20 Minute Delay

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss preferred qualities in a travel tote. But first! Gail and Piper answer a sensitive listener question with honest recommendations, frank discussion, and travel whammy stories. Note: This episode has been rescued from the limbo of episodes lost in unexpected hiatus and was recorded over a year ago, possibly two. Piper's Tote Ultra slim laptop backpack with a section with a grid of elastic bands for organization Gail's Tote A rigid sided, small tote that fits under any underseat space for US or EU travel Gadgets! Piper's Recommedation: Period panties Gail's Recommendation: Heavy flow pads for delicate skin such as U by Kotex Shoutouts! Gail's Shoutouts: Old Fashioned Cupcake by by Sagan, Sagan Piper's Shoutouts: Love Destiny (บุพเพสันนิวาส) – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss the massive life challenges that drove us into unintended hiatus before diving enthusiastically into discussing our top 5 foods on the go, specifically foods we either pack to go on adventure or foods we immediately look for upon arrival at our destination. Gail's Top 5 Hard Boiled Egg Chocolate Soy Milk Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats (in and out of stock) Cheetos (or Chex Mix) Onigiri Piper's Top 5 Hard Boiled Egg Protein Powder - shoutout to Boba Tea Protein  Tofu  Tinned Fish Yokult Drinkable Yogurt Gadgets! (or coping mechanisms) Perfume - Gail's been exploring scents that bring her joy. Piper now plans to introduce Gail to a Thai based perfumes: Butterfly Thai Perfumes Lipcare - Piper's been exploring lip glosses and lip balms from Korean, Japanese, and Thai beauty brands.  Gail loves lip oils, recommending brands like Versed. – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake briefly check back in regarding their unplanned hiatus to assure listeners of their (imminent) return. – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake chose chaos a couple of months ago, going off script with no structure to discuss trip planning for Thailand! Note: at the time this episodes airs, Gail and Piper will already be in Thailand, so check their social media for live updates of their trip or stand by for future episodes recorded in Thailand! It's happening, dear listeners. Brace yourselves. The approach: have a home base in Bangkok, working and writing during the week and taking day trips or venturing beyond Bangkok for weekend jaunts. The objective: work anywhere. Piper will also be working day job! On US time! Thus practicing a biphasic sleep schedule.  The philosophy: we're enjoying the lifestyle, the digital nomad experience, and we're very likely to be back. Coordination and Planning shared Google doc for asynchronous notes on our travel destination and questions Travel Buddies - it's a trio of friends with a combination of shared interests and contrasts packing prep Researching desired foods to seek out and try, making lists! Key Questions We Asked Each Other what kinds of things do you want to do? what kinds of sight seeing do you enjoy? what travel vaccines do we need? – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss things that just don't make it into the suitcase or carry on, things we often forget to bring along on travel. But first! Where have Gail & Piper been? Piper did a stay-cation in Seattle, hosting Piper Mommy and her brother with his wife: Chihuli Garden and Glass, conveyer belt sushi, ASEAN Street, and more... Gail Often Forgets: Socks Bathing Attire incl. swim cap, goggles, bathing suit Update all apps/download entertainment media Refrigerated items Piper Often Forgets: Swimsuit Second pair of pants Alternate shoes: casual flats Jewelry Gadgets: Gail's gadget: tested the Flight Flap Piper's gadget: in search of a new hair styling device more compact than the T3 curling iron Shoutouts: From Piper: Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai From Gail: Unconquerable Sun by Kate Eliott – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss their coping methods when there are travel delays long and short, but especially long. But first! Where have Gail & Piper been? Gail & Piper had a writing retreat together in Honolulu (February 2023) and Gail experienced major travel whammy! Piper's Coping Mechanisms: Have the airline app on my phone, so I can get boarding updates without having to hear the announcements Find the quiet spots in the airport, such as a gate that does NOT have a flight boarding any time soon Find a restaurant with power outlets for food and power Pack a tennis ball for physical therapy   Gail's Coping Mechanisms: Looking for a nicer sit down restaurant Chair massage or nail salon Do some shopping - duty free or otherwise Migrating sleep kit to carry on Gadgets: Gail's gadget: back up battery charger with key chords with all the adapter ends Piper's gadget: selection of ear buds (Apple Air Pods) for noise cancelling Shoutouts: Gail's Tinkered Starsong series  Piper's Wings Once Cursed & Bound – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss dressing for flights and travel. But first! Where have Gail & Piper been? Gail has a new car. Piper went on a food quest. Gail's Fashion Choices for Flight: A lot of cashmere Warm hoodies with good pockets (usually men's) Sweat pants / joggers with pockets (usually men's) High