Holiday Fun Guide

Free and easy activities to bring

JOY

to your holiday season

Search Activities in Your Area

• Parades

• Special Events at Religious Organizations

• Festivals at Parks or Community Centers

• Santa Visits

• Fun Runs

• Christmas Light Viewing

• Tree Lightings

• Concerts

Parades

Arrive 30 minutes early to find parking and walk to where you can see the parade. Depending on the popularity and size of the town the parade will take place, it may be necessary to arrive even earlier to get a spot where you can see the parade.

Special Events at Religious Organizations

When an event is advertised to the public one can assume everyone is welcome regardless of religious views. Events include things like decorative “villages,” demonstrations of traditions such as games played at celebrations and craft projects, meals, and so forth. Religious organizations are often the most welcoming and accepting venues a person could take part in. You can go alone or with someone, you can wear what you’d like, and rarely (if ever) would you be put in an uncomfortable social situation.

Festivals at Parks or Community Centers

Everything from gingerbread house making to decorated horse carriage rides might be found at community events. Sometimes meals are included, some are used as fund raisers, and most are incredibly fun. You can remain as anonymous or social as you choose. These are usually the most frequently found events when searching for holiday events in your area. You should expect a crowd.

“We are better throughout the year for having in spirit become a child again at Christmas-time. ”

— Laura Engalls Wilder

Santa Visits

Santa isn’t just for kids. Ok, maybe the sitting on his lap part should be reserved for kids. But usually where there is a public Santa visit, there is also a spirit of joy and excitement. If his visit is simply for pictures, it’s probably only worth going if you plan to get a picture. However, usually his visits are surrounded by some additional holiday festivities.

Fun Runs

If you enjoy a community run/walk event, this is a great time of year to find one near you or in a destination of choice to gather with like-minded individuals. Fun runs are full of entertaining outfits, a festive t-shirt (usually), positive attitudes, and cheer to set your holiday off right. The names of runs this time of year are often quite clever!

Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!

Ways to Enjoy Time Alone

30 day activity list

Can be done in any order, most require no materials, all can be done alone, all are social distancing friendly, and most are free or incredibly inexpensive. Enjoy!

1. Go for a walk

2. Watch a documentary

3. Cook a fancy meal

4. Bathe a pet, or if you don’t have one browse humane society website

5. Find a new series to binge

6. Mail someone a letter

7. Drive somewhere pretty

8. Bake for yourself (and/or others)

9. Try a new exercise

10. Find new TedTalks of interest

11. Start a puzzle (jigsaw, crossword, you choose)

12. Clean out a closet

13. Plant seeds indoor or outdoor

14. Start a book

15. Bird watch

16. Find a new music artist you enjoy

17. Do a craft

18. Make a bag of at least 10 items to donate

19. Rearrange furniture in at least one room

20. Try a fruit or veggie you’ve never had before

21. Do yoga

22. Send someone a funny card

23. Play solitaire with real life cards

24. Clean out phone photos and order at least one print

25. Bike ride (if you have one), or jog around your block

26. Find a new blog to follow

27. Find a new place to take a nature walk

28. Start a journal

29. Look at pictures of animals from other countries OR listen to a podcast.

30. Find a new checklist to start next month! Write down 3 activities from this list that weren’t already part of your routine to try to integrate into your life from now on.

“Letter writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company. ”

— Lord Byron

Numbers below correspond to numbers above

Documentary suggestion list

1. Some people like to set out without a plan, some like to stick to a known route. There are benefits to each! I like to repeat routes because I love familiarity, I like watching change over time (for example, people’s yards, dogs, neighborhood trees) and I like knowing how long it is going to take me. Driving to new neighborhoods and enjoying new walking paths is pretty enjoyable as well!

2. Search a favorite subject and go! I love to watch running documentaries.

3. If you are new to cooking, here are a couple tips: make sure you have the ingredients and tools needed before you begin, maybe start with one dish and buy the sides or go for all of the dishes on your own. Just search “easy recipes” or a particular food if you have one in mind and browse sites. One of my favorites for healthy recipes is yoursassychef.com - once you buy some of the unique ingredients, you’ll find they are in multiple recipes so you’ll be all set after initially purchasing.

4. Bathe that little furry friend of yours! OR if you browse the humane society near you perhaps you will find a little buddy to adopt, or you can look at ways to support your local agency. For example, one winter we were able to go in and read books to the dogs and cats. Or during quarantine, they are looking for foster homes which means temporary care until the facility re-opens.

