7 things NOT to take with you on holidays

by Marie Drouvin, 10th of June, 2017.

My aunt visited us a few weeks ago. We had a great time, nothing to say about that. But what shocked me is the amount of time she actually spent doing the exact same things she would have done home. She left three days later, without really having been here at all.

I wondered what she could have done to avoid the situation, and I came up with a list.

Consider leaving these home while on holiday:

Anything that won’t pass at the airport

Taking the plane? Be careful of what you put in your suitcases. Depending on which companies, which airports, which country, or even the political state, we might want to leave some items home.

As a rule of thumb, it is better to avoid big bottles, aerosols, knives and jars. Generally there is a specific liquid limit. The airport website almost always has information about this, but you can phone the company or the airport if you are unsure.

And that applies for the return flight too! I have seen people throwing away gifts they bought their friends because security wouldn’t let them pass with it. So let’s try to avoid to splurge in duty-free giant perfume bottles on the way in! Or we will have to leave them at the airport on the way back.

Smartphones and Tablets

This may be the hard one for you. Do we really need to send all those pictures to our loved ones during our holidays or could it wait until we come back ?  Is that blurry Skype phone call completely necessary ?

We’d better enjoy the moment of peace, open our eyes and take in all the goodness about the scenery/people in front of us. Our loved ones will be happy to hear all about it when you come back. Our games will still be where we left them. And a map is surely better than a big surprise on your mobile bill.

Cameras

This one is difficult. If you are not a camera addict, or a passionate photographer, or only use it sparingly, you obviously don’t have to leave your camera home.

I know, bringing back home plenty of nice pictures is pretty much fixed into our holiday rituals. Although when I see hordes of tourist capturing everything they see through the lenses of their camera, I cringe.

Do they realise they are missing the best part of their holidays ? I don’t know about you, but the reason I travel is to discover, not bringing back pictures.

Everyday Problems

Sure, not having our awful colleagues on our backs is great. But it doesn’t have to be the only thing we are thinking / talking about. First off, because it will bore every person we talk to and second, we need a rest. Let’s leave them where they are, and enjoy the moment. 

After all, holidays are a break in our everyday life. Right?

Which leads us to the next point:

Work

By now, you probably understood the general idea of this article. The success of a holiday lies in the principle of rest. Yet many people are taking last minute assignments, phone calls, or “short” Skype meetings and end up on their computers while they were supposed to enjoy themselves by the pool, or hiking in the mountains. 

It is such a shame to pay for holidays they won’t enjoy, don’t you think? Beside why are they taking a week off to start with?

Over-packed Suitcases

I know how tempting it can be to fill our suitcases. « We never know », « We will be happy to have it if ever we need it ». And by all means take the essential in case of emergency. But we should avoid a scenario such as “me and my three suitcases when I first travelled alone”.

Five evening dresses, and two pairs of cocktail shoes are probably a bit too much for a week abroad. You can usually have access to a laundry service, which will cost less than a second suitcase in the plane, let alone a third one.

Nowadays, I try to still have room to bring back a few memories in my suitcase when I pack. Yes, it is possible!

Negativity

You don’t have to like everything. But trust me, no guide is going to pleasantly surprise you if you don’t want to. First of all because it would be unpleasant for him or her and second of all because you won’t learn anything no matter how hard he or she tries.

I have overheard a few times groups of tourists speaking badly about what they were visiting. They obviously weren’t aware that I was understanding them. How could they? French people don’t speak English right? The point is, whether they understand you or not, don’t speak badly of a local when you are in front of him or her. Body language can be rude too.

Without a certain openness everything is going to be bad anyway. Snails are going to taste bad if you already think it is disgusting. Impressionism is not going to be better in real-life if you dislike it. French people are going to be rude if you clearly expect them to be. 

Discovery is only accessible to the curious, so be curious, be open and ask questions. I promise, French don’t bite. (I obviously can’t say anything about other countries).

I hope you enjoyed this list, and I will see you soon for another article on World Traveling Joe !

About world Traveling Joe:  Joe markets memberships in a traveling social club that enjoys  over 1,000,000 members. He aggregates all things travel for super volume buying power. Members can choose from over 10,000 dream trips each year at prices that average 60% less than general internet pricing. PRICE GUARANTEE:  If you purchase a trip and find it cheaper within 7 days, you get a FULL REFUND and go on the trip for free!  see more http://www.worldtravelingjoe.com  http://www.worldtravelingjoe.dreamtrips.com/refer

Credits:  This article written by Ms. Marie Drouvin, Guest Writer. https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-drouvin-528229140/

One day gourmet road-trip in the Somme The France tourist don’t see….. by Marie Drouvin

When it comes to France, I know that most foreigners think of Paris and Provence. However, I was born in Amiens, the capital of the Somme, one of the departments of Picardy, one of the 22 original regions of France. Since 2015, the 22 regions became 13 and Picardy was fused with the Nord-Pas-de-Calais, the northernmost region of France. The Somme is the central 1 department of the new big region. Even if Paris is not that far, everything here is different. Think of the north as being the complete opposite of the south, culturally and culinary.

