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Why I Travel?
(Shelitha the Founder of RealSize in the City tells of her love for Travel)
The pictures featured on this page were taken by Shelitha and best friend Aimee Jo during their travels abroad!
When I was younger I watched a lot of TV especially movie musicals like American in Paris and always wanted to go to the places that the actors on television were going to. Also my teachers from 6th grade although high school had a huge influence on my desires to travel. I always had a teacher reading to me about a foreign land from a book or from their travels. I would imagine myself in Paris, Rome and tons of other places. Wanting to see the world and how other cultures lived. Try exotic food, new places and see where history had taken place.
My best friend Aimee Jo’s love of travel came from reading books from the time when she was a little girl. Books would take her to new and exciting places and knowing that these places existed she knew when she became a woman that she would have to experience them. I could not imagine traveling without her. We share so many things; she is like another sister to me. One huge thing that we share is our addiction to traveling and seeing the world. We like to consider ourselves Travelers and not just tourist. We never visit a place without researching it first. Our passports are always up to date so we can leave the country at the drop of a hat. We never travel to a place, just to say “been there done that” we go for the new exciting experiences we know awaits us. We like to do the things that the locals do, eat where they eat, shop where they shop. With Aimee Jo we have both cried atop the Eiffel tower in Paris. Viewed the Austrian Alps that the Von Trapp family walked over in one of our favorite musical "The Sound of Music” and experienced many other awesome travel memories we will always treasure.
We have seen the castles of Italy’s country side. The priceless works of Michael Angelo including the Statue of David in Florence, Italy (what a nice ass) and the Trevi Fountain. Also in Rome he painted the ceiling of the sixteen chapel. We were able to see the Vatican and go into the cathedral where the Pope speaks. Talk about only seeing something on TV. Walking into the Coliseum (the actual Coliseum in Rome) I was at a lost for words. Gladiator has nothing on the real deal. Across the streets were the ruins where Jesus walked. JESUS…HELLO. Need I say more it was un-real!
Aimee Jo went white water rafting in Austria that was very cool to see. I don’t swim so I skipped that. When we visited Japan we had the experience of a life time some of the most memorable were the beautiful Cherry Blossoms and seeing Samurai gear and walking where they had actually fought. One of my favorite sittings was of actual Japanese Geisha. In Sicily we were able to see where the original God farther was filmed. The water of the Mediterranean sea was unbelievable clear like no beach I had ever seen.
Visiting the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo Sicily where over 8,000 corpses dating back to 1599 line the walls like paintings, it was beyond belief. We are talking about over 8,000 dead bodies people, men women, children and families. Visiting ancient ruins in Agrigento Sicily a couple hours train ride outside of Palermo, we were able to visit the temple of Heracles the son of Zeus and the temple of Hera Zeus’s wife which date back to 460-470 BC (that is Before Christ) this was particularly interesting to me because in the 6th grade my teacher Mrs. Danks would read to us weekly from a Greek Mythology book and I never forgot that so to see the temples that she had read to me about would forever change my life.
Travel has forever changed our lives and we are forever grateful. I hope that through this section we can help you to unleash your own desires to travel and see foreign lands and hopefully we will turn you into Traveloholics as well!
The pictures featured on this page were taken by Shelitha and best friend Aimee Jo during their travels abroad!
Let’s Travel
Hi my name is Shelitha and I am a Traveloholic! Seriously I should check into travel rehab. Once you have traveled to a foreign land things are never the same for you. I have the travel bug. I think about it all the time, my next destination and the huge list of places I have yet to see. There are many things that factor in to why plus size women do not travel or why Americans do not travel in general. At the top of the list would be money and lack of vacation or holiday time. Listen, do not let that stop you. We didn’t!
Along with my best friend Aimee Jo together we have shared some of the best times and memories of our lives on holiday together. We are both RealSize girls so we know what a lot of the challenges can be traveling as a RealSize woman. We work our way through them and are able to have the times of our lives. I couldn’t imagine seeing this world with out her. Imagine seeing places like Paris, London, Rome, Venice, Florence, Switzerland, Amerstdam, Austria, Germany, Japan and Sicily. Phew, I am tired just listing them but we’ve been to all of those places together and our lives have been forever changed. Oh My Gosh! I do not believe that I can put the feeling into words!
Gotta Get It
There are many travel magazines and books out there. In fact 2 of our other favorites which we call the wish books are Conde Nast and Travel + Leisure Magazines. For those of us that do not have a lot of time and more importantly not a lot of money we recommend Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel Magazine great for the traveler on a budget. If you don’t subscribe to it be sure to check it out at your local Barnes & Nobles or Borders book store. Not only is it trust worthy but you get information on special travel deals not only in the US but around the world, tips on hotels, restaurants, what to see, what to do and much, much more. It is like the travelers bible. In Budget Travel you will actually find trips that you not only want to take but can afford. It is cool, smart and fun for today’s traveler just like you. Want to take cooking classes in Spain? Trying to find a great Inn in England? Looking for a hot restaurant in Prague? You can find it all and more in the Budget Travel magazine. So if you are a traveler or if you have ever wanted to travel this magazine is a must have for you. You can subscribe to it or you can also sign up online to receive travel deals, tips and more go to: www.BudgeTtravelOnline.com
Travelzoo.com
Another great avenue for up to date deals on travel. US, Europe, Caribbean and more. If you love to travel or you've always wanted to travel, this is definitely a site for you. Be sure to sign up for the weekly Top 20. This way you will get up to date specials on travel deals directly to your email.
Top Tips
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Get travel insurance and check that the coverage is appropriate.
Get travel insurance and check that the coverage is appropriate. •Check what vaccinations you need at least 6 weeks before you go and consider whether you need to take extra health precautions.
Check what vaccinations you need at least 6 weeks before you go and consider whether you need to take extra health precautions. •Get a good guidebook and get to know your destination. Find out about local laws and customs.
Get a good guidebook and get to know your destination. Find out about local laws and customs. •Ensure you have a valid passport that is in good condition and the necessary visas.
Ensure you have a valid passport that is in good condition and the necessary visas. •Make copies of your passport (including any visa pages), insurance policy plus 24-hour emergency number, and ticket details. Leave these copies, your itinerary and contact details with family and friends in the event your passport or visa is lost or stolen while you are on holiday. This will make the process easier when trying to replace it.
Make copies of your passport (including any visa pages), insurance policy plus 24-hour emergency number, and ticket details. Leave these copies, your itinerary and contact details with family and friends in the event your passport or visa is lost or stolen while you are on holiday. This will make the process easier when trying to replace it.•Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds ie: travelers cheques, or US dollars.
Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds ie: travelers cheques, or US dollars.Passports (Gotta have it!)
Passport Processing Times Have Increased Due to High Volume. For more information see www.Travel.State.Gov
The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport.
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.
New Application for a U.S. Passport
To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of over 8,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.
Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, and 1 Gateway City Agency, which serve customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required in such cases.
You’ll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time: if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; or if your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.
For more information on getting a new passport, please visit www.Travel.State.Gov
Visas (Do I need one?)
If you plan to travel outside American territories you may require a visa to enter the country you are going to.
Check visa requirements with your travel agent or contact the www.UnitedStatesVisas.org
to get Visa information on a country you plan to visit.
Passport General Tips:
•Make a note of the passport number, date and place of issue (or take a photocopy), and keep it separately in a safe place.
Make a note of the passport number, date and place of issue (or take a photocopy), and keep it separately in a safe place. •Check the passport expiry date.
Check the passport expiry date. •Write the full details of your next of kin in your passport.
Write the full details of your next of kin in your passport. •Leave a photocopy with a friend or relative at home.
Leave a photocopy with a friend or relative at home. •Take a second means of photo-identification with you.
Take a second means of photo-identification with you. •Keep your passport in the hotel safe and carry a photocopy with you.
Keep your passport in the hotel safe and carry a photocopy with you. •If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, contact the nearest American Embassy immediately for advice.
If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, contact the nearest American Embassy immediately for advice. Travel Insurance (Good Idea)
As the case study shows, things can go wrong on holiday. You could fall ill or have an accident; you could have money or luggage stolen; your visit might be cancelled or cut short through injury or illness; your family may need to fly out to be with you if there is a serious incident. All these risks and more can be covered by taking out travel insurance.
However, you should check the small print of your insurance policy very carefully to see if any exclusions might apply. Exclusions could include injury or death through acts of terrorism or nature; accidents caused through drinking alcohol or engaging in dangerous sports (and the list of these varies from policy to policy); or problems arising from a previous illness that you have not declared to the insurer. If you are not sure whether you are covered for any of the above, you should check with your insurer.
