20 Minute Delay

 How do you stay awake?  When do you choose to stay awake?  Tricks to accomplishing your caffeine ingestion intelligently while far from home!

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:21 – Intro (Steampunk Girl by John Anealio)    Host Introduction; Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake

1:05 - Piper went to Disney over the crazy-busy Christmas Holiday

2:10 - Disney's Magic-band wrist-bands are near Magic

5:15 - Gail Carriger, Tea on the Go (video on Gail's caffeine process) --> https://youtu.be/IzPzjkfJgRg

 - - - 

Main Topic - Caffeine Ingestion!

9:55 - Gail's water-boil coil, aka immersion heater: https://amzn.to/2tSdXp0

10:30 - Mug and milk hunting

15:14 - Thou shalt not give the Piper caffeine first thing in the morning

16:50 - after lunch Emergen-C, Airborne, or similar with B-12 in it

17:26 - Gail is opposed to drinking calories - save that for eating!

17:55 - Gail's caffeine pattern; tea in the morning, coffee at noon, afternoon tea

19:05 - pay attention to your travel day's schedule and be aware of how caffeine affects you (time it!) - this helps you plan transitions to local time zones, etc

22:29 - "Toy with yourself!"

23:11 - Be aware of the strength of New Zealander's black tea! - Especially the lovely author Philipa Ballantine 

  – – – 

Gadgets!

23:35 - caffeine on the go

 Gail - immersion heater - https://youtu.be/IzPzjkfJgRg Zojirushi mug - https://amzn.to/2EOkkQB

 Piper - vitamin pellets that easily dissolve into 500ml water bottles https://amzn.to/2C5zKy9

 - - - 

28:10 - Outro and thanks to: Producer Matt

Special thanks to Dan Sawyer of Artistic Whisper for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening; Travel smart and pack the snacks!

- - - 

Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger

Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Transportation from home to any destination requires some form of "last mile" transit.  Gail and Piper discuss tips and thoughts on car renting when that's the choice that's made.

0:23 – Intro (Steampunk Girl by John Anealio)    Host Introduction; Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake

0:41 - Piper has a story, both for Gail and for listeners about a Virginia wedding (including hellmouth travel via ORD)

2:54 - The behaved childhood version of Adam Sandler and his Vegas "Money Man"

3:38 - Frequently flyer shop talk - how to find decent food in Chicago O'hare - just inside of security hidden between separate TSA check points

5:08 - Piper got trapped in an airport elevator

6:40 - Meeting the poor man's equivalent to an "extra from The Sopranos" as he oozes into your seat-space and tries to lift the shared armrest without permission

10:11 - Hotels in Warrenton, Virginia are... questionable - Piper left a rare one-star review after needing to wine-stomp insects in the tub

13:34 - tips for using Yelp/Travelocity/etc to research random hotels before staying - Gail tip: 'sort/search review sites with key terms like "business" as those reviews are often more realistic than a vacationer who stayed at a given location while in an overall good mood'

 - - - 

Main Topic -> Renting some Wheelz

15:42 - 

16:30 - book as small as you think you can manage; gives greater opportunity for upgrade

17:00 - Random rental car discounts abound - Gail gets one for being Sigma Xi

17:36 - if renting and needing/wanting to drop off the car in another state/country reach out and ask the company if they have a car that needs to be returned

18:48 - Try, try, try, to be friendly to the rental agent!

20:12 - Rental car rewards programs

21:48 - Use your rental experience as an opportunity to test-drive a car you are considering purchasing

22:26 - Sometimes it is cheaper to get your rental car from the inner-city area as opposed to the airport rental car center

22:31 - Random Philly soft-pretzels

26:11 - "Even if you only rent once a year the rental company will treat you better just for being 'in their club'"

  – – – 

Gadgets!