Here are a few things you should know: take a coat, your sunscreen, some walking shoes and a good camera. Be ready to see a lot: old, new, sad, happy, funny, natural and human made, the Somme is modelled on the human life.

Are you ready ?
From Paris, we pass Beauvais and we enter in the Somme. As we go on, the landscape slowly transitions. Meadows become rarer, the horizon spreads and you can now see quite far. From time to time the car passes next to a group of gigantic wind turbines. We are in the middle of agricultural land. Depending on the season the colours change: Summer is full of warm wheat golds and dark greens; Autumn of earthly browns and oranges; Winter of dark greys ; and Spring of crisp flowery yellows and bright greens. One thing is sure though, we won’t eat tomatoes and olive oil.

Suddenly on the horizon a mountain ! And as we get closer, it isn’t anymore. It’s a white building. We are arriving in Amiens, and this building is its crown: the Cathedral of Our Lady. If you thought Notre Dame of Paris was magnificent, wait until you see Amiens’. It is twice as big, three times more decorated and a million times more beautiful. Amiens was once a glorious medieval city, and there were plenty of houses still standing at the beginning of the XXth century. Unfortunately, almost everything was destroyed in the two wars. Lucky for us, the Cathedral is still standing.

Ah well ! All that medieval grandiosity whet our appetites. Time to eat ! And to find restaurants in Amiens, I know the best neighbourhood: Saint Leu. Further down the Cathedral, along the river Somme, Saint Leu is the oldest area of the city, stuffed with nice little restaurants and picturesque houses. No, the man in the river isn’t real, it is just a statue (dressed by first years of the universities each year as an initiation).  Choose a restaurant with the Ficelle Picarde on its menu. That is the most traditional dish around
here. A savoury crepe is stuffed with a piece of ham and finely chopped mushrooms mixed with béchamel sauce. It is rolled, sprinkled with cheese and put in the oven. Pure delight !  Disclaimer : to compensate our lack of oil, we use generous quantities of butter.

For someone with a sweet tooth I would recommend Amiens’ oldest speciality : the macaron. Careful though ! It is not the macaron you probably have heard of. This one is not a meringue, it is rather a biscuit made with almond paste, eggs whites and honey (and sometimes fruits). Have a look around the Trogneux chocolaterie. 2 Full already ?

Let’s go back to the car and en route pour Abbeville! But before let’s stop in a little village called Quesnoy-le-Montant to taste another speciality : the Gâteau Battu (the beaten cake). I don’t know if I should tell you what the ingredients of this fluffy brioche are, but let’s say it involves a LOT of butter and quite a few egg yolks. The cakes are cooked in a high mould, giving them an unmistakable shape. More than its little vanilla taste, it is the texture you would be ready to sell your soul for. 3

1 https://www.frenchentree.com/news/map-of-france-redrawn/

2 http://www.trogneux.fr/boutique/liste_produits.cfm?type=6&code_lg=lg_fr

To digest a bit, let’s walk along the Somme. You will notice the many canal locks all along the river. It is actually possible to walk on a fully pedestrian path from Peronne (further East than Amiens) to Saint Valery sur Somme (mouth of the river Somme). It is the old towing path and it stretched on 120km.

Back in the car, and still following the river, the landscape changes again. We left the plateaus of Picardy in Amiens to follow the Valley of the Somme. Here we see a few meadows but mainly marshes. Chances are, you will spot quite a few animals: herons, hares, roes, hawks and pheasants.

Once in Abbeville, we can visit one of its many sites: the tiny but worthy museum of Boucher de Perthes, the Saint Sepulcre Church with modern stained-glass windows, or the Belfry. Let’s slow down and enjoy ourselves at the terrace of a café. We will taste the sweetness of the Picardy apple in a juice or something less common, a rhubarb nectar. This sparkling drink, very low in alcohol, is appreciated during the traditional french apéro, a snack centred around a drink before dinner. All gathered around the table, let me explain something about the region.

As you may have guessed already, the northern climate isn’t favourable to grape culture. And therefor, no traditional wine. Although we have abundance of something else: barley. The north of France, as Belgium and England, is a great producer of beers. You can taste local small brewerie beers around the Somme. Just ask for a El Belle, a Gueule Cassée Ambrée, Blonde or a Poppy. The Poppy beer is said to have a First World War taste. Do you know why the english chose the poppy as they commemorative flower ? Because it was the first flower to grow on the graves of their soldiers. It gave birth to a legend. Where there is a poppy, an english soldier fell. The colours at the beginning of summer will never let us forget about the massacre that was the Great War.

