Tagged With "2016 Airline Quality Rating"
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Re: Boston in the fall - suggestions please!
Regarding hotels, Mac, I think I'd spend a few days in Boston to begin with, presuming that's where you are flying into. This will let you get over your jet lag and also give you a chance to see the state of the colors and plot out where you want to go. I would NOT go without having at least a night's reservation booked ahead because you'll waste too much time looking for a place to stay and will end up paying rack rate. Things will be busy and pretty filled up in the small towns of New...
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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: Notes and Noticings from the road
The Schwab card sounds like a good deal. I have a (UK) Halifax Clarity card, which also gives me a reasonable deal on credit card transactions - no fees/commission and the actual market rate for the currency conversion. It's a significant saving compared to other credit cards.
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Re: Should Wi-Fi be free in all hotels?
Good discussion! WiFi has for me become an indispensable part of traveling. It allows me to stay in touch with family easily and cheaply (remember how hard it was even 25 years ago -- a phone call could run you $5 a minute? And there was no email). It lets me spend evening hours clearing out a hefty email que, and doing research on what I am going to see tomorrow and the next day. And with "Gumbo on the Go", it lets me share my travels as they happen with fellow Gumboites! I echo PHeymont's...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Oct 8, 2013: Cologne, Germany
The picture reminds me of similarly-colorful rows of small buildings in Nyhavn (Copenhagen) and on Bryggen (in Oslo). There must be something to the width-and-taxes idea, because it's certainly been true elsewhere. In New York, from colonial times until the early 20th-century, the number of windows affected the property tax rate, and it was only 2009 when the city ended the practice of basing the water rates on "frontage."
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Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Here's a link to the current rates: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Passenger_Duty The rates are based on distance from London to capital of the other country; for U.S., that's 3661 miles and the rate converts to about $108, twice that for any class above cattle class. The APD particularly bites for Caribbean people living in UK; they're in the next band up and that means a family of 4 visiting home pay about $750 round trip on top of the tickets!
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Re: Greenland from six miles high!
Originally Posted by DrFumblefinger: The world's climate has a history of change. Ice ages have come and gone. Who knows what tomorrow's weather will be, much less next century's? But I do know the folks in Greenland would appreciate a little warming there. As I look out at the snow in my backyard today, Canada could use a little, too. If you look at the rate of retreat of Sermeq kujalleq, 2012's big thaw and recent GRACE satellite data analysis on mass loss, I think warming is the last...
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Re: Capital of Culture Series: Liverpool
Here's a good quote Paul PORTRAIT OF AN UNHEALTHY CITY - NEW YORK INTHE 1800'S by David Rosner Columbia University When a horse died, its carcass would be left to rot until it had disintegrated enough for someone to pick up the pieces. Children would play with dead horses lying on the streets. In addition to lacking street cleaning, the city also had no sewage system and no flush toilets. Garbage--which included both human and animal waste--was basically thrown out windows and onto city...
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Re: 1000's Drawn to North Dakota
Amazing that the unemployment rate for Williston is only .9%! I was unaware that South Dakota had the benefits too.Just goes to show you the recession was not uniform.
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Re: 1000's Drawn to North Dakota
Just checked the unemployment rate. North Dakota's is the lowest in the nation. In Aug 2013, it was 3.0%. Neighboring South Dakota's is 3.8%, as it too benefits from the oil boom.
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Re: Swindon's 7 layer traffic circle
That is amazing! And I see it as a convincing argument for traffic lights. Perhaps locals know their way, but for a tourist traveling here it would be a nightmare. While the videoclip says that there are few fatal accidents, that's likely because of the low speeds involved in the roundabout. I suspect the rate of fenderbenders is extremely high. Thanks for sharing this, Jonathan.
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Re: Coastal California: The Pigeon Point Hostel
Any travel tale that starts with a road trip following giraffes (nice pic, BTW), includes a lighthouse, the surf, goat cheese and cute granddaughters, is top rate in my book! Can't wait for the lighthouse tour!
