This is the first week that I'll have stepped into an airplane and traveled since July 2019.  That is just incredible to me.  I would constantly travel if I could, but during a pandemic...I just didn't have the opportunities.

But now...I do!  I'm traveling a LOT!  This week I am hopping from one destination to another.  And I can't wait.

On Thursday I will head to Kansas City, where I will visit my son and have a much needed haircut from my awesome stylist.  Then I will stay with my sister, who is just minutes from the Kansas City airport.

On Friday, I will meet my daughter at the airport where we will fly to ATLANTA.  We love Atlanta.  We've had many happy and important moments there.  We will help at the US United Alabama and Georgia State Pageants!  Pictures are coming!

Now, when I booked this flight, every single flight back to Kansas City had a layover in Orlando.  Orlando = Disney.  I'm a Disney Nut.  Dang it, I'm going to Disney.  So Daughter is headed back to Kansas City, and I'm heading to the Happiest Place on Earth (hey, let's admit it...we all need some happy now).  I'll be staying at Pop Century Resort from March 7-10.  I visit Magic Kingdom on Monday, while lunching at the Crystal Palace, and I will be meeting two friends at Epcot on Tuesday!  Yes, there will be pictures.

So there will be travel this week.  I'm starting to pack my dusty bags.  I got a new set of luggage last year, just before travel was banned.  I'm anxious to use it.  My airline and parking apps are being used again.  I'm looking forward to earning points toward my freebies...just for doing what I love...travel.

I've had it.  I'm bored.  I'm restless.  I'm ready to hit the road.

SO I am.

I'm heading to Atlanta for a pageant in March.  No, I'm not competing this time.  I'm going to the US United Alabama / Georgia State Pageant as a Lifetime Queen.

As I booked my flight, I realized I had a layover in Orlando.  That's always an issue with me because when I think Orlando, I tend to grow mouse ears and a bow.  And that's exactly what happened.  I booked a few days at Disney.  On site, of course, because I've never quite grown up and I love the fantasy of the Disney resort hotels.

So, I'm over 50, Type 1 diabetic, and I'm traveling.  During a worldwide pandemic.  Am I crazy?  Maybe, but to me, it makes sense.  Here are my 8 reasons why:
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• Disney is limiting crowds at the parks.  In order to visit a park, you must have a reservation ahead of time.  This limits the number of people coming in, and keeps social distancing easier to achieve.
• They clean often.  This is Disney.  Cleanliness is next to godliness.  Do you remember the episode of Roseanne when the Cast Member with the broom followed Darlene around, and when she littered, he immediately swept it?  That's EXACTLY how it's always been, and rumors have it that they are even more serious about cleaning now.
• Dining is also limited.  It's just as difficult to get reservations now as it's ever been.
• You are required to wear masks.  As in, you will leave if you don't.  I have my creative ears on and I'm making some cute masks with my Cricut and Heat Transfer Vinyl!
• There are no self-fill stations.  Have a refillable mug?  A Cast Member fills it for you!  Same goes for water refills in the parks.  You hand over the cups and keep the lids, ,and the Cast Member will fill it with your drink of choice.
• Your 6' or 2m. distancing marks are VERY CLEARLY marked.  You know EXACTLY where to socially distance stand while in line.
• You handle your own luggage on Magical Express.  I don't know if that means I don't get the super cool yellow tags anymore, but I do know that *I* am in charge of my bags, so that makes me happy.

I feel safe going to Disney.  I'm doing the "Straight to room" feature on the app so that I can avoid the registration and check in lines.  I am checking on wait lines when I'm in the parks and will use those to help me stay aware.  I have my cleanliness kit that will be in my park bag.  And I am going to be alert to my surroundings.  I have never (knock on wood) gotten ill while visiting Disney, and I certainly don't expect to start now!

I CANNOT BELIEVE IT!  Seriously, friends, my daughter and I love to travel together, and we haven't been able to for a couple of years. She graduated college, got a big girl job, bought a house and won a national pageant title.  I quit my job, hubby and I moved from the house where we raised our kids, we adopted another kid...and I won another national pageant title.  We've been really busy.   I didn't realize she missed it as much as I do...UNTIL MOTHER'S DAY.

Coronavirus be damned...my daughter has scheduled us a cruise, on our FAVORITE cruise line, for September of this year!  I'm actually feeling confident that this might happen.  I CANNOT WAIT!  Happy Mother's Day to me!