5. Search something like “top new series on ________(choose your viewing vendor of choice)” or “happy television shows.”

6. I like to keep blank cards stocked in my cupboard, but if you don’t have any just use paper of course. Write something simple such as “just thinking of you and hope you are well,” then tell a bit about what you’ve been up to. When writing a letter, people like to hear positive news so try to stick to the basics or stick to letting them know you’re thinking of them.

7. Set out on a journey! Some of the prettiest places I have found started with no particular plan.

8. Similar to number 3, the only difference being baked good rather than a meal.

9. A few ideas - jog, yoga, pilates, barre, weights. Regardless of what you choose, you can search examples of routines to follow. If you enjoy it, perhaps you can find a new app for it.

10. Simply search “Ted Talks about________.” I have learned about a great many topics watching Ted Talks. A few of my favorites are listed in the post for World Autism Awareness Day (I have a list of 5 favorites there).

11. If you don’t have a puzzle, today is a good day to order one and maybe switch today’s activity with another day.

12. Pick a closet! I love to search things like “organization tips” or “closet organization ideas.”

13. Head to a local hardware or gardening store and pick up a few seeds, soil, and if you don’t have something already on hand to plant them in, grab paper cups or eggs so you can use the carton. Look up “starting an indoor garden” and enjoy!

14. Any book. If libraries are open, go to the nearest one and find a book. If you don’t have a library card, talk to one of the librarians and they will help you. It’s free. If libraries are closed, order one for delivery or if you have a device that you can read on, you can download from Amazon. A good place to start is “book club books.”

15. Through a window, sitting outside, or on a walk - closely observe the birds around you. What do they look like, can you find a mama and babies, listen to their sounds, watch for behaviors such as competing for space or finding food, any nests nearby?

16. This one is straightforward. After searching a certain type of music, you might head over to YouTube and check out a few songs. Download to a device if you find someone you like! This was how I found Alec Benjamin, Otis Redding, and Leon Bridges - a few of my favorites. I also love Weekend Youth out of Napa.

17. Make sure you have the supplies of course! Try something new…who cares if it doesn’t work, the process is the fun part, the finished product is a bonus if it works.

18. Easy. Look up ‘minimalism’ if you have trouble getting started. Clear out the clutter!

19. If you need ideas, hop onto pinterest or any other search engine to explore set-up ideas of different types of rooms.

20. Browse the grocery store and see what stands out. You can always search ways to prepare particular veggies if they aren’t tasty when raw.

21. If you’re like me and have no idea how to do yoga, look up a few moves or follow an online video.

22. If you can’t make it to the store, make your own.

23. If you don’t know how to play solitaire, you can look up how to play. It’s really simple and very fun! There are many options of playing on a device if you don’t have a deck of cards, but if you have or can get a hold of a deck of cards try playing with the real thing. It’s better for your brain.

24. If you’re like me, you have a bunch of photos in your phone you will probably never look at again. Go through and delete some to make room for new ones and to clean out your photo box in order to really enjoy the ones you have. If possible, print one! You can go into Walgreens.com, snapfish or other digital photo printing places, or any other local store that prints photos. They typically cost less than a dollar and are so nice to have displayed in your living space.

25. Self explanatory. Make sure your tires have air. If you want a bike and don’t have one, keep an eye out at local thrift stores or sporting goods stores. Everyone should own a bike.

26. Simple, just search topics you enjoy. theminimalists.com is my favorite and one that made me realize how useful they can be.

27. The only difference between this one and number 1 is that for this one you might try heading up onto a dirt track or to a nearby state park. I met a woman once who said every time she felt anxious she would make herself go outside and find at least one thing in nature she had never seen before, then would examine it. We are so lucky for nature!

28. You can purchase one or just use paper of any kind. Start jotting down what you do each day, maybe a way you are feeling, a new thought you’ve had, maybe a question you’ve been pondering… Not only is journal writing good for the mind, it is a great way to look back and remember, it helps us to articulate and sort out our thoughts, it puts situations in perspective, and it often prompts new ideas and ways of thinking.

29. This is random, yes - but so fun to do! Are you familiar with the Okapi? Or have you really examined the life patters of a hippo? OR Podcast if you know how. Great motivating ones to begin with are Jocko Willink or Grace Church Reno.

30. Any search engine will help with this, but Pinterest is a fun one for lists. Thank you for getting this far, I hope you have found something new you enjoy!

Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!

St. Patrick's Day Fun

St. Patrick’s Day

Origin of St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

Will you be celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day with a feast and religious services? Maybe attending a parade? Hopefully you will at least wear green. We have veered a bit here in North America from how the Irish originally paid tribute to the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. It is said that Ireland has adopted some of the traditions created here in America for the sake of tourism (smart), however the shenanigans were not an original part of the tribute. Leave it to Americans to dye our rivers green (Chicago) even though the original color of the holiday was blue, and to get langers on green beer wearing shamrock headbands and green tights to celebrate what was once a religious holiday.

