Friday, September 23, 2022

Tips for the Travel Panicked

DEBORAH CROMBIE:  I think I am now the only one out of the Jungle Reds that has not traveled since the beginning of the pandemic. I did take a little two day jaunt to the antique show in Central Texas last March, but I'm talking about serious travel, on an AIRPLANE, and for more than a couple of days!



But in two and a half weeks I am flying off to London for a three week stay, and I am panicked! I thought I'd be prepared so far in advance, wardrobe organized, new shoes broken in, phone replaced, research planned, but–


NONE OF THOSE THINGS


Life and work intervened. I don't even remember what my luggage looks like, and those shoes I bought back in August are still in the box…


My daughter is coming with me for most of the first week, and she at least has made us some restaurant bookings. She is a super-organized person! And she bought me an absolutely gorgeous cashmere wrap to wear on the plane!!


But over what? I really don't think American will let me wear my pajamas...


I have bought this absolutely yummy coat and scarf (no one will be hitting me in the zebra crossing!)



And I picked up one little travel tip from David Lebovitz's newsletter: If you can't tolerate smelly laundry detergents (that's me) pack eco-friendly unscented laundry sheets. I don't know why I never thought of that, as I have a terrible time finding unscented detergent in London, and having to buy a big jug for a few loads of laundry is a pain, too.




Dear World Adventurer REDs, I need help. What are your tips for getting back in the travel game?


LUCY BURDETTE: L O L on the pajamas, Debs!! I don’t think the airlines care, it’s a matter of whether you do. I have a pair of habitat yoga/sweatpants that I always wear for overnight travel. 


The only other thing I can say is do wear your mask in the airport. I know 80% of the other travelers won’t have them on but it’s no fun to be sick out of town! I also kept mine on the plane except when eating or drinking. And my new theory is forget about the dinner, I’d rather get a little bit more sleep than some marginal airline food. It will be such fun to have your daughter with you for a week!


JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I just flew from Portland (ME) to Tampa via JFK on Wednesday, for the Novelist’s Inc. conference, and I’ll echo Lucy - I put my mask on before hitting the airport and didn’t take it off until I was out of the Uber in Florida. Travelers were dressed SO slovenly that the few who wore fitted stretchy pants and a top that wasn’t a T-shirt or hoodie (with locations and brand names on them, of course) looked like they should have been featured in Women’s Wear Daily. 


One thing I noticed from a lack of travel in the past 2 ½ years: my toiletries kit, which I always kept topped up and ready for me to simply grab and go, had been seriously depleted. Some items were well past the sell-by date (sorry, 3 oz sunscreen from 2019) and some I had raided when I didn’t have a chance to shop for replacements (Q-tips, floss, nail polish remover pads.) Check what you have and stock up on the travel sizes!


JENN McKINLAY: I have flown so much during the pandemic, truly, it’s been ridiculous (family in crisis, what can you do?). So, I don’t have much advice except… be advised that the airports are insanely crowded now (I actually liked flying during the pandemic more because the airports were ghost towns), the cost of everything seems to have quadrupled, and wear a mask, wear a mask, wear a mask. Everyone I know who hasn’t worn a mask while at the airport or flying has gotten Covid…just sayin’. 


HANK PHILLIPPPI RYAN:  Yup, mask mask mask. I went to Nashville, because when I agreed to be GOH at Killer Nashville two years ago, Covid was certainly going to be over, right? NO ONE in the airport  had on masks, or on  the plane, hardly, and I stolidly kept mine on, sneaking pretzels underneath. I felt like I was the crazy one, but I was NOT.

At the convention, again, I was one of the tiny few in masks. And one woman actually sneered at me about it!  I did not care, I kept it on except for speeches and very fast photo shoots. I did NOT get Covid on that trip.

 

And oh, yes, my pre-stocked travel kit, I realized, had items that were three years old, and my tube of toothpaste was rock hard. And my deodorant had turned from gel to gloppy water. 

A shawl/pashmina/wrap is essential. ESSENTIAL. 

I  praise the universe and am grateful, DAILY for Pre-Check and Global Entry and Mosaic.


And Debs, seriously, if you wore pajamas, you would be BETTER dressed than most. It was all I could do not to gawp and threaten to call their mothers.


RHYS BOWEN:  On the flight to London I did not mask for the first time since 2019. We were in Upper Class on Virgin , in my own little pod, and the only person anywhere near me was John. But I did wear my mask on the train and a bus. Nobody else did. London and Paris are clearly post pandemic but a man on my riverboat tested positive the first day!

