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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake chose chaos a couple of months ago, going off script with no structure to discuss trip planning for Thailand!

Note: at the time this episodes airs, Gail and Piper will already be in Thailand, so check their social media for live updates of their trip or stand by for future episodes recorded in Thailand!

It's happening, dear listeners. Brace yourselves.

The approach: have a home base in Bangkok, working and writing during the week and taking day trips or venturing beyond Bangkok for weekend jaunts.

The objective: work anywhere.

Piper will also be working day job! On US time! Thus practicing a biphasic sleep schedule.

The philosophy: we're enjoying the lifestyle, the digital nomad experience, and we're very likely to be back.

Coordination and Planning

• shared Google doc for asynchronous notes on our travel destination and questions
• Travel Buddies - it's a trio of friends with a combination of shared interests and contrasts
• packing prep
• Researching desired foods to seek out and try, making lists!

Key Questions We Asked Each Other

• what kinds of things do you want to do?
• what kinds of sight seeing do you enjoy?
• what travel vaccines do we need?

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss things that just don't make it into the suitcase or carry on, things we often forget to bring along on travel.

But first! Where have Gail & Piper been?

Piper did a stay-cation in Seattle, hosting Piper Mommy and her brother with his wife: Chihuli Garden and Glass, conveyer belt sushi, ASEAN Street, and more...

Gail Often Forgets:

• Socks
• Bathing Attire incl. swim cap, goggles, bathing suit
• Update all apps/download entertainment media
• Refrigerated items

Piper Often Forgets:

• Swimsuit
• Second pair of pants
• Alternate shoes: casual flats
• Jewelry

Gadgets:

• Gail's gadget: tested the Flight Flap
• Piper's gadget: in search of a new hair styling device more compact than the T3 curling iron

Shoutouts:

From Piper: Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai

From Gail: Unconquerable Sun by Kate Eliott

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss their coping methods when there are travel delays long and short, but especially long.

But first! Where have Gail & Piper been?

Gail & Piper had a writing retreat together in Honolulu (February 2023) and Gail experienced major travel whammy!

Piper's Coping Mechanisms:

• Have the airline app on my phone, so I can get boarding updates without having to hear the announcements
• Find the quiet spots in the airport, such as a gate that does NOT have a flight boarding any time soon
• Find a restaurant with power outlets for food and power
• Pack a tennis ball for physical therapy

Gail's Coping Mechanisms:

• Looking for a nicer sit down restaurant

• Chair massage or nail salon

• Do some shopping - duty free or otherwise
• Migrating sleep kit to carry on

Gadgets:

• Gail's gadget: back up battery charger with key chords with all the adapter ends
• Piper's gadget: selection of ear buds (Apple Air Pods) for noise cancelling

Shoutouts:

Gail's Tinkered Starsong series

Piper's Wings Once Cursed & Bound

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss dressing for flights and travel.

But first! Where have Gail & Piper been?

Gail has a new car. Piper went on a food quest.

Gail's Fashion Choices for Flight:

• A lot of cashmere
• Warm hoodies with good pockets (usually men's)
• Sweat pants / joggers with pockets (usually men's)
• High waisted, wide leg vintage pant WITH POCKETS
• Coat (dictated by weather forecast at destination)
• Additional layers: cashmere hat, gloves, scarf (sometimes silk)

Piper's Fashion Choices for Flight:

• Lots of layers
• Wearing the heaviest shoes of the trip
• Compression socks - knee high in flight, thigh high at the hotel
• Compression camisol
• Tech fabric: moisture wicking, breathable
• High waisted jeans
• Additional layers: super light, but warm shawl. Alpaca poncho.

Gadgets:

• Piper's gadget: compression socks
• Gail's gadget: warm, fuzzy socks

Shoutouts:

Piper's Patreon for monthly short stories, bonus scenes, epilogues.

Gail's website for the travel section.

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss how they plan and enjoy both work and fun on location.

But first! Where have Gail & Piper been?

Murder cabin, on a lake. Mystery dog. Heat resistant frogs in the hot tub, and some not so heat resistant. Much writing was accomplished - either in communal area, or privately when dictating.

Then to a nice hotel in Spokane. Bull dog regular at the hotel bar.

Piper's Plans:

• Changing up the writing retreat dynamic with 2 pro authors and 2 pre-published authors. Going for the fun and productive balance.
• Writing. High priority!
• Lots of walking: on the beach or through a park, or along Waikiki streets
• Food! Looking for those fusion dishes
• Speech patterns and local dialects

Gail's Plans:

• Writing. Priority #1
• Swimming, either in the ocean or in the pool
• High hopes for health benefits in water: ocean, pool, hot tub
• Food! Fresh fruit, in particular
• Increased creativity and productivity

Gadgets:

• Piper's swimwear: tankini designed for curvy girls - sized by bra size with underwire support, also a sarong/towel
• Gail's swimwear: tankini or one piece, retro design. Travels with goggles & swim cap. Waffle towel.
• Both: Sunscreen!

Shoutouts:

The Red Scholar's Wake by Aliette de Bodard, also mentioned The Tea Master and the Detective

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss their plans for 2023 and related travel plans.

But first! Where has Piper been?

Piper was a guest author at Dragonsteel MiniCon in Salt Lake City. She chats with Gail about the pros and cons of managing an author table in an Exhibitor Hall or Dealer's Room solo.

Gail's Hopes and Plans:

• Discussing the state of the travel industry and avoiding holiday travel
• Scheduled for 4 to 5 events in the beginning of 2023 and anticipate 1 or 2 more by end of the year
• Would like to schedule at least 1 teaching workshop
• Potentially a joint book signing with Piper - TBD

Piper's Hopes and Plans:

• Only 2 cons booked for 2023 at the time of recording: ApollyCon and Dragonsteel MiniCon
• 1 writing retreat scheduled, would like to schedule 2 or 3 more through 2023 (small, just a few authors)
• Book Launch events for WINGS ONCE CURSED & BOUND scheduled at several bookstores in the Seattle area as well as a few larger Comic Cons - TBD
• Potentially a joint book signing with Gail - TBD
• Piper is picking back up day job activities, her parallel career. Travel related to day job is also TBD.

Gadgets:

• Gail's gadget pick is a 22 inch rolling, "spin-ny" 4 wheeled suitcase
• Piper's gadget is a Zojirushi Travel Mug with Tea Leaf Filter

Shout-outs:

• Gail is sharing more insight in her newsletter
• Piper is sharing behind-the-book and bonus content in her newsletter

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss how they are updating their author business strategies moving forward and how that impacts travel.

But first! Where has Gail been?

Gail went to Wild Wild West con this past year. She was reminded that the desert can get quite cold, depending on time of day/year.

She had to take the risk and pack a large checked-bag.

One of the delights of a steampunk event - really fun masks!

Gail's Business Considerations:

• split between cons with high costume packing needs versus teaching engagements / writing retreats
• packing the backup outfit in your carry-on
• the value of including a QR code on your swag/merchandise
• always have a physical newsletter sign up page with pen, and include the QR code to newsletter sign up on the physical sign up sheet for those who like to sign up digitally

Piper's Business Considerations:

• Redoing all the travel kits to accommodate must-bring technology: a travel blood pressure device and wearing an Oura ring to monitor heart rate, plus increased daily medications
• New vertical banner design. Compact, but adds weight, which means checked luggage.
• Planning packed luggage weight for economy class (about 50lbs) versus the frequent flyer status privileges (First Class about 70lbs)
• Signage with QR code to purchase books digitally
• Piper will be using a signature stamp from now on for all book signings and events, due to her medical challenges. Piper is considering investing in event-exclusive signature stamps.

Gadgets:

• Piper's gadget is a 7 day / 3x a day medication storage
• Gail's gadget pick is a Ziploc Twist N Loc Food Storage container

Shout-outs:

• Brandon Sanderson and Intentionally Blank
• Piper's upcoming release Wings Once Cursed & Bound

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

– – –

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

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss their technology upgrades, respectively, and how they impact their travels

But first! Where has Piper been?

Piper compares and contrasts a trip to Salt Lake City last year with a planned trip to Salt Lake City this year.

Last year involved gaming and cooking, immediately followed by a trip to Orlando for Piper Dad.

