Last Minute Gifts for the Traveler in Your Life

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 “Elsa’s Picks” from Corporate Travel Safety.com. And they’re all on sale!

Source: CorporateTravelSafety – Gifts for Travelers

Most travelers love to get gadgets that make travelling easier. Here are my top picks in the Under $25, Under $50, and Under $100 categories. Click on the links for the full product description and specifications.

Under $25

Balanzza Mini Digital Luggage Scale – $22.95

BalanzzaMini Scale_CroppedHow many times has a typical traveler eyed their suitcase in the corner of their hotel room thinking, “Did I buy so much that my suitcase is now over my weight limit? It might cost as much to send things home as it does to pay an overage fee, but do I really need to do either?” With the Balanzza Mini Digital Luggage Scale, you can get an easy answer to those questions. The price is right, and weighing in (pardon the pun) at 3 oz., it won’t take much space in your suitcase.

4-Source Portable Power Supply – $21.95

With the 4-Source Portable Power Supply, you have four ways to charge your phone — and you can charge two phones at once. The reason I love this is because two of the sources of power come from batteries: two AA batteries or a 9 volt battery — which you can purchase anywhere. (The other two sources of power are AC power [American wall socket] and DC power [car charger]). If you like this, see the All-in-One Adapter, Converter & USB Charger (described below).

RFID Blocking Passport Case – $14.95

 

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification Devices. Newly-issued passports and credit cards have them, ostensibly to speed up transactions. Unfortunately, you also become a walking target: you can be a victim of identity theft without your wallet or credit card ever leaving your pocket or purse; all a thief has to do is scan your person from up to 30 feet away. With an RFID Blocking Passport Case, your passport and credit cards are safe, as well as nicely organized. It comes in black ballistic nylon and is also available in black leather for $19.95.

For Him: Water Bottle Belt Clip – $7.95

As a seasoned traveler, I believe the Water Bottle Belt Clip is one of the most practical items for travelers, ever. If you’re traveling to France, you probably won’t want to spend 2-4 euros every time you want water, but if you want to reuse a bottle, where do you keep it? The Water Bottle Belt Clip is the answer. It adjusts to fit nearly any bottle or can, and has a metal spring-loaded clip that keeps it securely at your hip or waist (or on a handbag or gym bag), keeping your hands free.

Triple Security TSA Lockdown Luggage Lock – $12.95

The lock allows you to lock your zippers together and secure the suitcase to an unmovable object while allowing the TSA access. You can also secure another suitcase to the handle.

Under $50

Portable Travel Humidifier – $32.95

How many times have you been in a hotel room where the air was drier than sandpaper? With the Portable Travel Humidifier you no longer need to suffer. The device fits on most bottles and automatically shuts off after 8 hours.

 

For Her: Screaming Personal Safety Alarm – $27.95

I already published a post on this: you pull the string of the Screaming Personal Safety Alarm and let it scream for you when you feel threatened. It hangs on a handbag or belt loop for easy reach. (Don’t worry, you can turn it off and reuse it.)

For Him: Leather Security Money Belt – $49.95

From a woman’s perspective, this belt looks smart (attractive). Bills are secured inside the fold of the belt. The belt comes in black and brown and adjusts to a 44-inch waist.

 

Travel Billow – Pillow & Blanket – $34.95

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh…….a travel pillow and blanket in one. I wish I had this on my most recent flight to Paris: it was an overnight flight, and while the service by the flight attendants was impressive, I was freezing in the cabin, even wearing a long-sleeved shirt, a cashmere sweater, and a heavy blazer. The blanket is stored inside the pillow; once the blanket is removed, you inflate the pillow. The Travel Billow comes in black, blue, and olive.

For Her: Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bag with RFID – $43.95

I love this handbag! Let me count the ways: RFID blocking pockets for credit cards and passports; two front flap pockets and a locking zipper pocket; an adjustable cut-proof shoulder strap; a rear zip pocket; a locking main compartment; a removable LED light; all in an eye-pleasing design. It comes in 7 colors: black, blue, stone, chocolate, purple, cranberry and olive. See the video for a complete explanation.

Under $100

All-in-One Adapter, Converter & USB Charger – $55.95

The name says it all: The device automatically detects in-bound voltage and converts it to 110 volts, and is safe to use for hair dryers, irons, and other small electrical products. It has a USB charger to charge your cell phone or iPad. It’s compatible in more than 150 countries: the only adapter configuration it doesn’t work with is the 3 round-pin used mainly in South Africa and India.

