Travel Stories

Hello and welcome to episode 222 of Travel Stories from the Back Again and Gone Podcast. Still being recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau’ Relaxo, FL. If you’re a new listener, welcome; and if you’re a returning listener, welcome back. I really need to pack a traveling microphone and go back to recording these in hotel rooms. Tonight it’s The Perimeter, the Peloton, and the Platinum LoitererThree trips of note since our last episode. The first was Savannah, Georgia, which is probably one of my favorite towns of all time. So much so that I have done multiple episodes focusing on the town; it started with Episode 9 - Savannah In The Summer, then Episode 102 - Summer Along The Georgia Coast, followed by Episode 124 - The Towns I Like, Savannah, GA.Even though I’ve spent the majority of my life near the ocean, I am not a quote-unquote beach person; give me the mountains, rivers, and lakes, and I am in my happy place. The CEO and I were married in Savannah at the Mansion on Forsyth Park, which was a Marriott Autograph property at the time- how appropriate for a road warrior to get married at a hotel and use points for everyone’s room. The mansion was sold and reopened in 2024, and now operates as Hotel Bardo Savannah. Here’s a Behind the Bardo article.Our last stay at the Mansion on Forsyth Park was the weekend before COVID turned everyone’s world upside down. We were rolling back into O-Town that Sunday afternoon, after a Saturday cooking class at the mansion with plans for me to leave for New Jersey the next day, when I got an email saying all travel was to cease and that I was responsible for letting my team know. I’m pretty sure I spent the remainder of the drive home phoning team members to fill them in on the news.If you go to Savannah in the summer, it will be hot; even though you’re on the coast, there’s very little breeze. Usually, my hotels of choice are located along Bay Street, which is close to Factors Walk or Broughton Street and one of my favorite restaurants, the Crystal Beer Parlor. The Parlor opened in 1933 as one of the first legal bars after Prohibition. While the food is great, my allure is their “Beers our father’s drank.” The list includes Old Milwaukee, Genesee Cream Ale, Ballantine, and Stroh’s, just to name a few. I remember growing up, my dad would cut the grass wearing long pants and a white “V-Neck” T-Shirt, then finish the afternoon off with a Carlings Black Label. Back to my Savannah hotel search: since it’s summer, the rates were astronomical, and Bay Street was too far from the customer’s site.I ended up at the Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Midtown, which offered everything I needed for a two-night stay, including those delicious Hilton Garden Inn wings.Most hotels will typically give loyalty members a bottle of water and a package of cookies. At the Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Midtown, I found a partially stocked fridge, likely left by the previous guest. It was two unopened bottles of Orange Gatorade and two packages of Ken’s Blue Cheese dressing. Neither of these items was consumed with my wings.The other oddity about the room was the bed’s height. I’m 5’ 8”, and I actually had to hop up to get in the bed. I’ll put a picture in the show notes.The next trip was to Knoxville, TN, which I last visited in 2018. The hotel of choice was the Hilton Garden Inn Knoxville West/Cedar Bluff. Cedar Bluff was an up-and-coming area between 2005 and 2015, but I didn’t notice much growth since my last visit. Now I did fly, so I didn’t make the I75 North drive, so there may be plenty of growth further down south.No meals worth mentioning during this visit, but the Hilton Garden Inn Knoxville West/Cedar Bluff did have storage containers in the parking lot, so they may be about to undergo renovations.Personally, I’m hoping those shipping containers contain some new fitness center equipment, as one of the treadmills and the Peloton both had “Out of Order” signs proudly displayed. Let’s talk about the Peloton Hilton relationship. I first mentioned this relationship in 2022 during Episode 178, and I recall thinking this wasn’t a good idea, as these Pelotons were going to get the dog-s beat out of them. I believe this was the first time I’ve seen a Peloton not up and running in a Hilton fitness center. This program has been so popular that Hilton is now offering an In‑Room Peloton Fitness Experience.From the press release: Hilton (NYSE: HLT) and Peloton (NASDAQ: PTON) are making it easier than ever for travelers to sustain fitness routines and goals while on the road. Through Hilton’s Connected Room Experience (CREx), guests can now access a complimentary collection of Peloton’s on-demand fitness content on their in-room TVs. Designed as an introduction to Peloton’s Instructor-led classes, this seamless offering allows travelers to stick to their wellness routines—or try new ones—while on the road. Drawing on insights from a recent Hilton survey, which found that 90% of travelers strive to maintain their wellness routines while on the road. Peloton even offers a web-based tracker so you can see which Hilton fitness centers offer Peloton’s in-room classes.The last trip worth mentioning was back to Atlanta, and the first two nights were at the Hampton Inn Atlanta NW Cumberland, which is ITP. That’s Atlanta slang; ITP stands for Inside The Perimeter and OTP stands for Outside The Perimeter, with the perimeter being Interstate 285, which is 63 miles and completely encircles downtown Atlanta.Here’s a “Perimeter” story: It was August 19, 1982, and Atlanta Braves pitcher Pascual Perez got lost heading to a home game at the Atlanta Fulton County Stadium. Perez had received his Georgia driver’s license that day and, on his way to the Stadium, accidentally got on I-285 instead of I-85. This makes sense, as Perez was called up from AAA just two weeks earlier and was new to Atlanta.Perez drove the Perimeter for 2 1/2 loops, over 3 hours and over 150 miles. He had to ask for $10 worth of gas because he also forgot his wallet. The gas station attendant recognized him and helped out. He arrived at the stadium during the National Anthem and was fined $100 for missing his scheduled start. So the Perimeter holds a special spot for Atlantans.Back to the Hampton Inn Atlanta NW Cumberland. As I entered, the desk clerk was arguing with a customer over the room they had requested. Thankfully, a second desk clerk gave me my key and a bottle of water in under 30 seconds, and I was headed to the elevator.This room had seen better days. The wallpaper around the bathroom outlet was peeled away, exposing cracked drywall. The full-length mirror that typically hangs on the wall was sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall it should be hanging on, and the door looked as if someone had tried to break in.I get that hotels age, but all of those items should have been addressed by now, and after looking at the Google reviews, my room wasn’t the exception. Probably the most frustrating thing about my room was the desk, or better yet, the desk chair; it barely fit between the bed and the desk, and had I wanted to watch TV, it would’ve been difficult since the TV was several feet behind, over my left shoulder.The last night of my Atlanta trip was a stay at the Tru by Hilton Atlanta Airport College Park. This property shares many of its resources with the Home 2 Suites, which is in the same building. The property switch was due to a few reasons. First, it’s located next to the SkyTrain, which takes you directly to the airport, saving me at least 30 minutes when returning the rental car. Second, I can turn in the rental a day early and save my company some money.My last visit to a TRU property was back in 2018, and I covered it in Episode #1, “Hello Again From Our New Home.” This really wasn’t the true first episode; it was the first episode after I moved the podcast from the Hype Orlando site to Anchor, which Spotify acquired. In 2018, I compared the Tru property to a hotel that Google would have built. There was a pool table, a Jenga game built with 2X4s, and a multitude of board games for entertainment located in the lobby. Breakfast had items like bacon jam and Nutella, plus a doughnut board with dozens of doughnuts hanging so you could get your sugar fix first thing in the morning. The rooms were extremely minimalistic, with a tiny 1’ by 2’ desk to work on, and the closet consisted of industrial galvanized pipe to hang your clothes on. Eight years later, not much has changed in the room. I left the hotel at 5:30 AM, so I never got to experience the breakfast offerings. Dinner that night was at the Brew Pointe Cafe located downstairs, where I had one of the best pulled pork sandwiches that I’ve ever had from a non-BBQ restaurant.The Hartsfield-Jackson TSA at 5:45 AM took all of 5 minutes, which again I say I will pay for the quick check-in at some point. Here’s a tip: if you are traveling through a new airport, the TSA has an app that displays wait times for TSA lines. And it’s pretty accurate. On to some travel blogosphere stories.I have spent more and more time in Atlanta, GA over the past 12 months, and as a rule, Atlanta traffic is a giant cup of suck, but it did make me wonder which US cities are the most stressful to drive in? For many of us, the most stressful city to drive in is the one we are currently living in.“According to a new study from Lemon Law Experts, Atlanta is the most stressful city to drive in, with Nashville close behind. The survey says the biggest road rage triggers are heavy traffic, aggressive lane changes, and drivers who seem to treat turn signals like optional accessories.In case you are wondering, the top 5 most stressful driving cities are:* 5 - Baltimore, MD* 4 - San Antonio, TX* 3 - Philadelphia, PA* 2 - Nashville, TN* 1 - Atlanta, GAI can’t believe that a single Florida city didn't make this list; we need to do better.The key takeaways are:89% of American drivers say driving stress shows up in their body, from a clenched jaw to a racing heart.74% of Americans would rather do household chores than drive during their city’s rush hour.62% of American drivers say driving in their city is more stressful than it was a few years ago.“If you’ve ever taken the long way home just to avoid one highway merge, congratulations — you’re living the survey results.”British Airways Flight Canceled After Crew Gets Too Drunk On Layover At an All-Inclusive. This comes from One Mile At A Time.“British Airways had a layover story that somehow turned into a safety announcement. A flight from Barbados to London was canceled after several crew members reportedly drank too much at an all-inclusive resort and were unfit to work the return trip. So instead of passengers heading home, BA had to send the plane back to London empty — which is a pretty brutal way to discover that ‘all-inclusive’ is not the same as ‘responsibility included.’ The company says it’s investigating, and four crew members were reportedly suspended. So yes, the flight was grounded by one of aviation’s oldest enemies: poor judgment and unlimited vodka.”When operating with passengers, airlines need a minimum number of crew members. And with the level of intoxication flight attendants had, they were no longer at minimums, which is why the plane had to be flown back empty.It’s worth noting that this flight would be subject to UK261 regulations. If passengers arrived at their final destination at least four hours behind schedule, which I imagine just about everyone did, they’d each be entitled to £520 ($696) in compensation, plus hotels, meals, etc.When you consider the plane had around 240 seats, the total cost incurred to the airline could easily reach $200,000, if not more.Let’s finish with a couple of “Thank You Florida” stories.One of my favorite movies is the 2009 George Clooney piece, Up In The Air. If you’ve never seen it, Clooney is Ryan Bingham, and Ryan’s job is to travel around the country, firing people. When his boss hires Natalie (Anna Kendrick), who proposes firing people via video conference, he tries to convince her that her method is a mistake.When I first entered the corporate world, we knew as soon as someone from human resources arrived at one of our remote offices, someone was getting let go. At my last company, all RIFs- that’s corporate slang for Reduction In Force, which apparently some consultant told them was less harsh than saying, “You’re fired” were done virtually through a Teams meeting for a personal touch.Up In The Air is full of wonderful quotes, and one of my favorites is when Clooney says, “All the things you probably hate about traveling – the recycled air, the artificial lighting, the digital juice dispensers, the cheap sushi – are warm reminders that I’m home.” I’m sure that I am one of the few who do enjoy the whole airport experience, but I do not consider it “Home.” Recently, a Florida Man took this quote to heart by reportedly living at Miami International Airport.Before we dive in, why would anyone want to live at the Miami Airport? Glad you asked.* You have free exercise - Ten thousand steps before breakfast, all while looking for Gate D-47, which is somehow located in another ZIP code.* There’s International cuisine - Croquetas for breakfast, empanadas for lunch, and a $19 bottle of water for dinner—assuming your credit card clears.* You have a great social life - Every day is a reunion of people crying, arguing, sprinting, or announcing that they “can’t believe this is happening.”* You don’t need an alarm clock - “Final boarding call for Flight 1836 to Bogotá” hits different at 5:12 a.m.* No need to worry about a dress code - Carry a roller bag and stare intensely at your phone. Congratulations: you look like a business traveler with a connection in Charlotte.* Don’t forget the Airport lounge aspirations - You may not be allowed inside, but you can stand nearby and imagine the tiny hummus cups are yours.* You’re spared the changing Florida weather - Hurricane coming? You’re already indoors, surrounded by snacks, charging outlets, and people who also have no idea when they’re leaving.Our Florida Man stole the suitcase from an American Airlines carousel—not to sell it, not even to take the stuff inside—but to look like a legitimate traveler. Which, honestly, is the most Miami airport thing imaginable: ‘No, officer, I’m not homeless. I’m just waiting for my Zone 9 boarding group and I’ve been waiting since July.’ According to reports, he took the suitcase into a bathroom for a while, then left using the MIA Mover. That’s not a getaway plan—that’s just an airport connection. Effectively treating airport security like “Miami International Airport had apparently rolled out a new loyalty tier: **Platinum Loiterer**.The wildest part: he allegedly still had the bag weeks later and came back to the same baggage claim area. Sir, if you steal a $9,000 suitcase to blend in, perhaps don’t return to the exact scene of the crime carrying your disguise like it’s a carry-on emotional-support Samsonite. Seriously, $9,000 in a checked bag? That suitcase was either full of designer clothes, luxury watches, or one very expensive airport sandwich.”“For our final story, we have - Florida Man Redeems Points He Absolutely Does Not Have…”A man walks into the DoubleTree by Hilton in Miami, sits down at the Italian restaurant, orders a shot of Bacardi—and then allegedly tries to charge it to Room 666. Now, I’m no hotel expert, but I do know one thing: Room 666 is usually not in the system. His card was declined, and staff reportedly described it as fake. The man then claimed, quote: “I’m the son of God.”Which raises some immediate hospitality questions. Like: Does the Son of God get Diamond status? Is late checkout until Sunday? Can he turn the minibar water into Bacardi? Because that would be really sweet. Hotel staff apparently checked the reservation system and came to the bold, controversial conclusion that this gentleman was neither registered in Room 666… nor, in fact, divinely affiliated. At that point, he reportedly put a towel over his head, demanded water, refused to leave, and got into an extended confrontation with staff and police.But wait—because this is Miami, and we haven’t even reached the valet yet. After police escorted him outside, he allegedly spotted an orange Rolls-Royce, announced that it was his car, and tried to get in—even though a woman was reportedly already sitting inside.That is confidence. Not good confidence. But confidence. Most people see an occupied Rolls-Royce and think, ‘Wow, somebody’s doing well.’ This guy allegedly saw it and thought, ‘Finally—my heavenly chariot has arrived.’ Police ultimately used a Taser, proving once again that the DoubleTree cookie may be warm, but hotel security has limits.And that’s the lesson: if you’re going to bill drinks to Room 666, declare yourself the son of God, and steal a Rolls-Royce from valet… maybe don’t do it at a DoubleTree. That’s Four Seasons behavior on a DoubleTree budget.”To sum it up, “He didn’t receive a room upgrade—he received a voltage upgrade.”Well, there you have it, Episode 222, The Perimeter, the Peloton, and the Platinum LoitererFor long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor or email me at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 221 of Travel Stories from the Back Again and Gone Podcast. Being recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau’ Relaxo, FL. If you’re a new listener, welcome; and if you’re a returning listener, welcome back.No beer this episode, as I am recording this early on Saturday morning, and I am not that much of a monster.I believe I was on a plane almost every single week during the last five or six weeks, and in reference to the last episode, possibly my luck with hotels, or at least the ones that I am staying at, has taken a turn for the better.The first trip was to Raleigh, North Carolina, for a few days, which, of course, means my go-to Hilton Garden Inn, right outside the Raleigh-Durham airport, was my lodging of choice. I’ve been at this location for many years, and it is perfectly located for all of my work interactions. There is a Sheetz gas station a quarter mile away, and Sheetz is probably, in my opinion, the only runner-up to Quiktrip; and if you need something more than what Sheetz has to offer, the RDU Galleria is right across the parking lot, which houses a food court with a solid selection of six different restaurants as well as a bar.What I like about this Hilton Garden Inn is consistency. It seems that the desk clerk has been there for at least five years, as well as the bartender who makes a mean old-fashioned, and as I always say, I believe Hilton Garden Inn has some of the best chicken wings around. The best part is it is five minutes from the rental car return, which means not having to get up super early for a suicide flight.Another trip was a quick overnight trip to Atlanta, nothing unusual because the evening traffic starts right around 1 PM and it continues well after 7 PM.The first night of my stay, I ended up staying at a Hilton property on the west side of town, and when checking in, I was offered the complimentary choice of a beverage, and I mentioned to the desk clerk, with Atlanta being the home of Coca-Cola, let me go with a sugary Coke. And that’s when the desk clerk said he had previously worked for Marriott and that Marriott properties only serve Pepsi-Cola due to the fact that years ago, Marriott needed some working capital, 10 million dollars, and Pepsi was the only one that would give them the money, and in return Marriott would only serve Pepsi products in perpetuity.I’m one that loves a good story, but I also have a really good BS detector. I knew there had to be some truth to this, but I couldn’t believe that a business that wasn’t owned by PepsiCo would lock itself into a lifelong deal for only a few million dollars. So that night I did a deep dive into the inner webs and found, yes, there was some truth to the story, but it is not all that it seems.Here’s what I found: Marriott International famously served only Pepsi products for over 30 years due to a financial rescue deal, but the hotel chain is currently transitioning to Coca-Cola products worldwide. The History Behind the Pepsi Deal is that in 1991, Marriott faced extreme financial trouble and needed money to stay afloat. The company asked its longtime beverage supplier, Coca-Cola, for a loan between $50 million and $100 million at a low interest rate. Coca-Cola declined, stating they were not in the business of giving loans. Next, Marriott approached PepsiCo. PepsiCo agreed to provide a multi-million dollar loan to support the hotel chain. In exchange for the financial lifeline, Marriott signed an exclusivity contract. They dropped Coca-Cola entirely and made Pepsi their official beverage provider in 1992. For over three decades, every Marriott lobby bar, mini-market, and fountain machine featured Pepsi products. The big switch to Coca-Cola was as of April 2026; Marriott International ended its historic 34-year partnership with Pepsi.The hotel giant signed a massive new global agreement with the Coca-Cola Company. Marriott decided to switch back to Coke for a few key reasons: Guest Preference: Marriott shared that more than 70% of its guests prefer the Coca-Cola portfolio over Pepsi.The new deal brings Coke products to more than 9,700 properties across 143 countries. Marriott chose the swap to elevate the guest experience and offer the brands travelers request most. Because the transition is rolling out across thousands of hotels, you may still find leftover Pepsi items at a few locations. Still, Coca-Cola is rapidly becoming the new default standard.Pepsi saved Marriott from bankruptcy, and Marriott honored that for 34 years. But in the end, customer preference won. Remember loyalty rules business… until the data says otherwise.Next time you’re at a Marriott and grab a soda, check the can. If it’s Coke? That’s new. If it’s Pepsi? You’re in the last few hotels still on the old deal.The last night of my Atlanta trip, I stayed at the DoubleTree Atlanta Airport, a property that I’ve frequently stayed at over the past 17 years. However, there was one change since my last stay. They now charge for parking: $25.00 for overnight parking. This is a total money grab. The parking lot looked exactly as it did during my last visit, no new asphalt and no new stripping. If an airport hotel wants to charge for parking, bake it into the room charge. Most everyone lodging at an airport hotel is a business traveler, and a parking charge means an additional entry in an expense report; yes, it’s the little things. But they did give me a cookie at check-in, and their Philly cheesesteak is nothing to pass on.Believe it or not, on my flight home, the Atlanta airport TSA pre-check took less than five minutes to get through, which I have not had happen in years, so I’m sure I will pay for that at some point.I noticed the airport was having a hard press on the Delta-branded American Express cards. Because of what I was traveling with, I had to check my bag, and as I was handing it over to the ticket agent, she said, “I noticed that you have this color of the American Express card.” She said, “If you update to this color, here are the additional benefits you get,” and she went through the benefits, some of which were enticing. Some really wouldn’t apply to me, and others I already had. So, to close the deal, she flipped over her ID badge and asked me to scan the QR code with my phone, which took me to deltaoffer.com, where I could view the various levels of American Express cards and compare their benefits. Seriously, this ticket agent spent a good three or four minutes hyping me on this, so I’m sure she was getting comped on anyone who applied and was issued a card based on her QR code.I headed off to Concourse E, which by far hands-down has the best food choices in all of the Atlanta airport, and at the top of the escalator there was yet another American Express Delta booth hawking credit cards. After lunch. I headed back to Concourse T, got off the plane train, went up the escalator, and again was presented with yet another kiosk hawking Delta-branded American Express cards. It was then that my gate was changed from Concourse T to Concourse A, and I repeated the whole process: down the escalator, walk a bit, and then up another escalator, and what do I find, but another Delta American Express-branded credit card kiosk looking for applicants.I got to my gate and opened up the webpage that the ticketing agent’s QR code directed me to and started reading about the benefits of upgrading our current card. And actually, we have two American Express cards, which I would love to condense down to one single card. After reading and considering, I decided that it would absolutely make sense to upgrade the card, as the benefits of a new level far outweighed the benefits of the current two cards that we are using. But here is the fly in the ointment: when I started thinking about it, we probably have easily 10 different monthly auto-deducts against both of those cards, and the thought of untangling that web and, in turn, retangling it with a new card made upgrading the cards a little less appealing. What American Express needs to do is find some way to migrate your existing auto deducts from your existing card to your new card.Another trip was to a new town and airport: Louisville, Kentucky. Base camp was the airport Marriott Courtyard, which still offered Pepsi products but the big standout in this hotel was their fitness center. It was equipped with a Rogue monster power rack with lat-pulldown and cable system. There were two Rogue benches, a full set of Rogue dumbbells, and a Concept C2 rower in addition to a full set of cardio equipment. It was like my own mini CrossFit box. I asked the front desk if this location double-dipped as a CrossFit affiliate, and they said no; they get asked that all the time, but that’s just what the owner decided to put in the center, and it would definitely be a reason that I would stay at that hotel again.With the hotel being located right outside the airport, I figured there would be plenty of places for dinner. I asked the front desk, and, believe it or not, all they had were an abundance of Mexican restaurants. Ended up at a place called Little Daniels and dined on a monster steak burrito, which replaced all the calories I lost at the fitness center.The last trip was another new destination and airport, and it took place right after the Fourth of July; it was Myrtle Beach. In all my years of travel, I have spent time in Brunswick and Savannah, GA; Charleston; and Wilmington, NC, plus the Outer and Inner Banks, but never in Myrtle Beach. I was looking forward to checking out the town.My hotel of choice was the Hampton Inn Myrtle Beach - Northwood, which was about 10 minutes from the airport on Highway Business 17, which I renamed “The Strip” by the third traffic light. I grew up in Fort Lauderdale during the 1980s, during the height of Spring Break, when businesses made enough money catering to college kids during those 6 weeks to keep their doors open the rest of the year. Business 17 reminded me of that exact environment, but with a few additions. The first addition was the Pigeon Forge Gatlinburg influence in the form of multiple pancake restaurants. If you need a point of reference for Pigeon Forge Gatlinburg pancakes, listen to episode 134, where the CEO and I recount our road trip up through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.The best pancake store has to be the NHOP, not the IHOP; the NHOP is better known as the National House of Pancakes. There were plenty of Eagles Beachwear locations where you could load up on touristy t-shirts, keychains, and beach towels along Business 17. There was also Sugar Life, where you could fill your candy cravings from any of its five locations on Business 17.The hotel was a typical beach-town hotel with a persistent water trail from the indoor pool to the elevators, which was left by a constant flow of kids. I did see one of those shipping containers used for remodeling in the parking lot. Still, there was no evidence of actual work taking place, so, referring back to episode 220, hotel remodeling might just be making a comeback.Thankfully, I don’t suffer from OCD, but if I did, there’s a good chance that the toiletries bottle installation in the shower would’ve put me over the edge. Not only was the spacing off, but the bottles weren’t even close to being level. Apparently, the installer forgot his level and tape measure that day.I had an early morning flight out, and wasn’t in the mood for a hotel breakfast, and since I was in the Carolinas, I decided a Bojangles breakfast was in order. It was roughly an 8-mile drive to the airport, and Myrtle Beach, being a quote-unquote tourist town, I figured there’d be a Bojangles along the way, but alas, I was wrong; in fact, there were very few fast-food restaurants. There was one McDonald’s, one Hardee’s, a handful of Starbucks, and not a single Chick-fil-A. I finally found a Chick-fil-A inside the Myrtle Beach airport. Once at the airport, I opened Google Maps and checked Business 17; there are very few fast-food chains, and almost every eatery seemed to be a sit-down restaurant.During my 48-hour stay, I didn’t have enough time to give a detailed review, but with the beach, 75 golf courses, and 20+ putt-putt golf courses, I don’t understand their motto, “You belong at the beach.” It should be “Make sure you bring your clubs.”One quick note about Myrtle Beach International Airport—don’t forget to bring your jewelry… and apparently your sense of trust issues. Because they’ve got this thing called an OpticWash, which is basically a vending machine that says, “Hey, wanna toss your valuables into a tiny washing machine and just… believe in the process?”I’m not kidding—it cleans your glasses, your jewelry, even your phone. For five bucks, you can watch your life flash before your eyes as your AirPods spin around in what looks like a hamster’s hot tub.On to a bit of travel news.There’s a school of thought out there that says if you’ve never missed a flight, you may be spending too much time sitting around airports. That sounds outrageous at first, but the argument is pretty simple: every extra hour you spend waiting at the gate is an hour you’re not spending doing anything more enjoyable, literally.Of course, the real trick is knowing when to cut it close and when to build in a buffer. For a routine trip, maybe you don’t need to treat the airport like a hostage situation. But if the flight is for a wedding, a funeral, a big meeting, or anything where missing it would be a disaster, that’s when you absolutely want the cushion.So the message isn’t “show up late and live dangerously.” It’s more like: don’t automatically arrive so early that you’ve turned the terminal into your unpaid waiting room. The smart traveler knows when a little risk saves time — and when a little patience saves the whole trip.Not sure I remember where I came across that philosophy, but here are my thoughts on spending time at the airport. I have spent 26 years traveling for business, and I have never missed a flight. That being said, during my first few years of traveling, I was paired with a coworker who prided himself on being the last person to board a flight. It was almost like a badge of honor for him, and after 6 months of this, I began grabbing a taxi to the airport for those early morning flights, and to this day I don’t think he’s missed a flight, but he is on anti-anxiety meds.A Delta flight apparently went from routine beverage service to full-on federal drama after a passenger was accused of assaulting a flight attendant because he felt slighted by being skipped for a drink. What should have been a quick “no problem, I’ll catch you on the next round” turned into the aviation equivalent of a toddler not getting the blue cup and deciding nobody else should be happy either.Instead of calmly waiting his turn, the guy allegedly escalated things so badly that the flight had to divert, which is always a great sign that your in-flight complaint process has officially entered “this is now a police matter” territory. It’s amazing how some people can turn a missed soda into a whole unscheduled stopover.So the moral of the story is simple: if the beverage cart passes you by, you do not get to respond like you’re the star of a bad reality show. In airline terms, there are very few ways to make a flight memorable, and “forcing an emergency diversion over a drink service” is definitely one of the worst.Sticking with the whole beverage snack service theme and throwing in a bit of “Thank You Florida,” we have “Flight Attendant Calls Cops On Passenger Accused of Pilfering Airline Snack Cart During Flight to Florida” from Paddle Your Own Kanoo, and that’s Kanoo with a “K”.“Air travel is the only place where stealing a snack can turn into a police escort. At my house, if someone takes chips without asking, that’s called ‘a Tuesday.’ On a Breeze flight, it’s apparently ‘Operation Snackdown.’”“Imagine the flight attendant walking down the aisle: ‘Sir, you can’t just help yourself to the snack cart.’ That’s not a warning — that’s the beginning of a very expensive lesson in airport dignity. And once the cops got involved, now you’re not a passenger anymore; you’re a man being arrested for grabbing a bag of trail mix.“The best part is he reportedly offered to pay for it after all that. Which means this whole thing could’ve been solved with the most unglamorous sentence in aviation history: ‘My bad, how much for the trail mix?’ Instead, he chose the deluxe package: handcuffs, a trespass warning and a police escort— the airline version of ‘you are no longer welcome at Snack World.’”Let’s stick with the food-related content. United Airlines Passenger Shames Flight Attendant For Eating During Boarding, Says The “Warthog” Should “Go On Ozempic.”