Tips
MONEY....
I know you are going on vacation and you want to be sure you have enough money...just in case. Well here is some info that you may or may not know. Overseas...the Discover card is virtually unknow. Does not mean you may not be able to use it somewhere...the question will be where. Also the American Express card is less common there than here. Just keep that in mind. Visa and Mastercard are always good for hotels, car rentals and the likes. However, cash is preferred for such things like busses, taxis, local guides and those smaller shops that you find just the cutest things in. Also when converting your dollar to Euro, Etc be warey of charges for the transfers such as those in an exchange booth. ATM at the airports are usually a good bet. Also if you want to know the rate of exchange I use an app that keeps me on top of what converts to what...
Its called XE...the app is free.
THEFT AND SCAMS...
While you are predominately safe you may want to take some common sense precautions. some people use a money belt and kepp their valuable in there...like cash or charge cards to prevent pick pockets. Also be aware of your surroundings stay alert. Ladies don't put pocketbook/purse on the chair back...this is an open invitation...keep it close and always try looping the strap around your arm/leg/wrist when sitting at a cafe or restaurant etc. Also if you see a commotion happening...go on the alert this is sometimes a way to distract.
TIPPING...
Unlike in the United States tipping is not common place in Europe. If you notice that a tip is not included in the services, by all means a 5-10% tip is okay. A 10% tip is considered very generous. But tipping etiquette differs in different places.
I always look to someone who has a great deal of experience with all things in the way travel tips. Rick Steve's is my go to guy if I have any questions. But always remember me, Zee Michaelson for your travel arrangements.
And remember if you have any Tips you would like to share...let me know.
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Tips Part 1
Tips
Sometimes when you are traveling you could use some helpful hints. There are so many I decided to choose a few to get you started.
Electronics...
We always want to take all our electrical/electronic devices with us. From hair dryers to flat irons to cell phones and laptops. However, if you are traveling overseas the outlets are not the same in all countries as in the United States. Rather than blow up your electronic devices you can get an adapter. You can find them in Best Buy. Some of them have three different ways to plug in. US/Europe/Elsewhere ... They are fairly small and a decent one will cost about $30.00US
Cell Phones...
Our cell phones have come a long way but not all of them will work for you overseas. You can check with your provider to see what the cost factors are...Remember....roaming... You can also buy (as I put it) a throw away phone when you get over there. You can also use one of many apps that are available and some are free that will allow you to communicate to those back in the States, both via text and phone call..I have Viber and WhatsApp...again you need to know if you are in a wifi area.
Packing...
This is best thing I can tell you. PACK LIGHT! With new airline regulations for size of bags and weight constraints...it pays to pack light.
You can use those plastic storage bags that you can vacuum the air out of. These will allow you to flatten the items and if you don't have a vacuum overseas you can squish the air out on your return trip. Remeber if you are on a tour...some may require you to carry your own bags to and from hotel rooms. So you don't want to have to schlepp big bags. I recently seen Samantha Brown's luggage. It looked ideal to me and I may have to invest myself. Many colors to choose from and you can tell great thought went into designing them for ease and convenience of the traveler. Also a small first aid kit with your medications and a small sewing kit just incase a button comes off or you rip a seam. Speaking of Medications. Carry them in the original prescription bottle and check to see the requirements of carrying them. Such as do you need the prescription from your doctor.
These are only a few Tips, but I will be posting more on my Blog. If you have any other tips that have helped you, I would love to hear them.
Remember if you are planning your next trip. Give Zee Michaelson Travel a call.
Sometimes when you are traveling you could use some helpful hints. There are so many I decided to choose a few to get you started.
Electronics...
We always want to take all our electrical/electronic devices with us. From hair dryers to flat irons to cell phones and laptops. However, if you are traveling overseas the outlets are not the same in all countries as in the United States. Rather than blow up your electronic devices you can get an adapter. You can find them in Best Buy. Some of them have three different ways to plug in. US/Europe/Elsewhere ... They are fairly small and a decent one will cost about $30.00US
Cell Phones...
Our cell phones have come a long way but not all of them will work for you overseas. You can check with your provider to see what the cost factors are...Remember....roaming... You can also buy (as I put it) a throw away phone when you get over there. You can also use one of many apps that are available and some are free that will allow you to communicate to those back in the States, both via text and phone call..I have Viber and WhatsApp...again you need to know if you are in a wifi area.
Packing...
This is best thing I can tell you. PACK LIGHT! With new airline regulations for size of bags and weight constraints...it pays to pack light.
