Travel News and Eclectic Stuff

Ed Boitano — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 04:13:23 +0000

Frommer’s Celebrates 60th Anniversary with Vacation Giveaway

Was it really 60-years ago when Arthur Frommer published the iconic “Europe on 5 Dollars a Day?” To mark the milestone anniversary, Frommer is partnering with HomeAway, offering free vacations to six military families.

Arthur Frommer was stationed in the Army in Germany when he wrote his first travel guide. (Photo: Frommer’s)

TIME CAPSULE CINEMA

Director: James Foley
Writers: David Mamet (play), David Mamet (screenplay)
Cast: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Alan Arkin, Ed Harris, Kevin Spacey, Jonathan Pryce

Good Mean Fun

A Look Back at Glengarry Glen Ross
By Walt Mundkowsky

Hands down, this Canadian gem is our pick for the most hilarious, madcap travel show on the cybersphere.

In this zany episode, the Travel Guys take on London.

How to Resolve Fights over Reclining Airplane Seats

An investigation into the economics of reclining
Courtesy of Christopher Buccafusco & Christopher Jon Sprigman, Evonomics

Not since the Battle of the Somme has such little space been the subject of such intense conflict.

BEATLE BEAT TRIVIA HODGEPODGE

Photo courtesy of Iberia Airlines, via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

What was the name of Ringo’s band before joining the Beatles?
How many films did John Lennon appear which were directed by Richard Lester?
George wrote Something about what woman?
Who is the tallest Beatle?

The answers are revealed at the end of this article.

Countries That Require Visas for Americans

The State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) administers the Consular Information Program, which informs the public of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and security. Country Specific Information, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings are vital parts of this program.

Stay Informed, Stay Connected, Stay Safe!

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Man Tried to Bite Flight Attendant, Jumped From Plane

The man then made his way to the galley, pried open the door and jumped. He appeared in federal court Friday on a charge of assaulting/intimidating a flight crew member.

Tipping Etiquette Around the Globe

As North Americans, tipping is a reality, and we are sensitive that the wait staff receives their due. We generally like to tip at the amount of 15% to 20%. After all, the wait staff in North America depends on it.

But if you are confused about tipping in other destinations, we determined what’s best to tip outside of North America.

Africa: 10% to 15%
Australia/New Zealand: None (the wait staff is well compensated in their hourly salary
Caribbean & Central America: 10%
China: None. (Tipping is against the law)
England: 10%
Germany: 10%
Ireland: 12%
Italy: None (except for great service, where you round out bill)
Japan: None. (tipping is considered rude, but you always offer your chef a beer)
Middle East: 15%
South America: 15

We Are All Terminal – We Just Don’t Know Our Expiration Date

Addressing the elephant in the room about your own death is something most couples avoid doing together and it is a big mistake.

10 Strange Laws from Around the World

Courtesy SmarterTraveler

From a stiletto ban in Greece to the pinball crackdown in South Carolina – give travel a unique flavor.

Top 25 Most Interesting Webcams

Selected from hundreds of nominees by a panel of EarthCam producers, EarthCam announces the most unique and compelling webcams of the year.

Operation Homefront

A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers with nationwide presence who provide emergency and other financial assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors.

Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

At the core of Best Friends Animal Society’s work is the dream that one day animals will no longer be killed in America’s shelters.

Worldwide Vacation Rankings

U.S. News Travel’s Best Vacations rankings identify the top destinations by region and vacation type.

7 Frequent-Flyer Tricks Worth Learning

Master the art of earning miles, attaining elite status, and working the system to earn free flights and other perks.

Happy JUNE from the staff at TravelingBoy

We have designated June as the month to think of those who suffer from great misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

Random Acts of Canine Kindness

Cedric the Dog takes a well-earned break after organizing a protest at a Mississippi puppy mill.

Dog Quotations

To a Mouse
A Red Red Rose

Courtesy Tim Winship, SmarterTravel

O, my Luve’s like a red, red rose,
That’s newly sprung in June.
O, my Luve’s like a melodie
That’s sweetly play’d in tune.

As fair as thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will love thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry.

Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun:
I will love thess till, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run:

And fare thee well, my only luve!
And fare thee weel, a while!
And I will come again, my luve,
Tho’ it ware ten thousand mile.

Send Deb your favorite travel poems.

The Rich and Famous Get Their Own Terminal at LAX

Courtesy Tim Winship, SmarterTravel

Los Angeles airport has a new terminal where wealthy travelers can enjoy private suites and chauffeured BMW rides across the tarmac to their gates.

The Most Affordable Countries to Visit in 2017

In the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017, countries were given scores on 14 sets of criteria. These are not your typical tourist destinations, which can add to their price competitiveness.

Money-Saving Tips all Travelers Should Try

As part of USA TODAY’s new travel research portal Embark, an expert panel of travel bloggers has been assembled to share their best advice to help you travel smarter, safer and more economically.

Solving the Puzzle: When the First Humans Arrived in the Americas

A Newcastle University expert is leading a new study which aims to resolve a longstanding debate about how and when people first came to the Americas.

Courtesy Phys.org

The ‘Coffin Homes’ of Hong Kong

Courtesy Alan Taylor, The Atlantic

What Not to Wear in the Airport Security Line

Roll through security like a pro by avoiding the following attire
Courtesy: Smarter Travel

The best way to ease through airport security is to dress for success. Certain garments and accessories could get you flagged for extra screening, slowing down your progression through the airport. Want to roll through the security line like a pro? Avoid wearing the following attire:

Airplane-Provided Water, Ice, Coffee, or Tea

It’s important to stay hydrated while flying, but you’re better off BYOW (Bringing Your Own Water) rather than grabbing a free drink from the beverage cart.

Tests done by the EPA a few years ago showed that one out of every seven planes had tank water that did not meet federal standards, and in fact contained bacteria like E. coli. Although beverage carts might give you “bottled” water from a large bottle, that bottle could have been refilled using the tank water. Coffee and tea are often made from the same tank water, which is usually not heated enough to kill germs. Ice is also sometimes made on board, so it’s best to pass on that as well.

10 Urban Legends About Flying That Aren’t True

Courtesy Caroline Morse, SmarterTravel

From terrifying tales about airplane bathrooms to mid-flight door-opening fears, there are a lot of myths about air travel flying around out there. Here are 10 urban legends that just aren’t true.

Carry-on Luggage Tips for a Stress Free Security Check-in at the Airport

How Does the U.S.’s Amtrak Compare to China’s Bullet Trains?

China’s high speed railway is the most heavily used in the world, with 1.44 billion passengers every year. Amtrak in 2016 hit a new record with around 31.3 million passengers. So, how do they compare?

**8 Ways to Live Hygge While Traveling**

Even if you don’t know the word, you know hygge when you feel it
Courtesy Ashley Rossi, SmarterTravel

After all it’s a feeling of comfort and coziness, like a good conversation by the fire, a cup of steaming coffee in a warm cafe on a cold day, or a blissful moment of contentedness that holds you like a hug. And while travel is typically the opposite of hygge, there are plenty of ways you can bring the concept to your travels. Whether it’s the destination you pick or a hotel’s design, here are eight ways you can be a hygge-happy traveler. While you’re at it, check out T-Boy’s A 24 Hour Quest for Hygge.

The Best Place to Find Cheap Flights

Being on the ground in over 180 countries means you get the full story.

Beatle Beat Trivia Hodgepodge Answers

Ringo with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes

1. What was the name of Ringo’s band before joining the Beatles?
A: Rory Storm & the Hurricanes

2. How many films did John Lennon appear that were directed by Richard Lester?
A: Three: “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Help!” and “How I Won the War.”

Pattie & George

3. George wrote Something about what woman?
A: Harrison’s first wife, Pattie Boyd. Also the inspiration for Clapton’s “Layla” and “Wonderful Tonight.” She later became Clapton’s wife.

4. Who is the tallest Beatle?
A: Official Beatle stats indicate John, Paul & George were all listed at 5’ 11.5”. I’ve been informed by a number of sources, though, that John was really shorter. Hard to tell with those Cuban-healed Beatle Boots.

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