On a more joyful note: dinner! And I am taking you back to the car in the direction of the coast. Once again, the landscape is changing. The closer we get to our destination, the less common the scenery becomes. You won’t believe me but sometimes the sea covers the meadows up to the side of the road. And depending on the season, sheep are grazing the salty grass. Those sheep are a speciality around here: the pré salé lamb. It is a meat less strong than a regular lamb, and more tender. We are arriving in the bay of the Somme, the most poetic place around. The bay is a refuge for birds, traditions and mist. Picture vast stretches of white sand. Then imagine it even more vast. You would be half way through getting the real picture. Le Crotoy and Saint Valery are at both side of the bay, sometimes you can walk across the bay from one to another, sometimes.. not often. The tides are enormous. The water is a mix of fresh and salted. It is truly a place of transition. The perfect weather to discover it is a greyish, misty kind of day, with a bit of wind.

Le Crotoy is a small fishing town, with a charming market. If you want tradition and authenticity this is the right place. Small local based restaurants, houses of dark red brick, and a long stretch of fine sand for a beach. The speciality ? Mussels. If you fancy something a bit more classy, I’ll take you to Saint Valery. Unlike Le Crotoy, Saint Valery is a town for upper class vacations. The marina is full of small white boats, apart from a few more authentic ones. Although, Saint Valery will offer you the best in terms of food. The market is filled with interesting stalls and shops that sell local products. If we have time, we will check out the tea shop and its wonderful smells, and the sweet shop, because they have lollipops of all flavours (poppy, cantaloupe, rose, mint, apricot, strawberry, violet..). In terms of history both villages have their share. But Saint Valery stands out for her myriad of famous names: Victor Hugo, Toulouse-Lautrec, Jules Verne, Edgar Degas, William the Conqueror who went on to invade England and Joan of Arc before she was send to be burned in Rouen.

Regardless of which town you would have chosen, you will have a great time.
http://joepastry.com/2011/3 gateau-battu-recipe/
http://www.somme-tourisme.com/amiens-et-autres-histoires/histoire-du-gateau-battu

And it is on this last thought and after a final tasty lollipop that I will say: Goodbye!

A note from Joe:  HI everyone!  I am super excited to bring you this article from our uber talented writer, Marie Drouvin. I visited with Marie about her homeland and her passion about the beauty, history, and culture was overwhelming. I said “we must write this article”. I KNEW it would be good and I wasn’t wrong. Marie, through her writing brings us to the ancient cobblestone streets and the sites and aromas of Northern France, a France that almost no tourist will ever find. Bon appetit’!

About world Traveling Joe:  Joe markets memberships in a traveling social club that enjoys  over 1,000,000 members. He aggregates all things travel for super volume buying power. Members can choose from over 10,000 dream trips each year at prices that average 60% less than general internet pricing. PRICE GUARANTEE:  If you purchase a trip and find it cheaper within 7 days, you get a FULL REFUND and go on the trip for free!  see more http://www.worldtravelingjoe.com  http://www.worldtravelingjoe.dreamtrips.com/refer

Credits:  This article written by Ms. Marie Drouvin, Guest Writer. https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-drouvin-528229140/

Mardis Gras… RIO STYLE!

RIO CARNIVAL FESTIVAL 2017

By Vikki Loh

Rio is best known for the Rio Carnival Festival every February.  This year, the festival runs from February 18 –March 5.  The beautiful parades begin February 24th and tickets are available NOW. Thousands of people attend.  There is so much to see and do during Carnival Festival time. There are many balls, galas, samba competitions, and street parades. Feel free to join the march or  just sit back and watch the fun.

Of course, there is LOTS of dancing at Carnivale….. from the streets to ball room and if you don’t know how to dance?  That’s okay!  Visit one of the dance schools in Rio.  The schools don’t have really quick classes in how to dance but you’re welcome to watch and see if you can pick it up yourself.  The dance competitions for the schools are one of the biggest events during the Carnival Festival time.

Besides the nightlife, during the day, if you want to relax and sip a cool drink, the beautiful beaches are yours for the taking.  The women of Rio are beautiful and the men are handsome.

If you want to take a break from all of the festivities during Carnival time, please visit Sugarloaf Mountain.  This is a must see!  You take a cable car up to the top of the mountain for breath-taking views of Rio!

Many celebrities come to Rio to entertain.American concerts are big, but not like RIO. Sir Rod Stewart packed the Copacabana area with 3,500,000  revelers.  Barry Manilow wrote a song about Copacabana, simply titled,”Copacabana.”  American artist at Carnivale always  brings tourism and business to Rio.

History of Rio:  (formally – Rio de Janeiro Brazil)

Landing in Guanabara Bay on January 1^st, 1502, the Portuguese Royal family claimed the Rio Provence for their own. Because of the way the bay forms the opening of a river, this region was called Rio De Janeiro, which means. “River of January”.  Shortly after, many battles were fought.  Many countries wanted this region for the own, especially, the French.  After fighting for 2 years, the French lost.  To protect the country from more battles, the city was moved to a safer position on a hill, which was later named as Castle Hill.

