Travelhaunt Blog

Did I feel safe in Egypt?

1/3/2019

We spent sixteen days in Egypt. We saw the amazing sights of the Valley of the Kings and the Pyramids of Giza. I was talking to someone at a party and was asked "Did you feel safe in Egypt?" I thought I should talk about it.
I was asked the same question about Jordan and Turkey. I guess these are Muslim countries or Middle Eastern countries and one who has not been there may not know what to expect.
In answer to the question I respond: I have never felt unsafe in any country I have visited. No one has ever threatened me. There have been cultural difference. I have overpaid for items or services before I acclimate to the customs and currency. Immersing into a culture takes a little time, but can be done.

For the rest of the blog and more pictures visit:
https://www.travelhaunt.com/safe.html

Happy Travels,
Brad
Travelhaunt.com

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Yosemite National Park

12/26/2018

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Springtime
Yosemite is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. I am amazed every time I go there. I have been 15 times. The springtime has the waterfalls, rivers and lakes. The fall has less water, but less people. Sally had not been to Yosemite since she was 10 years old. It was time to visit again. The winter had heavy snow fall and I was expecting good things. We turned the corner and we saw a waterfall. I pointed and said “That is Yosemite falls. I thought it would be bigger. Maybe the snow is slow to melt.” We turned the next corner and the raging waterfall before us told me the snow melt was fine. “That is Yosemite Falls!” The previous waterfall was Horsetail Falls. I had never seen it active before. All the water falls were going strong. The backdrop of the sheer granite cliffs and the 2524-foot-high three tier falls was outstanding. The wooden deck on the valley floor kept you from walking through the rushing water that overflowed the creek.
Across the valley, Bridalveil Fall has a single 617-foot drop and the trail turned into rain as you get close. This is only to be outdone by Mist Trail at the base of Vernal Fall.

For the rest of the blog and more pictures visit:
https://www.travelhaunt.com/yosemite-np.html

Happy Travels,
Brad
Travelhaunt.com

Yosemite Falls

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Traveling Easy and Light: Cost-Conscious Tips for Seniors

12/13/2018

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A guest post from

Jim McKinley

Email: jim@moneywithjim.org

For many Americans, retirement is a time to indulge in a passion unencumbered by work and family responsibilities - travel. Travel is not only enjoyable, it’s a form of self-renewal. Every new location offers a unique experience and exciting new discoveries, whether it’s the Eiffel Tower or a tiny taverna on a sun-splashed Greek island. It’s that joy of discovery that keeps everyone feeling young and wanting more. It’s a good time to travel overseas - the dollar is strong and ground transportation in many foreign countries (particularly in Western Europe) has never been better. However, it can add up very quickly if you’re not careful about spending your travel dollars.

Saving money on the home front
Before you head out on your next adventure, unplug electronics, especially appliances, TVs and computers, which use electricity even when they aren’t in use. Keep thermostats turned down to minimize unnecessary energy costs, and shut off the main water valve to reduce the possibility of a burst pipe and resultant water damage.

Pack light
No one likes hauling suitcases and duffel bags everywhere they go. You spend more time storing and carrying accoutrements than you do sightseeing, which will definitely put a crimp in your plans. No matter what age you are, packing light is the ideal way to go. It’s just easier for most seniors, especially those with mobility restrictions, or back or joint problems. Make it your goal to fit everything you’ll need in a roll-on suitcase, and let it go at that. You can always pick up a few necessary disposable items en route to save space when you pack. As an added bonus, you’ll save some airline drachmas by limiting your baggage size and weight.

Check it when connecting
Consider checking your bag or bags if you aren’t flying direct. Lugging carry-on items around airports the size of JFK, London’s Heathrow, Paris’s Charles de Gaulle, and Berlin’s Brandenburg is exhausting, so let the airline do the heavy lifting. If you need a little extra leg room, book early so you can jump on those aisle or emergency row seats. Blood flow and muscle cramping can be a problem for some seniors on long international flights, so make a point of walking down the aisle and practicing your French or Italian with other passengers every hour or so.

