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Podcast #111 — Seatback Recline Wars; Craft Beer Tourism

I tried to hold back, but I just couldn’t. I have to finally weigh in on the seatback recline wars. I’m stunned at the number of people who convert a couple of inches of seat movement into some sort of Manichean morality play. From that you can probably guess where I come out on this. On…

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Podcast #110 — Regional Jets Ruining My Life; Visa Hassles

Even though the weather hasn’t been bad this summer, I’ve endured a rash of flight cancellations. Digging deeper, it’s been regional jets operated by small airline “partners” that’s causing me grief. Service to mid-sized cities has moved to regional jets, making travel to these cities more problematic. Traveling to China or India can catch US travelers…

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Podcast #109 — ‘Round the World in 8 Days; Beijing Mass Transit

Just when I’d reset my body clock after a trip to Beijing, I headed off for an 8-day around-the-world itinerary. It was 44 hours of flight time, setting a new personal record for stupid travel. I learned a few new things along the way — Singapore Air flight attendants get grumpy when you don’t let them…

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Podcast #108 — Worst Travel Experiences Ever

We look back on a brutal travel winter with stories about how driving instead of flying probably wasn’t the best idea, and a completely awful United flight that ended up with a drive — but not by choice. I also talk about my recent trip to Beijing, China and my plans for a round-the-world-in-8-days itinerary…

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Podcast #107 — Serious About Hotel Reviews; TSA Gets Something Right!

Brushing aside the cobwebs to make my way back into the TravelCommons studios, we talk about the growing importance of TripAdvisor hotel reviews and the checklist I walk through when writing a review. I also continue to gush about the TSA’s PreCheck program, even if this autumn’s rapid expansion seems a bit rough-&-ready at times….

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Top 10 Holiday Travel Tips

Snow, ice, and cold temperatures have hit North America a lot earlier this year. With the crush of Christmas/New Years travel starting this weekend, here’s the TravelCommons’ top holiday travel tips… Fly Direct — This is the top tip every time I put this list together. Holiday travel stacks up problems —  high passenger load…

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Video – What to do in Madrid… in 180 Seconds

Here’s a 3-minute summary of what I liked best during my Spring 2013 visit to Madrid, Spain. Some of the places mentioned include Reina Sofia museum Plaza Mayor Mercado de San Miguel Mercado de Antón Martín Viandas de Salamanca Malasaña District Fábrica Maravillas Madrid Food Tour

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Podcast #106 — Summer Vacation in Amsterdam; Restaurant Trends

Back in front of the mic after summer vacation, I’ve continued the heavy travel schedule — New Orleans mostly with a week in Amsterdam for a family vacation. I talk about the exposure of staying in a houseboat on an Amsterdam canal and run through my personal “Best of” list. Flying out of the Gulf…

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