Remember the fake boarding pass that was in Schneier’s hand? Actually, it was mine. I had flown to meet Schneier at Reagan National Airport because I wanted to view the security there through his eyes. He landed on a Delta flight in the next terminal over. To reach him, I would have to pass through [...]
[22 Dec 2011]
So now that credit card companies have to limit interest rates and overdraft fees, some industry analysts suggest that they will hike international transaction fees. And who will go to bat for us poor, widdle upper-income international travelers to get these fees regulated? Exactly. Which means your only one recourse is to use a card [...]
[24 Feb 2010]
But recently New Orleanians have metaphorically turned the tables on this rhetorical trend. Consider, for example, the poignantly enigmatic slogan, “Be a New Orleanian Wherever You Are.” How interesting: here we are ascribing certain positive characteristics to the people and culture of this place, and advocating that they be recognized, appreciated, and adopted in other [...]
[2 Feb 2010]
There is great faith here, and living in the breach, under different flags, has taught each generation that suffering is as much a part of life as great feasts and celebration. The joy of Mardi Gras cannot exist without the sacrifice of Lent. Wright Thompson captures the city those 43 words. He has several hundred [...]
[17 Dec 2009]
On the most basic level, they’re all places that have earned extremely negative reputations with people who have never been there. Taken together, they represent the whole spread of traveler paranoia — from crime, disease and bloodshed to standing in long lines in the Florida sun next to little Caitlins and Coopers waiting to get [...]
[9 Dec 2009]
I have this crazy dream to travel the world and write (or blog) about it. But I also have this guilt about taking such trips because of the likelihood that I would have to fly to most destinations … or at least fly that big jump between North America and Europe. These companies and sites, [...]
[11 Feb 2007]
Spanish Chorizo is, quite possibly, the yummiest thing you can do with pork. Fiat cars are fugly and Citroën cars are cute even when they’re not. Green tea flavored white chocolate is surprisingly tasty. Context can overcome a lot of language differences. Graffiti is a sign of a city’s vibrancy. Eating an unrefrigerated cold cut [...]
[5 Jan 2007]
Ahh, nothing like a weekend in the North Georgia mountains. Friday night, Sweetie and I drove up to Clayton, Georgia (about 2 hours northeast of Atlanta) to stay at the Beechwood Inn (rates as of 9/24/06: $159 – $189 per night. Free Wi-Fi). One word: wonderful.
[25 Sep 2006]
… and a slew of other cities. Farecast looks at fare histories and, using a top-secret, super-duper algorithm, predicts the best time to buy your ticket, based on fare. When it works perfectly, Farecast may tell you to buy now or wait until tickets come down in a couple of weeks. Or you can do [...]
[21 Aug 2006]
Sweetie and I got into a IM-gument yesterday about travel. We’ve been discussing a January getaway to some place that requires a passport. Our bones of contention: where to go, how to get there, and where to stay. I guess it comes down to travel styles. I’m more of an explorer type of person. I [...]
[30 Jun 2006]