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Those fees charged by hotels called Resort Fees are referred to in the industry as drip fees. They brought in over three billion dollars in revenue for hotels last year. They really annoy me. I feel it's a shady way to get extra money from guests plus many times, they are not properly disclosed. Some feel it's a way for hotels to avoid paying taxes. I don't know about … [Read more...] about Hotels: Drip, Drip, Drip…..

Airlines have been trying for decades to find ways to get 125+ passengers and their bags on and off planes quicker. Now, Southwest Airlines is going back a couple decades hoping they can improve the process. They recently started a test at a couple of California airports where customers have the option to use a staircase at the rear of the plane. If you use the rear … [Read more...] about Southwest Airlines – back to the future.

I rarely use a debit card. I hate debt and credit card balances but I always use a credit card and pay off the balance each month. With a credit card, if there is a fraudulent charge, the bank reverses it immediately. If my debit card is stolen or the number is made public, my checking account could be wiped out within hours. Leave the debit card at home. Use the … [Read more...] about Debit or Credit Card?

Suppose you're at home or a hotel and your flight leaves in 3-4 hours. You check the airline's website and it shows, "on time." When you arrive at the airport a couple hours later, the status is now, "delayed - late plane arriving." There is a way you could have determined this before you left for the airport. Pull up www.FlightAware.com on your phone or other device. … [Read more...] about Where’s my plane?

Most travelers know about the TSA 311 rule - You are allowed to carry-on liquids less than 3.4 ounces in a one-quart bag. However, many don't know that you can have as many bottles of liquids as you can stuff into that one-quart bag. We purchase small refillable bottles at Walmart and fill each with shampoo, conditioner, sunblock, etc.. Then, we put them all inside a … [Read more...] about Getting around TSA 311 rule

The dollar is rising overseas and the Euro and Pound is falling.  The Euro is worth about 20% more to the US Dollar in just five years.  Same for the British Pound. It's not just Europe either.  Some South American countries have seen the dollar grow rapidly compared to their currency.  Argentina is one to check out. It may take time for the hotels and restaurants to … [Read more...] about Time to go to Europe!

If you live in Virginia, your state takes more vacation days than any other state.  64 % of vacation days are used each year.  The national average is just 47% Which state takes the least vacation? South Dakota where just 4.3% of vacation days are used.  Not surprisingly, just 20% of South Dakotans claim they are happy with their health and well-being. … [Read more...] about What state takes the most vacations? Which one takes the least?

I recently passed through LHR (London Heathrow airport) twice during a two week trip to Europe.  Both times, I waited over an hour to clear customs.  I was not happy. Apparently, Alex Cruz CEO of British Airways agrees with me.  He sent a letter to the London Times which was recently published.  He said the current situation is unacceptable and must improve. Thank you … [Read more...] about British Airways CEO calls customs line at Heathrow “a farce”

Viking Ocean is the ocean cruise line arm of Viking River Cruises.  River cruises are known for all-inclusive packages and Viking has extended this to their Ocean cruises. Take a Viking Ocean cruise and here are some things you won't find on their ships: No Formal Nights No White Gloves No Smoking No Inside Cabins No Casinos No Children Under 18 No … [Read more...] about **Senior Alert:** What Viking Ocean Cruise is NOT