This year, Piper is again gaming and cooking and a guest author at Brandon Sanderson's Dragonsteel Mini-Con. Then she's heading to the East Coast for family gathering over Thanksgiving.

Gail's Technology Upgrades:

• Scrivener
• mini iPad & bluetooth keyboard
• Macbook Pro & wired keyboard & wired mouse

Piper's Technology Upgrades:

• iPad Pro & bluetooth keyboard
• MacBook Air
• Maingear Custom Gaming PC & wired keyboard & wired mouse

Gadgets:

• Gail's gadget is a Soundcore Libtery 3 ear buds
• Piper's gadget is Samsung Galaxy Buds

Shout-outs:

• Brandon Sanderson
• Dan Wells
• Intentionally Blank

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

– – –

Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:
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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss things each of them hoard when they travel.

But first! Where has Gail been?

Impromptu reunion and abbreviated writing retreat to the Boston area.

Reasons for traveling carry-on only whenever possible. Piper is mildly concerned regarding Gail's shoe choices for this trip.

Piper's Hoard-able Items:

• Clean napkins and tissues
• Hotel disposable (not cloth) laundry bags
• Hard boiled eggs
• Condiments (tiny jams and tiny ketchups) - especially ones Piper hasn't encountered before
• Shoe polish, because steampunk-y boots
• Hotel toiletries, if they are nifty and high quality

Gail's Road Trip thoughts:

• Baggies (including hotel laundry bags, shopping bags, etc.)
• Snacks to go from ... a buffet
• Condiments (especially mayonnaise, hot sauce, tiny jams, etc.)
• Hotel toiletries, if they are nifty and high quality
• Pain killer packets

Gadgets:

• Gail's gadget is a large plastic bag to use as a poncho for luggage
• Piper's gadget is space saver or compression bags

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss travel by car as an option to get to where one is attempting to go.

But first! Where have Gail and Piper been?

Both Gail and Piper were in North Carolina, BUT they were not in North Carolina at the same time.

Piper shares a few tips for handy things to have in case one becomes ill while traveling and Gail adds her thoughts for a medical kit.

Piper's Road Trip Thoughts:

• Summer of 2022 air travel issues resulted in a lot of travel vloggers recommending the road trip option, whenever possible
• Enjoys a road trip with at least one other person, and loves the option to include Corbin the Corgi in the trip.
• Make frequent stops and keep circulation going.
• A brief admiration of people living the "van life" but wouldn't want to try it for too long of an extended trip.

Gail's Road Trip thoughts:

• Can sit a 6 to 8 hour flight with no problem but finds a few hours in a car to be quite boring.
• Would not opt to embark on a lone road trip.
• Memories of experiencing New Zealand via "van life"

Gadgets:

• Gail's gadget is a portable charger, ultra slim
• Piper's gadget is a solar rechargeable power bank

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss international travel considerations.

*This episode was recorded in April 2022. We had encountered technical difficulties and had to await a new motherboard, but we are back!

But first! Where has Piper been?

Piper joined authors K Tempest Bradford and Alethea Kontis for almost the full month of December in Egypt, visiting both Cairo and Luxor with Horus Rising Tours.

Gail's international travel thoughts:

• Holding off on international travel due to varying testing and quarantine requirements
• Carefully research and get appropriate travel vaccinations (not just COVID)

Piper's international travel thoughts:

• More locations around the world are implementing changes to tourism and increasing precautions for preservation and conservation of natural destinations
• Travel vaccinations and protective masks were things Piper already did pre-COVID pandemic
• Long haul flights wearing masks is absolutely doable, not just for protection from allergens and viruses - Piper's introduction to masks in flight was in 2008 on a flight to Japan as a "personal humidity device"
• GoogleFi and/or Google Voice worked well to communicate with travel companions.

Gadgets:

• Gail's gadget is a magnetic card wallet/holder
• Piper's gadget is an Insta360 GO 2

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss travel by sea as Piper prepares to board a cruise again for the first time in years.

But first! Where have Gail and Piper been?

Gail and Piper had a small writing retreat together in Vegas, while BTS was in Vegas for concert performances, and the two of them did not go to the concerts or even interact with the "Vegas Experience" - they wrote. A lot. And they ate a lot of food, mostly from off the strip, particularly some very good Thai food.

Travel by Sea - Tips, Tricks, and Considerations:

• Piper prefers the larger cruise ships, because she is less effected by motion sickness on these
• Writing Excuses Writing Workshop and Retreat on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
• Food - all the food - any time.
• As long as food is not wasted, order all the entrees! All the desserts!
• Piper and Gail often get dishes to share so they can enjoy more variety without getting too full
• Piper tends to avoid the crowds and only goes to the pools and hot tubs on port days when most other passengers are off the ship
• But! Take into consideration health and safety protocols
• There's something to be said about everything taken care of for you (especially food), so you can focus on writing
• Gail has experience with shorter cruises on river boats and catamarans.
• Gail is a tour group guide's nightmare, because she will inevitably wander away from the group
• Both agree writers are tour guide nightmares when it comes to random, chaotic questions
• Both also agree cruise ships are great setting inspiration for space ships or murder mysteries

Gail's Gadget Pick!

• Travel Chopsticks: aluminum, screw-together, portable chopsticks like these

Piper's Gadget Pick!

• Portable Charger (not a power strip) - extra powerful with 2x USB-C and 2x USB-A ports like this Razer Wall Charger. Note: This is not a battery pack.

Extra Shoutouts:

• Piper's novella is available exclusively in the Happily Ever After Collective starting September 2022

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

– – –

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss toiletry bags (also known as the 2-1-1) and what they include in these particular kits.

*This episode was recorded in October 2021. We had encountered technical difficulties and had to await a new motherboard, but we are back!

But first! Where have Gail and Piper been?

Gail attended a writer's conference in Denver, CO and managed to alarm Piper with the makeup Gail used.

Gail's toiletry bag notes:

• prompted by Gail's foray into Japanese / Korean skincare routines (that's a lot of steps!)
• Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Vitamin C Serum Capsules
• Packets of coconut oil as skin moisturizer
• Returning to traveling with her own shampoo and conditioner

Piper's toiletry bag notes:

• Trying to replace liquid with solid options to reduce the amount of liquids she has to pack, so she's trying out Ethique shampoo and conditioner bars in place of liquid. She's also trying out the body butter stick.
• Also Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder as cleanser to reduce liquid items
• Adding sunscreen to her kit: ANESSA Perfect UV Skin Care BB Foundation (アネッサ パーフェクトUV スキンケアBB ファンデーション)
• Changes to makeup - Piper only wears primer (Fenty primer Mini Pro Filt'r Hydrating Primer) or a tinted moisturizer/BB cream, rather than a full coverage foundation.

Extra Skincare + Travel Tips!

Gail Tips:

• Dentist has travel sized samples
• Try to use a product that is multi-use to reduce how many products you need to pack
• Choose powder based make up to reduce the liquid

Piper Tip:

• use a never-used, clean, contact holder for serums or sample containers from a store like Sephora or Ulta
• the The Original MakeUp Eraser from Sephora as a make up removing wash cloth instead of makeup remover wipes
• Cosmetic moisturizing face masks are not considered liquids by TSA and can really make a difference on travel

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

– – –

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss anticipated updates to their travel habits as they return to travel. But first! Where have Gail and Piper been?

Piper travelled to Carlsbad, CA via San Deigo International Airport.

Gail and Piper's Anticibated Updates to Travel Habits

Gail's changes

• Stompy boots as travel shoes
• New laptop! (plus updates to tech on the travel checklist)

Piper's changes

• Nude toned flats
• MacBook Air vs iPad Pro

Gadget Picks!

Gail's pick: Cloud-service for backup

Piper pick: Rothy's as travel shoes

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss cities they have each traveled too multiple times and would like to return to in the future.

But first! Where have Gail and Piper been?

Each of them shares their experiences getting vaccinated earlier this year.

Gail's cities full of memories

• London, UK
• Boston, MA USA
• Florence, Italy

Piper's cities full of memories

• London, UK
• San Diego, CA USA
• Philadelphia, PA USA

Gadget Picks!

Piper pick: Handheld Portable Nebuliser

Gail's pick: Seagate Portable External Hard Drive

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

– – –

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss cities they each want to visit, someday, and have never managed to yet.

