December 13 ,2017: This Friday, December 15th, wear your ugly Christmas holiday sweater and get yourself to the head of the boarding line with pre board privileges — nice to see airlines having some fun during the hectic over stressed holiday travel circus! And watch for the Virgin America brand to disappear in 2018 as Alaska Air becomes the “mothership” for both carriers.
December 11, 2017: TSA is changing its mind (again) about security for laptop computers. The move is on to not allow them as a packed item in a checked bag but only as a carry on — kind of the way it used to be. Concern centers on the laptop battery as a fire hazard — and if one is going to explode and start a fire — better with you onboard then in the sealed luggage in the hold. Many European and Middle East countries have already initiated the program as well as tougher passenger security questions at x-ray points AND at the gate. Be patient as this all requires extra time. Cameras, phones and iPads may be next?
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 4, 2017: It’s now easier for travelers to find local reviews and recommendations of places to visit when they travel thanks to some new smartphone apps. Three popular apps include:
Use these apps as a guide but sometimes it’s fun just to wing it!
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 17, 2017: In Utqiaġvik, ‘low sealings’ bring a unique airplane hazard — and temporarily close “way north” Alaska airport runway. The obstruction, one you don’t experience very often, was removed with some TLC and heavy equipment to to move operations back to normal.
