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Greetings, Welcome to all!
Each month when I sit down to write our newsletter, I am hopeful that my words, thoughts and travel possibilities will enrich your days. Please continue to share the newsletter with friends and colleagues. This newsletter travels far and wide all over the world to women with varying customs, traditions and lives which provide a rich mix when traveling together.
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English Gardens and Chelsea Flower Show
 For New England gardeners, winter is the time we sit close to the fire and dream of spring while we peruse the offerings in the flood of 2008 seed catalogues. For those of us who would like to get our hands immersed in the soil once more, assorted gardening literature offers our winter days a bit of cheer. Across the pond in London, The Royal Horticultural Society members are working full tilt for the opening of the annual Chelsea Flower Show in May. The aspiration of the Royal Horticultural Society, which was established in1804, is, "to help people share a passion for plants, to encourage excellence in horticulture and inspire all those with an interest in gardening". The grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, England will be transformed with the sights and fragrance of the finest collections of flowers from around the globe created by some of the world's leading garden designers. The Chelsea Flower Show is indeed the Grand Dame of all flower shows worldwide. Whether you are tending an urban plot, a country meadow or a formal garden complete with topiaries, you will be inspired, learn and celebrate the passion of gardening.
Women traveling with us will also have the opportunity to attend Gone With The Wind which opens in April at the New London Theatre. This landmark new musical is directed by the legendary Trevor Nunn who reunites with designer John Napier, his collaborator, on worldwide smash hits including Cats and Les Misérables. The stunning original score is by Margaret Martin who has also adapted the story from Margaret Mitchell's Pulitzer Prize winning novel. We have one space left on this trip in May. [ Click for more info ]
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The Geography of Happiness
 February is a hopeful month here in the Northeast. Winter is more than half over and if you look carefully when out walking, you may find an adventuresome clump of snowdrops beginning to bloom in a friend's garden. Bliss tends to be on our minds in this month of hearts and flowers. We each must make our own bliss, follow our own path to discover what is indeed blissful to us. According to the British School of Psychology at the University of Leicester, the Danes experience the most happiness in the world and are tied for first with Switzerland. Our Declaration of Independence asserts certain inalienable rights, "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness". I recently learned that a course called Positive Psychology is one of the most popular offerings among the undergrads at Harvard. It seems that, during the last 50 years of technological advances and extreme affluence perhaps, people are less happy.
Traveling provides the opportunity to take time out from your ordinary blissful everyday life and, savour the newness and excitement that comes from stepping away from the familiar into the unknown - once more discovering, reflecting, exploring and playing. to learn and add some new ingredients to your world. I am not proposing you will be happier if you travel. However, I am certain there will be a positive enhancement to your life as you begin to anticipate, experience and then savour the memories of every trip. For some women, our trips are once in a lifetime marking a celebration of 40, 50, 60, or 75 years of life. For others, a trip may be a total escape from the ongoing daily responsibilities of work and family. For others it is connecting with new friends.
For all, travel can be an intentional exploration of the world that leaves an imprint .
Treat yourself this Valentine's Day and make a promise to travel within the next 365 days.
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Serendipity Traveler Tips for Women's Travel
 The best idea for women travelers is taking time for travel. After that, the rest is easy!
The second best idea will always be to pack less. On your next trip, just look around you at the savvy women travelers who have a small carry on and a book to read while others are loaded down struggling to juggle all they are bringing. Less is definitely more and a grand idea. It took me a few decades to get there. Begin traveling lighter with your next trip. Now that United Airlines has started the trend on domestic flights to charge an additional $25.00 per bag other airlines will be too. Travel to Europe has always reminded us of what we can leave at home.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and wear them at home for a week before your trip.
Airplane water systems and quality vary. I suggest you do not order tea or coffee in flight.
Drink lots of bottled water in flight and remember that carbonated drinks dehydrate you at 35,000 feet. Bring healthy food like bananas, protein bars, or whatever you enjoy & Chocolate!
When traveling transatlantic or on a long flight, begin to alter your eating times 3 days ahead. Then, upon arrival, your body is in better sync with local time and you will adjust easily.
Bring your own scarf/shawl...use it as a wrap. Airplane blankets are scarce these days and cabins can be chilly especially if you have a window seat.
Adjusting your waking and bedtime a few days before travel is helpful, as well, to keep an active pace upon arrival. Keep going and retire a bit early and you will be in sync the next morning.
I pack a dry face cloth. Some airlines used to hand you a warm facecloth to freshen up at the end of a long flight and it always felt renewing after hours of flying. With your own, you can go to the restroom and get the same refreshing benefit and arrive looking your traveling best.
Always, tuck in duplicate itineraries and a copy of your passport separate from your carry on. In the event of an emergency in a foreign country, our American Embassies are most helpful. Relax; the world is a friendly place. Use common sense and travel wisely without expensive jewelry or lots of cash and with a small flashlight and your prescriptions for a few extra days. You never know, you might just stay longer.
Open wide your heart to the people and to places you are going. Remain mindful of the culture, customs and traditions of others and experience the differences. Talk to locals, eat where locals do and meander away from the tourist centers around a corner to where the locals live, play and shop. Travel as a traveler of the world not a tourist and discover the difference.
Take all your vacation and personal days from work and savour a journey that will be filled with meaningful moments.
Life is Short Travel Well......
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Press We have started this year with lots of great press. The article I wrote on Dominica was published as a feature article for the final issue of the beloved, Transitions Abroad, a magazine that has served travelers well for 30 years. The family has decided to forgo the print issues and increase their focus on the website. The founder, a well loved travel enthusiast, passed on last summer.
USA Today Travel included Serendipity Traveler in a women's get a way article.
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Inspiration
From St. Clare of Assisi 1194-1253
With swift pace, light step, unswerving feet, so that even your steps stir up no dust, go forward securely, joyfully, and swiftly, on the path of prudent happiness.
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Life is Short Travel Well!
Peggy
Serendipity Traveler |
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