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Thursday, July 12, 2012

DOC AUX'S MAGICAL, CURE-ALL TRAVEL TIPS

DOC AUX'S MAGICAL, CURE-ALL TRAVEL TIPS

  With the family on our annual "River Trip" to the California Sierras--
a tradition started by Dad and Grandpa pre-WWII!

Hello, you’ve reached Cap’n Aux.  I’m out of the flight deck right now.  In fact, I'm off backpacking some random corner of the globe!

So, I thought a few quick travel tips gleaned over the past (X) decades might be apropos, and perhaps suffice to cure your Airline/Adventure fix for the week...

As mentioned in a previous blog, the best travel tip I ever received came from my dad: "When you plan a trip, first lay out on your bed everything you want to take.  Then, put away half the clothes and take twice the money."
But of course, there are Essential travel tools.

Ideally, try to limit yourself to:
-1 big backpack/roller board, and
-1 sturdy day pack/carry on.  

  Backpack/rollerboard, with detachable day pack
--the only way to go!

I LOVE the new all-in-one backpack/rollerboard/detachable day packs now available out there.  Perfect for world travel!

**slaps head** Now why didn't I think of that?!

PS: I have used the same wonderful, sturdy fanny pack since college (thank you, Julia!)

Miss TWA's personal shoe-toting carry-on!

In the Daypack/Carry on:
-PASSPORT/ID!!!
-Boarding pass(es)!!
-ear plugs
-eye masks
-blow up pillow
-ipod/music/earphones
-Local map: You can't beat the ones that the car rental places give out!  Ask for one at the counter even if you're not renting their car.
-Compass, strapped outside of pack (essential when emerging from a subway/train station/airport in a foreign city!)
-toothbrush/paste/deoderant
-1 used, thick paperback
-1 change of shirt or equivalent
    While we all may cherish our Kindle or iPad (see below), nothing beats a paperback that you can toss around, beat up, read during taxi and takeoff, and...TRADE!!  And it NEVER runs out of batteries!
-Small sketchbook/journal, pen/pencil
-power converter plug(s) for the appropriate country(ies)

-a VAGUE--not set in stone!--plan.

BE READY TO VEER WILDLY OFF COURSE AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT!!!!

Images reprinted courtesy of (i.e. blatantly stolen from) Synz at From Sea to Summit blog:
http://from-seatosummit.blogspot.com/

CLOTHES-Unisex version
Depending on climate:
-light rain resistant, hooded jacket
-1 or 2 zip off pants<-->shorts
-at least 1 long sleeve, button/collar shirt
-1 or 2 t-shirts, but NO MORE! (buy local souvenir shirts as u go!)
-Swim suit/workout shorts
-a few undies n sox
-squishable, rain repellant hat
-cheap, ditchable sun glasses (if prescription, take your old pair!)
-plan to dress in layers, as the climate demands. Ex: undershirt, long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, jacket...

Indiana Jones--my inspiration for practical world travel!

-1 pair of nice hiking shoes (they will be your dress shoes, walking shoes, etc!)
-1 pair of sandals (optional, or could purchase at destination)

  Uh, minus the whip...Petra, Jordan

Plan to wash your clothes every 4-5 days or so; again, buy shirts as you go, as souvenirs!

Let's go on an ADVENTURE!!

$$$/Security
-Try not to carry too much cash; what you have, stash in 2 or 3 separate places.  If you get picked or robbed, you still have the other stashes.

  Remember, guys:  practical, versatile shoes!  Uh, ladies...you're on your own!!

