Category: Blog

December 6, 2017: Helsinki brags that it’s the easiest passenger friendly airport in Europe — and is hosted one brave traveler who lived comfortably in the airport for 30 days. Airport management notes the Helsinki Airport has the quickest connection time of any airport in Europe — 20 minutes or less — and enough facilities — restaurants, pubs, lounges and whatever — to keep travelers feed, clean, shop and rested no matter how long or short the stay. It’s a great transit airport but not sure I’d want too bunk in for a month!!!

December 1, 2017: It’s fun to have a glass (or two) of the local wine when you travel — but at home here in he US we spend over 200 BILLION dollars a year on wine. Wine grown in the US comes from all 50 states — with over 43 million visitors — locals and tourists — enjoying a trip to their favorite wine tasting room. California is by far the largest wine producer in the US accounting for over 80% of US production. Here’s to you— salute!!!

November 29, 2017: After opening dining locations in 12 countries around the world, Eataly is coming home to Bologna with a unique $120 million “experiential” park called FICO Eataly World — the 25 acre setting will feature more than 40 restaurants and food stalls along with a variety of foodie educational adventures (like over 30 interactive workshops under the direction of seasoned farmers and chefs). Eataly recently opened an all-ravioli take out counter and New York and will soon open it’s first west coast location in Los Angeles. Mangia!!!

November 20, 2017: It’s migration time for Monarch Butterflies — best visible along the central California coast to Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Pismo Beach is the largest viewing spot in the state with critter counts exceeding 20,000; Santa Cruz has the States only designated Monarch Preserve in Natural Bridges State Beach; another good viewing spot is the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove. These beautiful orange and black flyers are best spotted in Eucalyptus trees and sunny days bring out the best time to view. Happy viewing!!!

November 15, 2017: This is a recent note to United frequent travelers in Houston — no doubt to follow at other US airports:

TSA Pre✓® program changes: As of February 2017, TSA has significantly reduced access to TSA Pre✓ expedited screening for non-enrolled travelers. TSA strongly recommends that you enroll in a DHS Trusted Traveler program such as TSA Pre✓, Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI to obtain access to expedited airport security screening.

For all important notices from United, please visit united.com/importantnotices.

November 13, 2017: This past summer — between Memorial Day and Labor Day — was the busiest summer on record for TSA with over 239 million passengers taking to the air. TSA has over 43,000 officers and needs more employees to be efficient and minimize long lines — but Federal Government restrictions say they can only add less than 1% new employees a year. The airlines say cheaper fares and strong consumer confidence in air travel have encouraged more people to fly. Most US airports are “struggling” to keep up with space and service requirements— like parking and airport food/beverage options.   Arrive early and bring your own food!!!

November 10, 2017: You’ll love this if your are a cereal lover and can’t give it up when you travel — Los Angeles’s Milk Tavern is the first in what may be a national trend in the US — a cereal bar with almost two dozen soft serve cereal flavors (including Cocoa Puffs and the ever popular Fruit Loops) along with some unique toppings like cheese cake bites and marshmallows. You can also add your favorite cereal into milkshakes, sorbets and “infuse” in to ice cream. Such a sweet deal!!!

November 6, 2017: US airlines are forecasting a record number of travelers — nearly 3 million — to head for airports and airiness Thanksgiving 2017.  Airlines have added almost 100,000 extra seats and larger planes to accommodate the crowds — which includes crowded airports and TSA security lines and lines. The Sunday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 28) will be the busiest travel day with 2.8 million “turkey-ed up” travelers flying — Thanksgiving Day will be the easiest day to travel. Add in smaller airplane seats, long check in lines, unhappy airline personnel and some bad weather for the memorable holiday experience?