Dinner cruise on the Seine River

Is there anything more beautiful than walking the streets of Paris during the day?  There is!  Taking a dinner cruise on the Seine River at night.

I've taken the typical cruise that starts at the Eiffel Tower and turns around at Notre Dame many times and it's fine.  It gives you a quick, very quick, glance of the city from the water.

If you want to rest your weary and tired feet after a day of walking, I suggest taking a dinner cruise at sundown.  The cruise line that I like best is Bateaux Parisien.  Why?  Because we've always had a great experience.  They start and end on time.  They understand that locals DO NOT do this cruise, only tourists and they treat their tourists well.

The food is good, wine even better and the views are beautiful.

The boat will depart from the docks near the Eiffel Tower.  Be careful to get on the correct boat as there are several to choose from.

This cruise line requires men to wear jackets and ties, but it seems to be optional when you arrive.  Seems only my husband follows the rules.  Men can wear a nice dress shirt and slacks and fit in just fine.

The boat will cruise for about an hour.  Enough time to really enjoy a 3 course meal.  Here's a copy of the route.

Once the sun goes down, you've had a glass of wonderful red wine and eaten some yummy food, you'll be ready to take some photos.  You can't take a bad photo.  You're literally floating by all the famous buildings and points of interest that you spent all day sight seeing.  It looks so different at night.  It really is a different city in the evening.

When you disembark, you'll be at the Eiffel Tower ready to take that once in a lifetime photo with the tower all lit up.  So beautiful!!






Until next time Paris!

Happy Traveling!

Ready for a Summer get a way?

This Summer, I'm looking to get away from the desert heat and travel to Europe.  Where should I go?  Not sure, but a perfect starting point is always in Paris.

For me, I enjoy the planning process of a family vacation.  The research that goes into it, knowing what your family will enjoy doing once you get there, and understanding when and how to book your trip to maximize your budget.

Flights into Charles de Gaulle are fairly easy to get and once you arrive, you can go almost anywhere from Paris.  Right now, I'm leaning towards another river cruise.  I love traveling in France and have seen several major cities, but never ventured north to Normandy.

As I look to see what the major river cruise lines offer, be part of my journey as I share lessoned learned and travel plans.

Happy Traveling!

River boat cabins.....size matters

When deciding on the cruise you want to take, of course you're probably focused on where you're going.  Instead, we suggest looking at how new the boat is.  Why?  Because the newer (2013 - 2014) boats offer so much more for the money.

Remember, you're traveling to see new things, experience different cultures and try different foods.  Why not enjoy getting there?

On the new boats, they cannot have as many cabins on each level, because the cabin size is so much larger.  What does that mean for the consumer....comfort!  Not only will you have a bed, bathroom and TV, in the newer cabins you will get a desk, small sofa and space between the bed and windows facing the gorgeous view of the countryside.  It doesn't hurt to be able to walk from one side to another without your companion having to sit on the bed to let you pass.  Twenty eight square feet makes a BIG difference when you're in this cabin for 2 - 3 weeks.

You can see the desk on the left of the photo.

View facing the exit/door

Make sure you verify that your boat offers a club lounge.   It's a GREAT place to get free WI-FI access, juice, coffee and tea when ever you want to get away.  The lounge is surrounded by glass so you will enjoy the view while relaxing.

Next time, tips on how to pack efficiently for 2 weeks.

6 travel mistakes that I try to avoid!

I'm able to share this list, because I've made these mistakes over and over again!  Let me share a few tips that can make traveling easy and fun.  Yes, fun! Isn't that the point?

1.)  Always pack a bathing suit:  You just never know when you'll want it and it's the one item that's difficult for women to buy in a rush.  I can't tell you how many hotels I've been in and been surprised that they either have a sauna, jacuzzi or steam room and I didn't think to pack a bathing suit.  Nothing better than soaking your tired, achy feet after a long day of sightseeing.

2.)  Bring an empty water bottle:  Once you get through security, have Starbucks fill it up with filtered water.  If you ask, they cannot turn you down.  Also, most large airports offer filtered water fountains set up to refill bottled water containers.  Take advantage of it!  Not only will you drink it on a long flight, but you will have it for your first night in the hotel.

3.)  Be prepared for cold weather:  Just because you're going to a hot place, it may get cold.  I've been in Arizona before when the night was so cold, I had to run out and buy a sweater from Old Navy.   Pack layers of clothing, so you're prepared if it's unseasonably cold or hot.

4.)  Check the weather the night before you go: Weather changes all the time.  If you have the space in your carry on bag, bring a small umbrella.

5.)  Don't forget to pack an extra copy of your itinerary:  Have you ever seen a flight attendant tear your ticket in half?  I have!  What if that's your only copy?  What do you do on the flight home and you need that ticket number?  Print an extra copy and place it in your suitcase - just in case you need it.

6.)  Don't pack your car keys:  Always keep your car keys on you.  Have you ever put your car keys in your suitcase, only to find out that your luggage was delayed or went to the wrong city?  What do you do then?  

Just a few ideas that can make your vacation so much better and worry free.

Happy Traveling!

How to stay calm while traveling

Have you ever experienced travel rage?  When everything and everyone is driving you crazy and you can't see straight?  Here's a few tips that may help smooth out the rough edges.

Most of us are really good at packing and planning a trip, but we don't stop to think what we may need to keep us happy while we're away from home.  I suggest to write a list of when you're happiest.  What does that feel like?  What are those creature comforts that you just can't live without?

For me, it's the following areas that I know are important that I'm thinking of before I set off on any trip:

1.)  Packing - did I remember to pack light?  I try to keep everything to a carry on.  So, if I get to the airport and the lines are really long, I can go straight to security and bypass the check in lines.  