Gail's someday cities

• Montreal, Canada
• Bangkok, Thailand
  • (Gail and Piper are planning to go together in fall of 2022! Check out the planning episodes on 20 Minute Delay)
• Tokyo, Japan
• Wellington, New Zealand

Piper's someday cities

• Singapore
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Sydney, Australia

Do you remember the game that was a sort of precursor to Pokémon Go? Let us know!

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake are planning travel to Thailand, together! They share some of their planning stage thoughts.

Where has Gail been?

Gail went into a 2 week self-quarantine for family reasons and made the best of it as a writing retreat.

Going to a remote, rural location was a nice change of setting and was great for easing back into travel without risking sensory overload.

Planning for Thailand

• Time of year
• Priorities: Fruit, Other Food, Points of Interest
• Key locations: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, possibly Ayutthaya
• Wardrobe and Laundry considerations

Gadgets

If there's one gadget Gail and Piper would test run on this trip, what would it be?

Gail: probably testing various face masks for travel, as well as wardrobe

Piper: Sarongs and versatile scarves

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

– – –

Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:
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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss the kinds of keepsakes and souvenirs they like to gather in their travels.

Souvenirs:

Piper's favorite keepsakes:

• Pressed pennies
• Collector coins
• Fountain Pens
• Jewelry

Gail's favorite keepsakes:

• Weird regional foods or candies with unique flavors
• Interesting scarves
• Locally printed, locally published history books of a place
• Jewelry

What do we do with our keepsakes?

Both ladies wear their keepsakes, for the most part, or use them as opposed to acquiring ephemera for decoration at home. Of course, they consume all the tasty food.

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

– – –

Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:
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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss a few of the villages, small towns, and rural places of their travels and why the love them.Where have you been?

Piper went on a socially distanced getaway! Road trip with Corbin to Getaway House for a tiny cabin and camp site glamping week with private bathrooms in each cabin. Yay!

Village Memories:

Piper's remembered places:

• Chonburi, Thailand
• Biberach an der Riss, Germany

Gail's remembered places:

• small town on Northern California Coast
• small town in South of England near Exeter
• small town in Tuscany
• and more...

Shoutouts

Getaway House

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss their favorite foods to order, so that it comes to each of them.* new episode!

Foodie Desires

Piper's must obtain:

• Instant packs of โจ๊ก (Thai Jok, rice porridge) from Thailand
• พริกป่น (Thai Prik Bon, Thai Roasted Chili Powder) from Piper's stepmother
• Plant seeds for ผักบุ้ง (Thai Water Morning Glory; Water Spinach)

Gail's must obtain:

• malty tea leaves from UK
• Tea leaves from Thailand, via California distributor
• Hale's Blue Boy Sala Flavored Syrup

Shoutouts

ครัวชั้นสูง - High Zone Kitchen

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss cities they would love to return to and why.* new episode!

Cities of Dreams

Piper would like to return to:

• Tokyo, Japan
• Wellington, New Zealand
• London, UK

Gail would like to return to:

• Strasbourg, France
• Cusco, Peru
• Barcelona, Spain

Gadgets!

On her trip to Wellington, New Zealand, Piper came across a surprising gadget. Gail has now seen the picture, but it won't be posted. We'll leave it to your imaginations, dear Listeners!

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake share podcasts they listen to about travel or while traveling.* new episode!

Where have you been?

Piper went somewhere! gasp Exercising caution and following social distancing considerations for maximum safety. Writing research trip to Deception Pass in Washington state.

Key tidbit: Gail and Piper are bereft and will deeply miss Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza as it is retired from their menu.

Other Podcasts About Travel

Piper's Podcasts

• Writing Excuses
• Dear Hank and John
• Wicked Wallflowers
• Fated Mates

Gail's Podcasts

• Do You Need a Ride?
• HistoryExtra
• You're Dead to Me
• A Taste of the Past
• Anthropologist on the Street

Gadgets!

Piper's rec: Jiffy Pop Popcorn in heavy-gauge aluminum foil pan

Gail's rec: Peeps marshmallow treats

– – –

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

– – –

Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:
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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake share their most horrific hotel experiences.* new episode!

Nightmare Hotels

Piper shares her worst day job biz trip experience with a hotel and shares an important lesson learned about what to do when the hotel isn't ensuring your safety. She also shares her worst experience at a writerly conference hotel. There was also the instance in which she encountered a Mr. Mime in her hotel room.

Gail ponders why a water park would be in the basement of a hotel and air circulation isn't up to the task of preventing that humid locker room smell permeating the entire hotel. She also shares the frustrations of flawed design in a hotel.

Lessons Learned:

Have your smart phone with you and fully charged.

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss train travel memories through the years.

* new episode!

Train Stories

Piper has very contrasting train adventure memories. First, she shares her impressions of a childhood overnight train trip in Thailand, traveling with family from Bangkok to Northern Thailand. Then, she shares college late night train rides to visit friends at other colleges. Her favorite memory is her most recent train trip experience from Seattle to Vancouver.

Gail has a similar experience with sleeper trains, though her experiences were in Europe. She also shares an experience with a commuter train in Europe in which she and her friends were not the protagonists in the story, in which they brought out the "stinky cheese and smelly meat" in the train car. And, of course, Gail has lived her best live enjoying an incredibly risky street food on a train in Peru.

This episode includes a tangent or two to acknowledge how very much both Piper and Gail enjoy a wonderful, pungent, soft, spreadable "stinky cheese" - and are willing to suffer the consequences.

Someday Train Trip Wish List

Piper's Wishes

• Rovos Rail to explore Africa
• Orient Express to explore Europe

Gail's Wishes

• Canada cross-country train
• California vineyard train trip in steampunk

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss favorite road trip memories.

* new episode!

Road Trip Memories

Road trips are a big thing for Gail and she has many memories of various road trip memories. Shout out the Carmen.

Piper grew up with a lot of family road trips and tended to visit her friends at other colleges in her college days as well as memories of annual road trips from New Jersey to Maryland for Otakon in order to accommodate cosplay wardrobe and accessory choices, plus con food survival choices.

Gail's Most Memorable: New Zealand. Gail strongly recommends exploring New Zealand via road trip in camper vans.

Piper's Most Memorable: Arizona to Maryland with Matthew J. Drake, exploring the big truck stop rest stops and convenience stores.

Gadget Pick! Best Road Trip Snacks

Piper - Dr. Pepper and Beef Jerky

Gail - Cheetos and tea

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss favorite hotels in their past histories with travel.

* new episode!

Favorite Hotels of All Time

Piper's fav: Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

Gail's fav: Adobe on Green Street Inn in Santa Cruz (possibly closed)

Honorable Mentions

Gail & Piper both mentioned Mandala Bay

Gail: Marina Bay Sands

Piper: Hotel Monaco Seattle

Gadget Pick! Favorite Hotel Provided Items

Gail - nicely scented shampoo/conditioner, make up wipes, and whole milk

Piper - individually wrapped insect repellent wipes

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss movies that give a strong sense of place.

* new episode!

What do Gail and Piper think of when they bring up movies that give them a sense of place?

Gail thought of movies with an upbeat, positive ambiance because that's what she loves.

Piper thought of places that she wanted to visit after watching particular movies.

Both Gail and Piper have lived in different parts of the US and for a time, in different parts of the world, and they have "heart homes" - places they can imagine themselves living in and not just visiting.

Movie Shout Outs!

At the top of both Piper and Gail's lists (without planning) is:

Under the Tuscan Sun for Tuscany region in Italy

Gail also recommended:

Crazy Rich Asians for Singapore

ด้ายแดงซีรีส์ (Until We Meet Again) Thai drama series for Thailand

• Gail has a password protected recommendation list of boy's love dramas for those interested

Piper also recommended:

ผู้ชายให้เช่า (Boy for Rent) Thai drama series for Thailand

บุพเพสันนิวาส (Love Destiny) Thai drama series for historic Thailand

• recommend including the search terms "eng sub" for English subtitles

Heart Homes

For Gail, her heart homes are:

• Como lake/Tuscany region, Italy
• Singapore
• Strasbourg, France

For Piper, her heart homes are:

• Thailand, near Chonburi
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Tokyo, Japan

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Retrieved from the Repository: a lost episode has been recovered for our listeners in which Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discussed in-flight entertainment choices.