You can use those plastic storage bags that you can vacuum the air out of. These will allow you to flatten the items and if you don't have a vacuum overseas you can squish the air out on your return trip. Remeber if you are on a tour...some may require you to carry your own bags to and from hotel rooms. So you don't want to have to schlepp big bags. I recently seen Samantha Brown's luggage. It looked ideal to me and I may have to invest myself. Many colors to choose from and you can tell great thought went into designing them for ease and convenience of the traveler. Also a small first aid kit with your medications and a small sewing kit just incase a button comes off or you rip a seam. Speaking of Medications. Carry them in the original prescription bottle and check to see the requirements of carrying them. Such as do you need the prescription from your doctor.
These are only a few Tips, but I will be posting more on my Blog. If you have any other tips that have helped you, I would love to hear them.
Remember if you are planning your next trip. Give Zee Michaelson Travel a call.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Belfast
Belfast
First let me say that Belfast is located in Northern Ireland and is part of the United Kingdom. Here is a little know fact..."The Titanic" was built in Belfast. They also have thier own crystal factory...and yes I bought some. I couldn't resist! If you are traveling in Northern Ireland, Belfast is the Capital. The main city area is full of hustle and bustle, with stores and shops and or course the capital building. I did not stay there long...
Many of my listeners know that I am half of an Irish Heritage. But what you may not know is that my family hails from Belfast. My Dad lived there for a while and my Aunt and Uncles were born there. So when I arrived in Belfast I was on a mission to track down my family history. Easier said then done! I was very adventurous and decided to walk to a cemetary where I was told my ancestors were buried. Told 3 miles...actual about 8 miles...However, it allowed me to have a wonderful adventure and I met some great people that were willing to get me to where I was going. They even took the time out of thier day to show me some memorials. Keep in mind that even though English is spoken in Ireland the brogues can be a little hard to understand. I had an advantage, my grandparents both spoke with a brogue, they also spoke Gaelic. Which, by the way, is still spoken there as well.
Along my journey there were memorials and building art that were very political statements indeed and not necessarily about Ireland alone. When I returned some people asked me about the clashes they hear between Irish Catholics and Irish Protestants. I have to say yes this is prevalant as you walk about. However, I recommend that you do not get into a political or religious debate and you will be just fine. The people of Northern Ireland are very friendly and love to talk with you. Just enjoy the people either Catholic or Protestant...enjoy the food and ambience that makes up this diverse city.
My trip to Belfast wasn't very successful in my finding my ancestors. However with feet tired and a bit befuddled I did not walk back to the ship. I took what is called a black cab. It was a specified route that you share with others...more great conversations with the people and it only cost about one pound for each of us.
First let me say that Belfast is located in Northern Ireland and is part of the United Kingdom. Here is a little know fact..."The Titanic" was built in Belfast. They also have thier own crystal factory...and yes I bought some. I couldn't resist! If you are traveling in Northern Ireland, Belfast is the Capital. The main city area is full of hustle and bustle, with stores and shops and or course the capital building. I did not stay there long...
Many of my listeners know that I am half of an Irish Heritage. But what you may not know is that my family hails from Belfast. My Dad lived there for a while and my Aunt and Uncles were born there. So when I arrived in Belfast I was on a mission to track down my family history. Easier said then done! I was very adventurous and decided to walk to a cemetary where I was told my ancestors were buried. Told 3 miles...actual about 8 miles...However, it allowed me to have a wonderful adventure and I met some great people that were willing to get me to where I was going. They even took the time out of thier day to show me some memorials. Keep in mind that even though English is spoken in Ireland the brogues can be a little hard to understand. I had an advantage, my grandparents both spoke with a brogue, they also spoke Gaelic. Which, by the way, is still spoken there as well.
Along my journey there were memorials and building art that were very political statements indeed and not necessarily about Ireland alone. When I returned some people asked me about the clashes they hear between Irish Catholics and Irish Protestants. I have to say yes this is prevalant as you walk about. However, I recommend that you do not get into a political or religious debate and you will be just fine. The people of Northern Ireland are very friendly and love to talk with you. Just enjoy the people either Catholic or Protestant...enjoy the food and ambience that makes up this diverse city.
My trip to Belfast wasn't very successful in my finding my ancestors. However with feet tired and a bit befuddled I did not walk back to the ship. I took what is called a black cab. It was a specified route that you share with others...more great conversations with the people and it only cost about one pound for each of us.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Dublin
Dublin
Well I had always wanted to go to Ireland and I did! Dublin...it's a pedestrian friendly city. Lots to see and do and shopping on Grafton Street. Where Molly Malone peddled her wares.
But among the hustle and bustle is Trinity College...home of the Book of Kells dating back to the 15th Century. Pictures unfortunately were not allowed inside so you will just have go and see it for yourself. It is hard to believe how intact and colorful it still was. Trinity College with all its architecture looks like a typical college you would see here in the United States including the quad.
