One thing that reassured me of this when I was there was the abundance of baby carriages with babies inside of them outside of restaurants, coffee shops and stores. This is pretty typical in Scandinavia from what I've heard and read. Mothers and fathers will leave their little ones bundled up in their strollers while they go inside a venue to do whatever it is they are going to do. Nobody ever disturbs the carriages, and no one even seems to notice they are even there- except for the occasional American tourist (that would be me) who is not used to seeing such a thing on U.S. soil. I couldn't help but do a double-take the first few times I saw this, and even snapped a picture of this to show to you all. Could you imagine if someone did this in the U.S.? They would probably be arrested and have their baby taken away from them! It's nice to jet set to a place these days where you can feel so safe.
Showing posts with label smart travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label smart travel. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
ICELAND EQUALS SAFELAND
In this crazy world we live in, safety is of the utmost importance to me when I travel. I have to say that when I was in Iceland, I felt very safe. In fact, Iceland has a relatively low crime rate according to the U.S. Department of State. 
One thing that reassured me of this when I was there was the abundance of baby carriages with babies inside of them outside of restaurants, coffee shops and stores. This is pretty typical in Scandinavia from what I've heard and read. Mothers and fathers will leave their little ones bundled up in their strollers while they go inside a venue to do whatever it is they are going to do. Nobody ever disturbs the carriages, and no one even seems to notice they are even there- except for the occasional American tourist (that would be me) who is not used to seeing such a thing on U.S. soil. I couldn't help but do a double-take the first few times I saw this, and even snapped a picture of this to show to you all. Could you imagine if someone did this in the U.S.? They would probably be arrested and have their baby taken away from them! It's nice to jet set to a place these days where you can feel so safe.
One thing that reassured me of this when I was there was the abundance of baby carriages with babies inside of them outside of restaurants, coffee shops and stores. This is pretty typical in Scandinavia from what I've heard and read. Mothers and fathers will leave their little ones bundled up in their strollers while they go inside a venue to do whatever it is they are going to do. Nobody ever disturbs the carriages, and no one even seems to notice they are even there- except for the occasional American tourist (that would be me) who is not used to seeing such a thing on U.S. soil. I couldn't help but do a double-take the first few times I saw this, and even snapped a picture of this to show to you all. Could you imagine if someone did this in the U.S.? They would probably be arrested and have their baby taken away from them! It's nice to jet set to a place these days where you can feel so safe.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
HANDS-FREE JET SETTING
Although I love to travel, unfortunately there are still many negative things associated travel that I don't love. One thing that's high on that list for me is PACKING!!! Ugh, I never know what to bring, I usually bring too much stuff, and I'm always the one with the overweight suitcase that whines and complains the entire way through the airport...always swearing to myself that "next time, I won't do this again!" But, for some reason I always do!
Well, recently someone suggested the idea to me that I should mail my suitcase. Yes, literally, pack the bag ahead of time, go to a UPS store and send it to the destination where I'll be jet setting. Clever, or annoying? I don't know yet because I haven't tried it, but I definitely think I will at least give it one shot before I completely knock it.
The thing about traveling these days is that no matter which airline you fly, there are some new associated fees that come along with it...whether it's the extra cost for leg room or the added charge for luggage..."they" are getting you in some way these days. Then, on top of that, I can never bring all the toiletries I want because they're not allowed in carry-on bags, and it makes the suitcase too heavy to check on the plane otherwise.
So again, if I did the UPS thing, I could send all of my clothing, shoes, make-up, toiletries, etc...and stride through the airport "hands-free." Also, since you are given a tracking number, you can see where your luggage is instead of jet setting somewhere only to find out your suitcase is one the other side of the country and won't be to you for a week. Yes, you'll still have to take off your shoes and be scanned by security at the airport, but you will have free hands and you won't have to worry about being first one the plane to try and find room in an overhead compartment for your bags! I will let you know when I try it. Let me know your thoughts about this idea too!