*This episode was recorded in 2017, prior to the current travel advisories and restrictions.

Where have you been?

Piper had traveled to the Princeton area for day job and it was relatively freezing as compared to where she lived, at the time, in the Phoenix, AZ area. She encountered a mysterious crate that reminded her of the Predators movie.

Main Topic: In-Flight Entertainment

Gail and Piper cry watching movies, tv shows, even commercials. They both prefer streaming services for their video entertainment.

Both Piper and Gail use their phones to listen to podcasts.

The two of them discuss the pros and cons of in-flight WiFi and whether it's worth it to them.

Gadgets!

Gail – iPad and Amazon Prime Video (http://amzn.to/2Ak0PeY) plus a Kindle Oasis for reading.

Piper – mini iPad and Drama Fever, Viki (https://www.viki.com/roku) Crunchy Roll / VRV (https://vrv.co/). Writing with a bluetooth keyboard paired with her mini iPad.

*DramaFever is no longer available.

Shout Outs

Legend of Korra

Feast of Fiction - https://www.youtube.com/user/feastoffiction

Yuri on Ice

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake share books that give them a strong sense of place.

* new episode!

What do Gail and Piper think of as a book that gives them a sense of place?

Gail thought of books that make her want to travel somewhere and particularly thinks of the light of a place.

Piper thought of not only books that made her want to travel to a place, but also books that created the perfect scene that pulled her into the book.

Gail and Piper discuss the writing craft aspect of how they think of books and a sense of place, what senses come into play, and how to research for setting. They also discuss ways to research a place when you can't actually go there.

Book Shout Outs!

Gail recommended:

Lord of Two Lands by Judith Tarr

The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper

*Gail particularly referenced The Grey King, the book in this series that was set in Wales.

My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell

Piper recommended:

Psy-Changeling series by Nalini Singh

*Piper struggled to remember the first short story that introduced her to this series. The title was “Stroke of Enticement” and was originally in The Magical Christmas Cat anthology.

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao

Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs

Gadgets!

Piper currently reads with a mini iPad because it's closer to the size and weight of a paperback.

Gail reads on a Kindle Oasis because it is e-Ink.

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks! (or the books)

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Retrieved from the Repository: a lost episode has been recovered for our listeners in which Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discussed travel rewards programs and related credit cards.

*This episode was recorded in 2017, prior to the current travel advisories and restrictions.

Where have you been?

Piper had traveled and returned from Chicago, but ORD is one of Piper's hellmouth airports.

Both Piper and Gail agree the food scene in Chicago is off the charts good.

They also agree that when traveling for pleasure and fun, the off-seasons are the times they prefer.

Main Topic: What's in your travel wallet? Rewards cards and programs

Gail's longest running credit card associated with an airline is with an American Airlines rewards program. But! American shut down their hub that was Gail's preferred home airport.

Piper has opinions about corporate cards. She prefers to put her day job business travel on her own credit card(s). For authorly expenses, she has a Chase Sapphire Preferred card and uses the reward points for experiences like a cooking class in New Orleans. For day job and personal travel, Piper is converting to American Airlines Executive Platinum for better miles per dollar value and access to business lounges - which is worth it to her when she travels for day job.

Gail has also cycled her use of her American card into a different part of her life. She has moved to a Southwest card, because Southwest is the hub nearest her and the airline with which she books the most flights. She also has the Chase Sapphire Preferred, like Piper.

Gadgets! Travel wallets

Gail – Trifold men's wallet. http://amzn.to/2yFPW8P

Piper – Taxi Wallet. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Taxi+wallet

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake share their most memorable flights to date.

* new episode!

Where have you been? Nowhere, because shelter at home.

But! Piper and her partner, Matthew, look forward to a new apartment (in the same building) with more space.

Gail and her SO explore their neighborhood.

Main Topic

Piper's most memorable flight - a positive memory of Piper's first experience of Business Class on an international flight (very different from domestic First Class/Business Class).

Gail's most memorable flight was very memorable, but not positive. And yet, it was quite the epic journey including a flight on a tiny "prop" plane.

Bonus runner up from Piper - tiny plane emergency evasive maneuvers!

Gadgets!

Gail – Request to our listeners: the search for a perfect protein bar. What do you recommend?

Piper – Face masks, for many reasons.

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Retrieved from the Repository: a lost episode has been recovered for our listeners in which Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake play "Iron Chef" Airport edition at the request of a listener.

*This episode was recorded more than a year prior to the current travel advisories and restrictions, and also prior to recent events involving the Romance Writers of America.

Where have you been?

Piper was at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle and discussing the solutions hotel management implements to provide power outlets at the bedside.

Gail was at a vintage hotel for a writing retreat.

Question for listeners: Do you actually use the clock in a hotel room? Do you trust the clock alarm?

Main Topic

Challenge from a listener: "Iron Chef" Airport Bodega edition - you have 10 minutes and only an airport convenience store from which to select your entire meal. What do you select for dinner and how do you make it seem maximally palatable?

Piper did this at Phoenix Airport, at a convenience store in Terminal B and got lucky, so she also recalled a significantly smaller airport with a limited selection convenience store.

Gail goes for the smoothies and looks for SmartWater, then tries for hummus or string cheese and a salty snack of choice.

Gadgets! Another listener question: when you travel, is there a thing you collect as a memento of your travels?

Gail – silly, quirky shot glasses for her father, but mostly looks for consumables that are unique to the area for others and looks for jewelry or scarves for herself

Piper – used to collect shot glasses or challenge coins from military bases, also always on the lookout for souvenirs for friends and family

Shout out to fellow author, Myke Cole (https://mykecole.com/)

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake talk about rituals to remind you that you're home -- or home comforts.

* new episode!

Where have you been? Or rather, how has it been at home?

Piper and her partner rearranged their living room to sacrifice space for better sound buffering as they are each on separate videoconferencing as they work day jobs remotely.

Gail and her partner rearranged their living room to open up more space, but need to set up curtain rods for videoconference background.

Main Topic

Rituals that remind Gail and Piper of home, that they're home, and what they enjoy now.

Gadgets!

Gail – Korean Milk Sheet Mask (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H76M36L)

Piper – Epsom salts (https://www.amazon.com/Teals-Epsom-Salt-Bundle-Items/dp/B00RM1ZGTK)

Shout out to Piper's singing rice cooker from Zojirushi (https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-NS-TSC10-Uncooked-Cooker-1-0-Liter/dp/B0074CDG6C/)

Shout out to Etude House's Sheet Masks (https://www.etude.com/int/en/index.php/pack-mask/mask-sheet.html)

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Retrieved from the Repository: a lost episode has been recovered for our listeners in which Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss packing lists and favorite kits.

*This episode was recorded more than a year prior to the current travel advisories and restrictions, and also prior to recent events involving the Romance Writers of America.

Where have you been? Nowhere!

Piper was somewhere in Pennsylvania.

Gail was somewhere on the Gold Coast in California.

Main Topic

Lists of Kits! Packing lists, including kits and really, kits for all the things.

Gadgets!

Gail – File folders for printed lists, with a zippy top: http://amzn.to/2CgPyex. Apps: Evernote, Stylebook for outfits.

Piper – Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette. MAC Rockin’ Rebel and Basic Bitch eyeshadow palettes may no longer be available for purchase. Apps: Google Keep, Asana, or Habitica for lists as things to remember come to mind.

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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Retrieved from the Repository: a lost episode has been recovered for our listeners in which Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss the best breakfast buffets they've experienced in their travels to date.

*This episode was recorded more than a year prior to the current travel advisories and restrictions.

Listener Question! Go-to toiletries

Piper packs her own shampoo and conditioner, at minimum. Longer trips require more supplies.

Gail packs her own facial wash and skin cream, etc.

They both pack dry shampoo for certain trips.

*Update: Piper now wears sunscreen.

Main Topic

Best Breakfast Buffets!

Gadgets!

Shh. Honest confessions of tucking a bit away for 2nd breakfast.

Gail - Ziploc baggie.

Piper - Hotel napkins.

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

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Retrieved from the Repository: a lost episode has been recovered for our listeners in which Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss seat choices and the angle of approach.

*This episode was recorded more than a year prior to the current travel advisories and restrictions.

Where have you been?

