Tips For A Stress-Free Summer Travel

 

Tips for air travel include:

Book your ticket ASAP. If you must book last minute, remember, you have options. The key to securing the best deal is flexibility in travel dates--ask your ASTA travel agent to check into special fares or consider flying into an alternate airport and renting a car. If your vacation includes international travel, make sure you have a valid passport. Your travel agent can advise you on the new rules and how to apply.

Arrive early. Difficult airport parking, long lines at security checkpoints and the possibility of the airline overselling the flight and bumping passengers, should all be considered when deciding what time to arrive at the airport. Give yourself plenty of extra time. Need some incentive? Keep in mind that those who arrive earliest for an overbooked flight stand the greatest chance of staying onboard.
Keep a close eye on all your belongings. Just as flights are becoming extremely crowded, airports can also be fraught with thieves. Be aware of your surroundings and maintain a close watch over tickets, wallets, purses, and other belongings at all times.

Avoid getting bumped. 1) Get an advance seat assignment. Passengers with seat assignments are typically only bumped if they arrive late and their seat assignment is released. 2) Check-in online. Most airlines allow you to do so within 24 hours of departure. Seat assignments that were not available at the time of ticketing may be available when checking in online. 3) Don't be late. If all else fails, get to the airport early. Some airlines reserve a portion of their seat assignment inventory for airport check-in. If you are denied a seat assignment at check-in, put your name on the "standby" seat assignment list.

Remember 3-1-1. New regulations limit the amount of gels and liquids passengers can take through security in their carry-on luggage to travel-size toiletries of three (3) ounces or less that fit comfortably in one (1) quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag and the one (1) bag per passenger must be placed in the screening bin.

Know your limits. Pack light and know baggage limits. Some airlines now charge for a second piece of checked luggage.

Packing List - Make A Plan And Stick To It!

 

Like an architect planning a building, so must you plan the contents of your suitcase by creating a packing list. A packing list eliminates the panic of last-second packing, serves as a handy guide for repacking at the end of the trip, and can be beneficial in the unfortunate event of lost or stolen luggage.

When planning your wardrobe, consider the events you will participate in both day and night and write down a possible outfit for each activity. Crosscheck this packing list to determine if one piece can cover multiple occasions. Pick clothes that coordinate well together, based around complimentary colors.

Check the weather forecast of the destination and plan accordingly. Also, be sure to know the local traditions, where a t-shirt for dinner could be a serious blunder, or bare shoulders may bar your entrance into such places as St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. For almost all outdoor activities, take pieces that can be layered.

Forget dress clothes for every occasion. The world at large has relaxed its dress code, showing almost universal leniency to tourists. Dark colors - a black dress or blue jacket - will get you through most dinners and plays.

To Pack Or Not To Pack? That Is The Question!

When packing, lay out the items you intend to take and reexamine your packing list. If possible, weed out single-use items and extras.

Set aside the pieces you intend to bring and ensure that they are clean and ready to be packed. Contact your travel agent about the hotel's in-room amenities - such as a hair dryer, an iron and board, soap, shampoo etc. - so you'll know what to leave behind.

Jewelry - don't take what you don't want to lose, and leave behind the flashy pieces that could attract thieves. Keep makeup to a minimum to save space, and leave the perfume behind when scented lotions will work just as well.

When it comes to the question of toiletries, travel kits are always the answer. Having a travel kit perpetually stocked in a waterproof case will save in packing time before the trip and aggravation after arrival. Most personal toiletry items come in inexpensive travel sizes, so purchase these whenever you see them so as not to arrive with a half-empty bottle of your favorite hair gel. And don't fill bottles up to the very top, for pressure inside the plane may force the contents to expand and overflow.

With each item you intend to bring, visualize how to make it smaller, like photocopying certain pages and maps from the guidebook instead of bringing the entire book. Streamline your daily habits. Bring only one bottle of all-purpose lotion instead of multiple lotions for hands, face and body. Choose a regular toothbrush or razor over electric models.

Film and other accessories can be purchased globally and often easily, so save packing room by leaving them behind. Create an in-trip adventure and discover more about the area by shopping for a local brand of deodorant or lotion.

