US & Canada PTR - 2 sleeps to go, wow

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Fwiw, I don't think you are overpacking at all, and the things you are considering cutting back on don't take much room anyway such as an extra t shirt or two. Maybe I would cut it to two jeans only, but that's about it.

So there, I am no help to you sorry!

I know in my family, we don't like to share suitcases, so everyone is responsible for their own packing, as long they have the essentials in there, I don't even look.!

Battymum, I am too much of a control freak to let anyone else pack . I do let my daughter get out what she wants to take and the we enter into negotiations until we are both mostly happy .

DH, I tell him how many of each item he can have and then he gets stuff out and I go through and remove add as I see fit. DS just leaves it to me.

I think we definitely need 2 pairs of jeans for alternating for everyday use however I think we all need 1 extra pair of either nice jeans or pants for the evenings out.

Ahhhhh, this is so hard.

I'm kind of freaking out today actually. The trip is so close, my schedule is jam packed, I'm spending far too much time on the Dis and FB, the Europe trip is a complete unorganised mess and I only have 9 weeks once we return to finalise all of that. I'm slowing drowning

Ask me tomorrow though and I'll be fine. I think I have something wrong with me

 

[Aussie Wendy]

I second shushh with the packing suggestions but we're now the "pack as little as possible" people so not typical role models-compared to our 100-weight ginormous suitcases on our first o/s trip back in 1984. What I wanted to add was when we were in WDW in 2008, around 10 or 11 December we had some FREEZING weather. We also had some mild days but especially the night we went to the Xmas party (I get muddled with that long acronym) we had jeans, our hiking shoes with thick socks, thermal tops over T's, hiking polar fleece-type jacket (but no thick jackets-it was Florida!! but we packed for a stopover in San Fran as well) - I think DD and I had a second sweat underneath and beanies and we froze especially waiting for the fireworks after the parade. I nearly had DH and DD mutiny on me. It got down to around 1C. On the other hand it was easy to believe it could be real snow falling on Main St and we had multiple serves of hot chocolate.

 

[Beee]

you've inspired me to figure out a plan of what I am taking - job for this weekend... I am a serial over packer but have vowed this time will be different! Our plan is the equivalent of carry on only for the way over - we currently only have 1 decent suitcase to our names so I will pack my clothes and the toiletries in that and the Mr & DD will pack their clothes in their carry ons (I have a matching carry on & suitcase in my amazon order that will hopefully be waiting for us at DLH )

I think what is throwing me is that california will be 10-20 degrees and hawaii will be hotter so having to pack for 2 climates is a little annoying - you have bigger extremes for your trip so can see how hard a time you are having trying to fit it all in! I hate being cold so will be packing for 10 degrees

I'm another control freak - DD will pick out what she wants to take and I will go through it and cull 90% of it lol. The Mr is well practiced in packing light so he is on his own

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

I second shushh with the packing suggestions but we're now the "pack as little as possible" people so not typical role models-compared to our 100-weight ginormous suitcases on our first o/s trip back in 1984. What I wanted to add was when we were in WDW in 2008, around 10 or 11 December we had some FREEZING weather. We also had some mild days but especially the night we went to the Xmas party (I get muddled with that long acronym) we had jeans, our hiking shoes with thick socks, thermal tops over T's, hiking polar fleece-type jacket (but no thick jackets-it was Florida!! but we packed for a stopover in San Fran as well) - I think DD and I had a second sweat underneath and beanies and we froze especially waiting for the fireworks after the parade. I nearly had DH and DD mutiny on me. It got down to around 1C. On the other hand it was easy to believe it could be real snow falling on Main St and we had multiple serves of hot chocolate.

I have to say, I'm hoping for the coolish temps for WDW although 1 degree is perhaps a little cooler than I would want . I found the heat and humidity of WDW very energy zapping last time so think it will be a pleasant change to see what it's like when it's cooler.

I can't wait to see the "snow" falling on Main St. Very exciting.

