Blog

May 5, 2016: A CBS Radio survey noted that the “traditional honeymoon” program has changed in the last few years. Newlyweds now want “adventure honeymoons” that require moving out of the bedroom and looking for action like scuba diving, rock climbing, eco hikes and exploring. 5 to 7 days is the average newlywed holiday and no where in the world is “off limits”!  And, destination wedding ceremonies are still popular — so friends and relatives can tag along — not sure that sounds fun?

May 4, 2016: Not many places around our world where you can find one stop shopping to fine tune your body, mind and spirit. The TC found in Palo Alto, California, a small strip mall along El Camino Real (Hwy 82) where visitors can take a fencing lesson, enjoy a message, and end the experience with a spa visit — all in the same building.  I guess if you’re a student or teacher at near by Stanford University (nickname the “farm”) you can afford the treat?

May 3, 2016: Flying around the world visiting new places and meeting new people might not be the glamorous exciting job you first imagine it to be — though you could probably figure that out from taking a few seconds to glance around your plane. 20-year flight attendant, Meagan Drillinger shares points from her 2 decades serving terrible coffee to terrible people, highlighting the good, the bad and the bizarre experiences from her career. Find out more here.

April 29, 2016: Sometimes, ya just have a bad day or week:

• An American Airlines plan taking off from Seattle was “clobbered” by 2 birds and had to land and return to the gate.  Birds left a two foot long dent in the planes nose cone.  Birds around airports are extremely hazardous to airlines — and when hit and injected into an engine can cause an engine to shut down — happens more than we realize, especially on take off.
• A Delta jet, landing at the airlines super Atlanta hub was on a direct path to hit another plane that was crossing the runway from a taxiway — the air traffic controller realized his mistake and put the breaks on the taxiway plane just in time.
• Airline pilots should not drink and fly — more common that we know?  Since 1995, more than 200 commercial airline pilots have been caught flying intoxicated —  a record 10 drinking flying pilots in 2015. The most recent, a Jet Blue pilot, who flew round trip Orlando-New York with more than 3x’s the legal alcohol limit. His co-pilot reported him after seeing his flying partner drinking something out of a paper cup prior to boarding the plane and then again drinking from the same cup while seated in the cockpit.  When questioned by authorities the pilot said his erratic behavior and alcohol smelling breathe was from the gum he was chewing! Really? This pilot could face up to 15 years in prison for “drinking and piloting”!!

 

April 28, 2016: Carnival caused quite the stir in the Miami Cuban community by initially saying that it will not allow Cuban-born passengers on their Havana cruises (due to Cuban travel restrictions). However, the world’s largest cruise ship company has since reversed its position and says it will welcome cuban expatriates. After Carnival threatened to delay their cruises, the Castro government was quick to lift the ban to “normalize relations between Cuba and the US,” but will it really be that easy for Cuban expats to travel back to their country?

April 27, 2016: Inky, an octopus who was residing happy and comfortably (well handlers thought that any way) in a New Zealand aquarium staged a successful break from his tank into the aquarium drain — and then into the ocean. Inky, the size of a New Zealand soccer ball, made his way out of the tank and “slinked” nearly 8 feet into a nearby drain. Marine biologists note that octopus are well documented escape artists — sad to note that Inky did not leave a note explaining his run to freedom!

April 26, 2016: If you’re feeling tired and sluggish from a long vacation, like something is weighing you down, it might be the few extra pounds that come from indulging on your destination’s delicious culture. According to a 2014 report from Extended Stay America, 86% of travelers gain up to 3 pounds on a trip longer than 2 weeks. Makes sense, considering trying the local delicacies is all part of the experience. However, our consumer advocate, and TC friend, Christopher Elliot know’s some healthy habits to keep off the pounds while traveling.  

 

April 25, 2016: Concern growing from loyal Virgin flyers that Alaska will change Virgin’s popular customer service philosophy and “unique passenger verve” (as the New York Times put it) that gave the carrier so much distinction in the current airline world of follow me! Alaska really doesn’t answer the question — or at this point even know — what changes they will make. The TC’s bet is “anticipate changes” and be surprised if they don’t. One loyal Virgin flyer put it best when they said “Alaska Air — learn to fly like a Virgin!”

April 23, 2016: Charles Schultz Sonoma County Airport (STS) — the best small city airport in North America according to the Travel Curmudgeon.  Sonoma County was for many years Shultz and Snoopy’s back yard and the airport — and major carrier Horizon — feature a collection of Schultz characters throughout the “central terminal” and airport grounds.  You’re a good man — and airport — Charlie Brown — only thing missing is a kite hanging from a tree!

 

April 22, 2016: Here’s what American says will help when you fly:

• Dress comfy and drink lots of water to stay hydrated
• If you have breathing issues — including heart or lung disease — check with your doctor first.
• For flights six hours or longer, wear compression socks to help prevent clotting — and again, check with your doctor as compression socks vary by size, weight and any medical conditions — Amazon is a good resource but know exactly what compression value you require.
• In flight, airlines lower humidity, keep drinking water and use eye drops.
• Get up and move around from time to time — and do simple feet, leg and stretching exercises when seated. (move your ankle in circles, do leg and foot pumps, knee lifts, and if you have enough seat room, knee to chest lifts). Pay no attention to your seat mate — he already thinks your crazy doing all this.

Now, it this all doesn’t scare you, enjoy your flight!

Note:  Deep Vain thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein, usually your leg. It can travel through the blood stream to vital organs and cause damage and or death.  Most DVT’s don’t produce symptoms — but could include pain or swelling, redness of the affected area.