Tagged With "Outer Banks"
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Re: 12 Countries ask vouchers instead of refunds
I have said it before and certainly have not changed my mind: why do airlines think they are above the law? There are plenty of other businesses suffering severely at present, but they do not have the option of hanging on to their customers' cash to keep themselves afloat. The way in which airlines have behaved over this issue is simply disgraceful and will have done nothing to engender goodwill amongst their customers. Indeed, many might - at a stroke - have destroyed the benefits of their...
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Re: Notes and Noticings from the road
Actually, I think the banks have a fairly minimal (as small as I can make it) impact on my currency transactions, in part because I never deal with exchanges; I use bank ATMs. That way, the exchange takes place not on my account, but as an interbank transaction at the base rate banks use with each other. I used to use my ATM card from Citibank, but eventually they began charging a 3% foreign exchange fee even on withdrawals. At that point, I opened an account with Charles Schwab, a brokerage...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Oct 8, 2013: Cologne, Germany
Thanks for the note, Pheymont. I saw the main BANK OF IRELAND building in Dublin a few days, which is windowless. All the window spaces were filled in with rock (in a tasteful manner). Seems the government decided to levy a window tax. The company responded in kind.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 22, 2013: Fantastic Skylight in Barcelona
That's gorgeous! By coincidence, I was in Cunard's New York booking hall from about the same period last week...it is now a bank. I will try to find a picture.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 22, 2013: Fantastic Skylight in Barcelona
Well, turns out to be a moment of mis-identification. The building I was in, 1 Broadway, had been the offices of United States Lines; Cunard was up the street at 25 Broadway. I haven't a picture yet for the booking hall-turned-bank, but here are two shots of Cunard's Great Hall, which is now a postal facility.
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Re: When Debit and Credit Cards aren't your best traveling choices
When you go to Sri Lanka, take cash along as well. The larger establishments will definitely take credit cards, but smaller business and restaurants won't. And ATM cards have been slow to find their way into the country, especially in remote locations. The currency there is more stable, but still you won't get the kind of spread we did in Argentina. Best to exchange it at a bank, or ask your hotel people how many US $$ things are.
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Re: 'Dude, Where's My Car?' for real!
I don't think he staged it, but I do think he wasn't searching too hard for the car after he met the lady. And that would make a nice story if they got married. If he wanted to find the car quick, he would of called his bank or credit card issuer to see the location of his first try to get his money and started his search from there.
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Re: May 3, 2018: Hamburg "River Art"
Very clever! Believe everyone on the far bank is waiting for this piece of art to get up and walk away. That would be quite memorable!
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Re: In Egypt: Luxor West Bank
A brilliant collection of pictures and commentary. Avoiding the bus loads is all down to timing, so your patience was well rewarded ! I've visited the West Bank loads of times with groups and it never fails to astound ! Our trips began by meeting up with a host of donkeys from the ferry, at 4.30am. We rode up to cross the cliff top above Hatshepsut's temple then walk down to the Valley of the Kings. Riding a donkey named Saddam up there was always a guaranteed wake-up
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? #62
No conversation? Well, it looks limited in the yacht/marina element. Low industrial buildings or shopping center across the water? No signs of big shipping, though larger ships/ferries on other side. Fog bank in the distance. And a somewhat elaborate window from the observer's viewpoint.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#45)
I would beat a bank of insurance company, but where? Zurich, perhaps?
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#45)
Well, it's Saturday night, and time for a review of progress so far, guys! Yes , a bank. Yes , a big time gap between the two sculptures. No , not in Rome, San Francisco, New York. Free Hint: It's not in North America.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#45)
By e-mail, PortMoresby suggested this answer: I haven't seen these details anywhere, but because of some other similarities and the date, I'm going to say the Bank of England, London. " 1925-1939 Sir Herbert Baker Between 1925 and 1939 he demolished what had become known as 'The Old Bank' or 'Soane's Bank' (then regarded as one of London's architectural gems) and built a new headquarters for the Bank on the same 3 ½ acre Theadneedle Street site." Unfortunately, not the right answer! ONE MORE...
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Re: Visiting Patagonia. 1) El Calafate, Argentina
Wow Karl!! You have really upped the ante with this!! It has always been on my (our) list and your excellent report just wants me to empty the piggy bank!! I LOVE the clouds....
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Re: Sick of Your Credit Card Being Declined While Traveling? Visa Offers New Service
Interestingly enough, slow modems and no wireless were the reasons the EMV chip-and-PIN system was invented. The idea is that the terminal compares the hardware-encoded PIN with what you entered, and the transaction is okayed, even if the bank is not available to verify. Higher-value transactions are often deferred until a connection can happen, though.
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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...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#136)
Today's partially a visual clue, partially a historic one. A famous one armed explorer landed on the bank across from that large rock. A plaque commemorates his landing. Hope that helps.
