I’m going to take a break from posting to recharge my creative batteries. I’ll resume next Monday hard and heavy - until then feel free to leave any ideas or stories you’ve found interesting. Random comments also welcome.
February 2008
Monthly Archive
Wed 27 Feb 2008
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Mon 25 Feb 2008
Prevent Overnight Airport Theft By Securing Luggage To Your Leg Using A Laptop Lock
Posted by foxnomad under Security1 Comment
Staying overnight in an airport can be a fun adventure and save you money but leaves you vulnerable to theft. Many opportunistic thieves (including airport staff) may try to make off with your bags as you sleep. A good way to prevent this is to bring along a laptop lock (an essential if you bring a laptop) and lace it through the handles of your bags.
Make sure that each suitcase, backpack, and gift bag handle is connected by the lock and then secured to your leg or around your wrist. This simple technique will help to alert you if your bags are moved by anyone.
As much as possible, try to sleep on your bags - use your suitcase to put you feet upon. Although any lock will do, try to find retractable ones to reduce the amount of slack so that you’ll be sensitive to any movements. Finding a good place to sleep, setting an alarm every 2 hours to wake up, and staying connected with your baggage will help reduce you being picked out by a crook.
[photo by: Satoly]
Sat 23 Feb 2008
Deciphering State Department Travel Warnings
The problem is that State Department warnings can be discouraging and difficult to understand since they encompass entire countries and last for long periods of time.
Delta and Northwest Consider Merger
As I predicted in the beginning of the year the airlines will merge to survive, only to break up into smaller regional entities down the line. In the meantime, expect higher ticket prices and more stupid fees.
Travel Boom Will Hit Cuba 5 Years After Castro Resignation
You may not be able to pack your bags now but here??s why you should get ready in a few years.
Fri 22 Feb 2008
Time passes faster on long flights if you’re one of the lucky travelers who can sleep through it. You’ll save yourself some grief if you ditch the hair products and bring a stylish hat instead.
- Lying for hours on hair that has hairspray or gel in it will irritate your scalp; combined with the dry recycled air you’ll be itching and uncomfortable. A nice hat will also keep junk like other peoples’ face grease out of your hair if you sleep in a window seat. By avoiding germs in your hair and not itching your scalp you can effectively reduce the chances of getting sick from flying.
It may seem far fetched, but even if you feel your immune system can take it, save yourself the headache of dandruff or a really bad hair day your can’t fix once you get up. A hat will also keep you from sweating from overheating your body with too many layers or a blanket since roughly 35% of body heat is lost through the head.
[photo by: nickwheeleroz]
Thu 21 Feb 2008
Travel Boom Will Hit Cuba 5 Years After Castro Resignation
Posted by foxnomad under Politics[4] Comments
The Caribbean island was once the destination of movie stars, mobsters, and the American elite during the 1940s and 50s before the Cuban Revolution. Since then the US has imposed an economic embargo on the country - and although traveling there is not banned, spending money there is. (Read: Unless you can eat air and sleep in the streets, travel is banned).
Now that Fidel Castro has stepped down as the president of Cuba many are waiting for their chance to experience what once was the hottest thing off the coast of Miami. The Bush administration has adamantly stated that the regime chance won’t mean an end to the embargo but there are many factors why it can’t last.
You may not be able to pack your bags now but here’s why you should get ready in a few years.
Thu 21 Feb 2008
The two major US airlines are attempting to become the largest airline in the country, with Untied and Continental close behind. As I predicted in the beginning of the year the airlines will merge to survive, only to break up into smaller regional entities down the line. In the meantime, expect higher ticket prices and more stupid fees.
Wed 20 Feb 2008
Booking a flight in advance can save money and reduce layovers but leaves you vulnerable to changing security conditions. It may be possible under certain circumstances to receive a refund from an airline if a serious travel warning is issued. Richard Brooks was given a full refund from British Airways for his planned flight to Kenya.
Following a deterioration of the situation in Kenya, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have updated their advice for travel to Kenya. They are now advising against all but essential travel to parts of Kenya, including Nairobi.
Due to this change in advice, the options for customers due to travel to/from Nairobi have been re-instated for travel up to and including Friday 08 February 2008. As previously, the situation will be continually monitored and any updates communicated as appropriate.
Don’t count on most airline giving compensation for flights if conditions on the ground take a turn for the worst. The situation would probably have to encompass the majority of an entire nation or at least the capital city. Airport closures may give you a strong case.
Tue 19 Feb 2008
Deciphering State Department Travel Warnings
Posted by foxnomad under Politics , Security[4] Comments
The US State Department has been issuing travel warnings for various countries since 1978. The premise was to protect US citizens from being harmed, robbed, or killed while traveling abroad.
The problem is that State Department warnings can be discouraging and difficult to understand since they encompass entire countries and last for long periods of time. Clever travelers can learn to read between the lines before they nix an entire trip.
- Read The Entire Travel Warning - State Department travel warnings encompass a country even if there are only problems in a few cities or a remote region. The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office issues warning that specify against travel to an entire country (Iraq) or only to certain parts (Philippines).
Mon 18 Feb 2008
The Quick Guide To Visiting North Korea
Preparing for a trip to North Korea is not like booking any normal vacation and there are some important things you should know.
How To Keep To A Single Carry On
Frugal fliers can sacrifice some luxuries to keep luggage fees off of their vacation budget and save time waiting at baggage carousels.
Thu 14 Feb 2008
Another great travel essential, Pentensils transform most pen tops into knives, forks, and spoons. Although the Ultimate Spork seems better suited for the job - except it can’t write.