If I overpack, it's usually because I didn't give myself enough time to plan and edit my suitcase.  A sure fire way for me to start any trip off on the wrong foot, is poor planning. 

Another reason to stick with a carry on suitcase is that I can manage it myself.  No one will need to help me with the suitcase, I can easily move from city to city without hurting my neck or back.

2.)  Food - I always pack healthy snacks.  Period!  Not having healthy food to eat on long flights, unexpected delays, or low energy moments can make me get irritated and quick to start an argument.  Not a good thing when you want to have fun and avoid unnecessary stress with your travel companions.  

3.)  Stay hydrated - I also travel with an empty smart water bottle.  Easy to fill once I get through security and this water will last me - even on an international flight.

4.)  Sleep - know how much sleep you need and plan your flights accordingly.  I take the evening flights to Europe.  I know that once I get on the plane, I'll be able to sleep a good 5 - 6 hours.  When I arrive in Europe in the early morning hours, I'm ready to see the city and enjoy my vacation.  Others who didn't sleep on the flight are exhausted and stuck in a hotel lobby until check in that afternoon.  

Another thing that I do while traveling is to allow time to go back to the hotel to rest my feet and take a nap. It's not a race to see everything in one day.  Vacation is time for a little R&R too.  Make sure that you rest during the day.  Allow yourself time to regroup and continue that evening with dinner plans, walking to see the city at night or catching a play or musical. 

5.)  Lastly, know your trigger points.  Know what sets you off and do your best to try to prevent these issues.  Travel can test even the most calm people since there are so many factors outside of your control.  

Happy Traveling!!

Is it safe to travel?

As I plan my next trip to Paris, friends seem to ask me the same question, "Is it safe to travel?"  I've traveled through some pretty interesting events and can tell you that even when you think it is safe, something came come up and surprise you.

A better question would be, "What will you do in case of an emergency?"

• A great place to start researching is the travel.state.gov website.  The U.S. government keeps this website updated with alerts that you should be aware of before traveling outside of the United States.

• You can now enroll your trip.  Why?  In case family members need to reach you in case of an emergency, get travel alerts from the country you plan to visit, and let the Embassy know you're there in case you need them.

• Use the STEP program:  S mart T raveler E nrollment P rogram

• Check your travel documents before you leave on any trip.  Make a copy of your passports and leave them with a friend.  This is ALWAYS a good idea.  You never know when your passports could get lost or stolen, not to mention there's an emergency.

• Be aware of your surroundings.  If you don't feel safe, listen to your inner voice and leave the restaurant, street, or venue. Just because you're on vacation, doesn't mean that you can let your guard down.  If you're feeling unsure, listen to yourself and change your surroundings.  It's better to be safe than have something happen that can change everything.

Remember, the tips that keep you safe where you're at home and they will probably be the same that the government recommends when you're traveling abroad.

Happy Traveling!

My must haves for quart size bag

Every woman who travels these days struggles with what items can she place in her quart size zip lock baggie and not feel like she left all of her favorites at home.  With all the traveling I did in 2014, I feel like I finally have it down to a science and want to share my must haves with you too.

Must haves for a weekend trip.

Shampoo - don't use the hotel "free stuff" as it will ruin your hair.  Go to your local department store and ask the beauty counter salesperson for samples of your favorite shampoo. If you're a regular customer, they will be happy to give them to you.  If they are not in stock, they can make you a sample - just the right size for travel.

My pick - Oribe:  They have dual sample packets with shampoo & conditioner.

Lotion - your skin has a tendency to get very dry with travel, not to mention the moisture zapping hotel soaps!

My pick - Jack Black's Epic Moisture MP 10 oil.  It's multifunctional and you can get sample packets.  I have found it to be a miracle oil, why?  It can be used as hair serum, body moisturizer, shaving oil, make up remover and cuticle oil.  A little goes a long way and it smells terrific!

 Sunscreen:  I look for one that is gentle enough for my face, but can always be used on my body.

My pick - Kate Somerville's sunscreen.  She has one that's made for your face, but I use it on my arms, neck and back.  It's NOT waterproof, so something to be mindful of if you plan to swim.

Hairspray - for this, we must all compromise and find a non-aerosol version since TSA will not let you travel with aerosols in your carry on bags.  So, I go to my local pharmacy and grab what cheap and available.

Hand cream - If you find the right hand cream, it can also used as a perfume.  Something that smells fresh, but not too sweet.

My pick - Molton Brown's Ylang-Ylang Hand Cream.  

Mascara - When traveling I try to find one that can work for all looks.  Most ladies use a couple of different mascara's, but when traveling you need to pick your favorite - you can't bring them all!

My pick - Mabelline's classic, but always waterproof and in black.  If you bring the Jack Black oil, mentioned earlier, it will remove waterproof makeup.

Lipgloss - My favorite is always Gorgio Armani's lipgloss.  I have atleast a dozen colors, so the tough decision is which one to bring.  That depends on the time of year.  Most trips I go with a high gloss and neutral shade of pale pink or beige.

Nail polish - No one has time for manicures on weekend trips, but travel can be rough on any manicure.  No matter how careful I am, by the time I get through security I've either chipped a nail or just the polish.  I've started traveling with just the polish for touch up's.

My pick - Chanel's nail polishes are my favorite.  I like the neutral shades to travel with: Ballarena, Allergoria or Secret.  You can do a quick touch up in a pinch and it will blend perfectly everytime and Chanel's nail polish brushes are small enough that you can get small areas.