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Re: Touring Maryland's Scenic Eastern Shore
Good to see Robert Morris gets a mention in your blog. He financed the War of Independence with his fortune. Signed the Declaration of Independence. And formed the Bank of America. He did well for a Local - born a mile from my own Birthplace - here in Liverpool UK
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Re: Touring Maryland's Scenic Eastern Shore
The bank that Morris was associated with was the Bank of North America. Bank of America originated in the early 20th c. in California. Poor old Morris spent several of his last years in debtors' prison and was buried in his brother-in-law's family plot without ceremony. Wikipedia: "Robert Morris holds the curious distinction as the only Founding Father whose house is a national memorial, but his life is not interpreted at the site."
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Re: Traveling Essentials for Everyone
Don't forget to notify your credit card company where and when you will be traveling. Many companies today will suspend your card if you use it outside of your normal places leaving you in a financial bind in your new country. In London I had my bank debit card captured by the ATM for suspected fraud. Also, I suggest a camera with a big zoom lens since many great photo opportunities don't allow you to get close to the attraction.
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Re: Exploring Liverpool's 300 years as a port
Known as the Slave Trade Triangle - the Ships Captain would walk 300 feet from the Docks to this Bank in Liverpool to deposit his " ILL GOTTEN GAINS". Can you spot the clues in this photo ?
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Re: 100 Years of Flight in Kitty Hawk, NC
I empathize with your rainy, muddy experience. That is no fun. As I recall, Kitty Hawk is also very windy, one of the reasons the Wright brothers chose it. They knew if they could fly their plane into the wind for some distance, no one could challenge the fact that they had flown a heavier than air machine. I regard this as one of the greatest stories of the 20th century. Two creative guys from a bicycle shop in the midwest designed and developed a successful flying machine. It didn't take a...
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Re: 100 Years of Flight in Kitty Hawk, NC
Great Piece! I've been to the Outer Banks several times and the wind always seems to make it cold. It is a neat area and I learned to always bundle up when headed there.
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Re: 100 Years of Flight in Kitty Hawk, NC
Thanks for the comment guys. It has been a while and I did forget to mention the fact that the Wright Brothers were workers in a bicycle shop which makes their story even more amazing! As always DrFumblefinger, thanks for the input
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Re: Are ATM's at European airport going to cost you more?
I believe the facts are somewhere in between, but the direction is not good. I can't, at the moment, find the piece I saw a few months ago about the transition, but my memory is that Travelex machines are to go in as lease/concession arrangements that exist expire. In some cases, the existing deals are quite long. At the moment, I can confirm that there are still bank-based machines in place at Berlin Tegel, and I'll have the opportunity in the next couple of weeks to check Prague and...
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Re: Are ATM's at European airport going to cost you more?
I know that the bank machines in the airport in Salvador Brazil had the worst rates in the city.
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Re: Are ATM's at European airport going to cost you more?
In my original comment, what I meant by "in between" was that the actual current situation lay between "Nothing's happening" and "Travelex has taken over all." Overall, I think the important message is "Hey, the advice printed almost everywhere in the past about using ATMs on arrival at the airport is now questionable...look for bank-owned machines as a preference, but be aware of rates, and if they are not good, take out only what you immediately need."
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Re: Are ATM's at European airport going to cost you more?
Bank ATMs in the UK are all, I believe "no fee", meaning no use fee charged by the owner bank for using their machines. Other machines and other places, I believe, tell us what the fee will be, if any, before we complete the transaction and allow us to abort if it's too much. And we know that the foreign transaction fee charged by our own cards' bank can vary, usually 1-3%, a given to convert currency using a card. Then there's the exchange rate which has always been the best available using...
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Re: Are ATM's at European airport going to cost you more?
I would love to see this series. BTW, AAA is now offering a no fee refillable ATM card to use overseas and avoid the 1-3% charges from yiur home bank.
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Re: Are ATM's at European airport going to cost you more?
I just opened a Capital One checking account, chip & pin debit card, 1% foreign currency conversion fee, rather than the 3% my local bank charges. The 1% is standard for MasterCard branded debit cards, seems no way to avoid it. But Capital One charges no additional. Will check out the AAA card. The series, 'Anatomy of a Trip', will start September 9th, if all goes as planned (does it ever?)
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Re: Ultra budget, NewLeaf Travel, offering bargain Canadian airfares
I can remember this story so many times from the past 50 years - here in the UK. A new air service provider comes along with hopes of knocking the stuffing out of the "Big Boys". Then, always at the last minute - the most costly time - somebody throws a spanner in the works. Hoping to break the back - or bank - of the new kid on the block.. Dirty tricks again. And it wont be the last. And you never find out who started the fight. http://www.independent.co.uk/n...s-dirty-1478010.html
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day. January 14, 2014: Calgary Peace Bridge
You have sharp eyes PHeymont! The third and fourth pictures are taken from the Crescent Hights, a small hill on the North bank of the Bow River. In the Calgary downtown core area, there are three bridges (tow for pedestrians and cyclists; one for cars) connecting the skyscrapers on the South bank and residential areas on the North bank of the river. The peace bridge is out of the picture 3 frame and in all other 3 pictures.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day. January 14, 2014: Calgary Peace Bridge
The bridge on the bottom right of the picture 3 is called Bow River Pathway. It's a pedestrian/cycling bridge connecting the downtown ore - Prince's Island Park - The North bank of Bow river. The Peace bridge and C-train bridge are further west! Ha Ha Karl, you need get out more
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Re: Check Your Statement! A Big Hotel Credit Card Breach...
