Living in Denver I usually fly United on long flights in order to rack up miles, and also take advantage of mileage building promotions like credit cards and online shopping. 

Well this sucks:  Following US Airway’s lead , United will no longer give you a 500 mile minimum for flights less than 500 miles.  

If you fly from Colorado Springs to Denver for a connection, or from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Chicago as I often do - you could always count on at least 500 miles.   Not bad for those who fly from tertiary cities that require a short flight, but would be a long drive.   Now you’ll only get credited the actual distance flown - a measly 70 miles from COS-DEN. 

While I don’t care for the recent avalanche of airline rules and restrictions most haven’t affected me.  I don’t check a second bag, I don’t buy food on short flights, but this new policy is a bummer for me.   Here’s the discussion from flyertalk.com and the notice from UAL (and below)

Mileage Plus accrual policy for flights less than 500 miles
To ensure that Mileage Plus miles earned toward award travel on United and elite status are aligned with actual miles flown, we are revising our base accrual policy. Effective July 1, 2008, all travel on United, United Express, Ted, Star Alliance and partner airline* flights credited to the Mileage Plus Program will accrue actual miles, with no minimum. This change affects only those flights that are less than 500 miles. Flights greater than 500 miles have always accrued actual miles, and are not affected by this policy change.

This new mileage structure applies to travel on or after July 1, 2008, regardless of when the flight was ticketed. (Flights of less than 500 miles flown on or before June 30, 2008, will fall under the previous accrual policy.)

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I’m in the market for a new cell phone and provider.  I currently have a Razr phone from Verizon.  I get absolutely horrible service at home and at the office.  At home I have to go outside on my back patio, and at work I have to hang up and call people back from my desk.   Other than that it works fine.

You’d think since my home and office are the two places I reside at for the greater part of my existance that I would have ordered me up a new phone by now, but I guess I’d rather put up with crummy service than spend a Saturday at the mall waiting for an hour at a cell phone store talking endlessly about plans, texting, contracts, features, the web, number of minutes, and on and on with enthusiastic young salespeople.  I make calls, text, and take photos.  That’s it.  My ringtone is set to default, and except for changing my wallpaper to Chichen Itza that’s the only customizing I’ve ever done on a cell phone.

Here’s a feature that came to my attention which may sway my carrier choice.  I am smart enough to realize I need to dump my shitty Verizon service, but I didn’t know who to switch to, and again I really just don’t care or want to deal with it.

One feature I’d like is the ability to use a cell phone overseas.  For most folks using their cell phone overseas is a no go.  You need a special phone, or have to buy a chip or card.   I haven’t used my cell phone outside of the states except for Mexico, where I can easily make calls without additional equipment.  Maybe its easy, but having never done it seems like a cumbersome ordeal, and of course I loathe visiting cell phone stores.

This phone by T-Mobil has a feature which will connect through any Wi-Fi point - allowing you to make and receive calls from anywhere there’s Wi-Fi.  Apparently Wi-Fi calling is the same price everywhere, regardless of location, and of course will work in the most remotest of service areas provided there’s a Wi-Fi connection.  If you’re sitting at a coffee chop in Addis Ababa it will ring.  No expensive equipment or lengthy setup, and much less bulkier than a satellite phone.

Pictured is the Blackberry 8120 Pearl phone, the entry level Blackberry.  By selecting “Hot Spot @ Home” from the feature list of T-Mobil’s phone site you can see all phones available with Wi-Fi calling.  To me this is cool.  And even at home if my service is not perfect I can simply switch the phone to MY Wi-Fi.

For the frequent overseas traveler this is a phone and feature worth considering.  If anyone has a phone with this feature I’d love to hear about it, and know whether its easy (or not) to switch between cell and Wi-Fi calling.    When my contract with Verizon is up in June I’ll most likely be changing over to this and will post an update

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Holy crap what a beautiful friggen week here in Denver.   You’ll notice I’m dialing down my profanity a notch because its “Take Your Son/Daughter to Work Day.”   The days and nights this week have been perfect spring weather.  And thanks to Kraftwerk last night for giving my fix of late 70s early 80s Moog techno. 

Anyway May is sweeps month - so let’s get started on an investigation that only I could care about.