“Nothing says ‘customer service’ like a passenger seeing a flight attendant eat during boarding and deciding to become a full-time body inspector. Boarding is the one time the crew gets to take a breath, grab a bite, and pretend the cabin isn’t a rolling stress experiment. So instead of minding his business, this guy went straight to, ‘I’d like to shame the person keeping this operation from falling apart.’”“Calling her a ‘warthog’ and telling her to go on Ozempic is not a clever roast — that’s just mean, and the irony is incredible: you’re on a plane, surrounded by people who are literally paid to make sure you land safely, and you choose to spend your energy insulting the one person eating a snack like a normal human being.”“If you’re upset that a flight attendant is eating, I’ve got great news: there is a very easy fix. Look away. That’s the entire solution. You do not need to announce your insecurities to 180 strangers at 35,000 feet.”Some people board a plane looking for legroom. This guy boarded looking for a mirror and a mic.”Well, there you have it, Episode 221, June and part of July’s travel review.For long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor or email me at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 220 of Travel Stories from the Back Again and Gone. Being recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau’ Relaxo, FL. If you’re a new listener, welcome; and if you’re a returning listener, welcome back.In this episode, I ask a very simple question, “What’s going on with hotels?” Thanks for listening.Over the past 26 years, I have probably spent, conservatively, 2000 nights in hotels, that’s a humble brag. I know for a fact that with Hilton, it’s over 1000, which is one of their requirements for lifetime diamond status, and I hit that probably seven or eight years ago. I am a lifetime Titanium with Marriott, and last time I looked, I had over 700 nights with them. Then, throw in the first four or five years when I stayed at Holiday Inn Express properties, mixed with countless conventions and company kickoffs, I would say it is well over 2000 nights.And maybe it’s me, maybe I have just hit a bad string of hotels as I am traveling in a new territory and trying to get the lay of the land, thank you Progressive Insurance’s Dr. Rick, as to where the best hotels are.Back in the good old days, I sound like my father now. I had some elite status with Holiday Inn, and I could remember every time I stayed at the Crown Plaza in Greenville, South Carolina. There would be a knock on the door, and somebody from the kitchen would be there with a plate of cheese and fruit, and a small bottle of wine. Thanking me for my status. Now you receive an automated text five minutes after you walk into your room, asking if everything is to your liking. I have no idea. I just walked into the room. Give me a few minutes to unpack.If you’ve never stayed at a DoubleTree property, one of their claims to fame is that you receive a nice warm chocolate chip cookie upon check-in. It used to be that if you had Hilton Diamond status, they presented you with a nice tin that held half a dozen chocolate chip cookies, and after almost every trip, the tin made it home with one or two cookies missing. I recently stayed at the DoubleTree by the Cincinnati airport. I was not offered a cookie and did not even see the heated cookie drawer, which is typically located behind the counter.I completely understand that we are all having to do more with less, and I’m sure you could partially blame it on COVID, as nobody traveled consistently for probably six or seven months. However, I believe some of the decline began before COVID. It used to be that most hotels had some manager’s reception, typically on Monday or Tuesday nights, since that was when most road warriors started their travel week, but those are few and far between now.One of the next changes I noticed was the shift from individual disposable toiletries to large wall-mounted dispenser bottles. My environmentalist side completely understands and agrees with not filling up the landfills; however, the hygiene side of me would prefer to be clean. On my last trip, the shampoo bottle in the shower was actually torn out of the wall and sitting on the soap tray. And the shampoo gel bottle, the most important bottle, was empty. The other thing that I miss about the individual toiletry bottles is that I would routinely bring them home, and we would donate them to the local homeless or women’s shelter. Think of it as Hilton and Marriott paying it forward.Another thing I have noticed over the last year or so of traveling is that most Hilton hotel rooms no longer have a bedside clock. Not a huge deal for most of us since we use our smartphones, or at least I do, as my alarm clock. I have no idea how many rooms there are in the Hilton hotel chain worldwide. I’m guessing over 1 million, and they’re probably paying between $10 and $15 for that bedside alarm clock. If that’s the direction they are heading, that’s easily a $10-$15 million savings by not having to replace them. Where are those savings going?Another bone of contention for many travelers is that you no longer automatically have daily room service as you did in the past. Typically, I see it is offered every other day unless you request it daily. I, for one, never have room service come into my room during my stay. If I need more towels, I can always go downstairs, but I’m not everyone, and I’m sure that there are people who want or need daily housekeeping. This has to be a direct response to COVID, as most hotel chains either furloughed or let people go during that time, and then found this to be a suitable workaround now that people are back to traveling.Now, I must hand it to Marriott and the fact that the full-service Marriott or the Renaissance Marriott locations still offer the concierge lounge, which doesn’t seem like much, but it’s a great way to start the day with a nice breakfast or wind down the day with an adult beverage and some snacks.Let’s talk about the conditions of hotels. So I’ve spent the last year traveling almost like it was 2019, and during that time, I have yet to see one hotel that was doing any remodeling or renovations, and that used to be a very common sight. There would be a few of those large shipping containers in the parking lot and a couple of hallways taped off with a drop cloth, but that seems to have gone by the wayside.On a recent trip, I went downstairs for my morning workout, and the dumbbell rack held a pair of 15-pound dumbbells and a single 5-pound dumbbell. Somehow, I don’t think somebody stole the other pairs of dumbbells, but you never know. That same fitness center also had a cable tower where you could do a variety of exercises, but it had only one handle, the other being torn off. And if you wanted to watch TV while you were working out, good luck, as the cables were just wound up in a ball hanging down from the TV set. I certainly don’t expect a Retro or a Planet Fitness, but I would expect whatever is in there to be functioning.On the same trip, but in a different hotel, still a Hilton property, there was a giant chip missing from the bathtub, and the iron in the room did not work. I went down to the front desk to get another iron, and one of the plastic plates was missing, exposing the iron’s wires. Being smart, I made sure to touch the wires to verify the iron was in working order.Same trip, third hotel, and this one was a Home 2 Suites, which typically has a small kitchen, real plates and glasses, and a mid-size refrigerator. One of the glasses still had lipstick from a previous guest. This is one of the reasons that you never use glasses that aren’t wrapped in plastic when you stay in a hotel room. I replied to the automated “Welcome” text with a picture of the glass and the comment, “It looks like someone forgot to clean this glass.” No response, no acknowledgment. I guess management didn’t have anything in the playbook for a lipstick-stained glass.Another thing I have noticed is that almost every hotel room has a QR code you can scan with your phone to tip the housekeeping staff. The first time I saw this, I was not a fan because I feel that whoever is cleaning the room should get the tip, and tips should not be pooled so that everybody gets an equal share of the tips, even if they didn’t do an equal share of the work. At the same Home 2 Suites with the lipstick glass, I actually scanned the QR code instead of leaving some cash on the counter, and on the landing page, it asks if I want to cover the $0.59 service fee so the full tip goes to the housekeeping team. I am willing to bet that part of that $.59 goes to the hotel chain, and the remainder goes to the company processing the tip. Again, it is easier to leave some cash on the countertop when I leave.What is really perplexing is that hotels are more expensive than before. We use a third-party booking site, and there is a $ 135-per-night threshold, before taxes and fees, that, if we exceed, will not notify our manager. Every single hotel room I have booked in the last 12 months has been over $135, so if we are paying more for a hotel room, why are we receiving fewer services rather than more?Some of the hotel drama is caused by the patrons. Again, it might be that grumpiness is setting in, but I have noticed more kids running up and down the hallways and slamming doors, and summer break has just started. Over the years, I’ve seen countless hotel guests leave their room service trays and Uber delivery bags outside their door. But recently, I have seen used food containers placed on the floor directly across from the elevators.I must add that the hotel staff is as friendly and helpful as ever. Reminding me of daily food and beverage credits, accommodating my late checkout requests, and still offering up local eateries to dine at.How about a few travel stories from around the blogosphere?I found this on Padlle Your Own Kanoe, and remember that’s Canoe with a “K”.So Atlanta—yes, Atlanta, the airport that already feels like a Costco on Black Friday crossed with a Delta boarding group is considering replacing the TSA with a private security company.And honestly… I don’t know whether to be excited or terrified.Because on one hand, TSA is… TSA. You show up, take off your shoes, your belt, your dignity. A guy named Todd stares at your laptop like it personally offended him. And somehow your bag gets flagged because you packed a granola bar like it’s a weapon of mass destruction.But now we’re like, “You know what would make this better? Let’s privatize it.” Because nothing says “relaxing travel experience” like turning airport security into… Comcast.“Your security screening is important to us. You are currently number 47 in line. For faster service, please upgrade to TSA Plus Premium Max.” You know they’re gonna tier it.Basic screening: You wait 2 hours, they lose your bin, and someone yells at you for having a water bottle.Premium screening: They let you keep your shoes on, but they still judge your packing choices.And then there’s the VIP tier, where a guy named Chad waves you through while saying, “You look like you’ve been through enough.”Also, can we talk about how Atlanta is the world’s busiest airport? That’s not the place you experiment.That’s like McDonald’s saying, “Hey, during the lunch rush, let’s test a new burger that takes 45 minutes.” No. That’s when you stick to the system—even if the system is yelling “LAPTOPS OUT” like it’s a CrossFit class.And I imagine the private company trying to make it… fun. “Welcome to security! Today’s theme is tropical! Please remove your shoes while Jimmy Buffett plays in the background.” No. I don’t want vibes. I want consistency. I want to know that, no matter which airport I’m in, someone will aggressively point at a bin and say, “Everything goes in here,” as I’ve never seen a container before.Also, what happens to TSA PreCheck? Are we gonna have like… “PreCheck Plus”? “Congratulations, you’ve been randomly selected for an even MORE exclusive random screening.”At the end of the day, I don’t care who runs security. Government, private company, a group of retired mall cops—I want one thing: stop making me feel like I packed wrong.I followed the rules. I Googled the rules. I watched a YouTube video from a guy named “Travel Dad 84.” And yet somehow, every time… I’m the problem.We often talk about the “Island of Me,” and what I found at View From The Wing is a perfect example of that.So this woman shows up for her flight seven minutes after it’s scheduled to depart and is shocked to find the plane gone.Not while boarding, not at “final call.” Think wheels up and gone. Passengers were already getting their ginger ale.And she’s like, “I need to get on that plane.” The appropriate response to that statement is, “Ma’am… unless you brought a jetpack and a dream, that flight is now a different podcast episode.”So what does “Tardy to the party” do? She starts shoving airline staff. Which is wild, because airline staff are the last people you want to fight. They control everything. Your seat, your rebooking, your emotional stability for the next 12 hours. That’s like yelling at your Uber driver while you’re still in their car.You have to love the logic here. You’re late… so your solution is… aggression?Like, the gate agent is gonna be like, “Oh wow, you shoved me? Totally my fault. Let me call the pilot and tell him to whip a U-turn over Cincinnati.” “Folks, we’re gonna head back to the gate—Debra has arrived.”And let’s be honest—we’ve all cut it close at the airport. But there’s a difference between “I’m sprinting through Terminal B like it’s the Olympics” and “I casually roll up after takeoff like it’s a dinner reservation.”Seven minutes after departure is not late; that’s a plan for another flight. Also, airlines don’t even play around with on-time departures anymore; they will close that door early and push away from the gate like it’s a heist movie.And I guarantee this woman was the type who skipped all the warnings, too, boarding group called, final call, gate closings, while he’s in Hudson News, like, “Do I need this neck pillow? Yeah, I deserve this.”At some point, you have to accept it; you missed your flight, it happens. You take the L, you rebook, and you quietly become the kind of person who shows up two hours early forever.We have to mention Spirit Airlines, as it was the source of so many Fight Club and Thank You, Florida segments.In case you’ve been living under a rock, Spirit Airlines is officially dead, done, kaput. The ultra‑low‑cost carrier that built its whole brand on “Bare Fare” and charging you for your own breathing rights has finally run out of runway. And honestly, the funeral should include complimentary snacks that are not $17.Spirit spent years telling us, “If you want cheap, you gotta pay for everything else.” Boarding passes were free, but your carry‑on was a separate business transaction. You could bring your own lunch, but if you forgot your Lil’ Debbies, and you needed Spirit had to sell you a mildly stale bag of pretzels for.Now that Spirit is gone, I’m just waiting for the patented “I told you so” moment from other airlines. Kind of like the way a gym bro nods at the guy who signed up for the “$10‑a‑month” plan and then never shows up.But the story of Spirit’s downfall is basically a three‑act drama: Act One, the pandemic makes everyone poor and airlines stupid. Act two, Spirit doubles down on ultra‑cheap fares to fill planes, but then competition shows up—legacy carriers figured out how to copy Spirit’s “basic economy” model and started undercutting them on Spirit’s own turf.Spirit was like, “We’re the budget kings!” and the big airlines were like, “Cool, we’ll just add ‘Pay‑Per‑Everything’ and call it Tuesday.”Then act three: high fuel prices, a failed merger with JetBlue that the government blocked because it was “too much power for budget carriers,” and finally, two bankruptcies that didn’t fix the business model, and only added legal fees.Spirit basically tried to survive on razor‑thin margins so thin they were transparent. And once fuel prices spiked after tensions with Iran, those margins turned negative.There was also talk of a government bailout, like, hey, maybe we throw $500 million at the airline that made you pay for legroom, but then the bondholders said, “Eh, we’d rather let it die than get bumped in line.”So on a random Saturday morning, Spirit taps the mic and says, “Thanks for flying Spirit, because we’re closing for good.”Flights canceled, customer service links turned into “404: Not Spirit,” and 17,000 employees suddenly realized their last job was charging people for seat selection but not for emotional support.The real kicker? Spirit was the first U.S. airline to shut down in 25 years, and it went out the same way it lived: loudly, cheaply, and slightly confusing for everyone involved.So rest in peace, Spirit. The skies are quieter, your fees are gone, and somehow, your brand lives on in the memories of every passenger who paid $40 extra to exist in the same cabin as everyone else.It’s vacation time, in case anyone has the extra cash for a vacation. It’s also time to ask the question once again, “Is it cheaper to fly or drive?”The annoying answer is, it depends. If you only look at the headline price, flying can look like the winner, especially when you see one of those weird low fares that makes you think, “Wow, I’m basically getting there for the price of lunch.” But then the airport starts collecting its fees like it’s running a toll booth on common sense.Because the real cost of flying is never just the ticket, it’s baggage fees, airport parking, rideshares, food at the terminal, and the time spent getting there two hours early because everyone now treats the airport like a hostage negotiation. That cheap flight can quickly turn into an expensive day once you add all the extras.Driving has its own hidden costs, too. There’s gas, tolls, wear and tear, maybe an overnight hotel if the trip is long enough, and the fact that your car becomes a rolling math problem. But for shorter trips, driving usually wins because you’re not paying all those airport-related add-ons. You also get more control, which is worth a lot when travel goes sideways. If your flight gets delayed, canceled, or “rescheduled” into another dimension, suddenly that nice, cheap airfare doesn’t feel so cheap.For families or groups, driving often makes even more sense because the cost gets shared. A plane ticket is a plane ticket for every person, but a car full of people can split gas and tolls. That’s why family road trips still exist, even though everybody in the back seat is one snack away from a court case.For solo travelers traveling long distances, flying can start to look better. If the drive is so long that you need a hotel, two days off work, and a playlist strong enough to keep you conscious, flying may be worth the money. The key is to compare the full trip, not just the ticket or the gas tank. If you’re only looking at one number, you’re probably missing the part where travel companies quietly reach into your wallet.So the real answer is: drive when the trip is short, the group is bigger, or you want control. Fly when the distance is long enough that your time matters more than the extra expenses. And no matter which one you choose, always assume the trip will cost a little more than you planned, because travel always finds a way to add a surprise charge.When it comes to business travel, one of my deciding factors is whether my flight has a connection. For example, if I need to go to Mobile, AL, it’s a 7-hour drive. If I fly, I get to connect in Atlanta. By the time you factor in getting to the airport early, a layover, and then picking up a rental car, it’s close to the same 7 hours, but with the added expense of a rental car and the difference between mileage reimbursement and the cost of the plane ticket. I’m certainly not making any money with mileage reimbursement, especially with the high cost of fuel.This may be one of those episodes where I look back, reflect, and chalk it all up to being older and grumpier.Well, there you have it, Episode 220, where I ask the questions. “What’s going on with hotels?”For long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor or email me at [email protected] for reading The Travel Stories Newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.As I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 219 of Travel Stories from the Back Again and Gone. Being recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau’ Relaxo, FL. If you’re a new listener, welcome; and if you’re a returning listener, welcome back.A few trips since our last episode, and two of which were new destinations, which always makes for an adventure.The first trip was a four-day trip to Lake Forest, California. Since I fly Delta, this required a layover in Atlanta and a burger at Shake Shack.It’s been a few years since my last West Coast visit, and California never disappoints. Gas prices were well north of $6.00 a gallon. And here are just a few reasons as to why.Primary Reasons for High Prices* Highest Taxes in the U.S.: Drivers pay approximately $0.90 per gallon in combined taxes. Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS): Adds roughly 17–30 cents per gallon* Special “Boutique” Fuel Blend: California mandates a unique, cleaner-burning gasoline blend that reduces smog.* And what they call “Fuel Island,” There are no interstate pipelines bringing finished gasoline into California. The state must rely on its own refineries or on expensive marine imports from Asia, which can take weeks to arrive.The Courtyard Marriott Lake Forest had at least 25 EV charging stations, and we rolled in a 9-person Chevy Suburban.The other California oddity is the clear plexiglass fences that almost every home and townhome has protecting their backyard. The reason these homes are easily $1,000,000 is that, after dropping that much cash, homeowners can enjoy the mountain views through the plexiglass fences.The meal of the trip was at Splashes in Laguna Beach. Splashes is on the beach, as in right on the sand. My dinner choice was something that I would never pass up, Braised Prime Short Rib, and it was one of the best servings that I have ever tasted. As an added bonus, they were filming an episode of one of “The Real Housewives” shows. Since I didn’t sign a release, I will not be in an upcoming episode.The following week, I enjoyed a trip to Springfield, Missouri. There were no standout meals, and the hotel was a standard Marriott. However, there were two items worth mentioning. First, I became that “guy” as I left my dress socks on the bed back at Chateau’ Relaxo, which required a trip to the Wall-Of-Mart, where I discovered that they sell real booze, not malt liquor and Fireball but Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Grey Goose Vodka. While I thought this was some sort of oddity, I discovered that when I filled up my rental car’s gas tank at the West Bypass Eagle gas station, they also sold high-octane liquor as well. So apparently, there is no need for a traditional liquor store in Springfield, Missouri. The other item is a travel tip. I have been renting cars on a consistent basis for the past thirty years, and while I always did a walk-around of my rental before I left the Hertz lot, one thing I’ve never considered is whether my rental car would pass a state vehicle inspection. Let’s set the stage. I had a 6:00 AM flight out of Springfield to Atlanta, then on to Orlando. Because there is no airline that flies directly from Orlando to Springfield. It is 3:30 AM, and I am on a country road exactly one mile from the airport when, all of a sudden, the car behind me turns on an EDM light display as I am being pulled over by the Springfield Sheriff. I’ll save you all the driver’s license and proof of insurance conversation, but my Hertz rental car had no tail lights, brake lights, yes, but no tail lights. Long story short I was given a warning and sent on my way, only to find out that TSA doesn’t open until 4:30 AM so I could’ve had an extra 45 minutes of sleep.You know you’ve hit a uniquely American travel moment when a TSA checkpoint turns into a tequila tasting. At one airport, a passenger decided her full-size bottle of Don Julio was too good to surrender, so instead of tossing it out or checking it, she started chugging it right there in line. The joke writes itself: TSA said “no liquids,” and she apparently heard “challenge accepted.” And honestly, there’s something so wonderfully chaotic about the whole scene — because this wasn’t a tiny souvenir bottle or a last-minute airport snack, it was a full commitment to the bit. According to the report, drinking that much 40% liquor in one shot is no small thing, and it definitely turned an ordinary security line into a viral spectacle. It also shines a light on the absurdity of the 3.4-ounce liquid rule, which has had travelers tossing out everything from water bottles to shampoo for years. So, congratulations to this traveler for finding the most dramatic possible workaround… though it’s probably not the kind of airport strategy anyone should be putting on their packing list.“The internet did what it does best — turned a TSA meltdown into comedy content. Some people thought it was hilarious, others thought it was ridiculous, but everybody had an opinion.”This came to us via “View From The Wing”A man recently decided that 11 hours at an airport bar was the perfect pre-game for a Delta flight, only to discover that the “party” didn’t quite make it to cruising altitude. Upon boarding, he immediately tried to liven up the cabin by smacking a sleeping passenger’s head and yanking another’s headphones out, all while loudly announcing that he was creating a “party flight”.When a flight attendant intervened, the man confidently threatened to never fly Delta again—a “punishment” the crew seemed perfectly happy to accept, promptly showing him the door. Even as he was escorted off, he tried to start a passenger revolt, begging his fellow travelers to abandon the flight and join him back at the bar. To his likely dismay, not a single person joined his movement, proving that while he had the stamina for an 11-hour drinking session, he severely lacked the charisma to lead a mutinyAnd with most of these posts, much of the comedy gold exists in the comments from readers - Christian posted:11 Hours at the bar. The guy really was trying to prove that you can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning, I guess.View From The Wing also gave us our first “Thank You Florida” story.On a recent flight from Zurich to Miami, a passenger named Guillaume Mattler reportedly turned a long-haul journey into a criminal case. While the victim was asleep, Mattler allegedly began groping her, an act noticed by both other passengers and a flight attendant who promptly intervened to separate the two.Following his relocation to the back of the plane, Mattler allegedly returned to the victim’s seat area under the guise of retrieving his belongings. During this interaction, he handed her a handwritten note that read, “You look beautiful when you are sleeping.”When confronted by federal authorities upon landing, Mattler claimed he was simply trying to strike up a conversation and exchange contact information. His defense—that his unsolicited physical contact and creepy note were just a romantic gesture—failed to impress the authorities. He now faces federal charges for sexual abuse, likely ensuring his future travel experiences will involve significantly less legroom and considerably more prison time.“I’m Not Smoking, I’m Just Fog‑Testing the Cabin”News flash: vaping on a plane is now the adult version of “I only tried it once!”—except instead of a grounding, you get a lifetime ban and a viral TikTok.Our hero steps into the bathroom, fires up the e‑cigarette, thinking they’ve discovered a legal loophole, and instead sets off the smoke alarm like a DIY special‑effects team. Suddenly, the flight crew is doing a full‑scale crime‑scene sweep of the plane while the rest of us just wanted to watch Moana in peace.The FAA’s stance is basically: “We wrote this law in 1988, before anyone knew what a vape was, but we meant it for all drama‑inducing vapor inhalers.” So whether you’re puffing a Camel or a candy‑flavored vape stick, the plane’s only job is to say, “Detected: fraud, fines, and video evidence.”Alaska Airlines’ response is poetry: “You’re welcome to toot your vape, just nowhere near our planes, ever again.” Meanwhile, the rest of us passengers get a bonus in‑flight show: one person, one tiny bathroom, and an entire airline’s patience going up in smoke.So next time you’re mid‑flight, ask yourself: “Is this really the setting for my personal vaping reality show?” Spoiler: the answer is always “Fly coach, not court.”This one is a bit frightening - A United Airlines Boeing 767‑400 on final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport came in dangerously low on Sunday, clipping a light pole over the New Jersey Turnpike and then striking a tractor‑trailer traveling on the highway.The plane, United Flight 169 from Venice, Italy, was coming in for a landing on one of Newark’s shorter runways amid gusty winds when its landing gear or engines contacted the light pole, which then swung into a northbound truck on the Turnpike. Dash‑cam footage shows the jet’s undercarriage or tires brushing or striking the top of the truck cab at highway speed, shattering glass and causing the driver to pull over.Injuries and damageThe truck driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, mainly cuts from broken glass, but was later released, and the cargo in the trailer was undamaged. The 767, carrying 221 passengers and 10 crew, landed safely with no injuries on board, although the aircraft sustained enough structural damage for the NTSB to classify the event as an “accident” and launch a full investigation.The plane was estimated to be only about 20 feet above the roadway at the moment of impact, which is far below the normal clearance for a commercial jet on final approach. Investigators are now reviewing the flight data and cockpit voice recorders and have removed the crew from duty while they determine whether the pilots continued an unstable approach too low, misjudged the runway, or were affected by weather, procedure, or other factors.Multiple officials have called the incident “unacceptable,” noting that the only reason this did not turn into a catastrophic crash was sheer luck—the plane could just as easily have hit a wall, a bridge, or a different vehicle, with devastating consequences.How about a science spin on the next one -Have you ever wondered how long airplane oxygen masks last? It is shorter than you think.Airplane emergency oxygen masks are designed to last about 10–15 minutes, depending on the system and the passenger’s breathing rate. We’ll come back to how hard the passenger is breathing in just a bit.Most commercial jets use chemical oxygen generators that supply roughly 10–14 minutes of oxygen once the masks deploy, which is enough time for the pilots to descend to around 10,000 feet, where the air is breathable without supplemental oxygen. The masks are not meant to keep passengers supplied indefinitely at cruise altitude; they’re a short‑term bridge while the plane drops to a safer altitude.The system is usually triggered automatically when cabin pressure drops (around 14,000 feet), and pulling down a mask starts a chemical reaction that releases oxygen for that entire passenger row. Once the reaction starts, it cannot be turned off until the chemicals burn out, which is why the duration is fixed and relatively short.Back to the breathing part. 40+ years ago, I was a firefighter, and our Scott packs, now referred to as SCBA, held about 20-30 minutes of oxygen, depending on how hard the firefighter was breathing. I’m sure that with current technical advances, they last much longer. One night, we rolled into the parking lot of a fully engulfed building fire. We pulled the gear off the truck and began entering the building. Within minutes, we heard the bell from someone’s SCOTT back go off, indicating that they were running out of air. He was breathing so hard that he drained the tank in under 5 minutes.Finishing up with thisAn airport worker in Charlotte swiped $5,000 worth of David Yurman diamond jewelry from a passenger’s checked bag during a layover, then tried flipping it on Facebook Marketplace like a shady garage sale.Picture this: a traveler’s suitcase gets unzipped in the secure baggage area on April 11. Poof—her sparkly collection vanishes. Enter Reyes-Garcia, the baggage staffer with a Facebook alias “Alonys Garcia,” posting the exact stolen pieces as a bundle for quick cash.Cops spot the listing, track him down, and hear his gem of a defense: “I found it!” Yeah, right—found it zipped inside someone else’s bag in a restricted zone. Like claiming you “found” the last donut in the break room.He got busted faster than a carry-on at security. Moral of the story? Pack your bling in your personal item, or wear it through the metal detector and blind the TSA with your shine.Why do people insist on checking high-value items like jewelry in their checked bags? I’m a watch guy, but if I’m taking two or three with me, they go in my carry-on, not checked baggage.Well, there you have it, Episode 219, a bunch of travel updates.For long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor or email me at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 217 of Travel Stories from the Back Again and Gone. Being recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau’ Relaxo, FL. If you’re a new listener, welcome; and if you’re a returning listener, welcome back.No beer, as I am recording this at 9:00 AM, and I am not that much of a monster.Yes, late again in getting the crazy travel round-up out, but it’s been that busy. Just a handful of trips in January. One trip was to Mobile, AL, where I had the most amazing jerk chicken at Jamaican Vibes Restaurant. Another trip to Raleigh, NC, where I escaped the January 2026 Snowmageddon. And a recent trip to Palm Beach, FL, in February. If you didn’t know it, seasonal rates are in full effect in Thank you, Florida, with Hampton Inn’s reservations for over $300.00 per night. I ended up staying at the Residence Inn by Marriott Palm Beach Gardens. This was a typical Marriott property, but two things really irked me. First, they charge for parking in an open lot that’s shared with an office complex. I could’ve avoided the parking charge by saying I arrived via ride-share. Just tack the $10.00 on my bill so I don’t have to itemize it on my expense report.The bigger irk was that a co-worker made reservations for all three of us, and they ran all three rooms under his credit card the night before we checked in. I’m Lifetime Titanium, humble brag, and have been staying at Marriott properties for 25 years, and we have always transferred the room charge to our own credit card at checkout. The worst part is now this coworker has to explain to finance why he has two additional rooms on his expense report.Let’s open with a “Thank You, Florida Story from Live And Let’s Fly - United Passenger Takes Off Pants During Boarding On Orlando Flight, Crew Allegedly Does NothingA passenger on a United Airlines flight to Orlando reportedly decided that pants were optional during boarding. Some might call it a bold choice; we call it Florida formal.According to eyewitness accounts, the individual had already committed to going pants‑free by the time they reached their seat — this was not a mid‑flight plot twist. Fellow passengers did what modern society demands:took a photo and immediately sent it to the internet.The most surprising part?No immediate intervention from the flight crew, which sparked debate over airline policies and basic “inside voice / outside clothes” expectations. United’s own rules allow staff to step in if someone is “not properly clothed,” which raises the philosophical question: What is “proper,” really, at 35,000 feet?The comments, as you would expect, were gold: “Why do airlines even have rules anymore?”