I'm hoping my "overpacking" gene will recede once everything is laid out on a bed and I'm sobbing in the corner from the amount of everything. That should make me toughen up and cull I'm sure.

you've inspired me to figure out a plan of what I am taking - job for this weekend... I am a serial over packer but have vowed this time will be different! Our plan is the equivalent of carry on only for the way over - we currently only have 1 decent suitcase to our names so I will pack my clothes and the toiletries in that and the Mr & DD will pack their clothes in their carry ons (I have a matching carry on & suitcase in my amazon order that will hopefully be waiting for us at DLH )

I think what is throwing me is that california will be 10-20 degrees and hawaii will be hotter so having to pack for 2 climates is a little annoying - you have bigger extremes for your trip so can see how hard a time you are having trying to fit it all in! I hate being cold so will be packing for 10 degrees

I'm another control freak - DD will pick out what she wants to take and I will go through it and cull 90% of it lol. The Mr is well practiced in packing light so he is on his own

Yes the 2 climates is painful. We've always gone in warm whether so all you need is shorts and a tshirt each day. They don't take up much room in a case and we've just taken 1 hoodie.

This time it will be so much more bulky and layered which equals full suitcases

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

I'm a bit bummed because we've ended up with an extra day in Boston which is great and I had hoped perhaps we could do a bus tour day trip to either Salem or just to see some of the New England countryside but of course since it's winter, none of these tours are running. I'm a bit disappointed.

We will just have to go back in their autumn one day, I can only imagine how beautiful it is then.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Well I've had quite a score this morning.

I was wanting to book the Old Trolley Tour for Boston and I was debating which days to do the tour because our first night in town will be late as we'll be at the basketball so DH and I decided not to do the tour the first full day. The great thing about the tour was you buy 1 day get the second day free.

Well my procrastinating on this has paid off because I went to buy the tickets this morning and they have now released a winter special (obviously it's quiet for them then) that gives you 7 free days of touring, along with included entry to the Boston Tea Party Museum which I was going to buy tickets for anyway because I thought it would be interesting.

So we get all of that for $121 for the whole family and can hop on and off our whole time we are in town.

I am thrilled .

 

[Minniemum]

Well I've had quite a score this morning.

I was wanting to book the Old Trolley Tour for Boston and I was debating which days to do the tour because our first night in town will be late as we'll be at the basketball so DH and I decided not to do the tour the first full day. The great thing about the tour was you buy 1 day get the second day free.

Well my procrastinating on this has paid off because I went to buy the tickets this morning and they have now released a winter special (obviously it's quiet for them then) that gives you 7 free days of touring, along with included entry to the Boston Tea Party Museum which I was going to buy tickets for anyway because I thought it would be interesting.

So we get all of that for $121 for the whole family and can hop on and off our whole time we are in town.

I am thrilled .

Well done Ms Shuttergirl! You're on a roll today - DS and now Boston. I think you need to rush out and get a lotto ticket for the big draw tonight.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Well done Ms Shuttergirl! You're on a roll today - DS and now Boston. I think you need to rush out and get a lotto ticket for the big draw tonight.

Now that is a very good point. 3rd times a charm

 

[becpee]

Well I've had quite a score this morning.

I was wanting to book the Old Trolley Tour for Boston and I was debating which days to do the tour because our first night in town will be late as we'll be at the basketball so DH and I decided not to do the tour the first full day. The great thing about the tour was you buy 1 day get the second day free.

Well my procrastinating on this has paid off because I went to buy the tickets this morning and they have now released a winter special (obviously it's quiet for them then) that gives you 7 free days of touring, along with included entry to the Boston Tea Party Museum which I was going to buy tickets for anyway because I thought it would be interesting.

So we get all of that for $121 for the whole family and can hop on and off our whole time we are in town.

I am thrilled .

That is an awesome price

I can't wait to see your TR!

 

[5ofus]

Well done! Procrastinating pays off

 

[skier_pete]

Well I've had quite a score this morning.

I was wanting to book the Old Trolley Tour for Boston and I was debating which days to do the tour because our first night in town will be late as we'll be at the basketball so DH and I decided not to do the tour the first full day. The great thing about the tour was you buy 1 day get the second day free.

Well my procrastinating on this has paid off because I went to buy the tickets this morning and they have now released a winter special (obviously it's quiet for them then) that gives you 7 free days of touring, along with included entry to the Boston Tea Party Museum which I was going to buy tickets for anyway because I thought it would be interesting.

So we get all of that for $121 for the whole family and can hop on and off our whole time we are in town.

I am thrilled .

Nice! Now, I'm somewhat bias being born and raised in Massachusetts, but Boston is one of my absolute favorite cities. Especially the aspect of history, that it really was the center of the American revolution, and many pieces of that are still in place today.

But, yes the tour should be pretty quiet. Boston is bitter cold and windy in the winter, and thus not a lot of tourists around. (Still will be balmy compared to Montreal.)