 

Pacsafe Travelsafe 12L GII Portable Safe – $99.95

Seasoned travelers often advise not to take anything with you when you travel that you would hate to lose, but sometimes it cannot be avoided. The Pacsafe Travelsafe 12L GII Portable Safe is sized to fit a 15-inch laptop; you can also use it to secure jewelry, cameras and documents. Just secure it to something that cannot be removed. It packs flat. Its patented system of a tightly woven, high-tensile, 1 1/2 inch flexible stainless steel wire mesh between two pieces of waterproof nylon (with an inner canvas layer for added protection) thwarts most slash-and-run thieves. A TSA accepted 3-dial combination lock is included.

 

For Him: Ogon Original RFID Blocking Aluminum Wallet – $29.95

 

The Ogon Original RFID Blocking Aluminum Wallet is suitable for men and women, but since it’s pocket-sized and sleek, I’m calling it a gift for men. Comes in three colors — black, turquoise blue, and silver, and you can’t beat the price.

 

 

 

 

Au revoir!

 

All images from CorporateTravelSafety.com, used with permission.

 

 

 

Holiday Deals to Paris!

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Have you ever thought of going to Paris for Christmas or a weekend? Check out these accommodation deals from France.com (from $275.00 per person/double occupancy for a weekend in Paris!) and find your flight separately.

Two deals that caught my eye are the 3-Day Christmas Package and Paris Weekend Budget Package. Here are the details for both.

3-Day Christmas Package
-Round trip shared shuttle from airport to hotel.
-2 nights at a 3-star hotel with breakfast included, your choice of La Regence Etoile, Royal Magda, or Hotel de Sevigne.
-Eiffel Tower lunch with skip-the-line entrance ticket to ET.
-Seine River Christmas Eve dinner with drinks.
-1 evening pass on Paris hop-on, hop-off bus.
-Price (from $495.00 per person) based on 2 people traveling together. Single supplement of $215.00 for 1 person booking alone.
Find your flight separately on TripAdvisor.com or Kayak (or on your own).

The cafe inside La Regence Etoile.

The cafe inside La Regence Etoile, one of the hotel choices for the 3-Day Christmas Package in Paris.

 

Paris Weekend Budget Package (Available on weekends only)
-Round trip shared shuttle from airport to hotel.
-2 nights at a 3-star hotel with breakfast included, your choice of three hotel selections (selections offered at time of booking).
-Louvre skip-the-line entrance ticket.
-Seine River Cruise ticket.
-3 Paris metro tickets (per person).
-Price (from $275 per person) based on 2 people traveling together. Single supplement of $175.00 for 1 person booking alone.
Find your flight separately on TripAdvisor.com or Kayak (or on your own).

 

Source: France.com Paris Packages – France.com

TripAdvisor Discount Flights

Kayak Flights Comparison

 

Au revoir!

 

Image of La Regence Etoile found on Pinterest CCBY 2.0.

 

Two Articles on Paris Attacks Aftermath: Paris is Recovering, and Why Americans Should Go

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The citizens of Paris are going back to the cafes. Rick Steves says Americans should join them.

Parisians are going back to the cafes and museums. Americans should join them.

Parisians are going back to the cafes and museums. Americans should join them.

Here are two articles from The Washington Post on Paris in the wake of the attacks on November 13. The first shows the citizens of Paris are not giving in to terror — they’re going back to the cafes and museums and going on with the business of living — even laughing at a defiant comedian who compared the Islamic State’s war on French culture to bringing a “philosophy of rigorous self-abnegation to a pastry fight.” The second article offers advice from my favorite travel guide, Rick Steves, on why Americans should travel to Paris after the attacks. One point worth mentioning: He says that if Americans stay home because 130 people were killed in Paris (with a population of 2 million), they’ll be staying in a country where over 30,000 people per year (or nearly 100 per day, out of 320 million) are killed each year due to gun violence.

Source: Cafes and museums of Paris, staggered by attacks, begin revival – The Washington Post

Source: Travel guru Rick Steves on why Americans should go abroad after terror in Paris – The Washington Post

Paris (and France as a whole) has increased security to keep their citizens and tourists safe. Let’s not give in to terror or to terrorists and stop traveling. If we do, the terrorists will have won.

Vive la France!

Blogging on Paris for 6 Months: I Never Would Have Known…

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Blogging about Paris has expanded my world in ways I couldn’t have counted on, like introducing me to French pop music. To me, Garou — who’s featured in the YouTube video — sounds like American singer Gordon Lightfoot — with a dash of French soul.

