Tips for easier travel

Traveling can be easy and fun, if you are prepared ahead of time. Don’t wait until the last minute. Start planning at least six months in advance. Not only will this allow you to plan the perfect trip, it will also save you money and keep you from stressing out.

We all agree flying is quickest way to get from point A to point B. If you are prepared, it can be the easiest also. Before heading to the airport, check out the current TSA rules which you can find at www.tsa.gov. Since the list for prohibited or restricted items changes occasionally, be sure to read this list thoroughly. If it is recommended you get to the airport 2 hours early, get there 2 hours early. There is no reason to wait until the last minute and have to run to the other end of the airport, only to miss your plane because the security line was too long. Most, if not all airport security checkpoints, require that you show your ticket with your picture ID. Have those out of your bag and together. If you are required to put your liquid items in a zip lock bag, make sure you do. As long as you follow the guidelines, you will get through security with no problem at all.

Driving is a great way to see our beautiful country, as well as save money since it’s usually cheaper than flying. One main problem with driving is weather, so plan your trips accordingly. If you are planning a trip to Denver in the middle of winter, be prepared for snow. If you don’t think your vehicle (or you) can drive through snow, then fly or better yet, go later in the year. There is no reason to put yourself and others in harms way.

Keep all tickets, maps, hotel reservations and paperwork together in a folder or large envelope. If you are flying, put the folder/envelope in your carry on. That way, everything you will need it at your fingertips and not stuck in your luggage somewhere. I use manila folders during my travels. One for airline tickets, one for hotels, and one for any other items I may need, such as attraction tickets, maps, etc. When I get to the airport, I just pull out my folder that has my tickets and I am ready to go.

If you are planning on going to museums or attractions, be sure to check their hours of operation. There is nothing worse than getting to your destination only to find out they are closed due to renovation. While online checking our their hours, check to see if you can purchase your tickets online too. You may be able to save money and you will be able to save time by not having to wait in line to purchase your tickets.

Flexibility is also an important factor in making your trip easier and stress free. If you have planned for an outside activity but its raining, plan something else for the day. Plan your trip to allow for changes.

My husband and I travel at least twice a year. I am always in the planning stages of our next trip. I have found that being prepared makes for a much easier trip and a much happier husband!

Gift ideas for a writer

This holiday season what would your favorite writer like to find in their stocking or under the tree?

*Gift Cards- local book stores, coffee houses, computer and office supply stores. But movie, music or dinner certificates are always very welcome too. Although gift cards sometimes get a bad rap, read the rules before you buy. For the beginning writer it’s permission to spend money on themselves to buy a new craft book or enjoy a night out.

*A Beautiful Pen, my favorites can be found at levenger.com. Yes, most writers prefer their computer but a beautiful pen can symbolize a new agent or a book deal.

*Magazine Subscriptions-sure the obvious ones… The Writer, Writer’s Digest but what about a subscription to something they write about a lot…Saveur or Fine Cooking for the food writer, Wired, for the tech writer, or a literary magazine subscription that they just love to read or aspire to be published in. The Sun. Glimmer Train Stories.

*Moleskine journal or another beautiful or practical journal. On my list this year the practical, a email and websites journal or a large plain writing journal.

*Voice Recorder,head phones, or another techy gift…multi-tasking makes writers happier people.

*Reams of Paper, writing software, and/or printer cartridges.

*Fancy files to hold acceptances and book contracts. My favorite anything from Cavallini & Company they have beautiful vintage designs. In my file cabinet, plain old manila folders work great for rejections.

*A week of a virtual assistant or donate your time to help a writer clean up their file cabinet or office.

*A spa treatment or massage. My favorites include a pedicure, facial or a deep-tissue massage.