-In today's modern world, except for the most remote places, you really don't need a plethora of cash.  Credit cards and/or debit cards work great!  And ATM's abound.  Use them to withdraw cash.  They often give the best rate, and the extra charges on are worth the minimal hassle; consider the charges "insurance."  Just withdraw a few hundred at a time, worry free!  Take 2-3 credit and debit cards, all stashed separately.
-Scan of driver's license, passport--2 copies with you, stored separately (if with a travel buddy, trade copies), and at least one back home with a loved one who can fax it in an emergency.
The right backpack(s) is essential! Photo courtesy
(i.e., stolen from) Hedgehogs W/o Borders: http://www.hedgehogswithoutborders.com/blog/entry/backpacking+without+backpacks

Electronic Extras:
In today's e-age, I can't fathom hiking the Himalayas or exploring the Amazon without my iPhone and iPad.  So, some app recommendations for the smart phone/pad/kindle:
-a buncha books
-a buncha games
-a fully charged recharger



Random Recommended Apps:
-Next Flight -FlightTrack -TripTracker
-AroundMe -Urbanspoon -Yelp
 -Free Wi-Fi  -BedBugAlert
-e-Travel Guide(s) for your trip: Still in the fledgeling stage, but out there.  Lonely Planet has multiple city guides available on apps now; usually, however, you need to buy each separately, which all then load into the one "Lonely Planet" app.  They have a ways to go, however, before I'm really impressed with their e-guide.
-Dictionary/translator app for locals (Can anybody out there recommend a good one?)


Images reprinted courtesy of (i.e. blatantly stolen from) Synz at From Sea to Summit blog:
http://from-seatosummit.blogspot.com/
OTHER RANDOM TIPS:
Travel guides: Ever since my virgin international sojourn to Japan in 1986, my personal favorite guide has always been Lonely Planet; amazingly candid and non-commercial, I felt it was speaking to my very soul (I still remember the quote that sold me:  "The Japanese can read and write English flawlessly.  They can spot the difference between a gerund and a gerundive at 60 paces; but they can't order lunch.")
My best friend swears by Rick Steves.  The College budget backpack crowd swears by "Let's Go" series.  My other best friend just swears...And you can never go wrong with a good Frommer's!
-Gifts: bring a bunch of little trinkets from home: IheartNY key chains, Grand Canyon buttons, etc., to give as gifts to those you meet.  You'll be repaid in kind - exponentially!

  Now that's one savvy traveler!

-As a "non-rev" (flying non-revenue standby), I try to NEVER check my luggage; if I get bumped, my bags could fly without me; conversely, who among us hasn't had the lovely experience of our checked luggage getting rerouted to the rings of Saturn?
-As for hotel roomsNever by the elevator! Never by the ice or drink machine! Never above the 7th floor (limit that the firetruck ladder can reach!)   Never by the Honeymooners!  Never by the drunk frat/bachelor/bachelorette party!  Never by the freeway! Of course, this may leave few options left.  If stuck, turn on the a/c, stick in those earplugs, and do your best.  Or...go join the party next door!

  Home sweet home!  Er, coffee shop...Petra, Jordan

Anything I skipped or missed?  Got a good travel tip??  Please comment, or contact me at capnaux@gmail.com!

20 comments:

  1. Thanks for the travel tips, Cap'n. But...but...really?? Only 1 pair of hiking boots....I mean....gulp...one pair of shoes only?!? I...I...I dunno if I can do that!!! Ha ha...

    Nice post. I'd be interested in any other travel tips. You were thorough.

    Take care.
    GG

    ReplyDelete
  2. Whew! That was a great read on travel tips. One issue I'm having a hard time on is the one pair of hiking boots to use as dress shoes...ya...not sure about that one. Ha! I guess though it all depends where you are:)

    I absolutely love the travel tip your dad gave you. He was one smart man. My mom kinda taught me how to do that, by laying everything out and then learning to mix n match clothes together, thus taking less. I'm not very good at following that advice unless I'm made to. Ha! Taking trinkets with you is such a great way to trade for the local wares in other countries, and is always a great gift in general for the open hospitality that many offer us "wild" Americans.

    Again, another great read. You really shared some excellent tips that I am sure many of us will put to use. Except maybe for some of us girls the "one" pair of shoes. Lol!

    Thank you Cappie.....Bon ;)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes, ladies, I can see where you'd take issue with that ONE pair, LOL! OK of COURSE the ladies can take a pair of stilettos with them (or whatever your fav' dress shoe is!!) But, shoes do take up a lot of space and weight....just sayin'!

