Ants in your… undies — a possible deterrent
When ants in your pants is for real… Maybe coffee grounds are a solution.
Misc
Great Gifts for Travelers – under $15 1
When you’re seeking a great gift for a traveler — something this person can actually use while traveling — you ask friends for ideas and read “gift guides” but do they actually help? Are they realistic for this person’s travel? Can you afford them? (Did you know that per Fortune Magazine, More Than a Third of Americans Return Gifts They Receive Over the Holidays?)
Great Gifts for Travelers from $15-$30 1
This is what I call my Get-Real Gift Guide for People Who Travel because so many gifts given to a person who travels simply aren’t realistic as things a person can actually use while traveling. For a plane maybe, but not for the duration. If your friend must carry one-trick items for the entire time she/he is away, that isn’t actually helpful.
Travel regulations by country during Covid
Travelers and want-to-travelers want to know: Where can I travel now/next month/in November/in 2021? This map, published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), doesn’t predict the future but it helps you know what rules for flying into a country are in place at this time. You can use it for free during the Covid-19 crisis. It doesn’t show announced openings or land or sea info though. It’s called the Interactive Coronavirus (Covid-19) Travel Regulations Map (powered by Timatic).
HydraPak lightweight collapsible water bottles great for travel 2
I’m not obsessed with the “hydration” craze but as a traveler, I have always carried water. Long ago I carried a metal canteen. (You’ll see it on this page.) Then I was stuck carrying 1-liter plastic water bottles. Now, I have the HydraPak Stash. Very light. Folds down. Very convenient. I’m hoping to have the HydraPak Stow soon as well. Also discussed here.
Going away? A pre-travel security checklist for your home
This is for those of you who do leave your home empty as you travel.
SimpliSafe, a new style, low-cost alarm system and company, created this pre-vacation checklist to give you — or remind you of — ways to protect your home while you’re out traveling. These are very basic but wise. Maybe it will get you started building your own list of ways to take care of and protect your home while you travel.
DIY RFID shielding to maybe help protect you as you travel
Aluminum foil to prevent scanning of RFID cards. I covered my sleeves with aluminum foil tape. Here’s my what, how and why.
Survival tip: how to start a fire
If you’re ever stuck and need to start a fire, this trick may help. I didn’t come up with it. You’ll find it all over YouTube, as I did. But I’m sharing it here to help you know about it.
My practical traveler’s thank you to hosts 2
As a guest in people’s homes, it’s a given that I bring food or a gift for my hosts. But for the longer-term visits, I typically try to contribute to the home in some way as a special thank you. Sometimes my host/hostess knows. Other times they have no idea unless they notice the difference later on.
Sometimes it’s just cleaning floor molding and cabinet doors. Once I recaulked a bathroom. Once I repaired a large hole in the wall…
Advice in moving to a new town
Recently, a young man posted a query on LinkedIn, seeking advice on relocating for a job — his first job out of college/university.
This part of his query called to me for two reasons. First, because as a traveler I am always walking into new locations and situations. Also because I’d also relocated with less than 24 hour notice, in order to take my own first job in broadcasting.
Curious about my advice? I’ve posted it here.
All The Places You Will Go, by Dr Seuss
All The Places You Will Go – one of my favorite books of all time. This book isn’t just a kid’s story with morals. It’s a fully inspirational and wise book, full of words to live by. Every kid should know this book. Every teen and adult should re-read it once in a while. So, here are the words — as an inspiration… to all those who have not traveled yet, or who are feeling stuck to you travelers out there, because I’m sure this will ring true and make you smile and keep you moving Have a read. And maybe buy the book or the Audible version (at Amazon if that’s your thing). If there’s a kid in your life, inspire him/her, and share it! Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr Seuss Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! You have brains […]