Sugarcane, gold, diamonds, and coffee were the country’s main staples in the early 1700s.  The sugarcane plantations dwindled when other countries started to farm sugarcane as well.  Once gold and diamonds were discovered in Rio, many neighboring countries tried to take over Rio.  When the gold and diamond mines dried up, Rio had to find other economic resources to sustain their country.  Rio started exporting coffee.  Many coffee plantations sprouted up and became Rio’s next source to supplement their economic situation.  The coffee boom brought great wealth to the city..

 Where to Stay:

Are you on a budget or do you always go for the luxury hotels wherever you go or are you in the middle?  Rio offers everything from the most luxurious places to stay to the clean, nice budget places to stay.  It just depends on what you want.

But be sure and stay in a safe region like the Southern region of Rio.  Copacabana, Ipanema and Lebion are the safest and most beautiful places to stay while in Rio for the Carnival.  Especially, Ipanema and Lebion.

If your budget does not allow this, your next option is to stay in Botafogo, Lapa and Flamengo.  Although these places are more in the downtown area of Rio, they are within 15-20 minutes of Copacabana and Ipanema.  During Carnival time, the subway is an option to travel since they run 24-hours a day.

Getting There:

There are many international hubs in Rio.  It is easy to get there.  There are many public transportation systems to take once you are there.

I have never been to Rio.  After writing this article, I now want to go!  Even by myself!

About the Author:  Vikki Loh is an accomplished, published travel writer based in Southern California. She writes travel articles, publishes a travel blog and a video VLOG. Vikki is also a medium. She frequently hunts for and communicates with the spirits and writes very entertaining and informative articles about the subject. She can be reached at:  Vikki Loh vlinorangecounty@gmail.com   Follow Vikki:  https://www.facebook.com/vikki.lohberri.1

 

Family Winemaking in Italy….. it ALWAYS begins with a bottle of wine!

Family Wine Making in Italy. Beautiful words. I am proud to say that I have PERSONALLY experienced it, drinking it at least. I wish I could say I had been part of the process but enjoying the final product will have to suffice.

Rome, Florence, Venice I must say are insanely beautiful but are wine tourist traps. But, it doesn’t have to be that way but you have to be a savvy consumer and learn a couple important Italian words – Nonno del vini or vini di famiglia. These are your keys to the BEST FAMILY WINES of Italy. You will find it is also the best price, if you get charged at all!

Making Wine the “FAMILY WAY”

Typically it all starts with a discussion over a healthy serving of Sopressatta, Copa, Proscuitto, Romano, Asiago, Fontina and Focaccia.  Typical Italian Charcuterie and cheeses. There are many topics to cover. Where will we get the fruit, who will do the various tasks of de-stemming, crushing, pressing and bottling. The process usually looks like this:

Source the Grapes:  Mamma, Papa or Grandpa knows best.

There are over 3,000 different Italian varietals. Basically any area can lay claim to their own grape because it is grown there (Of course, classifed wines may differ but this discussion is for family home made wines). Given the number of varietals, very little time is spent on  that subject… it is just “known” that Aunt Sicilia has good grapes on her property or many other “known” sources. Who cares what you call it, just call it GREAT WINE!

Crush: Italians like their women FULL BODY just like their wine.

The crush is a BIG DAY in the life of a wine and YES they still stomp grapes. Of course the contemporary new generations of people have opted for newer methods but there are still MANY home wineries that STOMP the grapes. WHY?  Well, it’s actually better for the grapes. The soft tissue of the feet “cushion” the press of the grape that minimizes bruising of the skins.  The desired result is to extract the juice without pulverizing the skins and releasing what you don’t want. Bigger women, Bigger softer feet, Bigger and more balanced wine – you get the picture.

Fermentation:  The NOBLE ROT.

Many Italian family wine makers have no idea about all of the contemporary and sophisticated yeast strains. They simply allow the grapes to use organic wild yeast that is natural to the vinicultural area and the decomposition of the grapes, hence NOBLE ROT. In fact a widely used practice was to let the grapes go to a mild rot on the vine to get the fermentation started. Yes, fermentation actually started the initial phase on the vine. Today, there are fine examples of this used for higher brix level dessert wines. Wine families do have their own yeast strains that have been passed for generations.

Aging and Bottling:  What do we have to put this wine in?

This is probably the most varied part of the Italian Family process. The most popular ageing and bottling methods include demijohns which are 5-7 gallon glass jugs (hence the moniker “JUG WINE) glass bottles, glass jars and wine bags.  These wines are meant to be consumed SOON after the process is complete, therefore not much use of further aging methods such as wine barrels.

Ordering Wine in Italy:  Tourist wine or Lafamiglia Vini?

My first few days in Italy I learned a valuable lesson. You are either a dumb wealthy tourist or Uno dei bravi ragazzi (one of the god guys). The waiter will ALWAYS assume the former. You will be presented an English written menu and wine list. Here is your GOLDEN TIP. Ask for these menus printed in Italian (c’mon- you know the word Lasagna!). Of course unless you really do speak Italian you won’t be able to understand the wine list…. but you don’t have to. Just look it over carefully, then look at the waiter and say one of these two phrases:  Nonno del vini OR vini di famiglia. You are asking for GRANDPA’S WINE or THE FAMILY WINE. I like to use both phrases one after the other… and chuckle. Your phrase will be met with a warm smile, probably the best wine you will get in Italy, and a check that may not even have a charge for wine!  ENJOY MY FRIENDS!

