The Traveling Nanny LLC

11/02/2024

I remember my first time walking around Perth, Australia. My client put me up in an apartment to recover from jet lag. I had 1.5 days before we started the trip back to the US.

Google maps pretty much saved me from getting lost! What I didn't expect was all the street art! I used to take pictures as they were so amazing!

It would be something I looked for in later travels. Sometimes the things that stay with you are not listed in the guide books...

11/02/2024

I'm flapping as hard as I can!

10/31/2024

After a picture of a flight attendant wearing a Palestine flag pin went viral causing controversy, Delta made ruling only USA flag can be worn.

Also realized as a public commodity they can't tell passengers not to take pictures. But did put into place a ruling they can't interfere with safety issues etc

Is the public trying to document too much?

Delta Air Lines has told flight attendants that they cannot tell passengers to stop taking photos of them following several controversial incidents, including a recent event onboard a Delta flight from Boston to West Palm Beach when a flight attendant was photographed wearing a Palestine flag pin. ...

10/29/2024

Some interesting tidbits on cruising. Is it for you? I have been on most Royal Caribbean cruises with clients. Cruising is definitely not for me! Maybe if with a group of friends might be fun.

I did like the one from Amsterdam to Russia with stops in Estonia and Sweeden as we could walk and do our own thing on most ports.

Just a lot of people and casinos are not my thing! Some like the Alaskan cruise but still I found so limiting in exploring! Preferred our road trip around Alaska.

It's bad enough when you have to sprint to get to your next flight, but this airport takes the cake for the longest distances passengers might have to cover.

10/29/2024

Delta is offering free wifi and a game to play on Flight. You can get entered to win gift cards!

Can also enter sweepstakes at home!

Delta Air Lines is going retro with a new “8-bit feel” in-flight game, and the chance to win hundreds in airline gift cards each month.

10/29/2024

Keep in mind you have the option to have a refund or have airline rebook you.

The item on luggage credits might help if you paid for your luggage and same for paid seats.

Before it was airline choice. I mean, if they cancel I assume 99% would just want a rebooted flight?

The new Transportation Department regulations require airlines to automatically issue refunds for things like delayed flights and better disclose fees.

10/27/2024

Common sense advice but always worth mentioning

Airport Security: 5 things officers want passengers to do in the TSA line - not PreCheck:1. Have your ID and boarding pass ready to present at the checkpoint...

10/27/2024

I have traveled by myself and even in my "know nothing" beginning survived and admittinngly quite proud of myself!

10/24/2024

Good on Delta for being innovative

Delta will use a novel crop developed at the University of Minnesota called winter camelina seed.

10/24/2024

If I could talk to my 18 year old self...

10/24/2024

Cute video on how to do 3 Days in Sydney on $300! Budget travel!
Of course now I want a meat pie!

Sydney, Australia. You know what it is. Check out our Patreon for full city guides, maps to everywhere we...

10/24/2024

So still 2 free bags! But guess can choose extras like extra legroom or in regular section

Southwest Airlines’ new “Southwest. Even Better.” three-year plan will build upon its original business model but provide more choices and greater comfort for customers.

10/22/2024

Unfortunately we have to fill our pockets before we can fill our souls!

10/22/2024

Wow! Didn't realize my Hawaiian Airlines will be Alaska Airlines by time of trip. Doesn’t make much difference as same route. But glad I did now while Hawaiian CC is giving $300 credit! Probably won't happen next year!

As Alaska Airlines integrates Hawaiian Airlines into its operations, significant changes are afoot for Hawaii travelers, and we know know about more of them.

10/22/2024

Something we all probably know...even if my US carrier gave me luggage free, I always select flight on any connection later to do fare with 1 bag. Sometimes they allow the carry on size but only 7kg (15 lbs) .
Also, always reading how code share partners don't always honor the one you booked with policy. You start with AA then their codeshare is British Airways coming back and they don't always honor your status that includes 2 free bags. You can save receipts and upon return AA will reimburse you...probably!

Airlines are cracking down on how much you're allowed to take on board - and it's causing what is being dub...

10/22/2024

Long Story defines why I travel...

I understand this meme better than most. I traveled with families as a travel nanny for about 15 years. My personal travel was usually to see family as my mom was getting older.

Then I semi retired from the travel world. I found I had about 375,000 Delta miles. My father, who was from Antwerp, had passed and my memories from visiting his family in my 20s and keeping in touch through the year lingered in my thoughts.

I decided to take us, including daughter and son, to meet papa's family with my miles. Daughter gets married so husband has to come and rather than Adam come alone, invited my son by love Clyde. He paid his way by taking 700 pictures! The guys and I visited London, Ireland and met Marina and husband at Amsterdam. We later traveled by train to Antwerp where I had rented a small house. They had a fantastic time meeting family and being shown around Antwerp! Amazing memories...

