Join the party, Explore vibrant Hull UK City of Culture

Hull City of Culture a fun visit

The city of Hull, (actually Kingston on Hull), is this year’s City of Culture

Hull’s City Hall is the backdrop for the splash ponds that kids love.

in the UK. I don’t know what I expected, but I found it a picturesque, vibrant and delightful place to visit.

The city is only a few miles from the village of Cottingham where my husband’s family lives and where we stayed. My sweet mother-in-law, Dorothy was a tour guide extraordinaire. A history buff, she gave me insights to the city and made sure I saw the hot spots. Bonus? She knew where to see all the cool stuff that doesn’t have entry fees. Most did accept donations, but there is a lot to see that won’t cost you a pence. The city has worked hard to offer a lot of free venues and numerous walking tours.

Paragon Station

We traveled like the locals, making use of the bus which meant no need to find and pay for parking. You’ll find lots to see within an easy walk of the Paragon Transport Interchange. While each bus follows its own route into the city, they all end up at the interchange. This huge center opened in 1847. Once dubbed “Hudson’s Folly” because of its gigantic scale. It has been revamped and rebuilt several times to keep up with needed changes and recover from direct bomb hits in WWII. This last year it got another update to get it ready for the tourists expected during the City of Culture events.

Paragon Station now includes 38 bus stands and 4 coach stands. On the other side of the station are six train platforms. And all of it undercover.

Don’t dash out of the station, there is much to see here

Food stands, gift shops, and florists vie for your attention. Want a break

Replica of Jason the plane flown by Amy Johnson

and maybe a brew? Visit the Tigers Lair pub. This setting is the original emigrant waiting room used to keep these guests separated from the locals to minimize the risk of disease spreading.

Visit the huge statue of Philip Larkin beloved poet. In the flooring around him are slate plaques commemorating some of his poems.

You’ll also find a dimensional video commemorating William Wilberforce

who headed the movement to abolish slavery. And look up – you’ll find a full-size repleca of the Jason, the plane Amy Johnson flew solo to Australia.

On the path…

Hull City Hall preparing for another event

There are lots of must sees. Ferens Art Galery, Hull Minster, the Deep, Queens Gardens, the marina and so much more. The best thing you can do is stop by one of the numerous Visitor booths and friendly volunteers will be happy to share. They have walking maps based on your interests.

You can follow the Hull Firsts Trail to learn about the people and their accomplishments. Or take the Hull Blitz Trail if you

want to learn about the people and the city enduring 86 bombing raids in WWII.

Go on a quest for Larkin’s Toads. Many of the original 40 giant fiberglass based toads created as a commemorative fund raiser are still visible around the city. You will find them in a wide array of colorful artwork.

Those from Hull are quite proud to be able to make the claim that they

The Deep Aquarium sits at the conflux of the river Humber and its estuary to the North Sea

kept the king out. You can visit the spot where the famous Beverly Gate once stood. Here they refused the king entry. Thus began the Civil War.

Be sure to take your “brelly” because the weather can switch from sun to showers in a heartbeat. Thanks so much for a lovely tour Dorothy!!!!!

Schedule your trip to see touring art shows, watch an event or take in a concert. Visit the city’s website to explore your options: www.hull2017.co.uk

Cave Castle Fairytale wedding venue

Cave Castle for Weddings and more

Girls in the East Riding of Yorkshire all know of Cave Castle Hotel. It is a favorite place to have your fairytale wedding. Large or intimate they can help the bride make her wedding day dreams come true. But they also offer a lot more…

Set in the midst of 150 acres of meadows and park lands it is absolutely

stunning. A beautifully groomed golf course drapes around the manor like a cape. Across the drive, the pond fed by a natural spring used to be the main water source for the villagers. Now, with its resident geese, it is entertainment for the visitors. Children and adults alike enjoy their antics and quest for bread.

Cave Castle Manor

The current building was erected in the 1870s on the foundations of a previous structure. The history is a bit obscure but has tracked to the Domesday book of the 11th century. The entrance to an underground tunnel that leads to the chapel hints at the lost stories.

