My Favorite Articles About Europe

Hey Boomer Gals,

I've been to Europe quite a few times.  The first time was when I was a teenie-bopper in 1965.  Then, once, I lived near Montreux for a doomed-to-fail semester at a Swiss boarding school...I decided to get kicked out because I couldn't understand a word of their mandatory French.  Then...well I've been on the Continent more times than that, but I'm getting bored with this monologue.

I just want you to know that I am a confirmed people watcher...a student of personalities and societies.  And, I promise not to steer you wrong on where to go, how to save money, or what to wear.  If you're a guy, you basically need to know that if I see you in shorts, I will ask you to move to the back of the line.

I've gathered up the articles I've written so far.  And, I'm going to a cheap hotel in Paris, soon (so I'll be writing more on Paris).  If we don't use up our miles, they will expire.  Also, we're going at the very beginning of the season (Spring) instead of the high season...so, it's not going to cost an arm and a leg or even a toenail.

Planning Your Trip

I know that all you suburban gals who went to Catholic school think you have to map out your vacations a year in advance, but I'm here to tell you that it's just not true.  It's not too late to throw together a last-minute road trip, cruise, or anything.  And, you have so much time between now and September and those glorious tourist-free months...oi...trust me.  Go while the Euro exchange is decent.

Baby Boomers' Europe: Cruise Ships vs Hotels


Planning a Trip to Europe: Tour Group, Cruise Ship or Self-Guided


Free Rick Steves Graffiti Wall: Best Info Site

What to Wear if You're a Boomer Chick

I always bring too much.  The new rule is to take half the clothes and twice the credit cards.  But, you're not going to see the same people everyday...and even if you do...as long as you are presentable and you don't stink, you should be fine.

The Best Sites for Women's Travel Wear


Best Women's European Travel Accessory - Long Summer Scarves


What to Wear in Europe - Women's Travel Clothing Summer Vacations


Cheap Bohemian Travel Clothes - Spring / Summer


Cute Women's Packable Raincoat, Trench or Jacket


Best Women's Purses and Handbags for Travel

Break in Your Shoes or Cry Every Night

Comfy Women's Travel Shoes for Chicks Over 40 or 50


Fall Fashion Trends - Flat Boots in Europe

Things to Know Before Going to France

Common Phrases for Restaurants in France


Tips on Manners for Shopping in France

A Bit of Info About Italy

The Best Movies Set in Venice Italy


Rick Steves Italy: Travel as a Temporary Local

My Opinion of Different Cities in Europe

My Top Ten Cities in Europe


Top Honeymoon Destinations

You can add your opinions, travel ideas, or questions in the comment section below.  I love to hear your opinions.

Just Got Back from Maui and I Really Miss Being Kamaaina

I had such a great time on Maui that I had to write down some of my ideas in these articles:

Best Beaches in Maui for Kids: Hawaii Vacations
I used to take my kids to Maui every year.  Then, I got a divorce and I couldn't afford it.  When I have grandchildren, I hope to take them to the beaches on Maui.

Kaanapali Beach: Hawaii Vacations
For years, I only stayed in Kihei.  I still love Kihei as a place to live or a place to buy a condo (someday), but for a week-long holiday, Kaanapali Beach is where the action is.


Where to Stay in Maui: Hawaii Vacations 
I've been to Maui about 20 times.  It's my favorite island.  Find out why.


Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Maui: Hawaii Vacations
We just got back from 10 days at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel.  The room was nothing special but their accommodations are 1/2 to 1/3 the price of nearby hotels on the same fabulous beach.  Get some cheap aloha at this old-school hotel.

Maui Honeymoon
I've never been to Maui for a honeymoon, though I have been to Waikiki for a honeymoon.  I can be a very jaded traveler, but I also tell the truth.

All-Inclusive Resorts: Hawaii Honeymoon
There is nothing like Sandals or Beaches in Hawaii.  Those are East Coast inventions (well, actually they are Club Mediterranae in Europe inventions).  However, Hawaii has some vacation spots that are quite similar.
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Cute Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Trends

Boohoo.com

There are so many fun and cute spring/summer 2011 fashion trends.  I think that there is something for every woman and girl...and just as important...there are trends that can be adapted to flatter all body types, all ages, and all chicks.  You are going to love this stuff.

