Guest Blogger: The Ideal Pre-Travel Preparation Checklist

Photo Credit: www.publicdomainpictures.net

                                                                           By Joe Laing

It is great to be prepared for any eventuality, particularly when going on vacation. You can use this checklist to ensure your vacation can be the best it can be, without last minute panic setting in. Plan ahead and have a smooth, worry-free getaway time with your family.

Research Your Route and Destination
First things first! You need to determine where you are going and the route you will take to get there. Work out how long it will take you to get from place to place, including stops for meals, gas and breaks. In this way you can find attractions, parks or historical sites to see along the way, determine where you will be by nightfall and thus be able to make reservations at a motel, hotel or RV camping spot.
With the Internet and Google maps you can find nearby amenities, like restaurants, grocery stores, local pools or fitness centers. You can search for special deals on lodging or camping while you're at it. If you are going to pass through larger cities, you might research their public transit, as this gives you the opportunity to beat traffic but get to area attractions easily and quickly. Want to find out what kinds of entertainment you can enjoy while in one area? Local entertainment listings can be found by searching that town or city to see exactly what you can enjoy for an evening.

Set Up Care for the Pets and Your Home
When you have pets that must be cared for, you should contact the kennel or the pet-sitter to ensure they will be available for the time you are away. Your regular house-sitters should be scheduled in advance, and if they have other plans, so you need time to look around and book an available service.

Find out the Weather Forecast so You can Pack Right
Checking the weather is an important factor in knowing what to expect on your trip. Normally you'll find the climate very nice in Southern California, for example, but they do have intervals of rainy weather. Know what to pack for the weather you may experience at your destination. It could prevent you from getting very soggy as you visit a famous theme park or take a walking tour of a famous historic downtown area.

Prepare all Your Gadgets for Travel

As you prepare your vacation, download
free or inexpensive apps.
Photo Credit: http://travelfashiongirl.com

Your smartphone and laptop can keep you connected to home when necessary, but they can also provide you with entertainment on those down times you may experience. Another great feature for your smartphone is the ability to run multiple apps. Download free or very inexpensive apps that can do all sorts of great things for you on vacation, like identify animal tracks, find inexpensive gas stations wherever you are or list the best attractions to visit in a city or town.
For your use of a laptop, once you have mapped your trip, you can find places along the way that provide free WiFi. This makes it easy to log on and access your email or search Google. Google maps can prevent you from getting lost. Maybe you'll even start a little travel blog so you can keep your friends updated on your adventures. Oh, and don't forget your hands-free device and your charging cables.

Preparation in the Last Few Days
If you prepare properly, you won't come home to a disaster, whether at your own home or at work. Ensure your duties at work are covered by a co-worker or your boss; the essentials cared for so you don't come home to an in-box stuffed with emergencies. Get those incomplete matters handled as thoroughly as possible so you won't be "deserting" anyone or anything. At home, ensure the laundry is done and save some clothes for your return so you won't have a lot of washing to do. Make sure your house is clean and tidy. You don't want to walk in after time away to a space in complete disorder.

Pack Wisely for Your Trip

Photo Credit: http://pretzelcrisps.com

With everything else taken care of for your trip, now you can begin to pack. You can determine what you wish to take by making a complete and detailed list, like "toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, hairdryer, shaver, shaving cream, etc." Then when the time comes to put everything into your suitcases or into your RV, you can just mark off the items as you pack them. With a suitcase, roll your clothes instead of folding as this means fewer wrinkles. If you will be leaving the country, do not forget your passport.

When prepared for your journey, you can travel stress-free and enjoy some real relaxation, which you so deserve!

About the Author: Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV, your nationwide source for RV rentals. El Monte RV also sells used motorhomes through eight different locations across the United States.

