Mike, I've read some reviews of that adapter that said it does not work everywhere in France. A lot of places have plugs that are recessed within a circle, and this adapter will not fit in the recess. So it's a good idea, but doesn't always work.I am bringing only Dual Voltage devices. No 110v only devices. I am purchasing the Multi-voltage power strip with universal female plugs so that I can rob a lamp plug or some other device if the rooms have sparse electrical connections. Plus, I want the surge protection.
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Kevin, that is exactly how I feel. That was why I wore white athletic shoes for each and every excursion I did on the Med cruise last year. And I was hardly alone. I don't recall anyone pointing and whispering "Look! White tennis shoes! She must be a tourist!" So your and my footwear will match nicely.
James, while my brain understands what you are saying, there is no way in the world that I'm going to be able to NOT give my camera to the Guide, and just sit and watch them take photos with other people's cameras. It just won't happen.Yeah, it's James again (I stay up all night, don't sleep, drink lots of Coke Zero).
Something that DisneyKevin said struck a chord w/ me:
"two guides trying to wield 28 separate cameras".
Now, I might be trying to oversimplify Life In General, but what about cutting down 27 / 25 / 20+ of those duplicate shots and then sharing them all when we get home. I mean, does ANYONE intend on using film?
Now, I'm not saying we shouldn't all take separate cameras and photos where we are out & about looking at things, but especially for those group shots - how much time do we want to spend saying "Mickey Mouse" 14 - 28 times?
[...]
Oh, and yeah, I would say that we would take at least 2 pictures of each group shot, on different cameras - just in case one camera / SD cards gets lost / stolen / broken / etc. But that is still better than 28
Just a thought. Anyone else like it?
This is just an idea, and if no one wants it, that's OK w/ me.
Chalk it up to my heredity or whatever, but I must have my own pictures on my own camera. Not that I won't enjoy sharing photos with everyone else, but there's no way I'll be content counting on just that.
Been there, done that, and STILL cannot sleep on planes.For those of you that may be like us...not lucky enough to fly first class...
Many travelers so dread the prospect of a sleepless long haul flight that their anxiety creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. Try to take care of as many work, home and travel details as possible before you leave so that flight day is stress-free. Then enjoy the airborne hours as a time when all your chores are done, and relaxation is your only option.
Make sure you dress the part. Wear comfortable, non-binding clothes made of soft fabrics with elastic waist bands. Slip off your shoes and slip on a pair of cozy socks.
Board at the first announcement to increase the odds that your carry-on bag can be stowed in the overhead bin, allowing you to take advantage of all available leg space.
There are never enough blankets or pillows for everyone on board, and those that are available are not laundered between flights. Bring a supportive neck pillow, a warm travel blanket, and block the light and noise with a good eyeshade and earplugs. For a more high-tech solution to engine noise, especially if you like to listen to music as you rest, try noise blocking or noise cancelling headphones.
Set your watch to the destination time as soon as you board the plane, and try not to think about what time it is at home. You may also wish to set your alarm for an hour or so before landing so you'll have time to move around a bit, use the restroom and be completely awake upon arrival.
Instruct the flight attendants not to wake you for meals or beverages, and fasten your seatbelt over your blanket so you won't be disturbed should the seatbelt sign come on.
The humidity level in airline passenger cabins is extremely low, so drink plenty of water , and keep your sinuses hydrated to help ward off germs. Stay away from alcohol and caffeine, as they dehydrate you and interfere with sleep.
Never have been able to. So I'm expecting to be DOA when I hit England just like when I flew to Barcelona. Fortunately, I have several pre-days to recover...
) didnt get anything.
It would be my suggestion that you take the same precautions you would take in any major metropolitan area.
When we went to Italy in 2006, I had an attempted pickpocket situation. Luckily the pickpocket (approximately 8 years old
One of the nice things about an ABD trip is that you have 27 new friends watching your back and that makes us a bit less appealing to a thief.
In Venice...I was the last in the long line of ABDers, making me a much easier target.
Some of the things I've read and thought to be helpful...
Make color copies of your passport and keep them in a different spot than your actual passport.
Leave a credit card in your hotel safe, just in case your wallet is stolen. Make you have a copy of all credit card numbers and the toll free number to report them lost or stolen.
Do not carry all of your cash in the same pocket.
Be cautious when wearing a backpack or purse that sits behind you.
Carry smaller bills. It's easier to shop for smaller things and much easier to haggle...should the occasion arise.
Be aware of interactions with strangers that are not initiated by you. We've heard stories of seeing someone trip and when you rush to help, your stuff is taken. We've also heard stories of a women walking toward you and pretending to drop a "baby"...or even thrown a "baby" toward you.
You even have to be cautious of children. As I said, my pickpocket was approximately 8. I was told that had he gotten my wallet, there were other children close by and that my wallet would have been handed off several times.
Never leave bags, cameras, personal items etc unattended. There are enough of us around to watch or hold your stuff.
If I think of more...I'll let you know.
)Thanks Kevin. Does anyone know if we need to go so far as to get one of those wallets that attaches to your belt and goes inside your pants? (feel free to write your own joke at this point.
We are on the phone in a conference call with the ABD coordinator for our trip - all I can say is WOW!!!!
Kevin will post details
I'm on the call too - O. M. G.
For women, I highly recommend a purse that you can wear cross-body, close to you, in front. Also one where the compartments zip up (and keep them zipped when you're not using it). We had a woman on our Med cruise pickpocketed because she didn't zip up her purse, and left her wallet exposed.I have always thought that the "complicated to get money out" travel wallets are just an invitation to have your other stuff stolen - and have seen it happen a couple of times.
I think a far better plan is to mitigate your risk by only carrying a small amount of cash and leaving a card in the safe in the room along with passports etc.
For guys I would just recommend keeping a wallet in your front pocket - ladies I have no good answer for
Matt
We are on the phone in a conference call with the ABD coordinator for our trip - all I can say is WOW!!!!
Kevin will post details
I'm on the call too - O. M. G.
Three Guides??? Thats' fantastic. And the European coordinator for ABD? Now I really feel like a VIP!
Sounds just right!
Very cool! Someone mentioned a nice Pub (The Ship Tavern, I think?) that is right near the hotel, so that could work out great. Hit Harrods, head back to the hotel, grab dinner at the Pub, head over to wherever we're meeting for The Lion King.
I've heard the biggest people have had on this trip is not leaving enough time for dinner before The Lion King.Yay! That's definitely on my list, so it's great to know it's already covered! And I won't have to stop strangers to take my picture with the trolley...
Thanks! Surprises is good!
THANKS KEVIN!!!! (hmmm does chat start NOW?)
