A New Quick & Easy Way to Check Luggage Limits

Before you fly, check Luggage Limits' new Web site to make sure you know, well, your airlines luggage limitations and restrictions. Because restrictions seem to be changing every time you get ready to board a plane, Luggage Limits' Web site can keep you up to date with an easy online form specifying airline and airport.

Iceland Named Top 2010 Destination for Best Value

Lonely Planet ranks Iceland as one of the top 2010 Best Value Destinations. For more information on Southern Treks June 2010 Iceland tour, visit our Web site.

A Quick Seattle Trip

Me catching the fish at Pike's Place Fish Market in Seattle, Washington.

Thinking of planning a weekend trip to Seattle? I have compiled a short list of must sees and dos based on our late October 3-day family adventure to help you with yours. Of course, seeing a place in just a weekend will not allow you to hit every site. However, you can cram a lot into a few days, even with the entire family (we had 11 adults and a baby)! In our short trip, we were able to see a lot of the beautiful area. The weather was fantastic - no rain - and the leaves were changing for fall. Here is a list of highlights from our October Seattle adventure...

1. Taking a ferry ride to any of Seattle's surrounding islands or suburbs is definitely worth the few bucks it costs and your time. We rode out to Bremerton mid-day and then back just before dinner. Doing so allowed us to see Seattle (and the surrounding islands) in daylight and the city lights at night by water. We also had an amazing lunch/afternoon snack at the Boat Shed in Bremerton. Mmmm...there's nothing like fresh seafood in the Pacific Northwest!
2. Although it may sound super-touristy, I would also recommend a quick visit to Seattle's Space Needle. We opted for a Saturday morning visit (to avoid other tourists, I recommend going as early as possible). From its top, you can see the city and its gorgeous surroundings - think mountains, ocean, islands and skyscrapers! Plus, the Space Needle's history is rather interesting and you can learn all about it with a nice exhibit on the top's interior.
3. After our early morning visit to the Space Needle, we hopped in our cars (all 12 of us) and headed over to Pike's Place Market. Pike's Place Market is a MUST when visiting Seattle! However, I might not recommend 'fresh catch challenge' at Pike's Place Fish Market unless you are ready to take the heat if you drop it! I was tricked by my lovely in-laws into stepping up to the challenge and you bet I was not about to drop the 9 lb. salmon after hearing the employee's heckling at previous attempts. With a little help of my face and jacket (see above), I was successful in 'catching' our dinner that night. We had an amazing feast of salmon, oysters, crab legs and salad full of fresh goodies all purchased from PPM. I also snuck in a quick snack of delicious and award winning clam chowder from Pike Place Chowder and a sample or two from local cheese and veggie vendors.

USA Today Ranks Iceland as Top Destination 2010

Iceland has been ranked as a top destination for 2010 by USA Today. Southern Treks already knew this and has planned a trip to see (and hike) around the country's best highlights. Southern Treks' Iceland tour was named one of the top three walking tours in Iceland by Frommer's Iceland Guidebook. For more information on our exciting adventure, please visit our Web site.

Combat 3-1-1 Woes with GoToobs!

GoToobs have been flying off the shelves at Changes In Latitude Travel Store since their release earlier this year. These colorful bottles are top notch in every way for travel. The wide mouth makes them easy to fill and clean. Plus, the soft (but sturdy) silicone tube is super easy to squeeze.  The bottles feature a "no-drip" valve on the cap and the rubber seal helps to ensure your liquids won't leak.  The best part is that they are TSA carry-on compliant - so feel free to stock up on as many that will fill your 3-1-1 clear, plastic, 1-qt. bag. GoToobs are available in two sizes, 2 oz. and 1.25 oz., and four colors: pink, green, blue and clear. 

 

QUICK TIP: Combat Jet Lag

Flying across time zones and don't want to lose a day of your vaca to drowsiness? Try No Jet Lag. It's a homeopathic blend made in New Zealand that works to decrease the symptoms of jet lag. Just take one pill (some say it is best to let it dissolve under your tongue since it is homeopathic) on each take off, each landing and every two hours you are in the air unless you fall asleep.  In that case, just take one pill when you wake up - don't wake up to take it. For me (and for abour 90 percent of our Changes In Latitude customers) it really works!  I've used it going both ways (England/New Zealand for example) and I swear by it! 

