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Category: Recommendations

Sunburn and Heat-Related Illnesses

Sunburn and Heat-Related Illnesses

Posted on by Roberta Hill

When I was growing up, sunburn lotion was not used. However, I was very fair-skinned and prone to bad sunburns. My mother always had me in a hat and my shoulders covered when we were at the beach. I still managed to get burnt, and she would cover me in calamine lotion. Prevention and Management for Travellers We all enjoy traveling to sunny and warm destinations for beach outings and outdoor adventures. However, prolonged exposure to the sun and high temperatures can lead to sunburn and heat-related illnesses. Learning to prevent and manage these conditions is important for maintaining health…

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Smart Travel Money Three Big Travel Questions Best Credit Cards Best Travel Credit Cards

The Benefits of Carrying a Zero-Balance Credit Card on Your Trip

Posted on by Roberta Hill

My partner and I always carried one different bank credit card each whenever we travelled. Before we became partners, we had two from our previous bank, so we were all set. We used only one of the cards, and I kept the other in case the first didn’t work. I can’t tell you how many times either our debit cards or our credit cards didn’t work. We have discovered that credit cards may work well in stores, but rarely to get cash from bank machines. In Cinque Terre, we didn’t find an ATM at a bank that worked for us…

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Passport and Travel Updates for 2025: What You Need to Know

Posted on by Roberta Hill

We are now in 2025, and significant changes are set to impact international and domestic travel, particularly concerning passports and identification requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates and their implications for travellers. UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) From January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens visiting the United Kingdom must register for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Modelled after the U.S. ESTA system, the ETA screens visitors before arrival to improve security and streamline entry. The ETA costs approximately $13 and is valid for multiple entries over two years. Travellers can apply via the UK government’s official website or the…

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Remembering Vermont and Middlebury

Posted on by Roberta Hill

We are off to Middlebury, Vermont, for a pet-sitting opportunity later this week. I have fond memories of Vermont. Growing up in Montreal, we would often take short trips down to bordering states. One of my fondest memories is when my mother and her friends would go to Burlington for a shopping weekend. The objective was to get Christmas gifts for the kids. Of course, I was excited to contemplate what my Mum might bring home. I remember getting a gumball machine. It was so cool, and nobody else had one. The Canadian dollar was pegged to the US dollar,…

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Paimpont

Discovering the Mystique of the Forest of Brocéliande

Posted on by Roberta Hill

It was precisely 10 years ago today that we took a trip to the Forest of Brocéliande, also known as Paimpont Forest, nestled in Brittany, France. Our two sons pestered us to visit, and it turned out to be a wonderful time. Famous for its legendary tales, breathtaking natural beauty, and historic sites, the forest blurs the line between myth and reality. Visitors are drawn to its mysterious allure, as the forest holds deep connections to the legends of King Arthur, Merlin the Wizard, and the elusive Lady of the Lake. A Glimpse into Brocéliande’s Mythological Ties A Landscape Steeped…

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Quick Stops in Boston and Portland

Posted on by Roberta Hill

It’s been about 40 years since I last visited Boston, and I have fond memories. I do remember how crazy the driving was. While we only had an overnight stay, we managed to do quite a bit of walking around. We went through the downtown commercial district and then headed to Boston Common. On our way from the park up to Beacon Hill, we stumbled across the filming location for the TV series Cheers. We initially planned to stay a few days in Boston, but it has become too costly. I prefer to fly in and go directly to the…

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Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Posted on by Roberta Hill

We arrived on the cruise today in Sydney, Cape Breton. It was another life, but I lived in Sydney for a year, teaching at the College of Cape Breton. There wasn’t much to do in Sydney then, and there isn’t much to do in Sydney now. They have done a lovely job sprucing it up for the cruise ships. You’ve covered it once you’ve spent about an hour and a half. The island is a whole other matter. It is worth taking the time to visit. Exactly three years ago, we flew into Halifax and rented a car. We spent…

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The Unique Art Galleries of Baie-Saint-Paul

The Unique Art and Galleries of Baie-Saint-Paul

Posted on by Roberta Hill

Baie-Saint-Paul, a picturesque town in Quebec, has long been a haven for artists and art lovers. Nestled in the Charlevoix region, this town boasts a rich artistic heritage stretching over a century. The unique blend of natural beauty and creative energy has given rise to an array of art galleries, each with its distinct character and charm. But beyond the surface, cutting-edge techniques, insider tricks, and untold stories make Baie-Saint-Paul’s art galleries exceptional. Sculptures and artworks can be found all around the town. Our hotel, Auberge La Daïna, on the outskirts of town, had a fantastic garden full of fascinating…

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Trustedhousesitters

Real TrustedHousesitters Review

Posted on by Roberta Hill

TrustedHousesitters is a website connecting homeowners with verified pet and house sitters. Founded in 2010, it has become one of the leading online platforms for pet and house-sitting services. Before I discuss the “technical” side of my TrustedHousesitters Review, let’s examine my personal observations.  We love it! Let me state upfront that we do less pet sitting than we would like because we are so busy. It is important to really study the offer. It is hard to find a good housesit that suits our timing, location, and requirements. But when we do, we try to ensure that our request…

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Shewees Review

Shewees Review – Challenges of Using Public Washrooms

Posted on by Roberta Hill

Without trying to be gender insensitive, this post is not for anyone who has dangling parts. I’ve written about avoiding public washrooms before, but sometimes it’s impossible. I’m in my 70s, and my mother taught me how to hover over a public toilet. I wonder if little girls are taught the same thing by their mothers today. As you age, hovering takes on new challenges. You’re likely not to have the strength in your thighs, and your knees are about to give out. You’re left trying to grab the toilet paper dispenser or put your hands against the wall to…

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