ABC World Travel-A List of Continents and Countries to Explore

Posted on January 1, 2023 by Debbie

We are on a mission to see the world! This ABC list is a great way to begin your own alphabet tour.

If a location is highlighted, it means we have visited the area and you can find the stories about that country or continent within the blog. You may also use the search bar to navigate to our adventures.

Where will you visit on your next adventure?

General World Tour

A is for Africa, Asia, Antarctica, Australia, American Samoa, Antigua and Austria

B is for Bahamas, Barbados, Barbuda, Belgium, Belize and Brazil

C is for Canada, Chili, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba and Cyprus

D is for Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic and Dubai

E is for Europe, England and Egypt

F is for Fiji, Finland, France and French Polynesia

G is for Germany, Greece, Grenada, Grenadines and Guatemala

H is for Holland and Hungary

I is for Iceland, India, Ireland and Italy

J is for Jamaica and Japan

L is for Laos

M is for Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro and Morocco

N is for North America, Nevis, New Zealand and Norway

O is for Oman

P is for Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland and Portugal

Q is for Qatar

R is for Russia

S is for South America, Saint Kitts, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland

T is for Thailand and Turkey

U is for USA, United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates

V is for Vietnam

W is for Wales

Y is for Yemen

Z is for Zambia, Zimbabwe

“W” is For Word of the Year

Posted on January 1, 2023 by Debbie

Welcome to a brand new year! I know it is cliche’ to say that today offers a fresh start and a clean slate. I often think of my life as a book which I am continuously writing. Today is the beginning of a brand new chapter, which is yet to be defined. The pages are still blank. This optimistic view is the way I think about the beginning of most years.

But, I am also realist. Yesterdays challenges soon begin to spill into today. Too many things pull at our attention, the chapters of our story become mundane, or they continue to be written in the same manner. Time, left with no direction, will fall through our hands and before we know it, years have passed and we remain stuck in the same patterns of behavior.

Today is a good day for reflection. How is your story of life unfolding so far? Are you longing for adventure, wishing you had more money or time? Are you in a good relationship? Would you like to learn a new language or change careers? Do you dream of losing weight or stopping smoking?

The New Year always seems hopeful. Most people make resolutions at the beginning of each year; to lose weight, to give up bad habits, to learn something new and to spend more time doing things they love, seem to be the most common. By the end of the second week of a new year, most resolutions have already been forgotten as we slide back into old routines.

By the end of the year, when we realize we have not met our goals (again), we think back to our resolutions and feel like failures, yet every year we return to the same pattern of goal setting. This self deprecating behavior has a negative influence on our psyche.

What if a small shift in attitude could redirect how you experience your days? What if we no longer set resolutions? How freeing would that simple act be?

Years ago our family gave up this New Year tradition, instead we began choosing a single word on New Year’s Eve. This word would still be reflective of the things we wanted to change, the growth we aspired to and the direction we hoped to go.

The word would touch all areas of our lives (relationships, personal growth, goals etc). Our word could be carried with us throughout the year. We could interpret the word in any way which made sense to us. By choosing just one word (or a few), we could focus on change. Anytime we honored our word, we would succeed.

The word of the year is a positive, inspirational and hopeful message, that change is possible. These little words simply focus our intentions, inviting more of what you need or what you hope to achieve. They can reflect your ambitions, give you purpose, set goals and more. These little words define and lead you to your best self.

I see the word as a kind of compass for the coming year.

For example a resolution might be to lose weight but our word choice instead became “healthy”. How much more positive it became as we shifted our focus just a little. With this tiny word in front of us, we could give ourselves credit for every action we took throughout the year towards healthy living. Maybe we drank an extra glass of water, or took a walk, or went to bed at a reasonable hour, or chose to skip dessert.

When we offered ourselves this positive feedback, we wanted to continue. Perhaps the next day we did a little more, perhaps in a week we noticed we had lost a pound or two. The goals were being met, but there was no pressure…just a little word reminding us of our intentions.

Intentional living is the underlying mission of this site. Living your best life will always be the goal, it does not require a single day to begin, however New Year’s Day is the perfect time for change. If you are reading this today and it doesn’t happen to be New Years Day, then just jump in. Small incremental changes, lead to lasting results.

How to choose your word

1. Ask yourself questions. What is it you want to change, learn or discover? What would you do differently than last year? Is there something you want to continue doing? What do you want more of in life? What do you want less of? What is holding you back? (Think of an opposite word. For example fear becomes brave.)

2. Brainstorm. Jot down as many words as come to mind. These should be positive and affirming. Think about where you want to direct your life this year. It is okay if you have several or many words at this point. If you are stuck, there is a list of over 450 words below.

3. Narrow your list down. If you are left with more than one word, consider breaking the year down into quarters or in half. You could even choose a different word each month!

Keep your word visible

Keep your word in front of you and make sure you can see it every day. Make a cute graphic and put it on your phone. Write it out in big letters and post it on a wall. Put your word next to a place you use routinely…the coffee maker, a mirror or the back door. Write it on a small pebble or piece of paper and carry it around in your pocket. Make a plan(s)to bump into your word frequently. Each time you do, it will remind you to live your word.

Put your word into affirmations. Affirmations are powerful messages. They are written, spoken or meditated upon in the first person. For example, my word in 2019 was “expand”. Every decision I made in that year, I asked myself if I was expanding. This year in particular was a year of mental growth, as I immersed myself in learning. I was focused on learning to: garden, preserve food, write and improve my photography. Here are a few of my affirmations:

” I am expanding my knowledge.”

“My relationships with people are expanding”.

“As I expand, I feel connected.”

Rules

As with all our word games, there are no rules, except those we define for ourselves. If you want to choose a new word each month, go ahead and do so. If you want to use more than one word at a time, that is okay too.

Our words

Here are the words I have chosen for the past few years:

2019 Expand

2020 Embrace

2021 Adapt

2022 Revive

After years of being stuck at home, not seeing family, missing celebrations, struggling with shortages of every kind and numerous challenges we have developed a bit of negativity about how the years are unfolding. We have been very blessed in this life so we have decided it was time to find the silver lining in the moments. We have worked hard throughout our lives and now have the means to travel and rest in our retirement. We are surrounded by good people. Our 2023 word gives us an opportunity to reflect on all the many, many things we still have to be thankful for.

Our word for this year is “Appreciate”. We move forward into the unknown with an appreciation for all which we have, all which we create and an abundance of joy.

What word will you choose this year?

450+ Word of the Year Ideas

Absolve
Abundance
Abundant
Accept
Acceptance
Achieve
Act
Action
Adapt
Add
Advance
Adventure
Affect
Affluence
Alert
Align
Alignment
Alive
Allow
Amaze
Amazing
Ambition
Amplify
Anchor
Appreciate
Articulate
Ascend
Aspire
Attention
Awake
Awaken
Aware
Awareness
Awe
Awesome
Bad ass
Balance

Balanced
Be
Beautiful
Beauty
Become
Begin
Behold
Believe
Belong
Best
Better
Big
Birth
Bliss
Bloom
Bold
Boss
Bounce
Boundaries
Boundless
Bounty
Brave
Breath
Breathe
Bridge
Bright
Brother
Build
Calm
Capable
Captivating
Capture
Care
Caring
Celebrate
Center
Centered
Challenge
Change
Charisma
Chase
Cheer
Cheerful
Cleanse
Clear
Comfort
Commit
Committed
Communicate
Communication
Community
Compassion
Complete
Completion
Compose
Compromise
Confidence
Connect
Connection
Conquer
Conscious
Considerate
Consistency
Consistent
Contemplation
Contribute
Courage
Create
Creation
Creative
Creativity
Cultivate
Daughter
Declutter
Decrease
Dedicate
Dedication
Deliberate
Delight
Depth
Determination
Determined
Devote
Diligence
Direction
Discipline
Discover
Dream
Ease
Ecstasy
Education
Elevate
Elevation
Embody
Embrace
Emerge
Empathy
Empire
Empower
Encourage
Energize
Energy
Engage
Enhance
Enjoy
Enjoyment
Enlighten
Enlightenment
Enough
Enrapture
Enthuse
Enthusiasm
Enthusiastic
Environment
Epitome
Escalate
Examine
Excite
Excitement
Expand
Expansion
Experience
Exploration
Explore
Extraordinary
Faith
Family
Fast

Father
Favorite
Fearless
Finish
Fitness
Flourish
Flow
Fly
Focus
Force
Forgive
Forgiveness
Forward
Foster
Foundation
Free
Freedom
Friend
Friends
Fulfill
Fulfilling
Fun
Future
Gain
Generosity
Generous
Gentle
Gently
Give
Giving
Glisten
Glorious
Glow
Glow-up
Go
Goals
Grace
Gracious
Gratitude
Grounded
Grow
Growth
Habit
Happiness
Happy
Harmony
Heal
Health
Healthy
Help
Helpful
Heart
Here
Higher
Hold
Home
Honest
Honesty
Hope
Humble
Humility
Hustle
Ignite
Imagination
Imagine
Immerse
Improve
Improvement
Increase
Indulge
Infinity
Influence
Innovation
Insight
Inspiration
Inspire
Integrity
Intent
Intention
Intentional
Intimacy
Intimate
Intuition
Invest
Journey
Joy
Jump
Kind
Kindness
Laugh
Laughter
Lead
Leader
Leadership
Learn
Less
Liberate
Life
Light
Limitless
Listen
Live
Love
Luxury
Magic
Magical
Manifest
Maximize
Meaning
Meditate
Memories
Metamorphosis
Mindful
Mindfulness
Mindset
Minimize
Moment
Moments
Monetize
Money
More
Mother
Move
New
Nature
Nirvana
No
Nourish
Now
Nurture
Observe
Open
Optimistic
Organize
Overcome
Pardon
Partner
Passion
Patience
Pause
Peace
Permission
Persevere
Persist
Perspective
Play
Playful
Pleasure
Positivity
Possibilities
Possibility
Possible
Power
Powerful
Practice
Pray
Presence
Present
Prime
Prioritize
Priority
Process
Probable
Progress
Progression
Prosper
Purpose
Question
Quiet
Radiant
Re-brand
Receive
Reclaim
Reflect
Reflection
Relax
Release
Renew
Renewal
Reset
Resolve
Respect
Rest
Retreat
Revive
Rich
Rise
Rise
Romance
Satisfaction
Satisfy
Seek
Self
Self-care
Selfish
Self-love
Self-worth
Serene
Serenity
Service
Share
Shift
Shine
Siblings
Simple
Simplicity
Simplify
Sister
Sisterhood
Slow
Small
Smile
Soar
Son
Soul
Soulful
Space
Spark
Sparkle
Speak
Spirit
Steady
Still
Stillness
Strength
Strengthen
Stretch
Strive
Strong
Succeed
Success
Successful
Support
Surrender
Surround
Surroundings
Survive
Sympathy
Teach
Tempest
Think
This
Thoughtful
Thoughtfulness
Thrill
Thrilling
Thrive
Today
Touch
Transcend
Transform
Transformation
Transparent
Travel
Treasure
Trust
Truth
Try
Unchained
Understand
Unleash
Unique
Unlimited
Unstoppable
Value
Vibrant
Vision
Visionary
Vitality
Voice
Vulnerability
Vulnerable
Wake
Wander
Wealth
Wealthy
Wellness
Whole
Wholehearted
Why
Wild
Win
Winning
Wisdom
Wise
Wish
Wonder
Work
Worth
Worthy
Wow
Yes
Zenith

ABC Adventure-“Island Princess”- ABC’s of Cruising

Posted on November 1, 2022 by Debbie

This ABC Exploration Guide is specific to the Island Princess cruise ship. Use the following list to create your own adventure. Below you will find an alphabetized list of all the spaces on board. Within each space there are numerous activities which may be being held. Can you complete an entire alphabet as you discover what your ship has to offer? If an item is highlighted it will link to another article.

Amuleto (Deck 14)

Balcony Stateroom

Bar & Grill (Deck 15)

Bayou Cafe & Steakhouse (Deck 7)

Beauty Salon (Deck 14)

Bordeaux Dining Room (Deck 5)

Camp Discovery Youth Center (Deck 12)

Captain’s Circle Loyalty (Deck 5)

Card Room

Center Court (Deck 16)

Churchill’s Cigar Lounge (Deck 7)

Conservatory (Deck 15)

Crooner’s Bar (Deck 7)

Decks

Explorer’s Lounge (Deck 6)

Fine Arts Gallery (Deck 7)

Fitness Center (Deck 6)

Future Cruise Planning/Sales (Deck 8)

Good Spirits at Sea (Deck 5)