As for travel kits: agree with the pashmina. Planes are always freezing. And I have to admit I had completely forgotten what items I usually travel with!  But it was fun buying new travel size toothpastes etc. One new thing for me: I’m trying a shampoo bar. Easier to carry. It seems really nice and lathers easily.


DEBS: Hank, I am laughing! I promise I will be presentable! My big question is what to do with the crazy wool coat, as I don't want to wear it on the plane and it will take up half my suitcase. And what am I thinking, taking a wool coat to London instead of my perfectly good Land's End all weather coat...


How about it, well-traveled readers? How did you get your groove back?




76 comments:

  1. I hope you have a wonderful trip, Debs . . . .
    We haven’t traveled too much, but whenever we did, we kept to casual/comfortable clothes for the flight. Yes to masks . . . yes to the pashmina/shawl . . . and a good book doesn’t hurt a bit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I doubt anyone here ever travels without a book!! :-)

      Delete
  2. Rhys here, Debs. It’s quite rainy in London!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I still haven't flown since 2019. I'm planning on at least a couple of trips next year, so I'll have to get myself prepared. I haven't even been on a driving trip, but husband and I are planning to go out of town, a few hours trip for our October anniversary. I think it should be a no-brainer to wear your mask in the airport and on the plane, unless you are in first class and sheltered from others, and I'm not sure I wouldn't then. I'm going to be taking note on the advice given for this topic.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yes, Jenn, flying during the pandemic was so much more relaxed without crowds. On my first flight in April 2020, the beautifully clean, totally deserted ladies room was creepy. But on my last flight in November 2021, I rather missed the cleanliness and the quiet. Take care, Deborah, concentrate of the entire journey, not just the flights.

    ReplyDelete
  5. You can always change your mind on the darling wool coat, Debs. Just saying!

    I've flown twice, most recently to Minneapolis, and am heading to northern California in a month (research, yay, and family too!). It was fun to order new Tom's travel toothpaste, but most of my kit was up to date because I fairly regularly drive to an overnight at my son's in western MA or my friend's in Medford.

    Because of my new skin sensitivities, I can only use a bar shampoo, Rhys, and I love my goat milk bar. The rest of the limited list of things I can use seem to come only in travel sizes.

    I was SO grateful that my seatmate both ways on my recent flights was masked the whole time, as was I. I'd say maybe ten percent of the travelers were. You can bring a bendy straw and drink with your mask in place, nearly.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This year we caught up with some travel and did both international and domestic. I travel on the plane in comfortable pants - nice black yoga pants, leggings or wide leg cashmere or silk pants, loose top and cashmere sweater or shawl. I have a pair of super comfortable sneaker shoes (Cole Hahns) that I use for both the plane and daily use. They are not the bulky sneakers but are slim versions that you can also get away with when wearing dresses and skirts and I always get compliments. I know Allbirds have similar. I tend not to wear socks with them (they are wool) and so I always bring an extra pair of socks to wear on plane. For packing - I am a bad packer but two things I do is use the scented dryer sheets and pack my wrinkable clothes in plastic bags (it does help). I also put out my clothes on a bed to pack a day or two in advance and then half them (except for underwear of course) because inevitably I don't wear all the clothes I pack. I have one plastic bag of medicines - more as a prophylactic and had to update due to the pandemic. I used to travel to some "exotic" areas and would get sick. Now when I carry Pepto Bismol, Tums, diarrhea medicine, Tylenol, etc. I don't get sick. I do try to travel business class as much as possible, especially now and I do whatever I can to find great deals. If that is not possible, I fly the extra space seats. If only airlines would make flying more comfortable. Good luck and as my Uber-friend driver always says - have a great time and make memories.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elizabeth, I want you to come to my house and pack for me! You sound wonderfully organized. I'm going to take some tips from you.

      Delete
    2. Elizabeth, you are as organized as my daughter! I do take emergency meds. I've had norovirus a couple of times in London, so now I always travel with prescription anti-nausea meds (which I just had refilled), etc., etc. I put all my clothes out on the bed, too, and then eliminate stuff.

      Delete
  7. Travel toiletries have been a pain to find and overpriced. I travel with cold and flu meds and had to replace all of them, plus purchase mucinex D from the pharmacy. New tourist shoes AND socks. Masks in the airport and on the plane (I wait till everyone has finished eating and then I eat). Wipes for the tray table. What to pack? What will the weather be like? Charging blocks. All this new stuff to worry about. I'm definitely out of practice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I need to get a box of travel wipes. I've been reading that the airlines have fallen way down on their cleaning standards. Ugh.

