A Dash of Salt - Travel Tips & Planning after Kids

In this episode of "A Dash of Salt," hosts Sharon and Stacy discuss the joys and challenges of travel, particularly in midlife. They share their experiences traveling together and separately, highlighting the differences in travel preferences with their spouses. They discuss the benefits of travel in broadening perspectives and overcoming prejudices, referencing a quote by Mark Twain. They also talk about the practical aspects of travel, such as packing efficiently using the 5-4-3-2-1 method, using compression socks, and carrying essential items like facial essence and snacks. Stacy introduces the use of AI tools like ChatGPT for travel planning, which can help create itineraries and suggest activities. They emphasize the importance of balancing travel plans with personal interests and the value of enjoying the travel experience.

Action Items

• Try the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method for an upcoming trip.
• Check out the packing list on our website - twosaltywomen.com
• Go somewhere 😀
• Try ChatGPT or another AI  tool for planning

Follow us on Instagram: @twosaltywomen

Transcript

Speaker 1

0:12

Hey, hey, there, hi, hey, well, welcome to a dash of salt, where two salty women sprinkle a little flavor into your everyday journey. So I'm Sharon Mawet one of your co host and salty companions. I am a native Texan with a knack for baking up big dreams

2

Speaker 2

0:32

Well, I'm Stacy McCracken, welcome. Thank you so much for joining us. I'm a Midwestern girl. I grew up in the Midwest and in a little town called Peru, Indiana, my husband would tell you it's right next to Mexico, which is actually really true. And but now I live in Austin, Texas. I have lived there for a very long time, so it's home to me, all right. And

1

Speaker 1

0:55

together, we are going to infuse a little saltiness into your world.

2

Speaker 2

1:00

Absolutely. Sit back and relax and enjoy the next episode of a dash of salt, if this is your first time tuning in, thank you so much for checking us out. If you've been listening, welcome back. We are glad to have you with us.

1

Speaker 1

1:17

All right, so Stacy, what is our weekly spark that we have to inspire us today?

2

Speaker 2

1:23

Well, you know, we are actually, I think, talking about travel today, yeah, and midlife adventures and all of those things. And you and I have traveled actually, all around the world together. We have been super fortunate that we have been in places like Vietnam together and Europe, Europe, we have just, we've just really been able to travel. And so I love travel, and I love travel because I think that seeing people from other cultures in their culture, and just being humbled by not being able to speak the language is is huge. And so actually, I brought a quote. Okay, sorry, but I do. I love quotes, and this one is by Mark Twain, but it is so, so appropriate based on how I feel about travel, says Travel is fatal to the prejudice, bigotry and narrow mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely. On these accounts, broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one's little corner of the earth all of one's lifetime. That's right? Realize it's kind of heavy, right? It kind of puts it out there, right? That, you know, travel really forces you to overcome those things, yes, and, and I think the whole point of this quote, right, is about, if you want to be generous, about people who are different from you, and understand people who are different from you, then you know you need to, you need to go meet them. You need to get to know them. And if you hide in your house, if you hide in your little community, you know it's much easier to be prejudiced and to not understand. Yeah. So anyway, I realize that's a little heavy for our pinch of playfulness, but I actually feel really struggling about that

1

Speaker 1

3:29

it is. So I completely agree with you and the fact that, you know, I am a native Texan. I do think Texas is, you know, God's gift to all of us, but I can't imagine spending the rest of my life pulled up here in my, you know, small little town in Texas, and not venturing out and exploring the world. Yep. So it does bring a new perspective to each one of us. Absolutely, we travel. So yes. So as at today's spotlight is a topic both you and I love dearly, which is travel. And as you said, we have both been lucky enough to travel, you know, have a lot of adventures, both professionally as well as personal trips as well. So today I wanted to talk about how travel changes as we get older or the later stages of our life. I realized it's it changes. Yeah. So I wanted to talk about that. And of course, you know, I'm sure you know people at our stage of life, it is top topic. You know, Edward Jones says travels in the top three things to do in retirement. So I'm sure that comes as no surprise to that it is in the top three. But I did want to talk about what I did find is surprising is that how life traveling at this stage of life is different. So I wanted to talk about this. So there was a recent article in the Wall Street Journal that talked about the trial and errors of retirement travel. So I wanted to bring a couple of those. Points today in our conversation. So the first change I've noticed is the difference of opinions. So if this has happened to you and your spouse, but you know, when we traveled as a family, I was the primary driver of our trips. I planned them. Of course, that comes no surprise to anybody, but we were always in sync about where we wanted to go as a family, what locations we should go, what activities we should go, do while we were there. But now, when it's just my spouse and myself, you know, we don't always want to go to the same location or have the same interest in what we do at that location, I have found that to be challenging. How about you?

