Historic Destinations

Moving right along with the A-Z challenge today brings us to H.  Words that start with H and have to do travel.......for hubby and I the biggest word is History, Historical.  We love visiting historic landmarks around the country, and elsewhere.  Touring and learning the story behind something to me makes it all so much more enjoyable.  Whether we stop to read an historic sign, or tour a historic home, or visit historic battlefields or enjoy the art that surrounds historic monuments; we always learn new things in our travels.  Doing this gives us a better understanding about how our country developed.

One thing hubby and I don't share an interest in though is a haunted tour.  I always want to take them, and he never does.  A haunted tour takes place at night, and I don't want to do that solo; so...it's something I've yet to do.

However, I've lunch at a Haunted and Historic Tavern.  Click here for the story about the murder.
Where....right here in Ohio.

Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.

Group Travel

Group Travel.......or Gettysburg  you decide.

Group travel can be fun, it can also make travel less expensive; but it's not for everyone.  It could have you feeling a bit blurry like the folks in the picture.  Things to consider before you sign up for a group travel:

• Will you have any free time?
• Does everyone in the group want to do the same thing?
• Does noise and chaos bother you?  If so, group travel might not be the best option for you.
• How many meals are included in the group price?
• Is it a walking tour, or a bus type tour?
• Will there be opportunities to take pictures?

Other ways to save money without doing a complete group tour in your travels...check Groupon for the area you're going to.  Sometimes there are good deals in tourist areas for dining and entertainment, as well as lodging.

Maybe a combination of your own vacation with a day or two for a group tour is the way to have quiet and group time.  Fun and relaxation.  It's also a good way to visit someplace you've not been before.

Hubby and I used to do group type vacations, not organized group tours and find as we get older trying to get everyone organized is a bit of a chore.  Who wants what for dinner, who wants to go out vs those who want to stay in; how much money do people in the group want to spend can lead to lost time and uncomfortable situations.  Think about your needs, there's much to consider beyond the price tag.

Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.

Foreign Travel

 Foreign Travel.......Another A-Z post. (Fort Sumter post click here)

Foreign Travel takes far more preparation, planning and organization then traveling within your own country.

• Do you have a passport?
• Do you need a visa?
• What type of currency do you need, and how long do you need to give your bank to obtain the funds?
• What is the exchange rate?  Are you charged if you use your charge card?
• Will there be a language barrier?
• Will your electrical devices, such as your phone, computer and i-pad be compatible with the electrical outlets where you plan to travel?
• Do you need to make special telephone arrangements?  Is your cell phone set up for foreign travel?
• Do you need to purchase skype or other such service to minimize the cost of phone calls back home?
• Do you need to upgrade your Garmin (or other GPS) to have directions in your travels?

Do pay attention to these items ahead of time, otherwise you'll find yourself struggling to over come problems instead of enjoying your travels.

Enough and Everything when Traveling

No these pretty tulips have nothing to do with todays post, today's letter for the challenge; but

ENOUGH and EVERYTHING Do.

Ok, you might be scratching you head, saying...what?  Let me explain.  First with regard to the picture, it's last years photo, nothing close to that colorful or pretty, still watching snow melt.  No you can't have enough of color, and flowers...(PERHAPS YOU PREFER A POST ABOUT A LOCATION THAT STARTS WITH E...Effingham

But When do you know it's enough when you're traveling?  It's enough when you can't zip your luggage.  When you think you have "enough", remove one whole outfit.

When you try to do "everything" when you travel, because you think you can't get enough; you end up with not enough.  Scratching your head again, right.  When you try to do everything, you end up with not seeing enough; because everything is a blur.  Plan down time to absorb what you've seen.  That gives time to enjoy it, remember it and then you will have had enough.

Example (notice that's another E word).

We're traveling to Spain.  I've never been there before, I know we can't see everything or go everywhere, but it will be enough because we're planning.
Depart on Monday, arrive Tuesday...........beyond checking in, adjusting to the time, and doing a bit of grocery shopping (for things like coffee and maybe snacks), that will be enough.  Wednesday we'll explore close at hand in order to get back to the condo and rest and Thursday we'll pick up a friend and explore on the way back from the airport.  Friday will be low keyed and a brief day visit somewhere in preparation for a big day on Saturday, Monday will probably be another big day of touring.........see with time in between to think and chat about what we've seen.



Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.