January 30, 2017: Most travelers find flying stressful — so, do your part and be polite. Think safety first — minimize your carry on, keep your seat row aisle clear in front and know where the nearest exit doors are located. Bring a book or magazines. You can’t do anything about onboard wi-fi that doesn’t work. Unless you’re seated in first class, it really does no good to complain — take a nap!
January 27, 2017: Although a couple of USA carriers are talking about bringing back full meal service on longer flights (United, Delta, American, Alaska) you still might want to bring your own food and snack supplies. Most of what the airlines will pass out — even snacks — is high in sodium and fat. Bring fruit, protein bars (watch out as some are very high in sugar content), cookies and sandwiches. If there is a Jack in the Box in the airport , buy their tacos — they reported selling 554 million last year — they seem to be Americas “go too” snack food (good for hangovers too)!
January 26, 2017: Yes, every time he flies in and out now, the airport is closed a couple of hours prior to his arrival and the same for departure. LGA is already over crowded with flights, weather delays and air traffic congestion. Add this to all the new traffic congestion-security on 5th Avenue around his Trump Tower offices and home, and you have lots of unhappy New Yorkers, business travelers and tourists. Not sure air travel is part of his “Make America Great Again” program?
January 25, 2017: American, the dominant carrier in Phoenix since merging with US Airways, is cutting back its hub and flights — and reducing staff. The carrier is eliminating much of its long haul major market connecting flights in favor of adding this more profitable service to existing hubs like LAX and Dallas — adding more congestion to these already overly busy airports. Southwest should be your carrier of choice for Phoenix and beyond!
January 24, 2017: This past weekend United “once again” stopped all domestic services due to a computer glitch. The airline stranded thousands of passengers all over the US — many needing to rebook on flights later in the week. A similar situation last fall created an even bigger and longer travel mess for both their domestic and international travelers. Delta has experienced similar problems. Someone at United needs to call Best Buy’s Geek Squad!!!
January 23, 2017: LAX had a tough time accommodating travelers during the holidays — more than 400,000 than the 4.3 million they planned for — weather, roadway traffic congestion, and more than 2,000 flight delays in a six-day time period — added to the mess. An estimated 80 million plus travelers will go through LAX in 2017, And, it’s going to continue to get even worse this year with many airlines adding flights. Do yourself a travel favor and avoid LAX in 2017 if you can!
January 20, 2017: More than 10,000 Homeland Security staff — US Coast Guard and TSA — will be part of the nearly 30,000 security personnel working around the US Capital area during the inauguration. Although record crowds not expected — a record range of demonstrations are! Taxpayers note: inaugural costs and security will exceed one hundred million dollars!!!
Oahu, Hawaii (don’t miss the annual Spam Festival in April)
Helsinki, Finland (art, music, easy city walks)
Bordeaux, France (new high speed train service from Paris and good wine)
Boston (catch up on American history)
Slovenia (hiking, river rafting, exploring caves)
Todos Santos, Baja, California (ex-pat friendly beach town north of Cabo)
Vancouver Island (wild and adventurous)
Hong Kong (gotta see it once)
January 18, 2016: Airline flight weather-related delays and cancellations seem to be reaching new heights the past few months — and more to come. Three carriers — Alaska, American and Delta — are making it easier for flyers to rebook weather related cancelations on their own — and without penalties. Check your airlines online site once you know your flight has been weather delayed or canceled. Lets hope not too often!!!
January 17, 2016: With more than 1000 stores, restaurants, attractions (indoor skiing, ice skating, largest indoor aquarium, mini theme parks) and other consumer needs — like a complete walk in medical center — the mall continues to grow, and leaves no open space undecorated or not themed — like the colorful umbrella alley or multi story dancing waterfall. Even if you don’t shop, the visual experience is worth the visit.