March 17th (the day Saint Patrick died) - While we revel in leprechaun pranks and corned beef, in Ireland there are feasts and religious ceremonies. The Irish form of tribute on this holiday is more aligned with the patron saint himself, as he was most honored for his mission work and for converting mass quantities of people to Christianity.

Trivia

Do you know the difference between the 4 leaf clover and a shamrock?
A 4 leaf clover is considered lucky because they are difficult to find and are known to represent faith, luck, hope, and love . A shamrock represents St. Patrick’s day as it dates back to the religious origins and represents the holy trinity, father son and Holy Spirit.

Speak like a leprechaun (or an Irishman/woman)

Words for the pub

Descriptions for people you know

When you are “hungry enough to eat the 12 apostles”

Things to do on St. Patrick’s Day

• Watch a parade

• Participate in it attend a themed fun run

• Eat corned beef, cabbage, and red potatoes Corned Beef Dinner Recipe, Delish.com

• Decorate (the dollar store has great decorations) Dollor Store Decorations

• Use Irish slang

• Participate in or attend St. Baldrick’s Event near you

• Make meals themed in green Green food ideas

• Wear green!
  

  To find a parade in your area, just search “st patrick’s day parades in (your town).” It’s wise to search a couple weeks early since some will occur prior to the holiday.

  I also like to search for promotions such as themed meals at restaurants, seasonal treats, and so forth. I love a “limited time offer!” If you are old enough and enjoy a beer or two, pubs and bars often have a green beer deal going on either the weekend before or on March 17th .

  You know Pinterest will have all sorts of ideas for meals, outfits, games, and more.
  
  

  Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!
  

Wine Tasting - It's for Everyone

Everything you Need to Know to Go Wine Tasting

Ever see pictures of people wine tasting and wonder what it’s like? What does it involve? What even is “wine tasting?” Me too!

The good news: it’s really easy! And fun!

Planning a Wine Tasting Trip

There are multiple “wine countries.” Wine country simply means an area where there are multiple wineries/viineyards in close proximity. Two of our favorites are Napa Valley and Amador County (both in Northern California). You can find your own wine country, but I mention my two favorites to create a forum to point out how different the experience can be based on where you choose to go.

Napa Valley is the quintessential wine tasting experience, so to speak. Some of the best wine in the country (maybe the world) comes from this area. You can have a picnic at one winery and head down the street for an exquisite seated tasting (possibly even in a cave). Visitors to this area include bridal parties, families, elderly couples and everyone in between. Many people dress in classy/trendy attire. An internet search “wine tasting outfits” will return many results. *Tastings at each winery cost approximately $10 per person up to $100 per person for the fancier places (which need a reservation). A sample schedule for the day can be found at the bottom of this post.

*Tastings: when you go into the wineries, you walk up and they start pouring tastes of wine for you (they choose which ones).

Amador is another Northern California wine tasting area. It is laid back, has mostly free tastings, and no call-for-ride options (cabs, Uber, etc.) because it’s so small. You can typically only taste on weekends because many wineries are closed weekdays or have very short hours. People wear whatever they want and the whole area has a very casual atmosphere. A sample schedule for wine tasting in Amador County can be found at the bottom of this post.

Transportation

Option 1: drive yourself

Depending on the amount of wine you plan to drink, it is wise to plan for the driving situation. Having a designated driver is lucky. Most of the time if you are just casually wine tasting, you will stay within the safe range for driving. However, if you are going with a group or to celebrate an occasion, it is wise to plan to not have to drive.

Option 2: group transportation

If you are going with a group, it is pretty reasonable (price wise) and fun to book some sort of driving “tour.” Areas that have multiple wineries, you can find a variety of these options if you search online. Limosines are fun (so I hear) but not the only option.

Vendors will be as involved or uninvolved as you’d like. In other words, the driver can do everything from choose your wineries and arrange where you’ll eat, or they can just drive quietly where you ask them to go and stay out of your plans.

For those who appreciate knowing what to expect: in group rides, you can always call the vendor ahead of time to ask any questions you may have. A few standard things to expect:

You schedule your time and it’s usually 3-4 hours. Don’t make the mistake of stretching your wine tasting so long that you expire past your schedule transportation unless you don’t mind walking home or picking up a new ride when you’re finished. One year after splurging to get a limousine with some friends, we ended up walking home from dinner in the rain.