    ReplyDelete
  4. So Cappy off backpacking.......huh?
    Yea I've heard that......."AARP"...offer 'Magnificent' Old Timer......tours....during these.......the "Old Dog" Days of Summer.....????!!!!
    and all these helpful tips.......♣......Shoes:......Mmmmm
    Remember Ladies.......always pack an extra pair of shoes......just for
    Bopping someone 'upside' the head.......!!!!!
    YEP..........Folks.....there is "NO" language barrier....there....it's pretty much "Universal".....and
    needs No translation.....!!!
    and if need be....you have the the "LEFT" shoe.....to make Damn sure They got it "RIGHT"..this time........OH MY......
    Well enough violence.........
    Another fine "Tip"..............

    "Bring a Used Thick paperback book".............Mmmm

    'Brilliant' economical way to carry one's 'toilet paper'.......
    besides... diapers take up too much room......!!!!
    Now thats what I call packing "SMART"!!!!!!!!
    and you leave less of a "Carbon footprint".....Eshhhhh♦

    Oh Cappy you do know I am joshing...here....??!!

    Looking "Forward". to the World Premier of your VLOG...!!!!
    No matter how many times you see a Jet's landing gear....."KISS" the runway.....Never the same twice....kinda like one's first Kiss.....So Exciting.....don't you kinda wish all Kisses were "First Kisses"....??!!

    And they do say "Variety is the spice of life".....no exception with Kisses.....so lets practice the "Turn the other cheek.....variation..........;)))))))
    Kidding of course..........
    Cappy enjoy your Back packing trip!!!!!!!

    Stay Safe.......
    MissTWA

    Hows that $12.00 Watch holding up???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Miss T, you're a nut!

      Of COURSE you ladies can have your own extra suitcase to shlep around your shoes in!! Hope you have enough hands/muscles to do so!! Or do you hire a porter/sherpa?! And what a lovely, innovative extra use for your paperback...NOT!!!

      Vid coming along nicely. It's gonna be a hoot!

      My $12 Thai watch is still counting down the days to the premier!!

      Delete
  5. Hey Cap'n!

    Have a nice and safe trip!

    I just KNEW Giulia would start about the shoes before I even clicked on the comment section ;)
    This post, is bookmarked! Great advise from an experienced traveller. I must say though that I managed not to forget anything on my trip. The saying is correct though, didn't need all the clothes and did need more money!

    LOL @ Julie, but do make sure you use the already read papers for the toilet issue's haha.

    Take care Captain, looking forward to your next VLOG.

    Bas

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha, thanks, Bas, for the male-perspective backup, LOL! Of course I'm always thinking practical--efficient--and I need to leave "room in the bag" for personal obsessions--er, needs!!

      Glad you had such a great trip to the DR--and yes, I STILL learn that money/clothes lesson on just about every vacation, LOL!!

      Delete
    2. OH BAS..........OMG.......SO TRUE........!!!
      I CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE......THE... "ABSOLUTE HORROR" of THE MOMENT YOU REALIZE, BY ACCIDENT,(yes Pun)
      YOU TORE OUT THE LAST CHAPTER OF YOUR FAVORITE ROMANCE NOVEL....

      THAT WITH ONE 'FRENZIED SWIPE/WIPE'......YOU WILL """NEVER""" KNOW IF "FABIO"....WILL RETURN TO YOU........
      OR.......
      GO ON TO MAKE....

      "I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT BUUUTA"......COMMERICIALS........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      ...TELL ME THIS IS JUST A BAD DREAM..........................TEARS........

      Delete
    3. ...Just one more advantage of the ebook vs. the print book...or maybe it's the other way around!!!

      Fabio DOES return. He ALWAYS returns...and is rich beyond your wildest dreams off the Butta commercial residuals!!!!

      Delete
  6. Great tips Cap'n! Looks like you've covered pretty much everything, except of course for that 'ONE' pair of boots LOL. Some of us ladies love to be a bit more fashionable you know ;)

    By the way, WordLens by Quest Visual is an iPhone translator app. I usually learn few words of the local language before visiting the country. That helps quite a bit.

