Staycation Day 1

 

I recently found myself with a week off and for various reasons decided to stay home.  It came to this decision as I had taken two other vacations this year that involved airfare and did not want to spend the money.  Additionally, none of my vacation friends had off at the same time.  However, my sister was on vacation that week too.  This is my sister that gets six weeks of vacation a year had off and she like to stay home when she is on vacation.

So, I decided to do a staycation with her as she lives in the same town.  We decided we would do our own thing; sleep late, read, catch up on housework each morning.  Each day around 1:00 PM we decided to do something in the area.

One day we took a drive in search of antique shops.  We ended up in Winchester, Virginia.  We saw “the big apple” where we had many photos of us three girls when we were young.  We had lunch at a great alfresco bistro, Brewbaker’s Restaurant.  It was a gorgeous blue sky day to stroll along Winchesters quaint walking mall.  There were a couple of antique shops on the walking mall as well as other stores to browse.

On the way home from Winchester we stopped in Linden, Virginia at the Apple House.  They are known for their apple doughnuts.  We discovered they have an ice cream stand around the side that has apple doughnut sundae!  Yummy!

   

Shots? Who needs shots?

 

 

So my friend that went to India asks me, “Did you know you are supposed to have shots before you go to India?” My first response was to laugh and then say, “Of course.” It seems that the travel agent he used assumed since he lives in Japan he would know this so they did not mention it.

No matter where you go you need your tetanus up to date and a flu shot during flu season is highly recommended.

Off the top of my head I know I have had Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Dengue, Tetanus, Polio, Smallpox, Typhoid, and Diptheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccines. I have taken so many malaria pills that the mere mention of them makes me taste them. Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) is given now and it was not when I was a child we all just suffered through the measles and mumps. Not all vaccines are shots some come as pills as well.

So then my friend says, “The next time I go somewhere I will make an appointment a few days before at my doctor and get all the shots.” Again I laughed. I explained that your family doctor will not have the vaccines in the office they are generally given at the Health Department. Also, many of the vaccines must be given several weeks to months ahead of time to insure full effect.

The best source of this information is from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website, http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/

It is simple to go to the website and they list all the vaccines you need and they give travel tips and safety information for the various countries of the world. It is easy to enter the country you plan to travel to and it will bring up a whole webpage for the country.

Anytime you travel outside of the US be sure to check this information when you make your travel plans so you can get the appropriate vaccines or medications you need. For example with Malaria you will given pills to start before you go into the country, take while you are in the country and to continue for sometime when you get home to the US.

Taking the proper precautions with vaccines can help you have enjoyable memories of a wonderful experience in another culture. Not taking them can result in illness and in extreme cases death. So as the saying goes an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Safe travels!

 

What is a VISA? A travel Visa is a document issued by the Embassy of the country you are traveling to which allows a non-citizen of that country entry generally for a specific purpose and specific time frame. The document is generally a stamp that goes in your passport. Some countries also require an exit visa to leave the country. Some countries charge a fee to issue a visa. Some countries do not require visas for US citizens.

I recently had a friend travel to India. The day he showed up at the airport to go the agent at the airport asked for his Visa to which he replied, "Visa I am getting it over there." Well, they would not let him on the plane. Fortunately, he was only four hours from the Washington DC area home to most countries Embassies and also where I live. He was able to come and stay with me that night, go to DC the next morning for a 10 am appointment to get a Visa from the Indian Embassy. He waited in DC until 6 PM that night to get his Visa and made a flight the next day at 1 PM.

Do NOT let this happen to you! My friend even used a travel agent. The travel agent since he lives outside the US that he knew all about Visas.

So how do I find out if I need a Visa? The best source is the Embassy of the country you are going to visit. Remember, when visiting places like Europe where you may visit several countries to check on Visa requirements for each country you plan to visit. Some areas have "common" visas wherein you can enter several counties on one visa.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

To buy or not to buy that is the question when it comes to travel insurance. One consideration is the cost of the policy which is generally based on the cost of the vacation. For example, in my research for this blog, I checked 24 travel insurance companies for a trip that cost $2,000 to the Caribbean. Cost of the travel insurance was $28 to $498! Quite price gap.