2

Speaker 2

5:45

But that's super funny. You know, I hadn't thought about that a lot, but it's true, right? So when the kids were home, I I think I pretty much do the vacation planning, yeah, you know. And so, because I want to have a plan when we get there. And with kids, you've gotta have a plan. And so, but with my husband and I, I know the things I like to do, and I also know the things he likes to do. And so even though, while I'm driving the planning, I find that I go, okay, he would not enjoy five days of cooking class and food tours, yeah, I would, yeah, and, like, maybe a wine tasting every day, right, right? Like, that's not him. So he wants to go hiking, he wants to go, you know, bike riding. He wants to go do other stuff. And so I we recently went to Portugal. I had to go for work, and then he came and joined me. And so I planned kind of every other day or the morning was an activity that I knew I loved, but the afternoon was an activity that I knew he would love, yeah. And so I tried to balance it out yes, because it isn't all about me, even though I was doing a majority of research, yes, yes.

1

Speaker 1

7:07

So we've had some of those same differences. So my husband is very much into riding a bicycle, and so he just wants to spend his vacation in a new place where he can go ride his bike. But like you. I enjoy cooking classes. I enjoy hiking, and so some of those places to go explore, food doesn't maybe in the city, which is not advantageous to riding your bicycle along the mountains. So we have been challenging back and forth and trying to decide where we should be taking our vacations, and then, you know, I have to have a little first world problem in there. You know, my husband's been a consultant, so we've had a lot of hotel points, which have granted us very lovely stays and nice hotel resorts. But now, as we retire, or as we, you know, later in life we don't travel as much, especially after the pandemic, so now we're staying at Airbnbs, and you know, VRBO, right? Yeah, well, different taste in where, what Airbnb we should stay at you like, what

2

Speaker 2

8:17

the amenities are, or what it should have. So

1

Speaker 1

8:22

we've got a little trial and error over this, but I'd say this last trip we took this summer, my husband picked up a gorgeous apartment, very fresh, modern, clean, great location, right in this city. You know, downtown city center, location, small problem. It was on the fifth floor of the building with no elevator, so there were 178 steps up and down to this location, including carrying bags up the flowers. Oh my gosh, it was an adventure. But yes, oh. Anyway, so I, like you, have found that you know, as we planning trips, a good balance has been a good solution from us. So we talk about our priorities, what places we want to go to, and so for now, we have a cadence of alternating where we go on our vacation. Okay, so this summer was all about being in Spain where my husband was enjoying riding his bike. So I definitely will pinpoint the next trip on where we get to go,

2

Speaker 2

9:28

maybe Portugal. So Portugal, I was in Portugal this summer. Yeah, and Portugal has a great blend of mountains for biking, so lots of folks go there to train. Yes, exactly. And there's also a really good foodie environment there. And so that could be a great sort of blend your list. It could be a great blend

1

Speaker 1

9:51

of both, yes. So that is so if you as a listener, have a good suggestion for me where I can blend riding bikes and food. But. Please send your suggestions my way as well. Yeah, and then I had another situation. I actually had the opportunity to travel with one of my adult children this summer, and I was

2

Speaker 2

10:12

she went to see Taylor Swift. Let's just put it out there for you guys. Yes, it was a bucket list location

