Category: Uncategorized

May 20, 2016: CDG, a major international travel hub airport as well as entry to France, is a  travel horror and mess.  The airport, located in the beautiful French countryside and miles from Paris, keeps expanding to accommodate more world airline flights and less passenger convenience.  If using CDG as a flight transfer point, then allow a minimum (MINIMUM — more time if you want less hustle) of 2 hours or more to navigate the maze of terminals via moving sidewalks and terminal bus transfers. Once you figure out where you’re going then be prepared for multi security stops and check points — and the unfriendly “French TSA” agents, most who look like they haven’t slept in days or pressed their uniforms in years. Even a friendly good morning brings a scowl. And, here’s another piece of advice and CDG travel strategy:  if you’re connecting to one of Europe’s low cost budget carriers like “Not so Easy Easy Jet” or Ryan Air — or smaller Air Baltic — after going through all the internal terminal changes and security mazes, be prepared to actually physically exit Terminal D to re-enter on the other side of the same terminal — and go through more lines and security checks.  I think that’s the French government’s way of punishing travelers for using a low cost budget carrier?  The French need to learn from their neighbor the British and how they’ve figured this out with BA’s Terminal 5 at Heathrow — yes, it can take up to 2 hours to move from one terminal to another and navigate the security maze — but it’s efficient and user friendly.  And maybe even enjoy a “spot of tea” along the way!

May 19, 2016: France, one of the snobbiest eating and drinking countries in the world — they started the very posh Michelin Guide star food and dining rating system — uses Costco bottled water at their VIP Business+First Class private boarding lounge at SFO! Granted times have been tough for the government-run flag carrier the past few years — and now in an ownership partnership with the Dutch and KLM — but the choice of Costco for water —— oooh La la!!!

May 17, 2016: And flying used to be such fun — travelers dressed up, dined off real china, men wore ties, women looked sharp —  we seemed to have lost the “romance” of travel? Here’s a fellow traveler heading through the gift shop at SFO to board his flight for Paris. No wonder Americans have such a poor travel reputation worldwide!!! Zut alors!!!

May 16, 2016: Ok TC followers you’re in for a treat, as the TRAVEL CURMUDGEON is on the road to a couple of new destinations — Estonia and Finland — and then tea and scones with the Brit’s in Yorkshire. You’ll experience the highs, lows and characters we meet along the way — and plan to pick up some “general” travel tips that will help you no matter where and when you go. It’s all about the people and experiences along the way … stand by — the first post coming your way tomorrow and highlights the latest in international travel fashion!

May 12, 2016: No doubt to “capture world attention” as the upcoming Summer Olympics head to Brazil, a local investment group is working through the permit process to build an “adults only” theme park in Brazil. The park, to be called “Erotikaland” will be located near  and will feature a maze, water slide (really?), ferris wheel and a museum on the history of sexuality. The project has received opposition from local leaders and the public concerned about the racey theme. No word on attire or not?

May 11, 2016: San Francisco’s high tech start up YONDR may have come up with the answer to public cell phone use irritation and aggravation — a small lockable pouch bag where you place your phone and can’t get to it.  Self addiction to cellphone use is rampant — and especially bothersome at small and large concert venues, churches, airplanes and classrooms.  Various locations around the SF bay area are asking students or concert goers to give up their phones when entering the venue — then returning the phone to the owner in a locked bag that can only be unlocked when leaving the event or classroom.  Users initially complain about not having their phones but in the end enjoy the event or class with new unobstructed attention. They comment that using the Yonder pouch gives them a break from the outside cluttered self-important world.  One user noted “turn off-tune in”!!!

Today, Tuesday, May 10, is National Shrimp Day in the US. Shrimp is the most consumed fish in the country with each citizen downing nearly a ½ pound a year ( a whopping 11% yearly increase)! As the song goes — “shrimp boats are coming are coming are still coming!”

May 9, 2016: Most business travelers, at one time or another, have tried to sneak something on to their travel expense report — upgraded airline seat, fancy rental car, hotel beauty shop or haircut, etc. — but, according to a recent summary from a San Francisco management consulting group, items like plastic surgery, a new pet dog, a side of beef and even taxidermy, have been spotted on expense reports. Other inappropriate expenses include a cruise (wonder who the guest was?), lottery tickets (sounds fair if you split with your employer?), and the ever popular spa day. The survey does not say how many of the unusual expenses were approved!