I tend to research a lot for the best deals and values, as well as the best way to do anything travel.  I'll be listing my favorite resources here.  Please note, some of these are affiliate links.  If you click my link, you will help me keep this blog running!  

1. ​Booking.com​  I accidentally discovered this amazing site while looking for places to stay in Europe.  I started using it to book hotels for pageant weekends, and it has quickly risen to the top of my favorite sites.  There are few, if any, pop up ads, and I can search anywhere in my comfort zone.  This site has bookings for everything from hostels to hotels, houseboats to homes.  Try it!  I'm sure you'll like it!

_I'll admit it.  I'm really worried about losing my money on my trip.  I'm afraid I'll be so wrapped up in the new experiences that I won't keep an eye on what's going on around me.  What if somebody tries to rob me?  What if I leave my wallet somewhere?  I've found a few solutions that I think will work!

The first product is a Banjees reversible wrist wallet.  I ordered one a few weeks ago, and I love it!  Because it's on my wrist, I can discreetly remove and replace my money and my credit cards.  Plus, the one I got has beautiful embroidery and looks like a stylish bracelet.  I'm also purchasing several of the single colored ones and plan on decorating them myself, or wearing them with the same colored shirts so that you can't tell a difference.  The only downside I've experienced so far is that my cell phone (and iPhone 6+) does not fit in the band, so it isn't a completely hands-free solution.  Since I plan to take the majority of my pictures on my iPhone, that shouldn't be an issue.

Another item that I'm really excited about it the Sholdit scarf.  This thing is amazing.  It's a scarf with a hidden pocket, large enough for your money, credit cards, passport and cell phone.  Because European women love their scarves, this is the perfect accessory.  My daughter and I both have 2 of them, and will trade them back and forth while in Europe.  

Of course, your handy dandy waist pouch is another hidden wallet option.  The pros are that you will feel if somebody is trying to pickpocket you.  The con is that it is pretty uncomfortable, especially if  you sweat.  It can also be awkward to dig around your pants or skirt to find your money.  There are several options at Backpack Travel Store, ranging from the budget priced Belle Hop Waist Money Belt, which is currently on sale, to the higher end Pacsafe Coversafe 100 which has slashproof straps and tamperproof zippers.  

Clothing with hidden pockets is becoming quite popular.  You can hide a bit of cash in a Pacsafe Cashsafe Belt.  This belt has a tiny hidden pocket for cash.  The buckle is plastic so you will have no trouble going through security.  I've also seen camisoles with hidden pockets.  Both of these would be great for carrying your cash, credit card and hotel key, but much more would be uncomfortable.

There are so many ways to hide your money and keep it pickpocket proof.  Several boards I've read have said to always have a few bills in your pocket so that any thief you run across will be happy with the few dollars you have available.

Be safe and be careful on your next journey!

I have my ticket booked.  I'm not thrilled where I'm sitting on the long haul, but I'll make do with what I have.  I had hoped to be able to afford a business class seat with my American Airlines points, but I could only manage an economy seat.  So, here's hoping my hip doesn't fall out of place, that I can figure out how to stretch out to sleep, and that the still-empty seat next to me stays that way!

I've been perusing Pinterest trying to figure out what to pack in my carry on and my personal item bag.  I think I'm doing pretty well!  My list is made (subject to change, of course) and I even splurged and bought a gorgeous bag.  This is the Guess G Logo Engagement Tote.  It is deceptively large.  There are 4 pockets including a large zippered section which will deter pickpockets.  I fell in love with this at first site and I love it more and more every day.


So what will I put inside my new tote?  Take a look!

• My iPad.  I currently have an iPad 3, but am hoping to upgrade to the Apple Air before my trip.
• My iPhone.  I will be Using AT&T Passport so I can still use my phone.  My daughter will be in Europe before I am, I will want to touch base with her when I arrive.  Having a European phone plan just for our trip makes the most economical sense.  
• My chargers.  Luckily my seat has AC and USB power so I should be adequately powered. I have a small canvas sack that will keep them handy and organized.
• Snacks.  Being diabetic, I am really worried about adjusting my body to the different time zones.  I plan to pack snacks to help my body adjust.  Trail mix, peanut butter sandwiches and protein bars are all on my list.
• A collapsible water bottle that takes up no room, doesn't leak, and has a carabiner hook for easy portability.  I'll have the flight attendants fill it as often as I need to combat dehydration.
• I have this Mary Kay toiletry bag.  I love it because not only does it hang, but the different sections are attached by velcro, so I can separate one for use on the plane.  In this, I will pack:
  • a toothbrush and toothpaste, or a couple of Colgate Wisps
  • hairbrush and hair ties
  • Travel hand soap wipes because I feel cleaner using my own, and these are little towelettes so they don't count as my carry on liquids.  I love these so much that I'm also going to get the Travel Soap,  Travel Shampoo, and Travel Conditioner.  There is also Travel Laundry Soap and Travel Shaving Cream Sheets available.
• My insulin supply pack for my insulin and diabetic supplies.  It's large enough to hold my pump supplies as well as my glucose monitor, insulin, and insertion devices.  I will be relying heavily on my constant glucose monitor, and it's big enough for my CGM supplies as well.  I've had this one for years and it's very handy for traveling.  It's gone on countless road trips and a few cruises, too!
• My medications.  I take 9 other medications and I need advice on how to take them to Europe.  I could keep them in the zip lock bag where I normally store them, but they are big and bulky.  I would like to be able to take them in a pill box, but I'm afraid that they won't let me bring then into the countries.  If anybody has any ideas, please let me know!
• Travel pillow and blanket.  I love the one in my link!  It deflates so it's compact, and it's soft, which is so comfortable.  If I can't shove it in my personal bag, I will use a carabiner clip and store it on the OUTSIDE of my purse.
• My travel documents.  These will probably be in a simple small manilla pillow to keep them together and organized.

If I've added something that I don't need, or if I've forgotten something, please comment below and let me know!  

​

I've always dreamed of travel.  From a young age, I would sit in a laundry basket, attach a helium balloon, and hope for a gust of wind to pick me up and carry me to places far away.

But...

I'm diabetic.  And in the 1970's and 1980's, diabetics were discouraged to travel too far outside of their time zone.  It would be too difficult to manage my sugars...this was before blood sugar control.  In fourth grade, while the rest of my classmates boarded a train for a field trip to the state capitol, I was left behind because too much could go wrong.  In college, while the rest of my classmates took a semester abroad, I stayed back because it was too dangerous to my body to acclimate to a time zone across the world.

That didn't keep me from wanting to travel, though.

Fast forward to 2007.   Diabetes care had advanced to the point where I was wearing my insulin pump, which gave me great control over my blood sugars.  I was talking to the missions coordinator at church, and she suggested I join the next mission to Mexico.  "I...I can't."  I stammered.  She asked me why not, and I told her that I wasn't allowed to travel outside of the country because of my diabetes.  She pointed out that another diabetic had taken the same mission just the year before, and did just fine.  She suggested I talk to my doctor.  When my doctor gave the okay, I realized there was nothing keeping my feet on the ground.  From that, my dream of travel became a reality, and now I spend my days dreaming of my next adventure.

From this blog, I will discuss travel from a different perspective...from an "older" traveler who is still young at heart.  Join me as I talk about travel resources, tips for older travelers, and much more!

As the French say..."Bon Voyage!"