Spring Fashion Trends 2011:

Here's a review of the fashion trends for 2011; spring summer 2011 trends seen by an average suburban wife. Well, average is probably incorrect.

Spring 2011 Trends: Bold Color:
One of the hot trends for spring 2011 is fabulous washes & blocks of bold color. Go head-to-toe orange, blue or white & light up the room or work it.

Hot Trends for Spring 2011:
Bold colors like Coral Rose orange, Beeswax yellow, and Regatta blue (and white) all make my day. See the cute hot trends for spring 2011 for teens & women.


70s Fashion Trends for Women: Flared Legs, Disco and Platforms:

If you want to go '70s style, you need flared jeans, pantsuits, bow blouses, shiny or metallic clothing and platform shoes. But, give it your own twist.

How to Wear Leggings:

Teens know how to wear leggings but adult women over 30, 40, or 50 have stricter fashion rules. Most older women shouldn't break the rules for leggings.

Cloche, Fedora or Newsboy Cap - Best Hat Styles for Petite Women:

If you're short, should you wear a small brimmed hat like a cloche or newsboy cap? Or a larger brimmed hat like a fedora? What is the best hat for petites?
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NEW POST: Bathing Suits and Swimwear for Chicks Over 40 & 50

Fifty Plus: Black print bandeau swimsuit - from £40

I feel your pain when it comes to shopping for a swimsuit that fits your delicious Baby Boomer body.

However, if you are having a hard time with real pain, when you walk or move in certain ways, you might need to get out of the cold weather for a while. Sometimes, you can break the cycle by spending a few days in a town with warm weather. 


You need to do whatever you can to find a cheap cruise or an all-inclusive resort in a warm climate.  It doesn't have to be all tony or swank.  You will get the same health benefits even if you stay in an inexpensive joint or sleep on a friend's couch.  Walking in the hot, humid air of Hawaii feels like being in a warm whirlpool tub. 

Bathing Suit and Swimwear Articles:

Best Flattering Swimsuits for Women Over 40 & 50

Best Bathing Suit Brands - Plus Body Types for Women Over 40 & 50

Cute Women's Bathing Suits - Chic Summer Styles

Coverup and Beach Dress Articles:

Sexy Plus Size Resort Wear & Evening Wear for Cruises & Vacations

Cute Swimwear Coverups & Beach Sundresses

Beach Cover-Ups for Women: Plus Size Tunic, Dress, Caftan, Sarong
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NEW POST: Women's Travel Clothing

Matalan

Right now, I am in my hotel room on Maui and you have no idea how good it feels to be back in the world.  I was in a downward spiral up until a few days ago.  Health problems kept me from walking or traveling.  Sitting on my butt made me gain weight which made my health problems worse...which made it more difficult to get out and walk...and on and on.

I finally decided to try a change of scenery and I've been out walking a bit in the warm, inviting air.  Doctors should prescribe Maui vacations for their patients in pain. 

Here are some articles about travel wear written from a Baby Boomer's perspective:

Best Sites for Women's Travel Wear: Wrinkle Free Clothing

Women's Travel Cruise Wear Online - Over 40 & 50

Cute Women's Packable Raincoat, Trench or Jacket  

Travel Clothes - Dress Your Age in Jeans

Best Women's Dresses for Travel - Wrinkle Free

Cute Travel Clothing: Boomer Women Over 40 & 50

www.littlewoodsireland.ie Single Sleeve Maxi Dress - €82.00

Tropical Resorts and Cruise Wear:

Sexy Plus Size Cruise Wear: Cocktail and Formal Dresses 

Daytime Cruise Wear for Women With Style 

Women's Travel Cruise Wear Online: Chicks Over 40 or 50

Cheap Bohemian Travel Clothes - Spring / Summer 

What to Wear in Europe - Women's Travel Clothing Summer Vacations