Contact Joe and Follow Joe: joe@worldtravelingjoe.com

worldtravelingjoe.com Twitter: @worldtraveljoe   facebook.com/worldtravelingjoe

PLAN AHEAD for a GREAT travel experience. Tips from road warriors.

TRAVELING TO AIRPORTS AND FLIGHTS AIRLINE CHECK-IN It would be wise to reconfirm all flight reservations with the carrier about 24 hours before departure. This will help prevent any unforeseen schedule changes and give you time to adjust your plans accordingly. IF YOU CAN’T MAKE YOUR FLIGHT Don’t just be a no show if something comes up that prevents you from making your flight. Contact the carrier right away, inform them that you can’t make the flight, and they will direct you on the next step to take. PLAN TO LEAVE EARLY TO ALLOW FOR UNEXPECTED TRAFFIC, ROAD CONSTRUCTION,OR OTHER DELAYS It happens. Your trip is almost over and you’re headed home. Suddenly, your rental car (or even taxi or train) breaks down on the way to the airport. Or, there’s a big backup on the highway. By the time you get the situation taken care of, you’ve missed your flight (or train). Wise travelers always allow plenty of margin for error by leaving early. Sure, you may end up with some extra time on your hands, but if you plan ahead, you can put that time to good use. Also, if you get stuck, always call the carrier to let them know. If you are taking a long and expensive trip, you might even consider staying at a nearby hotel so you can have a restful departure. WEATHER CONDITIONS Weather conditions can cause havoc on the transportation system. Summer (not winter) is prime time for getting stuck in airports. If you travel enough, it will happen to you. So, plan ahead with extra power for your electronics. Take along some packable and nourishing snacks. Get in line immediately and call the airline at the same time. You never know which will be quicker. If you have a savvy buddy back home, let them know about the trouble and have them check other options for you. VERIFY AIRPORT, TERMINAL OR STATION INFORMATION Many cities have multiple airports and train stations. Make sure you know the correct airport and terminal or station. It’s your job to be at the right place at the right time. If you’re not sure, ask lots of questions until you ARE indeed sure. There are many good flight tracker apps that show you the location of your plane REAL TIME. It’s fun and keeps you informed. UNEXPECTED BAGGAGE FEES AND RULE CHANGES Each airline has individual baggage fee policies and they can change at any time. Some baggage fees are payable at the time of ticket purchase up until check-in, and they are not included in the price of your ticket. Be a savvy traveler and refer to the airline’s website to check all baggage fees before departure. In some cases, checking in online prior to departure allows for significant savings on baggage fees. Always have a credit card handy just in case. DELAYED BAGGAGE If you arrive at your final destination and your bags are missing, it is important to file a claim with your carrier BEFORE you leave the airport. Once you have filed your claim, make sure you are given a claim document and confirmation number. If you don’t hear from the carrier within 24 hours, call the phone number on the claim form to follow-up. TIP: Baggage tags can easily tear off during handing, so always place an additional ID card inside your luggage that includes your home address, cell number, email, and your final destination. LABOR STRIKES It doesn’t happen often, but a labor strike can mess up your plans quickly. You are typically at the mercy of the carrier, so contact them directly to have them accommodate you. You may also contact your travel rep to inquire about re-ticketing options or rebooking on another carrier. HOTEL HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS If your hotel room does not meet your expectations, always speak to the front desk clerk. In most cases, if another room is available, they are happy to assist you. Escalate to a supervisor, if necessary. HOTEL RESERVATIONS AND ROOM REQUESTS Always call to reconfirm hotel details 24 hours before arrival. Many smaller hotels are not necessarily electronically connected and still rely on tax or manual tools (easily lost) to coordinate online reservations- If you have special room requirements (i.e. non-smoking), then they should be confirmed during the call. Make sure you clarify the distinction between a “requirement” and a ‘request’, because requests are often viewed as optional or “if available”. CAR RENTALS AND SHUTTLES AVOID DAMAGE COSTS CHARGED BY A RENTAL CAR COMPANY You are expected to return a rental car in the same condition you received it. Sometimes, even a mechanical failure you did not cause could still be charged to you (unreasonable wear or use). The safest bet is generally to buy the insurance provided by the rental company or make sure the insurance you carry (i.e. credit card coverage) kicks in for these type situations. Also, make sure your vehicle is checked and documented by an agent (keep a copy) before you leave the return area. SHUTTLE SERVICE Call the hotel where you will be staying to inquire about shuttle services. Some hotels offer this service free of charge, but you must call ahead to make arrangements. PERSONAL INFORMATION AND VALUABLES CREDIT CARDS AND IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS It’s probably every traveler’s biggest fear. Your wallet and/or passport are stolen or lost First, cancel credit cards by calling each of their cancellation hotlines. If they were stolen, contact the local police. If your passport is gone, contact your nearest embassy or consulate. You may still be allowed to travel, but the authorities will investigate. Take into consideration that your trip will possibly be delayed. VALUABLES Savvy travelers avoid bringing along valuables or irreplaceable items. If they are lost or stolen, even from a hotel safe, the insurer may want original appraisals. Many carriers and properties also severely limit reimbursements and often exclude items such as heirlooms, antiques, eyeglasses, medicine, jewelry, photo equipment, and electronics. Ask yourself if you really need it that badly. SHIPPED PURCHASES THAT NEVER ARRIVED Souvenirs are often a part of traveling. If you ever buy an item too big to pack with you, always do your own shipping. Don’t trust a merchant to send it to you after you have paid for it They may not ship it, or even if they do, it may not be done correctly and may get lost or held up in customs. Always pay for significant purchases by credit card because it’s great fraud protection and might be the only proof you have. Miscellaneous DESTINATION ETIQUETTE When traveling your personal or local etiquette may have an opposite meaning in a foreign destination. For example, wearing camouflage apparel, chewing gum, or shaking someone’s hand may be considered offensive by some. We recommend that you do some research on the internet to learn about local etiquette where you are traveling. TOUR OPERATOR OR CARRIER CHANGES PLANS You thought you were going to be on a nice, quick airplane flight and instead you spend hours on a bus. Be aware that most common carriers and tour operators have the full right to change hotels and mode of travel without compensation. It’s right there in the tiny print.

