Always get a second opinion

I just recently returned from my Memorial Day travel and have to say that that was one of the better traveling experiences I have had … not because of where I went, but because there weren’t that many people traveling … at least through Cincinnati and Washington Dulles and Raleigh.

So what am I complaining about this time?  I decided to arrive at the airport early since I live about 80 miles from Cincinnati’s airport and I thought that I would go to one of the airport lounges and work … there are just so many distractions at home.  I had already checked-in and thought that I would just head off to the club, which is in a different terminal with a different security.  In other words, there’s no way to get from one terminal to another once going through security.  So, I asked the United check-in personnel [mistake number one] if I could enter any terminal with my ticket.  I told her I wanted to go the Delta club … she said empathically, no, absolutely not, can’t be done, don’t even try.  Okay!

Despite her confidence in answering my question.  I was not confident, probably not satisfied, with her answer, so I asked a TSA agent.  He said, you can absolutely go to any terminal you like as long as you have a valid ticket for the airport.  So, off I go, trouble free.  TSA, did ask me, hey, you know you are at the wrong terminal, and I replied, yes, I just want to visit the Delta club, and the agent said okay.  FYI, the Delta club in Concourse A is closed on Saturdays, fortunately the club in Concourse B is open.  I had the club practically to myself!

Last word, always get a second opinion.

Airport lounges … is it worth it?

Are you a frequent traveler? Do you like to work when you travel? How do you deal with noise and crowds? Yes. Yes. No well!

I like to wait for my flights in airport lounges. I belong to both Northwest and United, but not all lounges are the same. All the lounges run the airlines have agreements with their code share partners to club members in their partnership to visit their loungers … typically, only if you are flying on a code shared airline. In other words, club memberships are about as complicated as everything else that the airlines do.

But like airlines, not all clubs in all airports are created the same. Sometimes, alcoholic beverages are included in the membership, other times they are not. Some offer very basic snacks, others offer warm and cold hors d’oeuvres. Some include wifi, others make you pay for the services. These aren’t differences between different clubs, but are can be differences that you find in just one club membership.

For me, I like my clubs and quiet space.

Where did all the hippies go?

I just recently returned from a trip to Colorado Springs, CO.  When I first started planning the trip, I thought, “how exciting, I’m going to CO.”  Then as I started planning my trip, I started wondering, “what is there to do in Colorado Spring?”  Of course, there is the natural beauty of the area, i.e., mountains!

Well, my buyer’s remorse about going to Colorado Springs was unfounded.  There a lot to do and more to see.  Colorado Springs is not Denver and the town is not really worth exploring, but the area is.

So, where did we go …

 

• You can not visit without going to the Garden of the Gods.  If the weather permits, definitely hike!
• Then there is there is the Royal Gorge scenic train ride in Canon City … opt for the lunch in the vista dome. 

• Manitou Springs is a cute small town at the base of Pikes Peak.  It’s mostly shops, many interesting one, but worth the stop.



• Needless to say, you have to take the cog railway to Pikes Peak, regardless of whether you are a hiker or not.  You should at least take the railway either up or down … there are only a couple of cog railways left.

Unless you are a hiker or skier, you don’t need to spend a lot of time in Colorado Springs.

So, where did all the hippies go … I think they are in Colorado Springs.

Travel mysteries

One of the travel mysteries that I have been grappling with pertain to hand-clapping.  Every trans-Atlantic flight I have ever been on, all the Europeans always clap when the flight lands in Europe.  This isn’t just a one or many occurrence, but every single time.  Why?  My guess is that they are thinking “Thank goodness, we didn’t crash!” or maybe “Wow! We didn’t get shot down.”  If I recall correctly, the hand-clapping didn’t take place flying to South America or Africa.

Maybe I should ask my next trip to Europe.

Learning about your host country’s culture

You hear a lot about some Europeans perceiving people from the United States as “Ugly American.”  Well, that has not been our experience and we have visited many European countries … in fact, we are visiting Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary this summer.

When we travel outside the US, we always remember that the most compelling reason we are visiting is because the country is different from ours, at least that is my philosophy for traveling.  Traveling is an experience.  So, before we go, we do a little research on the local beliefs, values, and practices of our host country.  Remember, not all people think and behave the same, so don’t stereotype.  But, you can learn what to expect and how to behave.

The following suggestions may help you avoid the “Ugly American” label:

• Don’t expect your host country to adapt to you.  That’s arrogant.
• Learn key phrases.  Some people really appreciate this, even when they speak your language perfectly.
• Tip the way locals do.  Leaving a tip on the table is not universal.
• Watch your hand signals, you may inadvertently insult someone or think they are insulting you.
• Don’t get upset with your host country when they don’t have 24 hour services that you want.  Some business close for lunch, because they consider things other than money important.
• Accept gifts like drinks and sweets from locals … drink and eat it too!  This is a very kind gesture on the part of your host.
• Be polite!  Being overly demanding probably won’t help … just as it usually does not help in your country.

Remember, when in Rome, do as the Romans do … to some extent.

InsideTrip … a new way to search for flights

I am not a big fan of info-posts, but InsideTrip may be worthy.  This sight … still in beta … allows you to search for flights based on the criteria of speed, comfort, and ease.  Each category lets you further specify more criteria.  In other words, you get to search based on more than price, which is, of course, important.

Just to test this innovative service, I searched for an one way trip from Lexington, KY to Los Angeles, CA.  I have already booked this flight.  The second choice the InsideTrip provided was the one that I purchased.  Not bad.  The one concern that I have is that the purchasing engine or service is Orbitz … I have not had much luck making travel arrangement through Orbitz.

Word of caution, if you navigate away from the site, such as to InsideTrip’s blog, it can be a little tricky returning to the site … InsideTrip, put a link back to the site on your blog!

Tips and suggestions for your travel

Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, a little advice from a fellow traveler can be helpful.  As a frequent traveler, I am always open to learning how to travel better and smarter.  For instance, last year someone mentioned that their parents always travel with extra bags so that they can pack and transport home gifts that they buy.  Wow, what a good idea!  So, I’ve started a Tips & Suggestions page. 

I welcome your comments and additions.