“The worst thing about being
a tourist is having other tourists recognize you as a tourist.”
Russell Baker
#travel #TravelTuesday #travelquote #travelingcynthia
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Pack Like a Pro
by Beverly Burmeier,
Going On Adventures
Most airlines now charge for a checked bag, so
passengers cram as much as possible into their wheeled carry-ons. And
(bummer) a few airlines have begun charging for bags you bring on board the
plane.
The most typical fee for a checked bag for U.S. airlines is $25 each way or $50
for a round-trip flight, but you can avoid that by traveling with carry-ons
only.
These packing tips can help you fit up to a week’s worth of clothes and necessary items into the maximum-size carry-on, which is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (Even so, you might be required to gate check your bag on smaller planes).
Make a list of what you’ll need—then follow it. You can have a general list that covers any travel; then add specific items needed for the current trip.
Before getting out your suitcase, set aside the clothing items you plan to take—then put at least a third of those items back. Same with jewelry and personal care items. Do you really need three gold necklaces and four lipsticks? Most hotels supply shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion, so you can leave yours at home.
A soft-side bag will stretch to accommodate over-stuffing, unlike hard-shell luggage. Wheels are necessary—no longer a luxury--as are strong zippers and reinforced corners. Stash travel documents or other items you might need on arrival in outside pockets.
Packing pros recommend rolling rather than folding clothes. Shirts, pants, and skirts take up less space and wrinkle less when rolled. Or purchase bags specially made for vacuum packing these items.
Stuff small items like socks and underwear (and chargers) into shoes or other odd-shaped items. After your main wardrobe is packed, slip these small items into the nooks and crannies. Mesh bags of various sizes can help keep socks, sleepwear, and T-shirts organized.
When traveling to a cold destination, wear jacket, boots, and scarf on the plane. These items take up too much space in a suitcase, and chances are you can stash them in an overhead bin if they’re too bulky at your seat. That coat might even make a good pillow if you want to sleep.
You’re allowed a personal item, so make sure it counts. A large shoulder, duffel, or tote bag can hold a week-end's worth of clothes and a computer thus increasing your packable space. Just be sure it will fit under the seat or in the overhead bin of smaller planes for take-off and landing.
Packing liquids can be a problem when you’re not checking a bag. You can’t take a jar of barbeque sauce to your friends or sneak in a bottle of wine purchased on your trip. The TSA limits liquids to 3.4 ounces or less per container, and all of these must fit into a quart-size plastic zip bag. That’s a tall order for women who typically have a variety of personal care items.
Instead of packing liquid perfume, deodorant, sunscreen, insect repellent, make-up remover, etc., switch to solids and wipes. Many hygiene products now are designed in sizes and composition that meet the regulations of air travel.
Realize that you don't need a different outfit for each day of travel, and a pair of all-purpose shoes saves a lot of space. Bonus--lighter luggage is easier on your back and shoulders and more maneuverable in tight spaces.
These packing tips can help you fit up to a week’s worth of clothes and necessary items into the maximum-size carry-on, which is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (Even so, you might be required to gate check your bag on smaller planes).
Make a list of what you’ll need—then follow it. You can have a general list that covers any travel; then add specific items needed for the current trip.
Before getting out your suitcase, set aside the clothing items you plan to take—then put at least a third of those items back. Same with jewelry and personal care items. Do you really need three gold necklaces and four lipsticks? Most hotels supply shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion, so you can leave yours at home.
A soft-side bag will stretch to accommodate over-stuffing, unlike hard-shell luggage. Wheels are necessary—no longer a luxury--as are strong zippers and reinforced corners. Stash travel documents or other items you might need on arrival in outside pockets.
Packing pros recommend rolling rather than folding clothes. Shirts, pants, and skirts take up less space and wrinkle less when rolled. Or purchase bags specially made for vacuum packing these items.
Stuff small items like socks and underwear (and chargers) into shoes or other odd-shaped items. After your main wardrobe is packed, slip these small items into the nooks and crannies. Mesh bags of various sizes can help keep socks, sleepwear, and T-shirts organized.
When traveling to a cold destination, wear jacket, boots, and scarf on the plane. These items take up too much space in a suitcase, and chances are you can stash them in an overhead bin if they’re too bulky at your seat. That coat might even make a good pillow if you want to sleep.
You’re allowed a personal item, so make sure it counts. A large shoulder, duffel, or tote bag can hold a week-end's worth of clothes and a computer thus increasing your packable space. Just be sure it will fit under the seat or in the overhead bin of smaller planes for take-off and landing.
