Traveling with Medications

How to Pack Medications

This topic often comes up, and due to changing rules, it's advisable to check before every flight.
Here is the info from the TSA travel tips today/

TSA link to travelling with medications click here  Info below is taken directly from this TSA link.

• You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.

• Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subjected to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.

• You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.

• TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.

• Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for an inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.

More tips added: at 21 April post + Wake/Sleep cycle

Head on over to 21 April posting. Scroll down & select "Older Posts" or look at the right column on this page and select APRIL.

Pre-travel sleep cycle hints:

For the East Coast travelers you may wish to adjust your sleep cycle 2-3 days before Saturday's flight.  For example, try going to bed at 9:30am and waking 5am the first day, then going to bed at 9am and waking at 4:30am or even 4:45am.  (West Coast: I apologize...it's tougher for you).

Turn on all the lights in your home. Turn on the TV.  Jump on the computer.
Take your morning prescriptions at 5am.
Do this on the day of your departure.
Then when you are on the plane, keep your watch at your home time until after you reach 4am.  Take your morning pill (it will be 10am Ireland time).  For those of you arriving before 9am in Dublin, you may wish to take your pills right before landing, even though it is early in the States.
When you arrive in Dublin, do not take your pills, if you took them on the plane.
After your first night in Dublin, take your pills when you awake.  Now you are on the correct cycle.

Activate AIRPLANE MODE.  Once you land, phone remains on Airplane Mode, 

AND. next step, in Settings turn on Wifi so once you connect to Wifi you can use WhatsApp.

You may wish to turn Wifi on in the plane, if you are using a Wifi package. 

This is also necessary on Princess to use the INTRANET on Princess@Sea.

DINNER/SLEEP/AWAKE on international flights:

Normally dinner is served approximately 1.5 hours into the flight.  So eat dinner before boarding if you have an evening/late departing flight.  Then choose what to eat (or not) on the served dinner.

Here's a photo of this morning at

daybreak from The Villages, FL

Resist the urge to jump into a movie after dinner.  Maybe you'll have time before dinner. Take a walk before trays are picked up. Have more water/beverage.  AND try to sleep.  

I remove my makeup & apply moisturizer.

The plane environment is extremely dry.

Use a sleep mask, turn on low volume music app or plane channel of relaxing music.  

Your goal is to try for 4 to 5 hours of sleep on an 7-8 hour flight.  Upon waking watch or finish your movie!

Good luck!
LAND TOUR: Once you arrive at the Grand Hotel in Malahide, there will be a separate room open to the public while waiting for your room to be ready for check-in.  But do keep moving, walk the city, and most of all, fight the urge to sleep.

Wednesday, 15 MAY 2019

Your body will thank you on Monday.  And you will sleep better on Sunday night.
See you in Dublin!

Foreign Exchange Rate: these are bank rates, ours won't be quite this good for buying currency.

HANDY CARDS >

Crown Princess Ships Cam

It's fun to see where the Crown Princess is today.
Take a peek.
https://www.princess.com/bridgecams/ Click here then on Crown Princess name

Here's where the Crown Princess was as of 2pm today, 8 May.  7pm in Scotland.

MONEY, money, MONEY

Currency Discussion here>

The question of how much Euros for overseas travel is always difficult, because of each individuals spending habits.  I know some of the couples are only bringing 250 Euros and depending on credit cards with no foreign transaction fees for places that accept them.  If you do have a Master Card or Visa with zero foreign transaction fees, I think you may be okay with 500 euros or less.  If you think you will spend 100 Euros a day, then 1000 euros is the answer.



If you decide to dine at the hotels for dinner, you can close out the account with a credit card when we depart the hotel. Unlike the US, the Irish hotels have excellent restaurants.  Especially the 4 and 5 star hotels where we have reservations.  But you will spend more on food at these places than in pubs or cafes.  Of course breakfast is included, except for on Sunday 19 May when we are checking in.