NYE Times Square: Joe’s Adventure & Survival Guide

Hello fellow Travelers!

I thought I should offer a few hints, a few do’s, a few don’ts for making a trip to Times Square for the big party an enjoyable one.

First let me say…. EVERYONE walking upright in this big beautiful world of ours should spend at least one New Year’s Eve in Times Square. I mean, really….  can you legitimately go to meet your maker having not checked this one off your bucket list?  I almost think that angel at the gate just doesn’t let you pass until………

World Traveling Joe’s Time Square NEW YEARS EVE Adventure and Survival Guide.

In general I am not a guy that stays up really late unless in Barcelona. I am the kind of guy that likes to plan things out to get the most of every experience. This is a story of a GREAT PLAN going BAD fast.  Hopefully you can learn and will be RICHLY rewarded with a WONDERFUL Times Square experience.

Dinner at Tao at 6PM:  This was a GREAT DECISION. Food was incredible and the people watching SUPERB. Lots of celebs LOVE this $70 million revenue restaurant.

Broadway Play: OK, I was thinking, go to a play keep awake until things start heating up in Times Square. Probably time for dessert and after dinner drinks before heading into the zoo (oops meant Times Square). This initially was a GREAT decision, that is until walking out after the play. A cabbie informed us that all the streets had already been closed off and no reason for a cab. We started walking just the few blocks to Times Square but found that those streets were closed to pedestrian traffic too, even to people dressed in REALLY NICE in theatre clothes. We arrived WAY below times square after a 2 hour jigsaw puzzle of walking about 2.5 miles. The wifey was clearly not excited about my grandiose plan for the evening when she just walked over 2 miles in high heels! GOOD PLAN GONE REALLY BAD.

Ball Drop:  A policeman was nice enough to move a few feet so that we could squeeze by and get a rocking back and forth view of the ball drop. It was extraordinary in all its’ splendor.  VERY GOOD DECISION even though we were SUPER tired of walking.

HEADING TO THE HOTEL: This proved to be one of the worst experiences of my life. I am claustrophobic (don’t like to be in tight places). We started toward our hotel and the crowd PUSHED us almost two blocks away with absolutely no choice on our part. You see, when 2-3 million people want to go one way and you want to go the other it really doesn’t matter, you are “going with the flow” or getting trampled. I am thankful I am tall so I could hold my above others or not sure what I would have done. It is the only time I have actually had thoughts of fearing for my life. We finally got behind a large column and just stayed there until the majority of the crowd dissipated (high heels off in 28 degree weather at that point). We finally arrived at our hotel at approximately 3AM.

Hint’s:   (Oh heck these are MANDATORY!)

The streets will start closing at noon. Plan your evening and route accordingly. Plan your return route. If you are taking a cab into the city – get there before 3PM to save the first stage of walking. Wear denim and COMFORTABLE shoes. Dress warm and bring pocket warmers. Bring a raincoat or other liquid resistant outwear. If it doesn’t rain you will CERTAINLY be doused by all sorts of beverages and that is 100% guaranteed. Bring snacks. Nearby restaurants will start closing by 3PM. Mentally get psyched for NO BATHROOM. I don’t have a good tip for this but I think there are 2 million people trying to get into 2 porta potties – ain’t happening. Find a spot to stand that has some vertical cover in case of a crowd rush, preferably far enough away to have at least 1ft x 1ft of standing space. Do not have loose items:  Example if you drop your cell phone there is some risk of not being able to pick it up. As it grows closer to midnight the crowd starts pushing harder and harder toward the ball drop. EXPECT super crowded conditions.

