Some miscellaneous trip-related events:
- I think I’m going to book a day tour to Bath, Stonehenge (cue the Spinal Tap references) and Salisbury Cathedral during my time in London.
- Also on the agenda in London: going to see Ricky Gervais at Royal Albert Hall. Because I can’t pass up a chance to see one half of the brains behind The Office.
- This article in the NY Times about travelers insurance got me thinking about if I really need it or not. I know next to nothing about travelers insurance, other than the general view that it’s something of a scam. If anyone has comments about it, positive or negative, I’d be grateful for the input.
Is the future of security transparent?
OK, that’s a bit dramatic, but seriously, does this sound like a fly-by-night (pun intended) solution to long lines at airport security? Clear is a service that prescreens travelers and allows them to get through security more quickly. It costs about $100, and is only accepted at specific airports (Newark Terminal B, anyone?).
Personally, I think this could easily be exploited in the wrong hands. And let’s not forget that the reason we stand in those long security lines is in the hopes of avoiding “exploitation” by them thar bad guys.
Travel Rants makes a good point with his post about checking the weather before planning a trip. I recently read a blog where the writer is planning a trip to Scotland in March, and demanded that her rental car include air conditioning. What she didn’t consider is that Scotland is still freezing that time of year, and that she’ll be using the heat rather than the AC when driving around. Luckily, one of her commenters clued her in to her blunder.
A story in the Guardian recently about more U.K. citizens applying for Irish passports because, in part, Britons traveling abroad are now a target in the Middle East ever since the bombings in London, got me thinking about being a traveler from an unpopular country. The article focuses on those who visit the Middle East — a place I would not go to right now in these violent, uncertain times — but the theme of hiding one’s nationality can be applied in almost any travel situation.
Four years ago, my sister and I went to London for a week because (a) the flight was cheap and (b) she had a friend studying there who we could stay with for free. This was about 6 months after the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, and America wasn’t winning any popularity contests abroad (as always).
When travelling, I have never been afraid/ashamed to tell someone my nationality, but at the same time, I don’t shout it from the rooftops. I don’t care what nationality anyone else is, and I figure, for better or worse, that they probably feel the same way about me.
My sister’s friend, however, seemed to live in fear of someone finding out she was American. When we were in the house, she was her usual self, friendly and having a good time. But as soon as we stepped outside, she became reserved and mute, walking at top speed with her hands shoved in her pockets and staring at the ground before her. This is a problem when you want to sightsee and your tour guide won’t slow down for anything. This friend also wouldn’t talk in public except for a few words. It was kind of funny in a pathetic way.
More often than not, I don’t agree with America’s politics, but that doesn’t mean I shy away from saying that I’m American when asked. I feel sad for people who think they have to lie when asked where they’re from. I’ve had friends who say they won’t travel in Europe because “everyone there hates Americans.” Blind fear like that in any part of life is debilitating, and we should strive to meet it head on, not submit to it.
Geeky Traveler has compiled a list of seven tips on visiting South Africa. I have friends of a friend who are from South Africa (they’re working in the U.S. now), and the stories they tell about their country make me want to visit. Since they’re natives, though, they don’t approach visiting their country the same way an outsider does, which is part of the reason I like GT’s post.
I’m sure everyone saw this coming a mile away: increased security measures will send airline ticket prices skyrocketing (read the article). Add this to the restrictions on personal items in the cabin that are still in effect, and it’s clear that “flying the friendly skies” is a thing of the past — now it’s just about getting from Point A to Point B.
I can only hope in a year when I fly to Europe that at least iPods will be allowed on board. The thought of an 8-hour trip with only the in-flight movie for entertainment holds no appeal for me whatsoever.
As my moving date nears, I’m studying up on the safest and easiest way to travel with my pets. It’ll be a 6 hour 30 min. car ride with three cats (in carriers) and one big dog (in seatbelt harness), so pre-planning is crucial. Each year, more and more people take their pets on vacation, so there are more options available now than ever before. Here’s some sites I’ve found with helpful info:
- Pets Welcome: Includes pet-friendly hotels in the U.S. and Canada, travel tips, and attractions that will watch your pet while you have fun.
- The Humane Society of the United States: HSUS is the authority on animal wellness issues, and the pet travel part of their site is succinct and thorough.
- TravelDog.com: This site requires a $10 membership fee, but if you frequently travel with your dog, you can save up to 65% on pet-friendly lodgings, products and services.
- The Pet Center: Great section about traveling with your cat and how to deal with motion sickness and other potential problems.