I would save 50 euros x 2 persons for Terry’s tip at the end of the tour as a minimum.  Other tips to waiters, are the bill rounded to the next dollar.  For instance, if you bill at a bar is 18.24 euro, you would pay 19 euro.  If you leave to much, the waiter may be offended as they are paid a good salary to be a professional server.  If your bill is 15.98 euro, you could leave 17 instead of 16, your choice.



If you order room service at a hotel, a 1 euro tip is fine.  If you have more luggage than the 1 per person which is included in the tour price, then a 1 euro per piece is customary for the bellman.



You won’t receive any coins when you order foreign currency.  But at the first coffee stop, café, or bookstore, you can buy something small and receive coins in return.



The Euro coins are very much like American coins, with denominations including 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 euro, and 2 euro.  Bring a separate coin pouch to separate these from your bills.  Sometimes I am so slow looking at the coins that I hold out my hand and let the cashier pick the right ones!

Euros for the Republic of Ireland and France.
Pounds for Northern Ireland, Scotland, Southampton, and Guernsey.

Photos from my Ship Inspection - Crown Princess

Early in April I was at my cruise conference in Fort Lauderdale.  

I had been really bummed when I learned the ship inspection aboard the Crown Princess had been changed to the Caribbean Princess some months before.  

Although they are sister ships, there are some noticeable differences. 

As the motorcoach approached the Princess terminals I noticed the Caribbean Princess and the Crown Princess were docked at neighboring terminals.  Our coach stopped in front of the "Crown" so you can imagine my delight.  Then the business manager came over to us and apologized, Princess had wanted us to tour the Caribbean because she has the new Medallion smart system.  

But, the U.S. Coast Guard decided to make an unannounced inspection.  Semper Paratus!  

Yeah, for us. I snapped a couple hundred photos and I will share some of them with you here.  

By now the Crown has completed her last Caribbean cruise of the season, crossed the ocean to the British Isles, and begun its first cruise. In fact, I saw Guernsey welcome the Crown Princess for its first visit of the season this past week. 

I asked every crew member who would talk to me if they would be on the ship in May.  So do say hello, to everyone as they are expecting you!

The Crown came out of her last dry dock on April 3, 2018. It will get its Medallion status this July (better wifi and other high-tech features). She is still an elegant ship and easy to navigate.  Here's an interesting tidbit: although the "Crown" is named after the British empire, the godmother is Martha Stewart!

The Piazza atrium in center of the ship

International Café at the Piazza: free small plates daily sweets and savories

Vines: where the wine tastings are held; on the Piazza

Laundry on the Princess Ships, etc.

Found this video on YouTube.  Enjoy.

>Typical Launderette on Princess click on this line for YouTube video<

The machines are $3 each and time depends on the cycle you chose.
The detergent is powder and was All. (there's not much in the little box) and was $1.50.

• I would not purchase PODS as these are not HE (high efficiency) machines.

 You can also get dryer sheets, 2 or 3 in the box also $1.50. 

• Or just bring some of your own dryer sheets in a plastic baggie.

All of these are purchased in the laundry room with tokens you get from a machine there.

• I do recommend getting your tokens soon after boarding, as some of the machines run out. 
• There are launderettes on most of the decks with cabins, located aft.  See deck plan signs on each deck in elevator lobbies to direct you to the right area.

 This photo shows a double laundromat located in middle section of deck, with access from both the port and starboard sides. Some of the laundry rooms are only half this size with access from one side of the ship. Diagram/signage on each deck in the elevator lobby to show location.

Note the Token machine (in black) and the laundry detergent machine.  You pay for the tokens with your room key.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question about our travels on land or by sea? 

Send them to me and I will post answers here. Updates in RED ink & Green.

These tips are good to review even if you are a veteran traveler!

New & MORE NEW tips and FAQ here!   Green: May week 2  Last Minute: Blue

* Bring a highlighter to mark the Princess Patter newspaper with the next day's activities you don't     want to miss.

* Bring a post-em pad if you wish to leave a note on someone's cabin door. Of course you can also pick up the phone (just like a hotel) and leave a message on their voice mail.  Check yours too!