26:24 - car gadgets

 Gail - pack with driving in mind if driving 3+ hours               'compressible cooler/thermos https://amzn.to/2XFnrBB               'driving sunglasses https://amzn.to/2VzXWA3  Piper - obtaining GPS via cell phone holder (clip is simplest!) https://amzn.to/2EA6wrx

 - - - 

30:42 - Outro and thanks to: Producer Matt

Special thanks to Dan Sawyer of Artistic Whisper for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening; Travel smart and pack the snacks!

- - - 

Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger

Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

When your trip requires enough luggage that you MUST check a bag, what does the experienced traveler do?

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:25 – Intro (Steampunk Girl by John Anealio)
   Host Introduction; Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake

1:01 - Gail went to PHX (Phoenix) and has THOUGHTS

2:26 - The internet told her it would be hot, sure, duh - but the taste of the filtered water is... awful - the worst Gail has experienced the world over

3:28 - Piper's water heater that had a hole eaten through it: Zojirushi --> https://amzn.to/2Ela16h 

 - - - 

Main Topic -> Checking a Bag

6:34 - What is it that makes even experienced/prepared travelers like our hosts check their bags?  (Hint: it tends to be lengthy cons where sales are necessary and/or bringing things internationally to family)

7:36 - shared checked bag protocol (when traveling with a partner) - plus details on being prepared for a cruise and dealing with porters

9:539 - be aware of the maximum possible overhead space

10:04 - its never as big a deal to fly home with a checked bag as it is to check a bag on your way to your travel destination; traveling with a non-expanded bag on your way out allows you to expand it and check said bag on the way home

11:15 - checked bags allow you to reduce bulk; take advantage of this redistribution luxury

12:30 - traveling with a camera (DSLR) or a Gary Fong light filter (that fits inside your hat?)

13:13 - changing the "how" and "type" of your bag when knowing you'll be checking a bag (clam-shell, hard-sided, and other options)

14:42 - tiny rolly totes can be stacked on the checked bag once you get it back (...if you do...)

16:00 - a continuation of the ongoing roller-bag versus backpack argument between Piper and Gail

17:45 - look back in the archive for the achilles' tendon damage podcast

18:15 - have an emergency outfit in your carry-on regardless of if you're checking your bag

19:30 - obtaining a "care-kit" from the airline you're flying

20:05 - take a picture of your bag so you can show it to a luggage attendant, just in case

21:00 - can you tell the ladies have favorite travel stories?  :P

23:11 - make sure you do something to differentiate your checked bag from other checked bags and DO be prepared for said bag to be lost (don't allow a missing bag to ruin your trip)

  – – – 

Gadgets!

23:35 - luggage accessories

 Gail - tupperware with snap-top for hats/fascinators'/steampunk accouterments/snacks
https://amzn.to/2Pts3Wn

 Piper - space-saver compression bags
https://amzn.to/2EcBtUg

 - - - 

26:31 - Outro and thanks to: Producer Matt

Special thanks to Dan Sawyer of Artistic Whisper for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening; Travel smart and pack the snacks!

- - - 

Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media: 
     Facebook.com/20minDelay
     @20minDelay
     @PiperJDrake
     @GailCarriger

Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

When your trip requires enough luggage that you MUST check a bag, what does the experienced traveler do?

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:25 – Intro (Steampunk Girl by John Anealio)    Host Introduction; Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake

1:01 - Gail went to PHX (Phoenix) and has THOUGHTS

2:26 - The internet told her it would be hot, sure, duh - but the taste of the filtered water is... awful - the worst Gail has experienced the world over

3:28 - Piper's water heater that had a hole eaten through it: Zojirushi --> https://amzn.to/2Ela16h 

 - - - 

Main Topic -> Checking a Bag

6:34 - What is it that makes even experienced/prepared travelers like our hosts check their bags?  (Hint: it tends to be lengthy cons where sales are necessary and/or bringing things internationally to family)

7:36 - shared checked bag protocol (when traveling with a partner) - plus details on being prepared for a cruise and dealing with porters

9:539 - be aware of the maximum possible overhead space

10:04 - its never as big a deal to fly home with a checked bag as it is to check a bag on your way to your travel destination; traveling with a non-expanded bag on your way out allows you to expand it and check said bag on the way home

11:15 - checked bags allow you to reduce bulk; take advantage of this redistribution luxury

12:30 - traveling with a camera (DSLR) or a Gary Fong light filter (that fits inside your hat?)

