The Return Ticket

Travel Tidbits & Tips

Monday 13 May 2013

The "I Amsterdam" Pass

When travelling in Amsterdam, before you even leave the airport, stop in at the Visitor Information office and buy the "I Amsterdam" pass. There are different packages depending on how long you are visiting with lots of tips and savings.

The line ups at most attractions are very long but you are able to be fast tracked and go into a completely separate line if you have the pass. There is free public transportation as long as you swipe your pass upon entering and leaving the transit bus. We rode the bus from the airport right near to our hotel for free.

We received a free canal boat tour with the pass, there are many discounts on food and other things, and we did get to tour a museum for free as well.

The Return Ticket gives the "I Amsterdam" Pass: four tickets out of five.

I am not being overly dramatic when I say:

Packing is Critical.

If you pack too much, you end up disorganized, lugging around heavy bags, and paying top dollar for over-weight baggage fees and if you pack too little, you'll be on the hunt down for more clothing when you'd rather be on an actual adventure.

These are some essential things to keep in mind when it's time to pack.

1. Get your packing process started at least a week ahead of when you're leaving... at the very least... make a list! This way you'll have time to purchase any additional items you might need. Then once you've got the perfect list - type it out check-list style and print one off every time you are going on a holiday... you'll be less likely to forget things. Sometimes we forget the most obvious things... those will be the items you can't do without!

2. Go online and find out about what you can take as luggage. While most airlines allow travellers to check at least one bag at no extra charge on International flights, the majority of U.S. carriers charge big bucks for bags checked on domestic flights.

3. Along with your one carry on piece of luggage, you are usually able to bring one other personal item. It is subject to specific size requirements but something like a purse, laptop bag, or backpack is generally acceptable. I would suggest taking one, as you'll want at least one change of clothes in your carry on bag in case your main luggage gets lost. The personal item you bring can contain your e-reader, itinerary, magazines, travel toothbrush & paste... you get the idea. My husband and I each take a small tote style bag that can fit under the seat ahead of us and that way we don't have to get up again once seated to get our books etc. Our carry on suitcases go in the overhead until we arrive at our destination.

4. Rolling your clothing is much better than folding: tightly rolled clothes take up way less space than folded ones. And they are less wrinkled when you arrive at your destination.

5. Any type of liquids should really be placed in plastic bags. They WILL leak... it happens. Why even worry? Just pack them that way to begin with and save yourself the headache of hair gel soaked clothing, or shaving creamed shoes... My all-time favourite packing tip: you know how you get those little elasticized shower caps in hotel rooms or dollar stores? They make really good shoe covers to keep your clothes from getting dirty! And all sizes of resealable food storage bags(also from the dollar store) can hold all of your other like items together - hair products in one bag, lingerie in another, etc. They're reusable & don't take up any extra space. I even keep some in my carry on for mints, identification, earphones & medications.

6. If you're travelling for longer than a week, you may want to wash some clothes in the hotel's bathroom sink and hang them to dry. I always make sure to pack a travel size packet of laundry detergent to clean my clothes on the road, so I can pack less and have room for any new purchases I buy along the way. I also take a small drawstring bag to use for soiled laundry, to keep it separate from the clean stuff.

7. See if you can find pants that turn into shorts or capris, or a jacket that turns in to a vest, that's another space saving technique right there!

8. My best advise:

Wear Layers. Your actual travel outfit should be in plenty of layers, which will help you travel multiple climates in style and comfort. Also, it gives you many more options of what to wear during your entire trip.

9. It's really important to keep your valuable and essential belongings in your carry on bag, not in your checked luggage. Your passport, identification, money, credit cards, electronics, and other valuables should always be brought onto the plane with you.

10. Print triplicates of your travel info - you'll be glad to have done this... I make 3 copies of our itinerary(including hotels, flights, etc.)my husband gets one to keep with him, I get one to keep with me and I leave the last one with my mom. You never know what can happen so it's a good plan to have another person NOT travelling with you know where you'll be and the times you'll be gone/home.

I will post my check list here ...

...