* I probably said this somewhere else, the doors & walls are metal, so you can decorate your door with a favorite magnet if you wish.

* Remember to check into your flight 24 hours before departure.  Arrive 3 hours prior to flight.
* Land Tour: Activate your RED Horizon FeXco card to easily claim your VAT tax refunds.
* Make a copy of your passports & store separate from your passports, but not in checked bags.
* Place your name & phone number in your luggage. A copy of the land itinerary is good also.

UPDATE: I checked us in at 8pm last night. Lufthansa does not allow a choice for printing boarding passes.  My info went straight to my email where I have a MOBILE boarding pass.  Should this happen to you, don't fear, you can always get a paper copy when you check in your luggage.

* Put a dryer sheet (or two) in your suitcase to keep it fresh smelling. Also good to rub on your skin if you encounter static electricity.

* On the cruise, your ship's card is your door key, and your charge card. So if you don't regularly have a pocket, or wish to carry a wristlet, a lanyard is a good option.  If it doesn't have the plastic holder, the guest services desk will punch your card so you can attach it to the lanyard clasp.

* An RFID credit card protector/pouch/wallet will stop anyone from scanning your credit card information.  AAA Travel has these at their locations, also on Amazon. 

* Since we are using Euros and Pounds, take along TWO coin purses or zipped pouches to keep the coins separate and easy to find.

* Do you still use a quart baggie for your 3-1-1 liquids?  Found this on Pinterest and ordered pack of 2 for hubby & me.  Delivers overnight.  We love them. Make sure the color you choose is in stock for overnight delivery. 2pcs/pack Lermende Clear Toiletry Bag TSA Approved Travel Carry On Airport Airline Compliant Bag Quart Sized 3-1-1 Kit Luggage Pouch

* A repeat from below: an eye-mask to block light, and earplugs to block sound will help you sleep better on the plane. A neck pillow can be snapped onto the outside of your carry-on luggage (look for this feature before you buy the neck pillow) and this cures the bobbing head that can wake you from getting a good rest.

* Immigration in Dublin MAY take up to 45 minutes.  

*This you probably already know, but bears repeating: don't walk to the plane's restroom in stocking feet, no matter how tired you are.  Not everyone has a good aim.

* On the sanitary note, do take wipes to swab your seat handles, seat tray, and bathroom handles as many germs are waiting for you there.

New tips and FAQ here in Red:   May week 1

Travel tips in flight:  

• Go ahead and look at your airlines website.  Add their app to your phone and enter your Record Locator.  Once you are registered with them, the airline will send you updates on delays, arrivals, etc.  You may wish to request a wheelchair assistance to the gate, or a special dinner.  I choose "Low Salt" as salt does make your feet swell, even with compression socks!
• Don't forget to check in online for your flight 24 hours before departure.  I've put my check-in time on my phone calendar.
• Here's a great app for in-flight relaxation or noise interference from engine and cabin noise. The app is free and is called Relax Melodies. Available for Android and iphone. Don't forget your personal earbuds or headphones.

• PLUG ADAPTOR: Yes, you will need one for Ireland.  No, not needed on the ship.
• This is the one I recommend at Amazon, as it is a multi-function adaptor, including USB ports..  Comes in blue or electric green, also black.  But you'll probably overlook the black one on the dresser or nightstand, whereas these colors pop and you are more likely NOT to leave it in a hotel room. About $20, or less if you have Prime for free shipping.