As of yesterday, November 29, I’ve been blogging about Paris for six months. I thought I’d share how my involvement with Paris has helped me, and some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

My trip to Paris last year saved my life. I don’t mean to overstate a point, but it is the truth. I’ve been through a great deal — including losing everything I owned prior to 2009 — and I wondered how I would ever “get my groove back.” Devastating pain made me remember what was first important to me, and France was the first thing I ever really cared about as a kid. I always wanted to hear about it, read about it, visit the country — which I first did in 1976 — and eat French food. In fact, the first thing I ever cooked was a crepe. (And I didn’t burn the house down.) With a surprise windfall, I went to Paris last year for a month and decided to write about it. As a result, I have a zest for life that I haven’t had in a long time.

Blogging (and my Paris trip) has opened the door to new opportunities. I discovered TripAdvisor and am now a Top Contributor with over 20,000 readers: My TripAdvisor reviews help to build my brand and give me writing experience. Who would have thought 20,000 people would be interested in what I have to say? Not me! Also, my website/blog has helped me improve my technological skills: I’ve learned about the technical points of digital imaging, become proficient in uploading digital images using a variety of platforms, learned WordPress, and how to use Google Maps and Google Earth (God-sends for anyone trying to immerse themselves in a foreign culture). While it has been challenging, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. In addition, the devastation I’ve faced plus the challenging, rewarding experience of blogging has opened the door to me being featured in an upcoming issue of “Women of Distinction Magazine.” I am excited and honored to be featured in it.

Blogging well is harder and more time-consuming than I thought. Any writer knows that to write well, one has to read a lot. I’ve generally been an avid reader, but I haven’t been able to read as much as I’d like. Consequently, my writing has suffered: More often than I’d like to admit, the prose has been stuck in my head. I’m going to try writing draft posts on paper like I did before I published: There seems to be something to words flowing from my head to pen to paper that gets my creative juices working. Admittedly, it isn’t just writing that takes an enormous amount of time. Sometimes I have to learn to do something new before using an image. Also, looking for just the right image for a post can set me back, since I’m not satisfied with just any image — it has to be the right one. 

I am immersing myself in French culture and I love it. I don’t want to just help people get to Paris, I also want to educate people on French culture and clarify myths and misconceptions. This means, of course, that I have to first learn (as an example) the origin of the phrase “pardon my French” before uttering a curse word came about before I can write about it. (The phrase evolved in England during the Hundred Years War between England and France in the 13th century: the English blamed all things vulgar as being from France.)

Speaking of the French language: I am so excited to say I’m (finally) learning French! I took French a long time ago (in a galaxy far, far away) and my circumstances at the time conspired to force me to drop it. It is one of the things I regret most about my early life. Immersing myself in French culture helped open this door for me. I found a great workbook (“French” by Danielle de Gregory) and French flash cards (by Quickstudy), and “Learn French With Alexa” videos on Youtube is the final piece of the learn-French trifecta that brings it all together. I previously learned English by phonics; Alexa is just what I was looking for in a French teacher.  She is French and has many years’ experience teaching French. She knows what she’s doing and she’s so funny, too. I also listen to RJM French Radio on the TuneIn radio app to help me learn French. Some of my favorite artists include Garou (oh, my, I love his voice), Celine Dion, Louane (“Jour un”), Johnny Hallyday, (“J’ai oublie de vivre”), and Christine and the Queens’ “Ca ne tient pas debout.” With the release of “La Vie en Rose” in 2008, I already had been introduced to Edith Piaf, one of the greatest French singers ever. French pop music is just as delightful to my ears.

I continue to seek ways to work and live in Paris. My heart and mind are with the victims and their families of the November 13th attacks. People have asked me if I was glad I wasn’t in Paris then; to the contrary, I wish I was there to give comfort and hope where they are needed.

 

Vive la France!

The 45 Best Things To Do In Paris – December 2015

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There’s a lot to do in Paris during the holiday season. Start your planning with Paris Insiders Guide’s recommendations for best things to do in December 2015. Activities include museum exhibits, castles, a recommended restaurant, and of course, Christmas lights.

Source: The 45 Best Things To Do In Paris – December 2015 | Paris Insiders Guide

Paris on a rare snowy day.

Paris on a rare snowy day.

You might think there is less to do in Paris in the winter time, but the only thing you’ll see less of are the long lines to get into museums and monuments. As a general rule, Paris doesn’t get very cold during winter — when I was there in December 2014, the temperature didn’t get much below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees Celsius). It did rain a lot, however — but that didn’t deter me from enjoying the city. There’s nothing like waking up in Paris to the sound of rain hitting the rooftop and windows.

