tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59761812291084790952024-02-18T21:50:25.725-08:00Dan In a BoxDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16392846168531115937noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5976181229108479095.post-44745333119204666802021-06-08T08:23:00.001-07:002021-06-08T08:23:09.566-07:00General Iceland Travel Tips<p><b>(in progress)</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Eating</b>: food is expensive at restaurants, tipping is not typical at all so what you see is what you pay. Its much cheaper to eat at container stands (like our food trucks, but in containers) or even gas stations. Most all of them are well equipped with food you would be surprised doesn't suck. Your money will go far if you hit the grocery store for provisions to have at your lodging or on the road. If you eat at a restaurant expect about $30 min in our money for a burger or similar.</p><p><b>Money</b>: everywhere and everyone gladly takes cards, you have zero need for changing over to cash. Self checkout at grocery and similar has a language button for English. Often cards will ask if you want them to do the conversion from Kroner to Dollars, no need to do this. Your bank or card will have a better rate.</p><p><b>Rental Car</b>: Get all the insurance they offer, seriously. The roads of Iceland are full of flying asphalt, high chance you get a chip or similar in your window. If you can afford an SUV or 4x4 you'll have even better luck but if you plan to stay on the Ring Road or in town a regular car is fine. Just be careful, but really. Get the insurance through the actual rental place to avoid hassle, even if you have coverage through something in the states. Trust me.</p><p><b>Lodging</b>: Here most places are guesthouses, or very small boutique hotels. Expect less amenities than we are used to in the states, but its only a place to sleep so don't worry too much. If you can score free breakfast that is a win that will save you morning expenses. I spent $80 US for a hotel total for 2 nights recently, it doesn't need to be expensive and it was just fine. I stayed in Keflavik, Vik, and Reykjavik before. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>https://hotelkeilir.is/ </li><li>https://www.hotelkria.is/</li><li>can't recall the guest house name, but had a fun gnome painting. </li></ul><p></p><p><b>Things to do</b>: </p><p>The whole island is a playground. I've only seen a small portion drivable in a day or two. Just explore, you can't screw it up.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Obviously the volcano is current and spectacular, its about 25 minutes from the airport. If it is active when you go, you can't miss it. The hike from the road is about 3 miles with 1200 ft elevation. Dress warm even in summer, the wind in Iceland is like no other. The best light is around sunset, and remember in the summer it only ever gets slightly dark. Midnight sun rules.</li><li>The Ring Road will take you all around the island if you want, I only made it as far as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon but that is a can't miss trip. Spectacular, and right across from the Black sand Diamond Beach.</li><li>There are waterfalls everywhere off the Ring Road, and they are all magic. </li><li>The city of Reykjavik is cute and walkable in a few hours, stayed there 2 nights and it was plenty. Though don't miss Hallgrímskirkja (church, very cool with a great view of the city if open) You are not there for the city so get out and see the land of ice and fire. </li><li>Blue Lagoon, some peeps say tourist trap. I think its a good way to spend a few hours and relax, there are several similar ones around the region also this just happens to be the most well known. Like $55 for the day and you get a beverage included. Also check out Secret Lagoon and the new Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik proper.</li></ul><div><b>General</b>:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Have layers of clothing available, and good shoes. </li><li>Go to Kökulist bakery - Keflavik, 7 minutes from airport by car</li><li>Try the hot dog stands if you eat meat.</li><li>Its very safe everywhere in my experience, people are very nice. </li></ul></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16392846168531115937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5976181229108479095.post-80373345479253798892021-05-13T09:25:00.011-07:002021-05-13T10:55:37.394-07:00Traveling to Iceland during a global pandemic!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5H8rU1F56NAu2wKtqOw2l-WsKk1yZNOeC4iaPB9RoP3EsMe82zagmTMjyctlsi_5yi3rxt82c9KmYj03-nTbA88uJMCfi5H9m9zU_gh6zzc7ZRCqOY4E__I1aUsU8mwxnNuqrlDoUesYW/s2048/image1.