Avoid Disasters..Yes You Can!

I recently received this article "Top Ten Disasters You Can Avoid" by Independent Travelers . Some of these top ten tips are great for our circumstances and so it made me think of what Top Ten guidelines I would own. So here's my top ten (using some of theirs) and hopefully like the article for me, you can use some of my tips as well.

1. Call your credit card company. Make a simple call and let them know you are leaving the country and where and when you will be gone. Confirm a toll free number in case of emergency.

2. Don't forget your passport & documents. Get a basket and start to put those item in it as the departure date approach. Do it when you thought about it. Like NOW!

3. Itinerary in your luggage & carry-on. It takes just a few minutes, but can save your life. Well it feels like it when you loose your suitcase or purse. Write down your flight and resort contact. Write your week's schedule so the airline can get your luggage to you. As well as your mobile number so they can reach you about your luggage.

4. Where did I park my car? Snap a photo of the parking lot section number with your phone camera or write it down on your parking lot ticket. Great idea Independent traveler!

5. Keys? Roger has this climbing hook called a carabiner. Its a handy item to hook your keys and attach it to your carry-on. It stays in place and the carabiner comes in various sizes and colors.

6. Pick Me Up please? Whether its a family or friend picking you up or perhaps a limo driver. Get their email and you can email your confirmation/reminder from the NOW Jade Riviera Resort Preferred Club Lounge. Or make a copy of the contact information & itinerary that goes into your luggage as a reminder.

7. Leave Early? There are a number of websites you can check traffic, weather and such. But nothing works best then plenty of time. So leave early and so what if you get there early. Relax have a cup of something and grab a magazine to take on the plane!

8. Stop mail? Paper? You don't want to alert the burglars that you are out of town by not canceling your paper and mail. Also if you are in good with neighbors, let them know your absence and return the favor for them on their next trip.

9. Nightmare Seats? Plane is full and no option to move. Remember, you're on vacation, it's not forever. Grab those head phone and maybe a nice drink to calm you down. It's mind over matter...really!

10. In-Flight Food? I don't think so, those days are gone or far and few between. So plan ahead and prepare a little. You can always get a drink but bring something from home and your crankiness and gurgling stomach will be a lot happier.

Photo provided by Flickr.HenriqueVicente

What do I REALLY need to pack?

Some of you may have started to at least think about what you should take with you. It's gonna be warm (80 plus) during the day and a bit cool (mid-60's perhaps) pending the humidity at night! The resort is casual during the day and casual elegant at night so boys bring your "Big Boy Pants" & Loafers...ladies, I trust your judgement.

Alex let me know that electrical adapters are not necessary her at the resort and there is a safe for your 13" laptop computer if you want to bring it. So before you pack...check these amenities from the

NOW Jade Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa below.

All suites include:

• One king size or two double beds
• Jacuzzi tub for two
• Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities
• Marble floors
• Plush bathrobes and slippers
• Hair dryer
• Direct dial phone
• Cable TV
• Daily refreshed mini bar
• Electronic safe box that accommodates up to 13” laptop
• Electronic keyhole
• Alarm clock with MP3 / Ipod connector
• Air conditioning with individual climate control
• 24-hour room service
• Iron & board

In Addition to the above suite amenities our "Preferred Club" accommodations include:

• Personalized check-in and checkout with concierge service
• Living room in Preferred Club Suites and Preferred Club Governor Suites
• Outdoor Jacuzzi on balcony in the Preferred Club suites
• Fine bath amenities
• Upgraded mini-bar and room service menu
• Pillow menu
• Access to Mercure Restaurant for à la carte breakfast
• Two 32” LCD TVs
• Complimentary in-suite Internet access and daily newspaper (English/Spanish)
• Preferred Club Lounge
• Access to the adults-only pool (Not exclusive to Preferred Club guests)
• Daily continental breakfast service in the Preferred Club lounge
• Afternoon hors d’oeuvres; exquisite desserts & fine liquors
• Complimentary computer access
• Secrets Box for private room service delivery

Photo provided by Flickr:cote

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR PLANE RIDE?

It never hurts to implement your preparation and planning tactics for your trip. In fact early is always better. So take charge and know your airline guidelines. As those days are truly gone when one can fly in and out of the airport transportation system at a last moment for the most part. So make a list and check it twice, so your kick off to your vacation getaway is a smooth landing. Oh and for those of us who don't travel much or are retired and not on the business savvy mode for travel. Well, definitely don't wait to the last minute. Below are some reminders and perhaps you might add a few more to the list that I might have missed.

Pre & Post Airport

Some of our guests, like Marty & Buzz & Karen have a regular driver they use for their airport transportation shuttle. Roger & I, well we have done the limo service and also have utilized the stay & park option at a hotel near the airport. What ever your plans are don't forget this part of the trip.

Airline Baggage Fees & Guidelines

Now is probably a good time to check out your airline website for baggage requirements. Each airline is different and believe me there are a number of airlines among our group. So double check so you aren't surprised when you arrive to find out it's gonna cost you a $50 spot because your luggage is excess of the weight requirement or you have two or more luggage pieces, ugh!

Proper ID, Passport & Documents

Passport, passport,passport...and don't forget your Driver License or ID...you know you won't be passing GO and certainly not collecting anything, not even a wave through. So don't forget this important document. Also grab your confirmation number or print out your airline ticket info and also grab your resort documents (yes, it's in the mail). What's important is you get these documents together or you are not going very far!

Re-Confirm E-Tickets & Check-In & Flights

You thing life changes? ...well so do flight schedules and airlines. I think some of us had that happen on this very trip already with Mexicana Airlines. So whatever carrier you are on, just be sure you make the call or go on line...and check! Muy importante, mi amigo!