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Re: Iceland's new attraction: tunnel into a glacier
Glaciers are constantly moving, and not all parts at the same rate! Makes you wonder how they plan on keeping the tunnel safe and in good condition all the time?
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco
If you take a look at http://prepaidgsm.net, you’ll see the reason for PortMoresby’s recommendation. It’s not the cost of the phone, it’s the cost of every minute, often many times that of a local SIM. For example, the Mobal SIM comes with a rate for Morocco of $1.50 a minute outgoing and $1.50 a minute incoming. Meditel, one of the Moroccan carriers, charges (depending on plan) about 10c a minute up to 40c a minute, and no charge for incoming. Mobal will sell you data at $28.99 for ONE...
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Re: Marriott to offer free wi-fi to all its Rewards member
The main clients of larger upscale hotels are business travelers, not mom and pop travelers. These are the same travelers that pay 10x what we pay to fly at the back of the plane for the privilege of a slightly larger seat and being able to get out 4 minutes before I do. Most don't care about wifi charges because their businesses pick them up. I think Marriott's action is a step in the right direction and they should be applauded for it. I've been a premier Marriott member for years so I get...
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Re: Marriott to offer free wi-fi to all its Rewards member
And let us not forget the dreaded "resort fees". Defined as meaning anything the hotel wants it to mean. And charged whether we use the facilities it's said to cover, or not. Look in the dictionary for the definition of "chicken shit" and you'll find "resort fees". If everyone must pay it, it should rightly be included in the room rate. Even my favorite, AirBnB, makes options available for hosts - cleaning fee, security deposit, a charge for more than 1 person and even possibilities for...
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Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update
I'd love it if they collected the bed tax here. Since they don't, and it's my impression that few here pay it, including it as part of my fee creates an imbalance for me, making it appear as though I'm getting more than I do. I state the breakdown in my listing but hardly anyone actually reads the listings. If they collected it, it would give a fair comparison of the room rate with the taxes added on at the end, as the fees are now. I think, though, despite what seems a good idea from the...
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Re: New York Taxis Debut App to Compete with Uber
Well, even without the app, it's not like the fa e is a blind guess, either. There's a meter, and a rate based on miles and time...just like almost every other big city. And there are online calculators such as WorldTaxi which will tell you about what a specific trip should cost, It's not that there aren't things that could improve, but Uber is no improvement, with its cavalier attitudes (surge pricing, drivers stiffed on rates, lack of or inadequate insurance) and its not paying its share...
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Re: A Road Trip Gallery: Jane's Garden
I think you may be projecting the intimacy of the photos onto the whole garden, which isn't small. I'm trying to be ruthless in my choice of images, editing to remove duplicates and the second rate, to improve the whole. While it can be painful during the process, I'm happier with the result in the end and I think it adds, not subtracts, interest. Leaves 'em wanting more, I hope.
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Re: Budget airlines pushing seat squeeze on new planes
Besides being happy with the low price I got, I thought their service was good the last time I flew them. And, as they let you know about, they have a great on time rate.
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Re: Budget airlines pushing seat squeeze on new planes
Ryanair has also been using a "softer" sell which seems to be working. An article recently in the Guardian points out a 28% growth rate (comparing March 2015 to 2014), a truly impressive gain! I've never flown Ryanair and before I would I would need to talk with someone like Rob and Garry to make sure some of the perceptions I've got about them aren't fact-based anymore.
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Re: Airbnb Questions
1. "...is payment for Airbnb places always processed in the US even for stays overseas?" Airbnb processes reservations for guests in their own currency, pays out in the currency of the host. So you, in the US, will always pay in US dollars, a UK resident will pay in £s, etc. The host posts prices in their home currency and when a guest in another country logs in and searches/books, the price is converted by the website at the current exchange rate and they always see the rate in their own...