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5H8rU1F56NAu2wKtqOw2l-WsKk1yZNOeC4iaPB9RoP3EsMe82zagmTMjyctlsi_5yi3rxt82c9KmYj03-nTbA88uJMCfi5H9m9zU_gh6zzc7ZRCqOY4E__I1aUsU8mwxnNuqrlDoUesYW/s320/image1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Traveling to Iceland during a global pandemic for fun! What you should know before going!</b><p></p><p>I've always had a fascination with geology, and the earth sciences were a briefly considered career path but I had not found a route to get there. For as long as I can recall I've had a dream to see lava. I'll tell you about that in another blog post which eventually I'll write and link to here.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Dan, you know we're in a pandemic right? WTF are you doing travelling for leisure? </p><p>I am fully vaccinated, and took precautions and considerations. Risk vs reward, etc.. Only you can decide what is best for you. Despite being fully vaccinated, I took a Covid test 2 days before leaving just in case for peace of mind. Knowing I'd get another upon arrival. </p><p>So you're thinking about taking a trip to Iceland yourself? Awesome, here is how it all goes down. I'd guess things will change and evolve, so I can only speak to how it is/was in early May. </p><p>Step one, get vaccinated. It will make your life much easier, and everyone around you benefits from it. My experience and details here are from the perspective of a fully vaccinated American. There are resources for other situations on some of the links I'll provide. </p><p>Step two, 72 hours prior to arrival you must fill out the details on the Iceland Covid site <a href="https://heimkoma.covid.is/" target="_blank">here</a>. Don't skip this step, you're gonna have a bad time. It will then direct you to download an app for contact tracing and test notifications, more on that in a bit. This is essentially registering with the Iceland government informing them you are coming so they can keep tabs on you. If you aren't down with that, then wait until this pandemic is over someday. Small price to pay IMO, and made me feel even safer knowing they are taking this thing crazy seriously. </p><p>The output of this will be an email with a barcode, this barcode is essentially your pass and you'll need it more than once. Print it, take a photo of it on your phone, etc..</p><p><b>Connections</b>:</p><p>I flew from BTV to JFK first via JetBlue. The airport here is quite small, and never feels that busy. I'd say it basically felt like normal here, everyone masked up and keeping distance when possible. Arrival in Terminal 5. </p><p>(from car to gate in 10 minutes, thanks to TSA PreCheck. Best money spent ever.)</p><p>The plane experience was fine, everything was clean, they made updated announcements and everyone behaved as it relates to masking and what not. </p><p>Since I booked the tickets from BTV to JFK and JFK to KEF separately I built in a full day in NYC. I had 12 hours until I needed to be back in the airport so I took the airtrain to the subway, and went into the city. I was impressed on the subways that most folks also were masked and distanced to the extent possible in a city as dense as NYC. </p><p>I never felt unsafe or discouraged by behaviors during the whole day in NYC. Beautiful day, many people out and about, and everywhere I went people did the right thing in my opinion. </p><p>Back to JFK by subway and airtrain to Terminal 4 for Delta. I arrived 3 hours early as is customary for international flights. Due to the pandemic procedures you cannot check in online and must see a gate agent. Prepare accordingly, have your vaccine card available. You will also need the barcode I mentioned back in step one. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>To recap: make sure you have your passport, vaccine card, and barcode prior to seeing an agent to check in.</li></ul><div>Then you get your boarding pass, and go through security just as normal. When you board your flight to Iceland they'll once again check your documents as above. </div><div><br /></div><div>Easy 5 hour flight, Delta is doing good things here. Shout out to Tammy who was on anyone quickly who wasn't masking properly. Don't let her see your nose!!! Meal service and drinks all normal, take your mask off, put it back on after. </div><div><br /></div><div>I got lucky and had a full row to myself, so I got a couple hours of sleep on the overnight. Left 10:15 EST arrived 7:45 Icelandic time. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Arrival in Iceland:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJNXQUf9HVV8BUaJTN23oISSJX_QUttVHL9elpwhb4pSvDUxs_y9t4xI7Fckw6UvY6cutBxHcl7Pb7dSqRtHINGwV8z57WxdZwtnENgFhkJCysieHcsLmMcxi0iWpEPiszwYCsoiqKy4_/s2048/image0.