13:13 - changing the "how" and "type" of your bag when knowing you'll be checking a bag (clam-shell, hard-sided, and other options)

14:42 - tiny rolly totes can be stacked on the checked bag once you get it back (...if you do...)

16:00 - a continuation of the ongoing roller-bag versus backpack argument between Piper and Gail

17:45 - look back in the archive for the achilles' tendon damage podcast

18:15 - have an emergency outfit in your carry-on regardless of if you're checking your bag

19:30 - obtaining a "care-kit" from the airline you're flying

20:05 - take a picture of your bag so you can show it to a luggage attendant, just in case

21:00 - can you tell the ladies have favorite travel stories?  :P

23:11 - make sure you do something to differentiate your checked bag from other checked bags and DO be prepared for said bag to be lost (don't allow a missing bag to ruin your trip)

  – – – 

Gadgets!

23:35 - luggage accessories

 Gail - tupperware with snap-top for hats/fascinators'/steampunk accouterments/snacks https://amzn.to/2Pts3Wn

 Piper - space-saver compression bags https://amzn.to/2EcBtUg

 - - - 

26:31 - Outro and thanks to: Producer Matt

Special thanks to Dan Sawyer of Artistic Whisper for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening; Travel smart and pack the snacks!

- - - 

Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger

Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

 Travel vouchers can turn a stressful travel whammy into a new experience.  Honest!  And, what should you do about lost luggage?

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:20 – Intro (Steampunk Girl by John Anealio)    Host Introduction; Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake

0:44 - Gail and Piper discuss Smokey Mountains Writers' Retreat

3:39 - Map out your journey ahead of time (screenshot your map in case you lose cellphone service in rural areas)

5:42 - Going to Urgent Care (or emergency room, or doctor) while traveling

9:00 - Traveling to the middle of nowhere can be fun - hole up in the cabin near the fire while others go out and hike/snowboard

 - - - 

Main Topic -> Travel Vouchers 

11:21 - obtaining airline vouchers (example: plane overbooked)

13:01 - taking a later flight (risk/reward)

13:51 - don't accept the first offer! Offer will improve as the time for the flight approaches

14:56 - tips for college students on holiday travel

16:12 - use resources like SeatGuru to recon your plane

16:44 - don't lose your voucher! Take a picture of it

19:06 - dealing with having your luggage lost

21:41 - keep a photograph of what your checked bag looks like on your phone to help describe your suitcase on the report

  – – – 

Gadgets

23:35 - luggage accessories

 Piper - airline app for the airline you're flying (luggage info syncs)

 Gail - distinguishing mark on your luggage (ex: octopus)

 - - - 

29:01 - Outro and thanks to: Producer Matt

Special thanks to Dan Sawyer of Artistic Whisper for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening; Travel smart and pack the snacks!

- - - 

Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger

Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Travel is enriching and we recommend it. Sometimes one must travel alone. How do you stay safe? Where do you keep your money and documents? What's "SA"?

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:24 – Intro (Steampunk Girl by John Anealio)    Host Introduction; Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake

0:44 - Newark airport and the attached Marriott hotel

 - - - 

Main Topic -> Traveling Alone 

7:48 - Traveling alone as a woman -> Safely.