Don’t mess with the car too much. If you have to adjust your seat, fine. But that’s about it. Usually the driver even likes to manage opening and closing the doors.

You can leave things in the car, such as bags of food for a picnic, jackets, and other belongings.

Tip the driver when you’re finished. 10-20%, just like restaurants.

Option 3: public transportation

Many areas where there are wineries there are also public transportation systems such as wine trains or buses. You can search the area you plan to go to see the options ahead of time.

Lodging

Once you decide on the general area you’d like to go, find a hotel. You will want somewhere to stay after a day of tasting wine.

The Amador County area is not huge, so there are only a handful of places to stay. We recently stayed at the Hanford House and it is so far our favorite. It’s in Sutter Creek, an adorable “downtown” with a couple shops and small cafes. It’s about a 15 minute drive to wineries. If you stay closer to the wineries, you give up being near shops and eating options. The Hanford House is perfect if you like simple and private combined with quaint and clean. A delicious hearty breakfast is included in their on-site restaurant. Visit https://www.hanfordhouse.com for availability and pictures.

There are many choices of places to stay in the Napa Valley area. If you want to be off the beaten path, you might be interested in the St. Helena area. The actual town of Napa is fun, however it is not as central to what most of us imagine as “wine country” and not as close to wineries. Due to its popularity, beauty, and the plethora of wineries, Napa Valley is more expensive than smaller areas when it comes to lodging.

Logistics

Commonly people make it to about 4-6 wineries in a day. You do not have to drink wine at all of them. Some have eating areas, some have great tours through the vineyards or caves, and some have other areas you can look through such as art galleries or shops.

Preview wineries (look them up) before you go so you have an idea of how much their tastings cost, where you can picnic or find dinner, and so forth. Some wineries only have certain types of wines so you may either gravitate toward or away based on preferences. Finding out ahead of time whether or not certain wineries require reservations can save time and help with planning your day.

Making it Fun

Thankfully for all of us, some really creative (and obviously fun) people have created various games to play while wine tasting. On various search engines (you know I love some Pinterest!) you can find all kinds of activities, challenges, games to play while tasting wine. Scavenger hunts are fun but require a great deal of bravery in approaching strangers at time.

Insider Information

OK, I’m not really an insider. But I have been to a winery or two. And here’s what I have found.

• There’s no right or wrong way to taste wine. Just taste it.

• When you walk in, walk right up to the counter

• Don’t tip

• Buy wine (many times the tasting will be waived)

• Pace yourself

Whether you are just looking forward to a fun outing or seeking out new wines to add to your repertoire (and wine rack), wine tasting can be one of the most relaxing and renewing activities out there. Make it your own by planning around your own interests and style!

Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!

How to Handle Disappointment

Disappointment Comes in Many Shapes and Sizes

disappointment: sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one’s hopes or expectations

My daughter who is in middle school recently faced the biggest disappointment of her life thus far. I’ve had quite a few disappointments myself, and I can say this one was a real doozie. To honor her privacy I’m going to spare the details but trust me when I say the details are what magnified the blow. Moving forward, my hope for her is that she remains as kind, optimistic, and humble as she is proving to be right now. The way she encourages others in the midst of her pain and embarrassment says more about her character than any circumstance ever could. In this situation she is choosing to persevere, knowing perseverance will come with a price (by “sticking with it,” her circumstances are visible to everyone else). These are choices. At the height of her disappointment, she is consciously choosing not to curl up in a ball, which honestly sometimes feels like the easier option. Don’t get me wrong, there have been tears. There have been comments that sent my heart into my throat. The events related to this disappointment will last about 6 weeks, and the emotional effects of this event will likely last a lifetime. The emotional effects aren’t necessarily negative though. See, that’s what makes disappointment unique. While it hurts initially, it also has potential help us develop as a person. Our choices in the moments surrounding our disappointment dictate how we let it impact us. We can choose to learn. We can choose to look to people who lift us up and stick with them. We can choose to build on our strengths. We can choose to celebrate the strengths of others.