Here are four activities that caught my eye in The 45 Best Things to do in Paris in December:

Picasso's Guernica will be exhibited at the Grand Palais until February 29, 2016.

Picasso’s “Guernica” will be exhibited at the Grand Palais until February 29, 2016.

1. Pablo Picasso and the Modern Masters at the Grand Palais. Exhibit ends February 29, 2016. Metro: Champs-Elysees Clemenceau. The Modern Masters portion of the exhibit includes works by Roy Lichtenstein, Jasper Johns and Andy Warhol. Click here for the Grand Palais website and to book tickets. Price ranges depending on day of the week.

 

Chateau d'Amboise was a fortress, so it was built 81 meters (about 88.5 feet) high.

Chateau d’Amboise was a fortress, so it was built 81 meters (about 88.5 feet) high.

2. Private Tour: Loire Valley Castles Day Trip From Paris. Choose between two sets of castles (chateaux, or singular, chateau) — Amboise, Checoneau and Chambord, or Villandry, Langeais and Azay le Rideau — and enjoy lunch at an 18th century inn or at the park of Chateau de Langeais. Price varies depending on season and number of people in your party. Click here to book or see availability.

 

Chef Jerome Banctel heads Le Gabriel restaurant.

Chef Jerome Banctel heads Le Gabriel restaurant.

3. Featured Restaurant: Le Gabriel at La Reserve Hotel. The restaurant is headed by Chef Jerome Banctel and features a Japanese-French Fusion menu. The restaurant is located within La Reserve Hotel. Click here for a review by Paris Insiders Guide. Click here to see the rave reviews given by TripAdvisor users. Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt.

 

Christmas lights on the Champs-Elysees near the Arc de Triomphe in 2014.

Christmas lights on the Champs-Elysees near the Arc de Triomphe in 2014.

4. The Christmas Lights along the Champs-Elysees are positively beautiful no matter how you view them. Walk arm-and-arm with someone you love and take in the lights. You’ll never be the same.

Please note: It is my information that the Christmas Markets are closed due to the terror attacks in Paris on November 13.

Au revoir. 

 

 

Image of Snowy Christmas at Eiffel Tower by CanStockPhoto. Image of Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica” by Martine, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Chateau d’Amboise by Christina Hsu, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.  Image of Chef Jerome Banctel by Rota das Estrelas, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Christmas lights on the Champs-Elysees by Elsa L. Fridl.

 

 

 

 

Terrorist Attacks in Paris: What Visitors Need to Know

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Following the tragic terrorist attacks of November 13th in Paris, France, About Travel offers specific information and advice for tourists and visitors.

Source: Terrorist Attacks in Paris: What Visitors Need to Know

The Eiffel Tower is lit in France's flag colors of blue, white and red in memory of those slain on Friday, November 13, 2015.

The Eiffel Tower is lit in France’s flag colors of blue, white and red in memory of those slain on Friday, November 13, 2015.

Here is some information and advice from About Travel about traveling to Paris at the present time. I have summarized some points and copied other points in their entirety. If you have any questions about traveling to Paris, please complete my “Contact Elsa” form, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

The Attacks: Main Facts
Summarizes the where and when of the attacks, police raids and investigation. Most of the attacks occurred in the 10th and 11th arroundissements, not far from the Charlie Hebdo offices.

The Aftermath in Paris: Shock and Mourning
French President Francois Hollande issued a statement in which he called the attacks “an act of absolute barbarism” and promised that “France will be ruthless in its response to [ISIS].”

But he also called for national unity and for “cool heads,” warning against intolerance or divisiveness following the attacks.

In addition, he designated three days of national mourning, so all city and state museums, schools, and public places were closed over the weekend following the attacks.

Tributes, Memorials & City Initiatives
From Monday, November 16 through Wednesday, November 18 the Eiffel Tower will be illuminated with the colors of the French flag — blue, white and red — in memory of the victims.

The city’s Latin motto “Fluctuat Nec Mergitur” — which translates to “Tossed, But Not Sunk” — is on banners all around the city, including the Eiffel Tower.

Getting In and Out of Paris/France
France’s borders have not been closed. Security has been tightened at airports, train stations, and ferry launch points, so expect significant delays.

Companies including Eurostar, EasyJet, Ryanair, Air France, and British Airways have offered free exchanges on tickets for travelers who elected not to travel to or from Paris on the day following the attacks. Call their helplines for more information.

Metro and Public Transportation
All metro, bus, and RER lines in Paris are currently running normally, with the exception of the Oberkampf metro station (line 5) which is closed, and the station St Denis (line 13), closed for security reasons due to a police raid underway in the suburb.