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Hahaha yes the cold is going to be interesting. I'm not going to stress about it though. If we are too cold being out and about much, we will just set ourselves up somewhere with great ambience, amazing food and a nice bar selection and a good window for people watching. Since I can't predict how the family will react to the conditions, I think that isn't a bad second option .

I've decided we really need to visit Boston and surrounds in autumn as well. It sounds so picturesque. Perhaps we haven't chosen the best time to see this beautiful city but somehow I already know I will love it.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Okay today I ticked some things off my to do list:-

• Typed up our whole 11 day WDW itinerary in detail. Whew, it took a while.
  
• Booked our Yankee Stadium Tour for 23 December
  
• Bought a 2 day ticket for the Washington DC Hop on Hop off Trolley tour
  
• Got my daughter to try on her 2nd pair of thermals, first ones were too small, these ones are too big. Grrrrrrrrr.
  
• Worked out the best streets to wander around in Beacon Hill in Boston. This is apparently the most beautiful area, with original gas lamps lining the streets and full of brownstone houses. A very helpful person on TA did me up a little walking guide which will be awesome. Some other people also mentioned it will be beautiful at night with all Christmas lights etc. so we will go there a half an hour or so before it gets dark so we get the best of both worlds I think.
  
• Tried to change our 911 Memorial booking to 27 Dec but the website isn't taking any new bookings at this time due to Hurricane Sandy
  
• Made reservation for NYC in Quebec at Cosmos Cafe on Grand Allee which is apparently where all the festivities are on NYE in Quebec.
  
• With all of this, my to do list doesn't seem to be getting smaller, it seems to be getting bigger.
  
  
  

We have such a busy lead up to this trip, my busiest time of year, far too many social obligations and sporting commitments. I'm trying not to feel overwhelmed and start rocking in the corner at this point.

I'm going to start putting together some of the winter clothing for the trip this weekend as it's our last weekend without any major social events.

The kids are kind of being annoying wanting to catch up with friends, do social things outside of what we already have on and DH and I are feeling the strain and a little frustration .

Anyway, a productive day none the less.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Yesterday I spent 5 hours shopping. I hate hate hate shopping but if it's for an overseas trip you "had me at hello" on that one.

I had a long list of things to accomplish. Went with a plan on where to go in order to minimise wasted time. I went to 4 different shopping centres (Canberra is so good for getting around) and even though my to do list was the "dream" of what I hoped to accomplish, I kid you not, I accomplished it all.

Man o man I was loving myself silly .

This is what I did:-

I finally found a rashie that my DD14 would deem acceptable, whew

Found a sale at DFO of *********** stuff for DS10 so 50% off boardies and rashies for him, booya

I bought myself 3 pairs of Diana Ferrari shoes for summer, 40% off sale. I hate shoe shopping with a passion. I do it quick and in bulk

I bought some full length Addidas trackies for myself because most of my nicer trackies are 3/4 and that won't cut it for cold weather and I wanted the trackies for the big international flights.

Bought a ton of stuff at Big W. Some Snoopy Jammies for DD, a beautiful lighter dressing gown for her, some cool bedsocks (the gown and socks were breastcancer ones so felt good about that), bought christmas gift cards to take away so I have them ready to go, bought some christmas cards to quickly send out, bought some new knickers (long overdue ), hmmm I think I'm done with Big W.

Went to JB Hifi - DH and I had discussed getting the kids some decent headphones to use on the plane and when listening to music at home and in hotel rooms. The little iphone headphones don't cut it, too much sound leakage and it annoys us. We wanted Dr. Dre's Beats but they were tooooooo dear , tossed up between some Skullcandy ones and Sony ones which were much dearer than Skullcandy but when I tried them both on although the Skullcandy ones were "sexier" to look at, the Sony ones were much more comfortable to wear so that's what I got. We will give them to them as an early Christmas present the day before we go.

Went to DJ's and bought a new pair of jeans to take away.

Bought 2 new carryon on bags at Strand. I had bought 2 a few months back for $40 that were rolling duffle types but wanted to get 1-2 more than were rolling so the 4 of us could have one each. I chose one that seemed much better quality than what I had already purchased and it was on sale for $44 down from $89. Bargain. Then when she rang it up she said that's discounted further and it was only $34. I said, I'll take 2 . I love a good bargain. My husband calls me the Imelda Marcos of luggage, I love it.