Today guests enjoy the Victorian manor house built in the Gothic Revival

Style. It is complete with crenelated towers. Despite the “cannons” at the entry, it was never designed as a fortification. Inside it is a luxurious haven for relaxation and comfort.

Locals love it for social and business events small and large. They partner extensively with the local community and can meet a broad spectrum of desires.

Our hostess, Emma shared with us the fascinating building and its history. She was a wealth of knowledge on all it offers to guests. The spa, health club, golf course, country club all await both guests and locals. Cave Castle has made great efforts to tie itself into local life both as a social and business venue.

Year around events….

Emma keeps busy creating all the fun events at Cave Castle. Besides the daily activities, you’ll find lots more. Murder mysteries, concerts, and many special wedding events. There are also themed holiday events. For a quirky bit of fun, join them in December for “A Christmas Killing” murder mystery event.

Coming from the US, I was intrigued with the history. George Washington’s grandfather used to live at Cave Castle. He was a partial owner before he emigrated to America. A portrait of our first president still hangs in the house.

Both the cafe and the restaurant have first-class food. The cafe is more

Cave Castle Restaurant has views across the green park lands.

casual and the restaurant offers fine dining. If you stop by the cafe for a bit of lunch or a coffee, don’t miss their desserts. They are made on-site and are divine.

Local sourced, fresh daily gourmet treats. The restaurant draws visitors for miles. Choose from the A La Carte menu or table d’hote menu which changes daily.

Cave Castle hospitality attracts not only resident guests but local patrons alike. The golf club, fitness center and spa all provide opportunities for health, wellness and relaxation.

If you are ever in East Yorkshire, be sure to put this on your bucket list. Whether you are looking for a

golf retreat, spa retreat, romantic escape, or a fine dinner, this is the place to be.

Eugene tours for everyone, explore, see the sights, shop and dine

7 Unique Eugene Tours

Eugene Bike paths tour along the Willamette River provides miles of easy entertainment

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Eugene. I’ve created a pdf map with different activity tours you might enjoy based on your interests. From parks, events, adventure, the arts, and the quirky, it’s all here.

Tour the University

This tour will help you explore all the University of Oregon campus and neighborhood have to offer.

Tour and play in the parks

This is your guide to the diversity of Eugene Parks. Most activities here are kid and pet-friendly, but you need to know the one place not to take your dog.

Downtown Shopping tour

Highlights of great spots to visit with your girlfriends. Between the highlighted spots, you’ll no doubt discover many additional favorites.

234 Reasons to be here on Saturday

This is THE place to visit on Saturday; you won’t want to miss it.

Eugene Ale Trail tour

If you’re a beer lover, you’ll want to experience this ultimate pub crawl before you die. It’s a not to be missed exploration.

And more….

Download the pdf, click on the icons, and have fun exploring.

Visit Eugene tours

Magical mysteries of Standing Stones

Mysteries of Standing Stones

Some of my best adventures happened when we got off the main road in search of a local treasure… like standing stones. Standing stones are a record of man’s history and they seem to hold some sort of mysterious magic. I’ve heard it called energy.

Standing Stones

Standing stones are single or groups of stones which are typically upright in position. But, they are often combined with stones laying horizontally across the top of them. Think Stonehenge.

Their fascination lies in their age. To someone who has grown up in the Western US, a man-created structure over 100 years of age is extremely rare. On the east coast, they can trace structures back to the 17th century.

In Europe and the UK, our ancestors have left physical markers that are far older. Those markers draw visitors by the thousands every year. To protect popular destinations from damage and vandalism, protectors fence them or limit access.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge exemplifies a stone circle that is easily accessed and full of history. It’s probably the best known standing stone circle in the world. Started in about 3100BC, history and mystery shroud it.

Accessed via the A36 and A303 it is about 40 miles east of Bath on your way to London. Stonehenge receives tens of thousands of visitors. A paved path minimizes human impact on the site.

Two things struck me. One – it was raining sideways and there is little shelter on the Salisbury Plains. Be prepared for what mother nature sends you direction.

The second was the extremes. These magnificent ancient stones erected and placed in a precise manner. The difficulty of the work had to be incredible. Then shift your gaze and the A303 freeway is in the background.

