Mystical Ireland

Summer in the Republic of Ireland, June 2013

                       Photo: Tralee Bay area

A small country with a very long history.
I think one could virtually drive around the whole of Ireland
with only 1 tank of fuel.
At first, we got 'lost' in Dublin, then drove across Ireland and
spent time in the 'Ring of Kerry' area and then went along the South
and East coast.
Camping in Ireland can be tough, but we did it.
I was pleasantly surprised - campsites everywhere,
very organized and safe. It's hard to believe, Ireland even has
'beautiful white sandy beaches' with surfers.. yes, its true.




                                     Photo: A pub in Dingle

Be prepared. Every traveller should have..... Kit ideas No.#9

"The better prepared you are, the more enjoyable your trip."


Every traveller should have a small First Aid Kit and a small Sewing kit.
That said, I've meet many young guys who can't sew a simple button on a shirt.

No picture of a sewing kit with a small pair of scissors.
WHY?   They get confiscated at most airports by airport security.

(Airports around the world have 'tons' of confiscated scissors /Swiss Army knives.)

NB: Check what you are allowed to carry on you, in your carry-on bag and
in your check-in bag when flying.


It's important to have your own small First Aid kit.
Tip:- Don't buy a first aid kit. Make one-up one your own.


-Every car owner should have jumper cables and a strong tow rope in their car. 
 Most people don't.

I respect the 'Preppers and Survivalists', laugh at them if you will, but they are
organised and have half a plan, which is more than most of us can say.

How many of us have a 'Bug out bag' or a '72hr emergency kit' in your home?
This is the ONE bag you grab when there is a fire/emergency etc.

International Red Cross, Fact 2013: - In disaster situations world wide,
it takes an ave of 72 hours before a rescue team can get to you.

Check-out sites like 'Bug out' and 'SHTF.'

To 'check-in' your luggage or not? Kit idea No. #8

I'm looking into the idea of flying with 'carry-on' luggage
only and not having any 'check-in' luggage at all.
Please note that rules and laws do change.

For carry-on luggage on international long distance flights
you are allowed to also have a laptop bag and a hand bag with you.
Check out a site called www.onebag.com, for some good ideas.




The best size carry-on backpack would be about 45liters or less.
Any larger and it will not comply with the 'carry-on' measurements
 

Though it is true that stuff from your 'carry-on' luggage is also
 stolen, in the airport, at security or even during the flight.

FACT: A report from leading air carriers shows that:-
- An ave of 1 in 3 passengers on every flight will have
  their 'check-in bags' lost, pilfered or damaged.

There are some problems with having only 'carry-on' luggage.
- Every airline has different 'carry-on' rules.
- Each airport has a different set of security rules.

Prohibited items you may not take in your 'carry-on' bag: -
-NO bottles of water
-No gel-insoles in your shoes
-NO matches, nail file, multi-tool, scissors
-NO small pocket knife, pliers, tools or screwdrivers
-NO liquids or gels or toothpaste over 100ml
  all liquids/gels must be stored in clear 100ml containers,
  kept in a 'clear zip plastic bag' and then security checked at customs.
(You are responsible to make sure you have the clear zip bag.)

-You are allowed to carry large sewing/knitting needles. (Weird...)
-Oh, you may carry your own spoon and fork.

Colourful Portugal

The wonderful sights and colours of Portugal.

 

 

I believe that Portugal has more castles and
restaurants than any other country in the world.

The medieval streets of Obidos

 

 

  

Obidos