“The way she encouraged others...said more about her character than the circumstances ever could”

The hope

The good news in all of this is that we can control our choices. We can’t control circumstances or people, but we control our responses. Yes, my daughter could have chosen to curl up in a ball or hide from the world for a while. She could have chosen to blame certain people or point out fault in the given situation (trust me, the opportunities were there). She could have chosen to be bitter, angry, jealous, and/or even self-righteous. She could have chosen to bring down others. Perhaps these choices would have helped her survive the difficult circumstance at the time, however none of them would have changed the circumstances. At least not forever. And she certainly wouldn’t have felt any better.
You know what does have lasting gratification and long term effects? Choosing not to succumb to the disappointment. My daughter chose to hold her head up high despite the unbearable weight of disappointment trying to pull it down. It’s as though her resistance to the disappointment through sheer grit and determination tangibly chipped away at the weight. I learned more about resilience by watching a 12 year old choose to put one step in front of the other and continue to be encouraging during her disappointment than I ever could have prepared for by reading about it or searching for inspirational quotes (I did both by the way). The disappointment that was initially palpable and all-consuming, was pushed into the shadows. It lurked, waiting to take over again. In fact, it’s still waiting. But every time she gives a compliment either to or about someone, the disappointment loses power. Every time she says “I’m going to keep trying” the disappointment loses power. When someone does something to include her or says something encouraging, the disappointment loses a whole lot of power. When you have your moment in the spotlight or circumstances are in your favor, be aware of those who are fighting the beast of disappointment. Your love and kindness will exponentially help this fight.

“Every time she says “I’m going to keep trying” the disappointment loses power. ”

The Anatomy And Impact of Disappointment

Disappointments can be small, or they can be big. Some are short-lived while others last forever. Some disappointments are a one-time blow while some are ongoing. By definition, disappointment begins with an excitement, a goal, a positive look ahead, and crashes down into sadness, sometimes a deep sadness. Regardless of shape and size, all disappointments impact our soul. We have choice and control over the level of impact. We either choose to let it grow us as a person or we let it cripple us. We can let it harden our heart, or soften our heart. We can try to sabotage each other or build each other up. We can wish ill on others or cheer for them. We can focus on the people we disagree with or we can surround ourselves with stronger, more positive people. The impact of disappointment can be leveraged by the amount of resilience a person is able to apply. Thankfully, resilience is not static - it is a concept and thought process we can work to strengthen over time. This does not mean we have to get used to negative situations. It means we don’t have to be defined by negative situations or sit back and accept them. According to an article by various contributors published by the American Psychological Association, “resilience involves behaviors, thoughts and actions that anyone can learn and develop” (apa.org, 2012). This is good news for all of us! For more information on this topic, check out https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience.

Responding to Disappointment

While we can’t avoid disappointment completely, we can avoid and minimize the impact of some disappointments. A couple tips that might help:

• Choose kindness. Kindness will choose you in return.

• Keep good company. If a friend continually disappoints you, stop hanging out with them.
  If it’s a family member, come up with mental tools to minimize the effects of their actions (or in-actions).

• Choose optimism

• Continually take steps whether large or small toward goals. If you don’t have goals, refer to the New Year, New Goals post on this site. But keep moving.

• Smile. Even when you don’t feel like it. Not all the time, but at least sometimes.

• Remember disappointment is normal.

• Look forward, even when it means having to look past someone or some circumstance blocking your vision. Outlast them.

• Find better people.

• Journal. Seriously, try it. Jot down events, how you feel each day, or whatever comes to mind. You’ll probably find this to help put things in perspective.

  If there’s a coach or employer who denies you when you know you were worthy of a position, there’s a stronger coach or employer out there somewhere you haven’t met yet. If a relationship doesn’t work out even when it seemed perfect, disappointment is there to tell you it wasn’t the right relationship for you after all. When a loved one disappoints you, remember you can’t control their actions but you can control your response.
  There’s a song by Hillsong United, “Another In the Fire,” I highly recommend.

If you find yourself in an emotional pit you can’t seem to get out of (such as deep sadness, or long-term low self esteem), the strongest move you can make is to seek help. There are people who know what to say and what you need to do. If you don’t know where to find these people, ask around. Someone will know someone. That’s how the world works.

Boy at the top of stairs on a mature trail

Disappointment is painful enough. Don’t let it suck you in, weigh you down. Chip away at it by moving forward in the least expected but most effective ways. Don’t freeze up. The disappointment will swallow you. Move forward. Leave it in a puddle behind you, no matter how long it takes to inch out in front of it. It will eventually lose track of you.

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

— MLK

Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!

Flying

Traveling By Plane

Good Online Searches Before Flying

“how to make flying easier”

“how to prepare for the security check”

“What do I need to fly”

Sometimes you can search the airports you will be either stopping at or flying to/from and see pictures or maps of them. This might be interesting but is not necessary, as the signs in airports are very clear. Of course some airports are easier than others to navigate.

Purchasing tickets:

It’s wise to look at a few airlines before making a purchase. As soon as you have a plan to travel, you should begin looking at ticket prices. Don’t buy them right away though, prices seem to fluctuate rise and fall so it’s worthwhile to check back a few times to watch for what seems to be a low price.