I can’t remember if I read this on the Consumerist or heard it in person, but I heard or read a rumor somewhere that Budget, (and possibly other car rental companies,) are no longer offering maps at the car rental desk.  Keyword being “offering.”  They still HAVE maps.  But they are now tucked under the counter, and only given out if asked.

Reason?  Not to save a tree, but to subtly prod customers in renting a GPS.    If the maps aren’t visible as a simple free option, (which they are,) a GPS upsell is more likely to happen.

I rented a car last week at O’Hare.  Along with the myriad of other upsells and insurance, (including telling me a larger car was “safer,”)  the gentleman offered a dash mounted GPS unit.   I declined, and my exact words were “No, a map will be fine.”

Now I didn’t exactly ASK for a map, but from my past experience with Budget they’ve always asked me if I WANTED a map.  I especially remember this when renting at LAX, as I know the L.A. area well and always decline.

After walking out and photographing the many scratches and dings on my shitty Kia Rio, (documented here of course,) I realized I never got a map.  I walked back into the office and specifically ask for one - and the same gentleman gave me one from the pad - now UNDER the counter.    Hmm.  I always remember them always being ON the counter - free for the taking.

I think the GPS is certainly a nice feature and worth the cost in some cases.   But in my case I just needed a visual reminder of the Chicagoland expressways for my trip around the lake to Michigan.    A lot of people just don’t need GPS.  If you’re going to Orlando its pretty easy to get from the airport to Disneyworld. (I believe there’s a sign or two.)  And unless you’re geocaching your way around Hawaii a GPS unit really isn’t necessary.  Personally I really LIKE the Budget maps.   I’ve gone to a few cities and not even bothered buying a map because the rental car maps show interstates, major roads, and tourist landmarks.   They usually have a blow-up of the downtown area making it useful on foot too.

I’ve always had a pleasant experience with Budget.  I usually rent at LAX or Chicago, and I occasionally rent a truck at the downtown Denver location for camping trips or a major stock up at Home Depot. 

To satisfy my curiosity I called the O’Hare location. I spoke with manager Mark and asked if they were purposely discouraging giving out maps in order to rent GPS units.  

Mark, who I’m sure is extremely busy running this location, was very courteous and explained that policies vary branch to branch, but at HIS location he HAS been a bit more conservative in handing out maps.  However NOT to upsell the GPS, but because he’s seen them being unused, or thrown away upon departure.  Very logical.  He explained his employees generally ask if a map is needed.  We chatted about Denver a bit and he told me some additional benefits of their GPS units.  (Traffic alerts and such.)  I reiterated my positive past experiences with Budget and thanked him for the clarification and time.

In any case I shouldn’t be nervous that rental car companies, or at least Budget, will cease giving out maps.   Or start dumbing down their maps simply interstates, major arterials, and chain locations, (where you can go rent a GPS.)   Or worse take a cue from the airlines and start charging for them.

To other Budgets:  I like maps.  Please keep giving them out and making them readily available.  And thanks Mark for taking the time to chat with me.  I’m sorry for bitching about my Kia Rio.   It got me to Grand Rapids and back just fine and would have got great gas mileage if I wasn’t doing 95 the entire way.

Investigation complete.   

p.s.  If you’re in Denver the small downtown Budget and 20th and Broadway is an excellent alternative to the airport.  Like Mark in Chicago the staff is helpful and friendly, and manager Andy will rent you this kick-ass truck for your trip to the mountains.

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Fortunately I’m sitting comfortably at home and am not one of the unlucky ones traveling on Aloha, ATA, or Skybus this week, as in the past few days all of these airlines have shut down - leaving many passengers stranded midway through a trip to fend for themselves, or attempting to book themselves in the already packed seats of other airlines. Although trying to find a cab in Denver at 2am can certainly give you similar exasperation.

While none of this is important to Denver travelers, or residents of cities with multiple airline options, it certainly stinks for small to middle markets where Skybus and other shuttered carriers pulled out of, since the remaining carriers no longer need to remain competitive. Boom: A $150 dollar RT ticket is now $400 in 200miledrivetothenearestbighubville.

With that I’ll repost my article titled “Cheap is Not Always Best.” In this post from last fall I wrote about Columbus resident Don Dennis, who was rightfully angry at Skybus when they abruptly halted service to Bellingham, Washington after he had booked a ski vacation for him and his friends. I wrote that after investing his time and money booking a condo, renting a car, and buying ski tickets, perhaps it wasn’t the best of ideas to rely on an airline that sells tickets for ten dollars.

Full article here: quotes:

That’s the problem though: Cheap Fares. When purchasing airfares the public descends on low fares like Target on Black Friday. The fact is people insist on scraping up the absolute cheapest fares - then complain when the inevitable consequences arise. Cheap fares OFTEN result in bad service and a low priority level. And when people have a bad experience flying they complain, whine, and write letters about airline service - but when it comes time to purchase a ticket they’ll still acquiesce and fly whichever airline or fare is cheapest.

If you’re hiring someone to re-roof your house or drywall your basement should you take the lowest bid? Probably not. Would you pay bottom of the barrel rates for car insurance? Not a good idea. Then why pay it for transportation? Reducing the fraction: I can take the bus from my home downtown to my suburban office park for $1.50, which entails a transfer and an hour plus jaunt snaking down congested busy streets. Or I can pay $1.25 more and take the train - making my commute a quick 40 minutes trip.

Granted most of my trips or solo or with one other person, so I realize a higher (more convenient,) airfare can be cost prohibitive to larger families. Yet I think everyone should examine their options in detail before snatching up the price grabber specials. You wouldn’t buy the cheapest car or TV available. Treat airfare purchases like any other consumer product. Cheap has it’s consequences.

Like a crummy watch, can opener, Wal-Mart bike, or shoddily constructed house, low rate shitty products do not last. I don’t consider airlines any different. Just some tidbits to consider in the age of rocky airlines and the tempting rock bottom airfares that come with them…

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With apologies to Chicago, a city I love, but it takes some time away and a refreshed eye to realize that the cramped corridors, filthy corners, and lackadaisical employees shuffling listlessly about in certain U.S. airports to make me realize that we could do so much better.

In fairness I’m writing this while the agonizing stories of Heathrow’s Terminal 5 are making news, and the U.S. certainly has some newer airports to be proud of as well: Detroit is a wonder to walk through and extremely efficient. Denver, now 13 years old is more crowded than ever but still maintains an airy, open feel and has plenty of room to grow. And many regional airports are a breeze to navigate and showcase local flavor of their area.

However in contrast many of our international gateway airports like Chicago and LAX appear straight out of the Soviet era when compared to the gleaming gems of other ports. (And I haven’t even considered Asia in this.)

After spending a few days solo in Amsterdam I returned to Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport to pick up my sister and our guide Lili. Fretting about being late as always I arrived early enough in the morning to wander around and explore the facility. Some things that stood out to me:

This great idea. What’s the first errand you need to complete after a long stay away from home? Pick up some perishables of course. Schiphol has a full supermarket, allowing you to stock up your (tiny European) fridge upon return. And an adjacent liquor store too!

Left: In pier three I noticed dual jetways, although not used for our United flight. These were implemented at a few United gates in Denver for a while last year, but abandoned after a rear portion collapsed onto the wing of a plane. For some reason they work here.

Right: Almost ridiculously large signage everywhere. Arrival areas 1, 2, and 3 all exit into the same central hall, with ramps and elevators to the below train station. After clearing passport control departing passengers are treated to an enormous transit lounge with a plethora of restaurants and shops under one roof.

(more…)

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I’m a big fan of Patrick Smith’s “Ask a Pilot” column in Salon.  Smith writes of travel from a commercial pilot’s perspective.  Utilizing his sharp wit he educates and dispels rumors about the airline industry, and also shares stories of his personal travels from around the globe.

In a few recent columns Smith has addressed the issue of the quantity of garbage created on airline flights.  Air travel has been targeted due to the pollution factor, and we’re told to be wary of our carbon output, and some airlines sell us carbon offsets to compensate our seat. 

However this low consumption outlook doesn’t seem to be followed once on board.  Meals are wrapped in two layers of plastic, and plasticware is handed out like candy at Halloween.  As Smith notes:  If I can drink juice straight out of a small container at home, why do I need a tiny cup to pour it into?

On a nine hour shy flight from Chicago to Amsterdam, (and back,) I watched as flight attendants made several rounds of trash pick ups, and each time handed out NEW cups not more than 30 minutes after collecting the old ones.

Meal elements seem to be parted from each other as if they’re in quarantine.  Why not just bundle them together 1970s TV dinner style?   FOUR different parts to this meal, and each get their own sealed plastic base and cover.

In economy class it might be understandable why you would give up a plastic cup, only to take another one 15 minutes later - and that’s because you simply have no space.   But if your tray table is down or you have a free hand - why not just KEEP your empty cup for the next round of drinks?

What’s the point of buying a carbon offset if you’re going to blow through 10 sleeves of plastic and styrofoam cups every flight?  As I’ve noted before: its silly to fret about the environment in the big picture if we ignore small easy things that have a direct and immediate action in the small picture. 

Let’s make an effort to KEEP THAT CUP through the flight.   We’ll help the environment, and save United a few pennies too.  Or maybe UAL will read this and start charging a 20 cent cup fee.

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Britain’s Telegraph had an excellent story about hostelling for families.  Why on earth would I care about that?   Stay tuned for dispatches next week when l’ll have tales of exploring Amsterdam - with my beautiful fourteen month old niece.

Yes its karma time for all the bitching I’ve ever done about kids on planes, kids in restaurants, kids stomping around in floors above you, and etcetera. 

Most British hotels that cater properly for children take the form of fancy country-house pads costing over £200 a night. Yet from our experience, cheaper places to stay rarely work well with young ones. So when we go away, like most families I know, we usually end up camping or renting a cottage.

But there is a promising-sounding alternative. Hostels may conjure up images of spartan, single-sex dorms and hardy backpackers, but at many properties this view is well out of date. Around two-thirds of the Youth Hostel Association’s 200 hostels in England and Wales offer private family rooms and about 50 have family rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

So, with family rooms costing from £36 a night, are hostels the budget accommodation answer? My partner Emily, our two boys (Edward aged two, and Arthur, five) and I thought we’d find out.

Full article “Bunking Down with the Family“

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I’ve been reading the TSA Blog on and off since it’s recent inception.  Overall it’s received a positive response even though some criticize it a late and lame attempt at PR.  But at least its a discussion allowing a dialogue from travelers and those manning, (or womanning,) security.  And as far as I know on topic comments are uncensored. 

In the blog, The Evolution of Security, the TSA, through Transportation Security Officers (TSOs,) attempt to explain common complaints such as screening inconsistencies in different airports, what criteria necessitate secondary screenings, and why certain processes are set up the way they are.

One very important concern that’s been addressed by commenters is the issue of “retaliatory screening,”  in which TSOs are accused of abusing their authority by sending, or threatening to send passengers who raise questions or concerns secondary screening.  Such screenings aren’t based on ANY security risk, but rather punishes to those who are labeled troublemakers during the screening process.  To have this brought to attention is a wonderful thing.

An aspect I am curious about is the rate of pay.  In this article, “What it Takes to Become a TSO” I posted this comment:

May I ask why the general pay rate is so low?  I don’t know exactly what it is region to region but I’ve heard as low as $12 an hour. Is that true? That may be livable in Tulsa, but not in S.F. or N.Y.  I would want someone given the task of protecting the security of our borders to make a living wage, which gives them pride and a sense of worth in their job.  And as important I don’t want them to be compromised by nefarious financial gain.  Can you give a broad range of payscale - and if it starts that low are their drastic increases upon proof of employee value?

I received a few responses including one telling me that the budget is set by Congress, and another from a TSO in Phoenix who wrote:

James- like any other government agency TSA pays it employees using a pay scale. There is always opportunity for advancement. It only takes initiative and the desire to succeed. I believe USA Jobs is advertising starting TSO pay at 24,432.00 to 36,648.00 depending on qualifications. There is also locality pay and that is dependent upon where you live.

24k to START?  I’m sorry but that is officially pathetic.  And I’m not sure if that’s even above McDonald’s wages.  Actually McDonald’s store managers do quite well, and they don’t yell at the customers as much either.  After posting that I received an e-mail from a TSO in New York who agreed with my assessment of these rock bottom rates.  Going by “John Doe” he gave me some extra things to consider in regards to employment and pay.   Although I have no way of verifying whether or not John is actually a TSO, his information seems accurate and I don’t have reason to doubt his position.  He gave me permission to post his e-mail.

1. Starting hourly wage in New York is just about $14. When I started 4 years ago, it was about $13. Not too livable for a federal employee, no.

2. quote:  “I’d want someone given the task of protecting the security of our borders to make a living wage, which gives them pride and a sense or worth in their jobs.” –>

You have no idea how good that feels to hear someone from the public finally recognize that. The public has no idea how bad it is for us.

3.  Payscale?? lol, hardly. James, I started 4 years ago making about $30,000, I JUST got raised to $36,000. It’s weak for gov’t standards. Our brothers at Customs performing similar duties start the same pay, but have annual “GS Schedule” (google it) pay raises, that increase (without actual promotion) to about $60,000 after 5 years. What am I to earn in two years? …If I even stay here. Most don’t stay.

4. Drastic pay increases based upon proof of employee value? We have a Pay for Performance system called P.A.S.S.. It’s terrible. Its too subjective and its the gov’ts way of cheating us out of a fair living wage…and they don’t want us to have collective bargaining union rights, now you see why? The last two years I’ve received an “exceeds standards” rating. I’ve gotten small percentage raises and these petty bonuses that do nothing for my “retirement salary”. (Our pension is based on salary, not bonuses ;). $1000 a year more each year is pennies in comparison to the Customs service. It’s a real kick in the face.

Thank you for asking me, it means a lot to me that OUR voice gets out there because we do all have pretty much the same opinions. Many of us are too afraid, hence, “John Doe” to open our mouths about it, especially on that TSA website because I did read the stipulations in it as far as posting and they do have your IP address on file. If you are a traveler etc. You should be fine, but if you are an employee speaking out on there, I think that could be a real no-no. Not sure really.

There you go.   Of course a logical answer by many would be “If it sucks then quit.”  But that’s not my point.  My gripe is that we HAVE high profile airport security agents in a government run position.  Pay them a decent salary, have higher hiring standards, and we’ll see less turnover and the TSOs will maintain a sense of pride in their jobs.  THAT will bring better behavior - AND better interaction with the public.

John invited me to ask any futher questions, and asked to remind him to write about the about favoritism and the quality of people being hired for these positions.   Feel free to comment with questions for “John,” and we’ll have a follow up…

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I’ve been skiing in Colorado for 12 years.  Being a Denver local almost all of my trips are by car - usually for the day or overnight.  Over that time I’ve streamlined my personal process of loading up, parking, renting with friends, and transporting gear.

The only thing that stinks about skiing and snowboarding its the amount of unwieldy “stuff” you need to keep track of.   I don’t surf, but when booting up at the lifts I often think of how great surfers have it needing only a wet suit and a board…  The only activity more cumbersome than skiing/boarding is probably scuba diving.   And like scuba diving, when skiing if you forget one item it can make for a no-go, or an expensive local purchase. 

In addition to the standard stuff like boots, boards, and clothing - weather changes quickly, necessitating warm gear, liners, and lots of small things that can easily be forgotten or get lost.  While skiing at Breckenridge recently I was thinking of an old Seinfeld episode in which Elaine’s friend drops her off after a day of skiing, but leaves her several blocks from her apartment, making a clumsy and painful walk back with her gear, skis, boots, and poles.   

Here’s how I stay organized at, to, and from, the slopes:

Duffel Bag or really large backpack: This is a must.  I use a large old duffel bag to store our snowpants, gloves, goggles, sunscreen, heat packs, long sleeve liner shirts, headbands, and other miscellaneous warm gear.  I keep this in the front closet at home, and whenever I head out for a ski day or overnight trip I just grab it and go.  I know it’s all there, and make sure it all gets back into the bag when returning home.  I store gear both new and old in the bag,  and my old stuff always comes in handy if friends need them.

Also keeping all your small gear in ONE bag means you’re not spending the night before consolidating gloves, or your ski morning searching for things in the cracks of the car.  And it’s less likely to be left behind at home, or be left in a motel room.  My only exception to this is my ski boots which I keep in the car during winter. 

Towels.  Keep a few in your ski bag.   They come in handy for freshening up at 4pm if driving home.  If you’re transporting skis in your car they’re useful for resting skis and boards on the dash and seats.  Both can scratch up the interior of your car or a rental car.  You’ll still be impaled in an accident, but hey towels also soak up blood.  Also comes in handy for spilled drinks, and when you run our of windshield wiper fluid on the highway.