What Is My Passion Thursdays: Sojourner's Family Travels & Tips

A few weeks ago we introduced to you travel blogger Sojourner.  Not only is she passionate about travel and volunteerism, she also has a passion that is so much more.  Ohm is his name.  The meaning... vibration of the universe.  And if you could see how this lil man could move about from the quickness he got out of his bright red stroller, to his fast-paced walk around the back courtyard of the restaurant we were eating at, you'll understand.  And that smile.  The pic above says it all.  His vibes are radiant!!

What is even more impressive is the fact that this recently turned 2 year-old has travelled quite a bit thanks to his adventurous mom and jazz musician father.  Where has he been... Japan, Mexico, Portugal, England, and Jamaica.  Whew, that's a world traveler in the making.  And for those that are unaware, many airlines allow children under the age of two to travel for free.  Now that he's 2 years-old, does it mean that the travel stops.  According to mom Sojourner, the answer is "No".  

While she'll have to be more savvy in researching airfare deals, she's not going to let the costs deter her from traveling with her family.  The great part is that as long as they travel with her husband during his international tours, his transportation and accommodations are covered.  Thereby, Sojourner needs to only cover Ohm and hers transportation costs.  As for other travel, she seeks locations that serve two purposes:  short weekend or holiday getaways that can be reached via car or a discounted airfare deal that is family friendly and exotic enough to serve as content for Sojourner's travel blog.

What tips can be taken away from Sojourner's and Ohm's travels?

1)  Take advantage of weekend getaway deals, especially when children are young.  If traveling by car, avoid late evening travel and get on the road early morning.

2)  Don't be afraid to travel with an infant.  Ohm got his passport at 3 months, and it's valid until he turns 6.  Let him/her sleep when need be (if on plane, your fellow passengers will thank you).  Bring games that will entertain during hours awake.  

3)  Combine personal and business travel, if permitted, as long as it is not too disruptive from child's school schedule.  Some schools even allow for such activity to be excused if you can supplement it with a current school assignment (English/Language Arts or Social Studies/Geography).

Travel Tuesdays: Meet First in Service Children's Travel Ambassador, Sophia G.

We saw this promo and was like..WOW!!  Sophia has been to some very exciting places. She also has some great travel tips!! The Thirst Project is a nonprofit organization that exists to raise awareness of and bring solutions to the clean water crisis through Education Outreach Programs that educate, equip and empower individuals to explore the human journey and take action in projects that create radical and sustainable global change, and champion hope and respect for the positive values of life.

Thirst Project

Also, to better serve your needs, please take a moment to complete a brief survey at the top right column.

Rhonda & Sharee

Travel Tuesdays: Meet Oneika

Welcome to our first post on Travel Tuesdays!

When we were deciding on what or whom our first topic would be about, we decided to go with an ambitious young lady who is actually from our friends up North (Canada) and felt compelled to share her story.  Oneika the Traveller just reached an exciting milestone-- 66 countries in 10 years while working full-time.

Photo Credit Via oneika-the-traveller.com

Read about Oneika's story here.

We also thought we'll provide some incite on our travel journey.  Although we don't have nearly as many years experience or passports stamps, traveling internationally has taught us a few things.

#1 We are all the same. We love and provide for ourselves and family; trust in someone bigger than us; and dance when no one is looking.

#2  Deals are around every corner.  Now that we are constantly on the hunt for our next trip, we are always watching for deals. Airline specials or vacation packages.  Off-season or in-season.  We are always scouring the internet.  Sometimes we get them; sometimes it's a miss.  But one thing for sure, another deal is on it's way.

#3 Speak their language and smile.  Even if all you know is a few words.  It makes a difference in the way you communicate to the locals and their newfound respect for your attempt at speaking their language no matter how much you butcher it up.

#4  Blacks travel too.  While there haven't been many, we have seen a few blacks during our international travels.  Although the numbers are far below other Americans, there are varied attempts to increase the numbers whether through college study abroad programs or initiatives like Facebook's Nomadness Travel that seek to increase the brown population presence abroad.

SC Teen Tamia B. Takes A Leap to Europe!

Sharee W, Tamia B., & Rhonda W.