Packing liquids can be a problem when you’re not checking a bag. You can’t take a jar of barbeque sauce to your friends or sneak in a bottle of wine purchased on your trip. The TSA limits liquids to 3.4 ounces or less per container, and all of these must fit into a quart-size plastic zip bag. That’s a tall order for women who typically have a variety of personal care items.
Instead of packing liquid perfume, deodorant, sunscreen, insect repellent, make-up remover, etc., switch to solids and wipes. Many hygiene products now are designed in sizes and composition that meet the regulations of air travel.
Realize that you don't need a different outfit for each day of travel, and a pair of all-purpose shoes saves a lot of space. Bonus--lighter luggage is easier on your back and shoulders and more maneuverable in tight spaces.
Bon voyage!
#travel #traveltips #travelingcynthia #packingtips
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Hello, El Nino!
San Diego, Torrey Pines, El Nino
Photo by Cynthia Dial
#BeachThursday #ElNino #travel #travelingcynthia #sandiego #torreypines
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Fodor's "Go List" 2016
2016 promises to be a busy, on-the-go year, but where to go is the question. Along those lines, here are some possibilities provided by Fodor -- top picks for its "Go List."
Sequoia National Park
Photo by Cynthia Dial
Photo by Cynthia Dial
America's National Parks
Haiti
Philippines
Maine
Nepal
Philadelphia
Stratford-Upon-Avon
North Loop Minneapolis
Normandy
Palm Springs
Taipei
Lithuania
Fez
Cuba
San Sebastian
Faroe Islands
Bavaria
Adelaide
Guam
Ecuador
St. Helena
Abu Dhabi
Guadeloupe
Sicily
Top Pick: Utah
#travel #travelpics #traveltips #travelingcynthia #fodors
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Travia - China - Population
Travia: One in every five people in the world is
Chinese. China's population was more than 1.4 billion in 2015, four times that
of the United States.
Photo by Cynthia Dial
#travel #traveltips #travelingcynthia #travia #TravelTuesday
Monday, January 4, 2016
Israel: The Biblical Country is a Place of Diverse Terrain, Deeply Religious Sects & Plenty of Mystery
by Cynthia Dial for JustLuxe.com
The State of Israel was created in 1948, less than seven decades ago, yet its land has a recorded history of more than 4,000 years. The Bible is not merely a book of faith, it chronicles this ancient ground, considered the birthplace of Christianity. The country is composed of countless customs reflective of every civilization which has ever occupied its territory.
Israel is the undisputed nation of old. Throughout it are “tels” (archeological mounds formed upon abandoned towns), resulting in city built upon city and layer atop layer of history – all lures for inquisitive travelers.
Today’s Israel is also a country of the future. As the world’s second largest creator of IT software and systems, it is considered “Silicon Valley East,” a fact ironically underscored when stuck in traffic between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. While surrounded by such high-profile companies as Microsoft, Google and Intel, I lament to our driver that in the U.S. we have an app, Waze, which redirects drivers around traffic. “Yes,” he replies, “we invented it.”
Though antiquities and accomplishments define Israel, it is a complicated country. Home to 12 million, it is comprised of two different ethnicities (six million Jews, six million Arabs), both believing they are country’s true natives. This is the world’s only nation that borders three continents (Africa, Europe and Asia) but is a part of none. “It is not a melting pot,” says Israeli guide Amir Orly, “it is a mosaic.”
With six micro-climates, four seas (the Mediterranean, Dead, Red and Sea of Galilee), mountains, deserts and valleys, Israel’s climate and geography are as dissimilar as its people. Thus, its unofficial title: “a little earth museum.”
Geographically diverse, technically advanced and religiously complex, its collective characteristics deceptively suggest an immense territory. In actuality, Israel is the approximate size of America’s fifth smallest state, New Jersey, and spans up to 260 miles when traveling from north to south and a max of 70 miles (nine miles minimum) while going from east to west.
Packed into this territory of little more than 8,000 square miles are opportunities found nowhere else on earth. True, safety is a concern of those who have never traveled to Israel. But for those of us who return again (and for many more, again and again), the sense of security is never higher than within this country, which has forever contended with strife.
A visit to Israel is best begun in Jerusalem. On approach, its high desert landscape and tree-dotted hillsides are reminiscent of Southern California. “At first glance it doesn’t seem very special,” I’m warned by a local. “But it happens almost always that at a certain moment, it just hits you that you are in a place unlike no other.”
As the country’s capital, home to national and cultural treasures and the holy city for the Jewish, Islam and Christian faiths, Jerusalem showcases all of the characteristics and complexities that define the kaleidoscope that is Israel.
