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Falling Down 15 Stairs
Yesterday we read about the awful attack in Istanbul. Shocking videos made even my stalwart travel spine shiver. My heart went out to those injured and families of those killed. Then I remembered how, in a moment of stupidity, I fell down 15 steep stairs, collapsing at the bottom with a flying iPad. Wondering if I was crippled for life. Why connect the two?
Reading about terrorism and being personally affected by it are very different animals. The statistics of being part of a terrorist event are miniscule, yet television metaphorically covers us with blood.…
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US Passport Problems
The elephant who came to our bus in Jaipur India to say hi. Next India trip: Dec 2016
Can a US Passport Holder be turned away by a country that normally allows us entry? We all assume that our US/ Canadian passports grant us entry to practically all nations. (When The Women’s Travel Group trips require a visa ahead of time for instance India,Iran, Brazil) , we advise you carefully).
Here are some situations where you might spend your vacation in the airport.…
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Saving Seats in Airports for Mystery People?
Accept temporary TSA delays. Here is what really has to change: the behavior of fellow passengers. And your reaction…
Stop saving seats for mystery people. Tell the saver, you will sit there until the mystery person comes back.
Don’t talk on the phone in bathroom stalls. Knock on the stall door and alert them.
Don’t leave a 100% charged device in the shared electrical plug. Find the owner and tell them you are replacing it with yours.
Drop trash in the bin, not on the adjacent table.…
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Heavy packables to throw out
Travel clothes today are easy, leggings have replaced trousers/ washables have replaced cotton. So why is your suitcase so heavy? Travel doctors tell us that back issues are the number one health problem for traveling women. Moving your heavy case in the hotel room is one reason. So here are some weighty things to leave home.
Shoes: toss heavy shoes and replace with light walking shoes. Merrell is one brand that produces solid but light walkers. Also: Easy Spirit, some Rockports, Keen.…
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Is it Odd to Travel Solo for Christmas?
Do we all fit the image of ‘happy family with turkey and gifts under the tree”? Or are you with no family, and friends who invite you because you make a great cake? You are not an oddball; we hear this all the time.
No matter what your religion, going away for Christmas removes you from the intensity, memories, and obligations of the season. Leaving home and family, if you have any, means more than ‘taking a trip’. It is a form of refreshing independence. …
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Uber Services Frenemies? Or Friends?
Today I read in travel news that Virgin America in Dallas Love Airport is giving free rides by Uber for passengers. Besides being frequent flyers, most of us are also frequent taxi to the airport people. Who do you use?
Taxis can be hard to find during bad weather, holidays, even Fridays after work. In some cities regular taxis now at least have a smart phone app like Uber offers. Radio cabs which you can book on line usually charge a few more dollars than taxis but they are reservable.…
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Women Traveling in History
This is a fun article written by Phyllis Stoller of www.thewomenstravelgroup.com about women travelers of history and us today. Are we so different? I think not!
Happy Holidays to all our wonderful travelers. See you in Turkey? or Chile? or India?…
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Ten New Trends for Women Travelers
An excellent article about us women travelers with a long interview with Phyllis Stoller, founder of The Women’s Travel Group…
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Excuses Friends Use NOT to Travel
Yes we all… eat gelato in Italy and are proud of it.
Excuses Friends Use NOT to Travel
“Have to think about it”.
“Cannot decide now”.
“Want to get a frequent flyer mile ticket”.
“Might need a procedure?
“My family doesn’t think I should go”.
But here is what women are actually thinking:
“I am afraid to go alone, even in a group”.
“I am shy and not good around new people.”
“I used to travel with my husband/best friend/partner and he passed away”.…
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Group Trip Deadlines & Discounts
The Women’s Travel Group has strict deadlines for bookings on most of its trips. The reason is that most resorts / airlines etc. impose these dates to control discounts. For instance, Canyon Ranch gives us a 35% discount on our group booking for Columbus Day Weekend, but the resort takes away unsold rooms in mid August– months before our arrival. This rule guarantees them that unsold rooms can be given to the general public at a higher rate, and it puts pressure on us to fill them.…
