PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

Friday, June 26 we will give you tips on PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP. Here is a Travelers Checklist that we give to our travelers.
Traveler's Checklist

PRE-DEPARTURE
[] Passport
[] Two Passport Photos
[] Health Documentation
[] Transportation Tickets
[] Frequent Flyer Cards
[] Emergency Information
[] Insurance cards
[] Traveler's Checks
[] Local Currency
[] Credit Cards
[] Guide Books and Maps
[] Trip Cancellation/Medical Insurance
[] Personal Identification
[] Copies of Airline Tickets/Passport/ Credit Cards, Etc.
[] Special Event Reservations

TRAVEL GEAR
[] Main Travel Bag (Travel Pack/Duffle Bag/Luggage)
[] Packing Accessories (for clothes, small stuff and toiletries)
[] Security (Passport Carrier/ Locks/Luggage Tags)
[] Document Organizer
[] Everyday Bag

EVERYDAY BASICS
[] Travel Clothing
[] Raincoat/Umbrella
[] Travel Footwear
[] Visor or Brimmed Hat
[] Camera, Lenses, Film
[] Radiation Shield for Film
[] Video Camera, Tapes
[] Binoculars
[] CD/Cassette Player
[] Electric Converters
[] Currency Converter
[] Travel Alarm
[] Travel Journal
[] Reading Materials
[] Address Book
[] Travel Journal
[] Pen/Pencil
[] Scarf/Bandanna
[] Games/Playing Cards
[] Snacks
[] Water Bottle
[] Hand Sanitizer/Towlettes
[] Travel Neck Pillow
[] Hair Dryer
[] Moist Towelette
[] Travel Bottles (for shampoo & laundry soap)

HOME CHECKLIST
[] Stop deliveries
[] Have Post Office hold mail
[] Arrange care for pets, lawn and plants
[] Set-up a timed lighting system
[] Notify local police of absence
[] Leave house key and trip itinerary with a neighbor
[] Empty refrigerator
[] Eliminate possible\ fire hazards (unplug appliances, etc.)
[] Turn down thermostat
[] Turn off water heater
[] Store valuables in a safe place
[] Lock all doors and windows
[] reconfirm with airlines flight times

MAINTENANCE ITEMS
[] Flashlight Batteries/Bulb
[] Matches or Lighter
[] Extra Batteries
[] Sewing/Repair Kit
[] Tape
[] Travel Iron or Steamer
[] Zip-close Plastic Bags


TRAVEL HEALTH
Please consult your localhealth center or personal physi-cian for help in planning your trip's medication needs.
[] Travel Health Booklet
[] Pain Reliever/Aspirin
[] Cold Medicines
[] Contact Lens/Glasses Items
[] Diarrhea Medicine
[] Laxative
[] Insect Protection
[] Sun Protection
[] Sunburn Relief
[] Antibiotic Cream
[] Malaria Medication
[] Motion Sickness Medicine
[] Personal Hygiene Items
[] Personal Prescriptions
[] Vitamins
[] Moleskin
[] Mouthwash
[] Birth Control
[] Copies of Prescriptions

TOILETRIES
[] Comb/Brush
[] Toothbrush/Paste
[] Dental Floss
[] Deodorant
[] Soap-Personal & Laundry
[] Skin Care Lotion/Cream
[] Make up
[] Mirror
[] Manicure Articles
[] Hair Care
[] Sunscreen/Lip balm
[] Razors/Shaving Cream
[] Hair Dryer
[] Towel/Washcloth
[] Travel Bottles (for shampoo & laundry soap)
[] Be an Early Bird
[] Pack to Unpack (pack light)
[] Bring snacks for flight
[] Be flexible/Have Fun

Websites to check out:

• http://www.travel.state.gov/ for any state warnings to the destination, international travelers information, passport information, register with the US Embassy for travel abroad, etc.
• http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi for currency converter
• The countries website
• http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx for innoculations and health information
• http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/ for time around the world
• http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/index.shtm airport security information
• http://www.weather.com/ for weather locally, nationally and globally
• The airlines website for seat assignments, baggage restrictions, etc.

Tips that I live by:

• Register with the US Embassy for your travel abroad @ http://www.travel.state.gov/
• Designate an Emergency Contact and have their contact details with you.
• Contact your credit card companies before you travel
• Photo copy your passport including the visa page if applicable
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with loved ones
• If traveling with your lap top get Skype. It is the cheapest way to stay in touch

Ja'Vonne in Punta Cana

Hey there,

I'm back in Chicago! I miss Punta Cana already. My last day there was gorgeous. I had a spa appointment at Yhi Spa at the Paradisus Palma Real. They moved the treatment rooms to the Reserve, an exclusive property that is part of Paradisus Palma Real. You check in at Paradisus and they will take you by golf cart to the spa. It is so peaceful and elegant. It feels like another destination on it's own. The facilities are great, very tranquil, rocks, water and wood. The showers are outside, very private but outside. Very natural. They also have sauna, steam, jacuzzi and pools so you can spend some time there to totally relax. The prices are pretty good too.

After the spa I went to the beach. The lounge chairs are the bet. They have small singular ones but they also have lounge beds that hold up to two people and they have palapas, if you want to get away from the sun but remain outside. The sand is white and powdery, very soft and the water is clear turquoise. As I was relaxing a waiter came by for my drink order. I had a mango smoothie. It is currently mango season.

Now, our last day there we had our seminars. After our seminars we went deep sea fishing. For the first time I got sea sick. I did not get nausea's I got dizzy. The water was pretty rough. We did not catch anything but we got a few bites that got away. Seriously.

Later that evening we visited the Moon Palace. This property has almost 1800 rooms, 11 restaurants and by the fall will have the largest casino in the Dominican Republic. It's all inclusive. They have two room categories. Their standard room is great. jacuzzi in the middle of the room, balcony, large bathroom, minibar, etc. Then there are the suites, 1 bedroom suites and some have adjoining rooms to make 2 bedroom suites.

In a few weeks I will be in the Philippines. I'll tell you all about it.

Later
Ja'Vonne

JaVonne in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Hey there,

Last night we went to Paradisus Punta Cana and had dinner there. Another beautiful Sol Melia property. After dinner we went to the hottest night club in Punta Cana, Imagine. Imagine is also called the Cave because it is an actual cave. This place looks like something out of a vampire movie, complete with a few bats. Not to worry they are only on the outside. Inside there are several rooms with different music in each one. House, Techno, Hip Hop and a mixture of latino music. We danced until 2 in the morning. Take a knap in the day if you plan to go because Imagine does not start happening until midnight.

Today was a long day. We went to Sanctuary Cap Cana a beautiful area that is a destination all its own. Parts of the area are still under development. The resorts here are unique and fabulous. Starting with the golf course Espada. The course is along the coast and offers 18 holes all with a seaside view. During our tour of the golf course an very big iguana paid a visit to hole 3. After the golf course tour we went to one of the hotels called Sanctuary Cap Cana. It's a mediterannean style decor with suites and villas. We had lunch at the Blue Marlin, the checf is from Indonesia and the food was marvelous. We had the best ceviche, red snapper, shrimp and calamari tempura. Afterwards we went on a Catamaran Toru through Cap Cana Marina. The water was clear and calm. After the catamaran went for dinner at Tortuga Bay, a small leading hotel of the world. I love this property, all rooms are junior suites or 2 bedroom suites. .

Well, it's been a long day and I'm tired. we have an early day tomorrow.

talk to you tomorrow.
Ja'Vonne

Ja'Vonne in Puna Cana, Dominican Republic

Hey there,

It is Saturday and we had a full day but it is not over. I am taking a break before we leave to see the Paradisus Punta Cana and have dinner there. We will also go to a club called the Cave after dinner.