8:48 - Ensuring money and ID is safely hidden (away from zippers)

10:02 - Taxi wallets

10:40 - Hiding cash in your bra when out and about

12:17 - Keeping valuable safe (and tracked) in a hotel room to protect from confusion

14:18 - Keep money and ID on you AT ALL TIMES - keep a color copy of your VISA in a separate place from your actual VISA and make sure a trusted person back home has access to a copy of that as well

17:08 - Be aware of stairwells and places without cameras/etc

19:30 - Situational Awareness! (Close your door completely when you leave AND when you go in)

21:30 - Lock all available locks on door

23:15 - Better to deal with a bit of embarrassment than it is to be unsafe -> go to a public space if someone "doesn't pass the elevator test"

  – – – 

Gadgets

31:36 - Gadget picks and LifeHacker articles

 Piper - kobutan -> or -> tactical flashlight       https://amzn.to/2MFhk9I

 Gail - poncho for hiding (disguising/hardening your target)      https://amzn.to/2pf4XYY

 - - - 

30:14 - Outro and thanks to: Producer Matt

Special thanks to Dan Sawyer of Artistic Whisper for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening; Travel smart and pack the snacks!

- - - 

Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger

Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Its undeniable, some people are taller than others. But travel seats are designed with a "one-size-fits-all" mentality. So what is one to do when seeking the relaxation of repose?

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:22 – Intro (Steampunk Girl by John Anealio)    Host Introduction; Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake

0:45 - Listener question:

"What are some tips and tricks for traveling if/when mobility impaired?" 

• Wooden cane for getting through metal detectors (TSA)
• Tips for preparing before you arrive (calling ahead, etc)
• What to do when your health declines in-flight
• Dealing with seating options
• Crutches vs Wheel-chairs
• Medical evac (grievance ticket)
• Communicate early/often (call)
• Booking agents are professionals who KNOW the details for you
• Navigating security with motor chairs (plus potential horror stories)
• Have a travel companion if you can
• Anne McCaffrey's "Crystal Singer Trilogy"

 - - - 

Main Topic -> Seat Reclining 

14:18 - Planes, trains, cars, and buses

14:45 - Piper normally does not recline her seats (she is short)

16:07 - Gail reclines slightly when sleeping (and reciprocal relaxing)

18:36 - Considering your fellow travelers complexly (including dogs)

22:56 - Regardless of when, recline slowly (maybe even tell the person behind you)

22:32 - Promise for a future episode topic -> working in-flight

 – – – 

Gadgets

24:01 - Gadget picks and LifeHacker articles

 Gail/Piper - Anker PowerCore Fusion    https://amzn.to/2vXfcof

 Gail - back of seat kit 'Baggallini'    https://amzn.to/2BrzJXf

 Piper - Travel jacket/sleep pillow -> BauBax Bomber    https://amzn.to/2vWuFFi

 - - - 

34:14 - Outro and thanks to: Producer Matt

Special thanks to Dan Sawyer of Artistic Whisper for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening; Travel smart and pack the snacks!

- - - 

Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger

Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Sometimes traveling friends get to meet up - and that's exactly what this episode is!  A rare side-by-side recording from the ladies as they discuss how to live in hotels and take care of your voice.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:22 – Intro (Steampunk Girl by John Anealio)    Host Introduction; Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake

Main Topics -> Hotel Living

2:02 - Flow packing   - as soon as you arrive unpack your things to "zones"   - pack your suitcase a little bit each night after you're done

4:30 - How do you decide when to have house-keeping come in?   Tip: If you're a rewards member you can earn extra points by putting out your "do not disturb sign"

5:45 - Tip every day! (housekeeping staff rotates rapidly)

8:12 - Stealing from maid-carts => "Maid in Manhattan"

9:22 - Dealing with being in a "non-native" climate/altitude

• Hydrate!
• Ibuprofen is ok
• Be prepared for your food choices to deviate
• Altitude sickness can sap energy and focus; don't let it ruin your trip!
• Ramen is your friend
• Start the trip with a slow but kind of lengthy walk to acclimate (this can be combined with scouting out the hotel and conference area before the madness begins)
•  Local cuisine and "special things"

16:25 - How do you save your voice through a highly social event?

• tea is your friend
• honey
• pineapple juice (get it from the bartender and cut with seltzer)

20:04 – Gadgets!?   - Feet soaking (for tired feet)    - Pineapple juice    - Weather report (humidity is key to check!)    - Ballet flats

– – –

24:14 - Outro and thanks to: Producer Matt

Special thanks to Dan Sawyer of Artistic Whisper for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening; Travel smart and pack the snacks!

