Travel Overtures
Spring Travel Tips and Packing Tricks
February 26, 2010
In This Issue
Using Your Personal Appliances Overseas
Packing Tips and Tricks, Part One
Rev. Price Oswalt Leads Lenten Retreat March 19
Spring Cuisine: Greek Salad Pita Pockets
World Youth Day 2011
Greetings!  

     While our Oklahoma weather just can't seem to let go of winter - never mind the fact that Tornado Season is officially only a few weeks away -- the signs of Spring are beginning to poke through! My tulips are up, the climbing and tea rose bushes are budding, and the verbena is beginning to cover the ground in the backyard flowerbeds.
 
     Spring brings Travel Bugs, too! You know the kind I am talking about: those itchy yearnings to Get Out of Town (ask me how), and the urges to Shake Off the Winter Blues with sunnier climes that seem to worm their ways under our skin this time each year.
 
      Well, many good travel deals abound. The Euro is dropping, which makes European travel more enticing; new ships have joined the cruising fleets offering more choices in itineraries (one note of warning, here: cruise fares will rise after March 22), and
more all-inclusive resorts have opened their doors in the islands of the Caribbean!
 
      This issue we offer some packing tips that should help you prepare for that dream vacation you are going to take this year.
 
Happy traveling! 
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Using Your Personal Appliances Overseas
  There are two basic standard wall currents in the world, 100-125 volts, and 220-250 volts. Some countries use the same 100-125 volt system as we do in North America. Others use a 220-250 volt system common in Europe and elsewhere. When taking US appliances to a country that uses 220-250 volts, a voltage transformer or converter may be required. In addition, you may need one or more plug adaptors which will allow you to insert the plug into that country's wall socket.
 
Thinking about getting a voltage converter so you can use your non-dual-voltage flat iron on your next overseas trip? Be advised that many flat irons will not work correctly with voltage converters, and can in some cases be damaged. A better solution is to invest in a dual voltage flat iron. These can be used anywhere with the right adaptor plugs and allow you to save weight and space in your luggage.
 
Let's say your are travelling to Italy, which uses the 220-250 volt system. Some appliances are designed to operate on voltage between 100-250 volts without damage to the components. These appliances do not require transformers. Many North American-made appliances, however, are designed to operate only within the 100-125 volt range. These appliances will suffer damage if plugged into 220-250 volts.

To determine  voltage requirements, look at the appliance on the back where the cord is attached. Laptops and other equipment that have a detachable cord often have a box in the middle of the cord or a large box at the plug end that displays the input power requirements. If the appliance lists 110, 115, 120 or 125 volts only, it is not dual-voltage. If the appliance lists 100-240 or 110-230 or something similar, it is dual voltage.

Heating appliances such as hairdryers, clothes steamers and hair roller sets do not need the same quality that electronic and motorized appliances require to operate. It is possible to operate these appliances safely overseas with the use of a less-expensive heating converter rather than a transformer.

Will you be using the appliance for more than 30 minutes at one time? For example a hair dryer is unlikely to be used for more than 30 mintues. Heating converters are less expensive but designed for short-term use. If using an appliance for a longer period of time, a more powerful transformer is required.
 
If you are bringing along both a heating appliance and a small motorized appliance you can get a combination converter that handles both heating and small motorized appliances such as battery chargers, calculators, camcorders, contact lens disinfectors, electric shavers, electric toothbrushes, radios or portable tape/CD players for less than the cost of seperate units. To use the combination converter, the small motorized appliance must be under 40 watts and in use for less than 30 minutes at a time.
Packing Tips and Tricks, Part One
First, weigh your empty suitcase. Older bags (even soft-sided luggage) can weigh 15 pounds or more empty. New, lightweight luggage can weigh as little as seven pounds, yet is built to withstand abuse with durable frames, fittings, and fabrics
Weigh your luggage after packing and before you leave for the airport to ensure your bag is under 50 lbs.
 
Take only what you need. There are two ways you can do this:
 
1. Lay out everything you plan to take, and immediately put half of it away.
2. Keep a diary each day for the number of days you will be travelling. Make note of just how many changes of clothing you actually use in a day. Chances are it is much less than you think you use. Then, adjust your packing list accordingly.
 

Pack your heaviest items at the bottom of your bag, closest to the wheels. This will keep your bag from tipping, and prevent heavier items from shifting and causing wrinkles.

Wear your bulky clothes and heaviest shoes on board the aircraft to maximize luggage space and minimize weight.
 
Try to pack clothing that you can mix and match. Choose a neutral color as a base for slacks or skirts and add colorful tops for variety. Ladies: be sure to have at least one knee-length skirt
and a top with sleeves for touring churches and other holy sites. Shorts, for either sex, are not allowed in these places.
 