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJNXQUf9HVV8BUaJTN23oISSJX_QUttVHL9elpwhb4pSvDUxs_y9t4xI7Fckw6UvY6cutBxHcl7Pb7dSqRtHINGwV8z57WxdZwtnENgFhkJCysieHcsLmMcxi0iWpEPiszwYCsoiqKy4_/s320/image0.jpeg" /></a></div>Have your documents ready, you'll go through a few steps here. The barcode is KEY. You are handed a glossy one sheet of what is to come, and I've included a photo of that. You will go through passport check first, they'll scan that barcode and stamp your passport. </div><div><br /></div><div>Immediately after this queue, you go into a similar looking line where they take quickly and efficiently give you a Covid PCR test. This is a requirement. They scan your barcode, and then take the deep brain swab through your nose, and then a throat one for good measure. Then they send you on your way. Just when you think you are free, you get one more passport booth stop. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuc_YDtw3Fcw7Hr7FBXzIe4urilzUCvCXi0kKxKplvqSU6I3NWFuG7x4ty7W0FW8O45YquHfr4VIDVXmkXus3oDJ1HYEPTXrc0DW-QanAmEkgB7ARbpsRhM_qYzwsRw8p6li_CbZwaSNN/s2436/image2.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuc_YDtw3Fcw7Hr7FBXzIe4urilzUCvCXi0kKxKplvqSU6I3NWFuG7x4ty7W0FW8O45YquHfr4VIDVXmkXus3oDJ1HYEPTXrc0DW-QanAmEkgB7ARbpsRhM_qYzwsRw8p6li_CbZwaSNN/s320/image2.png" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>They give you a yellow post it with an additional stamp, scan your deets, and tell you you are free to leave the airport but to wait for test results before interacting with folks. The results come through the application, or via text. They say 5 hours or so, mine didn't come back until 4pm. Or about 9 hours. </p><p>As you are about to exit the airport to get your rental car or taxi they check the yellow post it and send you on your way. </p><p>I was going for a weekend only, and so this test was also going to be my pass to get back OUT of Iceland since it was within 72 hours which is a requirement of America to return. More on that in a moment...</p><p><b>Staying in Iceland:</b></p><p>I felt so safe here throughout, there is no question why they experience low case volume in comparison to many. They take it seriously, hand sanitizer everywhere, everyone is masked where they need to be, and people generally take it seriously. What a feeling to also know that basically everyone around you had been tested and vaccinated, just a good overall feeling. </p><p>My hotel in Keflavik didn't take down my passport details or scan my barcode but I'm told some are doing that. Remember, the quarantine is largely just you being smart until those results hit your phone, but you aren't under obligation to stay put for days or anything unless you were somehow allowed in without a vaccination or proof that you recovered from Covid.</p><p>I'll write more about being in Iceland and the Volcano in another post.</p><p><b>Leaving Iceland and returning to the states:</b></p><p>Near disaster here. Technical limitation. In the above photo that says I do not have Covid, you'll notice this doesn't say my name, the date of the test, or otherwise have any information that would make it obvious it is me. Delta did not accept this as a form of test proof.</p><p>As you can imagine. PANIC. Hysterical call home to wife, etc.. thought I was stuck and would need to get a new test and figure all that out. </p><p>And you will if you are in Iceland like most people are for more than 3 days lol. So you'll want to plan on getting a free test or paid test, I saw many sites throughout the area. One was very convenient drive through in Keflavik. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj935pNaOnsHAOEo1P9oymOOhyphenhyphenhE-dyINlX3BYBw4aItDF8kjRGUTmET7EsHll3ntzFRtXQDlFYWdn0wWVdU-24kmcjdCzO8GoDC6y7YyQIQGTR9FDOeTfHpKBcTN8eC9S5NUgzyFd0ayP7/s1482/A9B81438-7436-48C5-AC9E-B42218142028.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="1116" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj935pNaOnsHAOEo1P9oymOOhyphenhyphenhE-dyINlX3BYBw4aItDF8kjRGUTmET7EsHll3ntzFRtXQDlFYWdn0wWVdU-24kmcjdCzO8GoDC6y7YyQIQGTR9FDOeTfHpKBcTN8eC9S5NUgzyFd0ayP7/w151-h200/A9B81438-7436-48C5-AC9E-B42218142028.jpeg" width="151" /></a></div>Back to my panic, I'll spare you the details of how it all went down but thanks to that barcode and tracking they have on you I was able to get a copy of the negative test result after some amazing race style taxi rides and phone calls at the hospital in Keflavik just 10 minutes from the airport. <p></p>I can't guarantee you will be lucky like I was in finding sympathetic folks in Iceland to help, so if indeed you are counting on that initial test result to get you back out find a way to get a printed copy first thing. The application does not have that nor did I get an email with one. Just the text and app notification which is enough to get you in, but not enough to get you out!<br /><p><br /></p><p>I got back to the airport with the documents with time to spare, but it was stressful AF. Avoid that. When you get your test make sure you get a printed or electronic copy with all of your details. The date taken, your birth date and full name matching your passport details or in Delta or whomever you fly home with will not let you even get as far as a boarding pass. Photo example above.