      Delete
  8. I use a backpack (Vera Bradley), it’s light weight so you can stuff some layers in it like that wool jacket to keep warm on the flight. Be prepared to stick your purse in there if they decide to limit to one carryon. If you like a large purse, put it in your check baggage.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This post was so much fun. I hope you have a wonderful time Debs!

    No real travel tips from me, you all are way more experienced than I am! I will add to the mask conversation though. My nurse friend reminds us that medical personnel have been doing one-way masking for years, and it really does protect them-- as long as the mask is good quality. She went to an outdoor weekend-long event in July, with lots of people around. Her friends who didn't wear masks got Covid, and she was fine.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, on the good quality masks. KN95s at the very least.

      Delete
  10. DEBS: Have a wonderful time back in England!
    I agree with others about wearing masks at the airport and on the plane. It's still mandatory to wear mask on all flights going to/from Canada. Only about 10% of people were wearing masks at Minneapolis-St Paul airport last week but we all had to put on masks as soon as you lined up to board (to Toronto). Comfy stretchy clothes are another must. And like you, I packed my Tru Earth unscented laundry detergent strips on the recent Minneapolis trip since I only brought enough carry-on clothes for 4 days to last me on an 11-day trip. Laundry in the Airbnb.
    If you have long layovers and/or flight delays/cancellations, I recommend paying for a one-day lounge access at the airport (it's @$30). I have free lounge access c/o my credit card so I enjoyed comfy chairs with great views and a hot breakfast/lunch in Toronto during my 3-hour layover. Empty clean washrooms and showers are another plus.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Also lounges have free booze (I did not drink, too early in the day) and individual cubicles with desks/plugs if you had to do work.

      Delete
    2. So agree about lounge access! It makes such a huge difference!

      Delete
    3. Yes, I have lounge access on American. I don't usually use it when flying out of DFW on an international flight, because the departure terminal is so nice. But if it's super crowded, I may.

      Delete
  11. What fun to read about other people's travel plans, since I have none of my own. I'm with Edith about the wool coat, Debs...change your mind. For warmth, take a down sweater (slimline version of bulky down jackets) -- easier to pack and guaranteed to ward of the English fall chill.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh, right Debs, if you are not wearing that adorable coat on the plane, forget about it! But couldn’t you wear it with comfy black pants and a black T-shirt? Would that work? And whatever your chunkiest walking shoes are?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I am thinking exactly that. The coat actually needs dark brown rather than black, but shopping in my closet I discovered I had a pair of really comfortable brown pants. It's just hard to visualize wearing a coat here at the moment as it's almost 100 F!

      Delete
    2. I can so relate to not being able to imagine wearing a coat. After our ten day heat waves of 110+, we had two weeks of only nineties. Back up to 100 tomorrow. Still summer here in California.
      Susan Nelson-Holmdahl

      Delete
  13. I never traveled much before the pandemic, at least by plane, so I sadly have no tips. Except I never worry about looking polished - I'm on the "be comfortable" side, so I'm usually wearing nice leggings or stretch pants and a top. I'm sure you'll have a fabulous time, Debs.

    Rhys, I switched to a shampoo bar a while ago and I really like it.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Debs, how wonderful that you get to travel with Kayti! Nothing better, and I know you'll have a fine trip.

    Mask, mask, mask. I did, but got Covid, anyway, so I wonder if I got it from hanging around at the bar in the hotel in Minneapolis. It was crowded, and of course no one wears masks while eating and drinking. But also, elevator buttons, escalator railings, door handles, etc: make sure you also wash your hands after you have to touch anything public. Shaking hands is reflex, but I wish I'd abstained.

    The airlines have gotten super picky about carryons, despite their push to make people carry them on. As others have said, airports are BUSY now, and planes chock-full. It took 45 minutes to get through security on my recent return home.

    London in the fall. Doesn't it rain there, typically? Your coat is lovely and warm, but I think my choice would be something rainproof, with layers beneath. Scarves weigh nearly nothing, provide extra warmth, and greatly multiply your wardrobe options. A few years ago I bought a nice black raincoat from Eddie Bauer. It is rainproof, hooded, and has good zippered pockets, and can be warm, with layers. This is similar, but without the annoying belt that I wish mine didn't have, plus it comes in nice colors besides black: https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/20612683/women's-girl-on-the-go(r)-trench-coat?sp=1&color=Dk%20Evergreen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Also, my globe-trotting daughters swear by shampoo bars!