So again, if I did the UPS thing, I could send all of my clothing, shoes, make-up, toiletries, etc...and stride through the airport "hands-free." Also, since you are given a tracking number, you can see where your luggage is instead of jet setting somewhere only to find out your suitcase is one the other side of the country and won't be to you for a week. Yes, you'll still have to take off your shoes and be scanned by security at the airport, but you will have free hands and you won't have to worry about being first one the plane to try and find room in an overhead compartment for your bags! I will let you know when I try it. Let me know your thoughts about this idea too!
{photo: superstock}
Monday, October 5, 2009
CHIC GALLERIA
I feel so "Chic" these days...that's because I am now a Featured Travel Writer for an on-line magazine called "Chic Galleria!" You can check out my articles about Travel, Fashion & Food on Chic Galleria. Chic Galleria is an on-line magazine read by more than 800,000 globetrotting professional men & women. It's a great magazine if you are interested in Style & Beauty, Home & Family, Arts & Entertainment, Body & Mind...and of course, for all my Jet Set Smart readers...Smart Travel! I am so excited about this opportunity. I hope you will jet set to Chic Galleria and check out what this exciting new adventure is all about.
Monday, September 14, 2009
JET SET SMART STAYCATION 101
No Jet required! Yes it's great to get on a plane and jet set to somewhere exotic, but I've also found that there can be a lot of great stuff right in your own backyard if you open your eyes to it. For example, I checked out Williamsburg, Brooklyn the other day (see You Will Love Williamsburg post) and was amazed by what was there. My point is you can make the most of a vacation at home and here's the SMART way to do it:
See what's happening in your area. Museums and local libraries often hold free events- check your local paper for info or just call. If you live near a big city, grab a CityPass which can get you into great attractions for a lower cost.
Make memories. Keep a camera handy (digital or disposable) and click away. You always have a camera when you are away on vacation, so treat this the same way and you might end up with some great photos that are frame or album worthy!
Ask friends and co-workers where they've hung out lately. You may hear about a new restaurant, lounge, club, or outdoor activity that interests you.
R&R. Check into an affordable hotel for the night and order room service- that way you don't have to cook, do dishes, or make your bed in the morning. You can also opt for a B&B and wake up to a home cooked breakfast...my favorite!
Travel (well sort of) to a country you've been wanting to visit. Try Spain: Eat at a Tapas restaurant, catch a Flamenco show (check out http://www.flamenco-nyc.org/ for performances in the Tri-State area), and end la noche sipping wine from Rioja.
{photos: Staycation}
Friday, August 21, 2009
BE SMART & GET SET TO JET
Traveling and jet-setting the world is my passion! But like many, I like to be smart about it. I like to do my research and find out when is the best time to go somewhere (not always the touristy, more expensive times, but the shoulder seasons where you can still get good weather, but don't pay through the nose for it.)
I like to find the best food (not always the five star restaurants listed in the guide books, but the places the locals tell you about when you are there.) I love to find art, jewelry and fashion by local designers, and most importantly, I try to experience all there is to experience about a place when I am there...so that way if I never return I know I've really gotten a good taste for my destination.
My idea about smart jet-setting is this...if you are a smart traveler, you will want to do the following on your next journey:
Save money
Make the most of your trip
Adapt to local culture
Research
Travel
So stay tuned, I am working on putting together my JetSetSmart travel lists for you to have. They will NOT be like the 200-300 page travel guide books out there, but rather short lists of my recommendations on what I like. Remember, they will be totally subjective and in no way absolute guides to travel...but they will cover the smart stuff.
In the meantime, I hope you JetSet your way to my blog and start JetSetting the Smart way!
I like to find the best food (not always the five star restaurants listed in the guide books, but the places the locals tell you about when you are there.) I love to find art, jewelry and fashion by local designers, and most importantly, I try to experience all there is to experience about a place when I am there...so that way if I never return I know I've really gotten a good taste for my destination.
My idea about smart jet-setting is this...if you are a smart traveler, you will want to do the following on your next journey:
Save money
Make the most of your trip
Adapt to local culture
Research
Travel
So stay tuned, I am working on putting together my JetSetSmart travel lists for you to have. They will NOT be like the 200-300 page travel guide books out there, but rather short lists of my recommendations on what I like. Remember, they will be totally subjective and in no way absolute guides to travel...but they will cover the smart stuff.
In the meantime, I hope you JetSet your way to my blog and start JetSetting the Smart way!
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