We are now going to travel on the MSC Seaside.  We are hitting up Puerto Rico and Bahamas, both of which we've been to before.  This time we also get to see USVI (St. Thomas) and the MSC private island. She splurged for the FANTASTICA experience, which is the second tier of the MSC experiences.  We have a full alcohol package and a balcony stateroom.  We are hoping to do the mother / daughter spa experience.  If you have not been on an MSC cruise, I suggest you book one ASAP.  The ships are amazing, the value is incredible, and the staircases are indescribably gorgeous.  Trust me on this.

Since we've booked WAY in advance, we were able to get a really good stateroom.  We are close to the top of the ship, in the center of the ship.  We are "kind of" close to the elevators...That means we are close enough to have a short walk, but far enough to avoid the noises of the drunken shipmates stumbling to their cabins at 3 am.  We booked early enough that we were basically able to choose the exact cabin we want.  Last cruise, we chose the 5th level, but that was still so close to the action that is was pretty noisy on the balcony.  This time, there are no busy levels right under us, so we will have an easier time with quiet.

We are looking for things to do on our trips.  We've been to Nassau, Bahamas 5 times now, so I'm actually thinking about not even getting off the ship (although I do like the fun photo ops right off the ship...).  Emily loves the Bahamas and tries to make at least an annual trip, but her last few forays have been to Bimini Island.  She, too, is just kind of bored with Nassau.  The last time we went, we didn't even really enjoy the straw market.  WHAT?!?  Same for Puerto Rico.  We will be there from 5 pm to 7 am, and aren't really thrilled about being in our area that late at night.  We've decided to hop off and walk 2 blocks to a couple of places we really want to see, then heading back to the ship.  Emily is considering the bioluminescent bay tour, which sounds amazing, but like way too much walking for me. We considered the Bacardi tour, but it closes about half hour before we get there, so that doesn't work.

I'm really excited about USVI.  I've had this on my bucket list for a LONG time.  We will be in St. Thomas, which is so exciting to me!  I am excited to see Emancipation Park, Bluebeard's Castle, etc...and hearing local legends of Blackbeard and other pirates!  Emily found a tour of an ice castle that we are considering.  I typically purchase one piece of NICE jewelry from one of the ports, and since I've never been to St. Thomas, I think that's where I will shop. The port shopping area is called Main Street, and from what I see, there tons of really cool places to shop.

We are also visiting the MSC private island, the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.  I haven't exactly figured out what the reserve is about, but the island is beautiful and I'm excited to see it. Coco Cay, the Royal Caribbean private island.  While there, we were snorkeling, and suddenly were whisked away by a strong undercurrent.  Emily and I made it to a rock where the lifeguards were, but we couldn't find Darren and the boys.  We looked over and saw Darren holding each boy's head up, while seemingly treading water.  We signaled the lifeguard, and they took the wave runner out and rescued the boys.  We didn't find out until later that evening that Darren was actually standing on a rock.  Still, we are not looking for that kind of excitement this time around!

Have any of you ever cruised on MSC Seaside?  What did you like, and what should we avoid?  I'd like to know!

Last year, Emily and I took a wonderful cruise.  In a leap of faith, we chose a new-to-the-US, relatively unknown cruise line.  And we had the time of our sea-loving lives!

We took an 8 day, 7 night cruise on the MSC Divina.  This gorgeous ship is the largest we've ever cruised.  Inspired by it's godmother, Sophia Loren, there are sophisticated statues, gorgeous decor, and even a Swarovski covered staircase.  It was just luxurious.

Surprisingly, it was also very affordable.  We were even able to splurge on the all you can drink package, and a balcony room.  We lounged in the zero entry adult only infinity pool, that seemed like it was flowing into the ocean.  We danced at a number of the discos and dance clubs.  We played games.  We saw Broadway style entertainment. We made friends (hi, Mike, Sherri, BJ and Julie!). We dined well.  We were treated like royalty.  It was a wonderful experience, and we are looking forward to many more cruises on their other ships, including the MSC Seaside and the MSC Armonia.

With my love of the MSC cruise line, I have been looking for a way to promote them as much as I can.  Imagine my delight when I was able to become an affiliate for them!  Follow this link to see which cruise is the best for you, and then book your dream vacation.  Who knows?  Maybe we'll see each other on an upcoming vacation!

It's the week of my cruise!  Part of me is beyond excited, thinking of the sun, the sand...the frozen drinks...  Part of me is freaking out over packing.  Yeah.  Packing.  I mean, I've never taken a cruise this long.  Emily and I will be gone for 8 days and 7 months. And I'm feeling overwhelmed by luggage sizes, luggage weight, and what I can really wash and rinse in the sink.