Piper had been through Orlando International airport and Gail discusses the deplorable lack of caffeine in the terminal she goes through at MCO.

Main Topic

Seat Preferences! Squatting the Aisle vs. Window

Gail is an Aisle only kinda girl.

Piper will take the aisle or the window, but prefers aisle for long trips.

Shout outs

SeatGuru

Gadgets!

Gail - Clear2Go Water Bottle

Piper - BlenderBottle

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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We're back! Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake return after an unplanned hiatus due to a myriad of technical difficulties.

Main Topic: Turning your travel bag into a Go Bag

Gadgets!

Gail - Pajama-esque comfy pants and tees

Piper - EC30 Clean Body Wash

Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!

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For bonus fun, check out the new YouTube channel for the unedited video of the podcast recording, including all the hand-waving and zany expressions from Gail and Piper.

20 Minute Delay Gail and Piper are Back! and with Video!

Subscribe to see any new videos as Gail and Piper record future episodes!

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Been there, done that! But you can't help but think that you could have done it better. Tips and tricks for optimally re-visiting already trod travel-ground.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

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

1:06 - Gail visits Piper J in Seattle for a local signing

1:33 - PodCon!

2:17 - All the food. Place Pigalle, Storyville, and more!

3:48 - Dealing with TSA shutdowns

Main Topic - Returning

6:59 - Identifying "worthwhile returns"

7:19 - Piper => Thailand; Travel has changed significantly

9:20 - Intentionally packing "unmentionables" on top of checked bags as a deterrent

10:28 - Piper's things to do differently:

• pay to have laundry done
• bring a light jacket (for inside)
• carry on only (interchangeable clothes)
• seek out brand new experiences (Elephant Reserve)
• find and hoard old childhood favorites

17:58 - Gail's romanticized return destinations:

• don't be sick while there (Lake Como, Italy)
• for food! (Singapore)
• get a rialita (Hawaii)
• eat more localised comfort food, that aren't available elsewhere (Cusco, Peru <- Alpaca, Llama, etc)

In general, be more adventurous with food eating and focus on local tastes that are difficult to find back home - Experiment!

– – –

Gadgets!

30:26 - The ladies discuss dream gadgets they're still searching for

Gail - Need the perfect: neck pillow & carry on computer tote

Piper - Weekender bag

36:40 - Outro and thanks to: Producer Matt

Special thanks to Jordan for editing this episode!

Thanks for listening; Travel smart and pack the snacks!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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
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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
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@GailCarriger

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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
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@GailCarriger

Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

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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
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Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

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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
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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

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Award ceremonies, weddings, conventions, fancy meals - sometimes you need to bring your super swanky dress clothes. How does a traveler handle that?

Time Stamped Show Notes:

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

0:51 - Piper visited Producer Matt in Texas -> Wichita Falls

1:55 - Tips on how to pick people up from the airport like a pro

3:45 - Gail shared pasta and with an Italian family on a Swiss puddle-jumper - and she likes small planes!

5:39 - Shout-out to another frequent traveler/author -> Alex White

– – –

9:43 – Main Topic -> Traveling (literally) WITH Style!

• corsets
• long, fluufy skirts
• give a thought to packing while you're buying
• Iron the day you land - you won't do it the next day
• Check suits, and satin, and related as it cuts down on creases
• Roll your gowns; lay them at the outer portion of your clothes and they will be the least wrinkled external bit
• Suits -> shell the shoulders and look on YouTube for tips
• Special suitcases exist tailored for suits
• Tips and tricks on packing business attire AND costumes for Steampunk, Dieselpunk, etc
• Pack your corset in your carry-on!
• Fluffy undergarments (petticoats) can be stored in space saver bags since wrinkles don't matter that much
• Bag your expensive clothes! Water will find its way through even the best suitcase and ruin the whole dress-up event
• Wear your hat! Keep it safe. Unless you have a special carry-case like Dan Wells
• Ironing Tip! -> Let the iron get hot, then iron one of your hotel towels when wet to make sure the iron is clean.
• Inside out ironing, packing, and hanging in the closet is your friend
• Stuff your shoes so they don't get crushed (underwear's good)

– – –

25:30 – Gadgets! --> Keeping your fanciness at its best

Gail - Travel Steamer
-https://amzn.to/2JOMj6S

Piper - Buffy Bag (a kit for repairing clothes/bouquets) & shining
-https://amzn.to/2tq9Os2

– – –

29:58 - 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

Coming soon, an addendum from me..?

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Scent is heavily tied to memory. Disney hacks it with aplomb. Hotels (especially major chains) try. With varying success. The ladies discuss how to deal.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:29 – Intro (Steampunk Girl by John Anealio)
Host Introduction; Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake

1:06 - Piper stayed home -> but still went to a con: Taiyou Con

6:48 - Piper met Yaya Han (an awesome cosplayer) in a bathroom

– – –

7:49 – Main Topic -> Hotel Scents!

• scents come from more than air fresheners and cleaners - many places like Hilton intentionally pump particular smells in
• be careful of wearing Estee Lauder near Gail
• lemon-scent does not necessarily mean clean
• sniff the hotel provided shampoo (etc) before you use it
• be on the look out for actual name brand toiletries (they're reliably good)
• don't eat tea
• Marriott changes their scents frequently
• Renaissance typically has more subtle scents
• Pro tip! -> many hotel toiletries have similar shaped neck joints that can join up with better lids from other hotel toiletry
• You can ask for a "non-scented" cleaning 24-48 hours before check-in
• Gail prefers to smell edible
• Shower tabs (with eucalyptus) can help one recover nose-wise
• Camfir with roller balls are both Thai and California hippy cure-alls

– – –

24:40 – Gadgets! --> Scent game on lock.

Gail – Steal toiletry choosedly and use bath bombs!
https://amzn.to/2LmE662

Piper – Aveda Blue Oil (essential cooling oil)
https://amzn.to/2svgUvl

– – –

30:03 - 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

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Hardest thing to pack? Shoes. But you need them. Often traveling to an event/work/vacation requires more than one kind/type of shoe. What's a shoe whore to do?

Time Stamped Show Notes:

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

0:48 - Gail went on a writing retreat

1:09 - Traveling with "different" (and/or wrong) personality types

2:15 - How to set yourself up for success when traveling and/or working and/or staying in a hotel with someone new

9:59 - Taking care of yourself by communicating with your significant other/partner

– – –

14:47 – Main Topic -> Shoes!

• Gail's a whore?! (For shoes, yes.)
• Handling size and weight when packing
• "Wear your biggest heaviest shoes during travel - so you don't have them taking up all your internal luggage space."
• Sensible versus impactful
• Laces are a no. Don't do it.
• Boots?
• Fancy time?
• How to handle smell, cleaning, and storage?
• Ballet flats - > https://amzn.to/2KpLmh2
• Orthopedic inserts?
• Work out needs?
• Invest in your shoes. Take care of your body and your joints.
• Dealing with blisters? -> Have shoes to switch to!

– – –

35:00 – Gadgets! --> Shoe tech is real

Gail – shoe hack; laundry lingerie bags
https://amzn.to/2rHwWC6

Piper – Fluevog
https://www.fluevog.com/shop/4480-holly-black

– – –

42:10 - 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
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Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

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Traveling interrupts patterns. Gail and Piper give tips and tricks for exercising while traveling - and discuss meeting Kevin Bacon due to good swimming habits!

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:17 – Intro (Steampunk Girl by John Anealio)
Host Introduction; Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake

0:38 - Question from a listener! -> Stress management on the go?
Get your question featured by saying hi on social media:
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Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

3:58 - Punching pillows?

4:39 - Gail's stress management involves water and TV, but not exercise

6:08 - Be kind to yourself! It helps to decrease stress

7:45 - Pop out of your car/airport/whatever for some fresh air to destress and wash away that stale air

– – –

8:37 – Main Topic -> Exercising while Traveling

• Do you book a hotel based on the gym? If so, what do you look for?
• Pick the hotel that's a 5-15 minute walk from where you need to be specifically to get those extra steps twice a day
• Bring a dryer sheet to put in the plastic bag with sweaty clothes
• Swimming! Helps release stress, wakes you up, and stretches
• How to wash out chlorine
• Yoga (simple and strength training)

15:29 - Gail met Kevin Bacon due to her healthy swimming habit

– – –

20:18 – Gadgets! --> Exercise helpers on the go

Gail – space saving yoga glove (similar to barefoot Jazz "slippers")
-Yoga Paws - https://amzn.to/2wiNN35

Piper – FitBit (gamify your life with a basic-level smart watch!)- Ionic - https://amzn.to/2w9Nt6s

– – –

26:34 - 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!

