REMEMBER WHEN??

Early 2018 was the perfect time to clean up old files (cue: New Year's Resolution #3).  Upon doing so, I soon I discovered all my records from our first big trip in this century:  Italy - Spring 2001.

What it took then versus how I plan now might as well be from a different universe.  And yet some things never change ... like my obsession with whatever shopping might be available!  Italy was still on the lire way back then (oh, the days), and everything was at least 40% less than in the US.  I found catalog tear-out sheets in my folder which I brought on the trip so I could compare the cost of items I wanted to find when I got to Rome or Milan.  

The iconic Via Condotti with the Spanish Steps in the background.

The reality: we arrived in Rome, had lunch, checked into the hotel, the hubby took a nap and I went out and bought five handbags.  That was the end of my "alone time" for the remaining three weeks.  But, oh, how much fun I had!

How about the above for a fun walk down memory lane.  That is a copy of the VCR "taping schedule" for the three weeks we were gone. There was no On-Demand or DVR in those days, so if you didn't get the recording you were out of luck.  I think there was a performance bonus offered as well ... of course, I'm sure son Sam (age 12 at that time) was in charge so we likely got all the shows. 

Other fun memories:  printed, multiple-part airline tickets that arrived in the mail!  I loved looking at all those codes and wondering what they meant.  But when I think back to things like seat assignments and how neurotic I have become about where I sit (www.seatguru.com is one of my very favorite websites), it's hard to imagine going in "blind."  Well, we didn't know what we didn't know; right?  

we all lament the trials and tribulations of travel today.  When you are having an "experience," I suggest you (and I!) remember when ... and appreciate how streamlined and easy the process has become.

TRAVEL IN 2018 :: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

"The times they are a changin" is an apt phrase in terms of travel in 2018.  So as not to get caught unprepared, following is a synopsis of what to expect from an excellent column by the Wall Street Journal's travel specialist, Scott McCartney.

1. The bad news first is "more seats, less room."  On a recent Southwest flight, I tweeted the photo below to @flyswa to let them know I appreciated their moving the pocket holding magazines to the top of the seat-back in front of me, thus providing more legroom. After visiting the lavatory, however, it was clear where they must have taken the space from -- anyone with claustrophobia will have a tough time in that tiny room! 

 

While Southwest didn't add any seats, more of United's 777 planes will have 10 seats across instead of nine, continuing the trend in slimming down the seats themselves.  AA and many foreign carriers already made that change, while Delta has not.  The slim-seat retrofit is fondly called "densification."  

2. Changes to how and what ID's are accepted and verified is a big one.  Get a Passport and keep it handy, even for domestic travel, seems to be the key.  States were required in 2005 to update their procedures but barely 50% have complied.  While it's unlikely TSA will have the guts to stop accepting state issued ID's (drivers licenses), you might as well be prepared.   They are also testing a program in certain airports eliminating boarding passes to go through security as ID's are more reliable via machines called Credential Authentication Technology (below).   

Photo cred:  Stephen Voss, WSJ

While those results are still being evaluated, we do know there are stricter carry-on rules being implemented.  Unless you have TSA Pre-check, security wants carry-on bags "decluttered" as much as possible so X-ray machines have a better view of what's in your bag.  Any and all electronics larger than a cellphone must be placed in a separate bin.

I say we put Amazon in charge of the lines!

3. Anyone I've ever spoken to has only rave reviews for the Premium Economy experience, especially when comparing the cost vs. Business or First.  "Think of PE as what Business Class used to be prior to fully lie-flat beds" per the column.  American Air is actually leading the competition for US carriers on international flights, with Delta second and United lagging behind.  Catching up to international rivals is a long-time coming, especially the Gulf carriers (Emirates, Etihad and Qatar) with their insane amenities.

