Some Things I Have Learned in my Travels about Planning

[JudyJB]

I have wanted to travel as far back as I can remember, but never could do it with a job and family and such. Even now, I can only afford to take a big trip like this one to the UK every few years, and because much of the cost was airfare, I planned this and the last trip to be long ones. And because of my age, this may be my last big trip. I also tend to stay in small hotels and bed and breakfast places, where there may be only a few rooms, and few services. That is how most Europeans stay, and the only way to get a real international experience.

That is also why I will never take a tour--they put you in hotels with elevators and most likely in the middle of cities, so you don't get to experience small towns and the countryside except through the window of a big bus or train. (Check out my blog posting for yesterday and the day before, and imagine trying to see the moors through a bus window!!!) This is also why I almost always rent a car. Learning to drive on the wrong side takes a couple of days, and the narrow roads are scary at times, but it is really worth it to drive yourself so you can go places buses can never go.

I did a ton of planning for this trip and changed my plans a couple of times, plus repacked several times. Here are some of the things I learned that some of you may find helpful:

- Some of the best and most useful things I packed were a bunch of small and large ziplock bags. These can be used for wet washcloths (you bring your own in the UK), leftover snacks like chunks of cheese and crackers, little things that might get lost in the bottom of your suitcase, like camera batteries and the charger for them. Also good for stuff that might leak, like hand cream and such.
- Two very cheap washcloths I will toss before I go home. In many places in Europe, washcloths are considered personal items, so many hotels, especially ones that cater to non-American tourists, do not provide them.
- A paring knife in your checked luggage. I forgot one this time, but one is handy for cutting up snacks like a chunk of cheese or fruit. Because a large breakfast if often provided by European hotels, at least for me, lunch is often just a snack of cheese and crackers or ice cream.
- Paper cups. I brought quite a few of the kitchen-sized cups. I do not like to use the glasses provided by hotels because they seldom go through a hotel dishwasher. My nephew who worked as an intern in The Palmer House in Chicago reminded me of this.
- Some dry laundry detergent sheets for washing clothing in hotel sinks. Almost no small hotels or B&Bs have laundry facilities guests can use. They might offer laundry services, but this is expensive, even in B&Ss where I once paid $12 to get one load washed and dried!!! These laundry sheets are nice because you can tear off parts of sheets, and they dissolve completely. They also don't spill or leak and weigh almost nothing. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075J ... UTF8&psc=1
- Ditto for some folding hangers to drip dry stuff in the shower. Many hotel hangers are permanently fastened to the rod, so can't be removed. And often, there are not enough towel racks or places to hang things in the bathroom. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CP ... UTF8&psc=1
- A couple of small flashlights for emergencies. I have not needed one this trip, but a long time ago in a very, very expensive high-rise hotel in Philadelphia, the power was supposed to go out for repairs at 11 pm, but went out at 9 pm, while I was in the shower, of course. I keep a tiny one in my purse and a backup in my laptop case. I did not have any that time, but considering that they were doing some maintenance the next night, I went out and bought a candle and a flashlight, and traveled with both for many years afterwards.

This is the first time I have ever rented a "cottage" on my travels, but it has turned out to be a very good decision. I like having this more restful time after 10 days of exhausting walking and taking trains and subways. Gives me time to relax and recharge myself, as well as do some cooking and laundry. Just after two days, I feel much more energized. And it was nice to fix my own breakfast this morning and make iced tea, which I have missed. Am on my second large glass this morning.

Anyway, please include your own suggestions if you have any.

[chalet05]

Judy, some great pointers.

I agree about tours except I have had some that were great for things I wouldn't have done on my own. You've reminded me of things I had thought of but hadn't put on my list yet.

I haven't tried this, but will on the trip to Ireland along with compression socks. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072VJ9BKX?re ... ails&th=1d

BFF gave me this and I used it on my road trip - loved it. I didn't take a lot with me so didn't fill it. Actually not taking much more on the upcoming trip - not checking luggage. Wish I had had one in the RV. https://www.amazon.com/Stow-N-Go-Portab ... 9OOTY1U0sz