Smart Traveler Enrollment - FREE

There is a free service to register your travel to allow the nearest Embassy to contact you in case of an emergency.  Other benefits too.


https://step.state.gov/step/

U.S. warning for citizens traveling overseas

Having been a law enforcement officer, things that can happen are always on my mind.  I never would have thought of kidnapping of U.S. Citizens, but as we take care traveling this will be on my mind as well.  The link below is a must read for travelers.


I'm not being a reactionary, just a very careful mom.  I want everyone to be safe and don't want anyone becoming a victim because of lack of knowledge.  I will provide as much information as possible.  What you choose to do with it is up to you.


We have our kids that will be traveling overseas shortly and they've had the lecture.  You've been saved from that but below please read.


Happy New Year.
http://www.travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/worldwide-caution.html

As we plan on leaving for Europe American's are warned and requested to register travel plans.

As we are anticipating our trip to Europe shortly and family leaving within the week we are warned of credible threats.  Public Transportation and Tourist Destinations are targets.  Be aware of your surroundings and take care.


Also please check the link below. U.S. Government asking that you register your travel plans as well.
Stay safe and make it a great 2016.  Don't let the threats scare you, just make you a better traveler and stay vigilant.


http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/us-issues-travel-alert-europe-threat-terror-attacks/story?id=11787546

Beekman 1802 Food Line and so much more!

For those of you who haven't Seen the Beekman Boys on TV you're missing out.  It's a must see.  The city boys who have become gentleman farmers have created Beekman 1802.  They've expanded their offerings and everyone should be able to enjoy their products as close as your nearest Target Store.  Their Mortgage lifter Pasta sauce can be found there and online check out their skin care products, food items and luxury, I care for you gifts.


I was delighted to receive my caddy for Christmas with dish soap, hand lotion and hand soap in a beautiful 1802 metal caddy.  The scent is amazing.  A must have.


You can find all their amazing, upscale offerings on their website at:
http://shop.beekman1802.com/


Check out you local Target store for other great offerings.  Be sure to sign up for their newletter too.
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/us-made-beekman-1802-food-line-reaches-target/story?id=35006784

Travel garment reviews coming soon

We will be reviewing great travel must haves soon. The Global Travel Jacket; a coat with so many pockets you can leave your purse at home or a scarf with a secret pocket. Watch for these and many more in 2016. 

Happy New Year to all 

Sharon 

Charleston South Carolina Festival of Lights

Also seeing the annual sandcastle display is a must 

I hope you've experienced Charleston South Carolina.  A beautiful, historic city that will draw you back, time after time. That's what happened to us. We were stationed here in the 79's and always said we would retire here.  We did too.

The Annual Festival of Lights is one of the top ten exhibits in the country. Something we never miss. It's not the holidays without a trip to James Island County Park without a drive through the 3 mile exhibit. 

Roasting marshmallows or cooking s'mores over the outdoor fires is a ritual for our family.  

Hope to see you next year. 

Getting ready for European adventure - practicing with the bread.

Hope you can smell the hot bread. 

We're getting ready for our European adventure.  I love the breads found overseas and am an avid artisan bread baker so I'm making my four day sour dough in the interim.  

There is nothing like kneading a soft, silky ball of dough. To me it's almost like a religious experience that soothes the soul and brings smile to family.  

If you've never experienced baking a loaf of bread you don't need to travel far for an at home adventure.  Give it a try 

We've topped 43,000 Views

Thanks to all our readers.  We've topped 43,000 views.  A major accomplishment.  I also want to thank all of our retail sponsors for their continued support.


Season's Greetings
Sharon

Our upcoming UK adventure - SPACE A Military Travel

As we ready for our excursion to UK, Mildenhall, we're exploring adventures we might seek while there.  http://www.mildenhall.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123203779  This was an interesting article from an Airman that was stationed at Mildenhall, UK, RAF Mildenhall. 


We're anticipating having an adventure to Wales and Conway Castle as well as Trefriw to visit Trefriw Wollen Mills.  Also planning a stop over at the Princess Arms Hotel to say hello to Lindsay Gordon, proprieter.