When it comes to incidentals, a few items will go a long way. Important items to bring include a first-aid kit, a tin of aspirin, sunscreen and a small bottle of Woolite for emergency, in-room laundering if needed. Also, a Swiss army knife will amaze you with its handiness, whether peeling fruit or uncorking a wine bottle. Remember - it's not allowed on the plane, so pack it in your checked luggage.

Once your travel kit is complete, be sure to pack it in your carry-on bag to avoid a mess in your checked luggage and have on hand during the flight.

Danville's 4th of July Parade

Kick off Independence Day at Danville’s 4th of July Parade. This festive, hometown event attracts over 40,000 attendees each year including local residents, family, friends, and flag-wavers from the Bay Area and beyond. Park yourself curbside and cheer on the bands, gymnasts, Scouts, and other community organizations as they proudly march by. Horses and other animals will pace the route, while antique cars inch along for your enjoyment.

The parade route runs from the corner of Hartz Avenue and Railroad Avenue, continues down Hartz and San Ramon Valley Boulevard, and ends at the corner of San Ramon Valley Boulevard and Sycamore Valley Road. To learn more, visit www.kiwanis-srv.org.

• Location: Downtown Danville
• From: 7/4/2016 9:00:00 AM
• To: 7/4/2016 12:00:00 PM

Secrets of Travelling with Toddlers

 

I make no bones about the fact that I have found flying with a toddler an absolute nightmare. So if you are planning to take your little darlings on a flight, here are my top 10 tips to ensure a stress free journey (without the use of drugs*).

Plan your flight in 15-minute slots

For a three-hour journey you need around ten activities to keep young kids entertained (as the first and last 15 minutes you can occupy them by looking out the window for take-off and landing). CBeebies magazines, a favourite story book, drawing, Snap, and snacks are all good activities to keep them entertained. It's unlikely you will need all ten (especially if you manage to get them to sleep) but better to have too many than too few.

Get a portable DVD player or tablet

Without doubt the one thing all parents seem to agree on is investing in some sort of video tech to keep your kid occupied – either a portable DVD player or, increasingly, a tablet computer. DVD players are a bit bulkier and obviously require a set of DVDs to go with them, whereas tablets are much smaller but often have limited storage space for videos. You'll also have to make sure to download all the videos you need before getting on board. Cartoons and movies can help to while away a sizeable chunk of the flight and allow parents some downtime too.

Present your child with presents

Wrap up small toys that you can present to your child as a reward for being good every half hour or so. These don’t have to be expensive and can even be your child's old forgotten about toys (yup, I'm Miss Thrifty too). Small soft animals are ideal, as are little wind-up toys that can travel across the fold down table – although there is always the possibility that they may end up 'driving' into nearby passengers or a passing steward. A good idea is to wrap up your various activities as presents, like snacks or stickers (see below)..

Get sticking with stickers

Stickers are great for keeping children entertained for a while – just give them an empty water bottle to decorate, or some scrap paper. Bear in mind that you will probably end up having to unpeel stickers from the back of the seat in front and from various parts of your child's body, but it's a small price to pay for keeping them quiet for 15 minutes.

Take a pillow

Small children can sit on a pillow so they can see out of the window better, while older children may find sleeping more comfortable with a pillow. A blanket is also good as its familiarity will comfort your child as well keep them warm if it gets chilly on-board.

Take some sweets

Landing can cause painful ears – babies are often given a bottle to encourage them to suck and therefore swallow. The same principle will work if you give your child a lollypop (ideally sugar free) for take-off and landing, which will also distract them from the potentially scary sensation.

Bring longer lasting foods

Offer foods that take longer to eat which will occupy your child for longer. A box of raisins is great because it contains natural sugars, while strawberries, grapes and cherry tomatoes are similarly healthy and fun to eat (although potentially messier than raisins). Sweets can be a great bribe (and I am all for bribes), but be warned: trying to contain a child in their seat once they have eaten an excessive amount of sugar can present a challenge.

Artists' Opening Reception for Exhibit Surf's Up!

Join the city of Danville at the Village Theatre Art Gallery for the opening  reception for Surf's Up! Speak with the artists and enjoy light refreshments.