About a week after we all got back Adam started complaining about some pain. Turns out 4th stage cancer and we lost him 6 weeks later. What if I had put off that trip?!

8 months later Marina gave birth to my first grandson. He saved our hearts. Two years later his brother arrived and brought back hope.

They lived in Brooklyn and I was there 3 or 4 times a year to watch boys when they had to travel for work. A couple times they came to Texas. We had an unusually strong bond. When 3 & 5 I began to take them on the train for a weekend in Poughkeepsie area to see friends who had kids around their ages. We learned things can happen in travel so our motto became "go with the flow"!

By 7 & 5 We (meaning me!) Remembered that trip with Adam. We are older grandparents and I wanted to make some great travel memories while we could travel. I knew the bond the boys and we had could survive separation from parents. My husband thought a train trip with berth since they loved trains would be exciting! So I began to plan the first Grandparents Great Adventure trip. We would go from NY to Grand Canyon for 3 days then to San Diego. We talked about how trains can have issues but will be resolved. So we have to be patient! Miles pipes up with "we go with flow Mimi!"

It would be 14 days and parents were supportive. I think Marina understood my need to make memories.....We had an amazing time! Never a tear about missing parents! Video chatted when we could!

These last 7 years have seen flying to Alaska (first long flight) and road trip around it, Niagara Falls and then road trip to Montreal and down through Vermont, Road trip around Texas (big state!) And first EU trip to Spain and Portugal. I did photo books of each and included our story of the trip. This year it was a family/friends reunion in Florida to celebrate our 55th anniversary. A few extra days at Uncle Clyde's (he stepped up for Adam) was probably favorite part! They can now fly to meet us by themselves!

2025 is probably our last big GGA trip as we are older grandparents than most..

I have always wanted to take them to Australia and finally had enough miles to get 4 of us from Austin to Sydney for 4 days then to Perth. In Perth my Aussie client is hosting us. I can't wait to see "my kids" again! The older ones and I chat on FB and Instagram. We will do some tours on own as they work and stuff on weekends with them. Then off to Melbourne to visit with Louise of Placement Solutions as Louise has often traveled with Jim and I! Can't wait to show them the fairy Penguins! So at this point only had to pay for Sydney lodging and flight to Melbourne. Decided since a flight transferred in Honolulu, where customs easier than LAX, why not stay 4 days and let boys relax and recover from jet lag. Then a direct flight to Austin. Cherry on top was by getting Hawaiian Airlines cc, I get $300 credit for first use! The price from Melbourne to Honolulu to Austin was $996 per person incl travel insurance!

Yes, JW thinks I am crazy to plan 9 months ahead! But I know that miles needed and prices will probably go up in 2025. Plus I have a 12 week job to pay for London travel with granddaughter and this trip.

I just have this gut feeling I should not put these off. From here on out probably be nothing special...But this will create the last Grandparents Great Adventure Story!

So this is why I travel...London represents a chance to see again all my nanny friends I've met through the years. They have supported me my whole career. What a perfect time to share a memory with them.
And cherry on top is seeing travel through Sweet 16's eyes...

10/20/2024

True...not sure why...but the thought of a year going nowhere? It will happen so preparing the memories now...

10/20/2024

I will never make that level of status! Not to mention I would not have a layover long enough! But still, nice for those business travelers to have some perks!

As long as this new option doesn't crowd the lounges, it could actually be worth it for many. If you value an AAdvantage mile at 1.5 cents, $300 seems like a lot for an airport meal. At the same time, you can drink premium beverages that would cost you a good chunk of the way to that. And if you're....

10/20/2024

Took me a moment to realize "Notriphobia was the fear of having no trip planned!"

I can tolerate a long work job if it will pay for trips! I can tolerate boring days where too hot to go out! I can tolerate that period of "nothing to do till trip" time!

But a year of no trips planned? Well, might be best you avoid me!

10/20/2024

Probably most folks know you can't take your US curling iron or hairdryer internationally unless you bring a converter like Laurie is demonstrating. I just bought a dual voltage curling iron in case I want it for travel.

I have an adapter that has plugs for England, Europe and Australia.
Your phone and computers now just need an adapter plug.

For a foreign country these are travel tips to help you. Know when to pack a converter or adapter.If you pack a curling iron or hair dryer, you need a conver...

10/19/2024

I have been so fortunate to have friends over the US and in Europe , Belize and Australia. Always hard to say goodbye

10/18/2024

My money will run out...my health could decline..but then..I shall live vicariously through your travel...

10/18/2024

Don't let age or the world decide on your goals!

10/18/2024

Can you even imagine? The places we could go!