“He’s not 400 lbs. wearing leggings and a tube top, so, no harm done.”And from Todd S - I would drop to my knees and thank Jesus if a guy sat next to me in underwear. Heck, not even good looking, but a guy in undies. woof!!! Would make that long flight go by quickly!!!!! Sign me up, please!!!Bonus takeaway: Flight attendants now apparently have another unofficial pre‑flight checklist item… and it’s not the life vests.Let’s stay in Thank You, Florida, for this story as well. According to BroBible, “So a woman in Florida had a dream. That dream was networking with rich, powerful people in airport lounges. And to make that dream happen, she dropped $895 a year on an American Express Platinum card—because nothing says ‘business opportunity’ like free hummus at Gate C17.She finally gets into the lounge, expecting private‑equity vibes… and instead finds what airport lounges actually are: people eating muffins, scrolling their phones, and fully unconscious under a jacket like it’s nap time at preschool. No one was networking. No one was closing deals. Nobody whispered, ‘Let’s take this to Slack.’ The most aggressive interaction happening was someone reaching for the last donut.The caption on the video said it all: ‘0 connections were made.’ Which, honestly, might be the most accurate assessment of airport lounges ever.Moral of the story? Airport lounges aren’t secret Illuminati meeting rooms—they’re just waiting rooms with better snacks and slightly less carpet shame. Your next startup co‑founder is probably still in coach.” And after 26 years of business travel, everyone knows my take on airport lounges.“So this story sounds like it was pitched in a writers’ room and everyone agreed it was too much… but it actually happened.According to View From The Wing, an elderly man was pushing his wife through Tenerife Airport in a wheelchair, trying to make a flight—until security realized she had passed away from natural causes. And yes, this is basically ‘Weekend at Bernie’s: Airport Edition.’ [viewfromthewing.com]Airport staff noticed something was off when she wasn’t responding, medical personnel were called, and authorities activated what is officially known as Spain’s ‘protocol for discovering a body’—which sounds less like a policy and more like something you never want announced over a PA system. [viewfromthewing.com]The man was questioned and later released. While the situation was tragic, the sheer logistical audacity of trying to clear airport security as if nothing were wrong is wild.This joins the growing list of reasons why airports are not the place for improv, optimism, or pretending everything’s fine.Somewhere, the ghost of Bernie is nodding in approval… and TSA is adding a bullet point to their checklist.”“Turns out the only thing you can’t bring through security is denial.”“Spirit Airlines: Fashion Police With Cup Holders”“So apparently, Spirit Airlines can kick you off a flight with no refund if they decide your outfit doesn’t pass the vibe check. Crop tops? Risky. Flip‑flops? Criminal. Meanwhile, Spirit is charging you extra to breathe and calling it a premium experience.Let’s be clear: Spirit has never cared about class. This is an airline where the seat cushion is optional, the tray table is the size of an iPhone Mini, and the boarding process feels like the Hunger Games with roller bags. But now suddenly they’re like, ‘Ma’am, this exposed midriff is unacceptable.’Spirit will let the plane smell like feet and energy drinks, but God forbid you show an ankle. They’re like, ‘Sir, you can bring a live iguana onboard for $49, but that crop top? Absolutely not.’And the real Spirit move? No refund. That’s the most on‑brand part. Not ‘please change.’ Not ‘here’s a blanket.’ Just: ‘You’re dressed like a human being in 2026—get off our plane and thank you for your donation.’Spirit Airlines: where the dress code is stricter than the maintenance schedule.”Time to show my age - I do get tired of people dressing like trash on a plane. PJs and slides may be the rage, but you look stupid wearing them on a plane. Except for the long flights, where it is the norm. The “look at me” crowd with the low cut tops, thongs showing, and guys with jeans falling off their a** are all inconsiderate of others.How about shoes, if your plane has to ground evacuate, or worse, flip-flops or slides aren’t going to protect your feet. Then you will try to sue someone for your own stupidity.Dress for the occasion or stay home.This came via X, or as I still say Twitter, sorry Elon. Have you ever sat next to that one family on a flight that turns row 17 into a full-blown catering operation? Yeah—this mom built a sandwich assembly line on a five-hour flight. Five hours! Not international, not transatlantic—just New York to Colorado—and she’s running a sky deli.She had the bread, the deli meat, the greens, and the condiments. Remember practice safe lunch, use a condiment. Tray tables down, production line ready. It looked like Subway met Spirit Airlines. The safety briefing should’ve included instructions for washing lettuce.Flight attendants were probably like: “Ma’am, we said buckle up, not buttercup.”Meanwhile, the rest of the plane’s watching her craft turkey clubs while holding a three-ounce bag of Cheez-Its, wondering why the smell of Dijon has reached cruising altitude. She brought everything short of a sneeze guard and a tip jar.But I respect it. Because airport food costs, what—$22 for a dry turkey wrap and emotional damage? This woman said, “Not today, HMSHost.”She’s the JetBlue Julia Child. Honestly, this is just the natural evolution of air travel. We started with peanuts, moved to pretzels, and now people are basically opening restaurants in the economy section.So next time I fly, I’m bringing a hot plate and a sous chef. Let’s make it a potluck at 35,000 feet. Just remember: tray tables must be in the upright and deli-slicing position.All joking aside, this was a family of six traveling together, and lunch at the airport could easily cost north of $65.00, so yes, they saved money.According to Live And Let’s Fly, a Southwest passenger at Kansas City International absolutely melted down at the counter—full volume, full profanity, threatening staff, basically acting like the customer service desk was a UFC weigh‑in. He’s yelling stuff like he’s been there since early morning and starts tossing around threats, including saying he’d “slap” someone and that the counter “ain’t saving” them. And then—because every meltdown needs a plot twist—he starts boasting “I’m from the UK,” like that’s some kind of diplomatic immunity perk you unlock at Heathrow.Meanwhile, the Southwest employees are just standing there doing the world’s hardest job: being calm while someone auditions for “Unhinged: The Musical.” And, of course… it ends the only way it can: he gets arrested.Moral of the story? If your travel plan includes threatening the gate agents, congrats—you’ve upgraded yourself to a free one‑way ride… to jail along with some chrome bracelets.In Episode 215, we talked about Hilton’s new tier, Diamond Reserve. To hit Diamond Reserve, you will need 80 nights or 40 stays AND $18,000 USD in eligible annual spend. Hilton is so proud of this new tier that it even includes a dashboard in its app to track your progress. The typical business traveler will have no problem reaching 80 nights or 40 stays. The challenge is that $18,000.00. Friend of the show Robbie Morris pointed out that all purchases on prop[erty counts towards the $18k. I did order Hilton Garden Inn chicken wings and drinks the other night, and my bill was $80.00; however, I still don’t think I’ll hit the $18k spend.None of my road warrior buddies thinks this new tier makes sense, but you know who thinks it makes sense? Chris Nassetta. Chris is the President and CEO at Hilton. Here’s what Mr Chris had to say about the new tier. “We were getting to the point where our highest level, Diamond, had millions of members,” Nassetta said, adding that “it’s really hard to reliably deliver bespoke, on-property benefits with that many people across a distributed system in 115 countries.”With the sheer volume of travelers reaching top-tier status, Hilton is now aiming to deliver a more authentic VIP experience to its most loyal guests. “That’s why we created a tier above [Diamond] — a much smaller group where we can confidently be more bespoke,” Nassetta said.”Mr Chris, you need to fire your entire marketing department immediately; this has to be one of the stupidest justifications I’ve ever heard. You have millions and millions of diamond members, and due to that, it’s really hard to reliably deliver bespoke, on-property benefits. You have a service or delivery problem that needs to be fixed. Because of this new tier, you mean the desk agent at the Hampton Inn right off 441 in Coconut Creek, Florida, is suddenly going to deliver bespoke service. According to Google, a bespoke service is a solution designed and built from scratch to meet the exact specifications of a single customer or business. Guess what you already have in your app? That’s where I selected “High Floor” and “Away From The Elevator” in my profile, and your team does a pretty good job of following through on those requests. Does bespoke service mean I can have my room cleaned every day, even if I don’t request it?Let’s continue with daily hotel room cleaning. I immediately hang the “Do Not Disturb” sign on my door as soon as I enter my room. Most of my hotel stays are three days, and I’m confident my towels won’t mildew during that period. There’s a trash can by the elevator where I can deposit the dinner containers from the previous evening. But for some, having their room serviced each day is a big deal. Case in point, years ago, we took a family trip, and the kids had their own rooms. One of the kids removed the “Do Not Disturb” sign from their room, and I questioned why. The answer was, “I need my bed made.” I informed them that you don’t make your bed at home, you’re not getting it made just because you’re in a hotel.“To Clean, or Not to Clean: The Hotel Room Dilemma”“So apparently, the biggest debate in travel right now isn’t seat recline or boarding groups — it’s whether your hotel room gets cleaned at all.According to Point Me To The Plane, hotels quietly decided during the pandemic that daily housekeeping was optional, and now they’re like, ‘Good news! You can live like a raccoon… for the environment.’ And guests fell for it. [liveandletsfly.com]Hotels call this ‘eco‑friendly.’ Unions call it what it actually is: cutting jobs while charging the same price. NPR points out that when you skip daily cleaning, housekeepers lose hours, and the rooms they do clean look like the aftermath of a music festival and a crime scene had a baby. [onemileatatime.com]Housekeepers are out here saying rooms that go untouched for days are absolute nightmares — overflowing trash, soaked towels, mystery smells — while hotels are like, ‘But did you enjoy the extra loyalty points?’Let’s be honest: most people don’t skip housekeeping to save water. They skip it because they don’t want to put on pants before noon.So now we’ve got guests pretending they’re saving the planet, hotels pretending it’s about sustainability, and housekeepers walking into rooms thinking, ‘What fresh hell is this?’Moral of the story: if you’re gonna hang the Do Not Disturb sign all week, that’s fine — just know you’re not an environmental hero. You’re just a raccoon with a minibar.”Well, there you have it, Episode 217, the January crazy travel roundupFor long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor or email me at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 216 of Travel Stories from the Back Again and Gone. Being recorded in the beautiful Hilton Garden Inn RDU, Raleigh, NC. If you’re a new listener, welcome; and if you’re a returning listener, welcome back.It’s a bit late, but it’s time for the December crazy travel roundup.Tonight I am partaking in a HI-PITCH Mosaic IPA from Hi-Wire Brewing in Asheville, NC. Hi-Pitch comes in at 6.7 ABV and turned Dry January into Damp January.This Hilton Garden Inn is one of my favorites. It’s located just outside the airport, and across the parking lot is one of the best food courts I’ve ever seen.I saw something in the HGI parking lot I’ve never seen before. When I got in my rental this morning, I looked at the car in the slot next to mine, and what caught my eye was that all of their rental papers were on the dashboard, but what was extremely unique was that they had shoved what appeared to be a dry sheet into the air conditioning vent. With that ca,r stunk, or the driver was employed by Tide.Let’s open with a Thank You, Florida story that is pure thank you, Florida.A Beechcraft 55, which is an older 4-seater plane, took off from Merritt Island on an instructional flight, then reportedly lost power in both engines and went looking for the world’s longest runway, which was Interstate 95. During the emergency landing, the plane dropped right onto a southbound Toyota Camry in the middle lane, crushed it, bounced off, and slid down the highway, throwing sparks like a Fourth of July clearance sale at KohlsMiraculously, the 57‑year‑old woman driving the Camry only had minor injuries, and the two 27‑year‑old men in the plane walked away without a scratch, making this the luckiest accidental carpool in Florida history.Of course, this happened in Brevard County, where space launches are routine, so a bonus highway landing is basically just “local color” at this point. Witnesses described it as “scary” and “troubling,” which is polite Floridian for “I will be telling this story at every barbecue for the rest of my life.- The NTSB and FAA are investigating, which in comedic terms means: someone now has to explain on paperwork how they managed to use a Camry as a landing gear accessory and still count it as a successful emergency landing.In summary, it’s the rare Florida story where a plane lands on a car, traffic still looks worse than the crash, and the only real casualty is the Camry’s resale value.This came from View From the Wing - Frontier Locks Down Boarding, Telling Passengers To ‘Snitch On Your Neighbor’ Until Hidden Dog Is Found.Frontier managed to turn routine boarding into a live‑action game of “Find That Felony Beagle,” with a flight attendant announcing that nobody was going anywhere until passengers snitched on whoever smuggled a mystery dog aboard.​During boarding, a Frontier flight attendant gets on the PA and declares there’s an undeclared dog on the plane, urging everyone to look around and rat out their neighbors like it’s jury duty for Scooby‑Doo.The cabin turns into a low‑budget whodunit: people side‑eyeing seatmates, whispering, and pretending not to be the one whose backpack just whimpered.​TSA is okay with pets at the security lines; the problem is Frontier’s own rules, fees, and paperwork, which make this less of a “national security threat” and more “someone dodged a pet surcharge.”Frontier is the same airline that once booted an emotional‑support squirrel. At the same time, its spiritual sibling Spirit famously got a student to flush her emotional‑support hamster, so the bar for weird pet drama is already somewhere under the cargo hold.​The author even recalls a Delta flight that turned back to the gate over service‑animal paperwork, proving airlines will happily burn fuel and time to chase down a dog that did absolutely nothing wrong.With a post like this, you have to visit the comments, where by the time I got to the last one, people are debating Trump, Islam, Christianity, inflation, and book bans. At the same time, one exasperated reader begs the author to remember this is supposed to be a travel site, not a Thanksgiving argument at 35,000 feet.​On this flight, the dog wasn’t the problem; the real emotional‑support animal was the drama Frontier unleashed when it turned the cabin into “Neighborhood Watch: Canine Edition.”Here in Thank You, Florida, we have the battle of the Sheriff’s. In Brevard County, we have Sheriff Wayne Ivey, who went viral when he issued a harsh warning to protesters who use violence in his county: “We will kill you graveyard dead.” Then there’s my favorite Grady Judd with his “I suspect the reason they were shot so many times is that that’s all the bullets we had.” – His most famous response when asked why deputies shot a suspect 68 times in 2006.In Valousia County, we have Mike Chittwood, and Sheriff Mike enjoys waiting at the airport for extradited individuals returning to the state, and he recently did just that.Sheriff Mike confronted Robert Goodwin at Daytona Beach International Airport, telling him, “I think it’s important you look the people you screwed over in the eyes.”​Students and families from Seabreeze High School shouted “You’re a scumbag!” as Goodwin descended the escalator after his extradition from California.​Goodwin responded briefly, saying he was “very sorry” but maintained he was “innocent until proven guilty,” offering no further explanation. Chitwood added that Goodwin had confessed to investigators, stating, “His fingerprints are all over it... He told the detectives exactly what he did.A group of 104 high school students signed up with Stone & Compass Travel for a nine-day trip to Italy and Greece for summer 2024. Each family paid at least $3,550 for airfare, lodging, and activities. Goodwin allegedly stole over $180,000.00 from these High School students and then headed to California, until he was brought back here.On a recent Nashville–Las Vegas Spirit flight, one guy decided the in‑flight entertainment would be “punch a flight attendant in the face,” and the Spirit pilot responded by auditioning for the NFL with a full‑body tackle in the aisle. Which begs the question, who is flying the plane?​A male passenger gets up, argues in the aisle, and then clocks a female flight attendant, instantly upgrading himself from “annoying” to “enjoy your lifetime Greyhound status, sir.” A pilot steps in, physically takes the guy down, and the whole thing is a textbook case of interfering with crew, which usually ends in restraints, an FBI investigation, and a permanent ban from the airline.​The story lands perfectly in Spirit’s running joke reputation: you buy the rock‑bottom fare, and sometimes you get bonus content in the form of a live‑action “don’t ever do this on a plane” training video. In addition to rock bottom fares, how about an IQ threshold before you're allowed to board the plane?In case you didn’t know, travel isn’t cheap and usually requires staying within a budget. So what happens if you exhaust your budget before the end of your trip? What happens if you’re so broke you can’t pay to get your vehicle out of the airport parking garage?Well, here’s one way to not address it. A 35‑year‑old guy at New Orleans Airport decided that instead of paying his parking fee, he’d try the “free exit via bomb threat” plan, and is now looking at up to 10 years in federal prison for what was essentially not having his card go through at the garage.​He blocked the short‑term exit when his card was declined, got moved to surface parking, then allegedly called the airport demanding they “page Hassan” and warning “we have the bomb” if they didn’t, followed by a second call where he threatened to cut the operator’s throat.​Deputies pinged the phone, found him still sitting in his Jeep in the lot like a villain who never watched CSI, and arrested him; now he faces a possible decade in prison and a six‑figure fine, all because he apparently thought terrorism was cheaper than parking.You can’t fix stupid.One Mile At A Time recently asked - Should Airlines Allow Video & Voice Calls Over Inflight Wi-Fi? The Starlink Curse…​Starlink Wi-Fi is turning airplanes into the world’s noisiest conference rooms, where free fast internet means nonstop pings, headphone-less Netflix marathons, and the occasional guy yelling “Can you hear me now?” at full volume on a Qatar Airways video call. If you can’t put the pieces together, it is a bad thing.If you didn’t know it, most airlines ban voice and video calls. The reason is to avoid cabins sounding like a New York subway at rush hour, but Qatar says “go ahead,” unleashing speakerphone warriors who talk louder than if debating their seatmate.Flyers report entire flights ruined by one oblivious dude on a marathon call or a symphony of notification dings, proving humanity’s golden rule: your device volume is always someone else’s problem.You have to feel for the flight attendants trying to police every chime in a metal tube full of strangers, especially when premium cabin Karens might complaint-file them into oblivion. Remember, this is not a good thing.Years ago, December was the month for mileage runs. If you’re not familiar, a mileage run is a flight (or series of flights) booked solely to rack up elite qualifying miles, segments, or spend toward airline loyalty status perks like upgrades, lounge access, and priority boarding, even if you have zero interest in the destination. Twenty years ago, I made several mileage runs to maintain airline status.Now get this, mattress runs are the hotel world’s version of mileage running: you check into a cheap room just to rack up loyalty points or elite nights for perks like suite upgrades and free breakfasts, even if you sleep at home afterward.A decade ago, savvy hackers would weekend-check into a $80/night Grand Hyatt Tampa twice for free global Hyatt nights, 11,000 points, and Diamond status on their own dime, which was enough to redeem Park Hyatt Tokyo for peanuts.This isn’t the great deal it once was, as room rates have skyrocketed (hello, $170.00 at the Hampton Inn). Redeeming award nights costs more points, and promos aren’t as stupidly generous, so you’re basically paying for the privilege of a lobby selfie and some status confetti or a brag tagWhen does a mattress run make sense? Only if you’re one night shy of Globalist or Platinum perks, or a promo hits like double elite nights at a dirt-cheap spot—otherwise.Take this with a grain of salt for someone who has nothing to gain from elite hotel statusIf you know, or are a frequent flyer, you more than likely have a seat strategy or preference when selecting your seat.Recently, Southern Living, which now must be covering travel, asked flight attendants what the best seat on a plane is.Flight attendants swear by the exit row window seat (think 21A or 6A on many jets) as the plane’s undisputed MVP for its endless legroom, whisper-quiet vibes, and built-in turbulence buffer from sitting over the wing.Why, the extra space lets you stretch like a VIP without knee-knockers, plus you’re out of the drink cart’s danger zone and snag early boarding perks. Plus window means naptime against a wall (no recliner invasions), and the wing smooths bumps better than the economy’s wild ride. Pro tips: the front half of the plane’s window seats rule for quick ins/outs; skip galley or lavatory aisles unless you love traffic jams.My seat strategy is as follows: When I flew Southwest, and they offered open seating, I had enough status to be one of the first 40 passengers to board, and my seat row of choice was row 9, a window seat on either side of the plane. This was for two reasons: the windows on row 9 are positioned perfectly so that I got an extra inch or two of shoulder room, and they began serving snacks on rows 1, 9, and 17.Since I’m now flying Delta, they offer the worst seat selection for their passengers, that is, unless you want to pay an extra $45.00 or $60.00 for a preferred seat. I still shoot for a window seat, and if I can’t get it I will check back every few days to see if there’s an open window seat that suddenly appears.Well, there you have it, Episode 216, the December crazy travel roundupFor long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor or email me at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Episode 215 - The Travel Year In ReviewHello and welcome to episode 215 of Travel Stories from the Back Again and Gone. Being recorded in the beautiful home office in Chateau’ Relaxo, FL. If you’re a new listener, welcome; and if you’re a returning listener, welcome back.Tonight, it’s the 2025 travel year in review.Way back in 2010, I signed up for TripIt. If you’ve never used TripIt, it ingests all of your travel-related emails and then builds a shareable itinerary. Over the past 15 years, I have traveled 668,450 miles, which is equivalent to almost 27 trips around the globe. This consists of 1856 days on the road and 527 trips. 35% of my time was traveling. These numbers don’t include the previous 10 years before 2010.1111Of those 15 years that have been tracked, all road warriors keep track of their travel numbers,In 2018, I spent more time on the road than I ever have in my 25-plus years of business travel.In comparison, these were the 2025 numbers.In the first six months of 2025, I didn’t travel due to my previous position. Ever since COVID, business travel has been down, replaced by Teams and Zoom. But you’ll hear me say it regularly: big business gets done face-to-face.Will travel return to pre-COVID levels? Doubtful, and for a few reasons. Travel is expensive. I recently tried to book a Hampton Inn in Pensacola, FL, off-season, and it was $170.00 per night before taxes and fees—the days of a $400.00 round-trip flight on a major carrier are gone. If you find a cheaper flight by the time you pay for bags, seats, etc., it’s the exact cost or close to it, as with Delta or American. Then throw in the fact that there are more flight delays now than ever before, planes are packed, and unless you’re a Delta Diamond Medallion, your chances of an upgrade are very slim. For example, I recently flew out of Atlanta, which is a bad example because everyone in Atlanta flies Delta, but the first-class upgrade list had 43 people on it. There were only ten or twelve physical first-class seats.I am a numbers nerd and a beer nerd, and I use Untappd to track the beers I drink.This past year, I drank 54 beers that I had never drunk before. Out of the 501 different styles of beer that is produced, I consumed only 19 different styles, and if you listen to any of the episodes, it’s easy to guess that my favorite style is the IPA. My top-rated beer was Bound by Time IPA from Edmund’s Oast in Charleston, SC. This was followed by local brewery Three Odd Guys and their APK, another IPA weighing in at 7.4% ABV.The worst beer of the year was on board the Norwegian Encore: a 66 by Norwegian Premium European Pale Lager that tasted like SHIP. But we selected the cruise based on the boat, not the beer they were serving.My first beer of 2025 was Rad Little Thing from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. I had subtle hints of pine, which sounds weird, and it came in at 7% ABV. Untappd awards a multitude of badges for different beer styles and for various locations where you consumed beer. In 2025, I got 65 new badges, bringing my badge total to 1525, which means absolutely nothing in the real world. I drank enough beer to fill a five-gallon mop bucket. In full disclosure, I don’t log every beer I drink, mostly new or unique beers, and most come in 4-packs or 6-packs, so do the math, it’s probably two 5-gallon buckets.My total unique beer count since 2011 is sitting at 1552.When it came to the podcast, Spotify shared some numbers. According to Spotify, my podcast audience increased 40% over the previous year. My follower count grew by 6%. The top episode was episode 210, our trip to Alaska, which was played 27% times more than the average episode. Travel Stories was listened to in 30 countries, and it is a top-ten podcast for 40 of my followers and a top-five podcast for 20 of them. This is a clear indicator that these folks need to broaden their podcast library.Most don’t know this, but I am an avid reader. I almost exclusively read non-fiction. I recently finished Disrupt Everything—and Win: Take Control of Your Future byJames Patterson, yes, that James Patterson, and Patrick R. Leddin. This is a practical guide that shows you how to use disruption as a positive force to take back control of your life and future through deliberate habits and courageous choices. Scott Payne was a guest on Joe Rogan’s podcast earlier this year, talking about his book, Code Name: Pale Horse: How I Went Undercover to Expose America’s Nazis. The book is Scott’s gripping true story of being an FBI undercover agent infiltrating violent neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups, while struggling to protect his family, faith, and sanity.I also close out each episode by directing listeners to Substack, but Substack doesn’t post any year-end numbers. However, I did pick up a handful of new Substack subscribers. Honestly, the only reason I have a Substack site is to post the show notes link and pictures. I’ve never viewed it as a legitimate blog site, which is why it’s free.This is where I typically list the trips and meals for the year.With only ten trips, most of which were destinations that I’ve been to, this was still an easy choice.The trip of the year was our Alaskan cruise, which I covered in episode 210. It’s time to sound like everyone else. If you have the chance to take an Alaskan cruise, try to do it. I wasn’t a fan of cruises, and previously, my thoughts of an Alaskan trip would’ve consisted of a fly rod and a drift boat. There was no shortage of activities, even if you never left the ship. The food on board and when we docked was over-the-top.My opinion of cruises changed with this cruise, so much so that we’re considering another cruise next fall.Here’s a new addition: the most ridiculous hotel stay of the year, which was at the Moxy Columbia, South Carolina, Downtown. I had to rate this objectively, even though I really wanted to give it 1 or 2 stars. This hotel is not designed for the business traveler. And if I had done a deep dive on the room I had selected, I would’ve found out that it was 190 ft.². You have to go down to the second floor to get an ironing board and an iron. The elevators are tiny and can only fit two people with their luggage.The day I was there, the door key system was broken, so you had to have an employee escort you back to your room every time you left. They were very gracious and took it in stride. The staff were very friendly and helpful, so don’t let that deter you from booking here.Here’s what really put me over the edge. Your only parking option is valet or a public lot. I circled the block several times and never saw a public lot, so valet it was. I’m not a fan of valet services. When I need my car, I need my car. Case in point, when I texted the valet to bring me my car, it took almost 25 minutes, and I was late for my meeting.If you are the type who enjoys a downtown loft experience, then this is the place for you. In addition, if this is the type of place for you, you would give it five stars.For the best travel meal of the year, it would be Blue Ember BBQ in Rogers, Arkansas. The first thing you notice when you get out of your car is the smell of the pit, and that’s always a good thing. I ordered the Special Ops Sandwich, which consisted of brisket, pork, sausage, BBQ beans, and a rib stacked between a buttery bun. A total fat guy sandwich.Since I’ve switched my airline of choice from Southwest to Delta, I plan to be squeezed into a Delta economy seat in the coming year.I’m a lifetime Hilton Diamond and Lifetime Marriott Titanium, so there’s not much to gain there except for a new Hilton tier, Diamond Reserve. How do you hit Diamond Reserve? Glad you asked.The requirement is 80 nights or 40 stays AND $18,000 USD in eligible annual spend. Alex, I’ll take “what’s not going to happen for $500.00.Let’s do a bit of math: $18,000 divided by 80 nights is roughly $225 per night, which is crazy for your typical road war. My tip for the 80 nights would be: if I were doing a three-night stay, I would book three one-night stays, for a total of 3 stays. Make sure when you check in, you let the front desk staff know that you have three separate reservations and that you want to keep the same room throughout, so you don’t have to pack and unpack each day. Also, you might have to have them recharge your door key each day if you don’t use their app for unlocking your hotel door.However, this does little to help with the $18,000 metric.So what do I get for Diamond Reserve? Glad you asked. Confirmed room upgrades at booking, guaranteed 4 PM late checkout, and exclusive support.I have no idea what exclusive support means, but what would be more valuable is 10 or 15 points per dollar spent while staying on the property, regardless of the credit card used to book it. I say this because most corporations require employees to use corporate-issued credit cards for travel and not personal credit cards. This means that taking out a personal-branded airline or hotel credit card that earns you additional miles or points is useless.None of the airline or hotel perks hold that much allure for me after almost 30 years of business travel. Leave all that stuff for the young baby road warriors.Since we’re talking about 2026, what’s your 2026 PTO strategy?The best way to use PTO in 2026 is to stack days next to U.S. holidays so a few PTO days turn into long, restorative breaks throughout the year.​Big-picture strategyCluster PTO around existing long weekends (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas) instead of scattering single days.​Decide your “anchor trips”: one more extended vacation, a couple of 4–5 day getaways, and a few 3-day weekends for recovery throughout the year.​2026 US holiday highlights to build aroundWinter/Spring: New Year’s Day (Thu Jan 1), MLK Day (Mon Jan 19), Presidents’ Day (Mon Feb 16) and Good Friday/Easter (Apr 3–5) can give you 4–9 day stretches with 2–4 PTO days tagged on.​Summer: Memorial Day (Mon May 25), Juneteenth (Fri Jun 19), and Independence Day (observed Fri Jul 3 + Sat Jul 4) are prime for beach/lake trips and road trips with minimal PTO burned.​Fall/Winter: Labor Day (Mon Sep 7), Veterans Day (Wed Nov 11), Thanksgiving (Thu Nov 26), and Christmas (Fri Dec 25) are perfect for one “big” trip plus year-end recharge if you wrap PTO around weekends.​Front-load one or two PTO-heavy stretches early in the year so you’re not white-knuckling it to Q4, then keep a small reserve for surprise burnout or opportunities.​Coordinate with your manager and team calendar before locking dates, especially around popular weeks like July 4 and late December, to avoid coverage drama.If your company offers float days, make sure you use them; if you don’t, someone in HR will suggest removing the benefit since no one is using them.What are my travel resolutions for 2026? I’m not sure I have any.If I were a baby road warrior, these would be my 2026 resolutions.Be a solid steward of your company’s money. In other words, don’t abuse your expense account. If you don’t eat caviar and drink high-end whiskey on your own dime, don’t do it on the company’s dime. This one resolution will take you far in your career.Become brand loyal. The man who chases two rabbits catches none. Pick your airline and hotel of choice and stick with it. Flying on various airlines and staying at multiple hotel brands will earn you a bunch of points with all those airlines and hotels, but not enough points with any single airline or hotel to do you any good.Enjoy the ride. If you are in a destination city and your meetings end early, take some time and explore the area. Find a local dive bar or brewery and roll right in. Extra points if there’s karaoke happening that evening. Talk to your boss; you might be able to take a PTO day while you’re out of town, and you can use those hotel points to cover your hotel room.This one is nerdy, but journal about your travels. Even if no one ever reads it, you’ll have a timeline of your adventures. In 2004, I started my first blog site, Fricksworld, and much of it focused on my travels. I have no idea if anyone read it, but it’s out there on the internet forever.Practice fitness when traveling. If you work out at home, continue the practice when traveling. Purchase a set of resistance bands or download a bodyweight workout template, just in case the hotel’s fitness center is a giant cup of suck. When you wake up, don’t check your email; go work out or walk around the parking lot or up and down the stairwell. You’re not in a hotel room pacing like a dad in the waiting room—when everyone’s in the operating room waiting on me to close this deal. As soon as you open Outlook, your whole morning takes a detour.What are your 2026 travel resolutions? Leave me a comment. And maybe I’ll be inspired.Well, there you have it, Episode 215, the 2025 travel year in review.For long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor or email me at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 214 of Travel Stories from the Back Again and Gone. This episode was supposed to have been recorded at the beautiful Hilton Garden Inn in Mobile, AL. However, your boy here came down with a case of the shingles and couldn’t travel, thank you, 1970s chicken pox outbreak.If you’re a new listener, welcome; and if you’re a returning listener, welcome back.This afternoon, I am partaking in a Sweetwater Brewing G13 Hazy IPA coming in at an even 6.0% ABV.Tonight, it’s the November crazy travel roundup.One turn-and-burn trip in November. It was to Macon, GA. The only thing worth mentioning is that I did not stop at Buc-ee’s on the way up or on the way back home.Onto the craziness - The source of this first story is View From The Wing.A man at the New Orleans airport apparently decided the best way to speed up TSA was to show up dressed for an MMA weigh‑in, not an airplane ride, and get this, security very much disagreed.​Early in the morning at MSY, a passenger approached the TSA checkpoint, took off his shirt, was told to put it back on, then instead peeled off his socks and squared up in a bouncing boxer stance like he was about to fight the metal detector. He then went the whole “airport fight club” route, stripping down to just his boxers, yelling, pointing, and fist‑pumping at officers while very underdressed for his boarding group.​TSA shut down two security lanes, not because of a bomb threat but because of one very loud pair of underwear, delaying a bunch of sleepy 6 a.m. travelers who had only signed up for coffee and regret, not this. Several deputies eventually showed up, restrained him, and carried him off like a budget Vegas act that ran just a bit too long.​The Legal aftermath (and the Louisiana underwear law). He was booked for disturbing the peace, but not public indecency, because in Louisiana, boxers still count as clothing, which may be the most New Orleans detail of the whole story.Of course, the online peanut gallery was classic.Commenters joked that he misunderstood post‑9/11 rules and thought TSA now needs everything off except the shoes, or that he was trying to help TSA by “using his wand” to scan passengers.Would a travel podcast be of any use if it didn’t offer up some holiday travel tips? I think not.I typically don’t head to the airport during peak travel weeks; it’s just not worth it.Money and cardsUse airline-branded credit cards waive baggage fees and offer bonus sky miles. Check whether your card offers lounge access. Most of the time, you won’t have to check because you remember that’s the main reason you’re dropping 7 or 8 hundred dollars for the card’s annual fee.Honestly, airline lounges are completely overrated; they are crowded, it’s challenging to find a seat, and those mini-eggrolls aren’t that great.Some cards also cover Clear Plus fees, making expedited security effectively free if you use the statement credits.​Airports, parking, and appsPrebook airport parking early, especially at busy hubs, thank you MCO, where some garages only accept pre-reservations once they’re near capacity.​ Rideshare is another excellent option.Install airline apps, a flight-tracking app like FlightAware, and the TSA app to monitor delays, gate changes, and security wait times.​ If you’re driving, have Waze or Google Maps loaded as wellTiming and bagsGet to the airport early and favor the first flight of the day, which is more likely to leave on time and easier to rebook from if needed.​Consider checking bags (with an AirTag inside) to keep your hands free, but read fare rules carefully if you rely on carry-ons, especially on discount airlines and basic economy.​Stuff vs. shipping and TSA rulesFor bulky gifts or gear, price out shipping (e.g., via services like LugLess) instead of paying oversize bag fees.​ We have shipped items back from week-long trips. That being said, during our Canadian trip, we ended up with about eight bottles of booze, which would have cost us over $100.00 to ship back home. We found a local Walmart and bought a one-time-use, for us, $30.00 suitcase. We wrapped that liquid gold in our dirty clothes, don’t judge, and since we were flying Southwest, that bag flew for free.Avoid wrapped presents at security, review TSA rules on liquids and food, and note updates such as Real ID requirements and changing shoe-removal norms.​Security,This is a no-brainer. Make sure you have at least TSA PreCheck. Adding Clear reduces the time you spend in holiday security lines. Remember, kids can often be added to your Clear plan for free or at a low cost.​ That being said, I have yet to realize the actual value of Clear.Sticking with the tips theme.When your flight is canceled, which at some point it will, the key moves are to quickly secure a new plan with the airline, know what you are owed, and document everything for possible refunds or claims later.​Act fast on rebooking.Don’t b***h tweet, or b***h X. Get in every “queue” at once: stand in the customer service line while also using the airline’s app and calling their customer service to search for alternate flights.​Be flexible about airports and routes (nearby airports, connections instead of nonstop) to increase your chances of getting out the same day.​Know your rights and options.Check whether the cancellation is within the airline’s control; many major U.S. carriers now promise free rebooking, meal vouchers, and sometimes hotels when it is the airline’s fault.​Review the airline’s contract of carriage and the U.S. DOT delay/cancellation dashboard to see what compensation or accommodations you should receive.​Use status, insurance, and cards.If you have elite status, a co-branded airline card, or lounge access, head to the lounge or priority desk where agents are often less slammed and more empowered to help.​​ Case in point: I recently flew out of Raleigh, and next to my gate was the Delta priority desk, staffed by an actual person. Not once over the course of 90 minutes did I ever see anyone walk in looking for help.Check your travel insurance and credit card benefits, which may cover hotels, meals, or even alternative transportation if you are stuck overnight.​Stay calm and document.Take a moment to breathe and avoid lashing out at the gate or customer service agents; being calm and collaborative tends to get better results and more creative solutions.​ A pro tip is to ensure you’re not wearing pajama pants and slides.Save all emails, app notices, and receipts for food, lodging, and ground transport, in case you can claim reimbursement from the airline, insurance, or your card later.View From The Wing recently posted - Passenger Caught On Video Fighting 4-Year-Old Over Airplane Window Shade — Which One Was Right?Here’s the 30,000’ view.A grown man and a 4‑year‑old basically reenacted a custody battle over an airplane window shade, and the only thing missing was a judge and a juice box.​A man in coach is trying to watch “Hocus Pocus 2,” not the original, when a kid in the row behind keeps reaching forward to push the shared window shade up, triggering a full-on tiny-hand vs. grown-man slap-fight over who controls the sun.​They go several rounds of shade tug-of-war while the internet watches, laughs, and mostly sides with the kid, who apparently wants to see the entire planet at once.​By standard airplane etiquette, the window-seat adult technically “owns” the shade, but wrestling a preschooler through a bulkhead isn’t exactly a great look for Team Grownup.​The sensible move would have been: ask the parent to control the grabby octopus, then let a flight attendant play referee instead of going UFC: Toddler Edition.​The article lays out six tongue-in-cheek “commandments” of window shades: up for takeoff/landing, window seat rules the shade, flight attendants are shade gods, don’t blind people, try to accommodate neighbors, and close shades in hot destinations so the next passengers don’t board into a flying Easy-Bake Oven.​In other words, yes, the adult had the technical rights, but the kid had the better PR, and everyone agrees the real villain was the missing parent and not the piece of plastic between them.Here’s a new fear unlocked.Dateline, Fargo, North Dakota. A hotel got caught turning its hot tub into a giant, bubbling Tide Pod for “lightly stained” bed sheets, and yes, that’s what everyone’s kids had just been swimming in.​ This happened at the Expressway Suites, which has a solid 4-star review on Google.Staff were filmed stirring sheets around the hot tub with a broom like some discount laundry cauldron, then cheerfully explained this was just for tiny leftover stains after the “real” wash.​Management said it usually happens after pool hours, with sheets supposedly destined for the trash, which somehow made everyone feel even worse.​The health department’s big move was basically “Okay, please stop marinating linens in the Jacuzzi,” since nobody had ever thought to write a rule saying, “Don’t do laundry in the hot tub.”​Commenters pointed out that if this grosses you out, you probably shouldn’t think too hard about what’s floating around in public hot tubs anyway.​Now, get this, the hotel did not violate any city codes, as this incident is a first of its kind. The first of its kind that the health department is aware of.Hopefully, they don’t offer complementary diaper service.The following two stories are related, and both come from View From the Wing.A woman on a long flight decided that instead of accepting her sad little coach snack, she’d open an Italian restaurant on her tray table and start hand‑making gnocchi at 30,000 feet.She whipped out flour, cracked eggs, and kneaded dough right in a shallow bowl like it was a tiny airborne countertop, while fellow passengers did their best “if I don’t look, it’s not happening” impression.By the end, she had neat little pasta pieces and absolutely no way to cook them, basically inventing emotional support from uncooked carbs.People pointed out she’d just turned the world’s germiest surface into a kitchen, dusting the cabin with gluten like an airline-sponsored snow globe.The general verdict: creative, very on‑brand for social media, and precisely the sort of thing that makes you pray for a strong upgrade list and an aisle seat far, far away.Not to be outdone, A Delta dad treated his aisle seat like a pop-up Pampers palace, dropping the tray table for a mid-flight diaper change while the snack cart rolled up smelling defeat.​He tossed a flimsy blanket over the tray, ignored the flight attendant’s “lavatory has a changing table” plea with a casual “almost done, easier here,” then gave it a half-hearted finger-wipe before folding it up for the next snack attack.​The dirty diaper chilled in the seat pocket for a bit, leaving a eau de fresh poop aroma that united parents and child-free flyers in collective horror.​Social media erupted with “disgusting,” “divorce-worthy,” and “lifetime ban” calls—even parents admitted they’d never pull this tray-table travesty.​Everyone agrees: bring wipes, use the lav, and remember tray tables are basically petri dishes on wings that haven’t seen real soap since the last eclipse.I’ve lost count of the business or corporate-style meals I’ve been involved in over the years. Every so often, the question arises, “When is ok to begin eating?”For a better answer, I asked Google for input, which spit this out. In corporate dining settings, the standard etiquette is to wait until everyone at the table has been served before starting to eat.​Follow the host’s or most senior person’s lead: once they pick up their utensils or begin, you can start, but never dive in if others are still waiting on their plates.​This shows respect, maintains even pacing, and avoids awkward solo chewing while servers hustle.If someone insists you go ahead (rare, but polite hosts might), a quick “thank you,” and start is fine—but err on the side of not looking impatient.​At my previous company, we came up with this guideline: if there were more than eight people and no senior executives, eat when it’s served so your food stays hot. If a senior executive was present, they were responsible for beginning the meal, which most did after the first plate was served.There are some logistics involved when serving large parties, the largest of which is how many servers are working the table. When we hosted the Entrepreneur’s rehearsal dinner last year, 15 attended, and we had three servers. All fifteen entrees were placed on the table in under sixty seconds. Had there only been two servers, it would’ve taken longer, and I would’ve asked everyone to begin.I told you that so I could tell what I came across on the EntitledPeople subreddit.A woman on a flight started calmly eating her pre-ordered special meal, and the stranger next to her acted as if she’d just violated the Geneva Convention of Chicken or Pasta.​Because special meals come out first, she did what any hungry human in economy would do: peeled back the foil and started eating.​Her seatmate snapped that it was “rude and inconsiderate” and claimed she’d “ruined the flight” by not waiting so they could… dine together at their separate plastic tray tables.​ At this point, I would’ve told my seatmate to kick rocks.They weren’t traveling together, weren’t friends, and definitely weren’t at a shared table—just two strangers in the same row while one of them role-played as the etiquette police of Row 23.​Everyone else’s take: on a plane, it’s not fine dining, it’s survival mode—when the food hits your tray, you eat it before turbulence, temperature, or a random Karen ruins it.Well, there you have it, Episode 214, the November crazy travel roundup. I plan to drop my annual travel year-in-review sometime before 2026For long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor or email me at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening.Thanks for reading The Travel Stories Newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 213 of Travel Stories from the Back Again and Gone. Being recorded in the beautiful Hilton Garden Inn in Columbia, SC. If you’re a new listener, a warm welcome; and if you’re a returning listener, great to have you back.Tonight, it’s the 2025 holiday gift guide.I am a self-diagnosed early adopter gear nerd, and I have the gear inventory to prove it.For returning listeners, my standard holiday gift list is still intact. Feel free to indulge an old road warrior with either of these.Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II – steel bracelet and starts at $11k if you can get an authorized Rolex dealer to sell you one.1995 Land Rover Defender – I had a chance to buy one for $30k in 1995, and I’m still bent on passing on it. Seven or eight years ago, you could pick up a gently used one for less than $70k. Now it’s north of $100,000 for one.As tempting as it is, there are a few road warrior gifts to avoid.Luggage – Unless you know your road warrior really well, stay away from buying them luggage. Yes, there are some excellent choices out there, but we all have our preferences. A friend returned a backpack because it lacked a strap to slide his luggage handle through. For me, when I buy a new piece of luggage, I do mental Tetris to make sure everything fits inside the way that I need it to.Stainless Steel Tumblers – Yeti, Rambler, Rtic, or any of those tumblers that keep ice intact for 3 weeks. We’ve all got one, three of them to be exact, and while it’s a great gift, they’re not great for traveling. Hanging out on the boat or at a neighbor’s cookout is what those behemoth steel tubes are made for.Blacklight Flashlight – While this sounds as practical as it gets, no one wants to know what germs are lurking in their hotel room. Besides, if the place looks that sketchy, I’ll check out and find some other place to stay.Anything Associated With Washing Clothes In Our Room – We don’t need a clothesline that stretches across the bathtub. Nor do we need some kind of sink stopper soap contraption. Most hotels have a washer and dryer hidden somewhere. Yet a Tide To Go Pen is a great gift.RFID Blocking Anything – I never understood the hype over this. With the introduction of chipped cards, this is even less of a necessity. Besides, if they want your information, they’ll get it.Most gifts with “Travel” in their name are useless. Travel scale, travel wallet, and travel vest immediately come to mind.Several years ago, we enacted a gift policy here at Chateau’ Relaxo. No blankets, no candles, and no tumblers were to be given as a gift. Somehow, we have more blankets, candles, and tumblers than ever before.Seriously, when buying road warrior-themed gifts, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Gift size and gift weight, and your job is to find the balance between the two, because your job isn’t to fill their suitcase or weigh it down. In addition, look for gifts that serve several functions. For example, no road warrior should carry more than one charging cable; find one with multiple connectors.When we lived at FrickFord Farms, the house was cooled with window-shaker air conditioning units, which produced a consistent hum that lulled us to sleep each evening. When we moved into Chateau’ Relaxo, we had central air, and that hum was gone, replaced by difficulty falling asleep each night. The easy fix was to purchase a sound machine, which lulled us back into La-La land. For years, we tried to remember to pack this when we traveled. One day, I stumbled across a Portable sound machine which measured 2’ X 2’, the perfect size for travel. A portable sound machine offers several distinct advantages for travelers, especially those needing restful sleep or stress reduction in unfamiliar environments.​* Improved Sleep Quality - Portable sound machines help mask disruptive noises—such as traffic, hotel hallway noise, airplane engines, or voices.​* Reduced Stress and Anxiety - By providing soothing background sounds or white noise, these machines encourage relaxation and help minimize stress or anxiety caused by new surroundings.* Versatile and Portable - Modern travel sound machines are compact, lightweight, and often rechargeable via USB, making them easy to pack and use anywhere.* Consistent Environment - Creating a familiar background sound can help maintain a consistent sleep routine, making it easier to adjust to new time zones or travel schedules.A portable sound machine enhances travel comfort through better sleep, relaxation, adaptability, and convenience, making it an essential item for frequent travelers and those who value restful nights away from home.​This falls into the size vs weight equation, a Travel-Sized Wireless Keyboard, which I am using to write most of these show notes for this episode. The main reason I never purchased one was, get this, the price, which is north of $200.00. I found one for less than $30.00, and while I was at it, I threw in an iPad-compatible pencil for $13.00. While I don’t use these every single day, it was well worth the $45.00 I spent.As I’ve gotten older, my sinuses have apparently aged as well, and for some reason, when I travel in the winter, my sinuses dry out, yeah, I know, probably TMI. If there’s a road warrior in your life with this same issue, there is a solution: a portable humidifier. Find one that uses a water bottle, since most hotels give you one or two when you check in instead of an actual water tank.Even in this digital age, I still use an ink pen and a journal, actually multiple journals. When it comes to an ink pen you don’t have to spend a bunch of money; you can, but you don’t have to. You can pay $50.00 at websites like Jet Pens or Yafa and end up with something far nicer than your father’s Cross or Parker ballpoint pen. I’ve had my first real pen for over thirty-five years, and it’s still hanging in there after having to have it repaired twice. Yes, you can break a pen and have it magically brought back to life. When it comes to a journal purchase, something that’s hard-sided, like a book with nice thick paper, so the ink doesn’t bleed through. For work, I use a Finisher’s Journal, a quarterly journal with a system very similar to a Bullet Journal. For non-work notes, my go-to is the Field Journal with Lochby cover with a brass Fisher Space pen.If you have a road warrior who travels by air and has a pair of those fancy noise-cancelling headphones, consider an AirFly Bluetooth Transmitter. It connects those fancy noise-cancelling headphones to the in-flight entertainment system. Plus, if your road warrior travels internationally, they can charge the AirFly while it’s in use, which means they could watch most of the Fast and the Furious series during the flight.Compact Travel Games - Yes, we all have smartphones with plenty of games installed. However, there’s nothing cooler than an old-school handheld game controller. You can get one from Miyoo or R36Max . The R36MAX has over 18,000 games to pick from. These run anywhere from $50.00 to $100.00.Portable Second Monitor - When COVID hit, and I became a stay-at-home worker, one of the first things I bought was a second monitor. I was amazed by how much more productive I became, or thought I became, since I could watch YouTube videos on it. When travel picked back up, it was highly frustrating to work on just my laptop’s screen. The CEO ordered me a SideTrak second monitor that hung off my laptop. It wasn’t inexpensive, and it was heavy. Fast forward five years, and you can find these for well under $100.00 and weighing less than 2 pounds.AirTags - I have recently become a fan of AirTags. All three of my dogs wear them. Two of which are Husky’s which is the Siberian word for escape artist. I have one in my backpack and in my truck. I recently came across the Elevation Lab AirTag Extended Battery Case. This is a case for your Air Tag, which is powered by 2 AAA batteries. It’s bulky, so it’s not ideal if you’re looking to conceal your Air Tag, but you won’t have to replace the batteries for 10 years. If you’re not a fan of Apple, there are plenty of other companies producing AirTag-style devices.Medicine Bag – This one isn’t exciting till you need it.* Benadryl – Great for skin irritations or making children or grandchildren go to sleep. AirBourne – I’ve fended off more colds with this stuff than I can remember.* Zyrtec – for allergies.* Zantac – for heartburn.* Top it off with some aspirin and bandages. If you want to take a medicine bag to the next level, add a sewing kit, some wet wipes, and some collar stays if they wear dress shirts.These gift guides offer genuine insight into our progress, for example, in travel.In 2016, I posted these gifts.* Amazon Fire Stick – Most hotel TVs have HDMI slots, so why not use that Netflix or Hulu account on the road? Currently, most TVs are smart TVs, which makes this useless for travel.* How about a Travel Router? When traveling, I rarely leave home without one. It converts a wired network connection into a wireless one so that everyone can enjoy. Guess what, in 2025, WiFi is everywhere, and most cell phones are hotspots.In 2017, one of the items was an Amazon Echo Dot—still an excellent item for the home, but it’s doubtful I would ever travel with one again.The 2017 highlights* WiFi Display Dongle – Whether you’re doing presentations or wanting to watch Netflix in your hotel room, a WiFi Dongle can save the day. This crazy little contraption lets you display most everything in 1080p wirelessly, which means NO HDMI cable. Again, in 2025, most TVs will allow you to screen cast to them wirelessly, but still pack a fifteen-foot HDMI cable.* Phone Tripod, UBeesize Portable and Adjustable Camera Stand Holder – This tripod will easily hold your Smartphone or GoPro, and they includes a remote so you can control your device from 30′ away—still a helpful item.In 2018, one item was the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket – I hate jackets; first, they’re bulky, and second, they’re bulky. In 2018, I picked up a Nano Puff, and I like the fact that it’s thin yet keeps me warm. I can put it in a compression bag, and it reduces to nothing. Retail is $200.00. Seven years later, I still have and wear this jacket; however, it’s no longer $200.00, but $230.00.In 2021, I suggested a pen, the Retro 51, for a rollerball, and Lamay makes a great fountain pen for less than $50.00. I have traveled with a Lamay and have never had a wet-ink accident while flying.When it comes to notebooks, I like ruled pages, no calendars, no grid patterns, and no bullet-journal-style checkboxes. I like the varying cover design of the Field Notes brand. They even offer a quarterly subscription, the gift that keeps on giving.I have traveled with a classic Moleskine notebook for at least the last 15 years, but recently switched to the Finisher Journal for work, which does have checkboxes, and I use Field Notes for personal things.These gift guides really offer a timeline into the road warrior tools. I’m sure that next year, there will be a mention of an AI product in the 2026 gift guide.Well, there you have it, Episode 213, the 2025 holiday gift guide.For long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor or email me at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Episode 212: The October Crazy Travel RoundupHello and welcome to episode 212 of Travel Stories from the Back Again and Gone. Being recorded in the beautiful Hilton Garden Inn in Columbia, SC. If you’re a new listener, a warm welcome; and if you’re a returning listener, great to have you back.Tonight, it’s the October Crazy Travel Roundup. Yes, you heard that right—after a long hiatus, the podcast is back on the road, thanks to my trusty (and surprisingly reliable) Chinese-made lapel microphone.To kick things off, I’m enjoying a Bound by Time IPA from Edmund’s Oast in Charleston, SC. At 7% ABV, it’s quickly become one of my favorites. Our local Publix seems to get just four 4-packs a week, and it’s a constant battle between me and some other rando to see who stocks up first.South Carolina’s craft brew scene has really stepped up its game over the past few years, and tonight, with a great beer in hand, I’m ready to share some of those wild October travel stories with you.Only one October trip stands out: It began with a flight into Atlanta for a quick meeting. I grabbed a rental car and hit the road for Greenville, SC, then headed to Columbia, SC. I planned to catch a late flight back out of Atlanta to O-Town, which was scheduled to land around 11:30 PM.But I wrapped up early in Columbia, SC, and got to the airport by 5:00 PM. I asked Delta if they could get me on an earlier flight, and they rebooked me on a 7:00 PM departure, getting me home by 9:30 PM—two hours ahead of schedule. Just after clearing TSA, I got a text from the Entrepreneur who is at the O-Town airport, en route to Philly. He said the airport was a complete mess and that his flight was delayed by 2 hours. Moments later, Delta sent me a notification that my 7:00 PM flight had been rescheduled to 8:30 PM, pushing my arrival to 11:00 PM—only 30 minutes ahead of the original plan. The Entrepreneur’s delays worsened, so he headed home to catch what he called the “suicide flight” out the next morning.This was all happening as the government shutdown started to take hold, on day one or two of the chaos.Fast forward to my current trip, which began on day 39 or 40 of the shutdown. With the FAA cutting flight schedules and airlines cancelling flights left and right, I decided to ditch the airports and the hassle altogether and drove down to Columbia. Even after all these years, driving on I-95 is still a grind.Point Me To The Plane recently asked - What Travel Rules Do You Use That Make Your Travels Easier?Five Travel Rules to ConsiderRule #1: Four nights minimumRule #2: Business class for flights over 4 hoursRule #3: Start with a city, end with a resortRule #4: Leave a $20 tip per night for housekeepingRule #5: Add 50% to the hotel sticker price to get the true rateI read this several times, and no actual rise-and-grind road warrior follows or actually believes in these rules.Since I figured this was a joke, here are a few of my travel rules.Rule #1: Coach is fine… unless the flight includes a mealIf they’re serving food with forks instead of pretzels, that’s the universe telling you to upgrade.Rule #2: Tip housekeeping $20 unless you’re the one who needs housecleaningBecause sometimes the room looks worse after you organize it.Rule #3: Add 50% to the hotel price, then add emotional baggage feesTaxes, resort fees, minibar guilt, and that one night you said “just one more round.” It all adds up.Rule #4: No packing list survives first contact with TSAThat carefully folded outfit? TSA’s now seen more of your socks than your spouse.Rule #5: Never trust a Wi-Fi labeled “Airport_Free_Public_Safe”That’s not free Wi-Fi—that’s a hacker with your Netflix login now. Use a VPNRule #6 Souvenirs weigh more on the way homePhysics can’t explain it. But your extra suitcase full of “local art” sure does. The same holds true with dirty clothes.Rule #7: Always act like you know where you’re goingConfidence counts. Even when Google Maps says “recalculating” for the fifth time.Bonus Rule: Never trust anyone who says “it’s a short walk”That phrase has destroyed more relationships than time zones ever could.