</p><p><b>Arrival back in USA:</b></p><p>Exactly the same as any other international arrival, I didn't have to show any documentation beyond my passport. I was expecting to have to show the negative test again but nobody asked for it. </p><p><b>Departing thoughts:</b></p><p>Overall there are more steps, and potential areas for stress as I outlined in my own experience but it was completely worth it. I felt safe everywhere, and from end to end steps were taken at all areas to prevent the spread of Covid or people taking advantage of the system, etc.. I would not hesitate to travel to Iceland again during the pandemic, and applaud them and Delta Airlines in particular for doing such a good job to keep folks safe on both ends. </p><p>Be well, be safe, and enjoy the trip.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsfmR8qLlRmdvBJ2O2fRd2SioCSDzVhrVnFeeikHS_eLV8y-TzfDis9R91grds1CyZQkPu1dM43qq7tbAoEZH-EYRl-ESCZR0Q2bf3-bpc6u67eLby8KL6DYSI8QJ4gckNBRqBNubxZBV/s2048/184836695_10100393495619110_3215668204882208955_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsfmR8qLlRmdvBJ2O2fRd2SioCSDzVhrVnFeeikHS_eLV8y-TzfDis9R91grds1CyZQkPu1dM43qq7tbAoEZH-EYRl-ESCZR0Q2bf3-bpc6u67eLby8KL6DYSI8QJ4gckNBRqBNubxZBV/s320/184836695_10100393495619110_3215668204882208955_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">it felt great to travel again, it had been 14 months since I'd been on a plane <br />and I'm glad things are moving towards some normalcy again</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16392846168531115937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5976181229108479095.post-1903040197916301442021-04-08T06:10:00.074-07:002021-05-03T04:48:59.674-07:00Get Vaccinated SOONER Vermont - Helpful Tips <p></p><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><i>Last update 05/03/2021 7:45am EST</i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5dNL6KJQxTzaaKKDsXXmvePj7kwPQwmHmwvFgvbW0GOFjZm64nGCpl4DBTo7QOyP6NNHeJtR3Y5i-_ZS0C81rLTR4VjG6edURsmzGODoOHVV6rFZN8c30x0Z05z7a4GKtOjUwt4pwc7c/" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5dNL6KJQxTzaaKKDsXXmvePj7kwPQwmHmwvFgvbW0GOFjZm64nGCpl4DBTo7QOyP6NNHeJtR3Y5i-_ZS0C81rLTR4VjG6edURsmzGODoOHVV6rFZN8c30x0Z05z7a4GKtOjUwt4pwc7c/" width="186" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">State sponsored sites</td></tr></tbody></table><b>As of May 3rd anyone that wants a shot should be able to easily find one through any tool on the same day or next, hopefully this was useful but I’ll no longer be updating it. Be well, take care, be safe.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>While I believe the state is doing their best given the circumstances of their outdated technology, and inconsistent communication in the federal pharmacy program, there are a lot of folks struggling to get a vaccine appointment, or are pushing out weeks away (better than months from the beginning.) You should have no issue getting for first, or only shot at within days of reading this post. In some cases, NEXT DAY are readily available. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><u><b>RECENT UPDATES</b></u></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>J&J has resumed, rejoice!!</i></li><li><i><span>As of Monday the 26th there is wide open availability at the pharmacies all over the state for shots in the next four days. It should no longer be hard to get one.</span></i></li><li><i><span style="color: red;">Northfield Pharmacy is now doing J&J again, <a href="https://scrcxp.pdhi.com/Portal/Member/d1e1f5d5-007f-4167-b8d1-1ea83cb3b215/?qitq=105a6e6c-149e-47df-aae4-0f2cf8e30e17&qitp=d9a99f19-9e9b-475e-9943-b392e29679a6&qitts=1619555119&qitc=pdhi&qite=covid19vaccination&qitrt=Safetynet&qith=3c35f0b35b3195ef05cedc116863379d" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i></li><li><i><span style="color: red;">Look for more drive in, walk-in clinics popping up all over.</span></i></li><li><i><span style="color: red;"><b>JUST IN! UVM outpatient pharmacies offering J&J beginning next week sign up <a href="https://www.uvmhealth.org/medcenter/departments-and-programs/pharmacy-services/schedule-your-covid-19-vaccine" target="_blank">HERE</a></b></span></i></li></ul></div><div><i><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: red; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><u>This is for you, you can do better. Get your shot within a week or two using these tips.</u></b></span></div></span></i></div><div><p>Step 1: Make sure you have preregistered at the state site <a href="https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19-vaccine" target="_blank">here</a></p><p>Step 2: Make sure you have logins and have completed all you can at <a href="https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine" target="_blank">CVS </a>, <a href="https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19" target="_blank">Walgreens</a>, and <a href="https://kinneydrugs.com/pharmacy/covid-19/vaccination-scheduling/vt/" target="_blank">Kinney Drugs.