Blog

October 14, 2016: An Australian company, Martin Jetpack, is about to start retail sales for individual “personal” Jetpacks that can fly you at heights of 3,000 feet and speeds over 70 miles per hour. Initial use for the Jetpack include emergency services from fire and police — and boarder security observation (maybe something The Donald might be interested in?). Roll out cost will range between $200,000 – $250,000 — discounts for multiple orders and initial deliveries expected by year end. The governments of the UAE and USA are expected to be initial customers. Interesting to note: Jetpack just sold 52% of the company to a Chinese investment group.

1. Set a cool room temperature
2. No electronic devices 30 minutes prior to bedtime
3. No, none, nada caffeine after 2 pm
4. Sleep wear (jammies, t-shirts, etc.) send a sleep friendly message to a tired body. If you wear it to the gym, don’t wear it to bed (or even Starbucks)
5. Do light stretching, deep breathing, yoga or meditation to help your body transition to sleep
6. Ok to read a book — a real book —prior to sleeping. Not an e-reader that emits blue light
7. Sometimes entering “sleep mode” is easier by drinking caffeine-free tea
8. Before you turn off the lights, write a list of what you are grateful for (not sure on this — maybe only 7 tips for a good nights sleep?

(thanks for the tips — Marriott and Arianna Huffington)

October 12, 2016: Be prepared for longer airport security lines, fewer TSA staff and just more frustration going through security check points. TSA staffing and budgets are down and the only way to get federal legislators to pay attention is to increase passenger frustration. This tactic might backfire as some airports are looking to fire TSA and go to outside vendors for airport security.

Several airports around the country already do this — SFO and Oakland have used outside services for their security needs for years. They look and act like TSA — and follow Federal guidelines — but don’t have the the heavy layered management needs TSA brings to the airport.

We need good airport security — it’s not going away — but lets show some respect and concern to the traveling public — after all they pay the bill through taxes on each plane ticket. The TC’s advice: be patient, smile, don’t be cute with comments, and pay attention!

October 11, 2016: Can someone please tell me why it’s always cold in an airplane cabin? I understand that flying to Europe and beyond over the North Atlantic — with outside temperatures usually minus 60 to 70 degrees and countries like Iceland and Greenland still masses of ice covered landscape — why is the inside cabin temperature is always cold too? That is until 30 minutes or so before landing and then it warms up. Is cabin temperature control the tool of the flight crew to punish travelers? Overcrowding, poor service, middle seat discomfort, cold coffee, isn’t enough punishment?   With most airlines now having individual seat power connections, I wonder if we could ask for our own space heater? Seems only proper!

October 10, 2016: Here’s an easy way to miss the confusion and frustration when being picked up by friends or family at most US airports — have your ride pick you up at departures drop off and not baggage claim. Arrivals areas at most US airports are usually a “war zone” of cars, confusion, traffic, pushy security folks telling you to move on and airport driving amateurs looking for space. The departures drop off area, especially in the evening hours, is not nearly as busy and more room to maneuver. Another pick up tactic — take a hotel shuttle bus to an off airport site for even easier pick up. May add a few minutes to your day but less hazardous to you and your driver!

October 6, 2016: It’s official — Marriott has gobbled up the Starwood Hotel group — and is now the “world’s largest” lodging chain. Over ONE MILLION ROOMS (scattered worldwide) and currently with 3 different competitive request traveler benefit programs. This merger, or consolidation, may well prove that bigger is not always better?

October 5, 2016: Yup — not unusual to find small narrow — really narrow — streets like this in the small towns along Lake Como.  Bigger goes first  — buses and trucks included!

October 4, 2016: And, if you look closely, with its own private funicular to transport family and friends up the mountain.   

October 3, 2016: The local beach club also serves as a venue for private events — today, preparations for a wedding — and a classic yellow Fiat to drive the bride and groom away after the festivities.