Author: mark
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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 serve you, and Manila Airport… Continue Reading →
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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 to India and Manila. All… Continue Reading →
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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. A listener lists out the… Continue Reading →
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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 factors combined with winter weather… Continue Reading →
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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 Continue Reading →
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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 Coast in the summer with… Continue Reading →
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Podcast #105 — Traveling in Spain; Return of the Hotel Lobby?
Been traveling non-stop since the last episode. One destination was a family Spring Break vacation split between Madrid and Barcelona. I talk about our experiences with booking a vacation rental and how I’ve learned to give up complete spontaneity and enjoy a couple of guided tours. I also do a mea culpa for bitch-tweeting about flight delays, but don’t think… Continue Reading →
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Podcast #104 — Status Free Fall; TSA Knife Fight
Travel has been a bit less glamorous since I’ve fallen from the top tier status, especially when I’m doing “stupid” travel — up-&-backs across the continent in 48 hours. One of my recent flights was on a new United 737-900; the interior is a significant step up. Prepping for a vacation in Spain, I find it’s easier and cheaper to… Continue Reading →