Tagged With "Paid for Checked Baggage"
Reply
Re: Trains in Cuba
Great question...and possibly not an easy clear answer. Cuba's trains have generally been in poor shape in recent years as older equipment has run down and spares not available. However, according to Mark Smith (The Man in Seat 61), that's changing with the arrival of a fleet of new Chinese-built locomotives. On his site ( Seat61.com ) he has an extensive update of recent changes in schedules, routes and locations (that's important because Havana's main station is closed for a 3-year...
Comment
Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#302)
This is the first new clue to this week's puzzle, with more to come daily. Check them all carefully for hints to where Gumbo is!
Comment
Re: Learning More About New CompTIA A+ 220-1001 and 220-1002 Exams and How Exam Labs Practice Tests Can Assist You?
I’m pretty sure this would help other people so I’m sharing my success story. As always, preparing for certification exams is nerve-wracking in midst of this chaos of several different resources videos, books, lab exercises none actually guarantee you will perform well or not. So before you tired yourself out completely give a try to Latest 220-1002 Sample Questions. These been designed to reflect the actual exam format is like and in what way they can achieve the most favorable result. This...
Comment
Re: Palais Garnier: Opera House in Paris
Beautiful place that somehow I've missed when visiting Paris. Definitely need to check it out. Samantha, many thanks for sharing this!
Reply
Re: Edinburgh, Scotland for 2.5 days....help!
Hi Chickpea, Your hotel is very central as you say. There is a regular bus service to certain attractions. We visited in January and had no problem with entry to attractions, the Castle, National Gallery etc. I would only suggest that you check out the individual attractions websites to obtain tickets in advance if you wish. Hope this helps, Paul.
Comment
Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#278)
The final clues. Check them all, and email your answer to TGSuggestions@gmail.com
Reply
Re: Is Porto worth the trip?
Much as I loved my time in Porto...it's NOT a day trip. Much too much to do there, including evening stroll along the Douro, port-wine tasting across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia and more. I'd say take the advice above and save Porto for another trip. Of the recommended day trips above, I'd vote for Sintra. It's an easy trip--trains run about every 30 minutes, more frequently in rush hours, The town itself is interesting, the Moorish Castle up on the mountain and the Pena Palace above that...
Reply
Re: How'd We Live Without Travel Apps?
Thanks Sunny for sharing.A lot of new apps now for all of us to check out!
Comment
Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #8.5
What a beautiful church Gumbo has found! WITW? The clues: 18th century Spanish colonial architecture, typical of Franciscan missions; Banner in English; Materials are not typical of Florida or Texas missions; Various effigies of animals and unreal creatures, often incorporated by the Franciscans into their liturgy in order to convert American Indians. Typical of US southwestern states; Not one of the remaining California missions; Not in Santa Fe; Checked missions in Arizona. Found (as did...
Reply
Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Everyone's been very helpful! I can't tell you what a great welcoming and helpful group of people you are. My uncle is an employee of Delta, so he has some kind of free ticket that requires me to fly on Delta only (no partners). I will have him check into the dates. I like the idea of flying up to Manchester, slowly working my way to London then returning from Paris. I think going to Amsterdam is more than I can bite off now, plus I want to spend the time seeing stuff, not traveling all the...
Reply
Re: Traveling for Local Food
The best resource for good "american food" while on the road that I know of is www.roadfood.com . The website focus on quality non-chain restaurants, often mom and pop places, with good and often unique menu selections. Check it out. Not only can they help you in Colorado, they're useful throughout the USA. Just about the best tip to give someone traveling in the USA.
Reply
Re: Renting an apartment in Europe
Hi Dreamer I can only tell you about my experiences... 1) How long? It depends. Apartment rental have been around in Europe for a long time. It used to be mostly for a week from Saturday to Saturday, but mostly anything goes now. 2) Buyer beware - It will be up to you to research the neighbourhood. You can do that many ways. Perhaps the easiest is using google streetmaps 3) There is no one way to check in. Sometimes you meet the owner or manager and they will give you the key. Sometimes...
Reply
Re: Renting an apartment in Europe
Those are good tips, JohnT. Need to look into an apartment next time I'm in Paris. Not exactly sure how you check out a neighborhood? Where do you go for that?
Reply
Re: Renting an apartment in Europe
John mentioned the Google street maps...really a very good way to check out a neighborhood, since it has more than just the maps! On top of the zoom scale on the map, you'll see a little orange man. Drag him onto a street on the map, and you'll see photos of the street. It takes a couple of moments to get used to maneuvering, but you can go up and down the streeet, turn and face the opposite direction, "walk" around corners, and zoom in and out. You can use the Windows snipping tool or other...
Reply
Re: Renting an apartment in Europe
Originally Posted by Theodore Behr: Those are good tips, JohnT. Need to look into an apartment next time I'm in Paris. Not exactly sure how you check out a neighborhood? Where do you go for that? Well, the maps and pictures really won't tell you about safety, no, aside from seeing if it looks like a busy residential or commercial area with people on the street, and so forth. It helps you avoid areas that have boarded-up buildings and the like. But mostly you have ask people here or somewhere...
Comment
Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other. (Part 5) The Elephants of Pinnawala
Thanks, PortMoresby! And we've not even been to the sacred tooth relic in Kandy, the medieval ruins of Polonnaruwa, the beautiful hill country filled with tea plantations and "The World's End", a wildlife safari at Yala National Park, nor any of the nice beaches (but keep reading -- reports on these are coming). Sri Lanka is a great destination, especially now that the civil war is over. I was doubly lucky to not only be able to visit a dear friend there but to have time to leisurely explore...
Comment
Re: The Worst Train in the World
Fascinating read! If I do take this train trip, and it's currently included in the plan, for our hoped for trip to Mynamar later this year, I can't say I wasn't warned. Coming from a country that shakes, rattles, and rolls pretty much every day there were two things about the earthquake that worried me. First, it was big enough to produce screams!! Second, it seems that no-one bothered to check the tracks before the train left the station. And so as I was reading I expected a derailment -...
Comment
Re: Capital of Culture Series: Liverpool
In Europe, I have had good luck finding value accommodations at Booking.com and Europe-Stays. com. Those sites list hostels with their ratings and prices. A quick peek for June shows several promising choices for around $ 21 USD per bed per night. Unless you just want company, you might budget hotels pricing similar to the hostels. They often charge per person, not per room, which is a big help for the solo traveler. Tune Hotels will work for the London part of your trip, but they are not in...
Comment
Re: Capital of Culture Series: Liverpool
Now there's another word with mixed definitions ! In Britain you would say "I like GarryRF's spirit" You may want to check out what your version means in England ! Like when I attend a party in America and I get "Pissed" (Drunk) And someone says "Why - who upset you to make you pissed?"
Comment
Re: Capital of Culture Series: Liverpool
Hank ,I'd check the Tune Hotel for rates. Maybe Garryrf can weigh in on cheap accomodations too.I didn't stay in any hostels while there.
Comment
Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
Before I retired, I traveled quite a bit on business, both inside the U.S. and abroad. I still travel frequently to racing and club events, but almost all are in the U.S. or Canada. That said, here’s my take on tipping: Restaurants – According to the sources I checked, in the U.S. the Federal minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.13. Most states have set higher amounts, but food service workers are still generally paid much lower wages that other ‘minimum wage’ employees. Unless the...
Reply
Re: Hi Everybody! I'm new here.
Originally Posted by Travel Luver: Hi Ted, I think we're all pretty new here. I'm from the Pacific Northwest. Welcome to the group. I get out to LA some. My business takes me to Ventura County (Amgen). Any good tips for a place to eat out that way? I saw the link to www.roadfood.com on a different thread, so I'll check that out, but wonder if there's some place you like to go. Hi Nature Lover, Amgen is T.O., just west of the San Fernando Valley and I really never go there. But about 20 miles...
Comment
Re: Charging your mobile devices on the go
That article has good advice...but should have noted one thing more: Not all USB ports on planes and trains carry power for devices (including chargers). Some are data links only; if you don't know about a particular plane or airline, check or don't count on it!
Reply
Re: Hi Everybody! I'm new here.
Hi Ted, I think we're all pretty new here. I'm from the Pacific Northwest. Welcome to the group. I get out to LA some. My business takes me to Ventura County (Amgen). Any good tips for a place to eat out that way? I saw the link to www.roadfood.com on a different thread, so I'll check that out, but wonder if there's some place you like to go.
Comment
Re: Up, Up and Away: Airline miles cards with big bonuses
I have a Delta American Express Platinum card that has served us well. The fee is higher than the gold card, but we can check two bags free, priority boarding, and a free companion pass yearly. We fly two or three times a year and the value of the waived baggage fee and the companion pass far exceed the $150 annual fee. The card also accrues one mile for each dollar spent and lately has offered cash back incentives. For example: spend $15 at Panera's using the card and receive $5 credit on...
Comment
Re: AAA Premier a Good Idea for Budget Travelers
AAA seems to choose their contracted towing services very well. I have always had good luck with them. I used the coverage when I had a break down with a rental car in a small town. The rental car company suggested that I call AAA for towing to their office in a nearby larger town to exchange the car. The rental car company had a contract with the same towing company that was under contract to AAA in that area. So that was very easy. If the tow goes over the 200 miles, they charge something...
Comment
Re: AAA Premier a Good Idea for Budget Travelers
I've use the towing service several times over the years, as well as their locksmith service. Excellent service always. And I actually use a ton of their travel books and maps when planning my domestic trips (USA and Canada). Yes, you can check them out but this way you can mark them up and cut out what you need. In Canada, a AAA (CAA) offers a 10% discount on a national parks pass (annual), and their travel agents can help you plan out a road trip with great advice -- all for free if you...
Comment
Re: Aug 4. 2016: Delaware City. Delaware.
I agree with Garry. Exploring small town America is tops! I love a few days in the big cities but feel at home in its small towns. Have yet to visit Delaware City but will check it out next time I'm in that part of the country. Imagine they have good crab?
Comment
Re: Signs of Delhi
The signage all over India presents marvels of interpretation for visitors and locals alike. Somewhere I have a pic of a sign down an alleyway in Tamil and English "URIN STRICKTLY PROHIBITED" �� - to no apparent effect ! Signage in English is largely because it is the only language understood throughout the country ! When the first Congress convened in 1947, speakers of Hindi, Bengali and Tamil etc eventually agreed proceedings to be held in English - the only common language ! Check out any...
Comment
Re: Say 'Cheese' and board your flight? Maybe
While JetBlue is testing 'selfie' check-in, this morning's e-mail brought a notice from GOL, the big Brazilian carrier, announcing that it has implemented facial recognition check-in, and claims to be the first airline in the world to fully do so. Smile and watch the birdie!
Comment
Re: Going Underground in Toronto
I'm a big fan of underground passages (we've lost a few, gained a few lately in New York) and will be sure to check out the PATH next time we visit family in Toronto! Thanks!
Comment
Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#69)
Well, I'm surprised, actually, that this one was spotted so well, despite its truly odd appearance: A strange landscape from a strange perspective. But I should have known that the folks around here are such committed travelers and researchers that it would be impossible to conceal Cappadocia for very long. The territory was spotted by MAD right away, with concurrence from Roderick Simpson, and PortMoresby's perceptive suggestion that if it were Cappadocia, it must be from a balloon...and...
Comment
Re: Finding Reiner #8: Trail's End?
Check out more of Pawel Wyszomirski's documentary photography here at http://www.testigo.pl/members/pawel-wyszomirski/
Comment
Re: Norway To Come Out With Cool New Passport
Actually, Citibank offered that option some 20-25 years ago, and I had my picture on one. It didn't really add anything to security; the clerks never looked at it any more than they look at signatures now. That's why chip-and-PIN beats chip-and-signature: unlike the counter clerk, the machine DOES check for authentication!
Comment
Re: Fares to Europe for as Low as $301 Round Trip Total!
Prices for Oslo in June were not that much more than winter ones.I'll have to check if the Oakland -Stockholm is similar. If I were to travel to Stockholm in winter though,i 'd just get a return budget flight to somewhere warmer in Europe.
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, December 8, 2014: Hudson Bay Blankets, Banff
I have a deep personal love for my Hudson Bay Blanket, inherited from my parents, Jim and Barbara McAleer, who bought it in the 1930s when they were newly weds. A dry cleaner tried to steal it from me about 15 years ago. I told him I was going court over it and was told in found the next day! I'm now going to check out the prices on the HBC website. Never have checked. Your fan, NM
Comment
Re: Government St., Mobile: A Great Historic Street (Pt. 1)
Thanks for the nice comments. Wait until you see the public buildings on Government St in Part 2 ,equally as impressive! The houses above are mainly private homes. A few homes on the street have offices in them. Some of the homes might make it on the historical homes tour once a year, but you'd have to check in advance . http://www.historicmobiletour.com/#!homes/c1hpk The Mobile area does have open to the public the Bellingraph Gardens and Home which is highly regarded and another place on...
Comment
Re: And life was never the same again: How Barcelona stole my heart
It was a pleasure to write. Glad you enjoyed it! Yes you simply must check out Taller De Tapas - the atmosphere is amazing and the food is to die for!
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, May 3, 2014: Metropole Hotel, Hanoi
I too am a fan of Colonial era hotels. The only ones I've ever stayed at were in Sri Lanka where, at the time, they weren't much more than a night at a Howard Johnson's. When you make your way to Sri Lanka, PortMoresby, check out some that island has to offer. You might be pleasantly surprised. Sri Lankan people I interacted with actually were quite grateful overall for the contributions the British made to their island -- tea plantations, roads, railroads, and government. And, of course,...
Comment
Re: World's 10 Best Airports? Maybe...
I don't want Restaurants or a shopping experience at my airport. I want to check in and go as soon as possible. I don't like being overcharged for something I don't want by an airport that insists on holding me hostage for 3 or 4 hours. My worst experience was JFK for 3 days when my flight was cancelled. Like Rob, if you get me away in under an hour of arrival I'm happy. Liverpool has destinations all over Europe.
Comment
Re: Photography at the Edges, New York & San Francisco
Speaking again of black&white, the monthly events newsletter from Mrs. Dalloway's Literary & Garden Arts store in Berkeley just arrived. Down at the very bottom was this intiguing notice which I mean to check out in person in 11 days. Mrs. Dalloways is at 2904 College Avenue in Berkeley. mrsdalloways.com "The Watchmaker Series." Beautiful black and white silver gelatin prints on archival quality paper. Ready for 8 x 10 frame. $65. When Craig was asked to fix a case that contained a...
Reply
Re: London- multiple questions
Hi Chickpea. The train from London to Liverpool will take 2 and a half hours each way. You can check out the times and which trains are direct - no changing - at www.thetrainline.com It's always cheaper to book well in advance ! It's over 400 miles round trip. And it's expensive at peak times. Around £200 return. So if you get the 09:40 from Euston Station (London) to Lime St. Station Liverpool its only £39 with a change at Crewe. 20 minute change time. And return at 19:48 Liv - Lon - Direct...
Comment
Re: Your TSA Approved Locks Won't Keep Thieves Out
I've always viewed locks as a deterrent, not as a security vault. Something to make it difficult for the baggage handler who'd like to snoop through my bag from doing so without inconvenience and making it obvious that it had been done. I never check in anything valuable. Those things always come with me in my carry-on bag, which I also keep locked.
Comment
Re: Iran: Friendliness, Culture, Modernity - So Far Away From The Clichés!
Hello Dr. Fumblefinger, Thank you for your Feedback! To answer your questions: 1) The infrastructure is good to very good, and it is extremely easy to travel within Iran: there are lots of buses and excellent trains, there is a wide range of hotels, from simple guesthouses to world-class 5 stars hotels, restaurants going from street food stalls to fine dining, ... I have read that with the very fast development of tourism, the high-end category of hotels is the one that might get overbooked...
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, January 27, 2015: Breaking the winter blues at the Calgary Zoo
That's a good point, GarryRF! People who live in places with cold climates do adapt and most involve their kids in out door activities -- winter or summer. For example, downhill skiing is very popular. But that walk with the penguins intrigues me. I've never heard of this except, of course, in Antarctica. Need to go by and check it out sometime.
Comment
Re: Road Trip, Day 4: Fort Mason, San Francisco
San Francisco such a beautiful city. I've never been to Fort Mason next time might have to check it out. $45 per night not too bad of a deal considering it is an expensive city to be in.
Comment
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, May 9, 2015: All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum
Last time I was at Top of the Mark I was in high school. It was THE place to go on prom night, along with the Tonga Room across the street at the Fairmont. I actually seriously considered staying at one place or the other on this road trip but opted for the free parking at the hostel, so annoying was the price of parking on Nob Hill. Interesting how decision-making can work. And btw, check in next Saturday and see where I actually did have a drink after dim sum.
Comment
Re: Boarding Etiquitte and Carry-on Bags
I usually try to get a seat in a zone where I'm guaranteed bin space. I usually have a laptop bag for my computer and travel documents, which goes under the seat in front of me. The rest of the items, including spare eyeglasses, camera, medications and clothes go into my carry-on. I can't take the small risk of these items getting lost so I need that carryon with me. It's rare that gate-checked bags get lost but they can. Generally for trips of a week or less, I can get by with just a...
Reply
Re: Is Visa everywhere you want to be?
Very good advice, Rob...and also check with the card-issuer what fees it charges for overseas use...some of them not only charge foreign-exchange fees, but also hefty ATM fees! One idea that may make sense for many travelers: Charles Schwab has a "high-yield investment" checking account that seems almost like a dream. No fees, no minimum balance, no foreign exchange fees, no ATM fees, and if anyone charges you an ATM fee, they refund it. It's linked to an investment account, but you don't...