The five locations where injuries are most likely to occur are as follows:
•Roads
Roads •The Beach
The Beach •Hotels
Hotels•Remote locations
Remote locations•Ski slopes
Ski slopesHolidays are to be enjoyed, whether you are looking for fun, relaxation, action or adventure!
Injury and illness on holiday can be a misery - from painful sunburn to the infamous dodgy tummy - and with no home comforts or familiar remedies, it really can make or break a trip.
The information in this section is aimed at helping you stay safe and well while you are abroad.
General Tips on Staying Healthy While Traveling:
•Buy adequate and appropriate Travel Insurance
Buy adequate and appropriate Travel Insurance•Check the general medical advice for travelers.
Check the general medical advice for travelers. •Check what vaccinations you need with your GP at least six weeks before you travel.
Check what vaccinations you need with your GP at least six weeks before you travel. •Check if your medication is legal in the country that you are visiting.
Check if your medication is legal in the country that you are visiting. •Pack all medication in your hand luggage.
Pack all medication in your hand luggage. •If you are taking prescribed medication take the prescription and a doctors letter with you.
If you are taking prescribed medication take the prescription and a doctors letter with you. •Be safe in the Sun Avoid excessive sunbathing, especially between 11am and 3pm and wear a high factor sunscreen.
Be safe in the Sun Avoid excessive sunbathing, especially between 11am and 3pm and wear a high factor sunscreen. •Drink plenty of water. If you drink alcohol or use some kinds of drugs your body can become dehydrated, especially in a hot climate.
Drink plenty of water. If you drink alcohol or use some kinds of drugs your body can become dehydrated, especially in a hot climate. •Practice safe sex - always use a condom. Ensure that you pack a supply before you go as they are not always as readily available abroad and quality can differ from country to country.
Practice safe sex - always use a condom. Ensure that you pack a supply before you go as they are not always as readily available abroad and quality can differ from country to country. •Find out the local emergency number and the address of the nearest hospital when you arrive overseas. Your rep, local guide or accommodation manager should know.
Find out the local emergency number and the address of the nearest hospital when you arrive overseas. Your rep, local guide or accommodation manager should know.Cultural Etiquette
Are You An Ugly American?
(Taken from Budget Travel Magazine)
Certain Actions-Whether From Ignorance Or Arrogance-Will Brand You A Jerk. Experts Pinpoint The 10 Most Common Faux Pas Among Travelers. By Erin Richards
Find The Local Rhythm Americans have a hard time adjusting to a pace of life that isn’t as fast as their own, says Jacqueline Whitmore, author of Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work. As a result, they’re sometimes labeled as a rude and pushy. “In Germany, dinner can take three hours or more,” says Whitmore. “It’s an experience. You can offend the waitstaff by trying to speed up the process.”
Make A Good First Impression “In some cultures you hug , in others you shake hands, and in others you kiss,” says Cindy Post Senning, a director at the Emily Post Institute. “It’s easy to disrespect locals if you aren’t familiar with how to greet them, both formally and casually.”
Avoid Careless Judgments Travelers love to talk about how places are different from home. Unfortunately, says Senning, innocent observations can come across as superior and judgmental, as in: “Your cars are so small here!” I can’t believe this restaurant doesn’t have ice cubes.”
Mind Your Table Manners Educating yourself about local customs is the only way to know that Chileans expect wine to be poured with the right hand, and that the Japanese frown upon sloshing soy sauce on rice. As for those times when you’re served food you can’t bear to look at, let alone eat, but you don’t want to disrespect your host? Smile and eat as much as you can, says Colleen Rickenbacher, author of Be on Your Best Business Behavior.
Speak The Language You don’t have to be fluent, or even close; you just have to make an effort. “It sends an offensive message when you don’t even acknowledge ‘good day’ in the language,” says David Solomons of CultureSmartConsulting, which publishes country-by-country etiquette guides. “It’s total and utter anathema to the French when as American starts a conversation without beginning it with bonjour.”
Don’t Overtip Monica Francois Marcel, of consulting firm Language & Culture World-wide, says nobody tips as much as Americans (and that isn’t always commendable) “It gets at the economics of a country,” she says. “A taxi driver could easily interpret your tip as flaunting your wealth. “Marcel recommends asking a concierge to explain local expectations, and then tipping the concierge the proper amount. Of course, undertipping is never a great idea either.