</a></p><p>Ok, now my advice is to focus on the state and CVS. Walgreens can be clunky, and Kinney is always a few weeks out. </p><p>NEW - you might get a call to be put on a wait list if you have a state appointment, see details of that here on the <a href="https://apps.health.vermont.gov/COVID/faq/#4769" target="_blank">FAQ</a></p><p><b>As of now everyone in Vermont 16+ can sign up!</b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>CVS and Walgreens are often pushing their appointments for the new age band by 6am, some reports even early so BE EARLY</li><li>There are TONS of state vaccine locations (see map above or <a href="https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/images/2021/02/COVID19-VaccineSites.png" target="_blank">here</a>)</li><ul><li>Costco, Walmart, Hannaford etc.. are all included within the state program</li></ul><li>The state sites will tell you very clearly at first glance if its the single dose J&J. </li><li>CVS will also be very clear which you are signing up for, the one on Church Street (Burlington) has been doing J&J, several others as well. Not always the same ones, so be diligent. </li><li>Kinney Drugs has 2 workflows, one for Pfizer, another for Moderna. Should be clearly marked.</li><li>Walgreens has been all 2 dose that I have seen so far. Seeing reports some have got J&J now.</li><li>Grocery stores are starting to see vaccines as well, Market 32, Hannaford, and <a href="https://www.mhealthappointments.com/covidappt" target="_blank">Shaws</a>. Can't hurt to check if you're there doing some shopping. There is confirmation of some people getting walk-ins. The state reports otherwise but my stance is it can't hurt to ask. All the grocery stores appear to run through the state program at this time. (updated above with link to Shaws scheduler though indications are those might also be state sites now.)</li></ul><div><b><u>New Option</u></b> - Get Vaccinated in New Hampshire, anyone 16+ regardless of residency can sign up for a vaccine. This could be beneficial for Vermonters on border towns! Link is <a href="https://www.vaccines.nh.gov/" target="_blank">here</a> or call <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 16px;">866-444-4211 <i>(source ; <a href="https://vtdigger.org/liveblog/vermonters-can-book-vaccine-appointments-in-new-hampshire-starting-monday/" target="_blank">vtdigger</a>)</i></span></div><p></p><p><b>General Tips </b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>First focus should be to lock in an appointment, seems obvious right? Well just grab the first best one you see regardless and book it. Then the fun begins.</li><li>The soonest appointment is the best one.</li><li>Don't worry too much about which vaccine you get,<a href="https://youtu.be/K3odScka55A" target="_blank"> I found this video really helpful </a>but whatever works best for you is the right choice for you. </li><li>Another resource people are finding success with is <a href="https://www.vaccinespotter.org/VT/" target="_blank">Vaccine Spotter</a>, sometimes it will see appointments you can't! </li><li>Some people also report using Find A Shot with success, check it out <a href="https://www.findashot.org/" target="_blank">here</a>.</li><li>An option if you know someone or are someone that just can’t seem to get something is to work with the Vaccine Fairy team of volunteers. Check them out <a href="https://vaccinefairy.org/" target="_blank">here</a>. Nationwide program.</li><li>Be cautious about very rural areas, they may only have one vaccination site for miles and miles so be mindful our fellow Vermonters in those areas need a place to go as well. So while driving is your choice, and in my opinion worth it. If you can stay in your general area, that is ideal. </li><li>PLAY THE GAME, LET ME UPGRADE YOU! </li><ul><li>Once you have an appointment locked in, take a breath, but the work isn't over. Its time to refresh. Especially on the state site, people are adding/dropping/changing all the time.</li></ul></ul><div>Once you have one, your state site will look like this:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HKyO5a9O2nbmN-cFwR5PnkvhvQUd6d0WEBaoVAeuOOcw_ZEojc0Hp-hJaYwDgPitlWTn5_VcgyPlXK8SJJ3BdixvSeMKzviQzUy5_q9STGU7rxMeBhEYkQtBQsMzEBotDd3yil63zd4K/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="1078" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HKyO5a9O2nbmN-cFwR5PnkvhvQUd6d0WEBaoVAeuOOcw_ZEojc0Hp-hJaYwDgPitlWTn5_VcgyPlXK8SJJ3BdixvSeMKzviQzUy5_q9STGU7rxMeBhEYkQtBQsMzEBotDd3yil63zd4K/w640-h334/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Some things of note, you can see that even though I have the J&J it still says Dose 1, that can be confusing so just keep an eye out. </div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The reschedule button on the state site is KEY to success, you can click this and you will NOT lose the existing appointment until you confirm a new one. Once you are in there, stick to the parameters within 14 days, there is zero need to wait longer. Keep refreshing the sites and counties that work for you, it could take a minute, it might take 30 but you will find one. I've known more than one person to get in the same DAY.