waisted, wide leg vintage pant WITH POCKETS Coat (dictated by weather forecast at destination) Additional layers: cashmere hat, gloves, scarf (sometimes silk) Piper's  Fashion Choices for Flight: Lots of layers Wearing the heaviest shoes of the trip Compression socks - knee high in flight, thigh high at the hotel Compression camisol Tech fabric: moisture wicking, breathable High waisted jeans Additional layers: super light, but warm shawl. Alpaca poncho. Gadgets: Piper's gadget: compression socks Gail's gadget: warm, fuzzy socks Shoutouts: Piper's Patreon for monthly short stories, bonus scenes, epilogues. Gail's website for the travel section. – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss how they plan and enjoy both work and fun on location. But first! Where have Gail & Piper been? Murder cabin, on a lake. Mystery dog. Heat resistant frogs in the hot tub, and some not so heat resistant. Much writing was accomplished - either in communal area, or privately when dictating. Then to a nice hotel in Spokane. Bull dog regular at the hotel bar. Piper's Plans: Changing up the writing retreat dynamic with 2 pro authors and 2 pre-published authors. Going for the fun and productive balance. Writing. High priority! Lots of walking: on the beach or through a park, or along Waikiki streets Food! Looking for those fusion dishes Speech patterns and local dialects Gail's Plans: Writing. Priority #1 Swimming, either in the ocean or in the pool High hopes for health benefits in water: ocean, pool, hot tub Food! Fresh fruit, in particular Increased creativity and productivity Gadgets: Piper's swimwear: tankini designed for curvy girls - sized by bra size with underwire support, also a sarong/towel Gail's swimwear: tankini or one piece, retro design. Travels with goggles & swim cap. Waffle towel. Both: Sunscreen! Shoutouts: The Red Scholar's Wake by Aliette de Bodard, also mentioned The Tea Master and the Detective – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss their plans for 2023 and related travel plans. But first! Where has Piper been? Piper was a guest author at Dragonsteel MiniCon in Salt Lake City. She chats with Gail about the pros and cons of managing an author table in an Exhibitor Hall or Dealer's Room solo. Gail's Hopes and Plans: Discussing the state of the travel industry and avoiding holiday travel Scheduled for 4 to 5 events in the beginning of 2023 and anticipate 1 or 2 more by end of the year Would like to schedule at least 1 teaching workshop Potentially a joint book signing with Piper - TBD Piper's Hopes and Plans: Only 2 cons booked for 2023 at the time of recording: ApollyCon and Dragonsteel MiniCon 1 writing retreat scheduled, would like to schedule 2 or 3 more through 2023 (small, just a few authors) Book Launch events for WINGS ONCE CURSED & BOUND scheduled at several bookstores in the Seattle area as well as a few larger Comic Cons - TBD Potentially a joint book signing with Gail - TBD Piper is picking back up day job activities, her parallel career. Travel related to day job is also TBD. Gadgets: Gail's gadget pick is a 22 inch rolling, "spin-ny" 4 wheeled suitcase Piper's gadget is a Zojirushi Travel Mug with Tea Leaf Filter Shout-outs: Gail is sharing more insight in her newsletter Piper is sharing behind-the-book and bonus content in her newsletter – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss how they are updating their author business strategies moving forward and how that impacts travel. But first! Where has Gail been? Gail went to Wild Wild West con this past year. She was reminded that the desert can get quite cold, depending on time of day/year. She had to take the risk and pack a large checked-bag. One of the delights of a steampunk event - really fun masks! Gail's Business Considerations: split between cons with high costume packing needs versus teaching engagements / writing retreats packing the backup outfit in your carry-on the value of including a QR code on your swag/merchandise always have a physical newsletter sign up page with pen,  and include the QR code to newsletter sign up on the physical sign up sheet for those who like to sign up digitally Piper's Business Considerations: Redoing all the travel kits to accommodate must-bring technology: a travel blood pressure device and wearing an Oura ring to monitor heart rate, plus increased daily medications New vertical banner design. Compact, but adds weight, which means checked luggage. Planning packed luggage weight for economy class (about 50lbs) versus the frequent flyer status privileges (First Class about 70lbs) Signage with QR code to purchase books digitally Piper will be using a signature stamp from now on for all book signings and events, due to her medical challenges. Piper is considering investing in event-exclusive signature stamps. Gadgets: Piper's gadget is a 7 day / 3x a day medication storage Gail's gadget pick is a Ziploc Twist N Loc Food Storage container Shout-outs: Brandon Sanderson and Intentionally Blank Piper's upcoming release Wings Once Cursed & Bound – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss their technology upgrades, respectively, and how they impact their travels But first! Where has Piper been? Piper compares and contrasts a trip to Salt Lake City last year with a planned trip to Salt Lake City this year. Last year