We will be reviewing items that will make our travels easier.


This past week I've had a number of inquiries about Space A travel for our military readership.  This is probably one of the biggest bargains for military retired, active duty too.  We've traveled to Hawaii using MAC and it's wonderful.  No cost travel, just the $9 for your box lunch.  It's not for everyone as there is always delays and many times you might be delayed a few days to a week or more waiting for space to return.  If you choose to fly Space A and are lucky enough to get a flight out be flexible and know that it isn't a scheduled commercial airline.  You're a guest and getting back might be a bit trickier.


When we flew to Hawaii we spent 4 extra days we didn't anticipate, but it was fun.  We had seats out on day two but were bumped by the President's Press Corp when we were ready to fly home.  Spent another two days waiting for another mission that had room for Space A.  I'll post some additional information for those thinking of this.  It's a process.  You have to register and your eligibility for flying is tied to your registration date.  So if you're thinking of flying in next 90 days register now so you'll be up there on the list and have a better chance of getting a seat.  For retired folks this is an amazing experience.  For those with kids that have to be back in school or someone who has to be back to work on a specific date; not so much.  Know you could be delayed and if it's an absolute you have to be back be sure to bring your checkbook and anticipate purchasing a ticket home.


Happy Holidays to all.
Sharon

Ring Video Doorbell

I've had a lot of my readers ask about reviewing the Ring-Video Doorbell.  This is a fantastic item that will provide piece of mind when traveling or even during the day when you're away at work.  Will provide review in the near future.  Here is the web site for you to check it out.  Also has cloud recording capability for just $3.00 per month or $30 a year.  WOW!. 
https://ring.com/cloud-recording
https://ring.com/

Getting ready for travel clothes review-Global Travel Jacket

We'll be reviewing garments that are such a necessity when traveling. Watch for the cost of many pockets soon. Will be such a blessing in our upcoming visit to Europe. http://globaltravelclothing.com/jacket-pocket-diagram/

Travel tree ornaments.

Make your travel memory tree today. As we look at our travel tree we recount all the places we've been and each orament as a rememberance. It's a great trip back in time. 

Seasoning my new baby; thanks Bradley Smokers for helping with this

My new baby getting seasoned ready to smoke some red snapper we caught a couple of weeks ago with the great Pacific Blend bisquettes Bradley sent with my new replacement tower.  Can't wait to try them. 

New tower 

Old tower that had issues. Will miss the great season on this baby 

We're smoke in em this weekend. 75 degrees here. Perfect for smokin fest with family and friends. Bradley your it!! Thank you for your response to my smoker issue. Outstanding customer service. Always there to listen and find a solution. Thank you!! 

Pacific Blend for seafood. I bet it will be amazing. Can smell it seasoning my smoker as we speak.  Get to Lowes or go on line and get smokin. 

The King of them all arrived from Bradley Smokers; let the smokin begin!!!

Bradley handled my smoker issue better than anyone could ever hope. My new replacement tower arrived today. Thank you Bradley. You can always count on Bradley to be there after the sale. Outstanding!!

Bradley Smoker, They were there when we bought our smoker and were there after the sale! OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE

My Bradley smoker is like an appendage.  Can't function without it.  I've been an avid support of Bradley Smokers for more than 15 years, since I found out what an amazing tool it is.  Smoking isn't just for the guys ladies. 


My husband is retired Navy and we've been all over the country and everywhere we go I'm known for my smoked ribs, Pork butts and yes smoked sausages too. 


I'm on smoker number three and had an issue.  I contacted Bradley and they were amazing, replacing the defective tower of my smoker.  I can't believe they were there and willing to help, as usual.


I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my smoker.  It had an issue the week before Thanksgiving and not being able to celebrate and create our Thanksgiving meal without it, Bradley was there.  You will be a rock star with your smoked meats even if you've never smoked before except for Lucky Strikes!!  LOL


I've done demonstrations using my Bradley smoker and folks were blown away with the ease of use.  It does it all.  If you can push a couple of buttons and put in your favorite wood flavors you've got it. 


