Back after a longer-than-planned absence, this episode is recorded at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott in Dana Point, CA. We talk about the TSA‘s return to a hard line on shoes, the thing I miss most when I’m off the road, and the latest way for airlines to raise cash from their frequent flyer programs. Here’s Listen to Episode →

Back in front of the microphone after a week off, it’s been a light travel week. A quick down-&-back to Tampa offers the opportunity to take a 20-minute vacation on the Gulf of Mexico. A flight attendant on my flight back from Houston last week gives a smooth performance in passenger care, and a couple Listen to Episode →

Two trips but no hotels means this episode is recorded in the TravelCommons studios outside of Chicago. Rummaging through the virtual mailbag, I comment on listener e-mails and web site postings. I also talk about finding some free WiFi in Houston’s Bush International Airport and give a guided tour of my briefcase. Here’s a direct Listen to Episode →

Recorded in the Marriott Courtyard in Irvine, CA, this week’s visits to old haunts in Memphis and Huntington Beach prompts thoughts on how traveling back home is different. Also, we talk about experiences in searching for free WiFi hotspots, and a bit of puzzlement about the TSA’s ‘Registered Traveler’ program. Here’s a direct link to Listen to Episode →

Spent all week at home and ended up catching a cold from my son. This week’s topics are spurred by listener e-mails and web postings. We talk about bad experiences with rude TSA screeners, some thoughts about travel toiletries, and the cost of broadband on the road. Here’s a direct link to the podcast file. Listen to Episode →

Recorded in the bathroom of the Bellagio in Las Vegas, this special “Listeners’ Feedback” edition is 100% listener content from e-mails and website comments. I tell listener stories about carry-on luggage and troubled airplane landings, while two listeners take the mic to talk about the technology they use in their travels. Here’s a direct link Listen to Episode →

Coming to you this week once again from the Oldsmar, FL Courtyard, I’m back on the road in the first week of the new year. A listener asks about selecting a carry-on bag that meets the conflicting restrictions of airlines. We also talk about the hassle of forgetting things and have a couple of Classic Listen to Episode →

Spent the holiday week digging through the TravelCommon archives and assembled a “Best of TravelCommons 2005” episode. Starting with a medley of hotel bathrooms, we revisit some rants on the TSA, the 3-episode Sean Penn arc, and excerpts from some of the best stories of 2005. Here’s a direct link to the podcast file. [sc_embed_player_template1 Listen to Episode →