Most airlines have an app you can download. It’s recommended to do so, as this is a method the airline uses to communicate flight updates such as reminders to print tickets, when to “check in online,”, gate changes, and so forth. At times the apps can be frustrating, but I figure the more ways to sign up to receive information from the airline, the better chance of getting all necessary information.

Boarding Passes

Starting 24 hours before your flight time, you can go online, sign in, and print your boarding pass. You will need one for each leg of your flight. You can download them to your phone as well for convenience. Another option is to wait until you get to the airport where they’ll give you one when you check in. There will also be kiosks at the airline desks where you can self check if you are comfortable doing so. With a boarding pass you are able to go through the security checkpoint to enter the terminal. You will also use it to show the attendant who allows you to board the plane. The boarding pass will have your row and seat number.

Arrival at the Airport

If you are driving yourself, signs to the parking will direct you to short term (up to 3 days) or long term lots. You will get on a shuttle that will take you to your terminal. It will make several stops to pick up other travelers and will stop at all the different airline drop off points. If the shuttle driver didn’t ask which one you need, either tell him/her or just watch for that airline and get off as close to it as you can.

If someone is driving you to the airport there are signs when you approach the terminal (where you will board the plane) to say “Arrivals’ or “Departures”. Since you already have your ticket you know which airline to go toward at the departures and you can be dropped off right in front of that airline at the curb.

The people that work outside and load/carry luggage work for the airport. They expect a tip (usually $5-$10 is appropriate for one or two people). You really do not need them to help you. Just make your way to check in at your airline.

Checking In

The people working the desks at each airline check in area are very helpful. Sometimes they sound impatient but don’t let that bother you, it isn’t personal. Despite possible impatience, they are very helpful. They will check in your bags (if you are checking them in). This is where they will give you the boarding passes, or you can use the kiosks. If you are not checking a bag, the kiosk is a great option.

Important: If you are able to keep your things to one bag, small enough to meet the airline guidelines for carry-on, you do not need to check in a bag.  You still need to check yourself in though, and get your boarding pass.

Benefits of fitting everything into one bag and carrying it on:

No fee for checking a bag

No risk of luggage being lost or damaged. I personally have peace of mind keeping my stuff with me at all times

You have everything you might need right at your fingertips while you are travelling

No need to wait at baggage claim when you arrive at your destination

Downside of fitting everything into one bag and carrying it on:

You cannot take certain items on an airplane (check security guidelines online)

You’ll have more things to carry through the airport and onto the plane

It might be more difficult to get to critical items easily, including once you are on the plane

*If you decide to check a bag, you can take a smaller bag on the plane as a carry on. If you take small luggage and do not check a bag, I recommend putting a smaller bag inside this small suitcase which you can pull out once you get on the plane and keep it with you at your seat.

Items to take in a carry on

Additional items you might want if you don’t mind a bit more “clutter” in your bag:

Once you have checked in and have your boarding pass in hand, walk toward the terminals. You will go through the security check. Have your identification and boarding pass in your hand.

Safety Screening

You will be required to go through a screening area where you throw out liquids more than 3 ounces, remove all metal from your pockets, cell phones, computers, belts, and shoes. It may be helpful to wear slip on shoes. Backpacks and purses must be scanned as well. Put them in small trays and they will go through an x-ray machine. You may be asked to step forward where a person may pat you to see if you have metal or anything that can be used for a weapon. Although it may be uncomfortable, just take a deep breath and remember it is common practice.

Once through the security check, it’s best to find your gate before going to find food or whatever else you might do to fill the time until your flight. Your boarding pass will tell you what time boarding will begin.

Preparing to Board and Boarding the Plane

Get to the gate designated on your boarding pass you were given at check in. It is wise to either check at the counter when you arrive at your gate (there should be an employee standing there assisting people) or check the screens that tell departure gates. They tend to get changed and you don’t want to wait at the wrong gate. Your boarding pass should have your row and seat number, and some airlines may have a group number. Wait for your group or category to be announced and proceed to the attendant who scans your boarding pass and you are on your way to the plane

On the Plane

Once you find your seat, you can either place your carry-on bag up above in the ‘overhead compartment’ or under the seat in front of you.

Look through the items in the pocket of the seat in front of you. In either the airline magazine or a pamphlet, you will find a list of drinks and snacks served. Alcoholic beverages and food costs extra money. Soda, coffee, water, tea, and juice are free.

If you do not feel like talking to people near you, simply answer basic questions then open a book or some other activity. If you like to talk to new people, be sure to watch for social signals that they want to talk or not talk and move forward accordingly. If a person asks you questions back, they probably are enjoying talking. If they don’t want to talk, they’ll answer briefly then look away or do one of their activities.