The site is handicap accessible and there are visitor facilities available.

I respect the need to preserve, but the restrictions of access felt sad.

The stones are magnificent and impressive, but their majesty feels restricted and distant.

Avebury

Avebury is an even older ring of stones and the largest in the world. It also

offers you a more authentic peaceful experience of the majesty of standing stones.

While you can’t reach Avebury via tour bus… that’s ok. It means the area gets far fewer visitors and less impact. Narrow roads and hairpin turns restrict large vehicles. It’s an entirely different experience.

"Avebury Standing Stone — Massive natural standing stone at Avebury

Avebury’s about 30 miles north of Stonehenge. It’s a short hop north off the A4 – an old Roman road that used to link London to Bath.

Much of Avebury is within a huge standing stone circle. Researchers date the stones to 3400BC. The start of construction had to be 300 years before Stonehenge. Another difference is the stones. The stones not smoothed or chiseled like those of its neighbor. These are natural in shape. The work needed to move them from their quarry two miles away had to be extreme.

Go and Explore

Park your car and go through the gate – mind you don’t let the sheep out. There you are. You and the sheep among the massive stones.

The remaining perimeter standing stones at Avebury seen from aerial view — Avebury seen from aerial view

The outermost circle is 1396 feet in circumference but there is more than one circle here. Inside this is a second circle which encloses two more circles. They offer guided walks of this Neolithic monument. Or do a self-tour. There is a great little store in the post office that has lots of useful information on the area available.

The Avebury pub is the only one in the world completely surrounded by a stone circle… It’s also got a reputation for good food.

No one will rush you here. Walk the perimeter, enjoy the peace and the energy. Visit with the locals. Take your time and restore.

Travel insurance protection for international travel

Do I Really Need Travel Insurance?

Do the current attacks and events have you a little nervous about travel? It may be time to reconsider travel insurance.

This is a question that has personally confused me over the years. First, how do you know if you need it? Second, how do you pick it?

I think the answer is there are a few “ifs” and a lot you need to check out. Fortunately, it’s getting much easier to know whether you need it, and then to find the right coverage.

What to consider…

Where are you traveling?

If you’re headed to the coast with the kids for a weekend you probably don’t need travel insurance. Headed down the road to visit Grandma? Same answer.

If you are traveling over 100 miles, have to prepay for tickets, expensive events, or a tour, you may want coverage.

Keywords are “prepaid” and “non-refundable”. You can’t get insurance to reimburse you for money you haven’t spent.

If you are flying, you may want coverage in case there are flight delays or baggage issues.

Sit down with pen and paper and add up trip costs that are non-refundable. Things like pre-paid flights, hotel, all-inclusive packages, tour packages and event tickets. This will show you the travel coverage that you need.

International travel

International has more considerations. It’s more expensive and insurance coverage that you have may not cover you.

If traveling internationally, you may want to supplement your health insurance. This may also cover emergency medical evacuation. Medicare does not cover international travelers.
Are you a regular traveler? You can purchase coverage that covers all your travels in a year. There are some restrictions and caveats.
Another way to save on insurance is to cover all family members traveling together on the same policy.
Be aware of the limits and exclusions on the policy.
Think about extra coverage – for failure of an airline, cruise ship or travel
Stressed travel researcher

company.
Activity coverage. There are a lot of common tourist activities that are only covered if you request this. You may not ride an elephant or camel at home, but tourists do this. One woman was badly hurt falling off a camel.
Winter sports are a lot of fun but can lead to accidents. You need these covered, just in case.
“Cancel for any reason” this covers you for all eventualities. This covers you for things that are foreseeable but unavoidable. If you are traveling with a known medical condition, it’s the only way you can get reimbursed for last minute cancellation.
What about coverage through my airline reservation? Do some comparisons. These generally are much more restrictive and harder to receive reimbursement on.

Will you be driving internationally? Most travel policies do not cover international car rental. Your existing auto insurance may not cover this. Some credit card benefits do cover international car rental – check it out. But there are specific restrictions you need to be aware of. Reading the fine print is the only way to know.