      Delete
    2. Thanks for the coat link, Karen. I do have a very nice all-weather coat. It doesn't have a hood, but I wear hats and never go out in London without a brolly.

      Delete
    3. Your idea to carry wipes is a good one, Debs.

      Hats! You need to share pics.

      Delete
    4. Karen in Ohio, so sorry about catching covid from the bar in the hotel in Minneapolis. When I travelled to Sacramento, I ate in the public bar once and I sat far away from other tables. My waitress was Not wearing a mask and I put on my mask every time she approached my table. And I was so uncomfortable that I just decided not to eat in the bar again. I just ate in my room or ate outside far away from the crowds.

      Diana

      Delete
    5. Thanks, Karen! I'm head to Ireland next month and was looking for a raincoat since I don't have one being in AZ and all.

      Delete
    6. Thanks, Diana.

      Jenn, hope it works for you. I've gotten a lot of use out of mine.

      Delete
  15. Safe travels Debs, there’s enough useful advice here for one of you to write a travel book so I’ll just say YES on masking and if you don’t think you’ll use the adorable coat this year, that’s what returns are for. I haven’t travels even as for as you did over the pandemic so enjoy. Oh, if you haven’t got the Omicron shot, try to get some of the meds that help if you do get COVID. Sorry do T know the name. But friends of mine traveling in England this past summer caught it and of course infected each other. They were in a hotel so it wasn’t fun and no one could help them. They rode it out but it’s the last thing you want. - Celia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Celia. I am fervently hoping that it will be a bit safer by mid-October.

      Delete
  16. Debs I am so jealous! England! I’d be wearing the cute coat because I always freeze in airplanes. I’m a masker although others do not. I don’t buy travel sizes, I have several little plastic bottles that I fill from regular bottles.
    Rhys and Edith what brand of bar shampoo are you using? I’m looking for a good one to switch to. Trying really hard to cut down on plastic.
    I was supposed to go to a convention in July but 2 of my roommates planned to go even though they had Covid so I canceled. It was so very disappointing. My cousin invited me to go with her to VT in October. I’m so excited, road trip, driving, seeing relatives.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I use Canus Nature Goat's Milk Bar Soap, but that's because it's the only soap I can use on my body or scalp. It's a bit drying for hair, so I add a little Bag Balm jojoba oil lotion (also the only one I can use) on the ends as a conditioner and then rinse it out.

      I had previously used an actual bar shampoo and loved it. No plastic was used in the packaging, a plus. Sorry, lost track of the name.

      Delete
    2. Edith, I use Pears soap. I order it by the case. And of course I can pick up a bar at the first Boots when I get to London.

      Delete
    3. And Ann, I always fill my own little bottles and tubs for things like moisturizer. The only travel-size thing I buy is toothpaste.

      Delete
    4. The shampoo bar is a great idea! I brought this with me to Sacramento and it worked out perfectly!

      Diana

      Delete
  17. Flora here--I'm not going anywhere, but I agree about the masking.Get the best quality for your protection. When I first tried the N95s, I found that the straps going around the back of my head were extremely uncomfortable. But with the brand I have, the elastics were easy to adapt to over-the-ears and now they fit great and are comfortable.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have all sorts of masks, N95s and KN95s. I will wear the N95 at least for the airport and boarding, but maybe switch to the KN95 once seated and the plane AC is in full force. The airplane filtration systems are supposed to be pretty good, but anytime you have to be crowded in a queue with people is what the epidemiologists call a "hot box." Very risky.

      Delete
  18. Fun memory about wearing pajamas out. I was sharing a room at a convention, and I was sneaking downstairs to get a cup of coffee early. My roommate said, "You're not wearing those pajama bottoms are you?" (plaid flannel). I said of course I was, that I see girls wearing pajama bottoms out in public all the time. She gave me a severe look and said, "Yes, but they're sixteen!"

    ReplyDelete
  19. I will endorse the mask wearing. I swear, hand over my heart, every person in my office that traveled for their vacation developed Covid upon their return. Since you are staying for three weeks.....

    ReplyDelete
  20. Debs:

    Great post today! I flew home from San Diego (Left Coast Crime 2020) on the same day as the lockdown. I already knew that I get sick in hotels if I stay more than two nights so I decided to stay one night, see friends at LCC, pick up new books, then go home! And I travelled for the first time since the pandemic started. On the 8th of September, I flew to Sacramento from SFO. I was surprised by how smoothly everything went! I only had carry on bags for a four day weekend.