Within its wall-surrounded Old City – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – are the Armenian, Christian, Jewish and Muslim quarters. After entering through one of its seven gates (its eighth, the Golden Gate, is sealed for the Messiah to enter the city), a walkabout is akin to an international journey – Arabs in traditional white robe attire smoking water pipes in souk cafés, Christian shopkeepers selling an assortment of Bibles and rosaries and Jews in Orthodox dress rushing home before Friday sundown.
It is almost impossible to compute the significance of artifacts displayed at the Israel Museum – from the Dead Sea Scrolls (oldest Biblical texts, yet discovered in 1947), the Aleppo Codex (medieval bound manuscript of the Hebrew Bible) and the Nano Bible (the world’s smallest Bible).
Most sobering, however, is Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. Its corridor representing the May, 1945, end to the war is short. Explanation: “We don’t need much room for celebration.” The Children’s Memorial is powerfully simple. Commemorating the 1.5 million Jewish children killed during the Holocaust, it is lit solely by thousands of pin pricks of light appearing like stars. While traversing its dark pathway, you hear the children’s names, ages and countries of origin.
Overlooking the Dead Sea, the plateau of Masada rises to almost 1,500 feet above it. The summit and its excavated remains – revered for their commitment of endurance and heroism – are reached by cable car or along the steep 700-step stairway, Snake Path (a challenging route best taken early morning). Built by King Herod, conquered by Jewish zealots and soon afterward besieged by Romans (73 CE), the zealots chose suicide over surrender.
On approach to Galilee, Orly, a Biblical scholar says, “There was a rabbi who long ago preached on these shores and his name was Jesus.” Passing signage for Nazareth in route and crossing the River Jordan, this is where it is possible for Christian pilgrims to take boat rides on the Sea of Galilee, dine in waterfront restaurants known for the regional specialty, St. Peter’s fish, and experience the sound and light show at the ruins of Bet She’an, an ancient Roman city.
Tel Aviv (now called Tel Aviv-Jaffa) is Israel’s cultural, financial, commercial and entertainment center. Embellished with graffiti and renowned for its collection of more than 4,000 buildings with a distinctive 1930s architecture called White City, Tel Aviv is colorful. Spread out, there is no downtown, but it is an open-around-the-clock kind of town, always active until the early morning hours. With 3,100 restaurants, cafes, bars and theatres (1 per 12 residents), and playing host to more than 60 cultural events every day, it is an internationally-recognized culinary and cultural scene.
Old Jaffa, one of Israel’s most ancient cities, has transformed into a hip happening. Jutting into the Mediterranean, its parts comprise the complete package – a fisherman’s port, artists’ quarter, Turkish Bazaar, centuries old church, boutiques, bars, cafes and more.
Pre-dawn sounds awaken me – first the
Muslim call to prayer, then church bells ringing on the hour, followed by a
series of sirens and finally the cooing of pigeons. The diversity of this audio
track perfectly paints the canvas of my locale. It is Israel.
The State of Israel was created in 1948, less than seven decades ago, yet its land has a recorded history of more than 4,000 years. The Bible is not merely a book of faith, it chronicles this ancient ground, considered the birthplace of Christianity. The country is composed of countless customs reflective of every civilization which has ever occupied its territory.
Israel is the undisputed nation of old. Throughout it are “tels” (archeological mounds formed upon abandoned towns), resulting in city built upon city and layer atop layer of history – all lures for inquisitive travelers.
Today’s Israel is also a country of the future. As the world’s second largest creator of IT software and systems, it is considered “Silicon Valley East,” a fact ironically underscored when stuck in traffic between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. While surrounded by such high-profile companies as Microsoft, Google and Intel, I lament to our driver that in the U.S. we have an app, Waze, which redirects drivers around traffic. “Yes,” he replies, “we invented it.”
Though antiquities and accomplishments define Israel, it is a complicated country. Home to 12 million, it is comprised of two different ethnicities (six million Jews, six million Arabs), both believing they are country’s true natives. This is the world’s only nation that borders three continents (Africa, Europe and Asia) but is a part of none. “It is not a melting pot,” says Israeli guide Amir Orly, “it is a mosaic.”
With six micro-climates, four seas (the Mediterranean, Dead, Red and Sea of Galilee), mountains, deserts and valleys, Israel’s climate and geography are as dissimilar as its people. Thus, its unofficial title: “a little earth museum.”
Geographically diverse, technically advanced and religiously complex, its collective characteristics deceptively suggest an immense territory. In actuality, Israel is the approximate size of America’s fifth smallest state, New Jersey, and spans up to 260 miles when traveling from north to south and a max of 70 miles (nine miles minimum) while going from east to west.