• CONVERTER > You will need a converter for any appliance or tool that is not dual 110/220 voltage.  Examples are laptops, curling iron, iron, tea kettle, etc. The one I show here from Amazon is $43.95.  It has a switch to change between Converter, or to Adapter.
• ·         Travel Adapter And Converter Combo. 220V to 110V Converter Step Down The Voltage For U.S. Electric Products like Hair Dryer, Steam Iron, Kettle etc. This Voltage Converter Max 2000 Watts.
  ·         Adapter Mode With 2 Fast Charging USB Ports For DUAL-VOLTAGE (110-220V or 100-240V) devices Such As Laptop, MacBook, Cellphone, Camera. Dual Voltage Appliance/Device Must Use The Adapter Mode.
  ·         Easy To Use, All In One Travel Adapter And Converter Combo (UK/US/AU/Euanpe) That Fits Electrical Outlets In Most Commonly Visited Countries, Over 150 Countries Like Europe, Argentina, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Fiji, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Mongolia, India, Indonesia, Middle East, South Africa, Ghana, Botswana, etc.
  ·         BONAZZA 2000Watts 220V to 110V Travel Converter And Universal Plug Adapter With 2 Fast Charging USB All In One Combo Weight Only 0.42Lb. Compact Small Size Is 2.9 x 2.3 x 2 inches.
  ·         Please Read The Introduction And Description Carefully Before Using This Travel Adapter And Converter Combo. Please Contact US If You Are Unsure Whether An Appliance Can Be Used With Or Not. Unconditional lifetime warranty without any other costs needed. Our Support Is 7*24 Online Support Standing By.

• BATHROBES > Cannot guarantee bathrobes in the hotel rooms on the land tour.
• YES, there are bathrobes in your ship's cabin. If not in your cabin, then ask your cabin attendant for them (2).
• HAIR DRYERS > Hotels will have hair dryers as will the cruise cabins.
• IRONING BOARDS & IRON > Hotels will have these in your room.
• Self-service laundromat on the ship, including ironing board & iron in public space only
• USB PORTS > NO, I do not expect USB ports on the cruise (nor on the motorcoach). The Crown Princess is due for its Wifi and electrical updates in July.



Power bank backup charger lipstick size.



Power bank backup charger, smaller than your palm.

• Bring a portable charger for on the go charging.  There are many types: compare how many charges you get from one fully charged device. Be sure you purchase the right kind for your phone: Apple or Android OR get one with a USB port that will plug to any phone charger connector that has a USB.
• I found a double USB port silver charger similar to the one on the left at Walgreens under $20.  Silver for Grant, Rose Gold for me.
• CELL PHONES > Be sure to download WhatsApp as this will be our primary communication in Ireland and ashore on the cruise.  When on Wifi (HOTELS, CAFES, BUS) FREE text, calls, video conferencing between phone (owners) with this app.  Both parties must have WhatsApp loaded to work.  The App will automatically find the numbers in your address book that have WhatsApp.  
• Do put my name and cell in your Address Book.  TEST messages start NEXT week!!
• Karen Ondayko 352-552-8066
• Grant Leber 352-552-6019
•  Check with your Cell Phone provider for your overseas roaming charges and any other fees.  Some phones need an additional SIM card, others do not. My phone is a Samsung 9s and it is international ready through Verizon. So I only have a daily fee (about $6) if I want to use my phone + any data charges.  I never plan to use it except on WHATSAPP mode.
•  As soon as I get on the plane, I turn my phone on Airplane Mode. This STOPS any data charges from occurring.  If you forget, you MAY have a tremendous bill unless you have unlimited data (even in foreign countries?)
•  CREDIT CARDS > Most commonly accepted are Master Card and Visa
• Be sure your card has No Foreign Transaction Fees
• If a store asks, "do you wish me to convert to your currency for you" SAY NO. 
• Protect your card's electronic information by inserting your credit cards in a RIFD card holder, sleeve, or wallet. 
• US Dollars are NOT accepted anywhere and it is illegal for a merchant to accept them. See post before this one about EUROs and POUNDs.
• Notify your bank or credit card issuer of your foreign travel plans and dates, so your card is NOT denied while you are traveling.
• DRESSY DINNERS > YES, a sports coat and jacket is appropriate men's attire for formal night on ship or dressy dinners on land.
• MOTION SICKNESS > I recommend chewable non-drowsy dramamine. We will have one hilly stretch with hairpin turns on the way to Dingle Peninsula and they are always good for the airplane or the ship as well.  Pack them in your carry-on/daybag.
• TIME CHANGE/JETLAG > I recommend non-prescription drug-free Melatonin taken as you board your overnight flight to Ireland.  Then as needed before bed to assist you with jetlag.  This is a life-changer for me.
• COMPRESSION SOCKS > Vital for good circulation and to reduce swelling in the high pressure cabin environment on flights. Use at minimum a medium compression. You may wish to layer some footies for extra warmth when you remove your shoes to sleep overnight. And make sure your shoes are easy to slip on for trips to the bathroom. You should be drinking fluids & walking about during the flight.
• HYDRATION > If you are on an 8 hour flight, do try to drink 8 glasses of non-alcoholic beverages.  Staying hydrated will help you when you land. Your body will thank you.
• OVERNIGHT SLEEPING > Consider noise cancelling earbuds and an eye-mask to help create best sleeping environment.  A neck pillow can be snapped onto your carry-on luggage and will be a helpful aid in Economy seating.
• AIRLINE APP > Load your airline app PRIOR to boarding. Your entertainment options may be enhanced via the app. You will also receive prompt messages of any gate changes, and some even give you your luggage location along the way.