Walking with your gear.   Nothing cramps up that small tendon between your thumb and forefinger like clasping two heavy ski boots together.   Buy a small carrier from a company like skitoolcompany.com,   The pictured gadget also has a tool to help clasp and unclasp your buckles.

I use a ski bag for my skis and poles, but an excellent cheap solution is to use three or four bungee cords and bundle everything together.  If you’re riding for more than a day many resorts have a “valet” at the base, which will store your gear overnight.  It’s well worth the price, especially if you have a walk to the car.

(more…)

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There’s been much chatter recently about border officers and customs officials conducting searches of your laptop.  Agents have been demanding log-ins, passwords, and running searches of file types and documents.   Various travel sites from RickSeaney at Farecompare to the Consumerist have seen active discussions and tips from readers offering various methods of circumventing these searches.

My recommendation to prevent this is to follow my one main computer mantra:  “treat all of your computers as dummy terminals,” meaning all of your content such as photos, music, documents, and writings should NEVER be stored on a PC hard drive, but rather an external and separate hard drive, or backed up to CDs and flash drives, or an FTP site.  (Preferably two or more.)     Storing off site, whether a memory tucked deep inside your shoe or your files on a server means you’ll avoid the prying eyes of our government, and never lose data should your hard drive crash.

I can’t remember which commenter from what site I read this on, but someone posted a link to the local phone numbers of the ACLU.   If you’re a U.S. Citizen arriving back home and feel that you’re being unnecessarily detained or threatened, or if you the scope your personal and property searches are excessive, you can give your local chapter a call.   Yes some may consider the ACLU the most liberal defenders of insane causes and extreme nutcases - but the same can be said for lawyers.  You’re happy to have one when needed.

Granted this might only help during daytime hours, but having a direct local person to call could generate instant action, and get a case started immediately.  Perhaps with media attention too.  I’m not one to offer legal advice, but this handy list might be a good tool to have on hand.

American Civil Liberties Union Local Affiliates.

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I think that this is a really great idea.  If you’re a seasoned travel how many times have you fidgeted in frustration behind a novice who can’t seem to empty that last pocket of change?  They’re just not sure what to keep on person versus shove through the x-ray, and have a way of slowing down the entire que. 

Likewise if you’re traveling with a large group or family, have some special items for screening, or just need some breathing room admist the crush it can be overwhelming to have pushy business travelers and light packers getting antsy behind you.

Denver and Salt Lake City are two airports taking part in a two week trial in which the traveler can select the appropriate lane for their abilities and needs.

People lining up there will see a round green sign for families and travelers requiring special assistance, a square blue sign for the casual traveler who typically carries more and heavier luggage and a black diamond for the briefcase-toting expert traveler.

“The idea is to let passengers determine - based on their experience and needs - which lane is more appropriate,” Harmon said Sunday.

In keeping with the ski analogy, which I’m assuming is an intentional reason behind choosing Denver and Salt Lake City,  line choices will be:

The green circle line: For families, groups, first-time fliers and travelers requiring special assistance
The blue square line: For the frequent traveler with a few carry-on bags
The black diamond line: For the briefcase-toting expert traveler or anyone who packs light

This will be at the north main terminal checkpoint only.   If you’ve made this “run” let me know, I’d love a review.

Full Rocky Mountain News article.   and info on SLC from the TSA Blog.

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That is in the vast region of the U.S. West.   Today they announced that beginning this April and May their Bombardier Q400s and Embraers will service new cities (from their Denver hub,) to small towns in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.  

Skiers, mountain bikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts around the country should give mad (turbo) props to Frontier.  These flights will bring (relatively) lower fares and make these towns more accessible.  Durango, CO and Jackson, WY are two of my favorite towns, however each is an eight hour drive from Denver making weekend road trips difficult.  I can’t help but wonder if they scanned through an “Outdoor Life” magazine and selected the latest “Top Ten Best Adventure Cities in the West” article.  Either way it’s great news.

Included in the new cities are:

Colorado Springs - Brings southern Colorado access to their Denver hub through this excellent small airport, and brings tourists to the Spring’s many family tourist spots.

Aspen and Grand Junction - More competition in the Aspen market, and Grand Junction serves as a gateway to western Colorado and Moab, Utah.

Durango - Located in the four corners area its one of my favorite Colorado towns, but a long drive from any major metropolitan area.  Home of Mesa Verde National Park and Durango Mountain Resort (formerly Purgatory.)