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Food is important while traveling. Many (like Piper and Gail) would even say its the entire point. Traveling means you're on the move though, so it's important to bring or grab snacks as you go? But there are so many options, what do you being and why?

0:27 - Intro

0:55 - Piper's Seattle Trip

1:45 - Tips for scoping out a new city that you're moving to

2:15 - SeaTac (Seattle airport) hacks

4:30 - Uber and ride-share tips for Seattle

6:20 - tangent about travel reward lounges (To use them, or not to use them?)

8:50 - hotel Monaco (Kimpton)

11:07 - Goldfish, Patricia Briggs, Alpha and Omega series

12:22 - England lets book stores and antique stores have cats/dogs, just like the California bookstore, "The Ripped Boddess"

13:39 - Borderlands bookstore has naked (alien) cats

14:11 - travel snacks!
The ladies discussion includes, but is not limited to:

• hardboiled egg (touch off custardy, touch of green is overcooked) old and young in different labeled bags (yolk is riskier over time)
• jerky (overcorrected for salt, which helps rehydrate after a flight)
• peanut butter ginger chews
• black sesame chews
• quail eggs (in beet juice?!)
• pickles
• pickled jalapenos
• trader joe's olives
• tiny apples
• satsumas or tangerines (aka emergency perfume)

26:30 - Gadgets!
Piper - ziplock baggies (sandwich sized and mini's)
Gail - mesh aerated bag (to organize the ziplocks)

29:30 - Outro and thanks to: Producer Matt

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

Thanks for listening and happy travels!

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How does one prepare mentally and physically for travel? Regardless of the reason for taking a trip, necessity, pleasure, work, illness, visiting family - irregardless of any of those reasons it's still important to be properly prepped to make the most of it.

Main Topic -> Travel Preparation, the how and why

Gadgets -> Face masks!

• Gail - soothing infused paper
• Piper - Tulasara eyemask from Aveda

Special Thanks -> Artistic Whispers Production Inc for editing the audio for this episode AND of course, Jon Anealio for the use of his song "Steampunk Girl"

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Travelers are constantly bombarded with "Sign up now!" loyalty offers and point earning systems. Are airline offers worth it? What do you get for your loyalty?

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:11 – Intro (Steampunk Girl by John Anealio)
Host Introduction; Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake

0:34 - Where have the ladies traveled recently? San Diego!

1:16 - Piper's Trip

2:14 - Sparkly floors

2:33 - The PDX carpet

3:02 - The SouthWest airlines cattle call

3:50 - Question for the audience -> Can you walk to San Diego downtown from the airport?

4:23 - Gaslight district and San Diego Comic-Con

5:04 - Balboa park

5:14 - Mysterious Galaxy -> awesome bookstore

6:14 - Seaview -> cute bookstore with cafe near SFO

6:40 - Need listener help: What's the name of the Alice in Wonderland-esque speakeasy behind the brick wall (or bank vault?) covered in ivy in San Diego?

7:53 - military, retirees, and/or vacationers mean... Reader town!

8:36 - cocktails in San Diego; wine in Portland...lulz.

8:52 - Gail pisses off the audience. Wine fight. ("Portlanders claiming they have wine? Lol") Ready? Fight!

9:32 - La Hoja; full of eclectic restaurants and sea lions

10:17 - Del Mar beach (dog beach)

10:45 - all Piper cares about => dogs and food

11:48 - tutorial on how to kidnap Piper

– – –

12:07 – Main Topic -> Frequent Flyer Miles and Loyalty Points

12:35 - Gamified system's help keep you loyal by letting you "level up" your membership

13:20 - The benefits of access to the business lounge (hard boiled eggs and showers)

15:15 - Credit Card multipliers

15:42 - American Airlines has Piper's soul

16:16 - always sign up for the frequent flyer's club regardless of the airline you're flying to ensure entry of you Known Traveler Number (KTN) for ease of travel

16:57 - Gail often goes to unusual locales and has others book her flights, so avid loyalty is difficult

17:49 - Gail's now a SouthWest gal

18:05 - Gail loves the cattle call --> it means faster boarding!

19:39 - http://crankyflier.com/

21:25 - Be aware of what company has a hub at your local airport, and where other hubs are for that airline (take advantage of that!)

23:49 - Further tease of future episode about Credit Cards to optimize miles' collection

– – –

24:29 – Gadgets! --> Neck Pillows

Gail – Pillow's to lean on while you lean back
-Trtl Pillow - http://amzn.to/2EWJN8g
-Travel Mate Memory Foam - http://amzn.to/2HOaLke

Piper – pillow to lean forward with- Inflatable - http://amzn.to/2F25AP5

– – –

31:24 - Outro and thanks to: Producer Matt

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

Thanks for listening and happy travels!

View Details

Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake know how to eek every extra bit of value out of travel; including hotel loyalty points. Earn them? Keep them? Use them?

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:05 – Intro (Steampunk Girl by John Anealio)

0:30 – Host Introduction; Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake

– – –

10:52 – Main Topic -> Hotel Loyalty and Reward Points

– – –

27:18 – Gadgets! (what don't we trust the hotel to provide?)

Gail – Mug
-http://amzn.to/2EJrzYw
-http://amzn.to/2E5ivf6

Piper – Silicone Owl
-http://amzn.to/2E5iFDe

– – –

35:15 - Outro and thanks to: Producer Matt

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Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake let the listener in on their secrets for dealing with hotel room food - and most importantly, getting the most out of it.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:05 – Intro (Steampunk Girl by John Anealio)

0:31 - Host Introduction; Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake

7:40 - Main Topic -> Hotel Room Food Optimization

32:32 - Gadgets!
Gail - Spoon-Fork-Knife combo
"Light My Fire Original"
Piper - Travel Chopsticks

Secrets of gaining healthy sustenance while traveling... Discussion about optimizing hotel room food and how to get the most out of a room service order without contributing to diabetes or over-indulging in sodium.

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Hotel rooms are the frequent traveler's refuge. But they're not home. How do you get the most out of your stay? Piper and Gail discuss baby bricks, silk, & more.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:05 – Intro (Steampunk Girl by John Anealio)

0:31 - Host Introduction; Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake

0:56 - Where have the ladies traveled to this week?

0:59 - Piper regrettably stayed at a swanky hotel in Princeton, New Jersey that she last stayed at in college (Trenton State). But this time... under construction.

3:45 - Predators, a SyFy movie; and how that applies to Piper's travel whammy

4:43 - "Lobby-Talk" the podcast within the podcast

6:29 - Gail gives a great tip to find out about construction; sort Yelp reviews by date!

7:18 - Discussion of other great pre-trip research resources (TripAdvisor, etc); you can sort by "business"

8:23 - Main Topic -> HACKING HOTEL ROOMS

8:41 - Gail is an unpacker - if she's staying for more than one night

9:26 - This is where "kits" come into play (go back and listen to Episode 5 for more info on them) - they go into their own specific zones that will be common to nearly all hotel rooms regardless of owning/operating company

10:05 - Gail's number one hotel room hack: ironing boards

11:06 - Steam can get wrinkles out of clothes; best to bring them in to the shower area while you shower?

13:01 - Dupione dresses

13:32 - Thai silk suits

14:45 - Iron use tips; don't trust them the way you trust your iron at home (iron a wet hotel washcloth as a test)

15:56 - Piper's bloomers and 'splodin her bag

16:20 - Bring your clothes on cheap metal hangers

17:06 - Create separate areas for dayjob and other work - the physical locations being different help with putting yourself in the right mindset to do that specific kind of work despite being away from your more familiar home setup

19:15 - Designate a "business zone" that will not be contaminated with your other things; itinirary for event, envelope for business expense reciepts, notepad, etc

19:41 - To room service, or not to room service? Sometimes if you order food for "more than one person" they'll bring you an extra table on wheels

21:42 - "Heads in Beds" and a baby brick

22:56 - At checkin slide your credit card across the counter... followed by your baby brick - and watch it make magic happen

23:41 - The real magic words: "Anything you can do for me would be great."