For many people they make the assumption that their health insurance will cover them where ever they are. This is not always the case. Your US policy is at times limited to the US. There is also medical evacuation to consider. What if you get sick and can not go on the trip? What about a sudden need for surgery, such as appendicitis?

I have been on several cruises and witnessed folks being medically evacuated. On one cruise it was a member from our group that had a heart attack and was evacuated to Texas where he had open heart by-pass surgery. He was in Texas several weeks. He lives in Maine. Not something he planned on, thankfully he did recover completely.

As for me, I booked a trip to sail on Carnival Cruise Lines over a year in advance of the trip. Thankfully, I decided to purchase the $75 insurance policy. One of the reasons I did was I had seen the member of my group medically evacuated. Little did I know that when time came for the cruise I would be unable to sail. I had bronchitis, double ear infection and a horrible sinus infection. I had been to my primary doctor and several specialists all who instructed me not to travel and agreed to complete the medical paperwork for the insurance company. I called the cruise company, Carnival, and cancelled my trip with in the specified time. I called the insurance company, Berkley Care, and notified them of my need to cancel the cruise in the specified time. The insurance company sent me the forms I completed them in the specified time. I called and followed up and I received three payments that covered my cruise and airfare.

Be sure you know what benefits are and are not included. For example, trip cancellation, medical evacuation, lost baggage, rental car coverage, accidental death benefit, cancellation for family member funeral, pregnancy or trip interruptions are some considerations. Baggage lost, delayed, or stolen. Know the time limits for notifying the insurance company which can be 24 to 72 hours generally. Read the policy before you go on your trip, and take the policy with you as it includes the phone numbers you may need. If you cancel because of illness you must be examined by a physician and he must sign the necessary paperwork

As with any type of insurance you do have to meet deadlines for timely filing and notification. However, I found the process rather easy and definitely worth having. For me travel insurance is always something I never leave home without!

Scenic and Wall, SD

Scenic South Dakota is for sale for $799,999 it is a quaint town with lots to offer!

Wall Drug is a must stop for the weary travler. Ther is so much to see and do at Wall Drug! That is me on the Jackalope, we have to enjoy our inner child!

There are places that just beckon the traveler to stop, some for days and some for moments. Wall and Scenic are two towns that beckoned me to stop on my travels through the Dakotas.

First Scenic, SD I had never heard of this town but stumbled upon it on my way out of the Badlands of SD. The town of Scenic is in the middle of nowhere at a major crossroads coming out of the Badlands. Twila Merill is the Mayor and Owner of the Town of Scenic. You can own the town as it is for sale for $799,999 (when I first went there it was for ale for $3 million). Having been on the market now for two years the price has been reduced. It is a quaint town with lot’s of character. It is a pit stop when traveling in SD. The town was built in the early 900’s and has numerous western buildings that offer photo opportunities. The name Scenic fits this town; it is more about what you can see than about what you can do. There are restrooms, a country store, and dry goods where you can get some refreshments for the ride to Wall.

Wall Drug was actually a destination on my trip as I had been told about Wall Drug from many people over many years. Wall, SD is a bit more of a “tourist trap” with a really cool drug store, Wall Drug. I live in the East and I call Wall Drug the “South of the Boarder of the Mid-West.” There are kids play areas, OK so this kid did get on the jackalope for a photo op. Wall Drug claims “the world’s largest drug store.” It does go on forever and there are many things to see and shop for. There is also Navajo Indian Fry Bread, a personal favorite. There are numerous cubby holes that have a wide variety of quaint shops. Some shops are a pharmacy, ice cream shop, souvenirs shops, jewelry store, and some just plain junk. There are also old west photos, displays and historical wax displays.

Crazy Horse

A trip to the Black Hills to Mount Rushmore would not be complete without going to see Crazy Horse. The Crazy Horse Memorial was started June 3, 1948 by Sculptor, Korczak Ziolkowski and Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear. The mission of the Crazy Horse memorial is to honor the culture, tradition and living heritage of North American Indians.

The work on the largest stone sculpture continues by the Ziolkowski family. Korczak and his wife Ruth had ten children many of which have worked on the Crazy Horse Memorial and continue the work there today.