Euros and British Pouinds

How much foreign currency do I need?

EUROS - used in Ireland and France

Ireland land tour of 10 days:  breakfast is included every morning except for day of flight arrival (and you will have breakfast on the plane prior to landing).
Two multi-course dinners are included:  the Pullman Restaurant (this is an Orient Express carriage car) at Glenlo Abbey will include one glass of wine per person; our farewell dinner at Fitzpatrick Castle will be on our final night before transferring either to the airport or to the Crown Princess on 28 May.

You will want to bring EUROS for use in the Republic of Ireland. I recommend purchasing small denominations before you arrive.  A credit card with a PIN will allow you to use ATM machines. Credit cards will be accepted by most large stores, but may not be accepted at pubs or boutique shops or small cafes.

Our GUIDE is Terry O'Connor.  I had the pleasure of meeting Terry last year, and I am thrilled he will be our driver and guide.  Gratuities are 6-8 Euros per person per day, and we will be with Terry 8 days. So you can plan to tip him 50+Euros per person depending on how much you feel his expertise contributed to your enjoyment of Ireland.

Plan to cover your lunches, drinks, and evening meals for 7 nights along with money for souvenirs.  For some people 500 Euros may be plenty, but for others it may not be nearly enough.  How many times will you want a Guinness in the village pubs? Would you enjoy bringing home Irish woolen goods, Connemara marble jewelry, or Irish crystal?

Here is a current conversion chart for the Euro.  I will include a Wallet Card with your documents.

U.S. dollar	Euro
1 USD	0.84 EUR
5 USD	4.21 EUR
10 USD	8.41 EUR
25 USD	21.04 EUR
50 USD	42.07 EUR
100 USD	84.15 EUR
200 USD	168.29 EUR
250 USD	210.37 EUR
500 USD	420.73 EUR
1,000 USD	841.47 EUR

Euro	U.S.dollar
1 EUR	1.19 USD
5 EUR	5.94 USD
10EUR	11.88USD
25 EUR	29.71 USD
50 EUR	59.42 USD
100EUR	118.84USD
200EUR	237.68USD
250EUR	297.10USD
500EUR	594.20USD
						POUNDS - used in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Guernsey U.S. dollar   Pounds Sterling 1 USD 0.72 GBP 5 USD 3.59 GBP 10 USD 7.17 GBP 25 USD 17.93 GBP 50 USD 35.86 GBP 100 USD 71.72 GBP 200 USD 143.43 GBP 250 USD 179.29 GBP 500 USD 358.58 GBP 1,000 USD 717.15 GBP Pounds Sterling U.S. dollar 1 GBP 1.39 USD 5 GBP 6.97 USD 10 GBP 13.94 USD 25 GBP 34.86 USD 50 GBP 69.72 USD 100 GBP 139.44 USD 200 GBP 278.88 USD 250 GBP 348.60 USD 500 GBP 697.20 USD 1,000 GBP 1,394.40 USD