24:57 - concierge suite access (free bottled water, snacks, and weekday breakfasts which makes life better in general)

25:48 - tipping style and ettiquette is important with the baby brick - don't be obnoxious about it

28:14 - take advantage of social media (particularly regionaly) to compliment good service at chain hotels

29:23 - story-time from Piper - she was booked into a hotel by dayjob and in the middle of the night a strange man started pouding on her door demanding to be let in. The front desk took the random strangers side... this eventually led to chocolate strawberries - at a different hotel

31:08 - fill out the reiew cards with the positive things that happened to/for you during your stay

33:04 - don't forget, every big hotel chain has a record on you

33:35 - Gadgets!
Gail: "Heads In Beds" by Jacob Tomsky
"A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles, and So-Called Hospitality"
Piper: Silk pajamas = protection for your delicate bits from bedbugs

36:45 - bonus gadget -> sleep sacks (they can serve dual purpose as shaws or scarfs)

37:42 - you can check the "bed bug registry" to double check your hotel before your stay

38:11 – Outro and thanks to: Producer Matt &
John Anealio for his song Steampunk Girl

Thanks for listening and safe travels!

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Traveling can be hard on the body so what are frequent travelers to do? Bath bombs, preparedness, and some quick but extra special self-spoilage go a long way.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:33 – Intro

0:50 - Self-care on the go

1:05 - Recent Travel!

1:11 - Piper did a StayCation in the next city over at a swanky Scottsdale resort with big bathtub, fluffy pillows that - of course - was dog friendly for Corbin the Corgi

2:37 - Gail went on her 35th annual pilgrimage with her mother (for her mom's birthday) to a hot spring; now mind you, she's only 29 too; so that's quite the trick

4:33 - Where there are earthquakes, there are likely hot springs. Gail says that's a fair trade-off - what do you think listener?

5:53 - A trip for yourself every now and again is a must

6:10 - An unplugged weekend?! Piper hasn't been away from the internet/cell service in years while Gail goes off-grid when she goes to this onsen

7:01 - Sometimes its good to deny authors access to Twitter and Facebook; but Piper insists on always being prepared with research, notes, and local copies of writing work

8:18 - The event Piper and Gail met at - a Cabin in the woods

9:53 - Data use while traveling internationally (more on this in a future episode)

10:34 - "Most writers are on some watch-list somewhere." -Piper

11:07 - Main Topic -> Self-care on the Go

11:21 - Gail's super secret self-care hot-tip => it has something to do with magazine's (listen and find out what it is! But remember not to tell anyone)

12:40 - Piper has one for her and one for her significant other (the guy typing this: Producer Matt)

13:08 - Need to use that thick overnight conditioner for color-treatment? Use it at a hotel so you don't have to clean the shower or wash the seats

13:54 - Sephora VIB rouge <- always get the samples so you can travel with them

14:19 - Deep cuticle oil is great for re-hydrating you, regardless of gender, and are perfect for dry overnight redeye flights

14:54 - Traveling and walking a lot? Gail wears stilettos all day and highly recommends a super-hot water soak followed by lotion first, then fuzzy socks as a feet-saver. Guaranteed quicker recovery!

17:30 - Don't travel with unmarked white powder; but baking soda is perfect for this soaking

17:44 - There's always bathbombs too (from places like Lush)

18:29 - Yes, I have had to have 4 root canals. Over the course of one month. I recommend dental picks like these but I won't knock using free individually wrapped toothpicks.

20:41 - Bathbombs that make you smell like food (are apparently the best)

21:02 - The Lorde of Misrule bath bomb

21:43 - Spoil yourself with food while traveling. Don't overeat, but allow yourself a particular thing that helps make you look forward to traveling in the future
Gail - fried foods, or stealing fries
Piper - dessert, or beet salad (you won't make it at home)

23:52 - lower your blood-pressure while flying via food?
Here's a great article from Harvard about taking care of your health while flying if you want to look more in to travel self-care

24:11 - Yay Gadgets!
Gail - bath-bombs (pre-halved)
'Spa Pure
'Strawberry Shortcake
MAKE SURE YOU RINSE OUT YOUR TUB BEFORE BOMBING!
Piper - Aveda "for Men composition oil"
'Caviar anti-aging overnight hair-rescue

26:32 - bath bomb training - what's the best way to disperse it into the bath?

27:20 - bonus tip, add a nut-oil for extra decadent moisturizing

30:51 – Outro and thanks to:
Producer Matt &
John Anealio for his song Steampunk Girl

Thanks for listening and safe travels!

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Preparing to travel made simple: keep your kits packed and ready. Travel kits come in all colors/textures/sizes and should be machine washable. Ready to kit up?

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:32 - Intro

0:55 - This Week's Trip (just how much do these ladies travel?)

1:37 - Piper's Travel comes in two parts; day-job (85% of the time) and author trips

2:12 - "You live in transit Piper." -Gail

2:16 - Piper breaks down her typical (consistent/inconsistent) travel schedule for work

3:00 - "The 'oops' of being scheduled on two projects at the same time => literally flying ocean to ocean each week for six weeks" -Piper

3:46 - Piper travels to conventions for author stuff: networking, book-signing, teaching and instructing, etc

4:53 - Gail travels as a full-time professional author to essentially a convention a month as well as multiple writing conferences each year and (the thing she hates) two-week long book tours

6:12 - The infamous hellmouth airport of DIA forced Gail to do a 20 minute signing at ComicCon

7:13 - Preferred traveling days (avoid Friday and Sunday)

8:08 - The perks of being a westcoaster in overcoming jetlag - it means you can stay up late and hang out at the bar when you travel east

9:07 - Arrive early, volunteer, meet the staff, and have fun

9:30 - Dead dog party ("secret" post-con meetup the Sunday night after a convention finishes)

10:08 - Main Topic -> Kits!
-tea kit
-redeye kit
-sleep kit
-emergency kit ("Piper Repair Kit")
-emergency repair kit (for vintage dresses or corsets)
-makeup kit
-lipgloss kit
-electronics kit

10:54 - Preparing yourself for "the zone of the hotel" -Gail

13:29 - Corset corner (tips and warnings for wearing)

13:53 - "Kits permanently live in their kit state." -Gail (always packed and ready to go)

15:08 - When do you refill your kits if they're always packed?

15:36 - Adjusting the makeup kit based on season, location, and purpose of visit (keep the basics in there always: base, foundation, eyeliner)

16:44 - "Bigelow and Lipton's are verboten"

17:09 - Varying your kit bag based on its purpose (color and texture); so that you can produce the desired kit when unable to see into a bag

18:46 - kits help organize your "bag of holding's" pocket universe

19:21 - Zippers are king

20:06 - Yay Gadgets!
-Piper -> kit bags from mochithings.com
-Gail -> TravelOn zipper envelopes (great intro to cheaply figure out what sizes/types of kit bags work for you)

24:18 - Piper's been experimenting with silicone (bottles for storing shampoo's, lotions, conditioners, etc)

26:39 - ZojiRushi (Japanese thermos company) food storage mug

28:15 - ZipLock bags are wonderful kit bags too (waterproofing)
-or a garbage bag to become a poncho for your carry-on
-and don't forget to double up your ziplock bags

30:11 – Outro and thanks to:
John Anealio for his song Steampunk Girl

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Roadtrips can be rough on the tummy; how do frequent travelers cope? Gail and Piper discuss their recent drive and go head-to-head about backpacks. Its time for #luggagewars

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:34 – Intro

1:06 - Piper and Gail's road-trip together

2:16 - "Know where your towel is." -Douglas Adams

2:26 - What to have with you on a road trip; especially when traveling with someone like Piper who has a delicate tummy (towels, wetones, and plastic baggies)

2:57 - How to prep for a road trip (bubbles, ginger chews, and child's Dramamine)

3:47 - The beautiful in appearance and smelling California coast (horsehair, licorice, and redwoods) - especially near Samuel P. Taylor State Park

4:59 - Main Topic -> The Backpack Sasquatch

5:13 - Gail's "ism" - and why she loathes backpack travelers (she gets "beaned by backpacks")

6:18 - Piper is a backpack aficionado - and so the feud begins

7:27 - Brand loyalty to -> Tumi backpacks

9:16 - Backpack security; beware the pickpockets in tourist spots and crowded transit places

10:18 - Gail admits to being a recovering backpack user

10:55 - Backpack optimization -> keeping valuables hidden deep within (past the snacks and the emergency wipes)

12:57 - Gadgets!
13:14 -> the backpack Gail actually likes (its collapsible!)
14:44 -> Piper's preferred ballistic nylon Tumi backpack

16:15 - The Jackie and Laurie Podcast

16:37 - Gail's exacting standards for baggage selection (color of interior vs interior -> the inside should be light colored, thereby making it easier to your stuffs)

17:26 – Outro and thanks to:
John Anealio for his song Steampunk Girl

Safe travels and thanks for listening!
Please subscribe and look for new episodes every Monday.

