Clos-Luce

More Packing Tips

Here are a few suggestions for packing that will provide more space for your souvenirs on your return trip.

1. Collect old clothes throughout the year or clean out your closet before packing. Wear them on the trip and then leave them behind. It frees up space in your luggage as you go. Just leave behind a note for the maid as she might not be able to keep them if she can't prove you intended to leave them. You can do a good deed for someone in need and lighten your load. And no stinky laundry to tote around!

2. Pack a collapsible suitcase or duffel bag in your checked luggage. It doesn't take up much room and on the way home, pack the dirty laundry in it then pack your fragile souvenirs in your sturdier luggage. Or you could pack everything in a medium suitcase which then fits inside a larger suitcase. Either way, you have 2 suitcases for the return trip.

3. If you are a reader, take along old paperbacks that you don't really care about keeping. Just leave them behind as you finish reading and your luggage lightens as you go...and frees up more space.

4. Roll your clothes when you pack. They say it takes up less space in your luggage and helps prevent wrinkling. Just smooth out all the wrinkles as you roll them up.

5. Put things in other things. Stuff socks in shoes which also helps to hold the shoe in shape. Stuff underwear in nooks and crannies. Fill up up outside pockets with extra items.

6. Wear your heaviest and bulkiest items onto the plane.

7. Pack only travel size toiletries and make use of those free hotel toiletries you've collected. They are small and disposable. And bring only the essential toiletries. Some things you CAN live without for a few days!

8. Consider vacuum bags that take the air out and compress the items or use oversize ziploc bags and squeeze out excess air.

9. Leave behind anything unnecessary. Travel with the minimum. After all, you are only going to be gone just over a week!

Take a look at this Ultimate Packing List. It has some handy tips and is designed for using only a carry-on bag. Perhaps you'd like to try that this trip!

The Louvre

The Louvre is easily one of the most famous museums in the world. Located in the heart of Paris, it features the distinctive Glass Pyramid entrance in the courtyard and houses some of the world's greatest recognizable masterpieces.

Of course, everyone must see the three great ladies — the Venus de Milo, the Victory of Samothrace, and Mona Lisa (which is THE most crowded spot in the museum!). Go here to take a tour of ten of the museum's most famous works.

The Louvre opened in 1793 and houses over 35,000 works of art in eight departments - Near Eastern Antiquities; Egyptian Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Islamic Art; Sculptures; Decorative Arts; Paintings; and Prints and Drawings. Discover the highlights of each collection by visiting An Overview of the Departments or take a Virtual Tour.

Go here for a floor plan of the Louvre and then click on individual floors to print your own map and chart your tour. Go here for awesome 360 degree tours of eight rooms in the Louvre.

And try your hand at pronouncing Louvre! Just click the arrow.

If you haven't read Dan Brown's popular novel The Da Vinci Code, you might want to before the trip. The murder mystery starts at the Louvre.

First Aid for Travelers

Every traveler should pack a simple first aid kit that includes items that might be needed immediately when a pharmacy is not available. Avoid packing a first aid kit that takes up too much space in your luggage. Be on the lookout for travel sizes. Consider these items to include:

1. Neosporin - helps prevent infection.
2. Dramamine - helps prevent motion sickness if taken at least 30 minutes before traveling.
3. Advil - ibuprofen in Advil helps reduce pain and fever as well as relieves inflammation in muscles after a full day of walking. Tylenol does not do this.
4. Pepcid Complete - relieves heartburn by combining a stomach-acid reducer with an antacid.
5. Cortaid - soothes rashes and bug bites
6. Benadryl - for relief of hay fever symptoms as well as treatment of hives and itchy nose and throat from food allergies.
7. Insect repellent - higher concentrations of deet last longer.
8. Imodium A-D - stops symptoms of diarrhea in 30 minutes. Pepto-Bismol could take up to six hours.
9. Sunscreen - preferably SPF 15 or greater
10. Aloe gel - for sunburns
11. Antihistamine or decongestant - to relieve allergies and inflammation
12. Cough suppressant and throat lozenges
13. Mild laxative
14. Basic first-aid items (adhesive bandages, gauze, ace wrap, tweezers, round tip scissors, cotton-tipped applicators, safety pins, antiseptic wipes)

For pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or allergies, consider wearing an alert bracelet/neck tag and make sure this information is on a card in your wallet with your other documents.