- - - 

Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger

Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

 Traveling already requires high level packing skills. But what about when you want (aka, NEED) to bring a hat. How do you keep your topper in top condition?

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:21 – Intro (Steampunk Girl by John Anealio)    Host Introduction; Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake

0:52 - Listener question from the Facebook group

Ty akas: "What's the best way to travel with extra ties?"

   -Be aware of where the knot sits, fold carefully, and consider some of the special containers the ladies discuss (or a Tupperware containers)

 -and don't forget to consider what your ties shape/color/dimensions says about you!

– – –

9:15 – Main Topic -> Packing that Hat (and other weirdly shaped stuff)

• Hat containers?
• How to protect the shape of your headpiece
• Wear your fancy as you go
• Use your significant other as a hatrack
• Being considerate of your fellow traveler
• Consider the mateiral of the thing, is it something that can re-assume it's old shape easily?
• Corset packing
• Distribute your stuff across both checked and carry-on bags, just in case there are travel whammies
• Wrap things (even inside your suitcase) in plastic to protect from potential bad weather (and spils)
• Carry-on Pizza?
• Request use of the flight closet (in the nicest way you can!)
• Tips for when mobily impaired
• Stuff your stuff with other stuff so it keeps it's shape

– – –

27:58 – Gadgets! -->  Hat packs

 Gail -various hard-sided tupperwares!

       Daris: store boxes

 Piper - knitted caps

       Ravelry: knitting

– – –

31:52 - Outro and thanks to: Producer Matt

Special thanks to Dan Sawyer of Artistic Whisper for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening; Travel smart and pack the snacks!

- - - 

Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger

Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

So you've arrived at your destination, now what? How do you get around? What if you don't have cell service? Piper and Gail discuss what to do and who to trust.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:23 – Intro (Steampunk Girl by John Anealio)    Host Introduction; Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake

0:52 - Gail Traveled to Tucson, Arizona -> Festival of Books

1:26 (and 3:29) - Weird Uber/Lyft experiences. How to tell if you're about to be scammed. Be wary of the overt chumminess.

2:15 - Extended Stay Suites: Elongated business traveler stay and sports teams. Gail was inundated with a baseball team

4:25 - How-to avoid social pressure from gig-economy workers

4:54 - Beacons of safety => public spaces like hotels, especially for the frequent traveler

7:21 - Upcoming episode topic: Emotional side of solo-traveling, especially as a female

– – –

7:49 – Main Topic -> How to get around your destination

• Pro's and Con's of:
  • rental car from the airport (or train station)?
  • car service?
  • Uber, Lyft, or similar?
  • Taxi?
• Calculating in the length of your trip versus which type of transportation to use
• What do you do if you have mobility needs and/or travel with assistance dogs/animals?
• Be aware of the larger corporation that you're supporting by using their services -> from rental cars to ride-share
• Cost-benefit analysis resources: 
  • https://rideshareapps.com/uber-vs-lyft-comparison/ 
  • https://www.lyft.com/fare-estimate
  • https://www.uber.com/fare-estimate/  
• What do you tell your driver you do?
• How do you avoid a chatty ride?
• Keep tabs on your trip-progress; keep your GPS on!
• Positive personal stories from the ladies (20:00 minute mark)
  • Sneaking in a cannolli in New York City 
  • Getting local intel on the best foodie spots

– – –

23:45 – Gadgets! -->  Traveling with confidence

 Gail - Smartphone apps to track your progress (pre-download maps with wifi on Gooogle-maps, or snap a screenshot)      - https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6139433?hl=en

 Piper - Rental Car app; link up your membership account for a smoother, more convenient, and faster transition        - https://goo.gl/DAxrN8 

– – –

29:23 - Outro and thanks to: Producer Matt

Special thanks to Dan Sawyer of Artistic Whisper for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening; Travel smart and pack the snacks!

- - - 

Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger

Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast