October 20, 2015

Tanya's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 17 DAYS

I dream of going...

Hey there!
Here we are, it's another Travelin' Tuesday!

Since I'm not travelin' this week what better than to talk about it?! 
Which I'll get to in a minute...

Just to catch you up on yesterday - it was kinda a DUD. I know it was Monday, but usually Monday plays no differently in my book than any other day of the week.
But yesterday was just incredibly unproductive, and I really don't like being unproductive.
I couldn't even get my nails done...Did I mention that I "broke" a nail while on one of the last obstacles at the Gladiator Rock'N Run.
Yup climbing the "BEAST' I chipped a nail.
​So of course I need/want to get it repaired and while I'm at it just get a new mani!

Well, my "girl" Ivy had recently switched salons and I couldn't get a hold of her early enough to get over there to see her.
In the meantime I had searched on Yelp for other possible salons - looking at both the pics and the reviews. While the reviews weren't so bad on some of them, the pics were kinda SCARY.
I'm rather particular with my nails and HATE getting a lousy job, or something that I'm not totally Happy with. So I said screw it, and didn't go.

Ivy got back to me and we made an appointment for today. But...then I got another message from her last night explaining that she is actually moving on from the new salon and will let me know where she ends up! UGH. 
I don't think I can wait, but the thought of getting a lousy Manicure might do the trick and I'll just wait it out. We shall see.

As usual we went out for a quick bite at Veggie Grill before choir rehearsal. Then I had another Board Meeting for the IPC, and decided that we should wait on going to the movies until Friday.
And that was my unproductive day. Blah.

So now let's talk travel!

​I'm gonna change things up a bit here, and instead of talking about where I'm going, I'm gonna share a few places that are on my "Can't wait to See/Do or Do again" List -

I really really want to see and Trek Patagonia!

Credit: lonelyplanet.com

I've been waiting and wanting to see Iguzu Falls!

Credit: travelsupermarket.com

I've always wanted to go to St. Petersburg!

Credit: worldtop7.com

I can't wait to return to Peru!

Peru Adventure (2012)

I'd also like to go back to Costa Rica..

Costa Rica Trip (2008)

I look very forward to taking a South American Cruise around Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan!

Credit: luxurycruiseconnections.com

Italy is always on my mind!!

Italy Trip (2014)

And as a Vegan I really want to check out Berlin - the TOP Vegan City Worldwide!!!

Credit: expedia.com

And you should know that we really want to return to Iceland ASAP too!

These are all places that I have to get on the calendar!
​Oh believe me there are soooo many more places to go - these are just stand outs and
some of them are more difficult than others and should be scheduled during a specific "season" and that season is our winter...where you should know by know that I really don't like to book trips other than Ski Vacations in the winter.
​So it is kinda tough for me. But I really need to get a plan in action. I must!

​Now to get on with the rest of my day, and plan some vacations!!
I have some bookings to do, and need to work on the itinerary/schedule for the the next few upcoming trips! My idea of FUN ;)

Hope you have a GREAT DAY!

​-T

Elisa's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 23 DAYS

Travelin' Through Airport Check-in

Howdy Folks!! 

Tuesday here and I'm lovin' it!

Well, I got through Monday just fine.  I had to, unfortunately, take a ride out to Plainview, yet again, to the Uniform store.  

​Why? Since I was just there a week ago -- because the idiot salesperson I had told me the current blouses that Gianna had from 5th grade were the correct ones for 6th grade (even though the entire uniform changed!) and the poor kid realized once at school that she was supposed to wear a new style!

Boy, was I pissed!  In any case, we were helped by a very helpful young sales associate who got us out in 15 minutes!  Not terribly painful.

Ugh, but in the end - a total waste of time!!

I also finished my feature about An American in Paris!!  CLICK HERE for the full story, An American in Paris on the New York Stage.  

CLICK IMAGE below for Tickets!!  As you will read, I recommend this show wholeheartedly.

Don't miss my feature about this enchanting Broadway production! Click link above! Click image for tickets!

​
​So, how do you check in at the airport?  Do you go inside and get on the lines up to the airline counter? Or do you pull up to the curbside counter, drop 'em and head inside hands free?

Well, I will tell you, I'm a big Curbside Check-in Gal, whenever possible and here's why...

Convenient:
Since much of my travel is either solo or with the kids, schlepping my bags is the last thing I want to do.  With the opportunity to drop them off at curbside check in, provides an invaluable convenience.  

​I'm bag free on my walk through the airport and have my boarding pass to proceed directly to the gate. Keep curbside in mind whenever traveling with kids or a heavy load of luggage!

Time Saver:  
In general, the lines inside the airport are longer.  Clearly, depending on the weather, most people opt to head on inside out of the elements and win up battling the crowds winding around the designated lanes.

Not for Bag Drop-Off Only:
Even if you are not checking bags, and doing the "carry-on" thang - you can still check in at curbside to grab your boarding pass.  

Friendlier Experience:
According to the SmarterTraveler.com, people reported that curbside Skycaps were generally more friendly and happier than their counterparts inside the airport dealing with the crowds of people.  I'm inclined to think that being outside rather than cooped up in a noisy, stuffy airport adds to their good mood!

At Curbside leaving for Prague in June 2015

Curbside is not an option at all airlines, but here is a list of those that do offer it, some charging a small fee (in addition to bag fee), while others do not.

​American Airlines: 
American offers curbside check-in at nearly 30 airports. However, a few airports only offer seasonal curbside check-in service.  For example,  in Cincinnati you can't use curbside for international travel. No Fee.  

Delta Airlines:
​Delta offers curbside check-in at roughly 100 locations. No Fee.  

JetBlue Airlines:
JetBlue offers curbside check-in at two dozen U.S. airports.
$2 Fee. No Cash Accepted For Payment. Cash OK for gratuities.

Airports with No Fee: Washington Dulles, Washington Reagan, and Westchester County White Plains  

Southwest Airlines: 
Curbside check-in is available at most airports served by Southwest. 
No Fee.  

United Airlines: 
Curbside check-in is available at 40 Airports served by United.
No Fee.  

US Airways:
​Curbside check-in is available at a limited number of airports.
$2 Fee Per Bag 

Virgin America Airlines:
Curbside check-in is available at certain airports including San Francisco, Los Angeles (LAX), and Dallas Love Field. Passenger is required to have checked in online and hold a printed or mobile boarding pass.
No Fee.   

And of course, I'm a big believer in tipping, which is generally encouraged for all curbside check-in.

We're also thrilled that today we have a Guest Writer, Kathleen Crane, who will tell us about the art of keeping the car clean when traveling with kids!! Sounds impossible? Well Kathleen has some very helpful tips to insure its possibility!! CLICK HERE for full article.

Here's to a great day folks!!

See ya back here tomorrow!

-E
xoxo