Choose clothing that is easy to care for -- natural /synthetic blends are best for wrinkle resistance, hand washable, and quick drying (synthetic attributes), wicking away moisture from your skin and keeping cool (natural fiber attributes).
 
Roll t-shirts, sweaters, and wrinkle-resistant pants to avoid hard creases or folds. Place these items in packing cubes or large ziploc bags and pack them around the perimeter of your bag.
 
If you choose not to roll your clothes, then fold them as close to their natural fold lines (seams, etc) as possible.
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Bring a collapsible tote that packs flat in your carry-on. In transit, use it for snacks, magazines and paperbacks, etc. When it's time to go home the tote can be used as an extra suitcase for gifts and souvenirs.
 
Pack moleskin, new well-cushioned socks, and really broken-in shoes. You will be walking more than your usual, and blisters are to be expected.

Place neckties and handkerchiefs in the pockets of shirts or blazers that you intend to wear them with. 
          
Bring a simple laundry kit with you so you can do quick washes in the hotel sink: a sink stopper, clothesline and single-use packets of detergent.

Bring a reliable, compact stain remover so you can be prepared for any situation. Make sure it can tackle a variety of fabrics and stains.

Scarves can be the ultimate travel accessory; they weigh nothing, take no real space, can be belts or head coverings in churches and mosques. I tend to buy them on location as functional souvenirs.
 
Bring a can of fabric relaxant to remove wrinkles static cling, and freshen your clothing. Leave steamers at home.

If you depend on prescription eyewear, bring an extra pair of glasses, sunglasses or contact lenses. Carry a copy of your prescriptions for medications, as well. It is best if your pills, etc. are in their original containers, but if you prefer those little pill organizers, do be sure to have your prescription from your doctor's office in your wallet. You don't want to learn about anti-drug laws the hard way.
 
When traveling with a companion, pack a change of clothing in each others luggage - that way you'll have something clean to wear if your luggage is lost. If traveling solo, pack a change of underwear and socks in your carry-on. Do the same with copies of your passports.

Travel insurance is a necessity. Make sure you understand completely what it does and does not cover before you purchase a policy.
 
Leave your expensive jewelry at home.
 
More tips next time!

Join Fr. Oswalt on Lenten Retreat
 
Friday, March 19
 
Join Rev. M. Price Oswalt for a Lenten Retreat Friday, March 19, 2010. Father Oswalt, pastor of the National Shrine of the Infant of Prague in Prague, OK, will lead us to Groom, Texas for a spiritually refreshing retreat.  We will attend Mass, pray together at each of the life-sized Stations of the Cross, enjoy the Divine Mercy Fountain, life-sized sculptures of the Last Supper, St. Michael the Archangel, and view one of only seven approved replicas of the Shroud of Turin, and much more! State of the art motorcoach, fabulous food, fun and fellowship! $99 includes transportation and lunch. Dinner is on-your-own at Simon's Catch in Elk City ($16.95 all you can eat catfish).  Reservations due by March 12. Download Flyer and Registration Form!  
 

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Greek Salad Pita Pockets

Nothing says spring like fresh vegetables, and this recipe celebrates the season with great Mediterranean zest. Enjoy this recipe from Stone Hill Winery, Hermann, MO:

Ingredients:

Salad:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
2 Kalamata olives, sliced 2 pepperoncini peppers, sliced
5 grape tomatoes, halved
1/16 red onion, sliced
1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
2 ounces feta cheese
2 pita loaves with pockets
Dressing to taste (recipe below) Click for the rest
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WORLD YOUTH DAY 2011 

 
Madrid, Spain will host World Youth Day from
August 15-21, 2011. For Catholics, it is one of
the world's most exciting events and, this time,
it is even more exciting since it is being held in
one of the world's most beautiful & vibrant cities.

Unitours, a world leader in Catholic travel, and Joyful Catholic Journeys invite you to be part of this memorable event. Take
advantage of their experience that has helped make them one of the leading tour operators at the past six World Youth Days in Manila; Paris; Rome; Toronto; Cologne; and Sydney.
 
Initial space sold out very early, already, but Unitours has succeeded in securing triple the space starting at only  $2299.00 per person.
 
Call Melani, today, for details on how your parish Youth Group can participate in World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid. Call (405) 642-8139 or (405) 225-8510 or write [email protected] 

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Melani RoeweFeel free to contact me with any questions, or if you'd like assistance with your travel plans, give me a call at 405.642.8139.
 
I am here to help you!
 
Sincerely,           
Melani Roewe
Travel Overtures and Joyful Catholic Journeys 

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