Searched all over for a new suitcase to add to our collection. We don't need it need it but I'd like another large spinney wheel case like our newer Antler ones. They all seem to be on sale at the moment. Shopped around and we can get a matching one for $209. There is a new Antler that looks similar but it's only $179 but it doesn't feel as sturdy. Want to take DH back to see what he thinks. I am loving the spinning wheels. Can't ever go back to 2 wheels I don't think.

DS10 wants a Melbourne Storm jersey, don't ask me why, we are AFL people through and through but he's been asking for 18 months so I found one on sale but man those things are dear. He better wear that thing 24/7 for 2 years so I feel better about the cost. .

Bought DD14 a booklight for to take with her.

And drumroll please, finally bit the bullet and bought the Travelsim international sim cards. It's not looking good for data although the Aust. Post workers weren't all that knowledgeable but I love the idea that we will always have the same number when we are away for family to contact us on, no matter where we go. I think it is worthwhile for our family.

So that was yesterday.

Today was all about work work work, stress stress stress, but yesterday I accomplished some stuff

 

[hjd0411]

Wow - what a day!! You did get a lot done! Canberra is good for getting around - much better that Brissy!!!
Just a note re the TravelSim. I took one of those away with me and I couldn't get data on it for love or money! I couldn't even make a phone call back home on the silly thing, but that may have been user error!! I ended up buying a Net10 sim at Target for about $30 I think, and then bought a 1 month package of unlimited phone, text and data for about $50. No more troubles!!
So, I was thrilled to have the Travel sim before I left, did all they asked re registering etc, and the stupid thing never worked for me! As I said - possible user error - I am a bit slow on the uptake!! Others may have had better luck than me! I tried for days to get an internet connection with it and finally gave up!
Don't mean to rain on your parade - just want to let you know!

 

[5ofus]

How many trips back to the car did you have to make? I'm impressed. I think even Karen would be impressed! Lol!

 

[battymum]

Awesome effort!!

You must have been on a mission!

Don't worry about the suitcase sale, I have been watching them for a few months, strandbags are constantly on sale. Like seriously, constantly. I am waiting, as dh often gets a $500 westfield gift card as a Xmas gift, that we find hard to spend on something justifiable (kinda counting on that, ....)

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Wow - what a day!! You did get a lot done! Canberra is good for getting around - much better that Brissy!!!
Just a note re the TravelSim. I took one of those away with me and I couldn't get data on it for love or money! I couldn't even make a phone call back home on the silly thing, but that may have been user error!! I ended up buying a Net10 sim at Target for about $30 I think, and then bought a 1 month package of unlimited phone, text and data for about $50. No more troubles!!
So, I was thrilled to have the Travel sim before I left, did all they asked re registering etc, and the stupid thing never worked for me! As I said - possible user error - I am a bit slow on the uptake!! Others may have had better luck than me! I tried for days to get an internet connection with it and finally gave up!
Don't mean to rain on your parade - just want to let you know!

Oh bugger. Well that is good to know, but makes me nervous . We will likely put them into the phones the day before we go and make sure they work, we bought 2 so should be able to try them out on each other. I really want them to work so I don't need to stress about this anymore for US/Canada and Europe. Data isn't a deal breaker. We plan on buying a 5 way dongle once we hit NYC for the remainder of the trip. Not sure what we will do in Canada, perhaps purchase 1 or 2 days of wifi from hotel if we need to.

Europe, all of our accom has free wifi thank goodness.

My DH thought data on the iphones would be handy for maps but we don't need it for anything else when we are out and about. This is something to be considered though. Thank you for sharing your experience.

How many trips back to the car did you have to make? I'm impressed. I think even Karen would be impressed! Lol!

My arms were ready to drop off, that's all I'm saying

Awesome effort!!

You must have been on a mission!

Don't worry about the suitcase sale, I have been watching them for a few months, strandbags are constantly on sale. Like seriously, constantly. I am waiting, as dh often gets a $500 westfield gift card as a Xmas gift, that we find hard to spend on something justifiable (kinda counting on that, ....)

Strand really do seem to be constantly on sale don't they

 

[shushh]

Wow Ms Shuttergirl. I'm impressed with that shopping effort! I love Diana Ferrari shoes, especially the supersofts.

We've bought and activated our travelsims. So you can call me or my parents or my in-laws...

 

[WAMUMOF4]

For someone who doesn't like to shop wow you did a great job