Select coverage

When you start making reservations, you need to find desired coverage right away. Most companies require you to purchase coverage within 10-21 days of making your initial purchase. If you have additional purchases to make, contact the company.

Once you have decided what you need, you need to go to an insurance comparison website. Three of the leaders are:

insuremytrip.ocm
squaremouth.com
travelinsurance.com

I recently used Squaremouth based on a travel insurance review that I read. The company is top rated and has 44,795 travel insurance reviews. They made it easy to compare coverage and find exactly what I needed. And the price was less than I was expecting to have to pay.

[Note: I have no financial interest in Squaremouth and receive no reimbursement from them.]

Take documentation with you

In addition to your travel documentation, be sure to take copies and contact information for:

your travel insurance policy
international health care coverage
credit card details on international car rental if applicable

Proper insurance coverage will allow you to relax and travel knowing you have it covered.

West Coast Festivals to Experience this Summer

Experience West Coast Festivals

There are lots of fabulous west coast festivals to experience this summer. Here are some great events that will make a fun, memorable trip.

San Francisco Summer of Love

This summer is the 50th anniversary of the “Summer of Love”. SanFrancisco is packed with event offerings and great music. Many of them are free! For a complete listing visit: http://summerof.love/events/2017-06/.

From April 17th until September 4, 2017, you can take a “magic carpet ride” through the city. Featuring San Francisco landmarks, the 2-1/2 hour guided tour departs three times daily. Explore the city that launched a cultural revolution.

You’ll visit The Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Warf, Pier 39, Coit Tower, Palace of Fine Arts, China Town, Golden Gate Bridge and more. The tour features sights and sounds from the Summer of Love – 1967.

For details visit: www.extranomical.com.

Sacramento Music Festival

If you like music Sacramento Music Festival is a great place to be

High Street is always a favorite band — High Street Jazz Band at Sacramento’s Music Festival

Jazz, Zydeco, Rock, Latin, Blues Sacramento Music festival has it all — Festival fans love their music

Memorial Weekend. Old Sacramento dresses up in ith holiday finest and hosts a safe, four-day party featuring LIVE music. 100 performances. Stree dancing. animated parades, instruments booming, great food and drink.

It’s a high energy atmosphere and so much fun. It used to be traditional jazz, but it has evolved into much more. Jazz, blues, rock, zydeco and more. Bands from around the world.

There are many venues and free buses whisk attendees with no parking worries. You’ll wake up to music in the morning and go to sleep with it echoing in your brain. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that makes me smile every time I remember my visits.

Portland rose Festival

Grand Floral Parade is a highlight of Portland's 100 year tradition of the Rose Festival — Grand Floral Parade at Portland’s Rose Festival

Portland is often called the City of Roses. Their Rose Garden is a must see. And at Rose Festival time, you’ll see them all in bloom. Usually held in early June, this year it is May 26 – June 11, 2017. Tom McCall Waterfront Park, built on the site of a former freeway hosts the celebration.

Besides the festival, the week offers concerts, water races, and other events. June 3rd will be the evening Starlight Parade through downtown Portland. The week culminates with the Grand Floral Parade on June 10.

This year is honors the 100 years of roses at the International Rose Test Garden. For complete details visit www.rosefestival.org.

Napa Valley Festival

The Napa Valley is also in the festival mode. July 14-23, 2017 will be the best of Napa.

Features include food, wine, music, dance, theater and more. They plan to offer the finest performing arts. Stars of music, dance, and theater combined with fine wine and cuisine.

Complete details are here: https://festivalnapavalley.org/

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

Ashland Oregon is home to the Shakespearean festival — Shakespearean festival under the stars

Each year Oregon Shakespeare Festival attracts people in droves. This regional repertory theater in Ashland, Oregon is first class. The festival produces eleven plays on three stages. The season lasts from mid-February until early November.

The festival is set against a backdrop of pristine parks and stunning landscapes. You’ll find great food and friendly locals. For complete details visit: https://www.osfashland.org

Tall Ships

Ship Ahoy!! Direct from the movies, the tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain are on the move. Early in the spring, they sail from their home in Washington to San Diego.