Guest Services (Deck 5)

Horizon Court Buffet (Deck 14)

Interior Stateroom

Internet Cafe (Deck 8)

Laundromat

Lawn Court (Deck 15)

Library (Deck 8)

Lido Bar (Deck 14)

Lido Pool & Hot tubs (Deck 14)

Lotus Bar (Deck 14)

Lotus Pool & Hot Tubs (Deck 14)

Lotus Spa (Deck 14)

Medical Center (Deck 4)

Mini Suite

Movies Under the Starts (Deck 15)

Ocean View Room

Photo Gallery (Deck 6)

Princess Casino & Bar (Deck 6)

Princess Links

Princess Pizzaria (Deck 14)

Princess Plaza (Piazza)-Deck 5

Princess Theater (Deck 7)

Promenade

Providence Dining Room (Deck 6)

Sabatini’s Italian Trattoriea (Deck 7)

Sanctuary (Deck 15)

Shopping Concierge (Deck 6)

Shore Excursion Desk (Deck 8)

Shuffleboard (Deck 16)

Splash Pool (Deck 16)

Suite

Swirls Ice Cream (Deck 14)

The Beach House Teen Lounge (Deck 14)

The Shop’s of Princess-Calypso Cove/Essence/Facets/Meridian Bay, (Deck 6)

Treatment Rooms (Deck 14)

Water Shuttle Embarkation (Deck 4)

Wedding Chapel (Deck 7)

Wheelhouse Bar (Deck 7)

Youth Center (Deck 14)

“A” is for Arranging Your Best Cruise Vacation-ABC Cruising

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Debbie

When we choose a cruise, we always ask ourselves what we want to experience.

Is our goal to set foot upon each continent?
Is it to immerse in a single country, or do we want to experience many different ones?
Is it the ship itself that we want to experience, or the itinerary?
Do we want restful days at sea, or an action filled schedule?
Are we willing to take a repositioning cruise to complete any of our goals?
How long do we want to be away?
What time of year do we want to travel?
Is this the best season for the areas we hope to see?
Where does the ship depart from and return to?
Will we need additional travel days to get there? Do we need to schedule transfers from a plane to the ship?

What does the ship have to offer?

What is the brand of the cruiseline? Is it known to be a party ship, or luxury liner? How old/young is the average passenger?
How old or young is the ship? Has it been refurbished?
What are the reviews for the ship?
How many passengers does the ship hold?
Are kids likely to be on the ship?
Are there adult only areas?
How many pools are there?
What activities are available on board? Are there water slides, golfing, go carts or wave pools on board? Which of these (if any) are important to me?
If the weather is bad, what indoor activities are available? Are there classes and cultural immersion opportunities? Are there shops available? Is there a movie theater?
What kinds of entertainment will be available? Are there Broadway style performances, pianists, comedians, magicians?
Are there areas for quiet activities, such as a library?
Is internet available?
Is the dining schedule rigid or relaxed? What options for meals do I have?
What kinds of rooms are available?

Money matters.

What is included in the cost? What is not? Often alcohol, specialty coffee, specialty dining, internet and shore excursions will cost extra.
Are gratuities included? Most cruise lines add $12-$15 per day and there is often an 18% gratuity for drinks.
Are there packages available?
What discounts/promotions are available?

Have a great vacation!

“T” is for Tips and Tricks-ABC’s of Airline Travel

Posted on July 20, 2022 by Debbie

Here is a list of our best tips for airline travel:

When booking your flight, allow enough time between connecting flights. We usually strive for 1 ½ hours. Generally this allows for minor delays. If we are traveling internationally, these layovers may involve clearing customs and security. In this case we allow between 2-2 1/2 hours layover because we must claim our bags and go through the security check all over again. In either case, we look to see how many more “chances” there will be to catch another flight, if for some reason our connecting flight gets cancelled or delayed.
Choose your seat. I prefer knowing where I am going to sit. I want to be with my family if possible. My husband has very long legs, so he must always have an aisle seat. If we can upgrade to gain a for a few more inches of legspace, we often do so. Websites such as seat guru can often tell you the advantages and disadvantages to choosing certain seats. Surprises such as finding you are sitting next to a bathroom, or that the seats don’t recline, can make travelling a very unpleasant experience.
Download airline/airport apps. These can help you see gate changes and flight delays. The airport apps often offer layouts for each terminal. Knowing where you are going if you are rushing can save precious minutes.
Purchase or borrow luggage which can be pulled or pushed. Carrying heavy bags when you are also having to run for a flight is never easy. A backpack is also a good option.
Check size and weight restrictions of luggage before flying. Realizing you are 1 lb over the limit and getting charged an extra $50-$100 because of it is a sure fire way to start off on the wrong foot. The same is true for oversize luggage. Many airlines have overall dimensions of luggage. This is the length x width x depth.
Know how many pieces and what constitutes a personal item. Carry on luggage may be subjected size and weight restrictions. Again, this helps to avoid those extra charges. Some international flights are very specific about what constitutes a personal item. Small commuter planes often don’t have the ability to store even regular size carry ons (see gate checking luggage).
Place a contact sheet and itinerary page inside each suitcase and carry on. This is usually the last thing I pack so that if the case is opened, it will be the first thing someone sees. If my luggage is lost, this simple piece of paper will help reconnect me with my bags.
Label all luggage on the outside. Use a luggage tag, or one of the tie on pieces located at the check in desk. For safety, your personal information should be covered (the tie on tags fold and tuck). If you are shopping for luggage tags, look for the kind with a security flap.
Pack all prescriptions in original containers. Always carry your prescription medication in your carry on. If this is not possible, make sure to have a few extra days of the medication in the carry on.
Pack your carry on as if you might need to gate check your case. Full flights often run out of overhead storage. When this happens, the remaining passengers will be asked to gate check their luggage. Always remove your id & passports and anything else of importance if you are asked to gate check. Gate checked luggage is different than normal checked baggage. The carry on items will be tagged and stored in a special location on the plane. Ground crew will deliver the luggage to the walkway once the plane lands. Unfortunately gate checked luggage is not tagged to move on to your next destination, so if there are challenges with the machines/people who are unloading it, it can make you late to catch your next flight since you must wait for this luggage. This is what happened to about half the plane on our last flight, after the hydraulics broke on the lift which bring the bags up. I have never seen so many angry people.
Having a foldable shopping bag packed on top of your luggage or in a side pocket is helpful. This can be a store bought pouch or a paper shopping bag. If you are forced to gate check your carry on, this bag allows you to transfer your most needed items quickly, just remember this is going to go under the seat in front of you, so take only your essentials. *Always keep cash, ID, passports and prescriptions with you.
Before leaving for the airport, think about how you will dress. Dress for speed. No underwire bras (they set off the alarm and almost guarantee a pat down). Easy to remove jackets or cardigans are easier than those which need pulling over your head. Slip off shoes ae easier than lace ups (remember to wear footies if you are not wearing socks, you don’t want to stand in that line barefoot…yuck). *Always wear shoes you can run in…you never know when those gate changes are going to happen or when your flights make a connection very close. If you want high heels or flip flops, carry them in the carry on and change once you reach your gate.
Dress in layers. Planes can be too hot and too cold. Extra clothing can always double as a pillow.
Speaking of pillows, they do not count as luggage. If you find you don’t have enough space in your carry on, you can put a coat, clothing or other soft items in a zippered pillow case. This will serve multiple functions as you travel.
Arrive 2-3 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. In large international airports, you may need every minute of this time to clear security. Smaller airports may only need 1-1 1/2 hours. If you find yourself with extra time, go shopping, get a bite to eat, look at art or hang out in a lounge but don’t stress yourself by arriving at the airport late.
If you are parking a car, write down your parking space number and/or take a photo with your cell phone. You will thank me when you return.
Always carry some cash. If you become stranded at an airport or while en-route, there is never a guarantee that ATM’s and/or online credit card systems will be functioning. Depending on how far I am traveling, how many overlays I have and where I am going, I usually carry enough to pay for a meal, a car rental and a hotel room. (Generally about $50-$250). There is a limit to how much cash can be carried (usually $10,000) , so make sure to declare it, especially if you are transiting between countries. When declaring your cash, be sure to include travelers checks and cashiers checks.
Carry some food and snacks. If a flight is cancelled, you may find yourself overnighting in an airport. Stores may be closed. If a flight is delayed and sitting at a gate or on the tarmac, there will be no food/drink service.
Pack a USB charger. Our phones carry the equivalent of a computer these days. They replace cameras, MP3 players and books. They carry our calendars, address books, maps and more. Having them functioning at all times can prevent a lot of stress. There are many ways to use up your battery on a cell phone…photos, reading, listening to music and/or watching movies. Having a USB charger allows you to recharge while waiting for a flight and/or if your flight is delayed. The charger can often be used on the plane too. Just toss one in the carry on, you will be happy you did!
Check in online when possible. This helps to prevent standing in line.
Pack liquids and gels in a see through quart sized zip lock bag. Place the bag towards the top of your carry on case or in an outside pocket for easy removal. You will be asked to remove these if you do not have Global Entry.
Pack electronics toward the top of your carry on. You will be asked to remove these if you don’t have Global Entry.
Choose the furthest left queue in the security line, it is generally less busy.
Remove jewelry, belts and jackets before you get in line, or while standing in line. Don’t be “that” person who slows the process by not being ready to move through security. All of these items can be placed inside luggage if you have room. Otherwise follow the steps below:
Remove your passport and boarding pass (these are carried through the scanner).
Place jackets and coats in the first bin.
Place electronics (laptop, Ipads, Kindles etc) in a separate bin.
Place shoes and wallet/purse and jewelry together in the last bin, that way you will never forget to pick up your wallet and valuables.
Send your luggage through the scanner.
Once past security, purchase or fill a water bottle. Hydration is the best way to combat jet lag and helps to prevent airborne illnesses.
Consider purchasing coffee or tea before boarding the plane. The water on the plane has been stored in large containers which are never cleaned. This is the wate tea and coffee are made with.
Listen for announcements. It is easy to pass the time by plugging into headphones but miss the announcement of a gate change and you can be left running.
Watch for changes around the waiting area. Did everyone suddenly leave? You better check the departure board.