SC teen Tamia B. Takes A Leap today, July 4, and heads to Europe for 19 days as a Student Ambassador via People to People.  It was a long hard road of saving and raising money, but the efforts paid off.  You can read more about her story here and our mission to help her here.

Quebec City, Canada (Videos)

We are excited about Phase II of Take A Leap. The Career Mentee/Mentor component will encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and go for your personal dreams. No more "woulda", "coulda", "shoulda".

View the two videos below of the beautiful sights of Quebec City, Canada, where we will be staying during MLK weekend 2014. Get your Passport and lets Cross over the Border.

Join us for the Take A Leap Career Mentoring Program International Retreat. New website coming SOON!!!

We would love to read your comments about Phase II of Take A Leap. Are you on the fence of starting a new career or striking out on your own? Do you need a career mentor/coach to help encourage you and keep you accountable?

Rhonda W.

Studio Charleston Indiegogo Campaign

Studio Charleston

Rhonda and I are excited to have an opportunity to head up north in a few weeks to visit a film set in
Toronto, Canada.  We will also take the time to film another webisode of Take A Leap.  For those of you that aren't aware, since June 2009, a valid passport is needed for anyone traveling to Canada by air, land, and sea.  And since Take A Leap highlights countries where a passport stamp is required, we decided that it'll be our next documented adventure.

It is interesting to know that Toronto's film and television cluster ranks third in North America, and it's augmented by their varied production options and consistent tax credits.  This is a major selling point as to whether a full scale production will shoot at a particular location.  Not only does this create a pool of creative and technical talent, but it pumps millions of dollars into the economy.

South Carolina has lost out on many opportunities to have movies made here because of their noncompetitive film incentives.  I don't want to go into the political aspect of it, but I thought I'll share this Indiegogo Campaign which only has a few hours remaining to raise $35,000.  They are currently below expectations, but any monetary amount raised from contributions will help keep Studio Charleston, a premiere Film/TV production facility based in Charleston, SC, open for business.  This studio was key in bringing the movie Dear John to South Carolina, in addition to several independent projects. Please consider donating today!!

Pictures from China

Forbidden City in Beijing, China.

Summer Palace (Built 1750) in Beijing, China. Supposed to have served as a
Summer Resort for Empress Dowager Cixi.
Frozen lake below.

Nǐ hǎo/Hello,

It's been two weeks since we have been back. Below are some of the many pictures from our trip to China. Enjoy!!!

A fish with it's head seprated
from it's body. We did not eat the head.

Sharee posing with snow in the background,
outside a Beijing hotel.

Rhonda, still all smiles after a 12.5hrs plane ride
 from Los Angeles, CA to Beijing.

Chinese Culture: Longevity. Always together.
Male (left w/ball under paw) &
Female (right w/baby under paw)

Sharee in a cave in Shanghai, China.

Rhonda posing with Life size replicas
of the Terra Cotta Soldiers.

Two pandas in Chengdu, China.

Sharee & a fellow traveler with the crowded
train station in the background. 

Xiè xiè/Thank you,

Rhonda W.

Squaters: Women's toliets in China,
on the floor.  Remember to bring tissue.

5 Travel Tricks & Tips For Travelistas on the Go

My sister and I are prepping for our trip to Italy in less than 3 weeks, and this topic is so timely.  As we begin to individually pack and take note of the tips provided in our travel brochure with Collette Vacations, we came up with these 5 travel tricks and tips for travelistas on the go!!

#1)  Luggage- know the luggage size and weight requirements.  While many international flights include at least one checked luggage, it is important to know the size and weight requirements.  You can be accessed fees for luggage that exceed requirements or if you have one too many bags.  Please consult with scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination.

#2) Clothing & Packing- during the day, a casual dress style and comfortable walking shoe is highly recommended.  You should also dress in layers that may be added or removed as the temperature changes.  It's is also suggested to pack a raincoat, umbrella, and/or waterproof shoes during rainy season.  For special evenings, smart casual attire is preferred. Jeans, shorts and sneakers are not recommended.  A dress and sandals are good options.  Other items to pack outside of clothing are a camera (still photo or video), batteries, recharging equipment (ie..cell phone), a travel alarm, sewing kit, and hand sanitizer.  You should pack in your carry-on any prescription medicine and articles of value. Avoid over packing because you may want to bring home souvenirs or new clothes.