</li><li>You often have to manipulate the pull-down menus to see new appointments, change to Franklin then back again, or change the time parameters. This process, while odd, will show you updates the more you do it.</li></ul><div><b style="text-align: center;">PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO CANCEL YOUR EXISTING APPOINTMENT ONCE YOU HAVE UPGRADED. </b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>CVS</b></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Great detailed post about CVS <a href="https://ctrlteach.weebly.com/how-to-schedule-a-covid-vaccine-from-cvs.html" target="_blank">here</a></li><li>They are adding appointments in the morning on MOST days, and they only book a week out so check the page above often if you aren't satisfied with what you have </li><li>Daily updates between 6am-7am a great time to check</li><ul><li>lately I've been getting the message below at 6:06am est, and then being brought to the scheduler 10 minutes later</li></ul><li>You must get into the waiting room with the lady in the heart and refresh until you get the auto refresh message here, once you have this you are essentially in line. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEivRrn6VqQiLEL_c88UkhHVUG_CwHH7kyhOlSLS76KnF8t2ri9Rt4EURthyphenhyphenPo9YFIIbl_RdoQHzqg9BvEJhHLsITRK9ASJKA-PLtv3dFRA3RLpS6mwYlcaTrN5YKwxAHrEFchXdqUiqG/s1961/B4601D65-125F-41C8-9461-6E933622638A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1961" data-original-width="989" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEivRrn6VqQiLEL_c88UkhHVUG_CwHH7kyhOlSLS76KnF8t2ri9Rt4EURthyphenhyphenPo9YFIIbl_RdoQHzqg9BvEJhHLsITRK9ASJKA-PLtv3dFRA3RLpS6mwYlcaTrN5YKwxAHrEFchXdqUiqG/w101-h200/B4601D65-125F-41C8-9461-6E933622638A.jpeg" width="101" /></a></div><br /></li><li>For reasons unknown, Bennington almost ALWAYS has appointments available so if you're game for a drive (twice, they so far have been a 2 dose site,) its an easy win.</li><li>You could get your first dose in one location, and you second in another. It would require you to reschedule the second at a different CVS, then cancel your first. Not a very smooth process, but possible. Its been reported by several users to work here in Vermont. </li><li>You can search by the first 3 digits of a zip code as well here, or just click all in Vermont</li></ul><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrD5ueNDXUe2bBLPemNtctE_tUnH11LE2cU21rdNQX5uuU785RNgwi3zi3z_AiHKSuj0BL_SZfXEkVkaD6Q8rNv9eV9HgP3WoVJaJ80Vw4ENGvVHa1xVw26TUtFEYC4KOv3AzE8LgMZO0/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1125" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrD5ueNDXUe2bBLPemNtctE_tUnH11LE2cU21rdNQX5uuU785RNgwi3zi3z_AiHKSuj0BL_SZfXEkVkaD6Q8rNv9eV9HgP3WoVJaJ80Vw4ENGvVHa1xVw26TUtFEYC4KOv3AzE8LgMZO0/" width="248" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example of CVS locations</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaihOvSXmhpe-8Hn0Ydkoscy1A5co4TvgS30J-Hl4sMhfHgDi9PP3ykrXbUP0mG43oZXXbVG8z6IkNNCoOsSLNpOJN8ejOyCFbWToO_4k_eDyqgEm6xvJXrvslfPEpqXeG2-YjDj9nN0tu/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="654" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaihOvSXmhpe-8Hn0Ydkoscy1A5co4TvgS30J-Hl4sMhfHgDi9PP3ykrXbUP0mG43oZXXbVG8z6IkNNCoOsSLNpOJN8ejOyCFbWToO_4k_eDyqgEm6xvJXrvslfPEpqXeG2-YjDj9nN0tu/" width="204" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example using zip lookup</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><b>Walgreens</b></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Some folks report a glitch where they see an appointment, but can't schedule because there isn't a second dose available yet. This is frustrating and why I suggest CVS and the state, but its worth looking at here. </li><li>Sometimes zip codes don't work, but typing the town, state will. Bennington, VT instead of 05201 for example.</li><li>Some peeps have had success booking via phone at 1-800-WALGREENS</li><li>Walgreens will show appoints in the next 5 days only.</li><li>There have been some examples of appointments being made, but the pharmacy NOT having doses to give. Call to confirm. </li></ul><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO CANCEL YOUR EXISTING APPOINTMENT ONCE YOU HAVE UPGRADED. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Share with people you know online and offline, help others, don't be afraid to drive if that is what gets you the shot sooner.