Journeywoman's Best Tips of 2003

Keep children well hydrated when you travel -- writes Jan from Beijing, China -- It goes without saying that we should encourage our kiddies to drink lots of water during hot seasons. They don't always want to drink bottled water so I suggest the following. Bring along their favorite powdered drink mix and put that into bottled water. Now you have pink lemonade or other favorite familiar flavors from home during your travel treks. Bet your touring toddlers, tweens or teens will be less cranky if they are well hydrated. Downside? Lots more bathroom stops!

Her Bug Buttons -- writes Rosalie from Oregon, USA -- When I travelled to India and Nepal I wore 'Bug Buttons' -- little, round, yellow plastic discs containing three oils -- Citronella Oil, Philippine Geranium Oil, Indonesian Lemon Grass Oil. These discs have pins on the back to attach to clothes, hat, etc. Mosquitoes would hover but never land. I took no other mosquito repellent along and was never bitten. Ditto for my traveling companion who said that she always attracts mosquitoes within a five mile radius. Directions on the package state that these buttons should be changed every 60 hours. P.S. A humorous part of all of this was the constant inquiries from those in India who asked what club we belonged to when they saw our little "yellow" pins.
Ed. note: And, I always suggest that JourneyWomen check with their local travel clinic about any products recommended in this newsletter or at the website.

A female cabbie in Mexico City -- writes Lisa from USA and Lidia in Mexico -- Please be aware that flagging green cabs on the streets of Mexico City is very, very risky. That's why I strongly recommend that women visiting Mexico City hire Gloria Rodriguez, a competent female cabbie for the Super Sitio radio cab service. My friends and I hired Gloria on several occasions and each time her service was not only reliable but pleasant and we arrived at our destination safely. To reach this driver, simply contact: Super Sitio 160, A.C. Radio Taxis las 24 hrs. at any of these numbers: 5271 - 9146, 9058 or 8972, then request Gloria, Placas (License) 396 LNK, Unidad (Car) M-7, P.S. Gloria speaks only Spanish so if necessary have someone at your hotel write down your destination or anything else you need for her to know. Stay protected, everybody!

A nifty New York Tea Room -- writes Ellen from New York, USA -- I want to recommend a fabulous place in New York City that women will love. It's called Wild Lily Tea Room in the heart of the new art gallery district in NYC. This very small Japanese tea room complete with miniature goldfish pond is pure zen. The food is a mix of Asia and England -- the set tea served all day is around $20. One can also order a pot of tea and other tidbits for less, although I enjoyed the set menu with its sandwiches, wonderful house-baked scones and yummy desserts (including a piece of dense, rich fudge cake). Wild Lily is a real find and from the looks of their guest book, women from all over the world have already enjoyed it. Address: 511 West 22nd Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues. Their telephone number is: 212.598.9097.

A spa in the Himalayas -- writes Maureen in Brooklyn, USA --This is a great tip for women who will be travelling to India. I flew to Delhi and stayed overnight before catching a train north to Haridwar, in the state of Uttaranchal. From there, I headed to Ananda Spa in the Himalayas, named one of the top 10 spas in the world by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Opened in 2000, it's situated on a Maharaja's former estate and specializes in a combination of Western and Ayurvedic treatments. Surrounded by misty foothills and overlooking the Ganges River valley, this is a magical place. Rich with culture, filled with treasures of history, and steeped in ancient wisdom, Ananda Spa is a place I could return to many times. I was truly thankful for my experiences there and the opportunity to see such a different way of life. To find out more about Ananda Spa, you can visit their website at: www.anandaspa.com. Ed. note: You can read Maureen's full spa story at: www.journeywoman.com/herspastop/himalayas.html

A family favourite in Paris, France -- writes Veronique from Paris -- Since I was a little girl, we've been going to this amazingly delicious place. The owner has been there with the same dress, same hairdo (no kidding!) forever. My mom said she went to that restaurant as a young girl and that woman has not changed at all. There is always a big line up. There is (Halleluiah) a non-smoking room all by itself upstairs. It's real name is "Le Relais de Venise". However, most Parisians gave it the name of "L'Entrec�te" and refer to it as such. When you come in, no need to choose. After sitting down, the waitress will ask you: "Saignant? (rare) � point? (medium) Bien cuit? (well-done)", as here the menu has always been the same -- steak thinly sliced in an amazing sauce and served with delicate fries. Desserts are a dream -- all of them, and then, you are free to choose. Le Relais de Venise (no reservations) Address: 271, boulevard Pereire, right at the Porte Maillot.

Shop where Chelsea Clinton shops in India -- writes Shannon from Calgary, Canada -- I wanted other JourneyWomen to know that New Delhi has some excellent tailors at very reasonable prices. Grover Cloth House (47-1 Khan Market - near the McDonald's) is where Chelsea Clinton had clothes made when she was in India. At the store there is a big picture of Chelsea with the tailor, and her visit was written up in the newspaper (the article is on display). The people who work there love to share the story of her visit - she apparently brought one of Hilary's suits with her so that they could make a bunch of copies. I, too, had a beautiful wool/silk suit made (jacket with hidden buttons and pants) for around $250 (Canadian) and it was made in less than 48 hours. They will also copy any clothes that you bring in, often in less than a day turn around time. The tailors are very friendly and helpful, and as a woman travelling alone I felt very comfortable being there. Ed. note: Journeywoman has many, many more helpful tips from women who've travelled to India.