involved gaming and cooking, immediately followed by a trip to Orlando for Piper Dad. This year, Piper is again gaming and cooking and a guest author at Brandon Sanderson's Dragonsteel Mini-Con. Then she's heading to the East Coast for family gathering over Thanksgiving. Gail's Technology Upgrades: Scrivener mini iPad & bluetooth keyboard Macbook Pro & wired keyboard & wired mouse Piper's Technology Upgrades: iPad Pro & bluetooth keyboard MacBook Air Maingear Custom Gaming PC & wired keyboard & wired mouse Gadgets: Gail's gadget is a Soundcore Libtery 3 ear buds Piper's gadget is Samsung Galaxy Buds Shout-outs: Brandon Sanderson Dan Wells Intentionally Blank – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss things each of them hoard when they travel. But first! Where has Gail been? Impromptu reunion and abbreviated writing retreat to the Boston area. Reasons for traveling carry-on only whenever possible. Piper is mildly concerned regarding Gail's shoe choices for this trip. Piper's Hoard-able Items: Clean napkins and tissues Hotel disposable (not cloth) laundry bags Hard boiled eggs Condiments (tiny jams and tiny ketchups) - especially ones Piper hasn't encountered before Shoe polish, because steampunk-y boots Hotel toiletries, if they are nifty and high quality Gail's Road Trip thoughts: Baggies (including hotel laundry bags, shopping bags, etc.) Snacks to go from ... a buffet Condiments (especially mayonnaise, hot sauce, tiny jams, etc.) Hotel toiletries, if they are nifty and high quality Pain killer packets Gadgets: Gail's gadget is a large plastic bag to use as a poncho for luggage Piper's gadget is space saver or compression bags – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss travel by car as an option to get to where one is attempting to go. But first! Where have Gail and Piper been? Both Gail and Piper were in North Carolina, BUT they were not in North Carolina at the same time. Piper shares a few tips for handy things to have in case one becomes ill while traveling and Gail adds her thoughts for a medical kit. Piper's Road Trip Thoughts: Summer of 2022 air travel issues resulted in a lot of travel vloggers recommending the road trip option, whenever possible Enjoys a road trip with at least one other person, and loves the option to include Corbin the Corgi in the trip. Make frequent stops and keep circulation going. A brief admiration of people living the "van life" but wouldn't want to try it for too long of an extended trip. Gail's Road Trip thoughts: Can sit a 6 to 8 hour flight with no problem but finds a few hours in a car to be quite boring. Would not opt to embark on a lone road trip. Memories of experiencing New Zealand via "van life" Gadgets: Gail's gadget is a portable charger, ultra slim Piper's gadget is a solar rechargeable power bank – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss international travel considerations. *This episode was recorded in April 2022. We had encountered technical difficulties and had to await a new motherboard, but we are back! But first! Where has Piper been? Piper joined authors K Tempest Bradford and Alethea Kontis for almost the full month of December in Egypt, visiting both Cairo and Luxor with Horus Rising Tours. Gail's international travel thoughts: Holding off on international travel due to varying testing and quarantine requirements Carefully research and get appropriate travel vaccinations (not just COVID) Piper's international travel thoughts: More locations around the world are implementing changes to tourism and increasing precautions for preservation and conservation of natural destinations Travel vaccinations and protective masks were things Piper already did pre-COVID pandemic Long haul flights wearing masks is absolutely doable, not just for protection from allergens and viruses - Piper's introduction to masks in flight was in 2008 on a flight to Japan as a "personal humidity device" GoogleFi and/or Google Voice worked well to communicate with travel companions.  Gadgets: Gail's gadget is a magnetic card wallet/holder Piper's gadget is an Insta360 GO 2 – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss travel by sea as Piper prepares to board a cruise again for the first time in years. But first! Where have Gail and Piper been? Gail and Piper had a small writing retreat together in Vegas, while BTS was in Vegas for concert performances, and the two of them did not go to the concerts or even interact with the "Vegas Experience" - they wrote. A lot. And they ate a lot of food, mostly from off the strip, particularly some very good Thai food. Travel by Sea - Tips, Tricks, and Considerations: Piper prefers the larger cruise ships, because she is less effected by motion sickness on these Writing Excuses Writing Workshop and Retreat on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Food - all the food - any time.  