</div><div><br /></div></div><div>Gentle reminder, you won't always know what makes people eligible. Its not just age, so be nice. If you know people that are vaccine hesitant, try and help guide them to resources where they can learn more. Every person counts. </div><div><br /></div><div>In summary, it might take some time, it will be frustrating, but its worth it. Keep after it and get yourself signed up. Then help your friends, and even your enemies! The sooner we all get the goods, the sooner life will return to something normalish we recognize. </div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers,</div><div><br /></div><div>-db-</div><p></p><p>#OurShotVT</p><p><br /></p><p><i>*should you need it, the health dept is 855-722-7878 </i></p><p><i>w/thanks to collaborators on this <a href="https://twitter.com/MattCrawford" target="_blank">Matt</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/DaveSilberman" target="_blank">Dave</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Kevin_Lumpkin" target="_blank">Kevin</a>, and to anyone else that helped shape this. Additional thanks to VPR for giving me a chance to <a href="https://www.vpr.org/post/vermonter-corralling-vt-vaccine-info-help-people-get-shots-faster#stream/0" target="_blank">talk about this on air </a>. Please consider <a href="https://donate.vpr.org/" target="_blank">donating </a>to the good work they do.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>---------------</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>*I am not affiliated with, endorsed by, or employed by anyone in a related field. I'm just here to help people navigate the various systems to get an appointment sooner. I am not a doctor, if you have questions please ask yours. I do not have any knowledge or insider information and all the information here is publicly available. Thanks for reading, I hope it helped.*</i></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16392846168531115937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5976181229108479095.post-17203931513190110602020-01-03T11:31:00.002-08:002020-01-24T08:39:21.334-08:00Tips on Finding Great Travel Deals<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExlK4PC9Vi8TQ8o0Gaiz7_CmTPRLE_Q_YTvzV6FvUU7vw0TciKQh1Q5lLlJgmucisD4chTomkxZ9PnwD3FV0-Um4wsXphXnYmekNURhnDWOmwxGbLOD_DLMpRnYhOzngkgYiDxA1aFWGm/s1600/switz+pano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="1600" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExlK4PC9Vi8TQ8o0Gaiz7_CmTPRLE_Q_YTvzV6FvUU7vw0TciKQh1Q5lLlJgmucisD4chTomkxZ9PnwD3FV0-Um4wsXphXnYmekNURhnDWOmwxGbLOD_DLMpRnYhOzngkgYiDxA1aFWGm/s640/switz+pano.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zermat, Switzerland | Gornergrat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />For me, when it comes to traveling you simply can't do it enough. There is no better use of your hard earned money in my opinion then exploring the world around you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been traveling for a number of years now, and make it a priority. That being said, travel can be expensive! This is especially true if you don't do your homework when booking it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">People ask me often where, how I find deals, what to look for etc.. I figured I would create post here mostly to link folks to when that happens, and I'll update it as I find new tools and resources. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I use a number of
tools when searching for deals. I also have some general rules that help me get
the best deals. There are a million ways to do it but research and patience are
key, as is some email spam. There is no secret sauce here, its just work but there are tons of tools to make it easier. Its a lot of fun if you let it be. F</span></div>
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<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Be flexible, if you have hard
dates then searching for deals is certainly tougher. I/we tend to travel when/where
the deals are so if that means we
leave on a Tuesday instead of a Saturday we do it.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you have a destination, be
open to "nearby" airports for both arrivals and departure,
doesn't always work but it's good to compare.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Flights, tend to be cheaper
further out or last minute. </span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sign up for email lists, and
follow social media places for airlines you like</span></span></li>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="circle">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Be willing to fly any
airline (except Spirit, only emergencies lol)</span></span></li>
</ul>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">By far the best place to
start a search is </span><a href="https://www.google.com/flights"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">https://www.google.com/flights
