Packing

Recently, in order to research for this blog, I was looking on YouTube for a video to share on packing advice.  There are tons of them. So many that I decided not to share but to just let you all know that if you want some great advice on how to pack 10 pounds of stuff in a 5 pound bag, well just go to YouTube. Take your pick, they are all great.

What I can say about packing is don't fret about it.  I have friends that start packing weeks before their trip. I on the other hand pack a few hours before I am leaving. What is the worse thing that can happen? You might have to buy some new socks or underwear while you are there.  I promise where you are going there will be stores.  Unless you are going to some remote part of Africa on a mission trip then you might want to bring a spare.

Packed for a Medical Mission

One thing that is more important than your underwear is any prescription medication you may be taking.  These will be very difficult to replace when traveling. Even if you aren't very far from home it can be a challenge. It can also be very expensive if your insurance company won't cover the additional refill.

If you are flying and taking prescription medications that you need to carry on the plane with you such as insulin or an epi-pen, you will want to check the regulations for being able to carry on syringes. I personally have not had a problem getting through security with my epi-pen (I need this in case I am exposed to something that causes severe allergic reaction).  It is a good idea to check what the current regulations so you are able to get through security. These regulations can be different in different countries.

Many years ago I flew with my oldest child when she was just a few months old. Since she had been born quite prematurely, she required oxygen and was on an apnea monitor.  At that time, I had to plan with the airline on giving her oxygen that they provided and have new tanks when I arrived at my destination. Now with oxygen concentrators, it is much easier to travel with these supplies.  I reviewed regulations with several airlines and they are all slightly different. So make sure that if you need to travel with oxygen to check with your airline for specific information. According to what I read they will inform you on their regulations and help you calculate the number of batteries needed for your flight.

Jordan's 1st flight at 4 months old.

If you have found value in the information I have shared, like and share my blog post with others. Also leave a comment below. If you would like information on how to travel at wholesale prices to 4 and 5 star resorts, send me a message on my contact page.  I would love to hear from you.

Birthdays

In just a few hours I will turn ... well let's just say another year has past.  I'm not ashamed or embarrassed by my age. As they say, it's just a number. And according to a Facebook quiz I took, I only look 19. I don't buy it but I'm sure the fact that my profile pic is of me smiling and appear to be happy, helps me to look younger than my years. Another reason I suppose I look younger, besides good genetics (Thanks Mom!) is that I wake up and find joy in each day.  I think about where I've been, where I am now and where I want to be.

Happy Birthday to me.

I have had many amazing birthday celebrations with friends and family. My children always make me feel special. But I have to admit that my favorite birthday celebration was spent in Romania at a Mardi Gras theme party. I was there on a medical mission trip.  My interpreters surprised me with a cake and sang me happy birthday in both English and Romanian.  It was very touching.  I was thanked for choosing to be with them instead of with my own children on my special day.  And they made it very special.  In the pictures I have included, you can see that it was a great party that just happened to fall on my birthday.  In the last picture we are a little wet. You see it rained on us on the way back to the hotel. Instead of being upset or complaining the rain had ruined our party, we stopped at a late night restaurant for a bite to eat. We all laughed about being drenched and continued to have a good time.  Never let the rain ruin your day.  There is a rainbow on the other side.

The celebration continued after running in the rain

Since I am discussing age, I should also discuss health as it relates to travelling.  Just a couple of pointers that will help you prepare for your trip and avoid the dreaded jet lag. The simplest place to start is to drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine. We've all heard this but when I take my own advice, it really does make a difference.  Another thing that really helps and may sound ridiculous is to wear support hose. When I go on my long trips where I am travelling for 2 days to get to my destination, I especially heed this warning.  From setting long distances, blood pools and there are risks for several circulatory issues such as swelling in the feet and legs and blood clots. If you are at any health risk for blood clots you might want to consider taking a low dose aspirin daily unless contraindicated with any health conditions or medications you are currently taking. If you are on a flight that is very lengthy, get up and move about every 1-2 hours, unless it is unsafe to do so. On over sees flights I have been known to do a little stretching and yoga in the aisle. (Keep in mind that you should discuss any lengthy travel with your primary care provider for any specific advice for you health issues.)