    Because I stayed more than two nights, I got really sick! I was so sick that I had to go to the ER and get a Saline IV.

    Back to travel, I learned that there were a few things that I could have left at home. It turns out that I did not need to bring two pairs of shoes and slippers. I would have done well with one pair of shoes and socks. I did not go swimming after all. I could have left the swimsuit at home.

    Because I travelled more frequently than my Mom did, I just remembered that when my Mom and I flew to Canada in 2019 for the Left Coast Crime, my Mom had not flown for years. She wrapped her medication bottles in aluminum foil!!!!!

    NEVER put anything with aluminum foil in your baggage. My poor Mom and I were stopped at security because of the aluminum foil! I learned something valid. Do my homework and read very carefully on the airlines website about what is OK to bring on the plane.

    And somehow the security from SFO missed this, However when my Mom and I were travelling back to SFO from Vancouver airport, my Mom and I were stopped at security AGAIN! We went through everything in my Mom's carry-on baggage. Guess what set off the alarms???

    A WOODEN KNIFE! No sharp edges at all. My Mom needed the fork, knife and spoon for eating and they were reusable. The security threw them away!

    When I travel, I always try to follow all of the rules. I did everything right. I took off my jacket, fanny pack, and removed the electronics before going through security. I learned just before going to Sacramento that IF my reusable Water Bottle is EMPTY, then no problem. I can carry 3 oz. travel bottles in small clear plastic zip bags.

    And agreed with everyone about MASKS! I wore my mask to the airport. Only took it off in the United Club to eat and drink. On the plane, I kept my mask on. Refused drink. I used my hand sanitizer a lot!

    When I was in the ER that day, they did a covid test and NO covid. I was relieved because no one in the hotel was wearing masks!

    And I am sorry to say that the pandemic is NOT over. A friend's 94 year old mother died of covid in August (one month ago).

    About clothes, it is important to wear comfortable clothes. I wore my Men's shirt and a pair of stretchy blue jeans, in case there were spills. The other clothes were light colored so if there were spills, you could see the stains.

    Right now I would travel on a plane for a limited number of hours because that is how long I can keep the mask on.

    Rhys' idea sounds good to me. I think if I travel to Europe, I will opt for the Upper level on Virgiin. One of the things that I loved about Virgin airlines was that there were foreign films in English that I could watch like Volver - a Spanish film. I flew on Virgin in 2006.

    Sorry this is so long. I love to travel and I had so much to share!

    Debs, you will have a wonderful time in England. I hope that you reserved a nice place to stay in England. Look forward to seeing your photos in your IG stories.

    Diana


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Diana! I'm staying in a flat near Sloane Square, where I've stayed before. I'm sure it will be lovely, although I'll miss my usual Earl's Court neighborhood. The owner of the flat where I usually stay (the one with the huge painting of Big Tex!!) has a long term tenant at the moment. And I will take lots of pics!

      Delete
    2. Debs, please be careful. I almost got hit by a speeding taxicab near Sloane Square. Luckily I looked both ways before crossing the street. I must have a guardian angel (perhaps my grandmother in heaven) because something told me to pause before crossing the street.

      Diana

      Delete
  21. Thanks for all the great advice everyone! I had my Omicron booster two weeks ago. Covid numbers had been going down in London, and they also have rolled out the Omicron booster. Their vaccine uptake in the UK is much better than ours in the US, however, so I'm hoping more people will be protected.

    As for the coat, I am always SO practical with my travel clothes, but I fell in love with that plaid and thought I might like to be a little wild for once!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, and while I couldn't manage business class, I did get Main Cabin Extra (rows have two seats rather than three) because I couldn't bear the idea of having someone, probably unmasked, practically sitting in my lap for ten hours. I would like to take my mask off to eat, as it's a very long flight...

      Delete
    2. I made our Christmas flight arrangements a couple weeks ago, and we are also sitting in the "comfort plus" area. I absolutely could not face another long flight (let alone four of them) in coach. Luckily, our travel plans are flexible, and I could find seats for half the price of coach seats on certain days. Those two-seat rows are so much better.

      Delete
    3. Debs, I just got my flu vaccine and booster shot on Tuesday this week! I am over due for the meningitis vaccine, which I plan to have next week for another medical appointment at the hospital facility.

      Diana

      Delete
    4. Karen in Ohio, great idea about sitting in the "comfort plus" area. Diana

      Delete
  22. Debs, you have the whole coat thing backwards. You don't bring either one to London, and then you buy a chic new coat to wear while in the UK and back home!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alas, I have to order coats online because I can only wear a petite. Short arms!

