My husband does his best to keep the post-it note people in business. Rarely do I get into his car without finding yellow sticky notes covering his dashboard. Rob has memories to remind him of his memories. I’ve unsuccessfully mentioned several times how the iPhone app would declutter his pimply bathroom mirror, but he never gives up.
But for the first time, all the extra yellow squares added this week didn’t bother me because it means the countdown to our short trip to Europe has started. Since so many of you are preparing to leave as well, I thought some of his last-minute memories might help you prepare for the fun journey ahead:
*Check flight arrangements – be extra vigilant in this area. Never assume that the latest schedule change is the best available. computers err. On our trip to London, Delta sent a 9 hour layover in Atlanta when a 3 hour wait in Atlanta was feasible. Be proactive on your behalf and, if the schedule change is unacceptable, remind airlines of the rule that they can depart from a sister city within 100 miles of Monroe — like Jackson or Shreveport — to avoid a bad trip that day .
*Buy converters and adapters – Europe’s electrical system differs from ours in two ways: the voltage of the electricity and the shape of the plug. American appliances run on 110 volts while European appliances run on 220 volts. For example, in the British Isles, where we’re headed, an adapter allows our American-style (two-prong) plugs to fit into their three-prong square outlets. Check where you’re going and maybe even bring an extension cord, because our smartphones and other electronic devices need to stay charged!
*Enroll in STEP – also known as the US Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which helps US citizens stay connected, informed and safe when traveling abroad. After receiving notification of a protest meeting to avoid in France, we always sign up for this free service.
* Get an international phone plan to lower your costs. Plan to rely mostly on Wi-Fi and social media to send messages around the home by being smart with your smartphone. Skype, Viber, FaceTime and Google+ Hangouts are free apps to consider as they allow you to make both voice and video calls.
* Prepare for downtime. Download some movies, travel books or shows in advance as you may not be able to use streaming services abroad.
* Stock up on medication. Everyone knows not to pack prescription meds in checked baggage, but sometimes we forget to plan ahead and add a few extra days of our prescription meds in case of travel delays. This goes for contact lenses too, and if you have extra pairs of glasses, add them to your must-have list.
*Ask your doctor about Paxlovid! Sadly, Covid 19 is still with us and perhaps getting that five day pill cure – just in case – is worth considering. Paxlovid is said to be nearly 90% effective in reducing the risk of being hospitalized for Covid. Personally, I’m all for anything that helps me get back on my feet faster, feel better faster, and be less contagious faster. I don’t want to waste time on vacation. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice as this antiviral must be used immediately when Covid strikes. FYI my sister has a horrible persistent cough from Covid so maybe pack some cough drops and all those over the counter meds you like because who wants to be looking in a strange place for a cure-all?
* Take out travel insurance. Call or email Monroe Travel Service and we’ll send you a quote.
*Make copies of all important documents – passports, credit cards, vaccination cards, travel confirmations and serial numbers, makes and models of all electronic devices.
*Call the bank: check debit card limits. As Europe is more of a walking society than we are, ATMs are more readily available than here. If you withdraw cash frequently or prefer to pay for most purchases in cash, call your bank and see if the daily limits need to be increased.
*Reserve timed for everything – from the Anne Frank House to the Louvre, you must have an appointment. Travelers returning home in June kept reminding me of this. It’s not a good idea to just show up, so plan ahead to see and do more on your vacation by taking care of those details today.
*Download the MOBILE PASSPORT APP for quick and easy customs clearance.
* Get a booster shot, especially if it’s been 270 days since your last shot.
*Travel.State.Gov is today’s travel bible. Read it carefully before finding out about the latest travel news and requirements.
As much as I hate to admit it, most of my husband’s sticky note reminders are worth the mess. We don’t want surprises that mess up our long-awaited travel plans. We both think Earl Wilson got it right when he said, “Vacation is what you take when you can’t take what you took.”
If these words sum up how you’re feeling right now, why not give Monroe Travel Service a call and let’s make plans. Considering that travel is the only thing you can buy to get richer, isn’t it about time you got outta here too?
Dianne Newcomer is a travel agent at Monroe Travel Service. If you need assistance with your next vacation please call 318.323.3465 or email INFO@MONROETRAVEL.com. We’ll be happy to send you away.