Packed into this territory of little more than 8,000 square miles are opportunities found nowhere else on earth. True, safety is a concern of those who have never traveled to Israel. But for those of us who return again (and for many more, again and again), the sense of security is never higher than within this country, which has forever contended with strife.
A visit to Israel is best begun in Jerusalem. On approach, its high desert landscape and tree-dotted hillsides are reminiscent of Southern California. “At first glance it doesn’t seem very special,” I’m warned by a local. “But it happens almost always that at a certain moment, it just hits you that you are in a place unlike no other.”
As the country’s capital, home to national and cultural treasures and the holy city for the Jewish, Islam and Christian faiths, Jerusalem showcases all of the characteristics and complexities that define the kaleidoscope that is Israel.
Within its wall-surrounded Old City – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – are the Armenian, Christian, Jewish and Muslim quarters. After entering through one of its seven gates (its eighth, the Golden Gate, is sealed for the Messiah to enter the city), a walkabout is akin to an international journey – Arabs in traditional white robe attire smoking water pipes in souk cafés, Christian shopkeepers selling an assortment of Bibles and rosaries and Jews in Orthodox dress rushing home before Friday sundown.
Continuing, partitions separate men and
women chanting their prayers at Judaism’s most sacred site, the Western Wall,
while Christian pilgrims follow the 14 stations of the cross along Via Dolorosa
– all beneath the backdrop of Islam’s gold-capped Dome of the Rock. Nearby are the
City of David, the reputed tomb of King David on Mount Zion, Mount of Olives and
Bethlehem.
It is almost impossible to compute the significance of artifacts displayed at the Israel Museum – from the Dead Sea Scrolls (oldest Biblical texts, yet discovered in 1947), the Aleppo Codex (medieval bound manuscript of the Hebrew Bible) and the Nano Bible (the world’s smallest Bible).
Most sobering, however, is Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. Its corridor representing the May, 1945, end to the war is short. Explanation: “We don’t need much room for celebration.” The Children’s Memorial is powerfully simple. Commemorating the 1.5 million Jewish children killed during the Holocaust, it is lit solely by thousands of pin pricks of light appearing like stars. While traversing its dark pathway, you hear the children’s names, ages and countries of origin.
At 1,300 feet below sea level – the lowest place on earth – the Dead Sea is a
mere day trip away. Upon immediate emersion from the tunnel out of Jerusalem,
you are in the desert, where camels can be seen at gas stations (for photo ops)
and goats are herded by Bedouins. Waterside hotels have full-service spas,
featuring therapeutic treatments using the Sea’s highly concentrated minerals. For
a Dead Sea float (swimming is not possible), lather with mud, lie back and
relax.
Overlooking the Dead Sea, the plateau of Masada rises to almost 1,500 feet above it. The summit and its excavated remains – revered for their commitment of endurance and heroism – are reached by cable car or along the steep 700-step stairway, Snake Path (a challenging route best taken early morning). Built by King Herod, conquered by Jewish zealots and soon afterward besieged by Romans (73 CE), the zealots chose suicide over surrender.
On approach to Galilee, Orly, a Biblical scholar says, “There was a rabbi who long ago preached on these shores and his name was Jesus.” Passing signage for Nazareth in route and crossing the River Jordan, this is where it is possible for Christian pilgrims to take boat rides on the Sea of Galilee, dine in waterfront restaurants known for the regional specialty, St. Peter’s fish, and experience the sound and light show at the ruins of Bet She’an, an ancient Roman city.
Tel Aviv (now called Tel Aviv-Jaffa) is Israel’s cultural, financial, commercial and entertainment center. Embellished with graffiti and renowned for its collection of more than 4,000 buildings with a distinctive 1930s architecture called White City, Tel Aviv is colorful. Spread out, there is no downtown, but it is an open-around-the-clock kind of town, always active until the early morning hours. With 3,100 restaurants, cafes, bars and theatres (1 per 12 residents), and playing host to more than 60 cultural events every day, it is an internationally-recognized culinary and cultural scene.
Old Jaffa, one of Israel’s most ancient cities, has transformed into a hip happening. Jutting into the Mediterranean, its parts comprise the complete package – a fisherman’s port, artists’ quarter, Turkish Bazaar, centuries old church, boutiques, bars, cafes and more.
Photos by Cynthia Dial
Israel is a country that until you visit is a mystery. Yet, a single trip will
transform you and transform your opinion – the mystery becomes a magnet.
#travel #traveltips #travelingcynthia #israel
Friday, January 1, 2016
Happy New Year from San Diego!
View from the Guy Fleming Trail, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, CA
Photo by Cynthia Dial
#travel #travelpics #travelingcynthia #torreypines #sandiego #viewtodiefor
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)