As you know, I'm trying out flying Spirit Airlines as a member of their $9 Spirit Club.  This is my first trip with Spirit, so I'm still trying to feel things out a bit.  It's also my first cruise with MSC Cruises, so I don't really know the reputation for dress casual.  It's a real conundrum.

I pack my clothes in space saving bags.  That's both bad AND good.  Bad because it makes me think I can pack more, so I go over weight limits.  Good because I can fit more in there.  Also good...because I can organize right off the bat.  Underclothes and PJs in one bag, shirts in one, pants and skirts in one, and dresses in one.  Easy peasy, right?

I brought 2 tee shirts and 2 workout pants.  I figure I'll buy tee shirts, and I can rinse my workout pants *if* needed.  I brought 7 blouses that can be mixed and matched with the 2 pairs of capris (white and black) and the 3 pairs of capri leggings (black, tan, gray and blue) plus a cute white jacket that I can mix and match with everything.  I brought 3 casual dresses (what can I say...I'm most comfy in dresses) and two different cocktail dresses for formal night.  I brought thin flip flops for the pool and after-cruise hostel stay, two pairs of dressy flip flops and a pair of tennis shoes.  I also have a coverup and 2 swim suits.

I did bring extras.  A hanging bag for organization, magnets, a dry erase board and post it notes for messages, my underwater camera, meds (okay, those aren't extras...) and my beauty stuff.

I'm allowed 40 lbs.  I came in at 32.

Yes, I'm still stressed.  What if I can't add, and I'm over my 40 lbs allowed?  I don't even know what to leave behind!

This time tomorrow, I will be in the hotel, washing the travel yuck off of me, and getting ready for bed.  I can't wait!  I do need the sun and sand.  This week will be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Confession:  I am terrified of getting lost.  What if I end up in a bad part of town?  What if I never find my way home? But when I was in Europe, getting lost was a wonderful adventure.

By the time I landed in Amsterdam, I had been awake for 20 hours.  My insulin pump had become dislodged when my seatmate decided to flail his arms around when we landed in London, and my blood sugars were rebounding from that debacle.  By the time I landed at Schipol Airport, I was hungry and exhausted, but excited to begin my adventures.  All I wanted was to head to my hostel, grab a quick shower, and find a Febo for a quick meal.  I mean, it was still daylight; surely I would be able to explore, right?  I got directions for which train to take to my hostel, and went on my merry way.

​What I didn't realize is that there was construction on part of my route.  The stop I thought I was supposed to use was shut down.  I got off a stop before that, and decided to walk.  And walk I did.  Over cobblestoned streets, through parks, and into a city square that I just KNEW would lead me where I was supposed to be.  That didn't happen.  I walked for two hours, then grabbed a map to try to figure out where I was and where I needed to be.  That was no help.  I used data to pull up the Rome2Rio app; although that is usually a huge help to me, for that day, it had me walking in circles.

BUT...I experienced so much, and leaned a lot.  I drank a soft drink at Burger King.  I sat on a wall across the street from a concert hall full of teens cheering for the Netherlands' hottest band.  I talked to a police officer, whom I thought was a taxi cab driver, and he was so nice.  Finally, after 6 hours wandering around the Centraal station area, I found my Hostel, checked in, got my shower, and went out to eat.  I knew where to go, now, and I enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner.  I was so exhausted that I fell asleep twice during dinner, but that, too, is a special memory.

Next I went to Germany.  Deutschland.  The place where my exchange student, Malte's, family was hosting us.  Emily and I met up at the train station.  I immediately hit it off with Malte's Mom, and enjoyed watching Malte drive us to his home.  The next day, we saw castles and cathedrals.  Then we returned to Malte's house.  Malte's family lives in a home we would call a condominium.  We parked in a different spot near his neighbor's farm.  While I turned to get photos of the animals, everyone else walked back to Malte's house.  I turned around and realized...I was hopelessly lost.  I walked around for a while before calling Emily to tell her I was lost.  Before long, Malte's whole family was outside calling for me.  It was embarrassing, but it's a wonderful memory (and I got some great pictures of his neighbor's animals).

I learned that getting lost can be a fun adventure.  I created some memories that I wouldn't have had otherwise.  I have a lot of wonderful anecdotes that are good for some laughs.  Maybe getting lost isn't so bad after all!

