Traveling in a Winter Wonderland

What’s up everybody?

Well Christmas is right around the corner.  This can be a stressful time for us, but it can take on a new level of stress for those that have to travel.  For this post I thought that I would change it up a bit and give you some tips that might help get you through. 

Do your research:

Whether you are traveling by car or plane it is always a good idea to make a plan.  For air travel its a good idea to shop around for the best deal.  Be wary though, the cheapest may not always be the best.  Cheaper flights can be plagued by problems.

If you are traveling by car, it is a good idea to look into alternative routes.  Unexpected delays can pop-up, having these contingency plans can get you there faster and be less stressful. 

Stay Connected:

Download your airlines latest app.  This will give you all the information about your flight.  There are other independent travel apps that can be helpful as well.  Be sure to call all those that are awaiting you at your destination.  Inform the about any delays, change of plans and time that you are expecting to get into town.

Stay Informed on the Weather:

There is nothing like getting half way to your destination and getting caught in a blinding blizzard.  A good idea to check your local weather as well as your destination and anywhere you stop along the way.  This way you can plan for unexpected delays and other issues.  It will also help you pack.

Pack Smart:

When flying, try to stick with carry on luggage whenever possible.  Wear heaver clothing to save on room.  Ship present instead of bring them with you.  We all know that there is a possibility that your luggage could be lost is transit.  If you do have to bring your presents wait to wrap them.  If security sees something that seems suspicious they will not hesitate to look inside.

Have Plenty of Food and Drink:

Packing your own snacks can help you avoid the troublesome airport lines.  Try avoiding candy bars and other quick releasing sugary snacks.  Take fruit, sandwiches or another hearty snack to fuel your body for the trip.  Get plenty of water.  Unfortunate you take water through security.  You can take empty bottles with you though.  Using the drinking fountains to fill your bottle is a cheep and time saving option.

Keep Yourself Entertained:

Nothing helps relieve stress like getting lost in your favorite music or win a few rounds of Candy Crush.  Electronics can be fun, but I would suggest having some non-electrical options as well. You may need to reserve your battery life.  A good book and some card games can be great options.

If You Become Stranded Know Your Options:

When flying check with your airline to see if you qualify for compensation.  This could be a comped room, flight or meal voucher or other possibilities.

Driving can be a completely different story depending where you get stranded.  Before you leave make sure that your car is up to snuff.  If you are not mechanically inclined, there are plenty of qualified and trustworthy shop that can help.  You should also make you a travel survival kit for your car.  Place in it some essentials like: blankets, a trusty flashlight or headlamp, gloves, hats, ice scrappers, and some food and water.  These items can help you make it through if the worst happens.

If you get stuck don't panic.  The best thing is to call for help, whether it is AAA, OnStar, a towing company, or local law enforcement.  If you get stuck in the snow, do not try to overexert yourself by digging yourself out.  Your body is already in a stressful situation in cold weather.  A loss of precious calories put stress on muscle as well as your heart.  With the loss of heat your body shuts down all non-essential blood flow and directs it to the major organs.  This can lead to frostbite and eventual hypothermia.  

Never leave your car.  Your can easily get lost in poor weather.  Your car can shelter you from the elements.  If possible, run your car for small periods of time.  I would say no longer the ten minutes.  If you do this make sure that you check your tailpipe for debris.  A blocked pipe can cause CO2 to back up and make its way into the cabin of the car. Create a whole new set of problems.  Best thing for times like this is to keep your head.

Be kind:

This maybe a no-brainer, but we all have that possibility to blow up is stressful situation.  I know I do, just ask the wife.  Airline personnel, tow truck drivers or whoever is trying to help you are doing their best.  Cursing and pitching a fit doesn't make the situation any better.  So remember a little kindness goes a long way.

So these are a few tips for you.  Hopeful you find them useful or at least makes you think about it.

From your friends here at the Adventure Diaries.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

                                                                                                           Josh, Erin and Odin

California Amusing!

What’s up everybody?

Sorry that we haven't posted in a bit.  It has been kind of hectic with the holidays upon us.  But we are back and excited to bring you another great adventure.