As long as food is not wasted, order all the entrees! All the desserts! Piper and Gail often get dishes to share so they can enjoy more variety without getting too full Piper tends to avoid the crowds and only goes to the pools and hot tubs on port days when most other passengers are off the ship But! Take into consideration health and safety protocols There's something to be said about everything taken care of for you (especially food), so you can focus on writing Gail has experience with shorter cruises on river boats and catamarans. Gail is a tour group guide's nightmare, because she will inevitably wander away from the group Both agree writers are tour guide nightmares when it comes to random, chaotic questions Both also agree cruise ships are great setting inspiration for space ships or murder mysteries Gail's Gadget Pick! Travel Chopsticks: aluminum, screw-together, portable chopsticks like these  Piper's Gadget Pick! Portable Charger (not a power strip) - extra powerful with 2x USB-C and 2x USB-A ports like this Razer Wall Charger. Note: This is not a battery pack. Extra Shoutouts: Piper's novella is available exclusively in the Happily Ever After Collective starting September 2022 – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss toiletry bags (also known as the 2-1-1) and what they include in these particular kits. *This episode was recorded in October 2021. We had encountered technical difficulties and had to await a new motherboard, but we are back! But first! Where have Gail and Piper been? Gail attended a writer's conference in Denver, CO and managed to alarm Piper with the makeup Gail used. Gail's toiletry bag notes: prompted by Gail's foray into Japanese / Korean skincare routines (that's a lot of steps!) Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Vitamin C Serum Capsules  Packets of coconut oil as skin moisturizer Returning to traveling with her own shampoo and conditioner Piper's toiletry bag notes: Trying to replace liquid with solid options to reduce the amount of liquids she has to pack, so she's trying out Ethique shampoo and conditioner bars in place of liquid. She's also trying out the body butter stick.  Also Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder as cleanser to reduce liquid items Adding sunscreen to her kit: ANESSA Perfect UV Skin Care BB Foundation (アネッサ パーフェクトUV スキンケアBB ファンデーション) Changes to makeup - Piper only wears primer (Fenty primer Mini Pro Filt'r Hydrating Primer) or a tinted moisturizer/BB cream, rather than a full coverage foundation. Extra Skincare + Travel Tips! Gail Tips: Dentist has travel sized samples Try to use a product that is multi-use to reduce how many products you need to pack Choose powder based make up to reduce the liquid  Piper Tip: use a never-used, clean, contact holder for serums or sample containers from a store like Sephora or Ulta the The Original MakeUp Eraser from Sephora as a make up removing wash cloth instead of makeup remover wipes Cosmetic moisturizing face masks are not considered liquids by TSA and can really make a difference on travel – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss anticipated updates to their travel habits as they return to travel. But first! Where have Gail and Piper been? Piper travelled to Carlsbad, CA via San Deigo International Airport. Gail and Piper's Anticibated Updates to Travel Habits Gail's changes Stompy boots as travel shoes New laptop! (plus updates to tech on the travel checklist) Piper's changes Nude toned flats  MacBook Air vs iPad Pro Gadget Picks! Gail's pick: Cloud-service for backup Piper pick: Rothy's as travel shoes – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss cities they have each traveled too multiple times and would like to return to in the future. But first! Where have Gail and Piper been? Each of them shares their experiences getting vaccinated earlier this year. Gail's cities full of memories London, UK Boston, MA USA Florence, Italy Piper's cities full of memories London, UK San Diego, CA USA Philadelphia, PA USA Gadget Picks! Piper pick: Handheld Portable Nebuliser Gail's pick: Seagate Portable External Hard Drive – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake discuss cities they each want to visit, someday, and have never managed to yet. Gail's someday cities Montreal, Canada Bangkok, Thailand (Gail and Piper are planning to go together in fall of 2022! Check out the planning episodes on 20 Minute Delay) Tokyo, Japan Wellington, New Zealand Piper's someday cities Singapore Cape Town, South Africa Sydney, Australia Do you remember the game that was a sort of precursor to Pokémon Go? Let us know! – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast

Gail Carriger and Piper J. Drake are planning travel to Thailand, together! They share some of their planning stage thoughts. Where has Gail been? Gail went into a 2 week self-quarantine for family reasons and made the best of it as a writing retreat.  Going to a remote, rural location was a nice change of setting and was great for easing back into travel without risking sensory overload. Planning for Thailand Time of year Priorities: Fruit, Other Food, Points of Interest Key locations: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, possibly Ayutthaya Wardrobe and Laundry considerations Gadgets If there's one gadget Gail and Piper would test run on this trip, what would it be? Gail: probably testing various face masks for travel, as well as wardrobe Piper: Sarongs and versatile scarves – – –  Special thanks to Kelly for editing this episode! Thanks for listening. Travel smart. Pack the snacks!  – – –  Get your question featured on an episode by saying hi on social media:       Facebook.com/20minDelay      @20minDelay      @PiperJDrake      @GailCarriger Use the hashtag: #20mindelaypodcast