Then they make their way up the coast stopping in ports and sharing their magic.

It’s the experience of a lifetime and if you have the opportunity, don’t miss it. Here is a link to their 2017 schedule:

http://coastexplorermagazine.com/features/tall-ships-visit-oregon-and-washington-coast-in-2017.

Highland Games

Highland Games are a great way to spend a day, a weekend or several. Fun for the entire family and there is probably one near you.

Bagpipes, drummers, brass, piano, harps and more. Add in the dancers, parades and the games.

Ah yes, the games. What is more fun than watching men in kilts vie for titles in arduous events? Kaber tossing (think small telephone poles). Pitching boulders, kegs, staffs and more. The events are as diverse as the games.

The quickest way to find an up-to-date list of Highland Games near you is a Google Search. Type in highland games and the state where you want to attend one. It may surprise you how many there are. Open to everyone, you don’t have to be English or Scottish to attend. Bring your smile and come have fun.

Eugene Fun Enjoy the culture, diversity, outdoors without Portland’s traffic

Experience Eugene…. Portland Fun

Without the Traffic

looking south across downtown Eugene — Eugene, Oregon Courtesy Almay Photo

By Judith Culp Pearson

Eugene offers fun quirkiness and the diversity of Portland. But there is a key difference… you get that fun feeling and gorgeous scenery without the big city traffic. And, it’s

home to the University of Oregon Ducks! It’s laid back, casual, sophisticated, cultural and quirky all at once. It’s a beautiful outdoors playground.

At the southern end of the Willamette Valley, the hills tuck in and the valley narrows. The city takes advantage of two high Cascade snow melt rivers, the Willamette and the McKenzie. They create a habitat for wildlife and a place for people to have a great outdoors experience.

Whether you arrive by car, Amtrak train or air, you will find getting around Eugene easy. The airport is user-friendly. They say fly EUG, it’s EASY. Easy to get around, easy to park, easy to find a cab, a shuttle or a car.

Amtrak riders disembark only blocks from the heart of downtown and hotel properties. Cabs and the local bus service can whisk you wherever you want to go if you don’t want to rent a car.

Outdoors fun is one of the most popular activities.

There are over 46 miles of shared use paths. Want to hike? We have lots of

miles of walking / biking paths along the river — Wooden bridge along walking path

that too. Many of the trails run alongside the river and delta ponds.

See the town like a local. There are at least 10 different resources for renting a bike. With all those paths plus 187 miles of on-street bicycle lanes, it’s a great way to get around. Check out this web page sponsored by the city. You can even download a free bicycle map. https://www.eugene-or.gov/3260/Bike-Rentals

If you like watersports those are aplenty. Rent a canoe at Alton Baker Park and explore the inlets. Kayak, boat or sail at Fern Ridge Reservoir. With its 9000 acres, you can paddle narrow inlets, or sail across wide expanses. Catch white crappie, brown bullhead catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and native cutthroat trout. Many easily accessible parks dot the shoreline offering great picnic locations.

You’ll find diverse arts, music, and theater rub shoulders with baseball, track and field and football at Autzen Stadium. Kids sports, soccer, hockey, and golf are all there to tempt or entertain you.

Go for a Broadway play, the symphony or a ballet at the Hult Center.

Hult center offers diverse cultural entertainment, symphony, ballet, opera, Broadway plays — Hult Center

Wander through the many galleries located throughout the downtown. Like classical music? You can enjoy nearly three weeks of events at the Oregon Bach Festival. It runs late June to mid-July. http://oregonbachfestival.com/

And then there is the food. Many restaurants feature fresh, locally sustainable regardless of cuisine. Cafes, food trucks, fine dining… you will find the diversity delightful.

Here are 5 fun Eugene activities you might want to include:

1. Tour the markets.

5th Street Market has made a name for itself as a premium attraction. It’s located on the site of a historical market where vendors could rent space for $5.00 a day. Now you’ll find diverse boutiques and great food options like Marche, Provisions and the food court. Plus the market there are lots of local merchants along 5th and 6th Streets. Restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries vie for your attention. In good weather, your dog can join you in one of the outdoor patio dining areas.