Travel Check List

Two Weeks Before You Leave

Sort out bookings/reservations
Transportation tickets
Hotel information
Health/travel insurance etc.
Photocopies of I.D.
Emergency contact info
Credit cards
Exchange money
Traveller's cheques
Passport

One Week Before Leaving

Empty fridge
Arrange lawn care
Call alarm company
Call credit card company(give dates you're away to avoid issues)
Call pet sitter
Leave keys & itinerary w/ someone you trust
Stop mail/newspaper delivery
Check over all luggage/label it(include one label inside should the outer one get lost)
Family addresses for postcards

Clothing to Pack

Coat
Hat
Footwear
Sunglasses
Swimsuit
Underwear
Bras
Socks/nylons
Pajamas
Pants/Shorts/Skirts
Leggings
Shirts/sweaters
1 nice evening outfit
Umbrella(travel size)

Main Luggage

Sunblock
Plastic storage bags/bottles
Toothbrush/paste
Hair products/accessories
Camera/charger
Cell phone/charger
Power converter
Luggage scale
Laundry bag
Travel diary
Deodorant
Brush/comb
Make up/remover
Contact lenses/glasses
Shaving items
Nail clippers/file
Tweezers
Insect repellent
Sewing kit
First Aid kit(medications, antacids, antihistamines, bandages, non aspirin pain reliever, thermometer in a hard case & Polysporin)

Carry On

Passport
Driver's license or other photo I.D.
Transportation tickets
Itinerary/emergency info
Travel size toothbrush/paste
Medications
Candied ginger for motion sickness
Mints/gum/chewy candy
Travel pillow/sleep mask
Chap stick
Mini Kleenex pack
Antiseptic wipes or spray
2 pens/notebook
e-reader/charger
Reading material
Glasses/contacts
Credit cards/cash
Earphones
1 spare outfit
Mini hand lotion
Snacks
Map/directions/guides

Leaving Day

Check all door & window locks
Turn on timers for lights
Set alarm system
Take out kitchen garbage
Finish all laundry/dishes

Enjoy your trip!

Canada, eh?!

Saturday 11 May 2013

Victoria, British Columbia

On a whale watching trip in Victoria, British Columbia; cold but a blast!

The Amethyst Inn

We booked in at the last minute and managed to get the last room available... the Windsor Room(funnily enough, my husband had asked me to marry him at the real Windsor Castle in England, so..!) This inn was absolutely gleaming; immaculate from top to bottom. The wooden staircases were freshly oiled, the carpets were spotless, the furniture and mantelpieces were shining and the gorgeous stained glass windows sparkled in the light.

We arrived in the early evening and were greeted at the door of this historic home; we were invited to have a cup of tea, cookies or a glass of sherry but as we were tired, we went straight to our room. There were books to borrow, chocolates to share, a television, a giant soaker tub and everything was just so, so clean! The only negative was that as this was a period home, there is no air conditioning and it was quite a warm evening. They do provide a fan and ceiling fan but they are quite loud so it made it hard to sleep.

The inn is beautifully located and the history behind it all is quite interesting as well; a newspaper baron and his wife built this home and raised their family here for many years(wait, one more coincidence - my husband and I are both in the newspaper industry as well!). There is a coded security gate at the entrance so we felt quite secure in a place we did not know well.

Breakfast was in a gorgeous dining room, where we were served on proper china plates with actual teacups.. such a nice treat. Our waiter was so nice and had impeccable manners. We were never without coffee or tea and had the most delicious fresh baked croissants I've ever eaten(and I've been to France!). We also had fresh fruit and half of a fresh bagel with whipped cream cheese and salmon on top.. lovely!

We were sorry we had to leave right away and couldn't explore more of the inn. I would love to return in the winter to experience the beautiful antique fireplaces with a roaring fire...

The Return Ticket gives the Amethyst Inn, Victoria, BC: four tickets out of five

Sandpiper Golf Club on the Fraser River, Harrison Mills, B.C.

The beautiful 18 Hole Sandpiper Golf Club, Harrison Mills, B.C.

A beautiful B&B Inn and private cabins at Rowena's Inn on the River, Harrison Mills, B.C.

My mom & sister checking out the Button & Needlework Boutique, Victoria, B.C.

Victoria Park, Victoria, B.C.

Our sweetheart of a companion, Gypsy, on one of the many walks and trails in Abbotsford, B.C., Canada

A sinfully delicious & beautiful handmade chocolate by Frank at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Harrison Hot Springs, B.C.