Now I also ventured to St. Patrick's. I come from New York home of St. Patrick's Cathedral...so of course, I had to see this one. The history inside this St. Patrick's dated back again to the 15th century. I was completely in awe when I had seen the flags that are deteriorating but still hang gingerly inside along with the Door of Reconciliation.
But I digress...in my podcast I had said that I took my husband on Grafton to have his first real scone and clotted cream. I also promised to put my grandmothers Scone recipe here. Plus I would find a clotted cream recipe...which I did.
So please give it a try and enjoy. Let me know how it came out for you.
Clotted Cream
Need
2 Pints Heavy Cream (Not UltraPasturized)
Heavy Casserole Dish
Instructions
1. Set Oven for 180 degrees Farenheit
2. Pour the Cream into the casserole dish. It should come up
about 1 to 3 inches on the side
3. Set the dish, uncovered in the oven and leave undisturbed for
12 hours. Be sure to leave the oven on the whole time.
(doing it overnight can be helpful if that works better for you)
4. After the 12 hours, Remove the dish from the oven and set it to cool.
Then cover and refridgerate.
5. Next morning scoop the thickened cream into jar(s) and cover and
put back into refridgerator. (you can use left over cream for baking)
6. Spread the clotted cream on scones...you can add a little strawberry
jam if you like as well...enjoy....
Scones (This recipe can also be used to make Oven Soda Bread)
Sift together the following ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Now into these sifted ingredients
cut 1 stick of butter into dry ingredients (use your hands to make sure the butter is blended to a gritty consistency)
Buttermilk (about 1/2-1cup) slowly mix in buttermilk just to make the batter damp. Remember only to make it damp.
Grab a generous amount of raisins and mix into your dough.
Take the batter and roll out onto wax paper. Don't over roll...just enough so the thickness is about 1.5 to 2 inches high. Now take a circle item to cut into biscuit shapes. (you can use a glass) Place them on a greased Pan.
Beat one egg and brush on top of your scones.
Cook in oven at 350 degrees for approximately 20-25 minutes or until you see a deep golden brown.
Now if you want to do Irish Soda Bread (Oven)
Use this same recipe except don't roll out. Make into one big ball flat on the bottom...again don't forget to brush the egg on and then on the very top make a large "X". This helps with the cooking and also as legend has it...you must be able to let the fairies out.
Well I had always wanted to go to Ireland and I did! Dublin...it's a pedestrian friendly city. Lots to see and do and shopping on Grafton Street. Where Molly Malone peddled her wares.
But among the hustle and bustle is Trinity College...home of the Book of Kells dating back to the 15th Century. Pictures unfortunately were not allowed inside so you will just have go and see it for yourself. It is hard to believe how intact and colorful it still was. Trinity College with all its architecture looks like a typical college you would see here in the United States including the quad.
Now I also ventured to St. Patrick's. I come from New York home of St. Patrick's Cathedral...so of course, I had to see this one. The history inside this St. Patrick's dated back again to the 15th century. I was completely in awe when I had seen the flags that are deteriorating but still hang gingerly inside along with the Door of Reconciliation.
But I digress...in my podcast I had said that I took my husband on Grafton to have his first real scone and clotted cream. I also promised to put my grandmothers Scone recipe here. Plus I would find a clotted cream recipe...which I did.
So please give it a try and enjoy. Let me know how it came out for you.
Clotted Cream
Need
2 Pints Heavy Cream (Not UltraPasturized)
Heavy Casserole Dish
Instructions
1. Set Oven for 180 degrees Farenheit
2. Pour the Cream into the casserole dish. It should come up
about 1 to 3 inches on the side
3. Set the dish, uncovered in the oven and leave undisturbed for
12 hours. Be sure to leave the oven on the whole time.
(doing it overnight can be helpful if that works better for you)
4. After the 12 hours, Remove the dish from the oven and set it to cool.
Then cover and refridgerate.
5. Next morning scoop the thickened cream into jar(s) and cover and
put back into refridgerator. (you can use left over cream for baking)
6. Spread the clotted cream on scones...you can add a little strawberry
jam if you like as well...enjoy....
Scones (This recipe can also be used to make Oven Soda Bread)
Sift together the following ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Now into these sifted ingredients
cut 1 stick of butter into dry ingredients (use your hands to make sure the butter is blended to a gritty consistency)
Buttermilk (about 1/2-1cup) slowly mix in buttermilk just to make the batter damp. Remember only to make it damp.
Grab a generous amount of raisins and mix into your dough.
Take the batter and roll out onto wax paper. Don't over roll...just enough so the thickness is about 1.5 to 2 inches high. Now take a circle item to cut into biscuit shapes. (you can use a glass) Place them on a greased Pan.