Packing/Carry-on/Security-Inspections

So you think that crying baby is awful. Well don't be a part of the problem. You know you are going to have to go through security and it's a routine you might as well get use too. So do your homework, check yourself and your carry-on. Here's a link to TSA if you need it. But make it simple --- do yourself and others a big favor and leave your rodeo cowboy belt buckle and favorite pedicure tools in the checked luggage. Oh and don't forget about shoes...slip on are the fastest and easiest.

Suitcase ID/itinerary

Do you ever look out the window to your airplane while they load the luggage? How about paying attention and gaze around to the number of people pulling/carrying their luggage? All this adds up to a lot of baggage and there is a reason the airline has a lost & found. Figure out what you're gonna pack and then remember to include your trip schedule with address and contact. If your luggage gets lost at least the airline can get it back to you, even at the resort - if they had an address and when you were going to be there, right?

Health & Safety

Although we're heading to warmer weather. Count on someone having a cold or flu or a nasty sneeze or cough. Take the time to prepare and plan not waiting to the last minute, get a good night sleep, plenty of "Vitamin Good" fluids. And bring a light sweater or jacket to use as your

airplane blanket and/or pillow. My rule is that if the blanket or pillow is sealed in a plastic bag I use it. If not, I pass...not sure who had it before and don't want to catch a sneeze or cough spray on the community item! I also read that eating yogurt helps your digestive system to combat Montezuma's Revenge...well perhaps get your stomach in training just in case?

Essential Comforts & Needs

The days of meals/food/snacks and drinks are a thing of the pass unless of course you are perhaps first class? So again think ahead and see what you can bring. Check with Transportation Security Administration or some link online as fresh fruit may be healthy but may have restrictions. Don't always assume that the airport is a way of getting food either. Sometimes it's no better then the pre-package airplane food that they want $10 for but worth $1.50, if that! Oh I believe the flight between LAX to CUN is about 4.5 hours. Not a lot of time but it may be awhile before we get to the resort for some eats. So bringing something along is a good back-up. I know from experience Roger is not a fun travelmate when he's hungry....so you can count on me to prepare & plan for this.

Lastly, you are gonna need to fill out forms before you get off the plane in Cancun. So bring a pen & for us oldies, but goodies?! Don't forget your glasses & pills!

Photo provided by Flickr:RalphHockens

PACKING YET?

Just wondering if you are thinking of packing yet? Seems early? Planning helps and a bit of organization does as well. Our travel agent Alex has laid out her clothes and is ready to go. Okay so we're not that efficient, but she is prepared and has a bit more to think of then perhaps we do. So planning ahead does have it's benefits.

For most of you expert travelers, I know you are thinking how grateful you are for the warmer climate. Tropic region means less clothes and casual. So do pack light!

Color coordinate and accessorizing also help. Important advise? Leave expensive jewelry at home. Our colors for the renewal ceremony will be ivory/white, navy/black, Caribbean Ocean blues - like turquoise, sea foam green, tiffany blue, get the picture? If you can wear your attire, in one or more of these colors, that would be great for our photo opportunity. Shorts are fine. Remember, the days are casual and evening is casual elegance. I already wrote about casual elegance so check the blog if you haven't read it yet.

Oh and in my research although Roger didn't think it was necessary. Like I'm gonna listen to him, right? A recommendation was to bring a travel mug. Preferably a larger one. I know my brother Reagan has these for his morning coffee...might even be from the AM/PM Arco Gas Station...it's huge! But these mugs are perfect for keeping those morning gulp coffee hot and in the afternoon it keeps your Pina Colada cold & icy. Trust me, the hotel glasses will be moderate to small. You can imagine why, right? Okay so now Roger is thinking LARGE, QUANTITY of BOMBAY MARTINI by the mug, hmm, perhaps not a bad recommendation after all.

So here's a couple of additional links to get your thoughts processing to create your own list:

USA TODAY TRAVEL

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/packing-tips-all-inclusive-vacation-12498.html

ABOUT.COM

http://honeymoons.about.com/cs/travelplanner/a/Packing_List.htm

VIRTUALTOURIST.com

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/7f83d/ea4af/b/

HUBPAGES.COM

http://hubpages.com/hub/Vacation-Packing--List-and-Tips

TRIPADVISOR.COM

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g659488-c73428/Riviera-Maya:Mexico:Essentials.Packing.List.html

SUNSETTARVEL.COM

http://www.sunsettravel.com/PackingList.html

Photo provided by Flickr: ShereenM

Weather - What do I expect?

Although our 20th anniversary landmark was on October 20th of 2010, we chose March 2011 as our ceremony celebration, simply because the weather is near perfection during this time period! The Riviera Maya's best weather season is between December and April. With an average of 253 days of sunshine in a year... we are counting that this time of year will greet us with around 84 degrees during the day and 64 degrees at night. Humidity is generally comfortable as this is the drier time of the year and also known as the high season for tourists. Yes, there is a reason why the weather plays a major role with this high tourist season.

Thought you all might want to know this tidbit of weather information as you may be out shopping for that perfect outfit, right?! Oh and if you haven't discovered it with your last blog article on NOW JADE Resort's website. There is a live webcam of our resort that you can access. Click on to the Now Jade Resort Home Page and find under the center photo the heading WEBCAM, then in the bottom center of the live webcam photo you will see the first icon looking like a sun/circle. If you place your cursor it will open up a window noting Cancun's temperature, condition, humidity, barometer, windspeed, sunrise, sunset & wind chill.

If you need more specific information, check out the Weather Channel and type Puerto Morelos, Mexico in the location. This is our little resort town. Now start pulling out those summer clothes, but be sure to bring a light sweater/windbreaker for the air conditioner or the plane ride ...yahoo!

Photo provided by Flickr.sarchi