When you have done all that you can to prepare, you can sit back knowing that you are ready for “almost” anything. Enjoy your stress free vacation

“L” is For Lightweight Luggage-Packing Tips and Tricks

Posted on July 12, 2022 by Debbie

Don’ t waste your weight limits by owning heavy suitcases! On a recent trip, I weighed our cases before I even began packing. They weighed over 13 pounds and this was before I had even added one pair of socks!

With average weight restrictions on most flights being only 50 pounds, I was frustrated with giving up over 20% of the maximum allowance to the suitcase. But where to begin looking for a new case?

There are so many options when it comes to luggage. Since we would be making a substantial financial investment in them, I wanted to give some thought to what we needed.

My body is aging and lifting cases has become more difficult over the years. I want to be able to move the cases easily. I was looking for a case which could be pushed or pulled. My last wish was for adjustable handles, since there is a significant height difference between my husband and I.

We knew we would be taking these cases around the world. I needed them to be sturdy but as light as possible since we might be away for long trips, which might require a lot of clothing.

There were many things which distracted me while I was shopping, such as built in power banks, but sticking to my original wishes, I realized these would just weigh the bag down.

A little research and a shopping trip later, we ended up with these great bags from Travel Pro. With over 8,000 reviews, customers consistently expressed how happy they were with the cases. Many had completed hundreds of trips and still saw the bags outperforming others. I was sold.

The Travelpro Maxlight 5 is regularly featured on many travel blogs (which is how I had found it).There are 4 different size options ranging from carry on to 29″. There is also an underseat tote.

We chose the 26″ for our needs. This large suitcase weighs just 7.5 pounds! This gave me an additional 5+ pounds of wiggle room, compared to our older luggage.

With 10 choices of colors, the most difficult decision was which one to choose. In the end, we defaulted to our trustworthy black. Although we loved many of the color choices, we worried that some of the lighter ones might show the dirt (even though they are stain restistant), we just wanted low maintenance. We also knew that we would eventually tire of the colored cases, or they would become obsolete in time. Since we expect to keep these for a while, we stuck with the tried and true.

There were additional features which attracted us to this luggage such as:

spinner wheels- so we don’t have to pull the case.
multiple locking positions on the handle-adjusts for tall/short people.
a water and stain resistant exterior- which is handy if the case sits outside in inclement weather (as ours did on our 2021 trip to England).
side handles AND top handles-for easy grabbing in every direction off of those overfull baggage carousels.
an expanding zipper- which adds an additional 2 inches of depth to the case. Great when you buy too many souvenirs.
many zippered sections-to tuck in those odd items.
a separate lid pocket-great for separating and organizing.
patterned interior-this was especially helpful with the small tote. No more caverns of dark fabric when reaching into a deep bag.
interior straps-to keep the contents snug.