Local produce,meats, flowers, baked goods and more at the Eugene Farmers' Market — Eugene Farmer’s Market

On Tuesday and Saturday, you can experience the Lane County Farmer’s Market. It

offers a wide diversity of fresh, organic produce and flowers. You find farm fresh eggs, meats and honey as well as a wide range of prepared foods you can enjoy there or take home. It’s held on Oak St and 8th, only a few blocks from 5th Street Market.

On Saturdays, the Saturday Market joins the Farmer’s Market across eighth street at Oak. Across two park blocks, you’ll find over 200 local artisans offer handcrafted wares. Before you reach the International Food Court, you’ll catch aromas and spices of Asia, India and local favorites. Made fresh on site with local produce when possible. Music from the entertainment stage carries across the venue. It features live music of every imaginable type. Bring the family, there is something for all ages. But please, no pets allowed.

2. Museums on University of Oregon campus.

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is beautiful architecture. It was built without windows to protect the treasures inside. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here you will find an extensive collection of American, European, Korean, Chinese and Japanese art. Visit Tuesday – Sunday 11am – 5pm, Wednesday until 8pm. You’ll find it at 1430 Johnson Lane.

A short walk across campus is the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. It highlights the university’s anthropological, zoological and paleontological artifacts. It focuses on the natural and cultural history of the area. Hours are Tuesday – Sunday 11am – 5pm. 1680 East 15th Avenue. Website: http//natural-history.uoregon.edu/.

3. Relax and enjoy a sunset

Sweetwater’s patio is a great spot to watch the Willamette River while you

dine or sip your favorite beverage. Located at Valley River Inn, it is blessed with an amazing river view. Accessible from either the parking lot or the walking path along the river, it is a popular place to gather.

The patio is perfect to enjoy a warm summer afternoon, the river and your favorite brew. If it’s a bit chilly to sit outdoors enjoy the views from the panoramic windows. They specialize in fresh, local Northwest cuisine. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Whether you want fine dining, or just enjoy a glass of wine and the view, this is a popular place to relax and do just that. Sweetwater is located at 1000 Valley River Way (541) 341-3462 http://www.valleyriverinn.com/dining.htm.

4. Enjoy a game.

No matter what time of year you visit there are great

sporting events to watch. In summer, take in a Eugene Emeralds baseball game at PK Park. The whole family will love it. Kids love their special activities. They get to run the field, play games and visit with Sluggo, the team mascot. http://www.milb.com.

Track and field events take place on campus at historic Hayward Field. It’s great family entertainment. Parking nearby can be iffy. But public transportation will whisk you there and back again without any issues.

Starting In September, the acoustics at Autzen Stadium roar as fans cheer the Ducks football team. GO DUCKS! The games sell out so get tickets well in advance.

Come early and meet up for tailgating. Casual to sophisticated, it’s considered an art form and a great way to spend time with friends.

Avoid the traffic… take advantage of park and ride centers strategically located around town.

In the winter, it’s back to campus and Matthew Knight Arena for basketball. (This fabulous arena is also a great location to catch a concert or other special event.)

www.goducks.com gives you details for all the different sporting events associated with the college. For information on upcoming events and tickets visit http://matthewknightarena.com/ticketsales.php.

5. Experience the Eugene Ale Trail.

The area has a legacy of home brewing

Eugene's ale trail is the ultimate pub crawl — Ale Trail

before, during and after prohibition. The ultra pure water of the McKenzie is a brew crafters dream. Add a strong emphasis on local and regional hops and grains and you have a great recipe for great brews. The close proximity to many of the many beer tasting rooms makes it easy to do the ultimate pub crawl.

You can pick up a Passport from any participating brewery or bottleshop. They are also available at The Downtown Eugene Visitor Center at 754 Olive Street, or the Adventure Center in Springfield.

As you visit each brewery, ask them to stamp your passport. Collect eight stamps from eight participating breweries in the Eugene-Springfield area. They will earn you a 64oz amber Eugene Ale Trail growler.

Visit their website for complete details. You’ll also find suggestions for safe transportation. They recommend either a chauffeured driver or designated driver. https://www.eugenecascadescoast.org/eugene-ale-trail/.

