"R" Is for Resourcefulness, Ryan Air, and References

I think that travelling in itself helps you expand your RQ or resourcefulness quotient! This is especially true if you are out of the country, because there are more unknowns. Where can you find the solution to the problem? How can you even get to where you need to go FOR the solution? In addition, there may be a language barrier!
What might you like to have in your resourcefulness "first aid kit"? Duct tape, which my brother calls "90 mile-an-hour tape", can serve MANY purposes-from a broken suitcase to you name it! Last summer I took along a package of iron-on appliques which I found at Walmart. With my limited wardrobe, these appliques came in very handy,when I got spots on my clothing that just would not come out. I would just hit the spot with an applique. Another thing I like to travel with is a folding toothbrush, because I can put tooth paste on it and have a ready to use toothbrush when I am flying!You become very resourceful when travelling and may be even more able to "think outside of the box"!

I've mentioned RyanAir before, and I really speak here of any of the low-cost airline carriers. If you decide to use one-and the prices are usually amazingly cheap-be sure to read the fine print! They are usually very strict about the weight of your luggage, fees for checking, baggage, as well as flight cancellation. The good news for me was that this insured I took my small suitcase and kept my clothing to a minimum. (So all those appliques were all the more helpful!) Being on RyanAir really like flying a "bus in the sky". We all lined up to board behind the travellers who paid a little extra to board the plane early. There were no assigned seats. They were not (yet?) charging to use the toilets-although the rumor is out there!. But if you had lots of luggage it would be worth it to check the difference in cost of a more conventional carrier. Just checked their site which said, "Fares don't incl optional Fees/Charges (Click here)."
When you are planning your exchange, you may want to check references for your prospective exchange partner. (I must admit that I have never done this. I think that by the time I have decided to exchange with this person they are as they present themselves!) You can also "interview" them both live by Skype or conventional telephone or via email. 
Thanks for checking in to look an another facet of vacation home exchanges! Come back again!