</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> You can enter multiple airports for
arrivals and departures. Surprised
how many folks haven't used this tool or don't know about it. </span></span></li>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="circle">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can search a region or a
state, so if for example you want to go to "Europe" or the
"Caribbean" but don't care where, start with a big net</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember Allegiant, Spirt, Southwest, Frontier and some other budget airlines may not show up on here (they may also charge for baggage of any type)</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Look at the flexible fare
calendar to compare</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Be willing to book multiple
segments</span></span></li>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For example, BTV to JFK is
often very cheap. Book that alone, then book you primary flight out of
JFK on whatever carrier. This is referred to as a "Hacker
fare" sometimes. Has benefits, also some downsides so do your
research and allow connection time. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Be willing to book one-way
on one carrier, and return on another</span></span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKqKz_n-bHRoDKk4_3CRqL4Prb41-QQqF3K-i1hmmP4W_svp99GSKBvMdKCiPzx9OnCP2YHdVmJOotp2pVKHT_aptpNj45gqilZdC2hKbVibge3ZL6oaZn66p6subOtJmxnO77hhw4IP7/s1600/google+flights.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKqKz_n-bHRoDKk4_3CRqL4Prb41-QQqF3K-i1hmmP4W_svp99GSKBvMdKCiPzx9OnCP2YHdVmJOotp2pVKHT_aptpNj45gqilZdC2hKbVibge3ZL6oaZn66p6subOtJmxnO77hhw4IP7/s400/google+flights.png" width="323" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dig into this tool, its so very powerful</td></tr>
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<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I also use </span><a href="http://www.kayak.com/"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">http://www.kayak.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> for comps on flights</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Newer tool, that I really
like is </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><a href="https://www.momondo.com/">https://www.momondo.com/</a></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another good email based tool is </span><a href="https://scottscheapflights.com/">https://scottscheapflights.com/</a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">My favorite and most used
total package travel deal site is called </span><a href="http://www.travelzoo.com/"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">www.travelzoo.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> this is great if you are looking for everything
in one package (flights, hotels, cars) | sign up for their weekly top20 email, get their app! </span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Follow pages like:</span></span></li>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="circle">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheFlightDeal/"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">https://www.facebook.com/TheFlightDeal/ </span></a></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><a href="https://twitter.com/SecretFlying"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">https://twitter.com/SecretFlying</span></span></a></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/EscapeFlights">https://twitter.com/EscapeFlight</a>s</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you don't have
flex dates, and your location is locked in as sometimes happens set up email
tracking alerts on Kayak and Google, determine a rate you are willing to pay
and the moment you see it, book it. Sure it might drop more but it's possible
it might jump as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Be aware that not all airlines are created equal so do the research on who charges for baggage, who doesn't, what the weights are on carry-ons. Are your seats assigned? Do you care? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We also never check bags, for however long we go. I recommend this bag as it fits on every plane, holds a ton, and is really durable. Check it out <a href="https://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-tls-weekender-convertible/143101?productid=10362789" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Goes without saying,
use travel benefit Credit Cards as well if you can. Good advice by <a href="https://twitter.com/thepointsguy">https://twitter.com/thepointsguy</a><br /><br />What tools do you use?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Good luck and have
fun! </span></div>
-db-</div>
Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16392846168531115937noreply@blogger.com0