Jackson, Wyoming - easy access to the Tetons and Yellowstone Parks.   Just don’t park in Dick Cheney’s spot.

Full article from the Denver Business Journal.

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I’ve been studying up on The Netherlands in preparation for an upcoming March trip.   As noted in my previous post I’ll be staying for two weeks in The Jordaan neighborhood, and if things go as planned we’ll be enjoying our stay in a quiet canalside apartment.

One book I’ve found is “The UnDutchables: an observation of the Nederlands, its culture and its inhabitants.”  The UnDutchables is a collective written about life and culture in Amsterdam and throughout The Netherlands.   There are several editions, each updated regularly since 1989. Through a humorous look the writers take on such stereotypes as wooden shoes and tulips, and tell stories of daily life, how to assimilate and how not to.

I’ll admit I haven’t started this book yet as I’ve been busy with some other guidebooks and maps.  But I’m looking forward to reading the idioms, stories, tips, and advice.  It’s been highly recommended on Amazon for anyone spending time in the The Netherlands, no matter how brief.

More on their site at www.unDutchables.com.

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Boy that sure would make a great intro to an article about German tattoo artists.  Or the best places for body art in Amsterdam, (coming in March,) but no - this is the more Orwellian issue of requiring fingerprints to travel.

This MSNBC article discusses Europe’s reciprocation of the U.S. policies which require extensive biometric information on all travelers.

Speaking of ink I know they use a biometric pad to collect prints now,  but do they still dip your finger in ink at old timey police stations?   I haven’t been arrested lately.

MSNBC Article and excerpts…

The United States already requires that foreigners be fingerprinted and photographed before they can enter the country. So does Japan. Now top European security officials want to follow suit, with travelers being fingerprinted and some also having their facial image stored in a Europe-wide database, according to a copy of the proposal obtained by The Washington Post.

The plan is part of a vast and growing trend — especially across the Atlantic — to collect and share data electronically for the purposes of tracking and identifying people in the name of national security and immigration control. U.S. government computers now have access to data on financial transactions; air travel details such as name, itinerary and credit card numbers; and the names of those sending and receiving express-mail packages — even a description of the contents.

For several years, the United States has required that airlines flying into the country transmit detailed passenger data before the flight’s arrival. In November, the European Commission, the E.U.’s executive arm, issued the same proposal. The United States is working on an electronic travel authorization system, requiring travelers from countries where visas are not required to visit here to submit identification and travel details before departure. Now the commission is proposing something similar.

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For Colorado Rick Steves fans:  He’ll be speaking at the Lodo Tattered Cover on Wednesday, February 27th at 5pm.

His tips on travel and adventure have helped me, especially his details on small European hotels.  And as much as I enjoy Rick Steve’s take on travel and his lifetime of knowledge on traveling through Europe, I’m equally as impressed by his politics and social activism.  He’s a true American and a global citizen.  You can find some of his opinions and views in this corner of his site.  

The LoDo Tattered Cover is at the corner of 16th and Wynkoop, one block from Union Station.  Get there early - tickets will be handed out at 4pm and its first come first seated.

More at TatteredCover.com and RickSteves.com.

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This is bad news for my mom who packs several Molly Brown size steamer trunk suitcases for a week in Colorado. 

As of May 5th United Airlines will be charging $25 for your second piece of checked baggage.  However if you travel more than 25k miles a year you’re exempt from the fee.

Even though “a la carte” pricing can be beneficial in some cases,  I see more negatives with this in that carry on only travelers will be slowed at checkpoints by those squeezing more luggage onto planes in order to avoid fees.  More carry-ons equals less space for my tiny little messenger bag - all that I need for a weekend jaunt.

Also their “special handling” fee for large or fragile items moves up from $100 to $200.

Rocky Mountain News story.

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From Reuters:  Travel agency OssiUrlaub will fly you to the Baltic Sea town of Usedom, along with other nudist passengers…  Organizer Enrico Hess said:

“I don’t want people to get the wrong idea. It’s not that we’re starting a swinger club in mid-air or something like that,” he added. “We’re a perfectly normal holiday company.”

Good for them.  If the business model works then why not…  Should I ever wind up on this flight I’ll be bringing my own seat cover though.

Reuters story and blog.

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