What’s in my Backpack?

     I am the first to love a nice expensive handbag. Last year as the four of us were planning a trip to the Czech Republic, my friend asked what I use as a carry-on for airline flights. My answer was a backpack.

    Raised eyebrows, a shrug and that was the end of the discussion. Our meet-up in Prague proved to be a perfect example why.

    The checked luggage did not make the Charles de Gaul connection. It should be at our hotel sometime the next day. When my friend phoned they had arrived, I mentioned the delayed bags situation. How awful to be in the same clothes for two days she commented. Did we need to go shopping? Not a problem was my reply.

    We always pack a drip-dry shirt, clean undies and socks. Toiletries are TSA compliant, prescriptions with printed pages from the pharmacy to correspond with each med, extra tote for stuff, alarm clock, spectacles, an empty spray bottle to spritz my wrinkled shirt or attempt to restyle my bed head the next morning, blow-up neck pillows, ear plugs/buds, cell cords, camera, and small cross-body purse.

    The purse is large enough to hold our passports. In a small wallet I have our GeoBlue Trekker card (when traveling outside of the US), AARP for Budget auto rentals, corresponding airline and hotel credit cards  change per trip depending on which airline(s) we booked or hotel(s) we are staying, Priority card for airport clubs and just recently our blood donor cards.

    The four of us met up the next morning, spent the entire day sightseeing and returned to find the luggage waiting for us at the hotel. I understood we could filed a claim, but all worked out.

    A postcard in the front of our luggage has arrival destination details including complete address, dates and contact info. Thankfully we've only had delayed situations and never lost a bag!

Unexpected Request Over The Intercom

 
    At 4:15 pm on our fifth consecutive day at sea on a recent transatlantic cruise, an unusual request. A critically ill passenger needed Type A Positive Blood. Anyone on board with this blood type please bring their mandatory Blood Donor Card, and report to the Medical Center.

    Neither of us qualified. My heart went out to this individual on Deck 4 in a nightmare situation, two days from the next port in Cobh, Ireland. 

   

    Instead I prayed for him or her, as I often do at home when an ambulance passes our car or I hear one in the distance. A stranger I will never know needs all the help they can get at that moment.  

    The next day we heard an announcement the passenger was doing much better. Many thanks to those who helped.

    If you are traveling and healthy enough to give blood, consider carrying your blood donor card. Prior to this, we had left it at home. The next trip we'll bring it along. There may be someone in the future that will be grateful you helped save their life.

Travel Medical Insurance... Is yours a Primary or Secondary Policy?

Last year we purchased Trekker Choice through GeoBlue with web and mobile support. Prior to our renewal, I decided to do a little research. Articles I read suggested overseas travel insurance should be a primary-payer, purchased directly from a company like GeoBlue, not a tour operator or cruise line.

Online I was asked to answer if we had health insurance in the US. I phoned customer service and was told in order to cover a pre-existing circumstance, the company needs to make sure we had addressed medical concerns at home otherwise it would not be covered.

We always worried about some unforeseen accident like an acquaintance had a tour van back into her. For years I have read about MedjetAssist and Travel Guard, but with a $50 deductible, our ages, zip code, I renewed again 2 adults for $390.

We like how it covers unlimited trips in a 12 month period (70 days max. per trip). Up to $250K for sickness and accidents, $500K medical evacuation benefits, and covers pre-existing conditions for medical services and medical evacuation, also a no hospital pre-certification penalty.  

Pondering the next adventure, does your ‘trip’ insurance cover those additional days before the tour or after a cruise? Remember in most situations Medicare will not pay for health care or supplies outside of the US. Safe Travels!

Informative Traveler’s Magazine is a Black and White Periodical

We found International Travelers News Magazine a few years ago. For a $24 annual print or a $15 digital version, this independent magazine has articles of travelers sharing with other globetrotters their experiences outside of the USA.  IntlTtravelNews.com is located in Sacramento, CA, 800-486-4968

As one who had two articles published, the editor is meticulous about details. You must be a subscriber to participate and cover stories with photographs in the past, received a financial payment on a one-year subscription. All others (like mine) give you the glory of seeing ones journey in print.

The Boarding Pass column may include airport updates, new Visa policies, or cruise opportunities. Travel Brief’s, has details on future festivals, museum updates.

Traveler’s Intercom, readers’ opinions, tips and recommendations. News Watch covers current events and US State Department warnings.

My favorite, Calling All Readers, offers a monthly prompt and there’s an Essay Contest.

Of course the Where in the World category encourages readers to submit a favorite photo of some obscure local and let others try to guess where it was taken. 

Have a look on line, or ask for a free copy, we always learn something in our monthly issue for future travels!  

Over 300 Member Locations

We enjoy photographing botanicals, historical homes, museums, nature centers and planetariums.

Prior to departure I take a look at the American Horticultural Society RAP (reciprocal admission program) on their website AmericanHort.ahs.org

With a current membership, visitors are allowed special admission privileges and / or discounts to over 300 participating gardens, arboreta and conservatories in the US, District of Columbia, and two in Canada. 

Last summer we attended Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Chihuly Exhibit at no charge as it was included in our local membership.  I did call ahead as recommended, and photo ID is required. Also suggested is confirming any 90-mile exclusion policy based on your home address.

In our area a Dual category is $70 a year. This includes unlimited entry, “Members Only” events throughout the year, and educational programs for all ages along with gift shop discounts.

As noted on the site these gardens rely on gifts and donations. Consider supporting your local public centers. We look forward to toting our tripod through the Edison and Ford Winter Estates or Flamingo Gardens.