Go out and get a Bradley.  They have them at Lowes, Cabelas where I found my first smoker and of course at Bradley.com.http://www.bradleysmoker.com/


Thanks Bradley for such amazing customer service after the sale.  YOU ROCK!

El carajo-secret location- check out French pastries, gourmet menu, tapas bar and wine cave too

We stopped at the BP gas station in Miami on Route 1 to check direction.  Much to my surprise you'll never guess what this mini mart held inside??  A pastry and sandwich counter with French pastries and gourmet croissants, and sandwiches. Even French macaroons, all four colors too. The wine shoppe had so many amazing selections well I was speechless.   

After visiting with Michelle and Jessica we were given a scroll with the history of the shoppe and photo below with history. Also address of El Carajo, 2465 SW 

17th street, Miami, Florida. 33145, phone 305-856-2524.  Www.el-Carajo.com. A must see.  Try the coconut cake and a French macaroon, a must.  

Who would imagine a tapas menu with ceviche and acorn fed ham cured 36 months. Blew my mind.  All this at the corner BP too!!!

Fairway Inn, Florida City, Homestead, hidden gem, ---$52.00 a night at Fairway plus tax---Raddison Port Canaveral shame on you!!

Much to my surprise this restaway is way better than online photos.  It had outstanding reviews but the pictures don't do it justice.  Everything is spotless and beds are as nice as The Raddison was last night. A must and the price is unbelievable. Unlike the Raddison at Port Canaveral they didn't try to charge us to park our car at our room.  The Raddison asked for $6 to park our car. Said they started charging in March but we stayed in April when we went on Disney cruise and no they didn't charge us. I looked online and it says booking rate all inclusive so this was out of line. They justified saying everyone up and down the strip charging. Not a good excuse Raddison. You lost us as customers because of this unprofessional approach. You boast free cruise parking so what is this.  

The Fairway is a refreshing hidden gem. 

Say hi to John at the front desk top. Outstanding. 

Necessary Survival gear for that flight across the pond-Two free boxes from Graze.com too

Being happy travelers is important especially when you're facing a 10+ hour flight across the pond.
We've found if you're going to be comfortable and have all thing that make a human ready for anything you might want to consider the following for that journey.


Number one on our list is always carry a jacket, sweater or something to keep you warm when the AC is blasting.  Nothing ruins a flight like being cold.  The airline blankets help but don't depend on them to keep you warm.  They are too short to cover you head to toe so either your shoulders will be cold or your feet.  Not good.


A plastic water bottle is a must.  They do have water onboard but being able to fill one as needed is a plus.


I always make sure my husband has high protein low carb snacks.  The cheese packs, fruit, nuts, etc. are great.  Graze. com   https://www.graze.com/us/p/6YT64WW?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand-Search-Alpha&utm_keyword=graze%20com%20free&utm_device=c&utm_network={network}&utm_content=HealthyGourmet&utm_placement={placement} has some spectacular portion controlled sizes and amazing selection.  If you want to get first and fifth box free use my friends code when ordering.  You've love these.    MY FRIENDS CODE: 3752N222P


a small toiletry bag with small travel size tooth paste, mouth wash, body wash, things to freshen up after being on the overnighter.


Compression clothing, socks, etc will help your body adjust to the pressure changes you'll experience as well.


I always like to take a good book or my nook but we usually fly United and the entertainment, free of course, is more than enough and the programming is outstanding.  No time to be bored.  I don't like to miss a minute of programming and usually sacrifice sleep to enjoy.  I love downloading preview magazines on my nook as well.  You can choose first preview copy of hundreds of magazines to try first copy.  If you don't want to subscribe you just cancel with no charge to try so you don't pay in advance.  You can download, read and see before paying a penny.  FANTASTIC to have a huge selection on the Nook Reader.


I like to have a big scarf.  You can use this to wrap around your head, neck, etc to be toasty warm too.


Headphones, Ipod, laptop, great too.  The most important thing is to travel light but travel smart too.


One thing I do to save space when coming home is to take old underwear that you're going to throw away anyway but STOP, save them for traveling.  I wear them and then toss them.  You might find them back on your bed in the hotel, as I 've had maids pick them out of the trash and put them back, clean but they aren't going home so I always have extra space in my luggage for treasures I've found on my travels.