• Location: Village Theatre Art Gallery - 233 Front Street
• 6/24/2016 - From: 5 PM to 7 PM 

Town of Danville
Marija Nelson Bleier
Program Coordinator(925) 314-3460

Summerfest Craft Festival

The Danville Summerfest offers fun, food, and entertainment for the whole family. More than 200 artists will display their paintings, photography, ceramics, glassware, jewelry, and more, while others demonstrate their talents right before your eyes. Stroll the tree-lined streets in search of that perfect piece. Stop by the Culinary Arts Corner to see what’s cooking. Quench your thirst at the Beverage Garden. And enjoy the myriad of live music playing throughout the event.

"We are looking forward to seeing you on June 18 and 19 for Danville Summerfest 2016 brought to you by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce!   Our local street fairs and festivals draw families from all over the San Ramon Valley and Beyond. We hope you’ll visit to see why."

• Location: Downtown Danville
• From: 6/18/2016 10:00:00 AM
• To: 6/18/2016 5:00:00 PM

Admission and parking is free. For more information call (925) 837-4400 or visit www.danvilleareachamber.com.

Martinsville Speedway

Founded in 1947 by the late H. Clay Earles, Martinsville Speedway is the only track which has hosted NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races every year since the division’s inception in 1949.

At .526 miles in length, Martinsville Speedway is the shortest track on the Sprint Cup circuit. But because of its size and shape – described most often as the shape of a paperclip – Martinsville offers some of the most exciting and close racing in the sport.

Red Skelton Tribute Show

Red Skelton Tribute
at the Historic North Theatre
June 11, 2016.

Danville Mall

Located in Danville, Virginia, the Danville Mall offers 731,500 square feet of fully-enclosed retail shopping and dining space. Situated between Greensboro, North Carolina and Lynchburg, Virginia, the Danville Mall offers the primary shopping destination for residents of South Central Virginia and North Central North Carolina. Anchored by Belk, Sears, JCPenney and Dunham's Sports, the Mall has a strong base of national retailers including Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, American Eagle Outfitters and Aeropostale.

The Mall is conveniently located off of Highway 58 and Business 29.

Canvas & Cabernet

Unlock your inner artist at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History while enjoying your favorite wine, as part of their Canvas & Cabernet event.

Danville Farmers Market

Get fresh local produce and other goodies at the Danville Farmers' Market!

Virginia‬'s Colonial National Historical Park

‪Virginia‬'s Colonial National Historical Park memorializes several important American sites. Visit the oldest permanent English settlement in North America at Jamestown and tour Green Spring, the 17th century plantation home of Sir William Berkeley.

Virginia’s First Crop

One of the most popular crops in the US was first grown in the state of Virginia. The Peanut was first grown on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It had perfect soil for the peanut plant.

National Park Week

Upcoming National Park Week April 16-24th Enjoy Fee-Free Days at National Parks in Virginia!

York River State Park

A beautiful view at York River State Park in Williamsburg.

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

191,000-acre mountain recreation wonderland within the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. The area offers: hundreds of miles of hiking including a hike to the highest peak in Virginia, Mount Rogers at 5,729 feet, self-auto tours, including Whitetop Mountain with the highest road in Virginia; 7 campgrounds; 4 horse camps; 3 cabins and biking, horse back riding and cross-country ski trails; two lakes and 50 miles of streams; historic sites; wildlife viewing, and hunting.

National Park Week

Upcoming National Park Week April 16th-24th

Enjoy Fee-Free Days At National Parks In Virginia!

Downtown Culpeper

Downtown Culpeper, Virginia

is home to some great wineries and Virginia’s only legal moonshine distillery, Belmont Farm Distillery. Along with great dining options (It’s About Thyme Markets’ brick oven pizza or Foti’s uniquely inspired farm to fork creations),  shop for one-of-a-kind items (global treasures, earth friendly gifts, antiques, original art, and handcrafted-in-the-USA items). Just a short drive out of town, find Culpeper’s well-preserved Civil War battlefields at Cedar Mountain, Kelly’s Ford and Brandy Station for a self-guided or guided tour.

Valentines Day Ideas

 

Chocolate is a tempter. Indulgent, smooth, delicious. Fulfill your sweet cocoa desires with a visit to a Virginia chocolatier or an upcoming event.