Now, my day so far.
We left the hotel around 9am and headed in a jeep safari. We drove to the country side. We first visited a home and family. Maria was our hostess and we met her 5 children. They also make coffee, chocolate, coconut oil, chocolate marmalade and vanilla extract. I almost forgot, they also make Mamajuana. this is a drink made from various roots like ginger, cinnamon., etc. Red wine is poured over the roots and left for several days. the wine is then poured off and you fill the bottle 70% with dark rum and 30% honey and let sit for days. Now it is ready to drink. it tastes like a liqueur. You drink it straight like a shot. We saw how the coffee and coco was harvested, processed and made. We also tasted hot chocolate and coffee. I bought some chocolate marmalade. It's really good with fresh coconut.

We then went for zip lines. I'll upload my picture when I return. We did 4 lines the first 2 were 65 meters long and the 3rd & 4th ones were 115 meters long. so much fun.

After zip lining we head to a tobacco farm and watched as cigars were made. I don't smoke but I tried the flavored cigars, cherry and vanilla. like Clinton I did not inhale.

I'm about to shower and get ready for our evening activities.

Later
Ja'Vonne

The Traveling Eye-Girlfriend Getaways& Mancations

Hello fellow world travelers,

Yesterday I arrived in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It's been 20 years since I've been to Dominican Republic. Wow! I'm attending the SITE Chicago Annual Retreat. SITE is the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives. Our host hotel is Sol Melia's Paradisus Palma Real. what a beautiful resort.

Paradisus Palma Real is a luxury all-inclusive property. Every room is a suite! There are so many things that are included. Horseback riding, Golf, they have a 27 hole course, several restaurants and bars, just to name a few. They have a wonderful program called Royal Services. Royal Services includes butler services, a private check in and lounge and is Adult Only! For more information http://www.paradisuspalmareal.com/. Each day I'll update the blog to let you know what I'm doing.

On The Traveling Eye, June 12, we talked about GIRLFRIEND GETAWAYS AND MANCATIONS!

We had a very special guest, Mel Jackson. You've seen him on Soulfood, the movie. He was Byrd's ex. You should see him now. He has changed his diet and lost some pounds. He looks good. He spoke about his MANCATION with the fellas in Vegas and it prompted him to write his new book about male bonding and communicating.

Bonnie covered Girlfriend Getaways starting with Kohler, Wisconsin. Kohler, yes the same company that makes bathroom and kitchen fixtures, is a wonderful town and they have the best spa and resort in town. Did you know that they even have their own chocolate store with fine chocolates? Also, in Wisconsin is Harley Davidson. This can be a great Mancation or Girlfriend getaway. The Harley Davidson Museum is fantastic, it's filled with 100 years of history and is interactive. If you stay overnight our favorite place is Iron Horse Inn. It's right across from the museum and is fabulous!

For the guys we talked about.

• The Richard Petty Driving Experience. Experience the actual raceway in a stock car going 160 mph! It's located in Daytona Beach Florida. http://www.1800bepetty.com/
• Then there's the DFW Drive your Dream. How about spending one day driving 150 miles in up to 5 of the most desired, fastest and powerful cars like the Lamborghini, Ferrari, Dodge Viper, etc. It's located in Dallas Texas. The website is http://www.dfwdriveyourdream.com/
• Ladies do wine tours and tastings and for the guys how about the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. You visit distilleries and see how bourbon is made and yes, there is tasting. http://www.kentuckybourbontrail.com/
• OK, Golf is the number one vacation activity for guys and the mother of golf packages is the Robet Trent Jones Golf Trail. These are golf courses are in Alabama and you can play 1 or all of the courses. They have packages with combinations. http://www.rtjgolf.com/
• Lastly, guys and sports is synonomous. Check out the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio and while you're there just 60 miles away is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You can also get a package and visit both. http://www.profootballhof.com/ and http://www.rockhall.com/