Personal prescription medications need to travel in their original container and bring a copy of the prescription from your doctor in case the medication is lost. Also bring at least 50 percent more than you need. And always put prescription medication in your carry-on.

A final reminder: a first aid kit is useful only if it is available. It should be carried with the traveler at all times...in carry-on baggage when allowable and on excursions. With heightened airline security, sharp objects and some liquids and gels will have to remain in checked luggage.

London Extension

Some of you have asked about extending your stay in London. Wimbledon is going on while we are there, and others are just interested in seeing more of Europe's largest city.

If you are interested, this is the procedure. A STAR (Special Travel ARrangements form) must be completed and submitted to Passports at least 120 days prior to departure, accompanied by $425 non-refundable fee ($225 processing fee and $200 additional airfare.)

Additional airfare may apply. Please note that the exact cost, along with your flight schedule, will be determined within 30 days of departure. You will be notified 90 days prior to departure if Passports is unable to honor your request.

Passports does not make any individual travel arrangements other than changing the return flight and the airline is at the sole discretion of Passports. Specific airline/routing requests cannot be accepted.

Please let me know if you are interested and I will send you a STAR form. If you have any additional questions about an extended stay in London, then email me.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge, located in southern England on the Salisbury Plain about 90 miles southwest of London, is one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world. The giant ring of standing stones was erected over 4,000 years ago, but a circular earthbank and ditch surrounding the stones is even older...over 5,000 years old!

There are actually two mysteries surrounding Stonehenge. One is how 30 enormous sarsen stones were moved from their original location, arranged upright in a circle, with a ring of 30 additional lintel stones placed on top. Each of these stones is about 13 feet high and weighs about 25 tons! Within this circle are additional stones forming a horseshoe shape.

Mystery number two...exactly what did the ancients use Stonehenge for? Several theories have been proposed including an astronomical observatory for the summer solstice, the longest day of the year (which is 21 June 2009...the day before our visit). This event brings thousands to the site for the annual celebration to watch the sunrise. (Hopefully, they will be partied out by the time we arrive!)

Another theory is that Stonehenge was used as a religious site...hence the horde of "Druids" that descend on the area during summer solstice.

Most recently it is believed to have been a burial site and/or healing site as cremated remains dating back to 3,000 B.C. were unearthed there in May 2008.

In answer to the most asked question: No, we will not be able to walk among the stones, but we will be able to walk around it. But if you'd like a virtual tour inside the stones, go here for a 360 degree view from the inside by moving your cursor around inside the picture. For more information, see the official Stonehenge web site.

Travel Tips from Passports #1

Note: The following is a reprint of a few tips from the Travel Tips section from Passports. It can viewed in its entirety at Passports and typing in your username and password or the group preview code farmer09 (that's a zero and nine). I will periodically post some of their tips on our travel blog for your convenience.

*Travel light, especially if you are visiting several cities! Take one SMALL carry-on bag and one medium-sized piece of baggage (wheels are essential) to be checked. We recommend that you bring only the necessities. Once you have packed your bags, pick them up and carry them for a few yards then ask yourself if you are prepared to spend the next week or so doing the same. If not, then you have over-packed! Do not lock your suitcase before a flight. Security agents may need to look inside, and may break your lock in order to do so.

*Be prepared for any kind of weather. Always pack a sweater, sweatshirt or other light, long-sleeved outerwear in case of cool evenings or cloudy days when you are traveling in the summer.

*Layers are the tops! Take a couple of close-fitting tank tops to wear under your shirts/tops, if you get a bit chilly. They will take up hardly any room in your suitcase but that extra layer will keep you cozy. Even on warm days, nights can be cold, and it's always cooler on oceans or rivers.

*Always wear a pair of broken-in, comfortable walking shoes or sneakers during the tour and on the airplane. Never take new shoes on tour.