American Airlines Premium Economy seat

4. Lastly, if you're thinking about investing in a "Smart Bag" complete with GPS tracking and power ports to charge devices -- don't.  It's all about those pesky lithium batteries and the ongoing debate about their safety.  Most domestic carriers won't allow the bags to be checked unless the batteries are removed and carry-on is the same.  There seem to be more outlets everywhere -- airline terminals and plane seats -- so why fight it?  Ditch the lithium and the stress.  Travel can be stressful enough!    

Great concept, particularly for "road warriors" -- 

but will the TSA allow is the big question.

TEXAS HOSPITALITY FOR BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

When the opportunity arose to spend my birthday weekend with long-time Houston-based friends Kay & Fred Zeidman, the decision didn't require much thought.  Spending time with them is always a blast (Cancun, Colorado Springs, Palm Beach, Austin and DC among past destinations), but going to their home base allowed for time spent with their kids and grandkids as well.  The suggestion of the weekend in the country was particularly enticing with new areas to experience -- at least for us.

How about that Texas Hill Country (THC), y'all?  The drive time is less than four hours from Houston -- southwest of Austin and northwest of San Antonio.  We stayed in Fredericksburg, which is "deep in the heart" of the THC.  In addition to local agriculture specialties of peaches and pecans, you might be surprised as I was that there are over 400 wineries in the area!  

As for accommodations, I found the Fredericksburg Herb Farm offering individual cottages.  Small and quaint, the location is minutes from all the action on Main Street.  While the cottages do not come equipped with a telephone(!), there is a flatscreen T.V., large room and bath, and friendly cats belonging to the property that are only too eager to come on in.  Each cottage has its own porch swing.  Clearly it would be optimal to visit when the garden is in full swing (what place isn't?), but there was something lovely about the winter setting.  

Our cottage (L); An idyllic walkway photographed in the morning (above)

We had some outstanding meals along the way, most of which were suggested, so for me that was a win-win!  First was Navajo Grill in Fredericksburg for an incredible burger but all-around delicious food.  The BBQ enjoyed along with excellent music (played by Austin studio musicians) and dancing (we watched) made for a fun Saturday night at Hondo's on Main, not to mention a trip to the DQ for the perfect dessert.  Watching the planes land while dining next to the runway at the Hangar Hotel Diner was too cool, although you'd never get me up in that wind!  The pancakes were to die for ...

Breakfast crowd at the Hangar Hotel Diner

Saturday night at Hondo's

A high point of the trip was visiting the National Museum of the Pacific War aka Admiral Nimitz Museum.  The Admiral was a Fredericksburg native so it is only fitting that this museum is located in his hometown.  The replica of his eponymous battleship (SS Nimitz - still in service) is a sight to behold, providing context for just how massive the actual ship is (nearly 1,100 feet long, just shy of four football fields).  Fredericksburg may be a small town, but this museum is world class. 

A small section of the incredible replica on display at the museum.

 

If I lived in Texas, I would take road trips just for a stop at Buc-ee's.  To call these behemoths "convenience stores" is like calling Lake Michigan a "water feature."  Maybe a slight overstatement, but you get my drift.  Endless gas pumps (cheap!); ridiculously clean and plentiful bathrooms; and everything else from used tires to $1,500 smokers.  We sampled a chopped bbq brisket sandwich, fresh-made chips and a drink for under $8 and it was delicious -- cooked on the spot.  

Everything's bigger in Texas:  jerky (above); gas pumps and packaged ice below

                           And then a small portion of the gift area!  

 

Love my surprise Buc-ee's t-shirt which required major subterfuge on Kay's part! She pulled it off!

The not-so-wonderful find on the highway was the automobile "graveyard," site of countless cars destroyed in Hurricane Harvey.  

 

We also toured the devastation, largely in the Meyerland area of Houston, where home after home is abandoned and/or under construction.  Never have I counted my blessings on my birthday as I did that day.  It was stunning.

Homes are elevated to avoid a repeat of the past; endless For Sale signs; new front steps; the bayou now

We finished the stay with a fun dinner at Relish back in Houston (amazing fried chicken) and watched the exciting BCS game before heading out the next morning.  Great friends, great fun, great food ... thankful for this great start to 2018!