Remember to be prepared, but have fun too.  Safe travels my friends.

Two for one Promo airfare on Emirates

If you've been looking for a bargain adventure Emirates has a current two for one Promo.  If you've had your eyes on going to Singapore or other exotic destinations you might want to check out this link.
http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/blog/22919302/emirates-two-for-one-deals-to-bangkok-singapore-kuala-lumpur/
Happy travels

The Marker's Waterfront Resort, Key West Florida. Rated 12th best in the state.

We'll be off to Key West and a stay at the luxurious Marker's Waterfront Resort.  It has been rated one of the top 12 places to stay in Florida.  It opened in 2014 and should be AMAZING!  Will post our review for all.


Check out their link below.
http://www.themarkerkeywest.com/about-the-marker

JET BLUE-BOOO Halloween scary CHEAP FLIGHTS!!

Just got notice this morning that Jet Blue has Halloween specials that will scare your socks off.


DC to Nassau $94 roundtrip and 2 day vacations $135 per person.  Even a $49 round trip from LA to Long Beach.  Check it out.  Have to book FAST!!


Grab your treats, no TRICKS HERE!


http://www2.jetblue.com/deals/trick-or-retreat/?source=MKTEM102015&cpgnname=20151020_FareSale_FullBase


Book by 10/21 so only two days to grab this treat and travel between 11/4-2/10.  See you at TSA.

The Global Travel Jacket; Psyched about this!!

Check out all the pockets in this jacket.   No need to have to leave your carryon at the gangway at the last minute because not enough room in the overhead.  This is the answer   http://globaltravelclothing.com/jacket-pocket-diagram/


 I know I've had many requests asking about the Global Travel Jacket, as you all say, YOU KNOW THE ONE WITH ALL THE POCKETS.  I do know and have heard a lot about the quality, design and style of this travel necessity accessory.  Well the time for review is getting close now.  Be sure to check out their site Monday as the new product line will be available.  I CAN'T WAIT! 

We're traveling next month to Key West and hope to be able to show our jackets the sights in the Keys.  For now check out their site.     http://globaltravelclothing.com/

Restaurant that doesnt allow tipping. What do you think?

We travel a lot and have found the custom of not tipping unusual when we cross the pond.  I heard that a N.Y. Sushi restaurant was following it's Japanease counterparts and not allow gratuities. 




What do you think?  The restaurant boasts they pay their staff is adequately compensated and that gratuities aren't allowed.  I have always felt that tipping is a thank you that I want to do for outstanding service.  It's a reflection of the experience.  Even when traveling internationally I always leave a tip.


We are amping up for our next European adventure in February and look forward to reviewing many new products for your traveling delight. 


We also have Key West on our calendar in November and will review a new boutique bed and breakfast that opened last year as well as sharing the drive on the causeway.  Lots of good things to look forward to.  If you have a product that you feel would be of value to our readers we're always open to check them out for our readers.


Check out the restaurant in N.Y. that doesn't allow tipping.


http://consumerist.com/2013/06/07/nyc-restaurant-tells-customers-that-tipping-is-not-allowed/

FANTASTIC AIRFARE TO LONDON; FInally!!!

I had to post this for all my readers.  Today I got an alert for airfare to London $747 round trip.  I booked mine and wanted to be sure that EVERYONE knew about this.  See link below.


We love to fly United to London.  The flights are wonderful, great entertainment options and the flight attendants went above and beyond during the entire flight.  Think before you book with some off the wall company when there are great fares right now.  Always after Labor Day fares drop and this is a perfect example.


We booked ours for February, hope to see you there.
https://blu173.mail.live.com/?tid=cmcvwE0ARp5RGT8didZ1x5zg2&fid=flinbox&paid=cmL0-uKw9p5RGWKtidZ19VBA2&pad=2015-10-02T14%3A09%3A26.317Z&pat=2&pidx=2


When we went in May we paid $1,136 a person so this fare is unbelievable.  Take advantage and check London off your bucket list.  We are.