WOW! I hope I didn’t scare you. You do have to experience it yourself. Just be prepared. Just Like Gilligan thought he was out for a 3 hour tour! And see what happened to him!

GLAMPING: Is that a word? Or just a REAL HOUSEWIFE word?

I grew up CAMPING. I mean canvas tents, Coleman stoves and lanterns. Spending the evening around a camp fire that we actually built from sticks and limbs and logs we found that was started with a piece of rich pine (Ask me what that is)…. joyously listening to the crickets, frogs, and other wildlife while enjoying a gooey S’more (you better know what that is). This was REAL camping. It was even sort of real when we added a Keg (yes-that’s beer) to our list of supplies. COLLEGE days did sneak in there, so it seemed appropriate.

Now enter the world of GLAMPING. Pardon me city slickers, but what the hell is that? Now understand, I live in the city now, with fresh cut grass, a nice wine cellar and a real pool in the backyard but GLAMPING. Give me a break!  Just a question girls….  did this term come from THE REAL HOUSEWIVES?  (in some parts REAL housewives can clean the fish and mow the yard – a topic for another blog!)   I am not sure where GLAMPING came from but WORLD TRAVELING JOE WANTS TO EXPLORE IT!

If you are in need of an ENTIRELY different vacation experience or just a budget holiday you might try it, or if you want to slightly brush the outdoors then, maybe it’s time you booked yourself a few nights in one of the many luxury camping tents and cabins that qualify you as a GLAMPER.  Now… don’t try this if your natural manly instincts to brave the great outdoors, make your own fire and cook foil wrapped potatoes is what you really want to do but this could be a good transition if you are a beginner camper or even just want to try it once.

So what is glamping and what are the advantages?

The home comforts

I do love the experience of traditional camping but I have to admit it is a nice change to be able to enjoy a few of the comforts of home too. Cold beer and wine in the fridge, a sink to wash up and a gas stove make things easy. The showers and toilets are much cleaner than generally available in campsites, although there is just no experience like bathing is a crisp and clear mountain stream. Also having tables indoors to play cards and board as well as somewhere to plug in the lap top  is another nice luxury – not like using an old fashioned picnic table but a nice luxury.

The Kids

Kids LOVE camping and GLAMPING gives them the opportunity to experience the great outdoors without losing all of the amenities of a hotel. Typical GLAMPSITES (sorry – but I hate that word) have between 12 and 24 tents or cabins surrounding common areas. Most are situated near natural landmarks such as lakes, rivers, mountains and many offer lots of things to do like hiking, boating, kayaking and many other things. Some offer organized outdoors tours and natural education. All good for children and keeping yourself busy. The area is usually totally secure so you will feel really comfortable sitting outside your cabin sipping a nice cocktail or glass of wine watching the kids play, or if you’re anything like me then you can feel free to jump in and have a bit of fun too.

The cost 

A great thing about glamping is the cost. You can expect to pay somewhere between $15 and $50 per night depending on the level of amenities that you desire. Of course if you go REAL HOUSEWIFE STYLE then that might be as expensive as the Ritz Carlton…. but of course you would get an Italian cabin Boy named Eduardo and an unending supply of wine!  I suggest going lower end with just the amenities you think you MUST have so that you can indeed experience the great outdoors. Comparatively you will pay half or less of the cost of a usual hotel room.

GLAMPING:  It’s not camping in the true sense of the word but guess what… I LIKE IT! Maybe I am tired of being Daniel Boone or Davy Crockett (OK – dated myself a little then!) and am ready for a little work to be done for me. AND if you are not a regular camper with all the gear clean and ready to go, it can be a painful experience to get ready. Think… more time getting ready than actually camping = NO FUN.  GLAMPING is great middle ground.

With any vacation travel it is all about the people you are with and the experiences you have.

LET’S GO GLAMPING!

World Traveling Joe!

http://www.worldtravelingjoe.com
Passionate about food, wine, travel!

What to do with Thanksgiving leftovers?

Thanksgiving Leftover Macaroni & Cheese

• 

Prep Time: 20min

Cooking Time: 40min

Total Time: 1hr 10min

Servings: 8

This is definitely the cheesiest way to enjoy all of your Thanksgiving holiday leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Cooked elbow macaroni
• 1 pound Shredded turkey meat
• 1 cup Leftover stuffing (optional)
• 3 Medium size sweet potatoes, cut into small dices, cooked in salted water till tender
• 1 cup Cooked peas
• ½ Onion, chopped
• 5 Sage leafs, minced
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup Leftover cranberry relish (optional)
• 1½ quarts Milk
• ¼ cup Butter
• ¼ cup Flour
• 4 cups Grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup Grated Fontina cheese

Preparation

Step 1

In a large pot add butter, onion, sage and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes.