Airline Travel Tips & Tricks

Posted on July 1, 2022 by Debbie

There are many things about airline travel which can make your journey just a little easier. We have organized these tips and tricks alphabetically. If it is highlighted it will link to a supporting story. Check back often as we add to our growing list of tips & tricks.

Airline Lounges

Boarding Passes

Connecting Flights

Delayed Flight Benefits

Emergency Travel Budget

Flight Apps

Global Entry

Hydrate

Inflight entertainment

Jetlag

Luggage

Meal Orders in Advance

Noise Cancelling Headphones

Priority Pass

Reward Members

Security

Tips & Tricks

TSA Approved Snacks

Transport Services

Understanding Airline Rules

Water and Liquids

X is for Xing

Posted on October 25, 2021 by Debbie

Because the ABC game is part Scavenger Hunt, we make up our own rules as we go along. On our ABC Adventure to Grayling, Gaylord and Petoskey, we were nearing the completion of our alphabet. As usual, we didn’t have an X. We racked our brains for the X words we knew. Often we resort to using the X in words like eXcite or eXcellent. Today, in the pouring rain, we saw a sign, which matched our letter.

An ABC Adventure doesn’t have to be difficult, our only rules (for ourselves) are to have fun, to discover and to explore the world purposefully.

As I watched my husband get drenched to get this photo, I was having fun. It makes me laugh to think of the antics we get up to.

I “discovered” we were under surveillance because there was a security camera on the caboose parked alongside this railroad crossing. I wonder if it left them scratching their heads to observe us.

I had found the caboose, now turned restaurant, in my online study of the area. We were trying to purposefully explore, but sadly the restaurant had been closed.

All was not lost though, we decided to eXclaim that we were declaring this our “X”. Thus Xing it off our list!

“O” is for Opportunities at Ostego Lake

Posted on October 16, 2021 by Debbie

On an ABC Adventure, it can be hard to represent each letter. Such was the case with our letter “O”.

As we traveled through Northern Michigan, on our 2 day adventure, we realized that we were passing through the county of Ostego. Like with many of our challenging letter, we had left the “opportunity” to discover something new “open”. It meant we just needed to be “observant” as we traveled, always looking for words which we could add to our list.

This is how we came upon the county of Ostego, which is where the town of Gaylord lies. Gaylord had been one of our destinations. With much Native American influence in this area, I researched the word Ostego. There are actually a great many interpretations of origin. One shows it meaning a “place of the rock”another means, “clear waters”. The county is nestled in a glacial valley, filled with over 300 lakes, making both descriptions seem accurate.

Either way, we knew it would be worth a moment of our time as we pulled into the Otsego State Park and just enjoyed a few minutes of exploration around the pristine beach along Ostego Lake. It was the perfect excuse to get “outside” and breath. It had been another “outstanding” moment along our path of discovery.

“N” is for a Nourishing Nature Preserve

Posted on October 15, 2021 by Debbie

Never mind that nature and north both begin with the letter N, it seems our brains were not allowing us to play with words on our Northern Michigan road trip. Except for the letter N, we had completed the entire alphabet as we had traveled along on our two day adventure. There was a sense of pressure to find our final letter before arriving home. I can’t imagine how many opportunities we had already missed.

Then we saw it! The “nature” preserve was tucked off to the side. It was pouring with rain. We could have easily talked ourselves into bypassing the opportunity. Instead we turned down a miles long, dead straight dirt road. The tunnel of trees created a canopy over the car as we ventured toward our unknown destination. Along the way the magic of Michigan was present everywhere.

The greens of the forest were almost ethereal from the rain. A magical mist floated among the branches. As the woods wrapped us in their embrace, this peaceful location seemed untouched and unspoiled by man. Deer quietly stepped in front of the car, unafraid as if they had never known the fear of encroachment. We continued driving. The deeper we went, the more isolated it became. Suddenly the road ended and we were left to explore the most amazing beach, free of everything except beauty. We had been nourished.

ABC Explorers

Blog