Closures Around the City and Bolstered Security Measures 
During the weekend following the attacks, all city and state-run museums and cultural attractions, including the Louvre, the Palace at Versailles, and the Eiffel Tower, were closed for three days of national mourning.

The Eiffel Tower is again open on Wednesday the 18th of November, after closing for security reasons on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, November 18th, all municipal and state museums and monuments were re-opened, except for the Arc de Triomphe which has not yet announced a re-opening date.

Disneyland Paris also re-opened its doors on Wednesday after a four-day closure. The Versailles palace re-opened on Tuesday, November 17th under tightened security.

Other public city events, including the annual Christmas markets and holiday lights ceremonies, were canceled in the week after the attacks. The holiday markets, including the biggest on the Champs-Elysees, were mostly open as of Wednesday, November 18th. The lit ferris wheel at the Place de la Concorde is also now open.

However, holiday lights ceremonies were postponed or cancelled around the city in the week after the attacks, including the largest lights display scheduled to kick off on the Champs Elysees, which has been postponed until further notice. Check back for updates on whether those will go forward.

In addition, many stores, shops, restaurants and bars across the capital were closed over the weekend following the attacks, in observance of national mourning. These private businesses have been re-opening at their owners’ discretion. Call ahead to verify re-opening dates and times.

For more information on current closures and re-openings of popular attractions, monuments, and museums, see this page at the Paris Tourist Office.

Official Security Advisories 
As this went to press, no advisories against visiting Paris or the rest of France have been issued by the embassies and consulates of English-speaking countries. However, they do advise caution and vigilance.

The American Embassy in Paris published the following advisory to U.S. nationals visiting France on their official website: ” We strongly urge U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security, including limiting their movements to essential activity. U.S. citizens are encouraged to monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.”  You can read the rest of their advice, including on how to register with the Embassy during your stay (recommended), at their official website.

To find your own embassy or consulate and any safety advisories published there, see this page.

Is it Safe to Visit Paris? Should I Cancel my Trip? 
Personal safety is a highly, well, personal issue, and I can’t offer any hard-and-fast advice on what nervous or anxious travelers should do. It’s entirely normal to feel some apprehension after these events. Consider these points before canceling your trip to Paris.

Security is probably at its highest ever at the moment. 
Despite what you might be reading or seeing on certain cable news outlets, France does take security very seriously, and officials have successfully intercepted and foiled many attacks in the past.

Moreover, following this recent tragedy, Paris is being patrolled by unprecedented numbers of police and military personnel, especially in crowded areas, public transport, and places frequented by tourists, including monuments, museums, markets and large shopping centers. Your risks are probably lower than usual due to these heightened precautions. While government officials acknowledge that more attacks are possible, they are showing extreme vigilance and working their very best to protect the city, its residents, and its visitors.

Read related: How to Stay Safe in Paris: Top Tips
[Elsa’s Note: With the exception of the section included here, all others are a refresher, such as protect yourself against pickpockets.] Especially when traveling alone, avoid areas around metro Les Halles, Chatelet, Gare du Nord and Stalingrad late at night or when the streets appear less than crowded. While generally safe, these areas have at times been known to harbor gang activity or to be the site of hate crimes. In addition, avoid traveling to the Northern Paris suburbs of Saint-Denis, Aubervilliers, Saint-Ouen, etc. after dark. Visitors to the above-mentioned areas may also take precautions by keeping a low profile and by refraining from wearing highly visible jewelry or clothing that identify them as members of a religion or political movement. As this goes to press, antisemitic and other hate crimes have been on the rise in the Paris region, but have largely been perpetrated outside the city walls.

We live in a world of complex risks, and we take those risks constantly. 
Just as you can’t guarantee that getting in your car for your morning commute to work won’t result in a car crash, or that you won’t be a victim of random gun violence at a supermarket, travel carries a degree of risk. The rather sobering truth is that terrorism knows few to no borders in our age: to fear Paris over any other major metropolis is to completely misunderstand how terrorists operate.

Life in Paris must go on…and without your help, it won’t. 
Paris is the number-one tourist destination in the world. The city needs, above all, to heal and rebound from this terrible tragedy, but without the help of tourists who contribute largely to its economic health and vibrancy, it’s not likely to succeed.

 

Vive la France. 

 

Image of Eiffel Tower lit up in blue, white and red by Yann Caradec, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Images of Memorial at French Embassy by Elsa L. Fridl. “Peace for Paris” by Jackman Chlu, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.

Material adapted from an About Travel email dated November 17, 2015. No copyright infringement is intended. The author only means to share important safety information with travelers.