Hotels and B&Bs
Think strategically when selecting accommodations for your trip, especially in larger cities. Staying in hotels or B&Bs that are near train stations will minimize the distance you’ll have to walk and carry belongings. Depending on your itinerary, staying in a place near the city center makes it easier to stop for the occasional rest between sightseeing stops and cuts down on taxi expenses. Accommodations with elevators can be hard to come by in some countries, which may mean hoofing it up and down several flights of stairs. Instead, plan ahead, book your room well ahead of time, and request a room on the ground floor.

Prescription medications
Getting prescriptions filled during a trip overseas can be difficult, though some countries make it easier than others. It’s best to take along a full supply (say, 30 days’ worth) to eliminate the need for refills en route, another good budget-conscious strategy. If you do find yourself needing to refill a prescription, you’ll need to know the generic name rather than the American brand name, which is generally unfamiliar in foreign countries.
Travel is exciting and fun, but there are many logistics to consider. It’s important to make things as easy as possible and to keep travel costs under control so you can enjoy what could be the trip of a lifetime.

Courtesy of Pixabay.com.

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Seaside on the Oregon Coast

12/4/2018

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We finally made it to the Oregon coast. We stayed in Seaside at the Seashore Inn at the Beach. I loved the wide long beach and Broadway Street. It was much larger and more touristy than I expected. I brought my drone and flew in Seaside, Cannon Beach and Fort Stevens.

Let’s start with the beach. It must be 100 yards wide from the boardwalk to the water. The sand was real sand; if you’ve read a few of my other blogs you understand. Beaches around the world do not always have sand. Most west coast beach are the nice walkable sandy beaches. The water was calm with a few 3 to 4-foot waves. The surfers were catching a few. The sunny weather brought people to the coast. It was an unusually warm dry November day. A light jacket was needed in the morning or dusk. I flew my drone over the beach and over the small waves. You can check out the footage here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5R_L_dm-dk
Looking down at the waves was mesmerizing. I like the elevated view from the drone down the beach. A couple other drones showed up through the day. Of course, walking the beach is the best. The sound of the crashing, albeit small waves, was soothing.
The biggest surprise for me was the town. Broadway Street was lined with shops, restaurants, candy stores and a fun zone. I fondly remember playing Frogger for hours in a fun zone.
For the rest of the blog and some fantastic pictures follow the link:
https://www.travelhaunt.com/seaside-or.html

Happy Travel,
Brad

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Mount St Helens

11/10/2018

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We spent three days at Mount St Helens. We picked up a campsite at Seaquest Campground. It was a well-maintained campground with fire pits, showers with bathrooms for the low low price of $42 a night. Even with the price, it was a good place to stay. It was an hour drive to the Johnson Ridge Observatory.

There are two major inroads to get into the monument. One from the north and one from the south. Both are off I-5. The Johnson Ridge Observatory, off Hwy 504, from the north, is the most popular. I thought there would be a big dome, but it is not that kind of observatory. This is the north side of the mountain with a view into the horseshoe caldera. The history and the movie showing the eruption July 10, 2008, is here. A massive debris avalanche reduced the elevation of the round mountain summit of 9677 feet to an 8363-foot high, mile-wide horseshoe-shaped crater. There are new domes in the crater and a glacier surrounding the largest new one.
Farther north along I-5, out route 12, is access to Windy Ridge viewpoint with another view into the crater, but we did not do the three-hour drive to see it with the haze in the air. One can access this view from the southern route off Hwy 503.
The southern access to Mount St Helens has campsites, caves, and hikes. Along with more moderate hikes, a five-mile strenuous hike to the new summit is an option. Hikes above 4600 feet require a permit.

On our first day, we hiked a little of Coldwater Lake. It formed after the 1980 eruption blocked the Coldwater Creek. One can hike a seven-mile loop around the lake. We strolled out on the wooden plank path to get views across the lake but did not hike the loop. I was more interested in seeing the caldera. We continued on to Johnson Ridge Observatory. We watched the movie and I recommend it. I won’t spoil the surprise, don’t leave early.
For the rest of the blog and some fantastic pictures follow the link:
Https://Travelhaunt.com/MountStHelens

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Did I feel safe in Egypt?

Yosemite National Park

Traveling Easy and Light: Cost-Conscious Tips for Seniors

Seaside on the Oregon Coast

Mount St Helens

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