Category: Uncategorized

July 10, 2017: Also known as “autocamp,” Glamping is camping out without the need to bring and set up all the gear and features a collection of fully equipped custom Airstream trailers and luxury tents with high end linens and blankets. Overnight prices range from $200-$500 a night, with some autocamps also including a cozy club house for socializing. Look in northern California, around the Russian River area and farther north, if you’re looking for a more luxury style camp out!!! Be aware — no room service.

July 4, 2017: Yup — largest day for beer consumption in the US — with over ONE BILLION DOLLARS (yes — that’s with a B as in Beer) spent on beer for Independence Day celebrations. July is also National Ice cream month — not sure if it’s appropriate to mix ice cream with a beer topping?

Unfortunately we missed National Waffle Iron Day in June — most US waffle consumption is in the cooler times of the year with mid-west and east coast consumption higher than the West. Best new innovation in waffle making is the all in one  Bacon Nation Waffle Stick maker that lets you grill your bacon at same time you make your waffle — high tech bacon and waffle baking together at the same time.  What a great country!!

July 3, 2017: Armed air marshals are still flying on US carriers — domestic and international — and on a recent Delta flight from England to New York one of the marshals forgot their gun after using the bathroom. A passenger found the loaded weapon and turned it in to a flight crew member. Authorities — the air marshal program is managed by TSA — commented that the gun was “left unattended.”

• CANADA (great exchange rate and they treat travelers like guests)
• COLUMBIA (culture, nature and hospitality — even a visit from the Pope planned this year)
• DOMINICA (hasn’t changed much since Columbus set foot a few hundred years ago-even the rain forest)
• FINLAND (a TC favorite — don’t miss an outdoor sauna and the cloudberries)
• NEPAL ( lots of landmarks, Himalayas, Kathmandu Valley — but be ready to rough it)
• MONGOLIA ( giant wrestlers, beautiful horses, warm hospitality — even a Hard Rock Cafe to open this year).

June 19, 2017: The new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction, controversially replacing the former Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, is part of California Adventures Hollywood Land, and brings Disney’s Marvel Entertainment franchise on stage — and maybe even more with a Marvel “Hero’s” attraction next up? Work continues on the Park’s new 14-acre $1-billion Star Wars Land (near Frontierland) with opening set for 2019. Disney continues to “wow” guests with new attractions and entertainment — and admission price increases!!!

June 16, 2017: Google Earth is revising itself to include — not only mapping — but adventure and world exploration. The Google Gang has partnered with the BBC and NASA to add video clips, photos, and text narratives to 3D representations of numerous interesting new destinations and sights. You can visit the Jane Goodall Institute in Tanzania for a chimpanzee update, ride with the Muppets through world regions and culture and hit the “feeling lucky” feature to explore lesser known destinations — like the Indonesian island of Bunaken, part of a little known national marine park. The new App is a neat way to “immerse” in getting lost — and having fun!!!

June 14, 2017: Bicyclists traveling the world have a great new friend in warmshowers.org — this world wide community volunteer group (currently 40,000 plus in 175 countries) offers cyclists free hospitality that includes overnight lodging and a hot shower. It’s a chance not only to connect with locals but also build longer term friendships. It’s estimated that 89,000 plus folks yearly hit the road for extended-long distance bicycle treks — lodging opportunities fill up quickly so make plans and contacts well in advance. Sounds like a happy way to clean up the road!

June 9, 2017: The US airline industry is under a microscope these days — and rightfully so — for it’s poor customer service tactics — on the ground and in the air. The major carriers are expanding their customer service training to include what they now term Verbal Judo — how to defuse and resolve customer service and overbooking issues without dragging anyone off a plane or creating problems in the gate area. A big part of the new program is just listening to what travelers want to say — and maybe even have the airline take responsibility for the problem. No flight experience — on the ground or in the air is perfect — empathy goes a long ways and applies to both sides!

June 7, 2017: Major US carriers are adding more small seats to their lower priced no frills — including fees for carry on — economy seating. Seems somewhat contradictory (and even more uncomfortable) during a time of record revenues and profits? Many planes now have only 2 bathrooms that serve over a 100 passengers in the seating behind business class — those folks still have their own bathroom thank you. Lines are always long, restrooms small, and don’t expect them to be very clean. Maybe along with selling snacks and beverages, airline revenues would increase even more by offering Depends for sale?