      Delete
  23. I haven't been on a plane since September 2019. Darn it. So no tips that are current. Enjoy London!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oh wear that coat! Definitely!! And bring a pashmina and masks. And most of all try to relax.

    It's been SO HOT here in New England that when I went to San Francisco for a writing conference in Corte Madera I only packed sleeveless tops and sundresses. BIG mistake. It was freezing cold. You'd think I'd learn, but no a few weeks later I went to Maine and did the same thing. Didn't bring warm clothes. Seems like I always manage to pack what I DON'T need. Lots of it. And I try to bring the minimum so a mistake resonates. My red fleece coat is still a travel must -- esp for sleeping up against the window on the plane.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh, Deborah, I am so jealous!! I wish I could give you a tip, but I haven't flown in three years and I'm getting quite itchy for the UK. I agree with the others that a mask is absolutely required these days. I tend to get sick when I fly anyway, so can't imagine getting the crud and Covid on top of that. The best of luck to you!
    P.S. I think that coat is stunning! I once flew out of Portland, Maine looking like a bag lady because I had been to Goodwill and lucked out on 4 LL Bean all weather coats for my daughters and me. My suitcase was full so I had to wear ALL FOUR OF THEM!! But I wasn't cold on the plane LOL.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. that is hysterical, Lorraine!! Maybe I'll just wear two coats on the plane!

      Delete
  26. Oh Debs, I’ll be in Texas while you’re gone! It figures.

    Instead of lists and complicated packing, I have Julie. All I have to do is put whatever I want to take on the bed and magic happens

    One thing for sure tho. A change of clothes and all the meds go in a carryon.

    I highly recommend a Julie for everyone here. Not all that expensive and min has lasted 26 years , no obvious signs of wear and tear

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll bet Julie can fold, too! If you were closer, I'd borrow her.

      Delete
    2. She uses these mesh envelopes and folds everything around this plastic board that comes with, then slips it out and onto the next. Things take up the smallest possible space and don’t wrinkle.

      Delete
  27. Oh, have a wonderful (and safe) trip! I have no advice, alas, I am still waiting for my first post (???) pandemic travel.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I have Global Entry and TSA Pre-check so that will makes US boarding and returning through US Customs easier. Doesn't help entering the UK, though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When my pre-check gets close to expiring in two years, I'm going for Global Entry.

      Delete
  29. I just returned to the US from London yesterday. I was determined not to check a bag because I’d been hearing such horror stories of it taking hours to check a bag, baggage getting lost, etc. I overindulged in souvenir shopping and since I had two free checked bags included in my fare, the kind woman at check in at Heathrow convinced me to check my carryon. I bought too many books, so it was also too heavy to lug all over the place! But, how can you go to the third oldest bookstore in the world and not buy anything??? I made my connecting flight home, but my bag remained in Philadelphia… It was just delivered a few hours ago, so all’s well that ends well. As far as masks, I’d say 95% of people at the airports and in London are running around maskless. Even crowded together at the theater! Your daughter is smart to have made dinner reservations. I had a few for special places I wanted to go, and was surprised that I was not able to get in other places without a reservation. Of course, London was a zoo then with so many people in town to pay respects to the Queen. It’s likely to have settled down a bit now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hatchards. Five floors of bliss. It’s in Piccadilly next door to Fortnum and Mason.

      Delete
  30. Susan Shea here: you’ve already gotten all the advice I might have offered plus tips I hadn’t thiught about. About the coat, just carry it on and out it with the outside folded in in an overhead bin. It’s too cute not to take!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Susan! I don't often give in to a crush on a piece of clothing, but I saw this in a catalogue and fell in love with it!

      Delete
  31. Wear your coat. Great to cover up for sleep, padding and hygiene challenged neighbors. Wear socks so you can kick off your shoes. Washcloth. Buy large water.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi Debs. I'm so happy for you, getting to spend time in London at last. My obsession when I fly across the Atlantic is with sleeping. I set my watch for the time of the place I'm going, and then make sure I sleep as much of the European night as possible. I normally never take sleeping pills, but I always have prescription sleeping pills for flying from US to Europe. I take one on the plane and then take them for the first five days of the trip one hour before bedtime. By day six I'm starting to be able to fall asleep on my own. But I realize none of this has anything to do with flying on a plane post-Covid. You probably have your own ways of dealing with jet lag and sleep, considering how many times you must have been to London pre-Covid.

    ReplyDelete