    ReplyDelete
  7. OH CAP.......!!!!
    MissTWA LOVES her new "Personal shoe Tote bag.....OMG.......!!!!
    Couldn't have been 'easy' parting with your old 'Diaper bag'........I hope your "Separation Anxiety' has....eased up....!!???
    ;)))))

    We all know that with any packing..'space' is the primary concern.....So girls.....
    with a little practice.......brandishing.....the
    "IF LOOKS COULD KILL"..."GAZE"...........
    instead of the cumbersome "Steal toe's" for 'Tenderizing the Head'........
    can be a real Space savor!!!!!!!
    Ok Ok.......

    I do love the "Indiana Jones"....'theme'......it "Suits" you Cappy....!!!
    and the pics of your travels.....around the world.....
    each place......another removed from your 'bucket list'......
    Your practical packing tips.....I do Appreciate!!!!
    maybe some thing else to consider......
    A point to ponder perhaps........
    is NO matter where you go......to Always pack an
    "Open Mind"...,
    a "Full Heart",
    and plenty of "Tolerance".........♥

    Thanks again....for your Very Intertaining.....Post....♠

    BTW........where the hell do you pack your "OCD Paintbrush"............??????????
    JUST ASKING............

    Jeez....;/
    Bring on the Vlog........!!!!!!!!!

    MissTWA('Sashaying' with her bright pink shoe tote in hand)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Miss T. Everybody knows my personal diaper tote back is a Hello Kitty bag!!

      Love your packing tips!!!

      As for the Vlog, you'll have to wait till 7/27 at 0:00 Zulu like everybody else!!!

      PS Paintbrush stays in flight bag, lol!

      Delete
  8. Grrrrr........!!
    Please insert "Rolling the eyes" FONT..............!!!!

    True......"Hello Kitty"....came 'after' you learned to 'Share'............Mmmmmm

    Jeezum.........After all this "Hype".........your "Vlog" had better DELIVER........!!!!
    ......or your going to be in Big Trouble.....young man......BIG TROUBLE..........
    Can't imagine all the "kissing up".......you'll have to do then....Yikes.....
    TICK TOCK.....TICK TOCK.........


    'CRICKETS CHIRPING'..........

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Go watch "A Day in the Life of an Airline Pilot" a few more times, Dear. And Vlog 2 will be here before you know it!!

      Delete
  9. Jules, Jules...so impatient, it makes me laugh!

    Love the "crickets"...

    Cap'n, like the Indiana Jones theme (always reminds me of Paul (Daniel), a fellow blogger. He would appreciate your style! I, on the other hand, continue to stress the need for a selection of shoes. Bas needs to watch himself...he will understand one day that you should never come between a woman and her shoes.

    Take care, Cappy...hope all is well...

    Just waiting for the vlog...

    ReplyDelete
  10. So True GG......I am so Impatient.........

    Yea Yea Yea Cappy "Dear".......Oh Yea.....I remember that first "Vlog"......

    "Day in the life of a ""FORMER"" pilot....!!!!

    ......AND, he sure did have "Fabulous" taste in "BLOGS".....to read.................
    guess he wasn't all bad............:)))))))))

    do I feel a chill in the air..........??!!
    why Summer has faded into Fall........
    Funny how time "Flies"..............LOL.........
    Yea and "LINE UP AND WAIT"..........takes on a whole New 'Meaning'.....;/

    Something tells me......this will Vlog will put the first to shame........
    lets just hope half your 'fan base' doesn't die off before the premier............Ohhh
    gotta go........MissTWA in Trouble..........again

    ReplyDelete
  11. My take on the whole shoe situation is to take 2 pairs. Lesson learned the hard way. One pair may rub and give blisters, so the other comes in as relief. In terms of space, a gal is lucky enough to have slim profile shoes, so wear the bulky ones and pack the slim ones.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Petra? Really? You make me jealous. I have wanted to go to Petra for years now. Great post there, Inndy. Remember not to eat any apples that little monkeys hand you.

    Ryan (ryanthepilot)

    ReplyDelete
  13. your posting is very good about DOC AUX'S MAGICAL, CURE-ALL TRAVEL TIPS

    ReplyDelete

Sorry, folks, due to more spamming, Word Verification is back on. If you have trouble posting, please email your comments to me and I will post it for you!

capnaux@gmail.com