You can put your seat back if you are going to rest by pushing the little button on the inside of the arm of the chair.

Try not to bump the seat in front of you. This includes bringing the tray in front of you which is attached to the person’s seat in front of you, up and down more than necessary.

There are ear bud connectors in most arm chairs. You can plug yours in if you brought some and listen to music or if applicable, watch the tv (depends on the plane and flight length).

Night flights

AKA red-eyes are flights that go through the night hours. If you want to have your light on, be aware of when most are off and turn yours off too. People are trying to sleep. Get everything you need out ahead of time, hopefully you used the restroom before boarding, and if you’re lucky you will fall asleep as well.

Seating Tips In a Nutshell

Because the seating is so close on a plane, here are some tips for dealing with it:

Go to the restroom before boarding to minimize getting out of your seat.

Store your backpack or bag under the seat in front of you instead of in the overhead compartment.

Place items you will most need on top of the bag to reduce effort at getting to them.

Use your digital device with ear buds.

Have a snack handy since airlines have reduced the amount of meals and snacks they supply for free.

Assistance

There’s a button located usually above your seat near your light or in your armrest that will alert an attendant. Use this if you need a pillow, a blanket, or a question answered. They don’t mind you asking for assistance.

Courtesy

The persons next to you may give clues that they are uncomfortable. Here are some of them:

You are next to the window and they keep shading their eyes or looking away from the window. This signals they are sensitive to light or just want to avoid it. They may be reading or trying to go to sleep. You could ask them if it is bothering them or just lower the shade on the window. You are not required to do that, such as when you want to look out the window, but it would be a way to compromise by lowering the shade halfway.

When the flight attendants come by with drinks and snacks, you’ll need to make eye contact to see who they are looking at in your row. Just tell them what you want to drink. They come back to pick up garbage too. It's polite to help pass items to the person by the window if they flight attendant is having trouble reaching them. Know that people will have to reach over you if you are in the aisle or middle seat.

Make sure the people on either side of you have enough arm room. Sharing an armrest isn’t ideal but it’s not that bad either.

Layovers, Changing Planes, and Connecting Flights

When you leave one plane and need to get to a connecting flight, look for a sign board with other departures near where you get off your plane. It will tell you which gate and time of departure for your flight number, usually by looking at the name of the destination city. If it is confusing, ask anyone for help by saying “Excuse me, I can’t find my next flight” and usually they will be glad to assist. Most people are really nice. If they are looking at their phone and don’t respond or look like they are worried they probably are late for a flight and are having trouble of their own so don’t ask that person. It’s important to know that if your next flight is more than 2 hours away, it is too early to see it on most sign boards until it gets closer to boarding, which is 30 minutes before the flight time.

In very large airports, trains take you between different terminals such as A or B or C or D. Look for signs above the intersections to direct you to them.

Baggage Claim

When you disembark you last flight, you proceed to the baggage claim area. A carousel will be carrying everyone’s luggage so when they see it they step forward and take it off the rack. When you get your own, step back out of the way so others can get their bags. There is no need to panic if it’s crowded, as bags will come back around a few times. It’s a good idea to mark your luggage with an identifying item to distinguish it easily and so others will leave it alone. Items could be a short, bright ribbon or yarn tied to the handle, a unique tag on the handle, or even choose a different colored suitcase or bag that will stand out. Whatever the item, make sure it will not come off in transit by being handled roughly many times.

If a person is struggling getting their baggage off the carousel, it’s ok to offer to help.

Transportation

If you do not have someone waiting for you, you will need to get a ride to your destination or hotel. The most common method is a ride share such as taxi, Uber, or Lyft for short rides and if you will not be needing transportation after that. If you will need rides for more than a couple days, want to go sightseeing, or are on vacation, you probably want to rent a car.

Taxis are available at the sidewalk outside the arrival terminal where you get your baggage or there will be signs directing you. If there is more than one, go to the taxi in the very front and tell them where you need to go. They will load your bags for you and it is customary to sit in the back seat, although you can ask to sit in the front seat if you prefer. When you reach your destination, you can pay with a credit card or cash, and it is expected that you tip the driver. A common tip is on average $5.

Ride share options like Uber and Lyft are accessed through an app on your phone.

Renting cars at the airport can be confusing because there are several companies. They should be researched online and reserved from home before getting to the airport.

If you are going to a hotel you may have a hotel shuttle. These can be located using signs in the ground transportation area or you can ask an attendant.

If all of this is overwhelming (it is for me), simply find the help desk near “ground transportation” and a person who works for the airport will assist. Do not accept a ride or assistance from anyone who is not an airline employee.