20 Worst Airlines to fly list-Also check out the $100 one way fare from Boston or D.C. to London Heathrow or Copenhagen on WOW airlines

Check out reviews before you book a flight.  I just heard about fares on WOW airlines for $100 one way from Boston or D.C. to London Heathrow.  After reading the reviews I will stick with UNITED AIRLINES!  I guess I love comfort, and security.


Check out the list below.
http://www.businessinsider.com/worst-airlines-to-fly-economy-2013-5?op=1

Winner's of TrackR Bravo give away

Congratulations to the four winners of the TrackR Bravo giveaway.  Four TrackR's were provided by the company for our fantastic readers.  The winner's are

A. Schnell - First Place

Runner's up:

J. Fulton

Z. Monkie

S. Little

Congratulations for your ideas on the Weirdest way to use the GPS TrackR

First place thought that the TrackR would have been a benefit if it had been put onboard the boat where the two boys were lost off the coast of Florida.  The boat was found but to date not the two 14 year olds.  A. Schnell suggested attaching one to the Yeti cooler the boys had and one on each of their life vests as well as the vessel.

The runner's up had ideas as well.  One wanted to put on wild cat in their neighborhood, another had show dogs and wanted to attach to their cage at shows to keep their animals safe and the final idea was to put on lunch box in the office refrigerator to find who was stealing food.  All great ideas.  Thanks for your entries.

Please remember to thank TrackR.  I will provide their mailing address to each winner.

Thank you TrackR for making the contest possible with your generous donation of four TrackR Bravo's.

TrackR Bravo, BRAVO!

We had the opportunity to review the TrackR during the month of July and want all of our readers to have the opportunity to examine the TrackR Bravo as an item they would want to have on hand during their travels, or everyday life.

 

It is I phone and Android smartphone compatable and was an easy install for the free APP from the App store that’s needed to manage your valuables.  The bluetooth 4.0  enabled device helps find valuables within 100 Foot range.  It records last known location with the help of bluetooth.

I installed mine on my keys as this is an item that gives me fits almost daily.  If it wasn’t for my husband constantly searching for them and now I have TrackR helping with that task, it frees my husband to do other Honey Do’s for me.  Even if your phone is in silent mode it will allow you to ring the phone and find it.  With the item ringer it makes it an easy find.

The TrackR is about the size of a quarter and can be attached with a keyring or stuck to the item you want to keep track of.  With the app it records the last known location on a map and helps in locating it.  Have you ever been on a packed beach trying to locate your chaise lounge and your beach bag not able to even get close as everyone looks the same?  I have especially when on a cruise.  The beach furniture is all the same and finding where you were can be frustrating.  Well TrackR can help make that task easier.   The wateresistant  sleeve, an add on that  can be purchased from TrackR gives you added protection.  They also offer a Metal carabiner that makes it easy to attach to luggage, purses and give you added security with it’s heavy duty construction.  TrackR also offers a pet collar attachment which I found outstanding.  We have a standard poodle that can detach anything, but not the metal Carabiner.  It’s definintely puppy proof.

 Metal Carabiner

Wateresistant sleeves

 

 I left behind my I-Phone at Weight Watcher the week before I installed my TrackR.  If I had this on my phone it would have alerted me before I left the building and it could have saved me a trip back to the facility. 

There are setting on the app that  alert you before you walk away from your item.  I know I’ve left my purse on the back of a chair in restaurant’s many times and left my I phone sitting on the table too.

With the APP you can add up to 10 devices and manage them from the app. 

You can also enlist the TrackR community to help locate a lost item with Crowd GPS.  I didn’t have an opportunity to use this but it is a feature on the TrackR that allows others with the TrackR App  to help locate items.  If they walk within 100 feet of an item it sends you an alert to last know location.

I feel that being able to install a TrackR on my luggage while traveling will give me a great sense of security as it will let you know if your luggage is close by.  I have had instances where my luggage was on an earlier flight after connection delays and when I reported to the luggage assistance was told they didn’t know where my luggage was.  One time it was in the terminal office within 40 feet of the attendant.  This would allow me to alert personnel as well that it is in fact somewhere in the area.  Might save travelers having to be without their luggage.  Also putting one on a backpack can help keep track of valuables as well.