Step 2

Add flour, whisk and cook for another 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add milk and continue to whisk till mixture comes to a boil and thickens.

Step 4

After milk has thickened, whisk in the mascarpone, fontina and one cup of the cheddar cheese.

Step 5

Once cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth, fold in the turkey meat, sweet potatoes, peas and pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6

Place pasta mixture in a 3-inch baking dish, cover with remaining cheddar cheese and bake at 350 for 20 minutes till golden brown.

Step 7

Serve with a tablespoon of cranberry relish.

Walk Butt Naked on the Beach! And no one notice!

THANK YOU:  Timothi Jane Graham

3 Seriously Sexy Travel Spots

What is a sexy destination? In my book, these are qualities that always rock my travel libido:

 Undiscovered: There ain’t nothing sexier than being able to walk down the beach butt naked without having a million pairs of eyes checking out what mother nature gave ya. Or, to saunter through a town square without having to fight your way through a throng of postcard shops and tourists.

Sensual cuisine: Think juicy fruit, young coconuts and fresh caught fish. I love being able to walk out my door and pick a succulent papaya, drink down some delicious thai coconut water or watch the sunset with some fresh grilled fish.

Steeped in Tradition: There is something incredibly sexy about cultures that are focused on preserving the “old ways.” Making things by hand, using all their senses, weaving offerings out of flowers, making feta by hand, picking your own herbs for brewing, bakeries that actually bake their own bread… sexy, sexy, sexy.

Topography: Undulating hills, blazing hot sun over a vista of sand and stone, dense jungles teeming with exotic flora and fauna, breathtaking deserted beaches, fields of fragrant herbs and wildflowers.

Well, now that I’ve laid out my criteria for a sexy destination, I’d like to share with you a few of my absolute faves that really get me going:

1. Ko Lanta, Thailand: A big part of what keeps this destination so damn sexy is that it is a bitch to get to. Ko Lanta is an island, so no matter how you slice it, you have to take a combination of planes, trains, buses and ferries to get there. But, what’s a little effort when heaven on earth awaits on the other side?

Chinese pole houses dot the breathtaking shoreline, and you can easily hire a boat for day excursions to remote islands and hidden caves. Ko Lanta is a stone’s throw by boat from the luxe tourist haven of Phi Phi… so it’s really the best of both worlds. Mango House has awesome traditional pole houses on the water, and Sun Island Tours has the best boat tours around. The village itself is traditional with some of the hottest – literally – food around. Lemongrass, basil, cilantro and chilies abound. Also, seriously, this place has the sexiest coconuts on earth.

2. San Salvador, Costa Rica: Costa Rica is synonymous with sexy: beaches for days, jungles with monkeys, sloths and exotic birds and fresh, delicious food at every turn. Costa Rica’s natural sensuality has been both a blessing and a curse. Now, people are catching on, and many areas of Costa Rica run the danger of becoming extremely unsexy.

But, there are still a few hidden, tucked-away gems that really get my mojo going. There are a few awesome well known retreat centers in Dominical on the coast. But, when I’m in Costa Rica I like to go a little further. I land in San Jose and head for the hills. About one hour north of Dominical is a little mountain village called San Salvador. In an open forest clearing is Finka De Vida. This place is beyond sexy. Just about everything you eat is grown on their local farm. You have the choice of picking and preparing your own meals, juices and smoothies or having there chef do it for you. The menu is as raw as you want, or fully cooked. It’s up to you. Activities include yoga overlooking the jungle, bathing in the local waterfall and beach excursions. I promise you will feel so sexy you’ll never want to leave.

3. Lesvos, Greece: Lesvos is not called the island of women for nothing. If Santorini, with its active volcano and harsh landscape, is the masculine side of the Greek isles, then Lesvos is definitely one foxy lady.

Lesvos is where a lot of Greece’s olive oil comes from, so it is covered in olive groves as well as an abundance of cherry, apple, pistachio and pine trees. Because it is so far north, most people don’t know about Lesvos. In fact, it’s so far north you can take a ferry to Turkey in 30 minutes.

The island is filled with cobblestone mountain villages, forts, castles, Turkish hammams and nary a white and turquoise domed structure in site. The houses are built of wood and stone and have more of an Ottoman feel. Expect quiet beaches that you can explore “in the all together,” sleepy villages where homemade feta and bread are served, freshly grilled octopus for supper by the sea and horses and donkeys that you can ride through the mountain groves and pick your own herbs for supper or tea. I lived on Lesvos for four years, and I swear by its undeniable sexiness. There are many many wonderful places to stay on Lesvos. My absolute fave for authenticity and sexiness is Elainonas Nikou on the Gulf of Gera. Rojo Caliente!

Travel is a sexy sport. Don’t be a wall flower. Vow to never hit a homely destination again… between you and me, they don’t call it wanderlust for nothin’.

ASK JOE about an AWESOME travel deal to Lesvos, Greece. Think 7days 6 nights all inclusive for $599!