Iceland: A Southern Treks Adventure 2010

Southern Treks is heading to Iceland next summer! Southern Treks' Iceland tour was named as one of  the top three hiking tours by Frommer's guidebook and we are excited to be offering this trip once again. We'll soak in hot pools, hop around geysers and trek through lush valleys. We'll explore this country's extraordinary landscape from end to end during our 2-week stay beginning and ending in the exciting capital of Reykjavik. For details on the latest ST adventures, please visit our Web site. Or contact us by email at sotreks@aol.com. 

Southern Treks Named Best Hiking Tour in Frommer's Iceland Guide

Marie Edwards, owner & operator of Southern Treks, in England 2008.

Rome-based adventure travel company (and the company I am affiliated with), Southern Treks, is featured in the First Edition of the Frommer’s Iceland Guide Book.  Southern Treks’ 11-day tour, led by a wilderness guide native to Iceland, was suggested for visitors by the highly revered guidebook along with two larger travel companies.

The Southern Treks itinerary for “Walking Adventures in Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice” includes easy to moderate walks all over the country.  Highlights of the tour include hiking through Iceland’s lush valleys, walking up extinct volcanoes and exploring a variety of volcanic and geothermal landscapes.  Beyond stays in the vibrant capital city of Reykjavik, tour participants experience opportunities for bird watching, whale watching under the midnight sun, riding among calving glaciers on an amphibious landing vehicle and viewing the most powerful waterfall in Europe – Godafoss.

“I am truly thrilled to be named as having one of the best walking tours in Iceland, especially since I am just one of three featured,” said Marie Edwards, owner and operator of Southern Treks.   “I am so pleased that Iceland is getting the recognition it deserves. Since the Krona (Iceland’s currency) has decreased in value, it has really become an affordable destination and is experiencing an influx in tourists. Plus, getting to Iceland is easy – it is only 5 hours from Boston.”

Edwards has previously led four tours to Iceland and has visited four additional times to conduct research for her tours.  She will offer the “Walking Adventures in Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice” trip again June 15-26, 2010.

Southern Treks is an international adventure travel company specializing in high end walking tours in Europe and the South Pacific.  Marie Edwards, a native to Northwest Georgia, started the company after hiking the 189-mile Coast-to-Coast trail in England over 20 years ago.  Since, she has led over 100 tours in 14 countries, including New Zealand, England, Spain and Scotland. She and her company have received previous international recognitions such as the prestigious Opal Award in Australia given by the country’s Tourism Commission for best itinerary in 2000.

For more information please visit: www.southerntreks.com

Summertime in Big Sky, Montana

Since a number of my blog readers will be attending my wedding in Big Sky, Montana next month, I have decided to dedicate this posting to list my favorite things to do while vacationing there.  Check 'em out! 

EAT

Blue Moon Bakery (breakfast) Located in the meadow at Big Sky (down the mountain), this quaint deli boasts quite possibly the BEST breakfast sandwiches and bagels ever.  They also have great sandwiches for lunch and tasty baked sweets for snacking.  No link. 406.995.2305 

The Wrap Shack (lunch) Also located in the meadow, the Wrap Shack offers a variety of burrito style goodies.  Feeling adventurous?  Try one of the Bubba - a tortilla filled with slow roasted pork, pinto beans and barbeque sauce.  Otherwise, you will not be disappointed by the traditional-style roll-ups.  406.995.3099

The Corral (dinner) For the quintessential Montana steakhouse experience, the Corral is a must.  The Steak Corral is my favorite item on the menu and I look forward to the tasty crab and bernaise covered filet of goodness each visit.  They do not take reservations and it is typically crowded so expect a wait.  888.995.4249

PLAY

Yellowstone National Park: The country's first national park is just a 45 minute drive from Big Sky.  The park is a great place to view wildlife (elk, buffalo and grizzly bears if you are lucky) and discover the wondrous natural phenomena of geysers (300 total), colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pots. 

Fly-fish: Although I am a terrible fly fisherman, I still love floating down the beautiful Gallatin and Madison Rivers.  Hire a guide and you might even catch a fish in these trout-filled waters!

