Travel

[jlkz]

MAIL:

Many posters have mentioned offering to check on or pick up mail for the 20-some days their friends will be gone.

Suggest that the travelers sign up for a free service from the USPS:  Informed Delivery.  This way they will receive a daily email that shows them the front of all mail and will give them info from the label of any packages that will arrive that day.

When we winter in FL, we are lucky that our local USPS offers Premium Mail Delivery for a fee: once weekly all first class mail is delivered to our condo.  When we return, we pick up the rest at the Post Office.  Real peace of mind.

[We rescue cats]

If you are a close friend, know their eating habits and have access to their home while they are gone perhaps making sure they have fresh bread, milk, breakfast and/or lunch food? I used to do that for clients when they were gone for longer vacations if I knew them well enough or would have a welcome home basket of goodies delivered the day after their return.

[RetRN]

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@bonnielu wrote:

We help each other, have been doing that for years.  Blessed with the best neighbors.  And before each of us goes away a small gift is shared.  All I wanted to do was follow their lead out of gratitude for their 30 year friendship.  I do offer to check mail and newpapers and anything that puts them at ease.  I just wanted to add something they might need since they are the ones who called me for help with the converter and also phone question.  Nothing like being prepared in advance.  Thanks all for your responses.

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That is so wonderful. You are blessed to have such a friendship with these neighbors. Caring and looking out for one another is a blessing and I hope you find the right gift for them. Somehow I think they will appreciate whatever you give them.

[qbetzforreal]

@bonnielu- that's long flight. Snacks. Send them off with snacks.

[bonnielu]

We are best friends, became that way overtime.  When my husband needed emergency surgery over 20 years ago they were there for me.  Took me back and forth 60 miles round trip for a week on a daily basis.  We watch out for each other, a real blessing.  If I can help them I will do it and in their honor watching them help others I want to pay it forward, do as they do.  As my father used to say when he got up in the morning.  TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE -- MAKE IT COUNT.  

[CathyNY]

@bonnielu 

As far as a phone charger, I have an IPhone and the plug/charging device that comes with the phone is dual voltage and does not require a converter as it does it automatically.  These phones are so clever.  Check what kind of phone they have and you can google to see if it's dual voltage.   They should check with their phone carrier for the appropriate international plan and what settings to use on their phones in New Zealand.  Costs can run up without a plan.

As far as converters they are very small (same size as the cell phone plug).   I carry one and have never used it because the only thing I needed was a hair dryer which was always provided by the accommodation.

I hope they have a wonderful time and I have always wanted to visit that beautiful country.  

How nice to have such a wonderful friendship.

[CatsyCline]

@bonnielu   return travel home is so stressul and jet lag saps energy!  how about arranging for a nice lunch or dinner at home for them, ready for their arrival. 

a catering co in my mom's former town sells lovely entrees and sides from their refrigerated case.  

The chicken pot pies were so tasty, and they had many other offerings, very reasonable and freshly made. Of course you could make a dinner yourself of you are so inclined.  

[Stray]

I think it’s lovely to think of your friends and I’ve received & given travel gifts. I carry a universal charger which can be purchased on Amazon. Or you can search NZ charger but most likely they won’t be returning to NZ.

I’ve been to NZ and it’s a wonderful country. I’ve always appreciated travel books about the places I will visit. It’s also a long flight so if you know reading habits, games they enjoy, I’d give something for in flight. I had a family member going to Singapore & they gave me their itinerary with hotel names in case of an emergency; I called the hotel & arranged a gift certificate for a reputable restaurant nearby; it was greatly appreciated.