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Re: Aw shucks. Danes are no longer the World's Happiest People
I do know that the further north people live, the less daylight they have in the winter, the higher the rate of depression. For example, Alaska has a high winter suicide rate at least in part because it is so gloomy there half of the year. The same, I would think, is true of the Nordic folks. My perception of these sorts of lists is that they represent things that "should make you happy", much like our friends, the Eloi. What are some of the things that make me happy? An evening with good...
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Re: Left Hand Drive Vs Right Hand Drive Countries
The Swedish experience is fascinating. Here's a link to more details. What makes it especially fascinating is that Sweden had always had cars with the driver and steering on the left, initially American imports, but had driven on the left. I would have expected a surge in minor accidents at the time of the change, but instead, the article says, the accident rate dropped sharply because drivers were now better placed to deal with oncoming traffic!
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Re: How to Travel Thailand like Royalty on a Budget
During my visit to Thailand in 20 days, I just spent $500 for everything here, from food, accommodation, and exploration by bikes. I recommend renting scooters here to explore our own way, cheap rate and lots of fun in the North
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Re: Scandinavia booms with Europe's fastest-growing cities
Now I know why I got the impression, on my last trip, that Europe was growing at a pretty robusr rate, opposite of what I'd heard.. I visited 5 of the top ten 10 growth cities on that list.
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Re: Mar 27, 2016: Ladakh—Tibetan Monasteries, Stunning Landscapes, World’s Highest Road…
Beautiful images! My breathing rate increased in sympathy with how thin the air is up there...
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Re: Are ATM's at European airport going to cost you more?
My purpose in posting this was to pass along information that I felt was reasonable, although I could not check it myself. I am glad to hear that it moght not be correct, although, as I stated above, in Brazil (my last international trip) I encountered something similar. As someone who travels to Europe once every 2 years or so I felt that this was something I was needed to know, and that I could share for others like me, as a warning of changes that are happening. Maybe I chose the wrong...
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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: Verona: More than Romeo & Juliet
Verona was definitely a highlight of our 2012 pilgrimage to the "old country." The city was modern and old at the same time. People watching in the Piazza Bra was like having a peak into the living room of the Veronese. It seems like a place on a secondary travel network: like a place to go after you've seen the "big 3." This trip was a return after not stopping here since 1982 and we were very pleased. The sites were interesting, the people were friendly, and the gelato was first-rate.
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Re: Hotel Rewards Programs. Worthwhile or not?
I'm a Holiday Inn Express or La Quinta member. On my most recent road trip, I did get upgraded at the HIE for being a member. The free nights are always great too and that's the main goal. I've used many La Quinta free nights when I do workshops out of town. With HIE, I usually use the points for a discounted rate in expensive areas, like Sonoma or Paso Robles - wherever a vineyard may be!
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Re: Experience with hotel bidding sites?
Hotwire.com has a generic "star rating" hotel, unknown to you as to which brand and exact location, at discounted prices. I've use them a few times and been satisfied with the results. For example, I got 4 star rooms in downtown Montreal for less than eighty dollars a night, probably a quarter or less of their rack rate. Generally I do like to know where I'm staying, but good luck. Let us know how this works out for you.
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Re: Would You Walk to Mexico to Save 100s on Airfare?
The plan is to charge about $13 for use of the bridge (about the cost of a taxi from the other crossings to the airport...didn't say what the parking was, although I assume you could also be dropped off at the lot without a car. The article cited a family of 4 that was saving $250 each on the cost of tickets, which makes the savings sizable. If they end up setting the rate too high, of course, they'll end up with what they have now: an empty lot.
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Re: Dynamic Currency Conversion: The Little Nibble That Can Eat Your Vacation Budget
Very good advice. In many countries, if not all, merchants are required by law to give us a choice. But as you experienced, and I did once when this practice began, they slip it in on us and simply charge us in our home currency. I suspect some merchants have instructed their employees to do it while others are as oblivious to the consequences as their customers. But it really amounts to the same thing as going to the corner currency exchange, like in the old days before ATMs, drawn in by...