Beat one egg and brush on top of your scones.
Cook in oven at 350 degrees for approximately 20-25 minutes or until you see a deep golden brown.
Now if you want to do Irish Soda Bread (Oven)
Use this same recipe except don't roll out. Make into one big ball flat on the bottom...again don't forget to brush the egg on and then on the very top make a large "X". This helps with the cooking and also as legend has it...you must be able to let the fairies out.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
CRUISING
Cruising....
Oh I do love cruising. Unpack once and leave the sailing to them. They have Big Ships, Small Ships, River Boats...Pick a place you want to go and you can probably either cruise there or get on board a ship there.
You always hear about caribbean cruises, but there are so many more. Do you know you can travel transatlantic over to Europe. What about the artic. Want to see the northern lights... then again what about a cruise to see the Peguins in Antartica. You can even go Whale Watching! So many ships, so little time.
Cruising on reputable lines is extremely safe. With experienced Captains and crew.
I am always asked what about the size of the ships and cabins. Well here is a little unknown secret about myself. I am extremely claustraphobic! I can bug out even in my own closet. I am extremely comfortable on board a ship. I always get the less expensive cabins...which are smaller and usually no window and I am still okay. I'm only in the room when I am changing or sleeping. However, there are rooms, suites and balconies to please everyone. You just need to pick.
I also hear two things...there's too much to do and theres nothing to do while at sea. Wrong in both cases. When you are at sea the ship has many different activities for you to do, you won't have time to do it all. My Hubby and I took dance classes, went to an art auction and small shows. Then there is the other school of thought...I just want to relax, I don't want to go on any excursions and believe you me...there are plenty to choose from. But you can sit pool side and just read a book if thats what you want to do. The ship does not close down when it is docked at the many ports o call, so you can stay on board or go on excursions or just get off and walk around and see the sites on your own. Something for everybody.
Sea sickness, not fun. If you do get sea sick just watching a boat in the water there are many over the counter medications you can take...you should speak with your doctor as well. If you don't know if you will get sea sick, there are doctors on board that can help ease that queasiness and you will not miss a thing. I have experienced a mild case of queasiness when we ran into a little rougher cross winds...I just popped a licorice in my mouth and was just fine. My hubby also experienced it once he just drank a little ginger ale.
So pick a place... pick a shipline... and have a ball...Cruising is a lot of fun for those who want activities every second and those that want to just sit and veg out.
Want to know about the many locations you can travel to. You can contact me and I will try to get you on that cruise of your dreams. Hey! Grab a bunch of your friends and family and make it a group party...Maybe I'll see you On Board
Oh I do love cruising. Unpack once and leave the sailing to them. They have Big Ships, Small Ships, River Boats...Pick a place you want to go and you can probably either cruise there or get on board a ship there.
You always hear about caribbean cruises, but there are so many more. Do you know you can travel transatlantic over to Europe. What about the artic. Want to see the northern lights... then again what about a cruise to see the Peguins in Antartica. You can even go Whale Watching! So many ships, so little time.
Cruising on reputable lines is extremely safe. With experienced Captains and crew.
I am always asked what about the size of the ships and cabins. Well here is a little unknown secret about myself. I am extremely claustraphobic! I can bug out even in my own closet. I am extremely comfortable on board a ship. I always get the less expensive cabins...which are smaller and usually no window and I am still okay. I'm only in the room when I am changing or sleeping. However, there are rooms, suites and balconies to please everyone. You just need to pick.
I also hear two things...there's too much to do and theres nothing to do while at sea. Wrong in both cases. When you are at sea the ship has many different activities for you to do, you won't have time to do it all. My Hubby and I took dance classes, went to an art auction and small shows. Then there is the other school of thought...I just want to relax, I don't want to go on any excursions and believe you me...there are plenty to choose from. But you can sit pool side and just read a book if thats what you want to do. The ship does not close down when it is docked at the many ports o call, so you can stay on board or go on excursions or just get off and walk around and see the sites on your own. Something for everybody.
Sea sickness, not fun. If you do get sea sick just watching a boat in the water there are many over the counter medications you can take...you should speak with your doctor as well. If you don't know if you will get sea sick, there are doctors on board that can help ease that queasiness and you will not miss a thing. I have experienced a mild case of queasiness when we ran into a little rougher cross winds...I just popped a licorice in my mouth and was just fine. My hubby also experienced it once he just drank a little ginger ale.
So pick a place... pick a shipline... and have a ball...Cruising is a lot of fun for those who want activities every second and those that want to just sit and veg out.
Want to know about the many locations you can travel to. You can contact me and I will try to get you on that cruise of your dreams. Hey! Grab a bunch of your friends and family and make it a group party...Maybe I'll see you On Board
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