Chateau de Chenonceau

The romantic château, or castle, of Chenonceau in France's Loire Valley has a rich history. Begun in the 16th century, it is often referred to as the château des femmes as it was traditionally a castle for women as reflected by its many female residents.

It was built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet. The castle was eventually sold to the crown and Henry II gave it to his older mistress, Dianne de Poitiers. She is responsible for expanding Chenonceau Castle over the set of arches spanning the River Cher, giving the appearance that the château is floating on water.

After Henry's death, his wife Catherine de Medici took over the château and developed the beautiful gardens. In turn Catherine bequeathed Chenonceau to her daughter-in-law Louise of Lorraine. The castle was later saved from the ravages of the French Revolution by another woman, Louise Dupin. Chenonceau was restored to its original glory in 1950.

An audio tour can be downloaded to your ipod at the official web site. Under "Chateau & History" in the top menu bar, click on "Tour of the Chateau". This provides an unbelievable 360 degree tour of several rooms! You can zoom in and out with + and - at lower left of photo. Click on any of the arrows in the lower left under "Tour" to go to different rooms and floors. But above all, in each room, place your cursor over the picture and drag it around for that 360 degree view! Don't forget to go up and down to see the entire ceiling and floor.

Do the same 360 degree tour for "Parks & Gardens" and see the entire chateau and garden area. If you would like to "see" all those women of Chenonceau, go to the "Galerie des Dames" in the top menu bar of this web site. And of course you need to know how to correctly pronounce Chenonceau. Click on "Standard Pronunciation" beside the blue arrow. Now you're a pro!

Weather

Wondering what the weather will be like in Paris and London in June? It appears Paris will be quite pleasant, average 72-75 degrees, with some possible cool nights. A light jacket for the evenings will be handy. Dressing in layers is always a good idea.

London's driest months are May and June, and temperature averages are around 68-71 degrees days and in the 50s at night. Again a light jacket will probably be useful. Of course, anywhere, anytime can still be rainy. Be prepared with an umbrella or hooded rain jacket.

What to Pack...

You might consider some of these items when planning your packing:

--Lightweight weather proof jacket with hood (It's bound to rain at least once!)
--Lightweight compact umbrella (the kind that's only 6 inches long and fits anywhere)
--Neck pillow for the plane or the bus (the foam kind that takes up more packing space or the inflatable kind that takes up no room at all)
--Passport pouch or belt (one that hangs around your neck or fits around your waist and under your clothes...the important thing is that your passport, credit cards, and majority of your money are out of sight and not easy for a pickpocket to snatch)
--Digital camera with extra batteries and memory cards (the more megapixels the better and more optical zoom is better than digital zoom as it allows for better cropping and sharper images)
--Small, compact binoculars
--Good sized back pack for your carry on for the plane (this can be stowed in the luggage compartment of the bus later)
--Rolling luggage (see previous blog on this)
--Day bag or fanny pack for carrying on the bus each day (just for that day's necessities, camera, etc.)
--Compact travel hair dryer
--Voltage converters for European plugs (kit will contain the voltage converter and the various types of plugs used internationally...their electrical outlets are not like ours)
--Blank journal
--Compass (for reading a map!)
--Universal luggage lock (allows the airlines access for inspection, but keeps other prying hands out)
--Travel alarm
--Good comfortable walking shoes (I like Teva brand, especially the sandals, but anything comfortable for walking distances and multi-level ground is fine. Watch for sales and look at outlet malls....just don't bring a new pair of shoes that are not broken in!)
--Tour guide books (Dorling-Kindersley Eyewitness Travel Guides are my favorite. They are in color, have maps and building diagrams, tell the highlights of a site, etc. They are a bit pricey, so look for them in the used book section of book stores and online. There are the regular travel guides with everything and then the Top 10 guides which are smaller, lighter weight, and cheaper. Suggestions: Top 10 Paris, Paris (complete), Top 10 London, London (complete), Top 10 Normandy, and Loire Valley. (If anyone has other suggestions for travel guides, please post.)

Note: I don't advocate buying from these online stores unless they are the best buy after doing comparative shopping. The links are provided to show you what the item looks like or to provide more information.