Eugene residents are a friendly lot and they love living where they do. They are happy to share their city, its beauty and its quirky side. For more help planning your trip, visit https://www.eugenecascadescoast.org/eugene/.

Skip the Boozy Bachelorette – Celebrate with a Bachelorette Spa Wellness Retreat

Escape to a spa for your bachelorette retreat — Getty Images

In the past, brides, as well as grooms, have celebrated their upcoming nuptials with a weekend away partying. But with the growing focus on health and wellness millennial brides are opting for something more low key. A de-stressing bachelorette spa wellness retreat.

If you’re a bride or know a bride, it’s a great way to arrive at the wedding, relaxed, pampered and calm.

It might be just you and your bridesmaids or include some of your best friends. It’s a time to enjoy each other’s company and bond. Find somewhere local or pick a destination location.

Make it personal and include activities you and your friends enjoy.

Spa treatments
- Massage
- Facials
- Manicures
- Pedicures

Yoga together
Outdoor activities

- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Water sports
- Skiing
- Local walking tour

Personal fitness advice
Cooking class
Wine tasting

If fitness is a goal, find somewhere that offers healthy food choices that taste decadent. If the spa you want to visit isn’t in a hotel, is there a nice one nearby that meets those needs? It’s great to keep the group together for the best bonding and fun.

Some hotel resorts offer a great wedding location. They may also offer a package that will allow you and the girls to arrive a few days early. You can have your bachelorette spa retreat on-site. You will feel pampered, rested and relaxed for your magical day.

Their event planner can assist you with all the details and support services you will need.

Here’s a link to Brides for more ideas.

Do I need Car Rental While Traveling Domestic or Abroad?

Car rental or no?

Car rental while you are traveling can be liberating. Using public transit is the best route if you are in a major city. Why fight the traffic, pay high parking fees or having to feed a meter? It’s a major reason why the locals avoid driving. See it as the locals do… on foot, bicycle, bus, trams, trolleys, trains.

But if you want to get out into the countryside, or do a road trip, then car rental is a must.

Your credit card may be an asset

You can save yourself some money by doing your homework before you make that car reservation. Start by looking at the benefits provided by your credit card company. Most card companies have a downloadable guide to benefits they provide.

Yes, the benefits guide is tiny print but you need to read it carefully. It may save you money. In order for their coverage to be in effect you must charge the car rental onto the card. You must also decline the collision coverage offered through the rental agency. Your benefits details will tell you exactly what you need to do.

The benefits guide will also tell you what it does not cover. I found they don’t cover your liability and medical benefits. Check with your auto insurance coverage company. If you will be renting in the US or Canada you may automatically have coverage.

International car rental

However, if you are going abroad, the game is different. You need to check what requirements you need to meet to drive in that country. Then using your credit card benefits information to check for coverage on

Collision/theft Damage Coverage
Loss of use charges assessed by the rental company while the damaged vehicle is being repaired and not available to use.
Reasonable and customary towing charges related to a covered loss to take the vehicle to the nearest qualified repair facility.

You need to know what is not covered. It may seem like common sense but if you are in any way breaking the law, you forfeit coverage.

Not all US auto insurers will insure outside the country. Mine doesn’t. That means purchasing the liability/medical coverage from the local rental agency.

Not all vehicles are covered. “Exotic, expensive” vehicles are generally listed as excluded. Antique automobiles, some vans and trucks are not covered. Renting an RV? Be sure to check to see if it is covered. If in doubt, be sure to ask your credit card benefits department.

It’s a good idea to go over the rental agreement thoroughly. This can be a challenge if you don’t speak the local language. If the rental company insists you take coverage, call your credit card Benefits Administrator. It’s smart to take a copy of the benefits information with you. It will have the details and the contact numbers domestically and abroad.

Before a signing of the contract, ask to see the car. You want to assure yourself that there is no existing damage to the vehicle. If there is anything amiss, make sure you document it with a photo and have it noted on the agreement.

Take a look in the trunk

Is there a spare tire?