“Remember, whether your rule is four-night minimums or twenty-dollar tips, the real rule of travel is simple: pack your patience, your passport, and a sense of humor big enough to fit in the overhead bin.”From View From The Wing we have - ‘Three Beers Later’: Delta Passenger Body Checks Flight Attendant, Twists Gate Agent’s Breast, Then Runs For It. Here are the cliff notes, or what you need to know..Move over, Love Is Blind—Delta just launched Passengers Gone Wild: SLC Edition.Meet Cody Sierra Marie Bryne, a Utah traveler who proved that boarding a plane sober is just a suggestion. After admitting to “only three beers” (because somehow 3 beers makes mayhem classy), she allegedly turned a routine Salt Lake City–Portland flight into a WWE meet-and-greet, complete with a full-body check, hair-pulling, and the aviation industry’s first recorded “gate agent purple nurple.”When ordered off the plane, she made a break for it—because nothing says “I deserve another chance” like sprinting to buy a ticket on a different airline immediately after assaulting someone from the first one. Two officers finally subdued her, likely using the phrase “You’re cut off” as their Miranda rights.Charges include sexual battery, assault, and public intoxication—but not irony, which remains legal in Utah despite clear abuse. Delta reiterated its “zero tolerance” policy, which in PR terms means they said “Wow, please don’t associate us with this,” in six carefully worded sentences.The internet’s verdict:* “3 beers” in Utah = “7 beers” anywhere else.* “Four names” = guaranteed main character energy.* “To Portland” = I’m surprised this wasn’t a dude headed to Florida.Moral of the story: never believe “Just three beers,” and never test the patience of a Delta crew armed with Biscoff cookies and zero sense of humor.For some, their subtle flex is dropping their shiny credit card onto the table when they offer to pick up the tab. If you spend any amount of time on the travel blogosphere, you will come across countless websites dedicated to which credit card is the best for travel and which credit cards offer the best points value for your purchases.For example, The Points Guy recently asked, Is the Amex Platinum worth the annual fee? My input is coming from someone who has spent close to 30 years traveling for business, so my opinions are a bit jaded.Amex Platinum statement credits and perksThe Amex Platinum offers a laundry list of statement credits that can help offset the $895.00 annual fee. That’s the excuse they use to entice you to spend the $895.00. In full disclosure, the credits amount to over $3,500 in value per year, more than triple the card’s annual fee.Hotel statement creditPotential annual value: Up to $600 when booking a prepaid stay via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection on American Express Travel®.Unfortunately, I book through Concur, so it is of no value to me.ResyPotential annual value: Up to $400Just pay with your Amex Platinum at an eligible U.S. Resy restaurant; no reservation is required. This credit alone almost covers half of the annual fee.A corporate card covers my meals when traveling.Uber CashPotential annual value: Up to $200Cardmembers receive up to $200 in Uber Cash per calendar year toward U.S. rides and Uber Eats orders.Uber Eats does hold value here at Chateau Relaxo, Uber rides not so much since we use it maybe twice a year when we travel.Uber One statement creditPotential annual value: Up to $120. I don’t need an Uber credit card.Digital entertainment statement creditPotential annual value: Up to $300Amex offers cardmembers a digital entertainment statement credit that provides reimbursement for a variety of streaming and entertainment services. For some, this is of value.Lululemon statement creditPotential annual value: Up to $300The CEO shops there, not me.Equinox statement credit and SoulCycle at homePotential annual value: Up to $300We, not I, rented a Peloton with the excuse that I can work out any time I want. We, not I, no longer rent a Peloton.Clear Plus membership statement creditPotential annual value: Up to $209I’m still not 100% sold on Clear, as I’ve yet to see any real value in it.Airline fee statement creditPotential annual value: Up to $200Each calendar year (not account anniversary), cardmembers can get up to $200 back in statement credits toward incidental fees on a single U.S. airline they designate.Technically, this credit is used toward charges such as checked baggage fees, seat assignment fees, airline lounge passes, and similar expenses, so it has minimal value.Oura statement creditPotential annual value: Up to $200This credit can only be used on hardware purchases, not the subscription. If you’re not familiar, Oura rings are smart rings that track a variety of health and fitness data. I have an Apple watch, I’m good.Saks Fifth Avenue statement creditPotential annual value: Up to $100We don’t shop at SaksWalmart+ statement creditPotential annual value: Up to $155This is a monthly $13.00 Walmart credit. I don’t think I spend $200.00 per year at Walmart.Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement creditPotential annual value: Up to $30 a yearThere is some value in this, but it’s only every four years.Most of these potential annual values are divided by 12, since you have to use them monthly or quarterly to get the full $3500.00.Here’s the one place it might just pay off —and it’s not in these vendor perks. New cardmembers can find out their offer and see if they’re eligible for as many as 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.For Chateau’ Relaxo, there might be $300.00 of value, if we remember to use the benefits every month, back to my jaded stance due to all these years of business travel. I no longer want an upgrade unless I’m flying with the CEO or traveling across the country. Hanging out in an airport lounge holds no appeal, since almost every airport offers free WiFi, and lounge snacks are marginal at best. This was solidified when my last flight out of Atlanta was delayed, and the line for the Terminal A Delta Sky Club stretched out the glass doors, wrapped around the corner, and down the concourse.I spent years chasing points. I’d apply for a new card and pay the required amount within the allotted time to earn 70,000 to 150,000 points or miles. We’ve put college tuition and a new roof on a credit card, and even purchased a car, to get those points.In the past few years, major corporations have really changed their stance on travel expenses. Most use what we call a ghost credit card when booking Travel. This means you book your flight and your company receives the invoice, and you never have to fill out an expense item for it. In addition, they will issue you a corporate credit card to be used for everything else. This means you don’t get to reap the full benefits of the points earned on all your travel purchases. In the past, I would book a Hilton stay with my Hilton American Express card and earn 12 points per dollar, which adds up extremely quickly.Just remember that if you can’t pay the balance in full each month, the interest rate will outweigh any of the card’s benefits.By the way, there is a mirrored Platinum card if you want to blind bystanders as you pay for your lunch tab at a food truck.I am a fan of traditions, as we have the same Christmas breakfast every year, and the CEO has a shot of Blanton’s Whiskey before every Florida Panthers game. They won two back-to-back Stanley Cups.However, traditions, or better yet, superstitions, can be dangerous. For example, walking under a ladder, the danger is injury if the ladder falls or tools drop on someone.​ How about Broken Mirrors? The threat here is due to sharp glass shards, which can cause severe cuts and injuriesThere’s even a tradition/superstition of Tossing Coins into Engines to have a safe journey. I’m sure you’ve already figured this one out. An elderly woman tried to wish a plane good luck by tossing coins into the engine – Guess What Happened Next?This 80-year-old woman tried to give her flight some “good luck”—by tossing coins into the plane’s engine. The elderly passenger was apparently confusing a multimillion-dollar jet with a mall fountain. She threw nine coins at the engine and prayed for a safe flight. Guess what? Only one coin made it in, great throw Grandma, but that was enough to delay 150 travelers for over five hours as the ground crew went on an impromptu treasure hunt worthy of Indiana Jones, except with much less gold and a lot more annoyed tourists.​As social media pointed out, “Grandma, this is not a mall wish fountain with turtles.”If the airline industry ever needs a lesson in how superstition can grind air traffic to a halt, they’ve got it. Maybe next time, someone should just bring a lucky rabbit’s foot—or better yet, keep the spare change for airplane snacks instead of engine sacrifices.​So, moral of the story: when flying, please don’t take “throwing money at the problem” quite so literally.​Time for our “Thank you, Florida” section.This comes to us from View From the Wing - Frontier Passenger Jumps Airport Check-in Counter, Gets Into Hair-Pulling Fight With Agent — Bodycam Shows Felony Arrestby Gary Leff on October 23, 2025A Frontier Airlines passenger didn’t make it onto her flight at the Orlando airport. She says she didn’t miss it, had a “business class” ticket, and expects rebooking and a voucher. Check-in staff said she arrived late, that they were rebooking her, and that they were frustrated by her filming them.There’s a 17-minute video, there’s always a video, and let’s title it: “Frontier Airlines — Now Boarding Section: Melee”Filmed live at the Orlando airport, starring one very confident passenger, an unimpressed supervisor, and gravity doing its thing by baggage claim.The Plot in 30 Seconds:One passenger insists she didn’t miss her flight.The crew insists she absolutely did.She insists she had a “business class” ticket — only problem, Frontier doesn’t have business class. Not even business‑casual.Act One — “Operation: Record Everything”She whips out her phone to film the counter staff like it’s Dateline: Orlando. When told to stop, she… jumps the check‑in counter.Because when life says, “You’re late for your flight,” the logical next move is apparently hurdling furniture and invading the employee zone.Act Two — “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow”Once behind the counter, both she and the agent go full Jerry Springer. Hair‑pulling, slapping, the works — right next to the baggage belt where dreams (and dignity) go to die. Bystanders jump in to separate the combatants just as police arrive to replay the footage like NFL refs reviewing a fumble.Act Three — “Felony and Flirtation”When officers inform her that roughing up a 65‑year‑old employee is a felony, she switches tactics — baby voice mode- and gets a pair of fancy handcuffs.What’s the Florida motto? Come on vacation. Leave on probation.Here’s the closer, “She demanded rebooking for her ‘business class’ fare. Ma’am, you were on Frontier — you’re lucky your seat had fabric.”If you spend any time flying, you will eventually see people who stand up as soon as the plane parks at the gate and the “fasten seat belt” sign turns off. Some of them will even go as far as walking up the aisle towards the plane’s door. This is poor airline etiquette; just wait your turn. We all need to get off the plane.So here’s a story straight from the “You Can’t Make This Up” files: A mom on a Frontier flight decided that nobody was leaving the plane until her kid got off first. Only problem? She was standing in the aisle several rows ahead of her kid—and just planted herself right there like a human blockade.Passengers trying to get off? Nope. Flight attendants asking her politely to move? Nope. She basically took the aisle hostage. It was like a toddler tantrum meets traffic jam... on an airplane.The classic airline family drama apparently sparked the whole thing: seats not assigned next to each other. Frontier does “family seating” by chance—or by magic—if you pay up or get lucky. This mom skipped both and then got upset when her daughter was several rows back.The flight attendant did a great job calming the chaos, but honestly, this was a masterclass in “How Not to Airport.” Moral of the story? If you’re gonna fly cheap, be prepared for some cheap behavior. And maybe—just maybe—buy the seat next to your kid.Amiri King posted the almost 90-second video on X. I’ll put a link in the show notes, and if you decide to watch it, see if mom reminds you of the woman in the DAFUQ meme.Well, there you have it, Episode 212, the October crazy travel round-up.For long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor or email me at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Episode 211 The September Crazy Travel Round UpHello and welcome to episode 211 of Travel Stories from the Back Again and Gone podcast. Still being recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau Relaxo, FL. If you are a new listener, welcome; if you are a returning listener, welcome back. Tonight, it’s The September crazy travel roundup, which makes two episodes in the last two months, we just might be back on track.Ever since COVID, I’ve begun almost every episode with, “Still being recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau Relaxo, FL,” and the reason was that for years, most episodes were recorded in various hotels as I’ve traveled. In the past five years, recording gear has gotten much smaller and lighter so I might just take this show back on the road.During September, I was on the road for three of the four weeks.Trip 1Orlando to Columbus, Ohio. This required a connecting flight, of course, because the only direct flights out of O-Town are to Atlanta, Delta’s primary hub. Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, JFK, LaGuardia, Boston, LAX, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and of course Amsterdam. Atlanta is the only destination in my territory. For a long time, listeners, yes, I switched from Southwest to Delta as my airline of choice.As I was riding the escalator at O-Town, ready to go through TSA, I got a text letting me know that my flight into Atlanta was delayed by an hour, and I only had a forty-five-minute layover to catch my flight into Columbus, not good.At the top of the escalator, I headed to the Delta counter and was able to get re-booked on a flight that got me into Columbus only two hours after my original flight. Even the middle seat was vacant, I owe one to the Plane Gods for that. Halfway through the flight, a flight attendant tapped me on the shoulder, identified me by name, and informed me that Delta was depositing 1,000 miles into my account for the inconvenience. Certainly not enough for a ticket, but it was stellar customer service. Here’s a travel tip: at some point, a flight will get delayed or cancelled, trust me, it will. Do not take to X or the Ticky Tok and b***h about it, find an employee either in person or on the phone, and this is the key, calmly ask them if they could help to rebook you on another flight. In all my years of travel, I have never once seen someone yelling or threatening a gate agent over a cancelled or delayed flight garner them a quick rebooking. Gate agents know schedules, and they will gladly help you out if you’re nice.My big takeaway from this trip is that I-70 is under major road construction, which turned a 90-minute drive into a 120-minute journey.Trip 2It was a road trip that started in Little Rock, Arkansas, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with a stop in Bentonville. Arkansas. All of these locations were new stops for me. Little Rock was what I expected. While it’s the state’s capital, it has a highly small-town feel. The next stop was Bentonville, Arkansas, and that night’s hotel was close to $200.00 after I applied all my discount codes. I rolled into town around 5:00 PM, and traffic was bumper-to-bumper. I knew that Bentonville is Walmart’s home base, but the traffic was similar to Atlanta or Dallas. When I checked in, I asked the desk clerk, “Is traffic always this congested?” He reapplied, “Every day.” He went on to say that Tyson Foods and JB Hunt Trucking were also headquartered here, so weekdays are chaotic with traffic and hotel prices skyrocketing due to the influx of vendors conducting business. He said that on the weekend, hotel prices returned to the normal range, then increased again on Sunday night.The drive from Bentonville to Tulsa was on I-40 and uneventful, except that as soon as I entered Oklahoma, the first thing I saw was a casino. The one bright spot about Tulsa was that parking on the street in downtown Tulsa cost less than $1.00 per hour, and I didn’t have to dig for quarters because they had their own parking app.Trip 3Into Panama City for a meeting, another meeting in Pensacola, and then the last meeting was in Mobile, AL. All three locations I’ve been to, with Mobile holding a special place, ever since the CEO and I went there for Mardi Gras a few years ago. I was bright enough to book my flight into Panama City. FL and not Panama City, Panama.However, here’s what happened flying out of the Mobile, AL airport. This was my first time flying out of Mobile, so I asked Google Maps for directions to the Mobile Airport. I put my rental car in gear, joined a conference call, and began driving down I-65 and then East on I-10. I jump off I-10 and see signs for the Mobile International Airport. Before long, I’m following detour signs and driving down two-lane roads covered in dirt, and I begin to get concerned as I don’t see any planes taking off or landing or a control tower. Suddenly, Google Maps tells me to turn left, and I see the tail of an airplane, and a sigh of relief comes over me, until I hit the “Dead End” sign. I will save you the cussing, but Mobile has not one, but two airports. The Mobile Regional Airports and the Mobile International Airport, which is slated to open in the fall of 2026, who knew, apparently not me.I asked Google Maps, again, for directions to the correct airport, and luckily, I’m only 30 minutes away. I arrive at the gate roughly 10 minutes before we board, which, for me, is cutting it a bit too close. Here’s what makes me the mayor of Stupid Town. My hotel the night before was located on, get this, “Airport Boulevard”, yes, I am the mayor.A few travel observations I’ve made over the past few months of traveling.* A different hotel each night is still rough, but it does allow me to accomplish more with less travel expense to my company.* Every flight is still full, and on every flight, passengers are asked to gate-check their luggage because overhead space is unavailable.* This next thing is a significant change for me. If you’re a long-time listener, you’ve probably heard me say, “There are two types of luggage: carry-on and lost.” I am now checking my luggage even with only a 60-minute layover. Airlines have stepped up their baggage-tracking game, and with the help of an AirTag, most of my concerns about lost luggage are gone.* Airports have significantly enhanced their amenities over the last decade or so. It used to be that every airport charged for internet access, usually through services like Boingo. Now, almost every airport offers quote-unquote free internet after you watch an ad or complete a survey. In the past, airports such as Nashville and Memphis had someone playing music in the atrium, an airport bar, or near the gate. When I flew out of Tulsa, there were several members of the Tulsa Symphony serenading us with music as we waited to board. I recently noticed that the Atlanta airport has a Chiropractic center and a Georgia lottery station on Concourse B.* Most major chain restaurants will allow you to order airport food through their app. Think about it: you’ve landed and, while taxiing to your gate, you order your gooey frappe, whatever it is, get off the plane, and skip the line.* One thing that hasn’t changed is boarding by zone. Passengers in Zone 6 will crowd the gate as general boarding begins. After twenty-five years of flying, I can assure you that Delta is not going to start boarding with Zone 6 all of a sudden. Delta used to begin boarding by status after the First Class passengers were boarded. It went Platinum, then Gold, and then Silver. On this flight, there were so many Platinum members that we all had to board simultaneously.We all remember what we were doing at specific times in our lives -I was working at a feed and grain store the day Ronald Reagan was shot. I was driving north on I-95 and saw the cloud from the Challenger explosion.On 911, I was leaving my office, headed to Knoxville, TN. At 9:03 AM, I cut through our break room at the moment the second plane hit the second tower. In 2001, we communicated through email and texting. Probably because you had to press the “1” key three times to use the letter “C,” and not every cell phone was capable of receiving emails.We had an office directly across from the Pentagon, which was struck by American Airlines Flight 77 at 9:37. By 11:00 AM, headquarters sent an email stating that no one was to travel. If you are on the road, consider extending your hotel stay. If you are headed to the airport, do not return your rental car; instead, find a hotel or drive back home. The final directive was for each of us to call our team members to let them know this, in case they didn’t have access to their laptops and a phone line.On the 1st anniversary of 911, which I don’t consider an anniversary, I was in Valdosta, GA. I was stirred from my slumber by a parking lot filled with emergency equipment, including sirens and lights…. To this day, I have no idea what happened, but it’s not the best way to start your day, especially on the anniversary of something as tragic as 911.The attacks killed 2,976 people, including citizens from across the globe, and injured thousands, many of whom are suffering from the effects 24 years later.Let’s lighten the mood a bit. Even after traveling for all these years, I still have several habits when I check into a hotel room and when I check out.When I first enter, I check the shower, the closet, and under the bed to verify that I’m not sharing the room with any randos. When I check out of my room, I perform a thorough sweep of my belongings to ensure I don’t leave any phone or laptop chargers behind.Over the years, the only thing these habits have produced is a phone charger left plugged into the wall, a solid indicator that housekeeping didn’t pay much attention to preparing the room for the next guest, which was me.Here are the Cliff Notes of this next nightmare:A Ukrainian model checks into her Tokyo hotel, sniffs a suspiciously sweet-and-sour scent, and discovers—no, not bad housekeeping, but a real, sweaty man hiding under her bed with nothing but a USB cable for company. The intruder bolts faster than when a guest realizes the minibar isn’t free; the police behave as if they just walked off a Japanese game show (no security cameras, barely any questions), and APA Hotel’s bed storage innovations score an unexpected “surprise guest.” Who says Japanese hotels don’t offer extra amenities?What Actually Happened* The woman checks in, changes clothes, and gets comfy… but notices an “animal covered in sugar” aroma instead of the usual fresh press of the tatami.* Looks under the bed (as one does in Tokyo), finds not lost slippers but a blinking, bowl-cut stranger.* Screaming ensues; man sprints for the exit, leaving behind his power bank and any chance for a good Yelp review.* Police show up but demonstrate more “serenity” than “detective work,” taking minimal info and maximum indifference.The Wisdom of Travel* Always check under the bed in Tokyo—your suitcase might not be the only thing stored there.* Japan: Low on crime rates, high on the probability that “privacy” means “no security cameras when you absolutely need them”.* Next time you smell “dead animal covered in sugar”—know, it’s not a new flavor at the ramen shop! And “dead animal covered in sugar” is the worst cocktail name ever.Recently, One Mile At A Time posted - 14 Of My Biggest Hotel Pet Peeves, From Decorative Pillows To Destination FeesThe list was all over the road, but a few of these did resonate with me.* Bathrooms without privacy—I’m not sure where the author is staying, but I have never seen a hotel bathroom without privacy.* Decorative pillows & other bedding—I’ve never really noticed them.* Showers with weak water pressure - Years ago, I carried plumber’s pliers to remove the water restrictor valve from the showerhead. I haven’t used them in years.* Complicated showers, poorly designed—if a shower challenges you, figure it out or use YouTube.* Gyms that aren’t 24/7 - I’ve never had a desire to hop on an elliptical at 2:00 AM.* A poor coffee setup — not a coffee person myself; I use caffeinated soda to jump-start my mornings, but I can understand the frustration.* Destination, resort, and urban fees - It comes with the territory. The room rate can be an extra $30.00 per day, or you can pay a $30.00 per day resort fee. Either way, the house always wins.* Scripted, artificial customer service - I’ve never noticed it, probably because I always engage the desk staff in a friendly two-way conversation.* Hotels trying to avoid providing elite perks - I’ve never felt shorted on any elite perks, and honestly, I’d rather have the perks when I’m traveling with the CEO than when I’m traveling alone.* In-room TVs automatically turning on—OK, but I have no idea why this would be a pet peeve.* Room amenities that aren’t properly checked - This is the first pet peeve that I would agree with. I need my soap, a functioning iron, and a couple of bottles of water.* Beds with square pillows - “Square pillows at a hotel? Fantastic—because when I travel, I definitely dream of waking up with my neck shaped like a question mark and my soul questioning its life choices.” Seriously, whoever put this list together must be a travel snob.* Lack of power outlets by the bed - I agree, and that’s why I carry a power strip. I did have a hotel last month that the bedside clock offered wireless charging.* Rooms without desks or desk-like setups - Completely agree.I relate to three of the fourteen; I am the broken traveler.This came from a new site - Twisted Sifter.A passenger was filmed opening and eating a can of tuna on an airplane, sparking considerable online outrage and humor due to the strong smell and lack of consideration for fellow travelers. Many commenters described it as a “crime against humanity”. They joked about placing the passenger on a no-fly list, noting that eating pungent foods in close quarters is socially inconsiderate. The story elicited a mix of commiseration and amusement, with the article emphasizing that while bringing your own food on a flight is fine, travelers should be mindful of how their choices affect others in confined spaces.I’ve never brought food onto a plane, and strawberry Twizzlers don’t count. If you’re flying out of Memphis, TN, there’s a good chance that someone will board with a Styrofoam container with ribs in it. In Boston, it’s the lobster roll. Airports have upped their food game, from major chains to local favorites. Thank you, ATL, for the Varsity. All this being said, I recall about ten years ago, on a Southwest flight, they announced that they wouldn’t be serving peanuts as a snack because a passenger was highly allergic to them.Ten or eleven years ago, I witnessed a similar scenario unfold across the aisle from me. I am not a can of canned tuna fish. When the odor fills the kitchen, I’m heading towards my home office. When it happened to me, there was no TikTok, and the travel blog sites were in their infancy, so there was nowhere to post your gripe.So next time snack cravings strike at 30,000 feet, leave the tuna in your checked bag—because on an airplane, the only thing that should be canned is the attitude, not the fish.Paddle Your Own Canoe recently posted this about British Airways.A British Airways lawsuit claims a ground worker at Chicago O’Hare, allegedly under the influence of marijuana, drove mobile airstairs into a Boeing 747-400, causing $228,028 in damage and significant disruptions way back in September 2019. The worker did not immediately report the incident, forcing the airline to cancel a London-bound flight, pay for passenger accommodations, and incur repair and legal costs while seeking compensation from Ground Services International (GSI), whose insurer has refused to pay.First, British Airways sadly retired the 747s in 2019. Second, you know what I say about marijuana enthusiasts. Marijuana enthusiasts do nothing but think about when the next time they get to smoke marijuana, how they are going to smoke marijuana, and where they will be smoking marijuana.“Apparently, British Airways can add ‘grounded by the munchies’ to their list of flight delays—who knew the scariest thing on the runway for a 747 wasn’t a bird strike, but a set of stoned airstairs doing a drive-by wing job?”Well, there you have it, Episode 211, the September crazy travel round-up.For long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor or email me at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 210 of Travel Stories from the Back Again and Gone podcast, coming to you from the home office of Chateau Relaxo, FL. If this is your first time listening, I’m glad you’re here. If you’re returning, welcome back. Tonight’s episode covers our recent adventure to Alaska. Thanks for tuning in.I’m enjoying a Cigar City Fancy Papers Hazy IPA from Tampa, Florida—6.5% ABV, if you’re curious.It’s been a while—almost five months since the last episode. Life at Chateau Relaxo has kept us busy, from losing a parent to switching jobs and everything in between.After twenty-five years, I moved on from the company that started the original blog and inspired this podcast. The good news? My new job means more travel, so expect episodes a bit more frequently—maybe not 2019 levels, but definitely more than lately.Recently, the CEO and I checked off a bucket-list item with a seven-day Alaska cruise, departing Seattle on the Norwegian Encore. Before this, my only cruise was Miami to Mexico during Carnival, and I wasn’t a fan. I was hesitant, but the CEO convinced me to give it another try.My advice: If you’re cruising out of Seattle, consider flying in a day early. Coming from the East Coast, we arrived midday, which gave us time to explore Pike Place Market. All passengers were required on board by 4 PM—tempting as it is, don’t risk flying in the day of your cruise. One fellow passenger did, and his luggage ended up in Detroit. The staff had to assist him in shopping for clothes.Day 1: Boarding in Seattle was smooth, with organized windows for boarding. Our luggage arrived around 4 PM, and finding it was like a scavenger hunt. The rest of the afternoon was spent unpacking and organizing—more on room organization will be discussed later.Day 2: We were at sea, the perfect chance to explore the ship. Guest Services provided us with a map and informed us about the Norwegian app. Every morning, a newsletter lists the day's activities. Our internet package was less than 120 minutes, so we decided to upgrade to unlimited—it wasn’t cheap, but it was essential, as you'll see.Day 3: Juneau. The first thing you’ll notice here is the abundance of jewelry stores—18 at last count. They're set up for cruise ship passengers with disposable income. Many are owned or partnered by cruise lines, offering discounts and rebates. I spent 30 minutes negotiating for a watch but left it—and found the same price in the duty-free shop, no haggling required. If you’re buying big-ticket items, do your homework before making a purchase.Everyone recommends Tracy’s King Crab Shack and The Red Dog Saloon—but I skipped both. Tracy’s had an enormous line and pricey crab legs, and while reviews are stellar, both my patience and budget couldn’t handle it. The Red Dog Saloon is famous for its Duck Fart Shot, but these days, crowded bars and novelty drinks aren’t my thing.Our first excursion was Douglas Island Pink and Chum—DIPAC—the local salmon hatchery. Quick note: book excursions through NCL. They’ve vetted providers and, if your tour runs late, the ship will wait for you. That’s not always the case with local bookings. DIPAC operates the Macaulay Hatchery, nearly 50 years old, helping sustain Alaska’s salmon population and offering interactive exhibits. Mid-July through August, you can witness millions of chum salmon returning to spawn. Outside the hatchery, a seal swam by, and the trees filled with bald eagles—a magical moment.Back on the boat, we joined our first art auction, hosted by Park West Gallery. If you attend, expect lively bidding, champagne, and events such as “Guess the Price” and reverse auctions. It’s a fun way to learn about art, but be sure to research your purchases—most pieces are limited editions or prints, and appraisals aren’t always independent. We bought two pieces, spent more on framing and shipping than the art itself, but hey, maybe we’ve started a collection.Day 4: Skagway and the . The train climbs nearly 3,000 feet over 20 miles—stunning views, waterfalls, and bridges. Sit on the left side for the best scenery. We saw bears, learned about glacier geography, and crossed Pitchfork Falls (named for its multiple cascading streams). This was the only excursion requiring passports. After a full day, we skipped returning to Skagway—jet lag and exhaustion won out.Day 5: Glacier Bay. Perfect timing for a rest day. We discovered a laundry service—everything you can fit in a bag for $35, a lifesaver halfway through the trip. Glacier Bay was stunning—and if you have binoculars, be sure to use them. Balcony rooms pay off when public spaces get packed. We watched otters swimming and frolicking in the bay, another highlight.Day 6: Ketchikan, docked at Ward Cove on July 4th. Enormous souvenir warehouse, and at the back, options for all sorts of Alaskan excursions. Norwegian seems to opt for more remote docking spots. Our excursion: The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour on the Aleutian Ballad (from Deadliest Catch). Calm waters offered up-close views of king crab, octopus, and more—plus dozens of eagles swooping for fish. The crew’s sea tales blended humor, drama, and inspiration. Ketchikan’s parade meant limited time in town, so we headed back early.Day 7: Victoria, BC. More time at sea before docking at 8:30 PM. Hit the casino, lost money—typical. We stayed aboard instead of exploring.Boat Life: Dining options galore—three main restaurants, buffet, and The Local open 24/7. Several specialty restaurants satisfied every craving. If you’re hungry, that’s on you. Entertainment included Broadway shows, a Beatles tribute, live music, themed parties, silent discos, and DJ sets. The casino and art gallery provide chances to win or lose. The Encore Speedway—the largest racetrack at sea—never seemed open. Pools, hot tubs, an observation lounge, and a spa offered plenty of ways to relax. Drink packages? If one cabin member buys, everyone must. Beer selection is average, cocktails are strong, and prices are high.Time change tip: We stuck to Eastern Time, waking up at 4:30 AM Alaska time. 24-hour dining saved us many mornings.What we brought—and didn’t use: Eye mask (room has blackout curtains), aluminum straws (never needed), rain pants (unused), tripod/GoPro (never used), HDMI cable for screencasting (ship TVs aren’t compatible).What we used: Magnets (metal walls = extra storage), raincoats (for warmth), “hot hands” packs, lanyards (keycards convenience essential), power strip (one cabin outlet), packing cubes, snacks, backpack, battery pack, binoculars with straps.50/50 items: Didn’t need waterproof boots, sunglasses (no glare issues), water bottles (didn’t miss them), waterproof phone covers (never used).My must-bring list: First aid kit, Ziploc bags, old hotel key (for lights), Dudewipes.Wish I’d brought: Small wedge for the door, more cigars (the ship’s cigar lounge only sells when in international waters, so stock up ahead), Poo-Pourri spray for the cabin.One last tip: Skip the elevator—stairs save time and are good cardio.Encore stats: Built in 2019, 1,094 feet long, 136 feet wide, crew of 1,735, 2,043 staterooms, 20 decks, speeds up to 25 knots. Special features: Encore Speedway, laser tag, Galaxy Pavilion, observation lounge, 28 bars/lounges, and a 24/7 laundry staffed by 22.I’m a spreadsheet nerd, so here are some stats: On a typical 7-day cruise, the ship provides 200,000 meals daily, 50 types of bread, 15,000 morning coffees, 30,000 pounds of produce, and 31,900 bottles of beer (among lots of other numbers).Day 8: Seattle. Off the ship by 10 AM, flight at 9 PM, so the CEO booked a final tour: Space Needle, Sky View Observatory, Seattle Aquarium (amazing jellyfish), Pike Brewing Company (food > beer), and the over-the-top Chihuly Garden and Glass. After nine days of 4:30 AM wakeups, we were ready for the airport.All in all, I wasn’t sold on the trip at first, but once the ship sailed, I was hooked. The staff made every moment enjoyable.That wraps up episode 210, “Our trip to Alaska.” Thank you to our longtime listeners for your comments and emails, as well as to our new listeners. I hope you'll come back. Find detailed show notes, links, and pictures at Substack—travelstories.substack.com. Leave a message on Anchor, or email [email protected] always, travel safe, be safe, and thanks for listening.Thanks for reading The Travel Stories Newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 209 of Travel Stories from the Back Again And Gone podcast. This is being recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau Relaxo, FL. If you are a new listener, welcome; if you are a returning listener, welcome back. Tonight's topic is the first quarter of 2025.This evening, I am partaking in a Day Trip IPA at 6.6 ABV from Sweetwater Brewing in Atlanta, GA. If you ever get to Atlanta, this brewery is worth a visit.It’s been a while since the last podcast. January, February, and March are over, and we are already one-fourth done with 2025. What a crazy first quarter of a year when it comes to aviation.