Shop in Bozeman: Bozeman's Main Street has great clothing and home boutiques.  Check out Meridian and Elizabeth and Company for women's clothing, Bridger Kitchens for neat gourmet supplies and Indulgence for pampering goodies. 

SLEEP

This summer, I would highly recommend the Lodge at Big Sky not only because I used to work there, but it is offering the best deal for the season.  For $99 ($89 with AAA discount), you can stay "on the mountain."  The rooms are basic, but spacious and clean.  They offer a nice seating area downstairs, a gym/pool/hottub area and a small bar.  

Things I Can't Wait to Try

Lone Peak Brewery: As a microbrewery fanatic, I cannot wait to check out the newest beer joint in Big Sky's meadow.  The brewery features a tasting room equipped with shuffleboard and a menu of tasty bar food.  

IMAX West Yellowstone: Although it is unlikely I will make it there this trip, I cannot wait to experience the IMAX Theater in West Yellowstone.  The state of the art theater offers shows featuring the wilderness of Yellowstone and the intriguing lives of bears. Check the Web site for show times. 

Chaahhh-ston, South Carolina

Last weekend, I went with seven of my girlfriends to Charleston, South Carolina for my bachelorette celebration.  We stayed in a lovely house on Folly Beach, an area of Charleston known for its "laid-back" atmosphere and accessible beaches.  It is not unlikely that you will see the majority of people riding bikes or driving golf carts rather than cars along the few streets that pass through the narrow island.  After a relaxing day on the beach, we had a tasty dinner at Taco Boy in downtown Folly.  I highly recommend the guacamole and cadillac margaritas - yum!  On Saturday, we lounged by the pool at our rental house and then headed downtown for a nice dinner and late night dancing.  

My List of Must Do's in Charleston

1. Shop on King Street: You can find both steals and high credit card bills on King Street.  For a variety of stylish, trendy (but not too trendy) clothing, visit Luna.  While their clothes can be pricy, their jewelry is fairly reasonable.  
2. Eat seafood, low country style: We ate at Chai's, a little Asian inspired tapas place.  I highly recommend sitting on the patio, ordering the shrimp and grits and tasting the sangria.  There are definitely more well-known places that are must-eats, like Magnolia's and the Old Village Post House both serving low country favorites like crab cakes and fried oysters. 
3. Relax on the beaches: Charleston has a handful of beaches in its outlying areas.  I prefer the no-fuss Folly Beach.
4. Snack on boiled peanuts: boiled peanuts are "green" peanuts boiled in water and salt.  The best ones are sold on roadside stands.  If you are feeling adventurous, try the spicy ones.
5. Experience the night life: Charleston has as an excellent variety of bars featuring nightly entertainment, ranging from relaxing piano music to lively horn-filled bands and loud dance clubs.  For hard to please crowds, try Trio Lounge. It features both a live Motown/shag band downstairs and club music upstairs.  Plus, it has a nice patio out back for a much needed cool down after dancing. 

My Fishpond

During the year before I began graduate school at CU-Boulder and work at Changes In Latitude Travel Store, I traveled to Georgia for one week each month.  I was completing an internship with a regional magazine there, which I still write for today (and luckily get paid to do so). Each time I went back, I packed in a massive 28" rolling duffel bag (mind you, this was before the dawn of fees for checked luggage).  

The turning point for me happened shortly after I began working at CIL.  A woman came in to the store to buy two new 28" suitcases.  She already had two at home, but decided she needed two more for her 14 day trip to Italy!  No wonder they started charging people for checked bags!  Anyway, this is when I decided that if I was going to help people learn how to pack light and efficiently, I better start practicing what I was preaching.  This, I decided, had to start with a new carry-on wheeled suitcase - something I had never owned before.

Close to one year after I began researching my options, CIL began carrying a new line of luggage: Fishpond.  The Colorado-based company originally designed fly-fishing accessories, but later decided that fly fishermen travel and thus added a line of luggage to their catalog.  Thank goodness - because their products are excellent!  They are incredibly well-designed, styled with bright colors and offered in a variety of shapes and sizes.