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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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Re: Expect to pay more for travel in 2015
The price increases anticipated are above the rate of inflation, but careful shoppers can usually find deals and bargains. And if nothing else, you can always travel somewhere you've never been that's close to home. Or set up a tent in a National Park and go exploring there. There are always options for those with the will to find them.
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Travel Deals for Black Friday & Cyber Monday
In recent years, the travel industry has picked up on Black Friday and Cyber Monday and started expanding their offering of sales on those days. Conde Nast published a list of some of the top deals. For Hotels- One of the most...
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AirBerlin Black Friday: $499 to Europe R/T!
AirBerlin, a OneWorld member, is offering a $499 roundtrip to several European destinations at cut-rate prices from now to Tuesday, with flights from Jan. 12 to Mar. 22. The $499 rate is for Berlin from Chicago, and Stockholm or Copenhagen from NYC....
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San Marino
This past May I was able to satisfy a childhood dream of visiting San Marino. After completing a fourth grade report on this place we finally spent a night there. This also comes after traveling in Italy since 1980. The republic is a beautiful place...
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So cool ! MicroTheater !
What a cool concept! Quick inexpensive plays in various locales in Spain.A good way to keep see great theater at cut rate prices. The Spaniards know how to make the most of the recession. Grab a front row seat...
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Traveling to Europe soon? It may pay to prepay...
If you're traveling to Europe in the next few months and can be reasonably sure of your plans, this may be a good time to prepay some of your expenses such as rent, car rental (especially since most agencies offer a prepay discount). the reason? The...
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HotelTonight Targets Mobile Device Location For Discount Offers
HotelTonight is offering two new tools for hotels that may offer discounts depending on the location of your mobile device when booking. 1. RateDrop- available today. Hotels can offer discount rates to those with mobile...
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Will foreign transactions fees fade away?
Foreign transaction fees, that annoying 3% (usual rate) that your card issuer charges to translate your 100€ hotel room into dollars, seem to be fading...but slowly, according to a survey by creditcards.com. The fees, which can add up to a...
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A Road Trip Gallery: Fort Mason Community Garden & the Man in Pink
March 12, 2015 I discovered the community garden on this visit to Fort Mason, having missed it the first time I stayed at the hostel. I walked in, looking around for possible subjects, and didn’t notice the thin man in a...
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Major Cruise Lines Expanding Adventure Travel Options
According to a George Washington University study,adventure travel is a $263 billion market that is growing at a rate of 65% annually .Major cruise lines are jumping on the trend by expanding their adventure travel options. Princess Cruises,...
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Delta/Alaska Battle for Seattle heats up
If you thought the boxing match in Las Vegas the other day was the "battle of the century," you haven't been watching Delta and Alaska Airlines fight it out over passenger traffic in Seattle. The two airlines have been codeshare partners for a long...
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Credit Card Car Rental Insurance Options
I know auto rental insurance is not usually a good deal if you purchase it at the car rental place at the time and different credit cards already include the coverage if you book the rental with the card. I was made aware of the American Express Premium Car insurance available for AMEX cardholders and a few features make me think it might be worth the cost over their free coverage. First, it's considered primary coverage and you won’t have to file a claim with your insurance company first if...
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Where in the World is TravelGumbo, #104
Today's puzzle photo was snapped while Gumbo was indulging in his fascination with aircraft. Gumbo's in a cockpit, but it's definitely not that of a new Boeing 787 Dreamliner. There's a few clues here; anyone know where this might...
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"Heathrow is losing the battle"
It seems Heathrow airport, the European hub we all love to hate, is growing more slowly than some of its European competitors. The airport blames its problems on growth constraints and an inquiry into its third runway. Flight numbers are...
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A Day in Ponce, Puerto Rico (Where Gumbo Was #87)
On our second-to-last day in Puerto Rico, we headed to the south shore of the island, to the city of Ponce. It's smaller than San Juan, has less tourist traffic—all that, and yet it considers itself the cultural equal of the capital or of...