Musings and Advice on Traveling to Alaska (or Africa, New Zealand, etc)

I just returned this weekend from a fabulous cruise and land tour to Alaska.  After 2 weeks away from the office, it's taking me some time to catch up and get everything back in order.   In between catching up on phone calls and emails, these thoughts have come to me:  They say that travel is a learning experience.  Here are just some are things I've learned on this trip: some are serious, some may be a little humorous! 

Packing light is a fairy tale thought of by husbands.

Bring your own Imodium.  Cruise ships and hotels no longer carry any diarrhea medicine because of the prevalence of Norovirus- a very contagious disease involving stomach related symptoms that I won't go into. Seems the cruise ships want to know if anyone has these symptoms. You are forced to go to the ship's doctor, where they will quarantine you and send you off the ship.  Even if it's only a case of eating too much good food or too many bran muffins.

Whatever weather situation you pack for, the weather will be the opposite of your clothing packed. You bought that nice down coat and warm hat? You can bet the weather will be 72 degrees and sunny. You packed just a raincoat?  Expect snow and wind.

By the end of the journey you will be able to tell who was on the cruise/ tour because of the preponderance of Alaska  apparel  everyone is wearing. Wardrobes now consist of everything ranging from T-shirts to sweatshirts to hats to jackets, backpacks, travel pouches, etc with some logo or wording embroidered on it.  The people from "What Not to Wear" would be having a fit!

It doesn't matter which side of the bus or train you're sitting on, all of the animal sitings and scenery will be on the other side.

Multiply the time you spent away by at least 2 for the time it will take you to finish unpacking, pay the bills, do the laundry, and get back to normal at work. Don't even think about time zone changes and jet lag!.

Do not take pictures of yourself after a 7 day cruise! (enough said).  If you can still button your jeans, you win!

Alaska is beautiful, but it's great to be home in Apex North Carolina.

As your local specialist, Linda Jandura knows Apex and Cary!

Call me today at 919-621-1691.