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Watch TV Overseas?
When you travel, especially in non English speaking countries, you might get lonely for English TV. In Europe, hotel TV in English is limited to usually UK produced like SKY TV or a business channel. American films on a hotel TV are often dubbed so only lip readers understand themes.
So how can you get some rest with TV time in a hotel room?
You can access some streaming services out of the country. Others not so. Here are the ones you can access overseas: Netflix yes but You Tube- it is unclear. …
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Clues to not Overpack
How not to Overpack from experts at The Women’s Travel Group.
A few of our group in the Yucatan. Women overpack. Real reasons: weather in your destination is iffy? Your trip is during ‘shoulder season’? Temperatures seem to be higher this year? Rain is always unpredictable?. What if you drip coffee on the one ‘dress up’ shirt?
Upfront questions? Are dinners included and are they dressy or casual- our group is casual. Do guests dress in finery while staying at your hotel?…
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Smart Phone, Basic Travel Uses.
Today I read that the iPhone is 18 years old. Many senior women own new or newish iPhones but still cannot use them for basic travel needs. Five baby skills to learn today are:
Where to store travel documents. Too many women tell us they cannot find documents they received by email? Most smart phones allow you to put a star next to an important email, say the 24/7 number for our Paris Cruise in May. Do it. Better and quicker, if you need the document: download the attachments. …
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Cash? Or Card?
Money when traveling overseas. Should you carry cash? Award winning tour company, The Women’s Travel Group says yes. A qualifier, carry only unmarked and un torn US bills. ( No coins. It is impossible to exchange coins overseas.) This cash is for incidentals, ie airport shops might accept a dollar for bottled water. Or you want to give a small tip to a porter? Or donate to a charity box? For most travels, $50 is the emergency cash you might need. …
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Travel budgeting 101
Tuscany 
Wines on a Women’s Travel Group trip The Women’s Travel Group is asked frequently: how much should I budget for my trip’s extra expenses. Our tours generally include it all, plus 2 hearty meals daily, porterage, and bottled water on the bus. Wine or whisky in Scotland tasting is included,Extras might be the following items:
Additional meals? Our group is casual so if looking for company for an extra meal, do not be nervous about your budget. For extra meals in Europe, budget Euros 35+ wine if that is your thing.…
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Never Pack List for Women
Over the years, our group has had items confiscated. Some are not allowed to be imported, some are illegal, and some were ‘taken’ by customs’ officials overseas. One confiscation was hilarious. It was a tampon removed and examined by a South American customs official.
Shopping in Ethiopia https://www.thewomenstravelgroup.com/tours/ Here are some items not to pack.
Anything expensive especially with designer labels.
Items with price tags; these are easier to fence. Remove the tag.
Pirated goods like fake designer bags, sunglasses, watches. …
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1st Solo Trip? 1st Gynecological Exam?
Every day we hear the same: This is my first solo trip. I’m not sure I can do it.
Some in this photo are first time travelers. Practical concerns are flights: what if delayed? (fewer are than you think) What if stuck in an airport? What if my transfer is missing in action? Finally, what if I get sick? Or what if I use a bathroom more than the other women?
Emotional concerns: Will the tour manager be helpful with my many questions?…
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First Solo Trip, Where to Go
What are the best places to go for a first solo trip? Travel tips from The Women’s Travel Group.
My first solo trip was to Geneva, Switzerland. I was 15 going to a French speaking school near the Chateau de Chillon on Lake Geneva. In those days, Americans, especially teens, were exotic. With the 3 other Americans I met at the Institut, we acted fearless and, truth be told, naughty. (There is a doctor somewhere in Italy who, as a teen, gave me a first grown up kiss).…
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Cheapskates’ Wifi on Vacation
How to be cheap/smart/bargain hunter/whatever from The Women’s Travel Group. Paying for wifi overseas on top of paying a crazily expensive phone bill at home is a nasty burden. Before we start, any public wifi is insecure unless you purchase a VPN line. VPN lines are cheap but might not work on sites like Paypal or your financial sites: Bank, Stocks. Those sites usually need to identify your phone, computer or ipad.
Most hotels offer what they call free wifi; it is not really free as it is included in your room costs, or in junk fees added to that rate.…
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What are Junk Fees?
So what is this talk about junk fees? The Women’s Travel Group never adds them. Simplifying the definition: hotels are listed by price on line. The cheapest appear first. (Sponsored ads above them). We, normal people, are likely to click on the cheapest link if for the same hotel.
Once you click ‘yes ‘you want that property, you then choose your room type. All good so far. But to book that room you will see a list of extra fees in a shockingly expensive invoice.…