* January 7 – A Swan River Seaplanes Cessna 208 Caravan crashed into the water at Rottnest Island, Western Australia, Australia. Out of the seven occupants onboard, three people were killed, including the pilot, and three others were injured.* January 28—Air Busan Flight 391, an Airbus A321-200 operating from Busan to Hong Kong, caught fire shortly before takeoff at Gimhae International Airport. All 176 people onboard were safely evacuated, and only 7 were injured.* January 29 – A Light Air Services Beechcraft 1900, which was carrying oil workers, crashed shortly after takeoff from GPOC Unity Airstrip in South Sudan. Out of the 21 occupants onboard, 20 were killed.* January 29 – In the 2025 Potomac River mid-air collision, American Eagle Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 operated by PSA Airlines, collided with a Sikorsky UH-60 over the Potomac River, killing all 64 people onboard the CRJ700 and all 3 aboard the UH-60. This is the first fatal aviation accident involving a Bombardier CRJ700.* January 31 - A small medical transport jet carrying a child and her mother, along with four other people, was in the air for less than a minute after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport before coming down in a fiery "high-impact" crash near a busy mall. All six on the plane perished, and 22 people on the ground were injured.* February 17th, Toronto, A Delta plane crashed, caught fire, and then, if that wasn’t enough, flipped upside down as it skidded down the runway. Everyone on the flight survived. There were a few injuries, but everyone survived. Adding insult to their injuries, Delta is offering them $30,000 each. The airline will pay approximately $2.3 million if all passengers accept the offer. They tell customers this gesture has no strings attached and does not affect their rights. Delta's 2024 revenue was in the billions, and the best they could come up with was 30 K. Apparently, many Delta C-level employees thought this was a suitable gesture. Two words for everyone on that flight, “Lawyer Up”.Those are just six of the incidents that I decided to post. I’d rather board a plane for a flight than drive on I-4 into downtown O-Town.One Mile At A Time asked - Hotel Mobile Check-In Via App: Is It Worth Using? Most major hotel groups, like Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott, offer a mobile check-in option through their apps, just like most airlines do. The question is, should you use this, and if so, what’s the benefit of doing so? I rarely use mobile check-in for a few reasons. The primary reason has to do with room upgrades. If you use mobile check-in, you likely won’t get an upgrade. Also, I want the desk crew to know that I am a returning guest, which has benefits beyond the upgrade. Those benefits can be extra snacks or a couple of extra complimentary drink coupons It might mean that you don’t have to pay for parking, and in the case of the Hilton Disney Springs, I have never had to pay a resort fee due to being a returning customer and checking in at the front desk. If you are a baby road warrior without status, the Hilton app will at least let you pick your room.We haven’t had a Florida man story in a while, so let’s consider this.A Florida man faces 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to popping an American Airlines gate agent in the face as he tried to board a flight at the wrong gate at Dallas-Fort Worth DFW airport last October.Keith Charles Owens, one of the three named people, was sentenced in May after negotiating a plea deal. The plea deal would come with a lengthy prison sentence. In addition to the sentence, Keith Charles Owens might be fined $250,000.Here’s the Cliff Notes:Keith Charles Owens turned up at the wrong gate for his flight and skipped the boarding line.When his boarding pass failed to scan, the gate agent directed Keith Charles Owens to the right gate, which he headed towards, again skipping the boarding line and bypassing the podium and boarding pass check.Keith Charles Owens made it to the jetway, where he was stopped by airline personnel and escorted back into the terminal building. Having failed to get on his flight, Keith Charles Owens returned to his original gate, where he grabbed the gate agent who had tried to help him by the gate agent's shoulders and neck and pushed him back.Prosecutors alleged that Owens then repeatedly punched the victim in the face before passengers and other American Airlines staff rushed to drag him away and restrain him.Owens was charged with interference with security screening personnel because scanning boarding passes is a security duty for American Airlines employees – a job that the gate agent was doing at the time he was assaulted.The incident caused the flight that the gate agent was boarding to be delayed, while several airline employees had to go off work for several days due to injuries sustained in the assault.Witnesses said that Owens appeared intoxicated at the time of the incident.Here’s an update: an American Airlines flight attendant who was arrested on charges of trying to secretly film a teenage girl using an airplane lavatory during a September 2023 flight to Boston has pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography.Estes Carter Thompson III, one of the three named people of Charlotte, North Carolina, reached a plea agreement with prosecutors on Thursday after initially pleading not guilty to the crimes and now faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, along with a fine of up to $250,000.According to prosecutors, Thompson was working as a flight attendant on a September 2, 2023, flight from Charlotte to Boston when he approached the 14-year-old victim, who was lining up to use the bathroom at the back of the aircraft.Thompson invited the victim to use the lavatory in First Class and escorted her to the front of the plane.However, before letting the victim use the lavatory, Thompson briefly entered the bathroom with the doors closed. When the victim was eventually allowed to use the lavatory, she found a large ‘defective catering equipment’ sticker taped to the seat.The victim became suspicious and looked underneath the sticker. Concealed under the sticker was an Apple iPhone with the camera peeping out.The victim took a photo of the hidden camera and showed it to her parents, who confronted Thompson. As the flight was approaching Boston, Thompson allegedly locked himself in the lavatory, where he reset his phone to factory setting in an attempt to wipe any photo evidence. What a coward, but wait, there’s more.Forensic experts were able to retrieve photos from Thompson’s iCloud account and allegedly found photos depicting victims aged just seven, nine, 11, and 14 using an airplane bathroom. What a sicko.Additionally, over 50 images of a nine-year-old unaccompanied minor were allegedly found in the same account.All the victims have been identified and contacted by law enforcement. The parents of a nine-year-old victim have filed a lawsuit against American Airlines, accusing the Fort Worth-based carrier of negligence.In response, a law firm hired by American Airlines tried to get the case dismissed by arguing the young girl was to blame as she should have known she was being secretly recorded. I call this victim changingAs this nightmare unraveled, the airline eventually dismissed the law firm responsible for filing this defense, although attorneys acting on behalf of American Airlines are still contesting lawsuits from several victims, arguing that the airline can’t be held responsible for the criminal actions of a former employee.Here’s a new fear unlocked. A married couple said they were forced to sit next to a dead woman's body for four hours on a flight from Australia to Qatar. Yes, you heard that correctly. About 10 hours into the flight, a woman exited the restroom, collapsed, and died in front of them. Not sure if the couple was in first class, but apparently, dying in front of someone on a flight allows the corpse to complete the flight next to that person. Objectively, if someone punches out on a plane, it's not like you can open a door and push them out. Qatar says they have been "in direct contact with the family of the deceased" and offered passengers "directly affected" by the uncomfortable situation "emotional support and compensation.". This offering is code for “Please don’t sue us”. If I ever go TU, or toes up on a flight, you have my permission to open a door, or bust a window and send me on my way.The world can be confusing; in the words of the late George Carlin, “Why do we park on driveways and drive on parkways?”. Confusing right? Last week, life got confusing in “Thank You Florida.” Dateline Orlando, where a Southwest Airlines pilot mistakenly tried to take off on a taxiway last week. In case you didn’t know it, a runway is what a plane uses to get said plane up into the atmosphere and you on your way. A plane uses a taxiway to move from the runway to the gate. The plane finally stopped after the air traffic controller yelled “Stop” three times. The Southwest marketing team quickly released this statement: "The crew mistook the surface for the nearby runway," Southwest is engaged with the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) and FAA to understand the circumstances of the event."According to the flight data tracker, the aircraft’s top speed was approximately 80 mph. Airplanes typically travel about 35 mph on taxiways. A Boeing 737 would need to accelerate to about 150 mph for takeoff. I didn’t understand why the passengers were on a different flight. This is just like the flight crew times out, so they tap out, and a new flight crew takes over. Who takes the bullet for this, the pilots or the tower? I'm not sure, but someone will need to update their resume.One last “Thank You, Florida” story, and this one is disturbing. Here at Chateau Relaxo, we are pro-animal, specifically pro-dog, as we just rescued another husky, and this one resembles Gene Simmons. This story is horrific: a Florida woman was arrested after allegedly drowning her dog in an Orlando airport toilet.Here’s the recap.Alison Agatha Lawrence, one of the three named people, was scheduled to fly from Orlando to Bogota. While checking in, her nine-year-old miniature schnauzer, Tywinn, was denied boarding because she did not have the correct paperwork to transport the dog to Colombia. Lawrence walked away from the counter to an airport restroom with her dogThere, she was observed in a stall for an extended period cleaning up “a lot of water and a lot of dog food.” When the bathroom cleaner entered the restroom about 20 minutes later, she found the trash can much heavier than usual. Inside the trash can, she found the dog, with a collar around its neck, still warm…but dead. An investigation revealed the dog died by drowning. On March 18, Lawrence was arrested and charged with third-degree animal cruelty, which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Neither of which is justice for what she did.As I once told The Entrepreneur, put your girlfriend, now wife, in the trunk of your car, and put one of the dogs in the trunk of your car, and see which one is happy when you open the trunk. Dogs give unconditional love.Finishing up with a topic we haven’t spoken about in a while, nudity. I’ve always said there are two types of nudity, good nudity and bad nudity. Good nudity includes nice lighting, soft music, and a few candles. Bad nudity is seeing someone nude that you don’t want to see naked. When nudity is involved in a travel story, it’s usually bad. March 26, Naked Woman Rants And Raves At DFW Airport. I’ve heard varying stories as to what provoked this behavior. I'm not sure if any of them are true, but there’s one fact: because there’s a video. In the video, she is seen squirting people with her water bottle while screaming about being a polyglot and then destroying airport equipment. A polyglot is a person who knows or uses several languages. Yes, I had to Google for the definitionI’m unsure why people often strip their clothes off during a meltdown. The video indicates this woman is battling some demons, possibly due to mental health issues. I hope she gets the help she needs. Often, the naked person is overweight and a threat to other people’s eyesight, but this person is not.Well, there you have it, Episode 209, the 2025 first quarter.For long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor or email me at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening.Thanks for reading The Travel Stories Newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 208 of Travel Stories from the Back Again And Gone podcast.This is being recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau Relaxo, FL. If you are a new listener, welcome; if you are a returning listener, welcome back. Tonight, we’re talking about dining at Disney Springs.It’s no secret that I am a fan of Disney Springs, and more so than being a fan of any of the parks. I make it to Disney at least once a year, and that trip is typically to Epcot during the food and wine festival. Disney World doesn’t turn me off; I don’t like waiting in line in the sun for an hour to ride a one- or two-minute attraction.I can’t tell you how many websites there are that Disney are Disney-related; I’m guessing thousands.There is even a 2025 100 Best Disney Blogs and Websites i, which will help you narrow it down.These sites cover such topics as:* Packing lists* Lightning Lanes* Attraction rankings* Vacation planning guidesIf you didn’t know, a Disney family vacation isn’t cheap. The average cost for a family of four to Disney World can easily top $6,000 for a seven-night trip, and that’s if you’re a frugal traveler. A 7-day family trip to Disney World can exceed $12,000, especially if you splurge on memorable character meals and hotels closer to the theme parks. Being Florida residents, we get a break on tickets with a 4-day ticket running $240.00 per person, so $60.00 per day for park admittance. This, of course, comes with terms and conditions. Tickets with an advance park reservation are valid from January 13 to May 23, 2025. Reservations are limited and subject to the availability of reservations allocated to this ticket as determined by Disney and park capacity.About eight years ago, we bought an annual pass, and the yearly pass was $749.00 per person. The four of us went twice that year, which means each visit cost us $375.00 before food and beverage. in 2025, there are four levels of the annual pass ranging from $469 up to $1549.00. But have no fear, as you can make 12 monthly payments at 0% interest.If you decide to open your wallet and head to the Mouse House, other than the long wait times, which can be reduced by purchasing the Lightening Lane, or you’re not bothered paying $4.00 for a 20oz bottled soda, it will be a spectacular time. Everything there is perfect: the bathrooms are as clean as your local Bucee’s, there will be no litter anywhere, and the cast members, that’s what they’re called, are as friendly as the person taking your food order at a Chick-fil-A.On to Disney Springs. It opened in 1975 as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village. Over the years, it has expanded and been rebranded. In 1977, it was called the Walt Disney World Village. In 1989, it was rebranded the Disney Village Marketplace. 1997, it became Downtown Disney and finally became Disney Springs in 2015. The hours are typically from about 10:00 a.m. until about 1:00 a.m.Disney Springs is a standalone area within Walt Disney World. It features stores, entertainment, and dining and does not require an admission ticket or fee to visit.The area is divided into four sections: The Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side, each offering unique experiences. Significant attractions include an AMC 24-plex movie theater, Cirque du Soleil's, a House of Blues, and the Aerophile balloon ride.Disney Springs boasts an impressive 68 restaurants. This includes table service, quick service, bars, lounges, and specialty food and beverage spots. Whether you're in the mood for a gourmet meal or a quick snack, there's something for everyone!There are a few chain restaurants:Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza - Where you can build your pizza.Chicken Guy! Which is a Guy Fieri creation. Believe it or not, there are 20 locations across the United States, so it’s not that unique.Earl of Sandwich also has locations at several of the Florida Turnpike rest stops.House of Blues - Southern-inspired cuisine and live music. We’ve seen several concerts there.Planet Hollywood is a themed restaurant in most major cities with a Hollywood vibe.Rainforest Cafe - An immersive dining experience with a jungle theme. This is not a quiet and intimate dining experience.Starbucks - of course, there’s one at Disney Springs; need I say more?The Boathouse—While not a traditional chain, this one has multiple locations and offers upscale dining with a nautical theme.Most chain restaurants offer identical food, so there are no surprises. However, I want to try a new or different dining experience when I travel, so I avoid chain restaurants.Over the years, the CEO (My Wife) and I have dined at most of these restaurants. Some are good, some are average, and some wouldn’t be in business if they were anywhere other than Disney Springs, which provides a rotating clientele. Most of these establishments require a reservation, so the chances are slim that you will walk up and be immediately seated. So, to save time and aggravation, there is a reservation portal.So, to save time and money, here are the highlights, focused on restaurants that offer table service. I have no bias toward walk-up establishments, but when I dine, I typically want to sit in an air-conditioned environment and not stand in the baking Florida sun woofing down a Wetzel Pretzel with mustard dripping onto my shoes.Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar is a unique, aviation-themed bar inspired by the character Jock Lindsey. If you recall, Jock Lindsy was Indiana Jones' pilot from the "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Its vintage airplane hangar-turned-dive bar offers a fun and immersive experience with its eclectic decor, featuring airplane parts, salvaged equipment, and mementos from Jock's adventures. The bar serves a variety of creative cocktails and delicious appetizers. Some popular menu items include the Snakebite Sliders and Air Pirate's Pretzels. They also offer a walk-up bar outside the establishment. Our go-to meal here is the Snakebite Bao Buns which consists of Smoked Brisket, Amarillo Mustard, Peppadew Relish, Pickled Onion, and Tomato, accompanied by Jock’s Old Fashioned made with Knob Creek Disney Single-Barrel Bourbon. Yes, Disney has their own single-barrel bourbon.Morimoto Asia as in Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. This destination features a stunning two-story layout with kitchens showcasing traditions like Peking duck carving and dim sum preparation. The restaurant offers a diverse menu with highlights such as sushi, sashimi, Morimoto Spare Ribs, and Ramen. The venue also includes a second-level sushi bar. You can enjoy a dining experience with Chinese, Japanese, and Korean dishes. My last meal there was the Tandoori Angry Chicken, half of a chicken with Morimoto epice spice, bell pepper, carrot, mushroom, and coconut curry sauce. My drink of choice is their Japanese Old Fashion, made with Suntory whisky, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters. It's not your typical Old Fashion, but it is tasty. There is also the walk-up Morimoto Asia Street Food, which has a limited menu, but they’ll serve you fast. Take note, as there is limited outdoor seating.The Edison is a unique dining and entertainment venue designed to resemble an abandoned 1920s power plant. This industrial, gothic-themed hotspot offers classic American cuisine, signature cocktails, and a variety of live entertainment. Multiple levels have distinct dining and bar areas, including a dance floor and stage for nightly performances. Steampunk-inspired décor and waterfront balcony views enhance the ambiance. The menu includes a range of contemporary American dishes, such as sandwiches, salads, and entrees, along with craft cocktails. The typical meal starts with Candied Bacon, The Edison Burger, which consists of sirloin, short rib & brisket, white cheddar, Applewood smoked bacon, pickles, lettuce, and tomato, topped with their Edison Sauce. The libation of choice is whatever we’re in the mood for.Next up is Jaleo by José Andrés, which brings the flavors of Spain to life. The menu offers an extensive variety of tapas and contemporary Spanish cuisine. They serve authentic paella cooked over a wood-fired pit, cheeses, and salads. They also have a premier selection of sangrias, Spanish wines, and sherries. Okay, here’s where the tide turns. We’ve been here once, and that’s it. I don’t recall what we ordered or drank; it was a giant cup of OK.If you want to get your Gaelic on, head to Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant. This authentic Irish-owned establishment was built entirely in Ireland and reassembled in Orlando. It offers traditional and contemporary Irish cuisine, live music, and dance. The menu features hearty favorites like bangers and mash, fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and boxty potato pancakes. A variety of Irish beers, whiskeys, and cocktails are available. Raglan Road is known for its entertainment, including talented musicians and Irish dancers performing on multiple stages. They also host the Mighty St. Patrick's Day Festival. If you dine here, go with the Shepherd's Pie made with braised and pulled beef & lamb and root vegetables in a rich red wine jus with Irish peat smoked mashed potatoes with a mug of Guinness. Here’s today's trivia: what’s the difference between Shepard's Pie and Cottage Pie? Shepherd's pie is made of ground lamb, while cottage pie uses ground beef.In episode 207, I discussed Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. Although it provides a contemporary take on the classic bar and grill idea, the food didn't impress us. Here’s a quick summary: the truffle fries, two WP Prime Burgers, and two double drinks amounted to $143.00, not including the tip.Terralina Crafted Italian is a delightful waterfront restaurant inspired by Italy's lake district. It offers a warm, rustic setting to enjoy classic Italian flavors. The menu features a variety of dishes, including wood-fired pizzas, hearty pasta, and fresh vegetables. My last meal was seafood fettuccini with fresh mushrooms, shrimp, fish, spicy lemon-tomato broth, and a grilled baguette. Terralina Crafted Italian has an extensive wine list and craft cocktails to complement your meal.If you plan to dine at Chef Art Smith's Homecomin, you will need a reservation, and even then, plan on your reservation being 30 to 45 days out. This spot is known for its Southern comfort food. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, showcasing Florida's agricultural bounty. Signature dishes include fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and house-made sugar doughnuts. As hack as it sounds, their Moonshine Cocktails aren’t that bad.The decor and ambiance are designed to make guests feel at home, but again, you will need a reservation.If you’re a fan of hamburgers, consider D-Luxe Burger. They offer gourmet burgers and hand-cut fries. Try the Classic Cheeseburger or the Barbecue Burger. Each is made with a signature blend of beef and served on a house-made bun for ultimate freshness—plan on being surrounded by lots of kids and strollers.We have two go-twos if you are looking for a restaurant where you won’t need a reservation and the wait will be less than 10 minutes.The first is City Works Eatery & Pour House. It offers an extensive selection of craft beers, 90 of which are local and classic American bar food. City Works also has massive, state-of-the-art HDTVs, making it ideal for watching sports. We usually order appetizers such as duck nachos, pretzel bites, or BBQ chicken flatbread. We watched several of the Florida Panther’s Stanley Cup runs here last year.The second, and probably our favorite, is Splitsville. Typically, one of us will post a picture on social media with the caption, “renegotiating everything,” which is usually followed up with concerning texts from family and friends. Splitsville offers a unique entertainment, dining, bowling, and live music blend. Splitsville has 30 luxury bowling lanes for bowlers, and no bowling alley would be complete without billiard tables.The menu goes beyond typical bowling alley food, offering everything from fresh-rolled sushi to mouth-watering cheeseburgers and hand-tossed pizzas. My typical order is a Buffalo Chicken sandwich with extra buffalo sauce for the fries. Try one of their frozen drinks—think adult Slurpee. My favorite is the Swampwater, a mix of Orange Chrush and Big Wave Dave. When you mix the Orange Crush Vodka, 153 grains, and orange with the Big Wave Dave Vodka, grain alcohol, and raspberry, you get Swampwater.If you’re a fan of sweets, check out Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop or Gideon's Bakehouse. At Ghirardelli, I’d go with the Ocean Beach Sea Salt Caramel Sundae. Gideons is famous for its cookies. Be prepared to stand in line and wait, and then wait some more sometimes; the wait is two hours. Personally, I think the juice isn’t worth the squeeze because they have a second location at the East End Market. While these cookies are delicious and huge, they are expensive. The CEO (My Wife) and I went the other day, and four cookies set us back $25.00.Well, there you have it, Episode 208, Dining at Disney Springs. For long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to substack at travelstories.substack.com/ You can also leave me a message on Anchor or email me at [email protected]. As I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening.. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 207 of Travel Stories from the Back Again And Gone podcast.This is being recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau Relaxo, FL. If you are a new listener, welcome; if you are a returning listener, welcome back. The 2024 Travel Year in Review Plus Some Travel News roundup is tonight's topic.There is no beer in this episode as this is recorded on January 1st, and I traditionally do dry January.The days between Christmas and New Year are odd for me. It's even weirder when the holidays fall on a Wednesday. Those days are extremely slow for me when it comes to work, and I’ve learned to embrace those slow times because, by mid-January, all hell typically breaks loose.It’s time for my year to be reviewed. I am a numbers nerd, and I love to track things.For my beer consumption, I use Untappd.In 2024I drank 91 unique beers. 20 beer styles, with IPAs being my favorite style, no surprise there. I drank beer at 100 locations, with Saturday being my favorite day. I drank beer from 70 different breweries. With New Belgium getting the most love, thank you, Voodoo Ranger series.This surprised me; my top beer for the year is Two Hearted IPA from Bells Brewery. It’s a great beer, but I never would’ve guessed it was my top beer.The worst beer of the year was Gummies Fruit Punch IPA, which was so sweet it hurt my teeth, and Juniper Pilsner from 81Bay Brewing tasted like I was drinking a ground-up juniper bush.Regarding the podcast, I had a whopping 1% growth in streamed episodes and 10% in followers. The top episode was the First Flight of 2024, which streamed 999% more than the average. 24% of listeners are between the ages of 18 and 24. Travel Stories was streamed in 19 different countries thanks to all the listeners.Let’s look at my 2024 travel numbers.In 2000, I signed up for TripIt; over the past 14 years, I have traveled 655,049 miles, equating to traveling around the world 26.3 times. This consists of 1825 days on the road and 517 trips. 35% of my time was traveling.Of those 14 years that have been tracked, all road warriors keep track of their travel numbers,In 2018, I spent more time on the road than I ever have in my 24 years of business travel.* Trips 51* Days 248* Distance 75,284 mi* Cities 70* Countries 1Six years later, in 2024, those numbers have decreased significantly.* Trips 16* Days 56* Distance 31,511 mi* Cities 36* Countries 1While many had hoped that business travel would return to pre-COVID numbers, we have become too comfortable with virtual meetings.My favorite 2024 business adventure was a 500-mile Buffalo to Rochester road trip. Let’s review a few of the food highlights.In Buffalo, dinner was at the Pearl Street Grill and Brewery. They offer a solid brew list, many of which are made onsite. While I was tempted to order wings, this is Buffalo. Our waitress convinced me to go with the Buffalo Chicken Pizza, which was so much OK that I left almost half of it when we left.In Utica, it was Slice. Slice’s claim to fame is that they were featured on Barstool Sports one-bite pizza reviews, scoring 7.7 out of 10. If you visit, make sure you order their char-grilled purple cow wings. I am still trying to figure out what the purple cow sauce is made of, but this fantastic, tasty, sticky mix is tough to distinguish a single dominant flavor with. And while you’re at it, get yourself a slice; they are as big as your head. And keeping with the theme, I had a slice of purple cow pizza, which was beyond delicious.In Rochester, the food stop was Amiel's the Original Submarine based solely on the hotel's recommendation. It took me a minute to hone in on what I wanted. I went with a large Buffalo Chicken-A-Miel with hot peppers and extra buffalo sauce. After my first bite, my sinuses opened right up, and I knew then that I was in store for one delicious sub. There is an excellent selection of glass bottled drinks….. think Hank’s Root Beer and save room for a cookie.Regarding personal travel, it was the two trips to Boston, a city I have only visited to catch a flight back home. Listen to episodes 199 and 202 for the details. If you don’t listen, just know that it’s worth visiting.Keeping with the theme of food let’s open with this. Which hotel has the best complimentary breakfast? TPG (The Points Guy) should be The Points Guys since Brian Kelly is no longer a one-man show. If you’re new to business travel, TPG can be a helpful site as you navigate what branded credit cards will work best for you.Back to the actual story: Which hotel has the best free breakfast? TPG ate 10 meals at 10 different hotels to find the winner.Specifically, they considered four key criteria:* Variety: How many options of hot foods, proteins, cereals, fruits, bread and pastries, yogurts, juices, coffees and teas, condiments, and more were available?