#3) Currency- local currency is needed for meals, gratuities, and small items such as postcards and postage.  If you carry a major credit card or debit card, make sure you contact your credit card company and/or bank, and let them know where you will be traveling so that you can avoid rejection of services.  It is also recommended to to have the retailer charge in the local currency than in US dollars.  A final tip, as related to money, is to obtain local currency money through an ATM machine at the destination rather than through an exchange service at the Airport. Contact your bank for ATM locations at your destination.

#4) Long Flight- it is important that you hydrate and stretch while flying.  Getting up every 2 to 2 1/2 hour is recommended.  Drink plenty of liquids, especially water.

#5) Passport- bring a copy of your passport and other identification.  It should be packed separately from the original, and a copy left at home and a relative and/or friend, along with your itinerary (if known), and an emergency number (ie...accommodation).

Travelistas, do you find these tips helpful?

Take A Leap...Moving Fwd Part II

The Indiegogo campaign has ended and we raised $480 ($420 with fees taken into consideration).  We have our entire hearts into this project and will see it through.  We paid the final payment for our trip to Italy in November last week.  We have received our airline details, and airline tickets will be sent within the next month.  It's interesting to note that daylight savings times will be going on during our travel to Italy. We'll actually get to stay in Rome one additional hour.  How exciting!!  We are in the process of getting our funds together for the final payment of our December trip to China due in early October.  God is our provider and will make our provisions. We do believe!!

I've entitled this post moving forward part II because there is so much more that is needed to make Take A Leap get off the ground (pun intended) other than money.  We are revving up our efforts to put into play our next initiative.  One of the points that I made early on when I started this blog was how it was more than about chronicling Black Expats.  Yes, that's our premise, but our mission is so much more. We want to encourage more people to obtain Passports, take a Gap Year, or make career transitions.

A story many people don't know about is that last year this time we helped a friend Take A Leap by following her passion to head out to Los Angeles to become an actress.  Her story does not have a fairy tale ending with her landing "the role of a lifetime", but she's constantly knocking on doors, and ever so grateful for our help to get her there.  We were able to utilize hotel bonus nights points and although we didn't quite have enough frequent flier points, we were able to provide funds for a low-cost one way flight to LA.

Via Sean Kelly, LA Times

I share this story because our next initiative is to start a Take A Leap Hotel Bonus Nights and Frequent Flier Miles Club.  We want to make it possible for people to donate either unused or expiring points from hotel stays and airline flights.  We'll share in a later posts how the new initiative will work but it will essentially benefit two fold.

One--half the hotel and mileage points donated will support Rhonda and I in future Take A Leap travels.  We have been asked to consider France, UK, Latin America, and S. Africa as future locations to chronicle Black Expats.  This is exciting for us, but also overwhelming because of the costs involved and we don't want to constantly be asking for money time and time again.  Having our flights and accommodations covered via donated points seems like a less invasive way of asking for HELP!!

Two--half the hotel and mileage points donated will support people who we either know personally or will extend an invitation to.  The purpose will be to help someone Take A Leap to travel domestically in US or internationally in pursuit of career goals; Gap Year or Sabbatical; cultural experience; Volunteer opportunity; or other.

Do you have a Take A Leap experience that you've taken or plan to take? Would you like to benefit from the donated points of our new initiative? Please comment or email us weconnectedprod@gmail.com.

Sharee

Take A Leap....Moving Fwd!!

We have a little more than 50 hours before our Take A Leap Indiegogo Fundraising Campaign ends.  We will likely not reach our goal of raising $5500.  Yet, we are grateful to those who have contributed thus far and those who wanted to give, but were not in a position to do so. We will be able to use the funds contributed to pay for our China Visas.  All remaining Take A Leap expenses that we outlined will be paid for through a combination of personal savings and credit cards.

