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Women: Paris is Now
Thinking of Paris before the Olympics? Act now.
That is a smart thought. Before an Olympic, cities have to pass a tight audit well in advance of their dates. The audit covers their ability to host a major event: infrastructure, transportation, hotels, security, and such.
The benefits of hosting the games are huge: employment and a gigantic boost in tourism. The city builds new arenas and cleans up older ones.Most…
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Packing list for older women.
Today I started packing for Europe: specifically England, Italy and Switzerland. Although packing is no big deal for me, many women asked for my ‘system’. There are no fancy gadgets, no newly acquired clothes. There is no $1,000 cashmere scarf, which travel magazine writers tout as an airplane coverup.
Here goes THE SYSTEM.
Start at the bottom of your body, literally.
- Shoes: 2 pairs only, sneakers with which your feet are old friends AND one pair of light weight flats. Mine are black Allbirds.
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New Destinations for Women?
Women choose destinations based on 2 factors: intrinsic interest and the strong effect of marketing. Movies like Eat Pray Love or a TV Series like Emily in Paris tempt us. Gorgeous Caribbean blue water ads warm our hearts. Special events, ie King Charles III coronation, gets us packing.
Once we chose our trip, we are again faced with marketing. Paris: Eiffel Tower? Seine river boats? England: Tower Bridge? Crown Jewels?
What about new destinations and what to see in those countries. …
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So, What Traveling Women are Complaining?
The Women’s Travel Group read that Statistics show the surge for travel slowing. If the slow down is due to news about passenger complaints, read here?
When some of us first traveled, this is what we did. We went to the airport in a dress, heels and stockings. Even gloves and hats.
Our suitcase was heavy. It had no wheels so we carried it yard by yard from the street to the check in area. Our carry-on was a regular hand bag, not a backpack/no Longchamps bags.…
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‘Just in Case’ Information for Women Travelers
Recently I experienced a flight cancellation. The cancellation was announced after a long delay and various updates. It was due to weather. So no yelling at the airline or getting unduly upset. Weather is not the airline’s responsibility. It changes minute to minute so delays can linger before a formal cancellation.
I returned home by taxi and flew out on the same flight next day. Here is what I learned.
- If a flight is delayed, stay around the gate in case it departs without much notice.
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Smile. You are on Image Recognition
Most of us hate our passport photos; most of us at The Women’s Travel Group do. We take them in a vending booth, Staples, Fedex office or some other commercial space where we muster up a smile in front of strangers. Now here is the news: paper identification like a passport or license is moving to image recognition. Some of you already use images to open your smart phone.
Image recognition might also be familiar if you use Clear.…
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How to Avoid Long Immigration Lines
The Women’s Travel Group helps with advice on avoiding long airport lines. We all know what a passport is. Do you know what a mobile passport is? For eons, passports have been paper, then booklets of paper, then booklets of paper wrapped in firmer material.
A US Passport is only issued by the Department of State. By law, a valid unexpired U.S. passport (or passport card) is conclusive proof of U.S. citizenship.
The Trump Administration cut State Dept personnel more than 10% four years. …
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What to Expect in Europe this Summer
First of all check out our Summer Specials and last minute Savings
If there is a special event, restaurant or museum exhibit you wish, book it now. Europeans are raring to travel; so far a 14% increase. A Vermeer exhibit in Amsterdam was sold out months in advance. A revival of Guys and Dolls in London same situation. I am not a believer of Skip the Line tickets; seems elitist. If the ticket relates to your dreams, then go ahead.
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What Women Want in a Hotel Room
When I was a banker, HR chose 5 star hotels. 5 star business hotels are not always female friendly. If in commercial neighborhoods, streets are dark at night. A majority male population might mean loud guy-friendly bars. Today with The Women’s Travel Group, we chose differently.
A female hotel check list is different; star level can be less important. When I walk into a hotel room here is what I do:
First I want to know how to operate the a/c and lights.…
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Purge Your Carry On Bags
Things I purged from my carry on to make it lighter. The Women’s Travel Group ideas for easier travel.
Sneakers: wear them to save interior space. Throw in a cheap pair of ‘ballet flats’. with decent soles My go-to ballet flats are allbirds.com.
Extra bra and underpants. In 3-5 minutes anyone can wash underwear. Save the space for socks and tuck them into edge spaces.
Little hotel amenity bottles labeled with volumes are a thing of the past.…