1

Speaker 1

10:17

in Ireland. So we had a lot of fun. But I was challenged, because I'm thinking, My child is as excited as I am to go on this trip, which they were, but I define my excitement like, let's call let's chat, let's plan the trip together. And well, let's just say adult children are busy these days. They don't necessarily want to dive into those level details. So instead of getting upset about the particular location, I decided, You know what? This is a bucket list item trip for me. I'm going to plan the trip that I want to do. And you know what it turned out to be one of my most favorite trips that I've ever gone on. Yeah, that's

2

Speaker 2

10:59

awesome. So, yeah, so it's, I love Ireland. It

1

Speaker 1

11:03

is beautiful. I recommend everybody should go there and get outside of Dublin. We had a magnificent picnic on a beach on a cliff on the south side of the island. And it was definitely top five travel

2

Speaker 2

11:19

moments, yeah, yep. And so I agree. I agree. Awesome, yep,

1

Speaker 1

11:24

so that's dinner. So anyway, um, you know, point number one is about balance as you navigate new travel opportunities. Point number two is over packing. I don't know about you, Stacy, but I have all my life been an over Packer.

2

Speaker 2

11:40

I am an over packer, too, and it's because of contingency planning. Yes, you

1

Speaker 1

11:49

fail to plan, because otherwise we're gonna have a Yes, completely, right?

2

Speaker 2

11:53

And it isn't that you don't want to have to go buy clothes somewhere, but typically, if I've planned the trip. I have things I want to accomplish, and so I have not factored in. Now I'm gonna have to go find a raincoat because I didn't pack one. Yes, yeah, right, yeah. And so, so, yeah, I'm an over Packer too. I do have a funny story, though, because I have been on enough trips where my suitcase got lost exactly that actually, the other thing I over pack is my carry on and so and so. I because some trips you have to check your suitcase, right? It's just impossible to do it only in a roller board. But I have lost my suitcase enough now that I could probably live for three days out of my backpack, plus my computer and my iPad and all the others and so, yeah, so I'm an overpacker. Okay, well,

1

Speaker 1

12:46

I've challenged myself to not over pack. But also, can I travel with just a backpack and a carry on luggage suitcase? Because, you know, as we're having, you know, more time to travel as just in this later stage of life, right? You know, we're traveling for two, three weeks at a time, going to multiple countries or multiple cities. And so you know, if you're traveling by plane, train and automobile, if you have two suitcases times two people, then this gets very complicated, and like you said, you know, increases your risk of losing luggage along the way, or flights are delayed a lot these times, so you want to be able to get out of the airport and get going on to your next destination. So I have challenged myself. So I tried this summer for our trip to pack in one roller, you know, rolling carry on. Mm, hmm, um, so I looked at I thought I had a plan, right then my plan was a new packing method. Well, new to me, anyway, um, 54321, packing method is this. This is a capsule wardrobe system of packing. So it is the number of clothing items you should take with you. So five tops, four bottoms, three shoes, two dresses and one accessories set. So, and you adjust based on your location, so you're able to throw a jacket in there, you know. So instead of two dresses, maybe you're taking two jackets, or, you know, maybe, you know, four bottoms might be okay, two pairs of shorts and two two skirts as an example. So you kind of mix and matches based on where you're going and activities you're doing. And then the thought is also that you can mix and match these pieces. So you might wear a shirt twice with one skirt. So you should be able to easily make 10 outfits from this 54321, 10 or more different outfits based on the week, and you can not necessarily have to find laundry along the way or wash clothes. Yeah. So I also find that if you have a color palette. Palette, like my lately, color palette is green and beige, okay, and then you mix and match that with black or black jeans or black pants or whatnot. But