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Traveling while hungry is the pits. And when you're hypoglycemic it can be deadly. What to do? Initiate the burrito protocol.

Gail Carriger has a love of tasty food. Even better when its spicy. Travel requires food that is portable and stores well even at room temperature. The pursuit of this has led her to develop what is affectionately known as: The Burrito Protocol.

Simply put, buy a burrito from your favorite local place and take it with you. But what about salsa, and beans? And what container do you place it in? All this and more - including a story from Piper about how a hard boiled egg traveled across the globe - in this episode of 20mindelay.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:35 – Intro

0:58 - The Burrito Protocol; what meals do you travel with (not snacks)

1:22 - Piper's trip to San Francisco to see Gail and the bay area

2:12 - Airport talk: SFO; including tips for transit from SFO to SF (the airport is actually in Daly city)

3:10 - hotels in San Francisco (library bar at Hotel Rex)

3:37 - SF Marriott Grand Marquis

3:59 - Plot Bunny -> 555 Mission Street's 'Garden of Light'

4:42 - Pilgrimages when returning consistently to a city -> Gail completes a pilgrimage to the the original Twining's Tea Shop (same spot since 1700's) - and - Fortnum & Mason's for a proper spot of tea

6:07 - The Thai 'lol' or "hahaha" -> ' ฮ่าฮ่าฮ่า '

7:11 - San Francisco food -> San Francisco chowder in an SF sourdough bread

7:56 - Main Topic -> Gail's Burrito Protocol

8:54 - Gail's burrito preferences includes delicious chicken, egg, chile relleno, (and light on the rice)

10:21 - Piper's burrito tends to be machaca (light on the beans)

11:21 - Gail and Piper agree, avoid the mess of salsa, but Gail has a trick for keeping sodium, electrolytes, and taste -> small brineless packages of pickled jalepenos

12:38 - How about the return trip food stuffs?

12:53 - small hummus packs (carbs are easy, vegetables and protein must be hunted and acquired)

13:23 - Piper is protein bar'd out

13:54 - hard boiled egg (and how one traveled halfway across the world)

16:16 - Gail's tip: grab some pre-boiled and pre-shelled eggs from the little store and/or Starbucks at the hotel and take it with you - just in case

17:03 - "Nobody's happy when you feint."

17:09 - Travel gadgets!
17:22 - Piper's = little sandwich baggies
17:45 - Gail's = the burrito protocol carrier, small light insulated bag with small amount of additional storage for utensil and trash baggie

20:09 - Outro and thanks to:
John Anealio for his song Steampunk Girl

Thanks for listening!
Please subscribe and look for new episodes every Monday.

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What adventures are there to be had on the Baltic Sea? Culture, food, and fun in cities like Kiel (Germany), Copenhagen (Denmark), Stockholm (Sweden), Tallinn (Estonia), and St. Petersburg (Russia). Gather amazing experiences and enjoy, until a typo ruins everything. Then, it's a "travel whammy!"

In this episode, Gail and Piper discuss recent travels in Europe as well as what happens when your luggage doesn't quite keep pace with you. Also, what's the most versatile garment? The swimsuit. Why you ask? Gail shares her tale of traveling to Italy as a young, innocent archaeologist who arrived for a months long stay with only a container full of plastic bags, which is not what she packed for herself.

Travel whammies are those moments when what can go wrong, does. The harder you struggle, the more like quicksand they become. So what do you do? First: post to social media. Second: adapt and overcome.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:35 - Intro

0:54 - Where did Piper go? On an 8-day Baltic-sea cruise through Kiel (Germany), Copenhagen (Denmark), Stockholm (Sweden), Tallinn (Estonia), St. Petersburg (Russia)

1:52 - Why? For this: http://www.writingexcuses.com/2017/01/03/an-announcement-and-a-miniature-faq/

3:12 - Piper tells us about a Marzipan museum

4:31 - Was that Dresden's foo-dog Mouse?

5:24 - Best shoes on a cruise

7:17 - Travel whammies! (When major things go wrong while traveling -> that's a whammy)

7:33 - Gail's first big travel whammy and extra uses for a swimsuit when its the only piece of clothing you have...for months

10:10 - Piper's travel hijinks led to her seat being given away on her international flight, because of a typo

13:09 - Gail teases a JFK story (from when the TWA flight was shot down)

14:34 - Travel gadgets!

14:42 - single packet anti-bacterial WetOnes!

15:47 - "It was someone else's travel whammy!"

15:55 - https://www.mochithings.com/ - to organize your unmnetionables

16:48 -

Outro and thanks to:
John Anealio for his song Steampunk Girl

Episode 3 comes out on Friday, 3 November!

Safe travels till then and thanks for listening.

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Travel is always an adventure, sometimes a travail, and there's always that one airport we can't escape once we arrive. We call them hellmouth-airports.

Gail and Piper fly multiple times a month, enough to accumulate little "sometimes" issues and coincidental travel whammies into truly hellish experiences. In this episode our podcasters discuss the horrors of Denver International Airport (DIA), Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), then give tips on how to survive there. What do you do when that short "20 Minute Delay" becomes another 20mindelay which becomes another which... You get the idea. How can one protect their quality of life when trapped in an airport for 8 hours or more - or sometimes worse: when your one hour connection becomes a 10 minute mad-dash? Well you listen to this episode ahead of time of course!

Time Stamped Show Notes:

0:31 - Intro

0:56 - Piper and Gail's go to Jersey; but not together

1:17 - Why Gail travels (author going to conventions like: Steampunk World Faire)

2:16 - Why Piper travels (author and dayjob as a consultant; 50-80% travel)

4:24 - Singing the praises of Philly's airport
'6:39 - Vino Volo; rewards program with $1 wine and free la amuse-bouche

7:32 - Self-care before/during flights (should you drink wine and/or eat sugar?)

9:55 - Geno's cheesesteak as an alternative to the burrito protocol (get it double bagged!)

11:24 - Hellmouth airports

12:09 - Denver (DIA); delay upon delay

13:51 - "tornado shelters" aka the steps down to the hellmouth

15:00 - best spots to eat at DIA (upstairs to get the egg-salad sandwiches that remind Gail of her British mom)

15:48 - Chicago o'Hare (ORD); canceled flight upon canceled flight

16:12 - a sushi debate (safe at airports?)

18:15 - changing gates? time to play Mario Cart

19:58 - catch a breathe of fresh air at the hydroponic garden opposite the USO

21:08 - traveling with steel reinforced corsets (aka "precious cargo") to RT Booklovers' convention

22:28 - What's your hellmouth airport?
Comment on the site
Join the FaceBook group
Say hi on Twitter

22:55 - Nifty travel gadgets!

23:31 - Piper's gadget: download the airline's app that you're flying on to track your gate-changes and take advantage of last minute seat changes (including cheap upgrades)

26:24 - Gail's gadget: tiny tote FOR: extra storage / pillow / great for storing that temperature transition garment and more

29:01 - inflatable what now?

30:54 - Outro and thanks to:
John Anealio for his song Steampunk Girl

Episode 2 comes out on Wednesday, 1 November!

Safe travels till then and thanks for listening.

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20mindelay - or 20 Minute Delay - is a new podcast from authors Gail Carriger and Piper J Drake.  This short teaser episode is made up of a few clips from the coming season so you know what to look forward to. 

Gail and Piper travel a lot.  Maybe more than anyone should - but they love it.  So why the podcast?  To create a community of informed, savvy, travelers that are armed with better, cooler, smarter, lighter gadgets and kits. 

Please subscribe for new 20-25 minute episodes releasing every Monday starting 30 November 2017!