Since we moved out to Chicago, its has become harder to visit with our families.  Phone calls and FaceTime can only do some much.  I know that some of you can relate.  So when we get a chance to fly home we try to jump on it.  Unfortunately my tribe has been in California, for the past seven months or so, for work.  So its been extra hard to see them.  With an invite to come visit, we backed our bags and headed for the golden coast.

Our trip started with a short jaunt to Minneapolis to catch our connecting flight.  I have been in a few airports in my time, I do have to say that the Minneapolis Airport is one of the nicest ones that I have been in.  With nice tile work lining the halls, delightful architectural features and laid back feeling made for a very relaxing and pleasant layover.  Within an hour we were back in the air dreaming of sunny skies.

We had loosely planned out our trip.  We new that we wanted to see Disneyland and Universal Studios.  Once we were altogether we set up our game plan.  

The first day we decide to hit Universal Studios.  Sadly, some of us had to work and would try to meet up with us later in the day.  I had not been there in over a decade and Erin had only been to the Universal in Orlando, so it was almost a new experience for us.  The only thing for me that was a must was the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  It was definitely a must see for any “Potterhead”.  The level of detail that was put into the design truly made it feel like it leaped from the pages of the books.  You can wonder the streets of Hogsmead and pick up some Every Flavor Beans from Honeydukes.  Need a new wand?  Go check out Ollivanders and pick one up.  We saved our favorite ride for last.  The Studio Tour or Backlot Tour is a great way to see what it takes to make some of your favorite movies and tv shows.  If you are luck you just might see some of your favorite stars.  While we were there they were rehearsing for the live show of Hairspray.

We debate one what to do on the second day and made the decision to see Knott’s Berry Farm.  Knott’s Berry is an amusement park located in Buena Park.  The park is like walking straight into a wild west boom town.  The park was a little busy so we were not able to ride all the rides, but the ones we did get to did not disappoint.  The park is also know for its jams and chicken.  I know what you are thinking.  Chicken?  Just outside of the gates lies Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant.  If you enter you will not be disappointed.  Come hungry, even their smallest plate is more than enough to fill you up.

The third day landed on a Sunday, so we decided that it would be an easy and quiet.  With no real plans we head out to wherever the road took us.  We ended up at the Santa Monica Pier.  We walked along the pier and looked at the shops.  Erin decide that she want to put her feet into the ocean.  So what did we do?  You're right.  We walked along the beach and Erin had her chance to dip her feet into the water.  From there we headed up the Pacific Coast Highway.  It seem to us, as we passed through Malibu, that Sundays are the time to take out your fancy cars and cruise the PCH.  Everywhere you looked were exotic, muscle and classic cars.  Quite a sight to see if you are a gearhead.  We did not travel all of the PCH.  We turned off and headed home which took us through farming country.  Orange, lemon and avocado trees lined the road.  A sight to see, to those not used to it.  When you find yourself here make sure you stop at one of the roadside fruit stands and pick up some of the freshest fruit you can find.  Once we made it home we all got together  and had a nice Sunday dinner.  Something we haven't been able to do in quite a while.

On our final day, we went to the happiest place on Earth.  Disneyland.  Yes!, Disneyland.  I’ve come to the conclusion that if you want to experience everything that Disneyland has to offer.  You have to spend more than one day there.  Don't get me wrong though, we had fun.  With large crowds and an occasional breakdown of the rides, you may not experience everything you would like.  We did get to say goodbye and ride the Tower of Terror one last time before they shut it down in January and convert it to the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride.   the revamp or Soarin’ is also a treat as it takes out of California and transports you all over the World.  All in all it was a good day.

As we packed up our bags, we reflect upon the weeks events.  Even though the parks were crowded and the traffic appalling.  The trip was not just about having fun but spending time and reconnecting with our families.  Fun was had and bonds strengthened.  Erin’s family is coming out to see us over Christmas, we are excited to have them.

I will leave this with you today.  Its important to make time for your family.  You may not always get along but they are the closest people that you will ever have.  A simple phone call can brighten up the darkest day.

Alright! That’s all that I have for you today.  It was a brief overview of our trip.  I plan  to elaborate in more detail on the parks late, so this will have to do for now.

Until next time, thanks for stopping by.

      Josh

Oh Yeah! Beware of free roaming Raptors.