London and Paris City Guides

Budget Travel Online provides city guides called "Snap Guides" which contain a lot of useful information. Two of the cities on our tour, London and Paris, are featured in these handy online guides.

Snap Guide: London features three online pages of links including a variety of maps of the London Underground (p. 1), printable walking tours (p. 2), official London theatre guide (p. 2), and a guide to Wimbledon (p. 3) which will be taking place during our visit. The snap guide contains much more information and you can download the 8-page mini-guide at the link in the middle of the page.

Snap Guide: Paris also features 3 online pages of links. Especially interesting is the City of Paris link (p. 1) and then click on Visit for a variety of links on sites in the city of lights. You can also download the Paris 8-page mini-guide.

British Museum

On your day in London, you might like to visit the British Museum, a museum of human history and culture. To find the exhibits you want to see while visiting, take an online tour of the highlights of the museum, an online tour of the cultures featured in the museum, and an online tour of the galleries.

Founded in 1753, the British Museum highlights include the Rosetta Stone, key to the deciphering of hieroglyphs; the Elgin Marbles in the Duveen Gallery, the orginal sculptures from Athens' Parthenon; elements from two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum of Harlikarnassos and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus; and fabulous gold and silver Oxus Treasure from ancient Persia.

It is free of charge and open from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. The museum is located on Great Russell Street. This site shows a diagram of the upper floor. For more information, try this Wikipedia article.

Learning to Speak French

Since the majority of our tour will be in France, you might like to brush up on your French speaking skills. This series of 39 short videos from Expert Village entitled "Common French Phrases" might be of some help. Click on the title to hear the phrases and see them written in French. The demonstrator speaks them slowly so you can learn.

You might also check out this English to French translation for common French phrases and their written pronunciations.

And if the word or phrase you want to learn is not in either of the above sites, then try Word Reference, an online language translator.

Bonne chance! (That's good luck in French!)

Mont St. Michel

Legend says that the archangel Michael appeared to St. Aubert in 708 AD and instructed him to build a church atop the rocky outcrop of granite that sits just offshore the coast of Normandy in northern France. The Benedictine Abbey, which sits at its peak, is surrounded by a small medieval village at its base.

Mont St. Michel is circled by the sea and connected to the mainland by a causeway. The area is unique for the high tides (the highest in Europe) which quickly wash into the bay roughly 36 to 48 hours following a full or new moon. Victor Hugo once described them as coming "as swiftly as a galloping horse." Some areas surrounding the area are like quicksand so walking the beach/bay area is not recommended. An aerial diagram and other photos are on this Wikipedia site. The monastery is also featured in the Bayeux Tapestry.

To learn more about the history of Mont St. Michel, go to the official web site and click "History." It celebrated its 1,000th anniversary in 1966! It also served as a prison during the French Revolution. The sites to visit are the abbey, the museums, and the parish church (click "Places to Visit). For a printable map of the island, go to this map. After the map of the area loads, then click on "See the interior plan" in the "You Can" pop-up box.

The bus will take us via the causeway to the main gate, however travel on the island itself is by foot only. The walled city at the base is full of shops and cafes (their specialties are fluffy omelettes and saltmarsh lamb raised nearby-although expensive), but escape up to the steep ramparts and get a fabulous view of the mudflats.

Searching for Articles on This Blog

You will notice that not all individual titles for articles are listed in the left column but are archived under the month it was published. If you would like to find a specific article without having to go back and search each month, then you can search for specific "labels" which are attached to each article. These labels are found at the end of each article.

To conduct an easy search, go to the far top left and type in a search term in the white box, then click "Search Blog." I try to make the labels simple. Some labels used so far are: luggage, packing, passports, itinerary, roommates, money, comments, labels, billing, London, Chartres, Bayeux Tapestry, etc. Some articles have multiple labels for cross reference if more than one applies.

Since you will be making your own decision as to your destinations in London, any article on London will just be "London," then you can pull up all articles at once. Also every article on a ny place to visit will also be tagged by "itinerary," so you can search by that label and get all stops on the itinerary.

Remember, take note of the "Labels" at the bottom of each article for future search references. And if you can't remember where something is, or can't find it, just email as I have a master index of articles and will help you find it.

Packing Toiletries

The Transportation Security Administration requires that carry on toiletries (liquid, gel, and aerosol) be limited to 3-ounce containers placed in a one quart clear zip top bag, and TSA only allows one bag per traveler. It is known as TSA's 3-1-1 and is meant to speed screening and minimize liquid volume.

Medications are not included in this and should be declared separately for inspection at the checkpoint. The zip bag of toiletries must also be placed in the bin separately during inspection. For more information on 3-1-1, then click on the left links on the above site to learn more about permitted and prohibitive items and more details on 3-1-1.

Now is the time to start shopping for those needed travel size items which are not always so readily available especially if you must use a specific brand. Be on the lookout and start stocking up now. An online resource is Minimus.biz. Here you can find all kinds of toiletry and food travel size items. They have free shipping for orders over $20.

Also check with your cosmetics provider as they sometimes have travel sizes available. For example, Mary Kay provides several travel size products as free promotionals. Also pick up the travel size toiletries at hotels where you stay. Even if you do not use that type of shampoo, you now have a disposable travel size bottle to put yours in.

If you must bring a larger size toiletry then it must be placed in your checked bag. Just remember that carrying around ALL your regular size toiletries will take up a lot of space in your bag and a lot of extra weight for you to have to carry...think small!

London: Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey has been Great Britain's coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of seventeen monarchs. It is the site of famous weddings, coronations, and funerals. It has a 1,000-year history connected with British royalty and other famous Britains.

The Abbey is open from 9:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (but the last admission is at 3:30 p.m.). However there are other buildings included with different opening times. Adult admission is 12 British pounds: that's about $24 in today's exchange. You can opt for a Verger-led tour for an additional 5 pounds or get an audio guide to go at your own pace for 4 pounds...or just wander around on your own after having done your home research of the Abbey. Note that the Abbey is home to many special services and may be closed with no notice.

This site also includes a floor plan of the Abbey with links on the right that provide more information. Print out your own map and guide and save a few dollars. These links also contain many photos of the inside and outside of the Abbey. Click on the thumbnails for larger photos.

Also here is a map to locate the Abbey. Note that photos and filming are not allowed in the Abbey. Click on the St. Margaret's Church tab at the top and learn about the nearby chapel known as "the parish church of the House of Commons."

Money Saving Tips

The U.S. dollar still doesn't fare well with the euro in France or the British pound. But planning and knowing some money saving tips may save you a few bucks in Europe. Travel guru Rick Steves offers some tips for budget travel in this article, "20 Ways to Stretch Your Dollars in Europe."

If you want to keep up with how the U.S. dollar is doing against international currency, use this Universal Currency Converter. It uses live up-to-the-minute currency rates. You can track how the dollar is doing globally at any time. Although our hotels and most transportation and meals are included with our tour, smart planning and thinking ahead can save us money next summer.

Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth

The Chartres Cathedral just south of Paris is one of the greatest of all French Gothic cathedrals. Construction began in 1145 but pilgrimages to the site began as far back as 876 to pay homage to a relic, a tunic believed to have belonged to the the Virgin Mary, the Sancta Camisa. The cathedral is recognizable for its two starkly different spires. For more information, photos, and diagram, go to Wikipedia. For LOTS more maps, photos, diagrams, floorplans, etc. go to this Image Collection.

Unique to the Chartres Cathedral is a 43-foot labyrinth on the floor built around 1200--one of the oldest cathedral labyrinths still in existence. The eleven-circuit design is divided into four quadrants with a rosette center. One must walk the labyrinth several times to finally reach the center. During the Middle Ages, pilgrims walked the labyrinth as part of a spiritual journey. If you'd like to see the path of the labyrinth, go to this site. Turn on some easy listening music and sit back and relax as you watch the little green dot make its spiritual journey as you dream of France. There's a lovely surprise when it reaches the center. (Requires Shockwave Flash)

Impatient? Go to this labyrinth site and get the quicky route to the center in the top diagram! Scroll down about halfway and see an actual photo of the labyrinth in the cathedal.