As I see it, PM, mostly they are just stealing the data off the magnetic strip. Or the PIN in the card has data that can also be copied, but that's a little hard than just scamming the read off the strip. With a PIN, that data, validated by your unique PIN (which you pick) are encrypted and sent off to the bank for approval. Not just the strip data, but the two together are the key. I have a credit card with a Canadian bank (chip and pin) which I prefer to use over the swipe and sign USA...
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Re: Dynamic Currency Conversion: The Little Nibble That Can Eat Your Vacation Budget
Similar to the "No commission" exchange rate you get offered at the "Bureau de Change" If they don't make their profit with commission then you get a poor exchange rate ! You'll always get the best rate from a bank ATM in the country you're visiting. You should always pack a calculator. Do the Math if you need to exchange Dollars for Euros !
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Memphis, Tennessee 3) The rest of the city
There’s a lot more to Memphis than Graceland, although Graceland is by far the city’s most popular attraction (which I’ve previously discussed here ). A city of about 650,000, Memphis has a...
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Update: Loyalty Programs and Credit Cards
For some of us, credit cards are more than a convenient way to pay—they are the lifeline to free travel through loyalty programs. Between points for purchases and bonuses for opening or upgrading credit card accounts, it's possible to get quite...
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Charleston and its Single Houses: Where Gumbo Was #79
TravelGumbo member Club2013, by e-mail, was the only one to correctly place Gumbo’s secret destination: Charleston, SC. He found the special characteristics in an almost generic “old town” streetscape, and hit the nail on the head....
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Ottawa – NOT the coldest Capital in the world!
Ottawa is a vibrant and charming small city — so pleasant that it’s hard to believe it’s home to soooo many politicians. Of the national capitals I've visited, Ottawa seems the most livable to me (ie. if...
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Watch those search engines: the big ones are not always best!
I was just booking a one-way trip from Barcelona to Marseille for next summer hoping to use some points sitting on a bank-based (but not airline-affiliated) card. Imagine my shock when the ticket (which I knew should cost about $89) showed up as...
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Montreal: Je Me Souviens
There are many great cities to visit in Canada, two of my favorites (for different reasons) being Vancouver and Montreal. Vancouver has one of the most breath-takingly beautiful settings of any city in the world, and I’ll be discussing it...
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Quebec — A Walled European Fortress In America
Quebec, like New York, is both a city and a state (or rather, a province). It’s an island of French heritage and culture within our Anglo-North American continent. We combined this visit with stops in Montreal and...
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Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
A number of you have helped me plan a trip to Portugal and Barcelona. I've decided to go on this trip next May when I'll have a few more days of vacation. Checking out different airline websites, I came across Icelandair, which flies...
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Walla, Walla: “So nice they named it twice!”
What’s a Walla Walla? It’s a Indian name meaning “many waters”. It’s also the name of a charming city in southeastern Washington; nestled close to the Columbia and Snake River valleys, and with a river of its...
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Verona: More than Romeo & Juliet
Verona from the hills, looking toward St. Anastasia and the Ponte Pietra My visit to Verona last summer was almost an accident—but a lucky one. It wasn’t on the original plan for our three weeks in Northern Italy, but online...
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Washington state's Wild Horses Monument & Gingko Petrified Forest
The Columbia River is one of the most interesting and beautiful geographic features of the Inland Northwest, from its headwaters in British Columbia to the dramatic Gorge just east of Portland, Oregon. When...
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Left Bank of the Tiber
I’d looked online for an apartment for my week in Rome, until I was sick of the thought of going. At some point I came across a recommendation for a women’s hostel in Trastevere (Tras TAY veree), on what I came to think of as...
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PortMoresby in Italy
January 4, 2014: Frutta Fresca, Roma February 19, 2014: Herculaneum, 79 A.D. April 2, 2014: Gallery: Day Trip to Barga April 9, 2014: ...
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Old San Juan: Beautiful...and not all old
San Juan, Puerto Rico is a city of contrasts, of modern skyscrapers, crowded residential areas of different eras, resort hotels and casinos along Condado, and much more...but the image that usually comes to mind is really that of Old San Juan, the...
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Road Trip, Day 2: Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden
March 10, 2015 I woke the first morning of my visit along the Northern California coast at a friend’s house in the village of Elk. I was alone, the kitchen toasty warm from the fire Jane had made for me before leaving...