I chose the 21" Lariat Carry-On Wheeled Duffel in orange and green.  I love it!  It holds the most out of any carry-on suitcase that CIL carries - a great feature for the newbie to "carry-on only."  It is durable - they offer a lifetime guarantee.  It looks great - have I mentioned the fantastically bright colors that make yours stand out from the drab black ones?  I even received a compliment from a lovely TSA agent who was searching my bag last Christmas for its look and organizational components.  

I pop my plastic bag of liquids in the top front pocket, my laptop in the bigger front compartment and save the smaller front pocket for my special treats at the airport: an US Magazine and Budget Travel.  

 

Spring Travel Woes: Lessons Learned

When traveling in Western states in the springtime, you never really know what type of weather you might encounter.  Last week, I traveled from Colorado to Montana for my spring break.  My flight there was great.  No delays.  No hiccups.  The weather was nice and slightly warm (for Montana in March).  However, the very next day presented a winter storm....and the next day and the next day...pretty much the entire week.  

I regret to say that I was not completely prepared for my trip (gasp)!  My fiance (a Montana native) told me that it would be warm and I really did not need to bother with much cool weather stuff.  I only partly heeded his advice, bringing my ski attire but leaving the winter boots behind.  Luckily, my mother had an extra pair of boots in storage that I could wear because when the inches of snow started piling up, my flats were not going to cut it.  Lesson learned: always be prepared for all types of weather when traveling to the Rockies.  Do not rely on the weather forecasters.  Bring your boots, a warm coat and gloves because chances are you are going to be scraping snow off of your car!   

The travel day back was somewhat of a nightmare, but it could have been a lot worse.  Fearing the worst for my drive and the weather, I left northern Montana with 2.5 hours of extra time.  Good decision!  The roads were terrible and I encountered many whiteouts.  I arrived at the airport with just over an hour to spare.  Our plane was delayed by 30 minutes because of the weather.  At about the 30 minute mark, I received a call from United telling me that my plane had been cancelled!  Having heard that "if you don't get out today, you are stuck here until Wednesday" from the ticket agent, I promptly called United back to rebook.  I was one of the first (if not the first) to do so, since all of the other passengers were crowded at the desk trying to figure out what was going on.  It was a great feeling to be ahead of the game...until I walk to the ticket counter to retrieve the bag I had checked....and the nice lady told me there is no way I was going to get on a new flight because ALL of the flights were sold out.  I did not take the "confrontational cues" that I have seen my dad present all too often when encountering such travel mishaps.  I did, however, flash my brightest smile and tried to be understanding.  In return, the ticket lady ran over to the Frontier counter and got me on their next flight the very same night.  It was probably the most turbulent flight I have ever been on, but I was grateful just to be on it.  After 15 hours of traveling, I made it home and went to bed at 1:30 AM.   As tired as I was, I learned a few more lessons: 

1. Always sign up for the airlines telephone updates.  I was one of the first to receive the call to inform me that my flight was cancelled and was also the first to react.  
2. Be nice to the ticket agents!  They can really help you if you in desperate times.  

Adapters, Converters, Transformers, Oh My!

When I started traveling overseas, no one bothered to tell me much about the differences (or potential dangers for that matter) with using electronic appliances and conversions, so it is a complete wonder that I never blew up anything, burned it out, or caught it on fire.  Those are a few of the "horror stories" that I typically hear now that I work at Changes In Latitude. So, in an effort to prevent any of you from experiencing these electrical fiascos, I have opted to write this entry on dealing with your appliances overseas.

Adapters

Let me first start by emphasizing that an adapter does not convert electricity.  An adapter simply gets you into the wall.  A converter actually converts the electricity, but I will get to that in the next section.  The wall sockets of most countries are not like ours in the U.S.  That being said, you cannot plug in appliances with two flat pins (like ours) directly to say a two round pin socket as found in most of Europe.  To correct this problem, you need to have an adapter.  There are adapters available for most any type of wall socket that you can easily purchase before you leave.  Check out this link for information on the type of adapter plug you might need for your next overseas adventure. 

Converters

Generally, most of the world (outside the U.S.) runs on 220/240 voltage.  Our lovely country, the never conforming U.S. of A., runs on about 110/120 voltage.  So, what does this mean for you?  Well, if you want to use your favorite appliance from here, you better make sure you can convert the 220/240 voltage to the 110/120 volts that your appliance requires.  