You made it!

Whether a short of long flight, pat yourself on the back once you make it a destination. Other than extremely experienced travelers, most everybody agrees that air travel can be a bit tiring and somewhat stressful. Grab a bit to eat, and if possible, relax for a bit. You deserve it!

Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!

Travel Planning

Taking a little road trip a couple hours away, or flying across the globe, preparing for a vacation can be fun and rewarding. For the free spirit or extreme procedural thinker, there are benefits to planning ahead.

If traveling to Kauai and interested in the bucket list of activities scroll on down to the “Sample Plan” below the bucket list image.

Benefits of Planning Ahead For a Getaway:

Saves the time and hassle of looking up “things to do” or “places to eat near me” while on your vacation

Saves money

You leave vacation feeling like you’ve done what you wanted to do

Increases opportunities. A) some activities require reservations so getting in early improves chances of getting to do what you want when you want to do it and B) if places are closed certain days of the week it’s helpful to know this ahead of time

“Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets. ”

— Oscar Wilde

Get Ready, Get Set To Go

Growing up, my mom was always the one who planned out all of our vacations. She would read books for weeks ahead of time, map out where every place was located and how long each adventure would take in order to maximize our time. We gave her a hard time but now that I’m the one planning, I totally get it! Ok, it’s not my personality nor do I have the focus to put the effort into a vacation that my mom did but I certainly enjoy looking ahead and making lists of what I want to do on vacation. When I am traveling to a place I’ve been before my bucket list is usually more specific and often includes dining experiences. When I’m traveling somewhere new I try to chat with people who are familiar with the destination and record their suggestions. My planning is far less extensive than my mom’s ever was (and still is, she’s traveling more now than ever) but it serves the purpose of making sure I cover the places and experiences I want while visiting new or familiar places.
In trying to take risks, I include at least one “to do” on vacation that stretches my comfort zone. I have never regretted doing something new!

Sample Plan: Kauai

Wailua River Kayaking is definitely out of my comfort zone, mainly because I’ll have my 3 kids with me and am going to have to put full faith in the guides. Not only will we be kayaking a long way in new territory, there’s a hike and picnic included. It sounds absolutely breathtakingly beautiful and adventurous. At the same time there are many, many opportunities for disaster (ok, not in reality but in my worst case scenario thinking perhaps). Choosing adventure over fear of the unlikely on this one!

Puka Dog - it’s in a cute little Hawaiian shopping center, and the deliciousness of this hot dog is impossible to explain. Kids can share, they’re huge. Make sure to allow enough time to choose from the extensive sauces!

Waimea canyon trail is self-explanatory. A great way to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii, get some exercise, and take some amazing pictures.

Princeville Botanical Garden is a place I would go back to every day if I could. The tour has a very up close and personal style. There’s cacao education and tasting too, can’t beat that.

We heard about Spouting Horn Park last time we visited Kauai. We didn’t have time to go, so I knew this had to be on the list for this time.

Mermaid Cafe is an example of a place we probably wouldn’t have notice or chosen had we not put out a request for suggestions from friends who had visited Kauai before. So glad we did! Their burritos are as unexplainable as the Puka Dog, and the feel is very “local Hawaiian.” It’s a walk-up-and-order sidewalk cafe and there’s something for every type of eater.

Anini Beach is a place we fell in love with on our last visit. We didn’t realize bonfires were allowed until our last day there so we hope to light one up this time! This beach was a reminder why it's beneficial to simply explore once in a while. We never would have found it in an internet search, yet it stole our hearts (and almost one of our kids’ permanent teeth in a body surfing fail).

Luau…because, well, Hawaii! This one we’re going to hold off on choosing and see what pops up when we get there. So we're not sure the specifics, but it’s on my list so I can plan accordingly when packing and managing time.

Preparation

Once you have an idea of what you want to do on your vacation, you can pack accordingly. While leaving room for spontaneity (living in the moment or doing something unplanned) is fun, when you plan ahead you can be prepared. For example, knowing I want to go on a kayaking tours means I head to Hawaii prepared with my athletic water shoes. Since I try to pack as little as possible on vacation due to my minimalist tendencies it’s nice to be able to pack precisely if I know what I’ll be doing, such as knowing I only need one dress for a luau. For tips on luggage allowances, check out any airline website. There are also packing ideas galore on Pinterest.

Start Planning

Where do you want to go? If you already have a trip planned, make a bucket list if you don’t have something planned, think of where you want to go and start saving and planning!

Choose a place

Find a place to stay and book

Figure out transportation and lock it in

Bucket List! Including links to the places you find is really helpful later.

Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!