There is a wonderful Indian Museum of North America on the Crazy Horse Memorial Grounds. Several years ago my grandmother told me we are Choctaw Indian. Ever since that revelation I have become more interested in the Native American Heritage and the museums. There are beautiful arts and crafts on display. The Museum is home to a massive tribal flag collection that is on display. There are amazing artifacts which bring the history and culture of the Native American Tribes to life.

I encourage you to include this as a destination on a trip to South Dakota. They have events and displays for all ages including children of all ages. It is a full day to see both Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore in the same day.

For more information see the Crazy Horse website: http://crazyhorsememorial.org/

Mount Rushmore

My first glimpse of Mount Rushmore through the trees as we came around the corner.

This is me at my first full view of Mount Rushmore driving up the mountain before entering. the park

The Black Hills of South Dakota were beathtakingly beautiful as we meandered around the mountains. We saw chipmunks, Rocky Mountain Goats and various birds. Coming around a curve in the road I got the first glimpse of Mount Rushmore. It is one of those National treasures that I felt I had to see on my trip to the Dakotas. I had no preconceptions only the occasional photo or post card someone shared with me. From a distance it was beautiful and easily recognizable. It was interesting the National Park has no entrance fee but there was an $11 parking fee for cars (more for RVs and buses).

Do not deprive yourself of going into the park itself. Mount Rushmore is a beautiful symbol for hope, and unity in these United States. There is an awesome trail around the mountain
with plaques detailing the history and the making of Mount Rushmore. There are places
to sit and take it all in as well as on the walking path.

For more information on Mount Rushmore
see their website: http://www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm

A Word On Rental Cars

As an avid traveler I enjoy traveling both home and abroad. My first trip outside the US was at age six months to Africa. I totally enjoyed a two week adventure in North and South Dakota. I have a list of places I want to go and one personal goal has been to see all fifty states. I only have six left to complete that goal.

On this particular trip I had planned to fly into South Dakota and out of North Dakota. I planned to rent a car at the South Dakota Airport and return it to the North Dakota Airport. I was easily able to purchase airline tickets in this manner. What was impossible for a reasonable fee was the rental car. Neither of the airports in question would allow rental at one airport and return to the other one. I thought it might be because I was crossing state lines. So, I tried one rental car on one side of the state and another on the other side of the state. I tried rental car companies both in and out of several airports. I called numerous rental car companies in each combination I chose. I finally found someone that would do it or an additional $1,000. Needless to say I flew in and out of the same airport.

I did rent a car from and returned it to the Rapid City Airport. Unfortunately, this changed my route and travel plans based on the inability to be accommodated by the rental car industry. So word to the wise call all modes of transportation and be sure you can book what you want to do before you start paying for reservations as there are fees to change reservations. I did have to change airlines, and pay a fee, as I had booked one airline into Rapid City and another out of Bismarck before I discovered the Rental Car issue.

Remember, if there are to be multiple drivers get them all listed with the rental car company so they will be covered. You will want to be sure your personal automobile insurance covers the rental car before you decide to decline the insurance coverage from the rental car company. I have rented cars from various rental car companies in many states within the United States with ease. I have been pleased with the cars and the customer service by the companies I have used. In this experience I describe it was a lack of knowledge on my part as it never occurred to me that it would not be possible to rent in one airport and return at another airport as I have done it in the past in more metropolitan area of the country.

Dingle Peninsula

Dingle Peninsula

The drive around the Dingle Peninsula has magnificent views of steep sea cliffs, rolling mountains and sandy beaches. The Slieve Mish Mountain Range runs down the neck of the peninsula and then rolls down to the sea creating lovely vistas.

The Beach from Ryan's Daughter

The 1970’s film Ryan’s Daughter was filmed on the Dingle Peninsula and the beach in a scene from Ryan’s Daughter is still wonderful view. The 1992 film Far and Away was partially filmed on the peninsula as well.

Brian de Staic Ogham Jewelry

There is wonderful shopping on the Dingle Peninsula as well. One of my favorites is Brian de Staic and his Ogham jewelry. Ogham is an Early Medieval Alphabet used to write the old Irish Language. Brian de Staic makes lovely pieces with your name on them while you enjoy your drive down the Dingle Peninsula.