As is, we will be moving forward from the funding aspect and will concentrate on the experiences of Black Expats.  If you notice, I've started to use the term Black more often because we are finding that our audience is beyond African-Americans, but also Black Canadians, Bahamanians, Jamaicans, Afrikaans, and a host of related races.  Yet no matter where we go, we're called Black/Negro/Morocha or the like.

I was talking to a Caucasian woman the other day.  And she shared with me that she never gave a thought that Blacks may have a different experience than she would in another country.  And while I shared with her fundamentally there are many similar experiences, it is also interesting to know that less than 10% of Blacks (at least in America) have a Passport.  And in many countries, we are considered a rarity.  It is common for some Europeans to never have seen a Black person face to face. Only on TV or Magazines.  Thereby, they tend to request taking a picture or to touch our skin or hair.

It is also common place to be stereotyped based on what one sees on TV or read about in Magazines.  They think we must be rich to be visiting their country, and that we're related to P Diddy or Oprah! What!! I mean, who thinks like that.  Yet, I remember being young in school thinking that there was only Black or White.  It wasn't until high school that I found myself friends with "foreigners".  Point is, we live in a world now that is a true melting pot.

It reminds me of the phrase commonly used by Pilots when flying on an airplane.  "Folks, we've reached our cruising altitude, feel free to move about the cabin."  I feel that way about this global world we live in.  Feel free to move around country to country.  And if you follow the blogs to the right, you'll see they are out there. Moving around.  Some for careers.  Some for adventure. Some for love.  Some to find their purpose.  And Take A Leap will be there to share their stories.

If you believe in what we are doing, there is still time to give.  And if you don't have anything to give, that's OK.  Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.  Keep reading our blog.  And share a comment or two.  What will it take for you to Take A Leap and travel the world??

Why Int'l Travel?

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

I'm not sure where this quote came from, but Rhonda and I have lived by this motto all our lives.  Our parents have always put an emphasis on travel. During the summer we'll make our way along the East Coast to visit family and friends, and a few attractions along the way (Six Flags Amusement Park, Howard University, Virginia Beach, etc). Neither of us took advantage of major travel during college because of lack of finances, and it's one of our biggest regrets. It wasn't until my first professional job did I realize that there was such a thing as business travel. Hence, in the past twelve years, we have both taken advantage of professional development opportunities that haven taken us from the East Coast to the West Coast.  So when our local community college advertised a tour to Italy via the Humanities Department four years ago, we couldn't let the opportunity pass us  by.  Our 8 days of international travel in May 2009 was very enjoyable, and to this day, I would look at my Passport and say, where to next??

In the past year Rhonda and I have followed several blog sites of African-Americans who have traveled abroad extensively. The idea for our show came about because we were fascinated by their outlook on life and the different journeys that led them to Take A Leap. Everyone we've talked to said that faith played a huge part in their journey. Yes, they missed their families like crazy and it can get expensive to live abroad (depending on destination), but many would not trade their experiences for the world.  

Another interesting take about international travel is that you can be yourself even in the midst of "cultural shock".  Or as is often the case, a better version of yourself.  Rhonda and I can be quite reclusive outside of work, but when we were overseas we found ourselves enjoying  "la mia dolce vita" which means "the sweet life". We woke up every morning eager to meet new people and explore new sites.  We kept that feeling going as we returned to the US, and it propelled us to do any and everything God set on our paths, no matter the obstacles.  Gone were the worries about finances. God has and will continue to make the provisions. Gone were the doubts that our family wouldn't understand. They are our biggest "cheerleaders" and "prayer warriors".  Gone were the demands of time, because tomorrow isn't promised. Take A Leap and show your support by donating to our funding campaign at http://indiegogo.com/takealeap.  $20 will get you a souvenir from a destination of choice that we'll be visiting, and copy of our DVD compilation of four short films.