If you have found any value in what I have presented here, please like and share by clicking the buttons below. You can also leave a comment. And if you would like to hear about how to travel to 4 and 5 star locations at wholesale prices leave a comment or go to my contact page. I can even tell you how to travel for free. Sound intriguing? Leave me a comment.

Birthday Flowers from one of my beautiful interpreters, Alexandria

Rainbows

Smokey Mountains

 During my many travels, none were quite as heartbreaking as the realization of a 4 year old that her parents can't get her everything she wants.  As a little girl, I rarely heard the word "no" from my parents.  Maybe I was a little spoiled, maybe I just was a happy kid that didn't ask for much. When I was 4, my family went on vacation through the Great Smokey Mountains. It was there that I saw my first rainbow. I thought it was magical. The most beautiful thing I had ever seen.  My mother used to tell the story that I asked her to get it for me and when she told me that wasn't possible, I was crushed. I don't think they had ever said no to me before. I couldn't comprehend why I couldn't have it. So I spent the rest of the day sullen and mad.  All the family photos from that day have me with my arms all crossed and a huge frown on my face.

I wish that I had a picture of that first rainbow but back then there were no cell phones or digital cameras. The road was narrow and my parents did stop to take a picture.  Most of the family pictures have faded and are stored away in my attic. But the memory is ingrained in me. Even after all these years, when I see a rainbow it takes my breath away. I feel like that 4 year old seeing one for the first time.

Copper Mountains

There are places on this earth that will give you that feeling. I'm sure each of you have a happy memory of something beautiful. Someplace that reminds of being a small child where the possibilities are endless. A place where you can keep a rainbow. Even if it is but a memory.

Iceberg Rainbow

When you are thinking about where to travel, don't forget to share your memories of childhood travels with your children. Take them someplace that has a special meaning to you. The Great Smokey Mountains is a magical place for me. Where is your magical place?

Rainbow, Asturias, Spain

As you can see I have a passion for all types of travel...even to go a few miles away to a park or to trek across the earth to a far away country. Curious to know how I make money with travel? Send me a message on my contact page. If you have a passion for travel and would like to know more about travel at wholesale cost, comment below or go to my contact page on my website canditaylor.com and ask me how I do it. If you found value in what I have shared, like and share this page with others.

Bucket List

The other day I read an article about something that made me a little sad. According to this article, the famous Love Lock's (ParisLove Locks Bridge) from the bridge in Paris near Notre Damn is being removed. I was quite fortunate to see this when I was in Paris in the Fall of 2014.  It was quite amazing to think that all those people place locks on the bridge to seal their love.  I wondered how many of these people are still together or even still alive. There were thousands of locks placed on the bridge. All with names and dates written on them.

This is a tradition that dates back at least 100 years. It is looked upon by some as vandalism but for me it was a living piece of art.  I do understand that because of the weight of the padlocks, the historic bridge was at risk.  The sensible side of me completely understands. But the romantic in me is saddened by their removal.

Love Locks

What really made me think about this in relation to bucket lists, was my youngest daughter made a Facebook post that simply stated she'll have to take visiting the Love Lock Bridge in Paris off her bucket list since it is no longer there.  I'm sure there are other historical places that are gone for no one else to see. I have mentioned having a bucket list in another post. I encourage you to make one if you haven't already done so. If you have one, review it. Check to see if there is anything in danger of disappearing before you have the chance to go. When you visit a place on your list, mark it off and then add something else to your list. It should be a lifelong endeavor.  Take control of your life and start living now.  Don't wait for the "right" time.

If you would like to know how to take trips of a lifetime that are affordable so you can go to more places than you imagined, leave a comment and I will be in contact with you. You can also go to my webpage canditaylor.com and leave a message on my contact page.

A Wedding on the Bridge