My European vacation last year was eye opening in many ways.  For one, it proved to me that one doesn't need a lot of "stuff" to travel.  In fact, I realize that I usually over pack.  After wandering around Amsterdam lost for 6 hours, luggage in hand, I knew I had to get my over packing under control.  The Europeans do it right.  They know how to compact pack and what clothes and how to create many outfits with different pieces..  Rarely did I see people struggling with their suitcases when I was at train or plane stations.  In fact, embarrassingly, I was usually the one struggling through the terminals.

Since then I've traveled several times, and I've worked to pack the bare necessities.  I even participated in a pageant and only brought a small suitcase and a bag!

I also came to the conclusion that flights really are cheaper when you pack sparingly.  Since I really love to travel (have passport, will  leave the country!), I would rather spend money on experiences than on suitcases.

With this in mind, I decided to join the Spirit Airlines $9 Club.

WHAT?  Am I CRAZY?  I mean Spirit has such a bad reputation for late flights, overbooking, tight spaces and strict luggage rules.  How could I possibly make Spirit work?

Well, dear readers, I have decided to give it a try.  I know what I'm getting into.  If my flight is supposed to depart at 10:20, I'll be lucky to be in the air at 11:00.  If it is supposed to land at 2:00, we may be circling the runway at 5:20. The trick is to realize this and to plan accordingly.  They tell you up front that there are no "free" drinks or snacks; that's okay, just bring your own.  The point is, with one of the newest fleet of planes in the sky, Spirit has great safety reviews and they are very up front about what you get for your money.  Honestly, they feel a lot like every single airline or train I took in Europe.  To me, a little common sense will save a lot of money in the end.  And it's worth it.

My first experience is right around the corner.  I will be flying Spirit on my way to the cruise.  I am flying the day before, so that if there are any hiccups, I will have time to fix them.  And if there are none?  Beach time, baby!  We are allowed a pretty generous personal item bag, so I will have a lot of my "just in case" stuff in there. Being an 8 day cruise, I'm keeping my wardrobe in mind.  I did opt to purchase a checked luggage option.  That gives me a little more breathing room.  I'm bringing a lot of separate to mix and match so my wardrobe doesn't need to be so extensive.  It leaves me a lot of room for souvenirs, too.  Purchasing my bag option when I booked saved me a lot of money, too.

With the cost of my 1 year $9 club membership, my checked bag and my ticket, I was still $89 less than my next cheapest option.  The annual membership will be great, too, when it's cold in Missouri and I long for the beaches in Mexico, or if I get a yearning to visit some of my southern friends.  I won't need to dream....I will just need to pack my carry on bag and GO!

Maybe I'm being idealistic, but I think that Spirit may be ushering in a new era of airline travel, and I'm excited to take advantage of it.  I learned in Europe that less is more; we will see if that works when I'm on my cruise.  Stay tuned for my post-flight report, and maybe you, too, will be inspired to get in the "less is more" travel Spirit, too!

Remember back when I lamented that I wouldn't be traveling this year?  Well, when my daughter decided not to go to Europe, she cashed in her money back from her travel insurance (good girl) and she and I decided to go on a cruise!

I searched (as I do) and found an 8 day cruise from Miami to St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, back to the Bahamas again, and then returning to Miami!  We will be cruising on the MSC Cruise Lines Divina.  Have you never heard of them?  You're not alone!  Although MSC is known in Europe and South America, they just started sailing in the  US last year, and the Divina is their only ship sailing from here.  Later this year, they will add the MSC Seaside in December 2017 and plans to roll out a ship from their Meviglia class in or around 2018.  MSC (which stands for Mediterranean Shipping Company, by the way) is looking to expand quickly into the North American market.  You may not have heard of them until now, but you will definitely hear about them in the future!

Emily and I are even more excited about the Divina because the MSC cruise line is very European in culture, and she and I love Europe.  Breakfasts consist of Mediterranean fare, along with delicious-sounding continental fare.  We are really excited to sample the pain au chocolat, just to see if it is as good as the chocolate bread we had in France and Britain last year.  The dress code is a little less shorts and tee shirts and a little more capris and blouse.  There are several theme nights on our cruise; although we aren't sure what we will have yes, former cruisers have reported Italian Night where you wear red, white and green; Black and White Night where you wear black and white clothes, and decade theme nights.  I'm excited to see what we will do!