2

Speaker 2

15:13

so how did that go? Did sue over the summer? You traveled? I did, and we

1

Speaker 1

15:18

were gone for almost three weeks, three different countries, and yes, I had a plan, and I had picked up my clothes. I knew my 54321, and I got it in the suitcase, and I panicked. I thought, there is no way I can make it with just five shirts. There's no way I can make it without this extra dress in my thing or a second pair of shoes. So I threw, like, another eight pieces into my suitcase, and the panicked at the moment, and it turned out, after the fact, three of those pieces I never wore or utilized during the trip. Stick with the plan people. But I have found out, in addition to so I'm going to challenge myself. So I'm going to keep you know, as we talk about repetition is important, right? And we're going to get there. But I do find certain items were useful as this capsule wardrobe, one of them is a pair of shoes that can go from casual walking during the day, maybe even, you know, not technical, not difficult hiking, but basic hiking, but shoes that are also nice enough that you can pair along with your skirt or your dress for that evening. So I found a couple good shoes that work well with that also, you know, a sweater that can layer on as a jacket and or be a top for one of the days. And mine highly recommended dry fit shirts. She says they're super easy to wash them in the sink of a hotel room, and they dry quickly by the next day. So that is the next thing I'm looking into. So what items have worked for you? So

2

Speaker 2

16:59

I over Packer just like you. I have never heard the 54321, so that's a really interesting concept. I try to Matt, I try to match things up and think through like what I can re wear, and things like that. And so shirts are definitely one of the things that I pack more of Yeah, for sure, but I have found, like, a it's a wool blend type top that's supposed to be great for travel. Unbound Merino is one brand and the other brand escapes me just now. And so I bought one of those, like in a tank, like sleeveless, sleeveless shirt, and pack that. And so it works great for just to wear by itself, if it's hot, or to layer a sweater over it. And I can wash it in the sink and hang it up to dry. And so I look for things that don't wrinkle, yes, and so I have a lot of things like that. And then shoes. So for me, weight is the other thing, because if you're going to be dragging your suitcase around, right, you have, like some airlines have even restrictions right on how much your carry on back can weigh. Yes, I also have looked to find some shoes just like you that can go kind of from day to night, or dress up and dress down. Swabs is one of my new late favorites. Oh, good. Yeah, that will link to those. And so, yeah, I have no relationship with them, but they have just been really comfortable. And they got me all around Portugal and Thailand recently, and so just, and they're super light, and so they don't add a lot of extra weight to the bag? Yeah,

1

Speaker 1

18:42

I realized I have to find a pair of shoes that can double for hiking as well as working out like in the gym. So if we're at a hotel, resort or whatever, and you want to go do some more, yeah, running on the treadmill or something, I need shoes that can kind of cover both areas, because otherwise it takes up too much room to pack right. And

2

Speaker 2

19:04

shoes are the worst from a bulk perspective, in using that carry on. Well,

1

Speaker 1

19:08

our last point of the day is that I've discovered in this, you know, you know, late in life, kind of travel, a packing list is essential. I cannot tell you, over the last couple of years, how many things I forgotten to pack. And when I was a mom of a family and trying to manage multiple people traveling, I was religiously using a packing list to make sure between all of us, we didn't forget or have to run to the store to buy, you know, an umbrella or whatever it was. So anyway, I have realized that that packing list as a family is not really I stopped using it because it wasn't relevant to my new style of traveling. So yes, I am going to share my packing list with our listeners today, so we will link it on our website. Salty women.com to see what our current packing list is, but I thought we could talk about some of our travel essentials outside of clothing items.

2

Speaker 2

20:08

That's a great idea, and I will. I'm happy to add some things to your packing list, of things that I think about as well, because it is I have developed kind of a mental checklist, right? And so I would love to add some things to your list. Yeah. Okay.

1

Speaker 1

20:26

Well, great. Well, the number one thing I've discovered in the last couple of years, especially for those long haul flights, you know, flights longer than four or five hours, um, compression socks. So I have in my hand my favorite pair of compression socks, favorite color too. I love pink by comrade is my current brand that I'm using these days for compression socks. I feel so much more energized and whatnot when I wear compression socks on those long flights.

2

Speaker 2

20:54

Nice, nice. I have not found a compression sock that I find comfortable enough to wear on a long conflict. And so you like these?

