchildren DON’T like ICE CREAM!

Happy travels!

Beware of Bedbugs!

When searching for a hotel within driving distance of a state park our family wanted to visit, I came across a motel that was very conveniently located.  Better news, the price was good!  

Was I ever glad when I decided to search the Internet for a reference before booking.  As soon as I saw one review that said the people  had recently visited and found BEDBUGS I quickly crossed it off my list!

If you don’t know where to stay when planning a vacation try these tips:

1. Ask friends or people you trust who have traveled there to suggest something
2. Look up accommodations through  AAA or other responsible travel guides
3. Search the Internet for Travel Reviews: some excellent sites are TripAdvisor.com or TravelerReviews.com
4. Check with complaintsboard.com or a Better Business Bureau to see if there have been problems
5. When the hotel/motel you first wanted is full, ask them to recommend someplace.  We happened to find something very nice this way, that was not even listed in out travel guide.

Travel safe, plan carefully and don’t let the bedbugs bite!