Luggage

One of the first questions I'm always asked is: What kind of luggage do I need? On the flight out, you may check one bag and carry on one bag. On the return flight you may check two bags and carry on one. What kind and size bag? Talk to anyone who has traveled with me before and you will get the best answer--the smaller the better! You are your own porter. Use a bag with rollers.

The official way to measure luggage is to add the width, height, and depth of a bag including the rollers and any expandable pockets. The one I always use is a 45" rolling bag--23 x 14 x 8. It's HOW you pack that let's you carry a smaller bag. (More about packing light in a later posting.)

I use a good size backpack as my carry on bag. It fits easily under the airline seat, easy to tote in an airport and/or while rolling a separate bag. I also carry what I call a "day bag" while on tour--something to carry some daily necessities on the bus while the luggage and bigger backpack are stowed under the bus. One of those lightweight drawstring backpacks works well as it can be rolled up and packed.

I also use a small flat over-the-shoulder purse just big enough for my digital camera and a coin purse to hop off the bus to see a site. You should also have a passport pouch (neck or waist) to carry your passport and money for safety.

You use whatever is comfortable and easy for you to manage...but remember, smaller is always better!

Itinerary - Bayeux Tapestry

One of the most unique sights on our tour will be viewing the Bayeux Tapestry in Bayeux, France on Day 7. It tells of the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror in 1066. The official web site is excellent to show the tapestry scene by scene with an explanation. Read this site first then watch this fantastic animated video.

Knowing the background first will make this video more meaningful. It has fabulous background music. If a video box does not appear, then go directly to the YouTube video here.

Single Rooms

If anyone is interested in a single room on the tour, the rate is $65 per hotel night. With 8 nights in hotels, that would be $520 extra. No decisions need be made until March 2009.

Itinerary Update

I have arranged one change in the itinerary. I had Passports cancel the group dinner in London on our last night of the tour. Since we have the whole day to go where we want with no time constraints, it seemed like we would waste too much valuable sightseeing time trying to get back to one restaurant. So you are now on your own to eat where you want and take as much or as little time as you want and not rush. Since your tour fee already includes the dinner, Passports will send $20 each to me prior to departure for your dinner and I will distribute it at the airport.

Roommates

Even though we currently have an uneven number of participants...not to worry. We will wait until everyone has paid in full by next March and see if there is still an uneven number of travelers. Someone may have to cancel...and there may be some new travelers by then. We'll wait and see. Rooming will work itself out.

Monthly Billing

Passports bills everyone on the 20th of each month. You will receive a statement that shows your balance and the pro-rated monthly installment. You have the choice whether to make the monthly payment or not. If you do not, then the next month's bill will be pro-rated accordingly. You may pay as much or as little as you want each month, or wait and pay the entire amount by 2 March 2009. Passports does not care how you pay as long as the balance is paid in full by the deadline.Check each statement for correct billing information, address, spelling, etc. If you notice any discrepancies, please contact me.

Tour Itinerary

To view the tour itinerary, go to the Passports web site and log in with our group preview code in the left coumn...farmer09 (that's a zero and nine). To view your own account, log in with your username and password.

How to Comment

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Welcome Everyone!

As of March 15, 2008, there are 29 travelers signed up to travel with us on our tour to Paris, Loire Valley, Normandy, and London. We leave 15 June 2009 for a fabulous 10-day tour. In the months to come I will be posting information on this blogsite. Be sure to bookmark this site, or mark as your favorite, so you can easily go here and check on what is new. Entries will be either on sites we will see, business to attend to, things you need to know, or just plain fun information. Everything will be in one handy spot.

Two things to look for on this site: 1) look at the titles of the main entries, such as this one "Welcome Everyone!" to see if a new entry has been posted since your last visit, and 2) at the bottom of each entry look for the number of comments posted for each. Click on the comments link to read what others have to say on the same topic. The beauty of a blog is that YOU can also add to, or comment, on each entry. See you on the blog!

Also, if you don't see something posted in the main column that you know you've seen before, then click on the archives to the left and search.

P.S. "Gladiator" is ME!