Many new cars have no spare. Some have “hard” tires that when damaged give you 50 miles to get to a repair shop. Others have a little kit that must when a tire goes soft. This seals the leak and prevents further problems. Note: it’s only good for a single use.

Get familiar with what is there, how to use it and what to do if you have to use it. Should you contact them for a replacement kit? If a tire requires replacement, who pays?

It may sound far-fetched but it happened to us on our trip to the UK last summer. Tire acted funny. Then going down the heavily traveled M4, it started deflating. All we could do was get to the side of the freeway before it was flat. No spare tire. The kit didn’t work. We called AA.

When the truck arrived, they drove it onto the truck. When we got to the shop, they drove it off the truck. New tire time. We hadn’t selected “that” section of coverage and I hadn’t checked the credit card benefits. We had to pay for it out of pocket.

Lesson learned. Check everything ahead of time and know what’s in the trunk… or not.

Navigation

It’s best to have a navigator so the driver can focus. There’s the traffic, strange environment and staying on the correct side of the road for where you’re visiting.

If the car doesn’t have a navigation system, consider taking a Garmin or the like with you. Be sure to get the card for the area’s location if it is not included. It’s a worthwhile investment. Mine got my girlfriend and me to all sorts of places. Everything from restrooms to restaurants and home again. In a strange country, it was liberating security.

Pay attention to landmarks and your surroundings. Things will look different after dark. Street lighting is not common on all rural roads.

Discover Portland…Eclectic, Foodie, Quirky

Downtown Portland looking toward Mt. Hood — Portland looking east

Portland is Eclectic, Foodie & Quirky…

Eclectic and quirky, Portland offers diversity amidst natural beauty. You’ll find something for every type of visitor. Here where the Willamette River flows into the massive Columbia, Portland, the city of roses, spreads from the river out and up to the hills beyond. A center of Northwest history, it is the largest city in Oregon.

Straddling the River, Portland is a city of bridges. No two identical. Sunset on the east bank looking across the river and bridges to the downtown skyline is a photo opp not to miss.

Discover Portland

Discover art, music, theater, parks, biking, and hiking. Shop ‘till you drop… there’s no sales tax in Oregon. Year around Portland’s events calendar is crammed full, more than 54 of them annually. Sure it rains here, that’s tree growing weather. But here’s a link with 34 Things to Do in the Rain: https://www.travelportland.com/article/34-things-rain/.

Kicking off in April and running through September, outdoor events abound. On the site of a former freeway, the Tom McCall Waterfront Park attracts locals and visitors with music and festivals one after another. June attracts visitors from near and far for the granddaddy of all city parties, the Portland Rose Festival. It’s a full week of events, parades, concerts, a carnival next to the river, boat races and lots more.

On a budget?

Portland offers lots of free and inexpensive attractions and activities. Wander the neighborhoods. Portland is blessed with diverse neighborhoods full of quaint shops and awesome eats. Parks abound offering laid back or hiking experiences.

Walk one of the bridges. Hawthorne Bridge is over a century old. Tilikum Crossing is pedestrian friendly. St. Johns Bridge is tall and elegant. All afford unique and beautiful perspectives on the city. Another great view and inexpensive treat is taking a ride on the Portland Aerial Tram.

Food scene

Portland is a food lover’s mecca. You’ll find 70 breweries in town and another 35 in the metro area. Renowned for coffee shops and food carts, you’ll also enjoy fine and family dining. Seasonal fresh, local sourced and diverse. You’ll find vegans and carnivores munching side by side.

Explore

If you catch a bit of rain, enjoy one of the museums, galleries or bookstores. Blessed with sunshine, take a walk or hike in Washington Park, Forest Park, or the Rose Gardens. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the city below and picturesque Mt. Hood rising majestically beyond.

For adventure, head to the Columbia Gorge 45 minutes to the east. Here you’ll find waterfalls, hiking and photo opportunities. Southwest of town about the same distance, you’ll be in the heart of the Willamette Valley wine country. More wineries than you could hope to visit in weeks, let alone a day.

Here’s a link so you can plan your Portland escape for a weekend, a week or more. There’s lots to entertain you in the City of Roses.

https://www.travelportland.com/things-to-do/events/.