One of the things I love to do is visit new places. Don’t we all though? Over the years I’ve learned that the best way to plan for a trip is to do research. Research helps you get the most bang for your buck. There are specific things to look for to ensure you have the best possible time
Happy ALMOST Friday ! Today is our last day in Puerto Rico. [:'(] We’re at the airport now, having our last meal before boarding the airplane. Today’s tip is about luggage.
Tip 0 & 8: When picking out your luggage purchase brightly colored or uniquely printed suitcases. It will make your life much easier at the carousel to retrieve your luggage. Bright colors or unique prints allow you to see it as soon as it hits the belt. Having mass produced luggage may give you a bit of issues as your try and identify if the suitcase on the belt in front of you is yours or not. This can be avoided if you place a unique identifier on your luggage. When I first started traveling I had a generic looking black duffel bag suitcase. My friend, who I had been traveling with made a huge thick braid out of this bright green yarn. It made locating my bag a cinch. Unique luggage sets can be expensive but I found my set at a fraction of the cost on Ideeli. It’s bright, of a light weight durable material and it has four wheels. These three items are features you should look for if you are in the market for luggage.
What tips do you have about luggage?
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| Finally getting to enjoy some afternoon sun! |
Happy Hump day! Today is the last full day that Daniel and I have on our vacation here in Puerto Rico. We planned on relaxing on the beach and getting our tan on but it’s been raining coquis y gatos (Coquis and cats). Today I am sharing a tip on what to do when it decides to rain on your vacation.
Tip 7: Remember to do research on things to do indoors on days that it is raining. Also it is a good idea to pack an umbrella or one of those travel plastic ponchos. Either one will not take up a lot of room in your suitcase. Relaxing in your hotel room and learning how to play BlackJack at the casino is one idea that comes to mind, but there are so may others!
Until then,
Happy Tuesday! I bring you Tip 6 as I ride the city bus from Old San Juan back to the hotel Daniel and I are staying at. It was another beautiful day! Make sure you check out the pictures on the Facebook Page. Today Tip 6 is about sunblock.
Tip 6: Remember to REAPPLY your sunblock. I know I don’t have to tell you if you’re planning a day in the sun to apply sunblock. This is a must, to protect your skin from the harmful sun’s rays. It is easy to forget, because of all the fun being had, to reapply the sunblock. Yesterday Daniel and I spent the day at Flamenco Beach at Culebra Island, PR. We forgot to reapply and we paid the price. Do NOT forget to reapply your sunblock!!
Seven more days until the holiday, did you pick up my gift yet?
Happy Monday! Can you believe that the holidays are only a week away? Daniel and I have been picking out Christmas gifts for ourselves in the outlet shops of Old San Juan. Today we visited one of the small islands off of San Juan called Culebra Island. It is said to have one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you have stopped by the My Pocketful of Thoughts Facebook Page today you’ll agree after you see the picture. For today’s tip I am reminding you to laugh during your vacation.
Tip 5: Remember to laugh. In our lives we will be thrown curveballs, whether its getting on the nerves of your travel companions or getting sad news. The first thing to ask yourself: Is there anything I can do? If there is, do it. If there isn’t, do not beat yourself up. Remember to laugh. It alleviates some of the anxiety and tension that resulted from receiving the news. A few minutes of laughing and you will begin to feel better to move forward and continue to do what is needed to be done.
Since Daniel and I have gotten here to Puerto Rico we’ve received word of such sad news. The life threatening illness of Daniel’s grandfather got to us first. He passed away a few days ago. His family gathered together, while we were here, feeling a little helpless. Friday afternoon, on one of the most beautiful beaches in San Juan, a person from our tour informed us of the shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, CT. Newtown is where my bosses children attend school and is also the next town over from where Daniel’s brother lives. By days end we learned of the lives take away way too early.
It’s difficult to receive news like this when you are on vacation. Our loved ones have told us to not worry about home for right now and try to enjoy the vacation. It has been easier said than done. In Mass yesterday, local children were the featured choir, which made me think of the children lost in Newtown. The beautiful green eyed little boy who sat in the pew in front of us, brought tears to my eyes. Sadness and anger, reflected in my tears. We lit candles and said prayers for Daniel’s grandfather and for the souls taken from this earth on Friday. I believe in the power of prayer and I ask that you join me now.
In the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit.
Amen.
Daniel’s brother reminded us to laugh. I remind you again, today to live, laugh, and love. Hold your loved ones, tell them you love them often, live your life to the fullest and laugh til it hurts. Do not wait until tragedy strikes to start.
I leave you with another hilarious Kevin Hart holiday video to add back some laughter after a hard weekend and to put you back momentarily in a shopping mood.
Good Evening to you on this Soulful Sunday! We have been sending travel tips straight from Puerto Rico. If you have missed any just search for Te Mando Saludos de Puerto Rico. Today’s tip is to plan, if it is possible, to keep Holy the Lord’s day.
Tip 4: While you are making your travel arrangements, check out the local areas of worship. We attended mass in one of the oldest churches in Old San Juan. The Cathedral Metropolitan San Juan Bautista is more than 450 years old. Mass began with the sweet sound of children from one of the local escuelas (schools). I find the Mass said in Spanish sounds so much prettier than when its said in English. I felt like we were sitting in a part of history.
When you travel do you visit the local places of worship?
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| Mallorca – Ham and cheese on a sweet bread. YUM! |
Buenas Noches! It’s been a beautiful day here in Puerto Rico. Daniel and I have been blessed with great weather. Today is Day 3 of the travel tips in the series Te Mando Saludos de Puerto Rico.
Tip 3: Remember to tip. If you are staying in a hotel, it is recommended to leave a few dollars for the person who will tidy up your room. When you’re eating out, you should leave a tip based upon the service provided and the deliciousness of the food eaten. If your tour guide is professional and does a great job throughout the tour, you guessed it, give them a tip. If you take a taxi and they drive you to your location safe and sound, a few dollars or a small percentage should be given. Anyone who is providing you a service and does so well, should get a tip. Tips can add up so make sure you keep that in mind when you are budgeting!
Who do you tip when you’re on vacation? If you’ve missed any of the tips hit Home in the top menu!
