Preparing for travel

I realize there are a plethora of necessary activities prior to traveling for more than few days.

Here is the beginning of my list. If you have anything to add, let me know.

Notify friends

Notify/ stop mail

Call the banks re travels so debit/credit cards will work

Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) with State Dept

Develop itinerary: email self and distribute

Arrange for transportation to and from airport

Check with mobile carrier for plan

Passport: copy for each piece luggage & purse; email

Look up addresses of relevant embassies

Charge electronics and batteries

Photograph luggage

Remove all perishables from refrigerator

Empty all garbage

Pay bills or set up on automatic payment

Mani Pedi

Hair done

Change any theatre tickets that occur while traveling

Check airline baggage policy

Less than a week to go

Am I excited? YES! Wouldn't you be?

One detail has been troubling me for days.  My plane arrives at a foreign airport and a foreign country at 2310. By the time I clear passport control and customs I expect it to be close to 1 a.m. Can I find a taxi at that hour?  I know, I know, there are many more on the plane with the same dilemma. But do I wish to fight them for the scarce resources?

I booked everything myself on line and primarily with the hotels through their own websites. A couple have sent me emails asking what would make my stay more comfortable and what questions might I have. To the one in Lisbon, I asked about the arrival time and availability of transportation to the hotel in the middle of the night.

I was assured I had multiple options in Lisbon from public transportation, shuttles, taxis and of course they could make arrangements.  Still, I was uneasy.  I did a little online research and booked transport from the airport to the hotel and someone will meet me with a sign with my name on it. That is very reassuring for me.

I remember the first time I was met at the airport with my name on a placard. It was at Templehoff in Berlin while my husband was still alive.  That was the easiest airport I have ever experienced with regard to passport control and customs. The uniforms were a little scary though. When my husband and I emerged we were met by a couple holding a sign with our names: Bob and Mary.  That was totally unexpected. In fact, I was not sure they even knew my name. That experience warrants a separate post.

Templehof. Site of the Berlin airlift.

Generic packing list for traveling more than a weekend

My packing list that I worked on so many hours is getting a revision and I think it is pretty comprehensive.

CLOTHING	DRUGS	PERSONAL CARE		ELECTRONICS	SPECIALTY ITEMS	to do before leaving
bras	medicines - presc	hair brush	gum	phone	snorkel gear	copy passport to cloud
panites	antacid	comb	travel purse	iPad	wind breaker	copy charge cards to cloud
tops	lomotil	hair dryer	Passport	computer	longsleeve shirt	call bank
shorts	band aids	makeup	Global entry form	chargers	hat	tickets copied
pants	aspirin or….	hyaluronic moisterizer	travel docs	camera	sunscreen	reservations
skirts	topical antibiotic	tweezers	guidebook	camera batteries	rain coat	itinerary to ….
dresses	eye drops	hair bands	mini umbrella	camera charger	umbrella	prescription to cloud
belt	nasal spray	shampoo & conditioner	snacks	memory cards	gloves	clean out refrig
scarves	hand sanitizer	shaver		watch + chrger	ear muffs	notify mail
jacket/windbrker		glasses		headphones	sunglasses
sweater		lip balm
socks		toothbrush + paste
shoes		eye mask		MISC PAPER PROD
pashima		ear plugs		pen, pencil
handbag		face wipes		envelopes
costume jewelry		wrinkle resist		paper clips
flip flops		nail clippers		highlighter
swim suit		file		duct tape
sleep shirt		deodorizer 4 BR		journaling notebook
robe		laundry soap
		spot remover
		deodorant

Itinerary for Portugal, Morocco, and Spain

Careful readers will note that I have scheduled only one or two things per day. I am no longer 20 years old so need to build in down time plus I know I will find things I want to do once I arrive.   Over the years I have learned that if I do not build in down time, I am more likely to get a cold or to twist an ankle, fall, or some other such calamity which I have experienced in past travels.

My flight on BA leaves San Diego in the evening of September 1st. I arrive in London for a short layover and then on to Lisbon, arriving at 2330 which means I will be getting to the hotel early morning.

Sept 3 - 6 I will be staying at the Inspira Santa Marta Hotel and Spa moving to the Intercontinental on the 6th for two days prior to embarking on Wind Surf.

September 6: Day trip to Sintra and Cascaisl

September 7: Sunset tapas tour and Fado

September 8: Board the Wind Surf

September 9: At sea

September 10: Tangier, Morocco. Walking tour

September 11: Malaga, Spain.  Picasso museum visit

September 12: Almeria.  This is THE day I will have a day trip to the Alhambra which I have wanted to see since I was in high school and was enamored with architecture.

September 13: Cartagena, Spain

September 14: Ibiza

September 15: Tarragona

September 16: arrive in Barcelona. Will be at Gran Hotel Torre Catalunya. That evening I will attend an Opera (The Magic Flute) at the Gran Teatre del Liceu.

September 17: Park Güell and Sagrada Familia skip the line tour.  Dinner at Hisop.

September 18: Hop on and off bus tour.  Flamenco show in the evening

September 19: Probably walking tour of Gothic area

September 20: fly to Madrid. Staying at NH Collection Madrid Paseo del Prado because it is a short walk to the Prado and that is my purpose of going to Madrid.

September 21: Prado

September 22: Opera at Teatro Real (Otello) in the evening. Day hop on hop off.

September 23: Dinner at Viridiana.

September 24: Fly home via London on BA