21:04

I like it. We'll have to get you a pair, and then you'll let me

2

Speaker 2

21:07

know. And then, yeah, and so I have some wellow ones that I have enjoyed. So they have been the closest to one that I like. There you go. But these, those are thinner. And so yes, these are not

1

Speaker 1

21:21

these are super tight, but they're not thick, and they are thin, and they're super easy to get on and off. Okay, interesting and cute colors too. So if you are worried about people seeing your compression socks, you know, trendy. You know, cute socks are trendy these days. They are, um, I've also found out on those long haul flights, I have to use a nasal spray because I found, you know, whatever the even though they've done a lot better job on the airlines to of the air, purify the air, it's still very stuffy and whatnot. So I have found that a nasal spray helps me. And then I love a facial essence. So I have in my hand a small bottle of my favorite brand pink drink by Sunday, Riley. But it just really helps you feel refreshed. If you can't get a sink, you know, get to a sink to wash your face, or, you know, have access to an air Pat lounge to take a shower, I find that the facial essence because, you know, lights can be very dry, yes. So that is my favorite thing. That is

2

Speaker 2

22:25

a great one. So I totally agree that just the ability I had one, I don't even remember the brand, but I throw it in. And so just to be able to spray it on my face makes me feel Yep, much better, yeah. And so I've said that I live at like I packed, so that I can live out of my suitcase, and so in case my if my big suitcase got lost, yeah. But you know, a lot of challenges with going through security and whatnot is the whole all your liquids have to fit in a baggy yes saying, which is so annoying, a nightmare. So one of the things that I found that I love is I have a it's a clear plastic, yes, um, zipper bag, but it meets the requirements of the quart size bag. And so first of all, you don't go through all those plastic bags, which is not good for the environment, right? And but I can also it's to me, it's sort of like my go bag. And so I have everything in here. And so I have just like small ones that I always keep stocked in here for when I travel. And so for example, when I was coming up to stay with you, I really just grabbed this, and I never even looked in it, right, because it's my go bag and so and so it's perfect for and I have a facial spray in here too. And so it's perfect for not having to do the whole court size bag and this and that. And I have travel size things that I

1

Speaker 1

24:00

can besides your bag being zippered, I love because it has a square edge bottom to it, which, you know, everybody knows on zip lock bags. When you have bottles or, you know, eye cream or whatnot, it takes up too much room. And then you can't fit a lot of things in those zip lock bags,

2

Speaker 2

24:17

right, because they're they don't have a flat bottle, exactly. And then the other thing that I brought is, so I have long hair, yes, right? And but I don't like spending a lot of time on my hair, but it just doesn't like it doesn't look this way by itself. And so one of the things that I found, because it's all about space. If you're trying to only have your carry on and your backpack is you can't have things that take up a lot of space, yeah, and so curling irons and curling brushes and all of that nonsense just take up too much space. But I have the world's tiniest curling iron. It

24:56

is pretty small. Looks like it can fit in the palm of your hand.

2

Speaker 2

24:59

And. And so it, and I can it absolutely fits in the palm of my hand, and I ordered it on the Amazon. And I love it. And so it is made for travel, but, and so it works as a curling iron. I've used it to even take wrinkles out of clothes steamer, yeah. And so I've used it in other ways, but it does not take up much room. And if I'm not putting my hair up in a ponytail for the day or clipping it on the back of my head, I can just use that and not have to worry about a whole bunch of tools. And I love it, all of that. Yes,

1

Speaker 1

25:37

um, the last thing, if I have room in my carry on travel bags, I try to bring a few snacks, especially for the flights, because I found through the years that have bad habits of, you know, buying chocolate at the gate, you know, and so it doesn't help, you know, later in life. So I really make sure that I have some dried nuts, or dried or just nuts, a variety of nuts and dried fruit on hand. Um, also, if you're going to buy something at the convenience store, really highly recommend popcorn, because that is high fiber, very nutritious, usually lower calories, as long as you're not getting the chocolate covered popcorn. Popcorn,

2

Speaker 2

26:17

and that is right, well, and especially on flights these days you never know right, whether they're gonna give you a snack, the delays, what it's all gonna look like, you know, even just, you know, some long, long flights in the in the states that you can take right are, you know, you may not, you may get water, you may not get anything, right. And so I think it's important I always take my water bottle. So I take a refillable water bottle, yes, and that's the other thing. So besides snacks, is I always have my refillable water bottle with me, and so that way Staying hydrated is important on traveling. Absolutely, absolutely. All right,