There are over 2,000 monuments preserved on the Dingle Peninsula. There are over 6,000 years representing eight time periods; Mesolithic Period, The Stone Age, The Bronze Age, The Iron Age, The Early Christian Period, The Viking Period, The Medieval Period and the 1600’s through modern Times are all archaeologically represented on the peninsula. See a fort from the Iron Age; standing stones from the Bronze Age; monastic sites form the Early Christian Period; or circle rock art from the Stone Age.

The Dingle Peninsula truly has something for everyone. Photographers and nature lovers will especially enjoy the ocean bluffs and vistas on the drive out Slea Head. There are sheer drops where the rocks meet the Atlantic Ocean. There are sights not to be missed. I enjoyed this drive every bit as much as the drive around The Ring of Kerry.

Ring of Kerry

Above: That is me with a lovely view from the Ring of Kerry

Above: Torc Waterfall

Above: Muckross House

The Ring of Kerry holds breath taking vistas of mountains fields of green, and views of the beach and ocean. You will see stunning fields of lush green grass that give Ireland the nickname Emerald Isle. There is also a good bit of history to see in the old famine houses, forts and old monasteries. I recommend getting a guide book if you are planning to drive the Ring of Kerry so you will not miss any of the points of interest. There are several churches with interesting cemeteries and statues along the way you might miss without a guide book.

Ring of Kerry is a place to truly cherish the solitude and the grader of nature. There are lots of opportunities for scenic photography. The Torc Waterfall is a short walk through the forest up a slight incline to a beautiful waterfall. The Muckross house completed in 1843 is a wonderful house to take a tour of. It was the home of Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, Mary, a watercolorist. The rooms are furnished with period décor from the 19th century.

There are some quaint small towns along the way that offer a pub for lunch. All the pubs I visited had soup and wonderful Irish meals. One of my favorites is a toastie. A toastie is made like a grilled cheese sandwich but includes ham, onion, tomato and cheese.

It is recommended due to the narrow roads to drive around the Ring of Kerry clockwise, buses go counterclockwise. That way you do not get stuck behind a tour bus. It takes about four hours to drive the 109 mile Ring of Kerry.

The Ring of Kerry is a relaxing drive around the Iveragh Peninsula and is not to be missed. It is Ireland’s most popular drive in the country. We had a debate on the tour I was on as to which was best Ring of Kerry versus Dingle Peninsula. The results were split almost evenly with a third choice of loved them both. It truly is a personal preference. I voted that I loved them both.

Bathrooms of Ireland

To left - is the double button.

Above - note the paper behind you and the high tank flush.

Everyone has to use the bathroom at some point in their travels. It is always a bit of an adventure in foreign countries. Every time I leave the US I find something to marvel about in the bathroom. Ireland did not let me down!

I have found that when I enter a bathroom in a foreign country there are two things I have to take note of. First where is the necessary paper – sometimes it is behind you, under the sink, hidden in a cubby, or just hanging on the wall.

Second is to figure out where the flushing mechanism is. This means you have to look high and low. Sometimes, it is a pedal on the floor, or a button on top of the tank, levers on the front or sides of the tank, pull chains from the ceiling if the tank is high or any manner of other hidden combinations. I have been in some countries that do not flush as continuous flow of water over a trough type contraption. The Irish do provide the necessary paper in the bathroom. I have been in places in Europe where you had to pay for the paper or carry your own. The Irish have two buttons on top of many of their toilets. One button gives you a small flush and the other delivers a full flush to meet your individual needs and conserve water.

In Ireland you do need to carry your own facecloth, washcloth, as very few hotels provided them. During my stay in four hotels, all of which were four and five star hotels, only one had facecloths. I usually buy some cheap white facecloths that I can leave behind when traveling.

As a nurse I am always concerned about hand washing, it is scientifically proven to be the best method to prevention of infection. In Ireland I was impressed with the cleanliness of the bathrooms, availability of soap and individual paper towels to perform proper hand washing. Occasionally, there would be one of those electric hand dryers similar to what we have here, but
the majority of places had individual paper towels. I did see one or two of those old rolls of real towels where you pull out some fresh towel and then it retracts back into the machine. I have not seen them in use in the US for years.

All in all, Ireland gets an A for adventure in the uniqueness of some of their bathroom. To get an A one must be clean first and have something I have not seen before, the double button was the new thing for me!