March 8, 2017: All the travel “hype” for Cuba has faded — as are airline schedules from the US. All the US carriers that initiated service are cutting back — Alaska, American, Jet Blue and others are also cutting out service from most travel cities beyond Florida. With Cuba’s lodging and hospitality choices still very limited, maybe the best way to visit is via cruise ship?
March 6, 2016: Over 100,000 new hotel rooms — nearly 700 locations — are in various stages of planning and construction for the Golden State. Southern California leads the way with more than 80,000 new rooms in development — including the 73-story, 900 room InterContinental in downtown LA. Over night rates are at all-time highs so business is good — lets see if that holds once all these new rooms open?
March 3, 2017: First the bad news — due to the new popularity of bacon (at home and on the road), US bacon reserves are at a 50 year low. Bacon providers say demand is not only high here in the US but as an export and is more than suppliers can keep up with! Now the good news if you like “fresh” brewery Guinness. For the first time ever Guinness will be brewed in the US — at a brewery in Relay, Maryland. Don’t cancel your trip to Ireland yet— bet it will still taste better at the original Guinness Brewery in Dublin!
March 1, 2017: Rumors and such from TSA are circulating again “free” TSA Pre Check is going to disappear — in favor of directing travelers into the paid programs — which really has been the plan all along. Travelers can currently select from two options: TSA Pre Check ($85) or Global Entry ($100 plus). Check requirements and fine print for each — Global Entry involves a more lengthly application process — including an interview. But if you travel frequently, especially international, Global Entry is a way better deal and program!
February 27, 2017: Recently a diner at a restaurant in Wales called the chef over to complain about “tough and rubbery” food — and followed him into the kitchen — where the chef tossed a powder substance (chili powder?) into the complainers face. The chef was booked on assault — not sure the patron received a comp meal?
February 22, 2017: 10 travelers passing through a JetBlue TSA boarding check point at JFK were in for a surprise — no agents at the Xray position — so they just walked on through and to their planes. At least 3 travelers triggered the machine requiring further individual checks, but since no TSA around, they just kept going. TSA says all were identified through security cameras, found all but 3 and checked before they departed. The 3 missing had boarded their flight to LAX and were checked on arrival — hmmm. According to TSA, airport security screening is most “vulnerable” during shift change times (that’s what happened here) and early in the AM. Hopefully some staffing changes in order now? Over 13,000 TSA airport staff man 500 US airports daily screening 2 million plus passengers — and more than 432 million bags a year. TSA is asking to add 10,000 more agents this year and says that will help — hopefully some early risers?
February 20, 2017: Here’s Trip Advisor reviewers top hotel choices:
The TC says, “do your own research” when looking for a place to stay!
February 17, 2017: Although the TC is not a fan of Airbnb (reasons coming up), in the spirit of complete coverage, it is important to note that travelers can now utilize their services to shop for lodging other than apartment and house rentals — for the more adventurous, Airbnb now includes lofts, cabins, houseboats and barns for selection. Be careful when using Airbnb and watch the small print — hefty prepayments, wiring fees, using a local currency for payments and tricky non-refundable cancelation fees. Too many places for pitfalls and mis-steps!
February 15, 2017: Travelers — both explorers looking for a new destination and scuba divers alike — “like” Belize. From glorious accommodations to comfortable budget choices, Belize is a comfortable destination. Use San Pedro as your base and explore the second-longest barrier reef in the world. At Hol Cham Marine Reserve the reef is only 12 feet below the surface — might not even need to get wet to enjoy the colorful underwater show! Maybe swimming with the fish and turtles isn’t so bad in Belize?
February 13, 2017: Travel insurance is expensive and an extra expense you can easily talk yourself out of. Here’s why you might need it: you’ve pre-paid for an expensive and non-refundable trip; your health insurance won’t cover you where you are going or has lots of limitations — like pre existing medical conditions. Don’t buy if your flights are changeable and reservations can be canceled without a penalty; or if you’ve booked using a credit card that has provided free insurance. It’s not an easy task to sort all this out but could be well worth the time!