Watching Your Gestures The wrong move with your head, hand, or foot can be a surefire way to get on a local’s nerves, or even pick a fight. “We also fail to do our homework about space relationship,” says Roger E. Axtell, author of eight international etiquette guides, including Do’s and Taboos Around the World. “Latin America and the Middle East have smaller personal ‘bubbles,’ so you must refrain from stepping away when they move close.
Dress Respectfully Classy everyday attire might have faded in the U.S., but it’s always a good idea for tourists to look smart, says Whitmore. Conservative “global colors”-grays, blues, blacks-are generally safe bets. If you’re going to a warm climate, avoid the temptation to pack only shorts and sandals. Include slacks and dress shoes, especially if you plan on dining at nice restaurants or visiting houses of worship.
Use Clear English Many people speak English as a second language, and it’s hard for them to understand when tourist use slang and neglect to speak slowly. “We clutter our speech with jargon and sports and military terminology,” says Axtell. “Try to stay away from idioms and slang, and watch for reactions to make sure communication is going well. Americans also forget to avoid phrases like, ‘Hi, how are you?’ in which we aren’t really looking for an honest response.”
Be A Thoughtful Guest As in the U.S., if you’re staying at someone’s house or going over for dinner, bring flowers. Souvenirs from home--T-shirts, refrigerator magnets—are appreciated, too. Small gifts can smooth out everyday interactions. Marcel recalls the warm response when she handed out $1.50 bottles of Jim Bean to Russian officials checking passports on the trains. “It made the process a lot faster, and they looked out for me,” she says. Gifts don’t have to be expensive; as always it’s the thought that counts.
According to Budget Travel magazine, you’ll get a warmer welcome if you learn a few words of the local language. Ane we agree!
Polite Phrases in 12 Languages
Hello/Good Day Good-Bye Please Thank You
ARABIC salam alekom maa el salama min fadlack shukran
salam alaykum mah el salahma min fadlack shoukran
French bonjour au revoir s’il vous plait merci
bonzhoor oh revwahr see voo play mehrsee
German guten tag auf Wiedersehen bitte danke
gooten tahk owf veederzayn bihtuh dahngkuh
Greek yassas adeio se parakalo efharisto
yahsas adio say parakalo efhareesto
Italian buno giorno arrivederci per favore grazie
bwon jorno areevhdairchee pear favoray gratseeyay
Japanese konnichi wa sayonara onegai shimasu arigato
konnichi wa sayonara ohnegai shimasu arigato
Mandarin ni hao zaijian qing xiexie
nee how dzaijeeahn ching sheshye
Portuguese bom dia adeus por favor gracias
bohm deea adiohs por favohr graseeahs
Russian dobri dyen do svidaniya pozhaluysta spasibo
dobri dyen dosvidaniya pozhalusta spaseebo
Spanish buenos dias adios por favor gracias
bwaynos deeas adiohs por favohr graseeahs
Swahili jambo kwa heri tafadhali ahsante
jambo kwaheyree tafadhali ahsantay
Swedish hej hejda tack tack
hay haydoh tack tack
Well all we know is we want you to experience the same things and more. That’s right ladies lets get ready for a RealSize Girls Getaway!
Coming Soon!
Here we will give you all sorts of fun information and tips on great places to see and awesome things to do. We hope to encourage you to want to travel as much as we do. Here you will find information on cool and fun places to visit not just for long vacations but for fun weekend getaways. It is all about the experience. Don’t let money of fear of weight stop you, we didn’t. We will figure out how to make travel work for you. If you don’t have a girlfriend to travel with don’t worry we are planning some fantastic trips and would love to extend an invitation too you. Soon you too will stand up and say “I am a Real Size Girl and I am a Travleoholic”.
We are planning a major trip but have not decided on the destination. As we build on the details we will let you know. We hope that you will be inspired enough to check out our first RealSize Girlfriends Getaway! If you are interested be sure to email us at info@realsizeinthecity in the subject line put RealSize Girlfriends Getway!
This is just the beginning we are on our way to wonderful Travel Adventures Together....Don't miss out!
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Here are a couple of our favorite travel resources.
Budget Travel Magazine
See the world without breaking the bank.
Travelzoo
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