The River's Edge Restaurant, overlooking the Fraser River at Pretty Estates, Harrison Mills, B.C.

Pacific Undersea Garden Aquarium, Victoria, BC

Visitors step down into a submarine type aquarium where you'll view through a glass wall a large variety of sea life. There are sharks, eels and an octopus. It is interesting and does have descriptions of each creature and even of the garden type items but it is quite expensive when the submarine does not move and it isn't very big. I would say, if you are in Victoria more than a day with children, then go to see this but if you are only spending one day or are only among adults.. I wouldn't bother.

The Return Ticket gives the Pacific Undersea Garden Aquarium two tickets out of five.

Through My Lens

We were surprised in our room at the AVA hotel, Athens, Greece with this bottle of bubbly! The service & welcome was unbelievable!

The Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece... a must visit; the recovered treasures are amazing.

Our room at the AVA Hotel in Athens, Greece. Spotless, modern, and welcoming.

The Harbour in a quaint village called St. Mawes in Cornwall, England

Waterways Houseboats on the Shuswap, B.C., Canada

My amazing travel companion, my husband Andrew, and I at the Acropolis overlooking Athens, Greece

In Greece, there were many a store just like this one with quality purses, shoes, art pieces - you name it!

Destination Asia

Thailand

The view from our room at the Chatrium Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand
(the famous Chao Phraya River)

A temple in Bangkok

Famous dance of the warrior monkeys in Bangkok, Thailand

The Big Buddha - Phuket, Thailand(a very hot & bright day!)

Chatrium Hotel Riverside - Bangkok, Thailand

This was a lovely stay for sure, our view of the famous Chao Phraya River was spectacular. This hotel was immaculate, quiet and the service was outstanding. When we arrived it was like we were royalty, they whisked away our luggage and a lovely gentleman named Chatchawan took us on a tour of the hotel.

We were shown the amazing office space where we could use top of the line computers and the internet for free, enjoy cocktails and canapes each evening and then our spacious room. He was very helpful and full of suggestions for us. Breakfast was included and the buffet was unreal.. anything you could want for breakfast or you could order a la carte. There is patio dining if you wish.

There's a free small ferry that would take you down the river and back to sightsee. Unfortunately we did not get to take advantage of the beautiful pool, as we were with a Rotary Convention so had not a minute of free time, but it did look lovely.

The hotel room was spacious with plenty of space for clothing to be stored, a proper iron and ironing board; the washroom was large and well appointed; room service was quick and delicious. I would highly recommend a stay here and do hope to go back one day.

Another note: the Chatrium will help you to book a reputable dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River as we did and the temples etc were a lit up beautifully. They serve a buffet dinner, ours was excellent, and there is entertainment. Well worth it, especially as we had taken video and to know you've been on this famous working waterway is priceless.

The Return Ticket gives the Chatrium Hotel Riverside, Bangkok: five tickets out of five.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha(Wat Phra Kaeo)

This is Thailand's most valued temple and it's located inside the grounds of the Grand Palace. This is where the magnificent Emerald Buddha is found that dates back to the 14th century.

It was incredibly hot, so be sure to take plenty of water and have a hat if not an umbrella to shade yourself. I would also suggest taking an extra memory card because you will take so many pictures! You cannot take pictures of the actual Emerald Buddha(cameras are not allowed) but you may of everything else, including the Palace, the guards, the surrounding temples, etc.

The history is amazing - you should go with a guide; we did and he explained so much more than we could have learned on our own. His name was Tao and he worked for Tourism Thailand.

Please remember to dress appropriately(no shorts or skirts where ankles can be seen, and no uncovered shoulders) or you will absolutely NOT be allowed to enter.

The Return Ticket gives the Wat Phra Kaeo: five tickets out of five

Chao Phraya River

This scenic river that flows through the heart of Bangkok, has convenient boat transportation and sightseeing cruises since many of the major city attractions are easiest to get to this way rather than by travelling the crazy busy streets.

We went on a dinner cruise and it was beautiful. I would suggest asking your concierge at your hotel for the name of a reputable company. Be sure to take a video camera, it's quite dark for regular photographs and you will want something captured of your evening. The palaces and temples are completely lit up at night and are amazing.

There are free shuttle services daily from the hotels on cute little ferries that stay cool with a breeze as you go. The Chao Phraya is still a working waterway and you can see many types of barges carrying good to and fro.

