Mauritius Island - Retirement Trip Day 1-5: Flights, Adventures & Patience

“Patience is not the ability to wait. Patience is to be calm no matter what happens, constantly take action to turn it to positive growth opportunities, and have faith to believe that it will all work out in the end while you are waiting.” — Roy T. Bennett

Our retirement trip to Africa started out a bit delayed, after 2 flights, then more delays, then a 12-hr flight, then an 1 hr long line for immigration, then lost luggage - yep both of our checked bags, with all our clothes, shoes, etc, lost between Paris and Africa. Even though we were incredibly tired and hungry, we took our time, waited in line, and calmly and patiently worked with the attendants in hopes to retrieve our luggage. So after a full day and 1/2 without our luggage, it arrived at 9:30pm — just in time for us to get on our cruise!

Travel Tip #1 - After 10 hours and 2 flights to Paris, we used our Priority Pass to visit the lounge in Terminal E2! After a clean shower and coffee/tea, we felt like new people ready to start another trip (to Mauritius Island)! Even though the lounge was free for us, we believe it would have been well worth the money if we had to pay for it!

Travel Tip #2 - When traveling overseas, always bring a small carry on/back pack with travel essentials, at least a change of clothes, bathing suit, toiletries, and medications. Never pack your medication in your checked bags.

Travel Tip #3 - Use Expedia to book your shuttle from the airport to the hotel! They were extremely efficient and inexpensive, accommodated our delayed flight and patiently waited why we reported our lost luggage. Plus, our driver gave us a windshield tour as we traveled across the island to our hotel!

Travel Tip #4 - The attendants you are talking to did not cause the problem; they are there to help you resolve it — so be kind and patient — it will help more than you know!

Travel Tip #5 - Put your toes in the Indian Ocean - the water is warm! Watch the sunsets - they are beautiful!