I had readers ask if the TrackR could be used in Europe and if it used data.  It can be used anywhere in the world.  Bluetooth itself does not use any internet data but finding the exact location of the device does require data.  If the user turns off cellular data the app will still be able to ring the device, but the location will not update unless there is a wifi connection.  So yes the app does use data while running in the background, but it can be turned off to avoid any extra fees.  We all know about those extra data fees when traveling in Europe.  Most cell phone providers have plans with limited data and managing this and the cost is of concern to those traveling overseas.  Just a heads up.  Hope this answers questions readers have had regarding this.

Real time GPS tracking feature.

I’m intrigued with the idea of using the app to find out where friends and family are as well.  Could be useful for snooping parents who have teens that they need to keep on a short leash as well.  The App lets you create a friends list and lets your friends know where you are as well.  This could be a good thing but also great for friends that might be stalkers as well so beware who has access to this type of information.  It would be a great addition when the family is traveling but wants to take various side trips.  Would help know where they are and includes a map with current positon.  You can also use the Quick Access Code to immediately show others where you are at any given moment.  Would have been a great help when we were in London a few months ago with family off in various directions.  Would be a huge bonus to be able to keep track of everyone in real time.  The app even allows you to put photos on the map next to your track where they were shot as well. 

This is a wonderful gift idea for the upcoming holiday season.  I know I have plenty of hard to buy for kids and this is on the top of my list this year.  We’re a family of travelers and security is always foremost in our minds.

I feel  TrackR offers security for valuables in everyday life as well as added security when traveling.  A must have.

 

TrackR bravo keeps track of mostly everything from laptops and cellphones to bicycles and purses. By using the TrackR app for iPhone and Android, users can quickly locate items around the home using the distance indicator radar or tap the “Ring Device” button to cause your lost item to make noise.

If an item goes missing, TrackR’s “Crowd GPS network” will help you find it. When another user of the TrackR app comes within 100ft of your lost time, you will receive a GPS update of where the item is. Due to the TrackR app being built to track any Bluetooth tracker device, the tracker is considered to have the “largest” Crowd GPS network.

Item Ringer: With the quick tap of your finger, Track R can ring your misplaced keys – no more hiding under mail. Finding keys has never been easier.

Distance Indicator: Hotter? Or Colder? The TrackR app displays the distance between you and your items – letting you know how far those pesky keys are.

The TrackR bravo team noted, “We took a different approach with TrackR Bravo. We focused on making sure we used the best techniques and materials to create the thinnest tracking device ever. Coin size. 3.5mm x 31mm diameter. Metal construction. And feature packed.”

Phone Finder: can’t find your phone? Press your TrackR device button to ring your phone or tablet, even if it’s on silent.

Separation Alert: Forgot your phone again? Custom 2-way separation alert notifies you before you leave items behind!

Crowd GPS: If you lose an item, the entire TrackR community helps you find it. When another user walks by your item, you are updated with the items’ latest location.

Fully Customizable: You can customize the app’s sound alert settings to play your favorite tune if you’re about to leave something behind.

 

 

TrackR Bravo comes in four colors: Black, Rose Gold, Sky and Steel. Each color is applied through a meter anodization process in order to maintain the products high quality look and feel. Users can “color upgrade” their TrackR devices for just $5 on Indiegogo OR they can get a free upgrade by referring five people to visit the page using the sharing social media website: Facebook, Twitter and email.

The TrackR accessory pack enables the user to track even more items:

Pet collar attachment: Water-proof that easily attaches to a pet collar.

TrackR Bravo can be purchased from the TrackR website for $29.99.  They offer substantial discounts as well when you purchase multiple items.  Check out their website below.

https://buy.thetrackr.com/br/08/?utm_source=1122&utm_medium=100961&utm_term=10549003&utm_content=321&utm_campaign=GU&aff_id=1122&camp_id=684&clk_id=10549003&sub_id=100961

 

 

Track R also offered four TrackR’s for our giveaway.  Winners to be announced  August 15^th.

DISCLAIMER:  TrackR provided devices for review.  We didn’t receive any compensation for this review and the opinions expressed are our own