If you were to plug in an appliance that uses 120 volts into a 220 volt socket, bad things happen (like the examples I mentioned above).  So, if you absolutely must bring your super duper hair dryer, then you best pack a converter.  A 2000 watt solid state converter is going to do just that.  It will convert non-electronic heating appliances up to 2000 watts, like hair dryers, beverage heaters and hot rolling sets.  Of course, you will need an adapter as well to get into the wall, but you probably realize that from reading above!

Transformers

Transformers are similar to converters in that they can alter the voltage, but they are designed to be used with electronic, motorized heating appliances.  Use the 50 watt transformer for appliances that are less than 5o watts, like battery chargers, curling irons, and electric shavers.  

Some Good News

The good news is that a lot of things these days are already designed for both 110 and 200 volts. Examples include ipods, laptops, and some battery chargers for cameras and phones.  This means that all you need is the right adapter to get into the wall – no converters or transformers. 

Please note that I said most things can handle both.  You absolutely need to check all of your appliances to make sure they can handle both.  To do this, check on the charger if it has one.  If it says "110/200 VAC" (i.e., it has a "100" and "200" number listed), then it will handle both. If it only says "125 VAC," then you will need a converter or transformer.  To determine which one you need, a lower wattage transformer or higher wattage converter, you will have to know the wattage of the item.  

For more information

If you are still confused, give the knowledgeable staff at Changes In Latitude travel store a call.  We will make sure you get the right stuff!

A few of my favorite travel sites

Below are just a few of my favorite Web sites that I like to use when planning and booking my adventures.  I have many more favorites that I use as references, but I probably use these the most.  Please feel free to add to this list by entering your favorites in the comment section.

Lonely Planet Web site

When I travel, I never leave home without a Lonely Planet guidebook.  The guidebooks are incredibly comprehensive for all types of travel to places all over the world and they are imperative for trip-planning as well.  So, it is only natural that I often refer to the LP Web site for additional, up-to-date information. You can find updates for guidebooks, get the scoop on hotels and hostels, and read interesting front page features on destinations.  LP's Thorn Tree Forum is great reference section for all things travel.  It allows you to search by region, country, and topic. Plus, you can post specific questions or simply search for answers.  

Hotels.com

If I don't have a Lonely Planet or I'm just looking for a place to stay, I tend to look at hotels.com.  The site generally offers even lower rates than posted on the hotel's home page. Additionally, I was able to book a room $40 cheaper on hotels.com even though the hotel's home page said no rooms were available.  It is easy to navigate - simply type in the city where you want to stay and a slew of options pop up.  

Orbitz.com

Although I typically book flights straight with Air Tran or Frontier (Web sites), I always check out orbitz.com to make sure I am receiving the best deal.  For the most part, Orbitz offers the lowest prices compared with its counterparts like Expedia.  Plus, the matrix comparing prices over several day options is also helpful if you are flexible with your days.  

Smartertravel.com

Taking the flight/hotel search a step further, Smarter Travel's Web site compiles airfares and hotel prices from major travel search engines like Orbitz, Expedia and Cheap Tickets.  It will also send you email updates based on your destination.  

iexplore.com

This site lets you search for adventure and experiential tours to meet your specific criteria from over 130 tour operators.  Enter in as much information a you want for region, country, type of activity, length and price range, and you will get a list of tours to choose from.  It was rated the top Web site for Adventure Travel by a slew of popular magazines. 

Welcome!

As most of you know or will come to know, I love to travel.  I grew up on the red banks of the Oostanaula River in Rome, Georgia - that's where the name of this blog originated.  My mom has said that I was born with wanderlust.  And, well, I would have to agree.  Since I can remember, I have felt an uncontrollable need to see just what else is out there.  That "need" has led me to places all over the world.  I currently work at Changes In Latitude Travel Store in Boulder, Colorado and will begin guiding trips for Georgia-based Southern Treks, an international walking tour company, this summer.  I plan to use this blog to share my travel adventures with you in addition to highlighting tips, trends and news regarding the travel industry that I find are helpful and interesting. The picture above is of me hiking the Coast to Coast Trail in England last summer.  Happy travels!