Steve, Author at Postcard Jar Blog

Review of our Chrysler Pacifica after 100K miles

Steve — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 13:18:44 +0000

(UPDATED SEPT. 2023) Because more than four years have gone by since we bought it, it’s time to give you an update and review of our 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. After all, we’ve had plenty of time (and nearly 110,000 miles) to experience all it has to offer. Review of Chrysler Pacifica’s usefulness We never saw ourselves as “minivan” people, but our Chrysler Pacifica has changed our minds because it’s just so useful. Seriously, we have been surprised at how many ways we’ve been able to use this vehicle. PIN FOR LATER As empty nesters, we’ve used our minivan mostly for trips for just the two of us. We’ve taken it on day trips, shopping hauls, and multi-day exploration trips halfway across the country. In all situations, our van has been marvelous. It’s comfortable, easy to drive, and fuel efficient. We often get up to 30 mpg with a tailwind. Plus, even with Ann’s arthritic joints, she can get in and out of the vehicle easily. Most importantly, at least when we bought it four years ago, the price was right. Our Chrysler Pacifica is great for groups But we’ve also used our Pacifica for road trips with other people. Indeed, […]

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An Alaskan adventure: Our second Postcard Jar Friends Cruise

Steve — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 22:09:43 +0000

Our second Postcard Jar Friends Cruise to Alaska featured snow-capped mountains, serene glacier bays, and so many new friendships. It was an unforgettable week-long adventure on the Celebrity Cruises Edge filled with breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities to create memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s a recap: Pre-cruise activities in Seattle Most of the 85 people on our Postcard Jar Friends Cruise to Alaska arrived in Seattle a day or two early (which we always recommend). They spent the day touring the Emerald City and its highlights, including Pike Place Market, the Chihuly Gardens and Glass Museum and the Space Needle. As for us, we packed in quite a bit in the day and half we spent there before boarding the ship. We stayed at the Hampton Inn – Downtown and walked to the Space Needle, MoPOP Museum, Chihuly Gardens and Glass Museum, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Museum. PIN FOR LATER Time to set sail on the Postcard Jar Friends Cruise to Alaska Once everyone boarded the ship, we met in the Rooftop Garden for a sail away gathering. Everyone had a chance to meet each other and wave goodbye to Seattle as the ship slipped […]

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What to pack for an Alaskan cruise

Steve — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:23:20 +0000

Need a packing list for an Alaskan cruise? Lucky you! Alaska is definitely a beautiful bucket-list destination where you’ll make memories to last a lifetime. In order to enjoy your vacation to the fullest from embarkation day on, you’ll want to be prepared. It’s never too early to start making a packing list for your cruise vacation. Read on for our tips on what to pack for your Alaskan cruise. NOTE: Postcard Jar is a reader-supported blog; we don’t clog our page with annoying advertising. However, we do have an Amazon storefront as well as Amazon links. As Amazon influencers, we earn from qualifying purchases. Consider the weather when packing for Alaska It’s impossible to know the exact forecast for your cruise more than a few days out, but we do know typical weather patterns. Summers in Alaska have average highs ranging from 55°-65°F and lows from 38°-51°F. Alaska can be rainy (or misty) and you should expect some moisture during your trip. Typically about half the days see rain in the summer. May is the driest month and July is the wettest. Pack for an Alaskan cruise strategically Our list of things to pack might seem like a lot. […]

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Celebrity Cruises embarkation day tips for smooth sailing

Steve — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 11:49:37 +0000

It’s your Celebrity Cruises embarkation day, and you likely want tips for smooth sailing as you board the ship. After all, you’ve dreamed of this vacation for a long time and want to make the most of it. We’ve cruised with Celebrity 23 times and are happy to share what you can expect on day one. Read on for our Celebrity Cruises embarkation day tips so you can make the most of every moment. Note: Postcard Jar is a reader-supported blog, and this post contains affiliate links. As Amazon associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. What is embarkation day? People often ask, “What is embarkation day?” It’s only the very most best day ever! It’s the first day of your cruise vacation, the day you board (or embark) the ship. Our first Celebrity Cruises embarkation day tip: start preparing early Even before you think about packing, you should start prepping for your cruise. First, download the Celebrity Cruises app. On it you’ll find menus, restaurant and bar opening hours, and your cruise itinerary. As your cruise draws near, a list of activities and showtimes on board will also be available. You can save events to your personal calendar so you […]

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Come with us on a Costa Rican vacation without the hassle

Steve — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 15:17:52 +0000

Life is too short to let travel planning decisions keep you from exploring the world with amazing people. If you’re ready for a hassle-free trip, we’d love to have you join us on a Costa Rican vacation in May 2025. Postcard Jar is a reader-supported blog and we have partnered with EF Go Ahead Tours. If you make a purchase through a link in this post, we may earn a commission. Costa Rica. A tropical, mountainous paradise in Central America with coasts on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. There, you’ll have opportunities to explore rainforests, sample coffee right from the fields, bask in volcanically heated hot springs, and lounge on a beautiful, sandy beach. A Costa Rican vacation made easy It seems like a complicated trip, doesn’t it? But it doesn’t have to be. You can book this trip with no decision fatigue required HERE. Click THIS LINK to find the complete itinerary, dates and pricing of this fantastic adventure. Since space is limited on this tour to just 33 participants, you’ll want to book early and secure your spot. And to stay up to date with our future tour possibilities, be sure to sign up for our email list. […]

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