The Return Ticket gives the Chao Phraya River: four tickets of out five

Siam Naramit

Siam Naramit is located in the centre of Bangkok. It is a state of the art theatre that is open every day and presents one of the world's largest stage productions. There are three restaurants and an authentic traditional Thai village where visitors can stroll through and get a taste of Thai life from years ago. The village was amazing, primitive, but unbelievable.

This show was fantastic! I won't go into detail as it would give away the stunning details and you must see it yourself to believe it! You are able to take photographs outside of the theatre and in the village but you must check your camera in the coat check pre-show. It's possible to buy a CD of the show afterwards.

The Return Ticket gives Siam Naramit: five tickets out of five

Pacific Club Resort, Karon, Phuket

I cannot say enough about this resort! The staff are unbelievable to start with... we arrived straight from the airport & while checking in, we were brought fresh squeezed juice. It was so refreshing because it was so hot compared to what we are used to. Gay, at the front reception was absolutely lovely & couldn't have been more helpful. She recommended trips/tours for us & gave suggestions of what we could do while there.

The restaurant has an excellent breakfast buffet, we also ate dinner there on two occasions and it was delicious as well. Room service was excellent. You can rent mopeds right at the hotel which was a great idea because the resort is on a fairly steep hill. The herbal sauna was lovely, along with the cooling jacuzzi outside of it. The rooftop pool was absolutely amazing, you could see for miles(including the Big Buddha!), and there were many areas to sunbathe, sit and eat or read under an umbrella.

The rooms themselves were excellent with large comfortable beds, lots of extra towels, a fridge for extra water, and a little balcony with a drying rack and table and chairs to sit at. There was plenty of clothes storage, if you're staying for any length of time.

The resort is not far from the beautiful beach where the water is unreal and the waves are fun to play in! Take a moped, backpack, water and explore the little markets that are everywhere. We grabbed some drinks and snacks to have in our room as well for when we didn't feel like a meal. The resort is immaculate and the staff in the dining room are very efficient; we really liked a gentleman named Ead.

A little tip: we were on the fourth floor as quite a few tripadvisor reviews suggested it and it was perfect!

The Return Ticket gives the Pacific Club Resort, Karon, Phuket: four tickets out of five

The Mantra Day Spa

The Mantra Day Spa is the Pacific Club Resort's own spa. Lili was my masseuse and she was unreal. I have never had such a thorough massage(the cellulite one), green tea wrap, or pedicure. The prices were that, you can have nearly every service there is and still find it incredibly reasonable! My husband had a neck and scalp massage and also enjoyed it.

Be prepared when you have the full body massage that you will have a very intense massage in every muscle but it is so so worth the little bit of discomfort here and there. Lili herself must have been exhausted after because she gave it her all!

The Return Ticket gives the Mantra Day Spa: four tickets out of five

North American Adventures

Paris & Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, Nevada

The pool at the Palazzo Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada

The Return Ticket gives Las Vegas, Nevada: four tickets out of five

Jersey Boys

This is the story of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time, Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide.

The theatre itself was very nice and our seats were fourth row! The music and generally the whole production of this show were A-1! I loved it, the entire audience was singing and dancing and I'd see it again in a heartbeat! Buy the CD on your way out in the gift store!

The Return Ticket gives the Jersey Boys: five tickets out of five

Grand Canyon Tours

The plane was so small, tight and hot but the pilot was very friendly and we had a good flight. The history recording that plays as you fly along is incredibly interesting and it is very easy to see how amazing the Canyon really is. Unreal to see the demarcation from the years of weathering in the canyon creating the different coloured layers There are also excellent views of the Hoover Dam that piqued our interest, so much so that on our next trip to Vegas, we went on the tour of the dam.

Amazing to think that there was nothing but desert and people managed on the most part to survive and make a life there... As for the flight, I wouldn't do it again but it is a must see once, for certain.

The Return Ticket gives Grand Canyon Tours: three tickets out of five.

Nine Fine Irishmen Pub

Located in the New York New York Casino in Las Vegas, this is a standing date between my husband and I each time we visit. We've had such good food here(everything is a la carte, just so you know) and the bands that play are a blast! The whole bar sings & gets up to dance!

The Return Ticket gives Nine Fine Irishmen: four tickets out of five