Apparently most of the crew barely has English as a second language.  Emily and I are pretty excited about that, and hope that our steward speaks French.  Wouldn't that be great?

We are thrilled with the customer service so far.  Our reservationist is Tim Brosnan, from Ireland but according to him, he is NOT related to our favorite Irishman, Pierce Brosnan.  Tim has been wonderful to work with and even got us upgraded from the the Bella to the Fantastica experience level, complete with a balcony room!  We have also opted for the All Inclusive drink packages so that we can have fun while not worrying about our drink charges.

I look forward to sharing our journey with you.  I plan on giving you tips; the good, the bad, and if there is ugly.  I will also be sharing which excursions we are taking when I book them.  Em and I are not going on the same excursions, so you will get a two-for-one feel.  It is very close to time to start packing, so I will also be sharing both a packing list beforehand, as well as an "Ooops I should have," or "Ooops I didn't" packing list afterward.

Bon Voyage!

In in a kind of sad denial.

I may not go on a vacation this year.  At least,  not a TRAVEL vacation.  Nothing like the vacations that require air travel and hotel stays and...okay...days on the beach.

Instead, we are working on readying our house to go on the market next spring.  We are moving to our house by a *major* lake next year after our youngest graduates from high school.  We currently live in a century house in an historic district, and it's a beautiful home.  But, it's nearly 120 years old.  It needs a lot of updating.  Instead of spending our money on a trip, we are spending our money responsibly, on updating our home to make it ready to sell.

I'm not giving up on the idea of a vacation, but realistically, it probably won't happen this year.  If it does, it will be pretty last minute.  With that in mind, I've been scouring the internet for awesome last minute travel deals, you know, "just in case."  I found  Last Minute Travel, which has great deal on traveling.  This way, too, if I should happen to talk DH into a quick trip, I can get great deals immediately.

Oh my gosh, I just saw that being near the ocean makes us calm and relaxed. I completely agree with that.  I think that's why I'm stressed.  I need the ocean.  Don't believe me?  Read this article from The Washington Post!  I'm serious!  I need the beach!  Maybe if I find a good deal, we can find the money.  I think I should go research right now.  Won't you come research with me?

My first...trip to Europe...I was by myself...I didn't speak the language...so what did I do?

I stayed in a HOSTEL!  ALL BY MYSELF!  And I had so much fun. 

Unlike the Hostel movies, I lived to tell the tale.  Not only that, but I really enjoyed it!  I stayed at the Hostelle in Amsterdam, and I had an absolutely wonderful time.  I met some darling people: the sisters traveling from Great Britain, the mother and daughter duo from Germany, the Japanese lass who traded me an apple for a Stroopwafel...it was a pleasant experience.  I thought I would be the oldest there, but I wasn't.  There was a group of ladies in their 60s who were hosteling all over Europe!  I enjoyed morning coffee with the girls, and we often walked the six blocks to the train station together.  I knew them for just a few days, and haven't talked to any of them since, but when I was there and with them, we were friends.  It was great.

This particular hostel came with sheets and a pillow, as well as a locker under my bed.  I was told to bring a lock, and I did.  That way I was assured that I would be the only one with access to my stuff.

Some tips to hosteling when you're over 40:

1.  Make sure you have clear directions to the hostel.  I walked for 6 hours trying to find my way.  After 26 hours of traveling, that is the LAST thing I wanted to do!

2.  Make friends.  The youngsters there are just as interested in what your experiences are, as you are in what they do.

3.  Find a core group.  They will help you with your plans, tell you of things they have experienced that you may want to see, and in general be your go-to group.

4.  BRING SHOWER SHOES.  Just trust me on this one.

5.  Keep to your own space in the room.  Rooms are small.  Don't drape your towel over somebody else's bed rail.  That's just rude. Keep your items in your luggage.  Nobody wants to trip over your bra in the middle of the night.

6.  Share.  Sharing my Stroopwafel was in my heart.  Getting an apple for my train ride to Germany in response was just as nice.

7.  Keep an open mind.  You may not like everybody in your room, but chances are that you will like somebody.

​8.  Basically, when you're hostelling, follow the golden rule.  Do to others how you want them to do to you.  

9.  Check, recheck, and triple check.  Many hostels have age restrictions.  Surprisingly, many of the restrictions are for us older folks.  That's okay!  Let the young ones have their hostel!  Find a hostel that wants YOU as much as you want to be there.

10.  DON'T BE AFRAID!  Just Hostel.  It will change your outlook on travel, and save you a few bucks along the way.