Why and how to access an airport lounge
Spending time in airports is one of the worst parts of travel. They’re uncomfortable, loud and crowded. And even a measly bottle of water will cost two or three times as much when purchased at an airport. However, there is a more enjoyable way to pass time in an airport, whether you’re awaiting your first leg or killing time during a layover: an airport lounge. A lot of... READ MORE
Remnants of Civil War forts surround us
When out-of-town guests stay over, you may want to plan an outing more unusual than to the Lincoln Memorial, the U.S. Capitol or the Smithsonian’s museums. Instead, the Washington area’s Civil War forts can make for interesting and less crowded destinations. Around the city is a “ring of forts” — the remnants of a system of Civil War fortifications that, by 1865, totaled 68... READ MORE
Visit Richmond for its diverse museums
Once viewed as a buttoned-up town with a dark history, Richmond today is owning its past and blossoming into a vibrant metropolis that celebrates diversity of all kinds. The city’s multiple museums offer days of contemplation. One of Richmond’s many history museums, The Valentine Museum, offers an introductory overview of Richmond’s jewels, warts and wrinkles. Situated in the... READ MORE
New rules for airlines — what they mean
You’ve probably seen some coverage of the Department of Transportation (DoT) big “New Rules” announcements this past spring. Some of the coverage has been a bit over the top, but overall the new rules are good (rather than great) news for consumers. Refunds Probably the most important new rule requires airlines that owe you a cash refund to make that refund fully, promptly and... READ MORE
Hitting a homerun in Cooperstown, N.Y.
I recently got an up-close view of the types of World Series winner rings given to baseball players on the 1924 Washington Senators team and the 2019 Washington Nationals. In a display case nearby was a glove used by Bucky Harris who, in 1924, played second base for and managed the Washington Senators when they won the World Series. These almost sacred artifacts are part of the... READ MORE
Visit Scottish Highlands aboard a barge
I leaned back in my deck chair, basking in the sun and enjoying the warm breeze. Languorously I gazed at the lush Scottish scenery slowly slipping by. Wait, what? Sun? Warm breeze? Scotland? It was August, and my wife, Katherine, and I were cruising down the Caledonian Canal from Inverness, through Loch Ness, to Fort William on a colorful, retrofitted barge during what passes for... READ MORE
Solo travel still difficult, but improving
Travel is geared mainly to serve customers as couples. But for a variety of reasons, many travelers are not in a couple. In my case, I’m a widower; others include the never- married, divorced or separated; and some couples have diverse interests, so they don’t travel together. Over the years, the travel business has given short shrift to these travelers, but suppliers have... READ MORE
What to do when your flight is cancelled
You either experienced the July airline meltdown or read about or viewed some of the grief it caused, and you’re wondering what to do to make it easier if it happens again. The short answer is “not much.” It seems that airline computer systems are not the most robust on the planet, and if they’re down, you can’t even reach the airline to try to arrange a fix. You have to wing... READ MORE
Unwind along Maryland’s Eastern Shore
As I drove into the tiny town of Oxford, Maryland (population about 600), I immediately began to relax. My breathing slowed, my body slouched, and when I turned to glance at my wife, Fyllis, seated beside me, she was having the same reaction. We were looking forward to leisurely exploring the minuscule municipalities scattered about Talbot County to immerse ourselves in bygone... READ MORE
Three-day olive-harvest getaway in Spain
Standing in an olive grove in southwestern Spain, I felt a bit like Moses raising his staff and parting the Red Sea. Stick in hand, I struck an olive tree’s large limbs, and voila! A hail of ripe, green olives thundered to the ground. How different this was from the slow picking of blueberries, strawberries and even peaches on my family’s farm on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Travel ... READ MORE
Travel 2024
#Travel Tips #Airplane Travel #Eastern Shore #Maryland #Overseas #Spain #Cruises #Hudson River Valley #Travel #International