1

Speaker 1

27:00

so as we wrap up these travel tips and thoughts into our next chapter of life, you know, I hope you heard something that can improve your travels, and if not, if you have a tip to share with us and our other listeners, we encourage you to, you know, comment on one of our posts or on our website, and So we can share it with our listeners, but today's Quick Tips bites include communicating with your significant other to find a good balance on your travel schedule. But on that note, don't be afraid to travel by yourself. I have done that a couple of times. Find a good packing system, such as the 54321, wardrobe capsule. Plan to limit your luggage to a carry on and then create a good, solid packing list with your favorite essential travel items, so that you don't forget a thing and have to run to the local pharmacy to pick something up. But most importantly, please remember to enjoy the spot maybe of this travel time, time in our lives, to adapt travel to the way it works for you. So absolutely, absolutely.

2

Speaker 2

28:02

And I think these are good tips, even if you're not getting on a plane, Right exactly. I think you know if you're getting in the car to go somewhere, just thinking through, because I think it's tempting, right, to not think as much if you're just getting in the car, if you can just throw the bag in. But I think these tips apply whether you're getting on a plane to go the other side of the world, or you're getting in the car to drive to Colorado, exactly.

1

Speaker 1

28:25

Yeah. So Stacy, what do you have tip? Do you have cooking for us today in

2

Speaker 2

28:30

our kitchen? You know, I You had such great practical tips that I was really struggling with where to add on. And so I thought I would share a technology tip, yeah, of course. Because, well, it's me and and so, and I recently used technology to help plan one of my trips. And so I just wanted to throw this out there, because I found it to be super helpful. And so I want to talk just a little bit about chat GPT and using AI and AI tools. So you know, chat GPT isn't the only tool out there, whether it's Gemini or Claude or any other but, but I'm going to I used chat GPT, so I'll just use that one as an example. But we were headed to Portugal, yeah, and I knew that we only had a certain number of days to be there, and so I went into chat, G, P, T, and I just said, Hey, you are an expert Travel Planner, and you're going to help me plan this trip. I have five days, and these are the two cities I want to be in, what are the top three things I need to do, and how would you plan my trip? Fascinating. And so then it spit out recommendations, and it recommended the order to do them in because of what I wanted to do. And so then once you start that conversation, then. Then it really can become a conversation, if you think about it as me talking to you, versus, oh, I'm just it's not like Googling something anymore, you know. And so then you started as a conversation, and you're like, Oh, those are great ideas, but I was hoping that I could fit in a cooking class, or that I could fit in this specific restaurant, or how could I do that? And then it would also offer a recommendation of how to do that. Yeah, and so it can cut down dramatically. So what I just described, right? I got that feedback. So in 5 min the amount of time I would have spent just trying to think through

Speaker 1: 

or 

just research into, you know, logging into Tripadvisor, or you know, travelocity or any other website out there to find all of the activities or reading a book from lonely planet takes time.

Speaker 2: 

it wasn't perfect right, and I know me better than it knows me, of course, right and so, but it gave me a great place to start.

And then the other place I go when I'm planning a trip is Viator. And so

I go to Viator because it's kind of this online clearing house of activities within an area. And so I can type in, you know, Lisbon, Portugal.

And it'll say, you know, are you looking for day trips, or, you know, super water sports or activities, or whatever. And then I sort by

likely to sell out, because that means that they are very popular activities. And then I look to see what those are just to give me ideas if I'm if it's a new area that I've never been to.

And so I combine that with my chat, gpt and start planning with sounds like you had a perfect itinerary to go. 

Speaker 1:

Well, thanks for offering that tip for us so, and we want to thank you for joining us on today's episode of dash assault. I'm Sharon Mawet along with my good friend Stacy Mccracken.

Your host from 2 salty women. 

Absolutely thank you for joining us. If you haven't yet. We invite you to subscribe to our channel and keep tuning in check out some of our past episodes, and we have another one coming up, and we look forward to sharing it with you. You can also go to 2 saltywomen.com for more insights, more content and more and more ways to connect with Sharon, and I

thank you so much for tuning in. Have a great one till next time.