* Dietary friendly: Were there options available for a wide swath of dietary restrictions, including non-dairy milk or yogurts, gluten-free bread or pastries, vegan item,s and the like?* Presentation: Was the breakfast area clean and organized? Were the foods labeled so guests knew exactly what they put on their plates?* Taste: How did it all taste?Their list:10. Comfort Inn9. Hyatt Place8. La Quinta by Wyndham7. Fairfield by Marriott6. Hampton by HiltonWhat is the difference between a Hampton Inn and a Hampton Inn and Suites?* Hampton Inn: A budget to midscale hotel with limited food and beverage options* Hampton Inn and Suites: Offers suites in addition to rooms and may include amenities like free hot breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi.* So, for the most part, they are the same.5. SpringHill Suites4. Holiday Inn Express3. Homewood Suites by Hilton2. Residence Inn by Marriott1. Embassy Suites by HiltonMostly, I agree with the list because nowhere on it is Courtyards by Marriott. I have never had a decent breakfast at a Courtyard. There is no mention of Tru from Hilton or Avid from IHG. These are great spots for breakfast if you are carb-loading or starting your day with an S-ton of sugar. I’m glad that Embassy Suites by Hilton made the list, as they lay out a great spread. However, it should be in second place because the Hilton Garden Inn does it much better and should be number one—both Embassy and Hilton Garden Inn offer made-to-order eggs or pancakes. The bacon is always crispy, which is odd, and the biscuits seem to be made from scratch. It’s doubtful, but they are delicious.Here are some tips if you're wondering how to score free hotel breakfasts.* Some hotel chains, like Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express, offer complimentary breakfast to all guests. It's a great perk to look for when booking your stay.* Many hotel loyalty programs provide complimentary breakfasts to benefit members with a specific status level. For example, Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors offer this perk to their elite members.* Certain travel credit cards, including complimentary breakfast, have hotel status or benefits. It's worth checking if your card offers this perk.* Keep an eye out for special promotions or packages that include complimentary breakfast. Sometimes, hotels offer these deals to attract more guests.* Booking Strategies: Booking directly through the hotel’s website or app can sometimes unlock additional perks, including complimentary breakfast.These tips can help you enjoy a delicious start to your day without spending extra money, leaving more in your budget for the fun parts of your trip!It's time to talk about PTO-paid time off. My employer is beyond generous with PTO. I get 25 days of PTO plus three float days. This means I could take one day of PTO every other week. We can also bank up to 210 days, which rolls over yearly. For some, maximizing PTO is at the forefront. How about turning 16 PTO days into 55 days of vacation in 2025?We must focus on the federal holidays on a Monday or Friday in 2025.* Monday, Jan. 20: Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday* Monday, Feb. 17: Washington's Birthday, also known as Presidents Day* Monday, May 26: Memorial Day* Friday, July 4: Fourth of July* Monday, Sept. 1: Labor Day* Monday, Oct. 13: Columbus Day, known as Indigenous Peoples DayThese holidays below fall on weekdays next year:* Wednesday, Jan. 1: New Year's* Thursday, June 19: Juneteenth* Thursday, Nov. 27: Thanksgiving* Thursday, Dec. 25: ChristmasIf you tag on a PTO day before or after the federal holidays and put in for PTO on January 2nd and 3rd, you used 11 PTO days for 39 days of vacation.If you're looking for a longer steak of vacation days, think Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 27). Request PTO for Monday, November 24; Tuesday, November 25; and Wednesday, November 26. 74 and Friday, Nov. 28 (unless you have Friday off already). Depending on your company policy, you can use three or four PTO days to get nine consecutive days off (Nov. 22–30).By planning ahead and combining these holidays with PTO, you can turn 16 PTO days into up to 55 days of vacation in 2025Since you work for your PTO, make it work for you.Here’s another statistic for you. The five busiest air routes last October.* Los Angeles - San Francisco 319,064 seats* Las Vegas - Los Angeles 303,394 seats* Atlanta - Orlando 288,226 seats. This is surprising because by the time you get to the Atlanta airport, check-in, etc., you should be using online check-in. Take the flight and the deal with the O-Town airport you could drive this.* La Guardia - Chicago 283,592 seats* New York JFK - Los Angeles 282,426 seatsOctober isn’t traditionally a heavy travel month, and I can only imagine the numbers for November and December.This is rental car season, or at least the migration of rental cars back to Thank You, Florida.Pre-COVID rental car companies offered cheap rates for anyone who wanted to drive a rental vehicle to Florida from dozens of destinations. Guess what? Hertz is bringing this promotion back. However, in the past, rental car companies offered a rate of as low as $4.95 per day for rental vehicles returning to Florida. These were one-way trips from destinations in much of the eastern United States.Like all good promotions that get brought back, there are some changes. To start, your rental will not be as low as $4.95, and it must be picked up through 1/19/2025. A minimum one (1) day rental is required, with a maximum of ten (10) days. You still get to pay all the airport fees, tourism fees, vehicle license recovery fees, and any other government-imposed taxes or fees.You can pick up your car from twenty-two locations across the south and northeast.Return to select cities in Florida:* Fort Lauderdale* Miami* Sarasota* Jacksonville* Palm Beach* Tampa* Orlando* Fort MyersSo, if you’re looking to visit Thank You Florida in the next three weeks, this isn’t a bad deal; it’s just not as good of a deal as it was in 2019."With Hertz's 2024 Florida drive-in deal, the only thing you'll be speeding through is your playlist of road trip songs!"United Airlines Holiday Feast Fiasco: A Recipe for DisasterImagine this: United Airlines spreads some holiday cheer by serving festive meals to their Denver-based employees. Sounds great, right? Well, not so much. The "warm holiday salad" and chicken that had been left out a bit too long turned out to be the Grinch in disguise.Employees, including flight attendants, started experiencing symptoms that could only be described as a holiday horror show: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Over 200 flight attendants were initially thought to be affected, with some even falling ill mid-flight, causing at least one plane to return to the gate. Talk about a turbulent holiday!The union later revised the number of affected employees to 24, but the damage was done. United is now investigating the incident, and employees are being advised to report their symptoms to avoid any holiday absence penalties.To make matters worse. United also has a policy that penalizes flight attendants for calling in sick during the busy holiday period.So, if you ever thought your holiday meal was a disaster, just be glad you weren't on the receiving end of United's "special" holiday feast!Here’s a hotel hack, and I am not a fan of hacks because not everything is a hack. The CEO (My Wife) and I recently stayed at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista - Disney Springs, one of our favorite local hotels, after visiting Disney Springs and having dinner at Wolfgang Pucks. I need to post a podcast or blog about Disney Springs dining at some point. Wolfgang Puck’s did not meet the CEO's (My Wife) or me's expectations, and I rarely complain about food. We started with the Truffled Potato Chips, which were delicious. We ordered the WP Prime Burger with White Cheddar Cheese, Bacon Onion Jam, and Brioche Bun. To start, the Brioche bun did little to contain all of its contents. Within a few minutes, the bottom of the bun was falling apart, which was not a big deal since we had a fork and knife. The big thing was that the CEO (My Wife) ordered her burger; well done, don’t judge, and it was far from well done. The truffle fries, two WP Prime Burgers, and two double drinks totaling 143.00 dollars tipped the value scale.Back to the hotel room hack. When we returned to the room, we discovered the thermostat would not go below 68 degrees. This is not conducive to my slumber. Since our room had a Honeywell thermostat, I knew how to get around the temperature limit. Here is the secret: hold down the display button, the off/auto button, and finally, the up arrow. The display will show LEn, and you can now set the room temperature to your level.Well, there you have it, Episode 207, The 2024 Travel Year in Review, Plus Some Travel News Roundup.For long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor or email me at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening.Thanks for reading The Travel Stories Newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 206 of Travel Stories from the Back Again And Gone podcast.This is being recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau Relaxo, FL. If you are a new listener, welcome; if you are a returning listener, welcome back. Tonight, it’s the December roundup.I am enjoying a New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Tropic Force IPA at 9% ABV tonight. I’ve yet to have anything terrible from the Voodo Ranger series.I've taken one road trip in the last few weeks: down to South Florida and then back North, past Chateau Relaxo to Ocala, FL.Lunch in South Florida was at Rotelli’s. Five of us stopped in for lunch, and it was terrific. I started with the garlic rolls, which were done exactly like a garlic roll should be. I went with a cheesesteak, which was delicious and huge—so huge that I took half it back to the hotel for dinner. The other four in my party had been there before and knew what to order. It was off the lunch menu, and it started with soup or salad, followed by half a sub. If that wasn't enough, a slice of pizza closed out the food trifecta.I had lunch in Ocala at Harry’s Restaurant. I had MAHI MAHI, grilled with lemon cream sauce.New Orleans heavily influences Harry’s, from food to service.Dinner in Ocala was at the District Bar & Kitchen. Make sure you begin your meal with a DBK smoked old-fashioned—that is, if you are of legal age and not one step away from a 12-step program. My meal was the District Burger—brisket and short rib combined into classic smash patties. Add cheese and caramelized onions, and finish it off with sweet, hot pickles. Try to sit at the bar if you can, as you won’t be disappointed.The hotel in South Florida was the Hampton Inn Deerfield Beach, FL. I’ve been staying here off and on for 15-plus years. It’s a Hampton, so there were no major surprises.The hotel stay in Ocala was at The Avid. I have never stayed at an Avid property. The staff was friendly, but the rooms seemed barren. The desk was not very deep, and the electrical plug was centered on it, making it hard to open my laptop. The breakfast came up short, with premade sausage biscuits. It's a solid three stars.Let’s open with high-functioning, and not as in a high-functioning alcoholic, but a high-functioning traveler.According to the Huffington Post, these are the four signs that you are secretly a high-functioning traveler.* Extensive Planning* Arriving (Too) Early* Avoiding Certain Types Of Transportation* OverpackingExtensive planning means spending excessive time planning trips and researching destinations, accommodations, and activities in great detail. This extensive planning helps them feel more in control and prepared for any potential challenges that may arise. I am OK with my extensive planning, is to ensure the dates of my hotel and flight are correct. When it comes to activities, I can always find something to do.Arriving too early at the airport is my jam. In the words of Ryan Bingham, aka George Clooney, from the movie “ In the Air,” All the things you probably hate about traveling -the recycled air, the artificial lighting, the digital juice dispensers, the cheap sushi- are warm reminders that I'm home. I embrace the airport; I know that if I’m at Love Field, there is a What-A-Burger, BWI has a Dog Fish Head brewery, and Atlanta Hartsfield is home to The Varsity.Avoiding Certain Types Of Transportation - I’m not a fan of taxis since ride-share has come into being.Overpacking, we talked about this last episode. You don’t need to take everything with you. Besides, every town has a Walmart or Target in case you under-pack."Traveling with high-functioning anxiety is like being a duck—calm on the surface, but paddling like crazy underneath!"It’s that time of year when road warriors consider mileage runs. A mileage run is a trip to earn frequent flyer miles or achieve elite status with an airline. This can lead to benefits like complimentary upgrades, bonus miles, and lounge access. Often, these are flights for meetings that could’ve been handled with a Teams meeting. These aren’t as common as they were 20 years ago, as most companies have strict travel rules in place.How about a mattress run? Mattress runs are similar to airline mileage runs. A mattress run is when you book and check into a hotel to gain loyalty benefits, like elite status or bonus points, without necessarily staying overnight. The practice used to be more lucrative, but changes in hotel loyalty programs and increased room rates have made it less rewarding. And with so many hotel-branded credit cards, most will automatically grant you loyalty status.Combining mattress runs with mini-vacations or using credit cards to earn elite status are alternative approaches suggested as modern strategies.It comes down to that head in a bed.I’m not a massive fan of the Ticky-Tock unless the CEO sends me something to watch. Recently, she came across this Ticky-Tock hack. Side note: Not everything in the world is a “hack.” Sometimes, it’s just a good idea. For instance, applying for TSA Pre-check isn’t a hack; it’s a good idea.The hack involves texting your flight number to yourself on the morning of your flight. For iPhone users, this creates a clickable link that provides real-time updates on your flight status, gate number, and baggage claim information. A flight number consists of a 2-letter airline code and a series of numbers that will help you differentiate your flight from others flying that day. You will see the flight number in your booking confirmation or your boarding pass. If you are confused about your airline code, you can also quickly look it up in the International Air Transport Association’s search engine.This method, notice I didn’t say hack, helps travelers avoid the hassle of constantly checking airport screens or airline apps."Who knew the secret to stress-free travel was just a text away? Siri, book me a flight and send me a reminder!"Let’s talk about Spirit Airlines. Everyone knows that Spirit is on the edge of bankruptcy with Ted Christie, Spirit CEO, being in favor of $5.3 million in retention bonuses that Spirit disclosed it will pay five of its top executives, which was disclosed in the bankruptcy filings — $3 million for Christie and $850,000 for Chief Operating Officer John Bendoraitis in particular, not sure about the other three.But that isn’t what this is about; it’s about Spirit Flight Club, or as some call it, Spirit Fight Club. If you click the link to watch the video, be warned: It is NSFW. Spirit Fight Club is usually between two passengers; in this case, it isn’t. I present: ‘I’ll Drop Kick You!’ Spirit Airlines Agents Bump, F-Bomb, and Check In Passengers—All at Once—talk about multitasking. This came to us from View From The Wing.In a now-viral video, two Spirit Airlines check-in agents—yes, check-in agents, not even on the plane—can be seen fighting. At the start of filming, they can be seen bumping while one says to the other, “Do not play with me.” She continued, “Do not play with me, 'cause I’m not the one nor the two. ..just go, you ain’t gonna do nothing. Like I said, keep my f’ing name out your mouth, b*tch.” Then she begins dropping f-bombs, telling the other employee to go away. My favorite is “I’ll drop kick yo’ azz” as she prints a passenger boarding pass like it’s just another day. Like I said, multitasking."Spirit Airlines: Where the check-in agents might just check you out!"It's time for some controversy. Does the toilet paper go over or under? Is Ginger or MaryAnn hotter? Is cheesecake pie? These are things that can divide a crowd. How about this? Imagine meeting your soulmate and finding out they stand up as soon as the plane lands. Ouch.Since I typically sit in a window seat, if I happen to stand up when the plane lands, I’m not going anywhere, and I’ll be hunched over. Personally, I don’t care if you stand up or stay seated. What I care about is that as soon as it’s time for our row to exit, you need to be “Johnny On The Spot” and move.It's time for another NSFW work video. There's a r/KarenGoBrrr sub-reddit where this was the post's title “It wasn’t the message, it was the delivery of the message”.The plane lands, the bell chimes, indicating that it is ok to undo your seatbelt and this gentleman immediately stands up. Several rows back, this young lady unleashes a verbal rant of threats and cuss words. The only thing safe for work thing, she yelled, “ I’m not getting up the plane any faster. You trying to hop over people that that.” I have no idea what she meant by this, but you be you. Short of that sentence or two, everything else she yelled made her look trashy, not the person who stood up. Again, I don’t care if anyone stands up, but I wish every person who takes an aisle seat would do as one of my traveling buddies does. He turns to the middle and window seat passengers and says, “If you have a connecting flight, I will stand up as soon as we get the all-clear to let you get out.” Simple and considerate. Honestly, it wasn’t the message; it was the delivery of the message.How about another employee versus employee story? From One Mile At A Time - Delta Flight Attendant Stabs Colleague, Charged With Attempted Murder. This story was all over the travel blogosphere.A 36-year-old Delta flight attendant has been arrested following a spree of violence that happened during a layover in New Orleans on Monday, November 25, 2024. This was in the downtown hotel where Delta crews stay during their layovers.Several Delta crew members had gone out for the evening. When returning to the hotel, one of them began acting strange. The primary victim (a female) reportedly escorted the suspect (a male) to his room, at which point an argument began.The suspect then started stabbing his female colleague twice in the arm and once in the neck. The victim then fled to another floor for help, following the suspect. A security guard then intervened and was stabbed in the process as well. Next, the police arrived and arrested the suspect. Lots of questions with this one. How did the flight attendant travel with a knife? Did he buy it during the layover? It is New Orleans, after all. Was there more than alcohol involved? Finally, the motivation behind the violence, I have my thoughts, but it will be interesting to hear what the victim says.I don’t spend much time on Twitter, sorry, X, but I came across this tweet from KyleMatthewsCEO.Business tip;Whenever you are flying commercial, especially in business/first class, always wear your best business suit & tie combo (business formal).Kyle goes on to add: Combine the professional clothes with a clean shave, combed hair, and I hate to admit, yes a nice watch helps, at minimum you will get looks, and in all likelihood the person sitting next to you will have to ask… “hey, what do you do for a living?”The comments on this were stellar.* Heidi wrote I've never once thought "I wonder what they do for a living" about anyone on an airplane.* Andrew posted, I wear basketball shorts and a dirty t-shirt in first class so people don't ask questions.* EconGiggles added, Obviously, you’ve never flown the 15-hour flight from LAX-MEL.Generally, people did not support Kyle’s business tip, and one reader suggested that this should be Kyle’s last tweet.Here’s my take: all my trips begin and end at Orlando International Airport MCO. Half the people I see wear pajamas or sweatpants with slides and hoodies, and don’t forget the BOSE noise-canceling headphones. Personally, I don’t care if you look like you rolled out of bed and headed to the airport. What I care about is you not being an asshat on the flight, especially if you are sitting next to me.When I was a Delta Sky Miles member flying out of Atlanta, I always wore dress slacks, a dress shirt, and a tie. The jacket was optional, especially if I didn’t have a first-class seat since there weren’t any closets to hang it up in coach. At the time, I was flying back into Atlanta during the evening, so I often came from a client site and didn’t have a place to change clothes.The other reason for dressing up was, at that time, it made it easier on Delta to get a first-class upgrade, or if my flight was delayed or I needed to change flights, I looked a bit more professional than someone who looked like they got their clothes out of the hamper.I understand some people dress down who are millionaires; think Sam Walton. However, people make assumptions based on first impressions."Who knew that trading sweatpants for a suit could turn your flight into a networking event? That’s my business tip.Well, there you have it, Episode 206, The December roundup.For long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor or email me at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 205 of Travel Stories from the Back Again And Gone podcast.This is being recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau Relaxo, FL. If you are a new listener, welcome; if you are a returning listener, welcome back. Tonight, it’s the 2024 Gift Guide.I am enjoying a Queen Hazy IPA from Prison Pals Brewing in Doral, Florida this evening. Queen is 6.2 ABV and quite tasty.For returning listeners, my standard holiday gift list is still intact. Feel free to indulge an old road warrior.* Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II – steel bracelet and should run less than $11k.* 1995 Land Rover Defender – I had a chance to buy one for $30k in 1995, and I’m still bent that I passed on it. Seven or eight years ago, you could pick up a gently used one for less than $70k. Now it’s north of $100,000 for one.The Gift Guide episodes are some of my favorite episodes.I have two faults, probably more.When I find a hobby, I will jump in with both feet.* Herb garden* Beer* Cigars* Fishing* Whiskey* PowerliftingThe second is that I’m an easily influenced gadget guy. Sites like Uncrate, Cool Tools, and BoingBoing Gadgets are my Kryptonite.Typically, gifts with “Travel” in their names are useless: travel wallet, a travel scale—you get the idea.Here are a few ideas that sound great, but they’re not.Stainless Steel Tumblers—Yeti, Rambler, Rtic, or any tumblers that keep ice intact for three weeks. We’ve all got one, three of them, to be exact, and while they’re a great gift, they’re not great for traveling. Those behemoth steel tubes are made for hanging out on the boat or at a neighbor’s cookout.* Blacklight Flashlight—While this sounds practical, no one wants to know what germs lurk in their hotel room. Besides, if the place looks sketchy, I’ll find somewhere else to stay.* Anything Associated With Washing Clothes In Our Room – We don’t need a clothesline that stretches across the bathtub. Nor do we need a sink-stopper soap contraption. Most hotels have a washer and dryer hidden somewhere. Yet a Tide To Go Pen is a great gift.RFID Blocking Anything – I never understood the hype over this. With the introduction of chipped cards, this is even less of a necessity. Besides, if they want your information, they’ll get it.When choosing gifts, consider size and weight. Most of us are good at Luggage-Tetris, which means we know what goes where in our luggage. Giving us some odd or oversized item throws us off our game. The same goes for weight. If it’s too heavy, we may travel with it once—yes, once—and then we’ll donate it to Goodwill.Looking back, it’s interesting to see the progression of travel gadgets.In 2016, it was:Amazon Fire Stick—Most hotel TVs have HDMI slots, so why not use that NetFlix or Hulu account on the road? Since it’s small and lightweight, it makes the cut. Most hotel TVs are smart TVs, and you no longer need an Amazon Fire Stick for the road.Also, in 2016, it was a Travel Router. When traveling, I rarely leave home without a travel router. Convert a wired network connection into a wireless one so everyone can enjoy it. Most allow you to connect a USB drive for file sharing and stream media from any connected device. Make sure to use a VPN. Eight years later, WiFi is almost everywhere and usually free.Most road warriors should have the following, but check to see if they’re missing any of these.● Packing Cubes – This is one of those things that I figured I could live without. After five years, I don’t know how I would have survived without them. Feed your OCD-ness for less than $25.00.● AUKEY Powerbank – I’ve yet to find a bad Aukey product. There’s nothing worse than having a dead phone, especially when you’re trying to let EVERYONE know your flights are delayed. I have gifted these for years; make sure whatever you order is rated 10000mAh or above. $23.00 on Amazon● Anker PowerPort Speed 4 Wall Charger with One Quick Charge – If you travel with family, no doubt someone will leave their charging knuckle at home. This 4-port wall charger will instantly make you a hero. $28.00 on Amazon.● Anker Powerline II 3-in-1 Cable, Lightning/Type C/Micro USB Cable – Cables are a pain! My running joke is that if I ever fall off a cliff, I want some sort of a charging cable with me.... the reason is that it’ll get hung up on something long before I hit the ground. With this, you can reduce three cables into one. Less than $20.00Connectivity is the lifeblood of traveling. If you’re in an office, everything you need is close by. However, something as trivial as not having an outlet close by can be a real show-stopper. That’s why so many gifts focus on connectivity.Here are a few things you might want to consider:* Foldable Travel Duffel Bag—This is a stupid yet simple gift. How many times have you needed some sort of bag? This 20-inch bag features a compact folding design and is perfect for collecting shells at the beach or pinecones in the mountains. It stores easily in your backpack and costs less than $17.00.* Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket—I hate jackets. First, they’re bulky, and second, they’re cumbersome. In 2018, I picked up a Nano Puff, and I like that it’s thin yet keeps me warm. I can put it in a compression bag, which reduces it to nothing. Retail is $240.00, but you can find it much cheaper if you search.* Medicine Bag – This one isn’t exciting till you need it.* Benadryl is great for skin irritations or making children or grandchildren go to sleep.* AirBourne is excellent for colds. I’ve fended off more colds with this stuff than I can remember.* Zyrtec – for allergies.* Zantac – for heartburn.* Top it off with aspirin and bandages. To take a medicine bag to the next level, add a sewing kit, wet wipes, and a collar stays if they wear dress shirts.* I have no trouble sleeping in a hotel room, and if I wake up in the middle of the night, I don’t get confused about where I am or where the bathroom is. Some road warriors aren’t so fortunate, and they wake up in a panic in a dark hotel room, not knowing where they are. A motion-activated night is the perfect gift. They’re roughly $10.00 a piece, so buy two because we’ll leave one in a hotel room when we check out.* If your road warrior likes to eat in their hotel room, a handy and inexpensive gift is a collapsible silicone bowl with a lid. I’m a fan of the $1.99 Ramen noodle bowls, but by the time I throw in a couple of packages of Starkist Buffalo Chicken, the original container is overflowing. These bowls come in handy; with the lid, you can keep it fresh for the midnight snack. Change back on $11.00.* Recently, I stopped traveling with my iPad and keyboard. They were heavy, and the only place I used them was on an airplane. Besides, my iPhone does everything my iPad does, except for the keyboard. Enter the Samsers Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard with a Stand for your phone. Weighing 5.53 ounces with a charge, you will get 40 hours of continuous operation or 180 days of standby. Only $24.00* With the temperature dropping, you might need to turn the heat on in your hotel room. A hotel room heater does two things: first, it warms the room, and second, it quickly dries out the air, which can lead to a rough night of sleep. If that sounds like the road warrior in your life, purchase them a Cool Mist Humidifier. Small, lightweight, and USB-powered, you can choose from two mist modes, which will help to improve air quality, ease allergies, and relieve dry skin and throat. $24.00* This past year, I bought one of these for the kids: the AirFly Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter for Wireless Headphones. Say goodbye to tangled cords with these. Use your wireless buds or headphones to listen to audio from in-flight entertainment, gym equipment, gaming devices, or any 3.5mm audio jack. They are right around $35.00.With just a bit of thought, you can get creative and gift someone something they will use without spending much money.There are small portable white noise machines, drink holders for their suitcases, Phone holders for the airplane seat backs, and if all else fails, an inflatable neck pillow. I think that’s the right time. I have suggested that anyone buy a neck pillow.Well, there you have it, Episode 205, The 2024 Gift Guide.For long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor or email me at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 204 of Travel Stories from the Back Again And Gone podcast.This is being recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau Relaxo, FL. If you are a new listener, welcome; if you are a returning listener, welcome back. Tonight, it’s the November Roundup.Tonight, I am drinking a Bound By Time IPA from Edmund’s Oast Brewery in Charleston, SC. At 7% ABV, Bound By Time is quickly becoming my favorite beer. Look for it at your local Publix; a four-pack will set you back around $15.00.There have been no real trips of note in the last month. The CEO and I did make to Disney Springs, and as we tend to do, we had dinner at Splitsville as we negotiated our relationship. I enjoy Disney Springs in the late afternoon this time of year since the temperature is in the 80s, not the 90s.Let’s start with holiday travel since it is that time of year. Here are a few holiday travel blunders to avoid.Packing more than you need. After 24 years of business travel, I have perfected this. I don’t pack clothes that I haven’t worn in 3 years, and I don’t need to pack ten pairs of underwear for a 5-day trip. The CEO is a “Team Over-pack” member, which means she will check her bag. Regarding checking bags, here are a few things to consider. Does your credit card offer free checked bags?Another thing to consider is being mindful of your bag's weight, especially during the holidays. You could return home with gifts in your luggage. You might incur extra fees if you check multiple bags or a bag of more than 50 pounds.If you plan to travel by plane, look for a reservation you can change or cancel. Most airlines will give you credit for your ticket if you cancel, but if you only travel once or twice a year, you might prefer the cashback in your account. If you are booking travel with a credit card, look to see if they provide free travel insurance. Airlines typically won't cover a flight if it is canceled due to weather.If you can be flexible with your travel plans and leave a day later or return a day later, this might provide some options, some of which might be cheaper. This is a no-brainer: avoid flying on the busiest days. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving will be a dumpster fire, but flying on Thanksgiving day might be a better choice since most travelers are already at their destination. The CEO and I used to do this flying into Atlanta on Christmas day, and typically, it was an easy travel day.The last thing to consider is whether using points or paying for the plane fare with dollars is cheaper. I am not the best at this because my points vs. dollars strategy is as follows: I consider how many airline points I have vs. what I can afford to pay when my credit card bill comes due. For you financial nerds, there is a calculator that can help you out.I rarely touch on religion, but when a post contains a church leader, thank you, Florida, and a mid-flight fight, I do have a duty. Former ayahuasca church leader Everett Chad Nelson, one of the three named people, recently got in a mid-flight fight. If you’re not familiar with the ayahuasca religion, I wasn’t. After a quick Google search, there seems to be only one ayahuasca church, and it’s in Florida, about 34 miles from Chateau’ Relaxo. If you’ve never heard of ayahuasca or listened to Joe Rogan, here’s the 50,000-foot view. Ayahuasca is a plant-based psychedelic. Which can alter a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions. They can cause a person to hallucinate—seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted. Sounds like fun.Back to Everett, Chad Nelson was on a flight from California to Washington, D.C. About two hours into the five-hour flight Everett Chad Nelson, 44, left his seat in the rear of the aircraft and headed to one of the lavatories up front. When Everett Chad Nelson exited the bathroom, he stopped at seat 12F and “without notice, began physically attacking a sleeping male passenger by punching him repeatedly in the face and head until blood was drawn. The man began screaming, after which a Good Samaritan intervened and managed to pull Everett Chad Nelson off of him.Aside from giving the unidentified passenger two black eyes, Nelson opened up a gash on the man’s nose, spattering blood on his seat, the wall, the window, and the sleeves of Everett Chad Nelson’s green windbreaker. There was no motive, and the pummeling came completely out of nowhere.I’ve shared my opinion on the devil's lettuce, which isn’t favorable. That being said, I’m doubling down on any psychedelic by saying it's not for me.View From The Wing posted this last month: People Are Showing Up At Hotels For Free Breakfast And Leaving—And They Aren’t Even Hotel Guests. Most commercial hotels offer some sort of free breakfast. You’ll find it at Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn, and Holiday Inn Express, which serves these amazing cinnamon rolls.I rarely see a hotel check that you’re a guest before giving you access. This is a case of looking like you belong there: You can park in the lot, walk in, and eat. The only hotel I recall recently verifying that I was staying at is the full-service Hilton at Disney Springs. Now, their Covington Mill’s breakfast buffet is one of the best you’ll find, with a price tag of $30.00 per person.Years ago, most Hilton properties gave you a daily copy of USA Today. A sales rep once asked me to bring him my daily copy and spare room key. Since this was a dude, I had no interest in handing him my extra room key. I would’ve felt the same way if it had been a female, so I asked him why. His angle was with a USA Today tucked under his arm and room key he could get himself a free breakfast. Internally I said to myself, what a d*****s as my mouth put forth, hell no.I have probably spent more than 1700 nights in hotels, so I’ve had more than 1700 opportunities to dine on a hotel's breakfast offerings. There are only a few properties that stand out in my mind: Crown Plaza, Greenville, SC; the full-service Marriott in Mobile, AL; the Hampton Inn Duluth, GA; and the Hilton at Disney Springs. That’s it—four properties. There may be a fifth or sixth, but I am getting older and don’t recall. Most hotel breakfasts offer what I call square eggs, limp bacon, and oatmeal that could be used for wallpaper paste. One saving grace is bagels, yogurt, and anything in a container, such as jelly, honey, or peanut butter. The other saving grace is the juice machine. If I ever hit the lottery, I will buy a juice machine for Chateau’ Relaxo. The aerated apple juice is a perfect way to start your day.  This one comes from the Delta subreddit.Carlydoingthings posted, I was punched in the face by another passenger - Delta is saying there’s nothing they can doCarlydoingthings was flying from Detroit to Los Angeles, and about an hour into the flight, another passenger punched her in the eye. At first, she didn’t realize what was happening as she watched a movie with noise-canceling headphones. A flight attendant saw it happen and asked the guy, “Did you just punch her?” Apparently, this guy had been vaping, touching other passengers inappropriately, was extremely inebriated, and overall caused a significant disturbance all over the plane. He was being escorted to the back of the plane to be detained when this happened. Another passenger had to sit in the last row with him so he didn’t harm anyone else.Carlydoingthings did report it and did give a statement to the police when they landed.To make things worse, when she deplaned, the Delta agent I spoke to wasn’t even sympathetic. They told me they knew this guy had caused trouble before the flight and that he probably should never have been allowed to board in the first place. Yet, somehow, Delta still let him on the plane.When Carlydoingthings contacted Delta about the incident, they offered her 4,000 SkyMiles (about $40) as a “goodwill gesture.” That’s it—no flight reimbursement or further compensation, even though she always flies Delta for work. For reference, Delta routinely awards travelers 5000 SkyMiles for lost luggage.Now, Delta says it doesn’t get involved in passenger conflicts, but here’s the thing: this guy shouldn’t have been allowed on the flight at all. If they had acted sooner, Carlydoingthings wouldn’t have been assaulted.Right off the bat, 4000 SkyMiles are ridiculous. You can open a Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and get a 70,000 Bonus SkyMiles after you use your new card to make $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months. And the tip-in is that you don’t have to get punched in the face.All things being equal, if a bar is liable for overserving someone who goes out and gets in a wreck, Delta should be liable for someone who was quote-unquote causing trouble before he boarded the plane. If Carlydoingthings wanted to get assaulted, she could have flown Spirit.”From the, you have to be kidding department; I give you JetBlue passenger sues after being served a ‘dangerously cold’ ice cream sandwich via The Independent. Karla Quinonez, who broke an incisor on her way to Paris, claims the ice cream sandwich was “at a temperature below what is reasonable or safe for consumption”. This sounds eerily like the infamous 1994 hot coffee lawsuit against McDonald's, where Stella Liebeck was awarded $160,000 after she purchased hot coffee from a McDonald's restaurant, then accidentally spilled it in her lap, and suffered third-degree burns in her pelvic region. “The ice cream sandwich that JetBlue served to Quinonez was frozen solid and caused Quinonez to sustain severe bodily injuries, including a root fracture of tooth number 10,”. Quinonez argues, that no one said anything about how hard the ice cream sandwich was, and she immediately cracked her upper left lateral incisor when she bit down; the complaint continues. According to the complaint, this necessitated an emergency tooth extraction immediately upon landing, a subsequent implant, and continuing care upon returning to the United States, which blames Quinonez’s “pain, suffering, and mental anguish” solely on JetBlue’s “negligent acts.”It’s that time of the year when Florida fall is here, which means the day's high temperature is 84, and the afternoon rain showers have gone away. It’s also time for the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. If you’re unfamiliar with this yearly spectacle, this allows everyone to embark on a culinary adventure across six continents—from August 29 to November 23, 2024, for a price. If you’ve listened to the podcast, you’ll know I’m more of a Disney Springs fan than any of the Disney parks. However, I find Epcot to be my Disney-happy place. There’s a detailed post on the Substack, but here’s a rundown of some of the food and beverages we sampled, mixed with a game called Hide-N-Squek.We sampled Schinkennudeln, a Pasta gratin with ham, onions, and cheese, for $5.25 in Germany. I found a recipe and will be making this at home. When we reached Canada, it was time for Braised Beef Poutine: French fries with braised beef, Boursin Garlic & Herbs cheese sauce, some cheese curds, and gherkin relish out the door for $10.00. In Mexico, it was an order of Flauta de Barbacoa, which is fried tortillas filled with barbacoa beef topped with salsa verde, crema Mexicana, and queso fresco—$8.00.The last memorable meal is a Food & Wine Classic: the Teriyaki Chicken Bun, a Steamed bun filled with minced chicken, vegetables, and teriyaki sauce from Japan—$7.95.For beer, I limited myself to one flight, which included these three. Dunkel Lager by von Trapp Brewing, Weihenstephaner Festbier by Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan and  Lemon Zest Hefeweizen by Radeberger Gruppe. I do not like fruit beers, but the Lemon Zest wasn’t that bad.One drink that surprised me was the Expresso Martini from Joffery’s coffee kiosk. Ever since the Entrepreneurs' wedding, I have grown to enjoy an Expresso Martini. In Spain, we enjoyed red sangria.The most unique drink from Italy was a blood orange margarita. It is a simple drink consisting of tequila, triple sec, and blood orange liqueur.One last thing to do at the food and wine festival is Remy’s hide & squeak scavenger hunt. This Ratatouille-inspired scavenger hunt takes place around the World Showcase. To participate, all you have to do is drop $10.00 for a map, and then as you wander around the World Showcase, you look for statues of Remy holding the ingredients for his favorite dish: ratatouille. Once you spot Remi, you apply the matching sticker to your map. Even if you are not good at hide & seek, you don’t need to find all or even a single Remi just turn your map in at Disney Traders for your prize, I think we got a refrigerator magnet.Well, there you have it, Episode 204, the November roundupFor long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening.Thanks for reading The Travel Stories Newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 202 of Travel Stories from the Back Again And Gone podcast.This is being recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau Relaxo, FL. If you are a new listener, welcome; if you are a returning listener, welcome back. Tonight, it’s six flights, a wedding, COVID-19, and some travel craziness.Hurricane Helene landed in late September and spared Chateau Relaxo and Central Florida. That said, my sister lives in one of my favorite towns, Asheville, NC, and they didn’t do so well. They finally got the power restored on day six, but on day eight, there was still no water.Tonight, I am partaking in an Elysian (Elison)Space Dust, coming in at 8.2 ABV. Thank you, Publix for the BOGO.I added some new brews to my Untappd list in September.Here are the highlights.* Incredible Pale Ale, HenHouse Brewing Company. 6.9 ABV* Liquid Blanket, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar 6.5 ABV* Mind Haze Brain Melter, Firestone Walker Brewing Company 8.5 ABV* Stone IPA, Stone Brewing 6.9 ABV* Mind Haze, Firestone Walker Brewing Company 6.2 ABV* Two Hearted IPA, Bell's Brewery 7 ABV* Secret Llama, from World of Beer 9 ABV* Zombie Dust, 3 Floyds Brewing 6.5 ABV* Lunch, Maine Beer Company 7.0 ABV* The Substance, Bissell Brothers Brewing Company 6.6 ABV* King Sue, Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. 7.8 ABV* Heady Topper, The Alchemist 8 ABV* Hitachino Nest Japanese Classic Ale 7 ABV* Save the Robots, Radiant Pig Craft Beers 7 ABV* Laser Kitten, Medusa Brewing Company 6 ABVAs I always say, drink local because it exposes you to new flavors and styles and opens you up to local stories and traditions.Every year, I try to mention 911 in my September episode. While it happened over two decades ago, I still remember it vividly.The September 11th, the timeline8:46 AM – Flight 11 crashes into the World Trade Center’s North Tower. All passengers aboard are instantly killed, and employees of the WTC are trapped above the 91st floor.9:03 AM – Flight 175 crashes into the WTC’s South Tower. All passengers aboard are killed instantly, and so are an unknown number of people in the tower.9:37 AM – Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon. All passengers aboard are instantly killed, and so are 125 civilian and military personnel in the building.9:45 AM – US airspace is shut down under Operation Yellow Ribbon. All civilian aircraft are ordered to land at the nearest airport.9:59 AM – The South Tower of the World Trade Center collapses.10:02 AM – Flight 93 plows into an empty field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Although its ultimate target is unknown, it was likely heading for either the White House or the US Capitol.10:28 AM – The North Tower of the World Trade Center collapses.The timeline included many more events, and I’ll include a link in the show notes so you can view it yourself.On 911, I was leaving my office in Duluth, GA, headed to Knoxville, TN. I cut through our break room moments, and I mean the moments before the second plane hit the second tower. A few of my co-workers were in the breakroom for the last 15 minutes, saying it was some sort of prop plane that flew into the North Tower. It soon became clear that this was a full-on attack. In 2001, our branch office was located right down the street from the Pentagon, and everyone there heard and felt the crash and saw the remnants of the crash of Flight 77. Around 10:30 or 11:00 AM, corporate pulled everyone off the road, which was no easy feat since smartphones weren’t all that common. There were a lot of emails read on a laptop, followed up by phone calls to coworkers we knew were in the field and not sitting in front of their laptops.My children were 11 and 7 so I headed out to pick up my daughter if I remember my wife was working at the PRE-K school my son was attending and we all met back at the house.No one knew how long the airports would be shut down, so coworkers drove their rental cars back to Atlanta Hartsfield to pick up their personal cars.There were so many heroes that day, but unfortunately, many perished.On to something a bit more cheery.I logged a bunch of hotel stays during September, and those stays made me think a bit. To start, hotels need to bring back single-use toiletry bottles. Yep, I said it, and I’m sure it’s not the best thing for our environment. However, one hotel’s wall-mounted shampoo was not correctly secured in its mount in September. This meant anyone could take the bottle and empty all the shampoo into their bottle or throw a bunch of gribbleys in the bottle, just lurking for the next person. In a different hotel, I got one pump of body gel before it stopped dispensing. I’m sure it cost millions of dollars to retrofit all these rooms with these canisters of gribbleys. Someone should have taken those dollars and found some sort of sustainable single-use toiletry bottles.The other thing that hotels, or at least the ones I stay at, lack is any sort of automation. In the year 2024, we are still having to flip a light switch or use the remote to turn on the TV. How about a Google Echo and some smart plugs? Echo turns on YouTube TV, Echo turns off the bathroom lights. How about wireless phone chargers? Equipping hotel rooms with that is far better than installing 24-oz shampoo bottles, conditioner, and body gel.In September, six flights were divided: 4 with Southwest and 2 with Delta.Currently, I am breaking my “The Person Who Chases Two Rabbits Catches Neither” strategy as I’m dividing my trips between two airlines. Let’s break this down: on the 4 Southwest flights, I had an empty seat next to me on two of them. Southwest does offer free texting and live and posted several TV series, but most of it hasn’t been updated in the last four months. Plus, I had to use my iPhone or iPad to watch any of it.Eight years ago, when we relocated to Chateau’ Relaxo, I strayed from a 16-year relationship with Delta and went with the side chick Southwest Airlines.So far in 2024, I’ve had four flights on Delta, which does little to advance my Delta Skymile status other than some extra points due to my Delta American Express card. However, it does subtract four flights from Southwest A+ status.My two Delta flights were nice. Both planes were full, which is the norm, but they offered free WiFi, TV series, live TV, and movies delivered through the seat-back tablet. Each seatback also provided a USB charger for my devices.One of my trips took me to Northern California. It had been years since I’d traveled there, and the traffic there is as bad as in Southern California, with an afternoon 32-mile trip taking 90 minutes. I’ve also discovered why there are so many wildfires, and it’s because everything is dry on both sides of I-680. There are possibly a few green trees but absolutely no green grass.Another trip took me back to Boston. If you’ve followed this podcast for any amount of time, you’ve heard me talk about “The Entrepreneur.” Well, he went and got married. It was a three-day destination wedding. On Friday, we had a section of seats at Fenway for a Red Sox game. It was great to see the Green Monster in person and eat a Fenway dog. The rehearsal dinner was at the Blue Ribbon Brasserie, followed by a meet-and-greet at Dillon's. The wedding was held at the Commonwealth Hotel, and it went off without a hitch. It was probably one of the best receptions I’ve ever attended, with “The CEO” and “The Entrepreneur” gracing the dance floor for the mother-son dance.As a tip-in to the event your boy here got COVID, I dodged it for 4 ½ years, and I finally got it. Being a manly man, I must admit I spent two days in bed. It’s been close to 30 years since I’ve had the flu, probably due to all the germs I’m exposed to when traveling, but all my joints ached just like I remember with the flu.Let’s move on to vacation time, or, as it’s now been called, paid time off (PTO). My company is extremely generous, as I get 25 days of PTO per year and three float PTO for religious reasons, mental health, etc., well over a month of PTO.In Reed Hasting's book No Rules, Rules, Reed explains how NetFlix has an “unlimited vacation policy” that gives employees the freedom to take time off. From a corporate view, this makes sense since everyone on my team is salaried. We don’t track our work on weekends or odd work hours or if someone needs to take a few hours off for a doctor's appointment, so why should we track vacation or PTO time? One of the kids recently started a new job and used most of their PTO for a wedding and a bout with COVID-19. They are tied down for a few months, waiting for their PTO to build back up.All the HR BS leads me to ask, would you like to turn 12 vacation PTO days into 45? If you do, you must plan your PTO days in concert with the federal holidays.Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday, so if you take Friday off, it’s a four-day weekend. My company automatically gives it to us.MLK Jr. Day, Washington’s birthday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Columbus/Indigenous People Day are all on Mondays. If you work on the day after those holidays, you now have five four-day work weeks.The takeaway is to maximize your PTO time so consider lining up your PTO with the federal holidays.Here’s another question. What happens to your hotel points, credit card points, and miles after you die?Right off the bat, the CEO and I have a “Death Folder,” a unique term, right? If one of us punches out, that folder contains every website and its password. It also contains a list of names to investigate in case we meet an untimely demise. After my father's death two years ago, I spent a solid two days selecting “Forgot Password” on numerous websites, trying to find what he was paying and how much he was paying.For example, Delta Air Lines' SkyMiles program states, "Miles are not the property of any Member. Except as specifically authorized in the Membership Guide and Program Rules or otherwise in writing by an officer of Delta, miles may not be sold, attached, seized, levied upon, pledged, or transferred under any circumstances, including, without limitation, by operation of law, upon death, or in connection with any domestic relations dispute and/or legal proceeding." Feel free to figure that out.However, In almost all cases (especially regarding flights), you can book travel for someone else using your points and miles. So, if a loved one has login access to your account, they can book travel for themselves and others using your points or miles in case you pass away. Since I had my dad’s Southwest login information, I could book several trips for relatives until the points ran dry. However, be mindful of mileage expiration dates.Hotel points are generally the most flexible for transfers. Regardless of the reason, they can often be transferred to another member. So, if your loved one has remaining hotel points, you might be able to transfer them to your account if you have their account information.Finally, the unused points could be forfeited when you close a credit card. So, ensure you understand your bank and card policy before closing any credit cards. I or we fell victim to this. My dad passed away on July 4th, 2022. At the time, he had a Chase card with an S-ton of points. My sister decided it was best to cancel the card, and we lost all those points.After several years of rumors, Southwest will change its open seating policy and assign seats like most other airlines.After being a Southwest steady for the past eight years, I like their current policy. I typically end up in boarding group A, and I know which window seats have the window perfectly positioned, so I get maybe an extra inch of shoulder room.Another way to get early boarding, even before A-List Preferred, is if you fake the need for a wheelchair. Southwest Airlines has more wheelchair passengers than any other airline. It drives up the airline’s costs as they pay for the wheelchair service and cheat other customers out of better seats. Southwest calls that the  “Jetbridge Jesus” flight as passengers come on with a wheelchair to get the best seats and miraculously walk without any assistance when the flight is over.This will also reduce the frustration of passengers trying to save seats for their family or friends with backpacks and folded jackets.I don’t think this is a big deal, at least not to me. Hopefully, they will keep the two-free luggage policy.Just in case you need another reason to check your receipt when leaving your hotel or dropping off your rental.Avis claims Giovanna Boniface drove their rented 4WD Yukon Denali 36,482 miles in three days, charging her $8,079.76. The receipt shows .25 per mile for 36482 miles; they gave her a discount of $883.00 and then added $1215.00 in taxes.Giovanna didn’t notice the overcharge until she checked her credit card statement before boarding a flight to Europe.If she had driven the car non-stop for 72 hours, she would have to maintain an average speed of 402 miles per hour. I’m not a car guy, but I can assure you that a 4WD Yukon Denali has a hard time breaking 130 MPH. The receipt Avis gave Giovanna reads, "Odometer Out: 48170 Odometer In: 77224". G” Giovanna says she'd only driven 185 miles.After some arguing, Giovanna received a credit for her trip.There seems to be a decrease in airplane shenanigans or chaos. Early and mid-COVID, it seemed that every episode had some sort of Flight Club, Miami Flight Club, Florida Flight Club, or Spirit Flight Club. Passengers were regularly squaring up and looking to throw down, and we all know the first rule of Flight Club.Recently, the FAA posted, “Airlines have reported more than 1,240 cases to the FAA this year, compared with nearly 6,000 in 2021. Relatively few of them are deemed serious enough to be passed along to the FBI for investigation and potential filing of criminal charges.”Looking around the travel blogosphere everyone has an idea why, but according to View From The Wing, these are the top 3 reasons.* They’re different passengers.* True, before COVID, you knew what to expect on a discount or second-tier airline. Suddenly, American Airlines dropped its prices in search of revenue, and honestly, would you rather fly Spirit or American Airlines?* Mask rules ended* I’m sure the day the mask mandate was lifted, shenanigans or chaos decreased since there were no arguments about whether you should wear a mask.* Alcohol returned to planes* This is a no-brainer because, during COVID, airlines weren’t serving alcohol, so what did travelers do…. They pre-gamed at the terminal and boarded the plane fully lit. I’ll let you piece together the pieces from there.Well, there you have it, Episode 202, the September roundupFor long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures, head over to substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor or email me at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening.Thanks for reading The Travel Stories Newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 201 of Travel Stories from the Back Again And Gone podcast.Being recorded in the beautiful home office of, Chateau’ Relaxo, FL. If you are a new listener welcome, if you are a returning listener welcome back. Tonight it’s the August travel roundup.Tonight I am partaking in a Sweetwater G13 Dank Double Hazy IPA weighing in at 9% ABV. Both Sweetwater and New Belgium Brewing consistently hit it out of the park.Believe it or not one trip since our last episode. It was a turn and burn to Jacksonville and the only reason that I mention it is to let you know I-95 still sucks and the Jacksonville Whataburger is worthy of a visit and ask for the spicy ketchup.This episode will be very “Thank you Florida”. And we are opening with this. If you don’t have an airline-branded credit card or one that contains some sort of metal product in its name checking luggage gets expensive, really fast. Well, check out this travel hack to avoid those fees showcased in the Miami International Airport. Wrap yourself or your travel partner head to toe in shrink wrap. I would suggest doing this inside the airport in the restroom. Since everyone will believe that this is a luggage have them bunny-hop over to the luggage scale for the weigh-in. After the weigh-in hop on over to TSA but before you make it the the police intervene and un-wrap you. As plausible as this sounds, it did take place in Thank You Florida after all, this was done for clicks on the “Gram”. It worked with over 20,000 clicks in under three days. Of course, the comments, over 1300, is the true comedy gold.Just a quick sample:* Almost thought it was Kanye and Bianca’s new outfit* He identifies as luggage* This is why aliens just keep flying and never make stops* My favorite before I got tired of scrolling, I've also been shrink-wrapped at fetish parties, nothing weird about thatTo set the stage for this next one you might have to use the “Way Back” machine and set it to the early 1980s. Do you remember Sy Sperling? Sy Sperling was a businessman who helped bring the hair-loss industry into the mainstream with self-effacing ads. His catchphrase, “I’m not only the Hair Club president, but I’m also a client.”. As someone who has been follically challenged for close to 40 years, my stance is it’s the hair you have on the inside that matters. It makes no sense, but I came up with it.Miami International Airport, take two - Two passengers were arrested after refusing to deplane an American Airlines flight bound for Las Vegas. 27-year-old Eugenio Ernesto Hernandez-Garnier had a bleeding head wound and blood-soaked bandages.Flight attendants were concerned for the man’s medical condition as well as exposure to the man’s blood and asked him to clean up the wound and replace the bandages. But the one he was wearing was the only one he had.* He and his wife, Yusleydis Blanca Loyola, were asked to leave the aircraft.* They refused, declaring “If they could not fly, no one else can either.”* Police were called. They boarded the aircraft and asked them again to deplane.They were told that they would be arrested for trespassing if they did not comply, and of course, the couple remained defiant. That’s when the man’s wife began shouting that he’d just had surgery and looking at the pictures, it appears it may have been a hair transplant. As they say, pics or it didn’t happen.Eventually, they were both handcuffed following brief resistance and removed from the aircraft along with all other passengers. Passengers cheered and clapped as the couple was escorted off the plane. They were both taken to Jackson West Medical Center for evaluation before being taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.Hernandez-Garnier and Loyola face charges of trespassing after a warning and resisting an officer without violence.  While I am not a mental health my thought is these two are residents of the “Island Of Me”.Here’s a travel tip Miami International is the drama queen of U.S. airports. Arrive early if you want some entertainment.Are you familiar with Liliana Goodson? Who is Goodson is a “Thank You Florida” resident, and whose pronouns are they/them, and they was headed to clown school in Sydney. When they arrived at the airport, they were stopped with a Colt 45 pistol and ammo in their luggage. They were also carrying squirrel feet, rabbit pee, and a cat spine, Goodson sounds nice, doesn’t they?  And get this, the gun was 24-karat gold-plated.Initially, they claimed to have simply forgotten they had their gun with them. Seriously, who hasn’t placed a 24-karat gold gun in their luggage and simply forgotten about it? Kiddos, remember this, when you’re charged with a crime, prosecutors can get all of your Google searches. And apparently, Goodson had Googled “Can I carry a gun in my suitcase?” before their flight.Now get this, up until 1997 Florida was home to the Ringling Brothers Clown College, while Ringling College is still in business, however, its focus is art and design and not teaching one to make balloon animals or juggle. Have no fear as Lake Placid, FL is home to Toby’s Clown School. Where in as little as three days you can learn, Balloon Twisting, Walk Around Comedy, Face Painting, and Comedy Skits. Goodson could’ve headed to Lake Placid and forgo the whole gun in the luggage trick. Lake Placid, FL just 2 hours south of Chateau’ Relaxo. Our final “Thank You Florida” contribution, and guess what it comes from Miami International Airport, again.Missing a flight is never fun and if it’s your fault it makes matters worse. There’s a video, there’s always a video and I’ll put the link in the show notes.This passenger just missed his Air Europa flight from Miami (MIA) to Madrid (MAD). If you don’t often fly, flights typically close boarding 15 minutes before departure. This means you need to be on the plane 15 minutes before departure or you might lose your seat. Seriously if you’re cutting your flights that close, that’s one of the reasons you’re on anxiety meds.Watch the video and you’ll see that the passenger cries like a third grader. You’ll hear him cry after being informed he was too late for his flight and then magically snap out of it. Tesha was the unfortunate gate agent and this guy seems to think that by raising his voice and getting the name of the gate agent, he’d be able to get on the flight. The tip-in is that he threatens to call 911 which would’ve shown up on scene 20 minutes after the flight departed. Tesha offers up her name and is all too happy to spell out for him…T – E – S – H – AOur passenger’s response was, “I like your hair, I don’t need your name.”His next exchange with the gate agent is right of the set of the 2011 movie “The Help”. As our plane-less passenger offers this up, “I’m a teacher. I’m a beautiful person”. Which did not affect the gate agent.Our passenger finally gets frustrated and leaves the gate area and as he walks away, he begins taking pictures and videos. As he photographs Tesha, she says, “Hold on, get my good side!” As they say, just another night in Miami.It’s been a while since we’ve talked about travel hacks, especially if they are lesser known and can save you some money. Here are a few.* Take a screenshot of your boarding pass QR code in case you can't pull it up in your Apple Wallet because it can still be scanned from a photo.* Pack plenty of Zip-Lock bags. While they’re small they are useful. Wet shoes, swimsuits, whatever it goes in the Zip-Lock. You can deal with it when you get home. * Google is your friend, use it to map out what’s near your hotel, and use it to read the reviews. Also if you so a negative review check to see how many reviews that person has posted. If it’s only a few take their review with a grain of salt.* If you have two-factor authentication enabled. If you lose your phone consider the number of things you won’t have access to anymore. * Never put medications in checked luggage.* Travel with a long phone charger cable as you never know how far you’ll be away from an outlet.* Keep a notebook of "lessons learned" for the next trip.* Food, while most hotels offer a complimentary breakfast you still have a meal or two that aren’t comped unless your company provides a 1998-style expense account. If you can stop at a grocery store, do it, if not try Door-Dash or Uber Eats as they will typically be much cheaper, and better quality than what the hotel offers.Following up on that last tip, food. I’m not a fan of room service, one reason is that I don’t want to pay $23.00 for a burger and fries and the second reason is either I have to ask the desk to remove the room service charge from my bill or I now have to itemize the expense..Does it ever make sense to order room service? It can.* When time is money - “Say you’re in a hotel room working and you get paid $40/hour. It might take you two hours to find an appropriate lunch spot, eat, pay and get back to your hotel room. That’s already $80 wasted on a lunch out, whereas room service can save you that [time] and you can get more done and be more productive.”* When you’re at the end of a busy day of travel activities - If you roll into town 4 or 5 hours later than planned, room service is great; as there is no getting ready, no driving or Ubers, and no need to communicate with anyone besides placing a call.* When the hotel has an award-winning restaurant attached, or across the street. I once stayed at the Swan & Dolphin and Todd English’s Blue Zoo was attached, a meal that I will never forget. Or the Harbor Seafood & Oyster Bar in Kenner, LA located across the street from my Fairfield Inn.Last month we reported on “Raw-Dogging” it, and it’s not what you think, when it comes to air travel Raw-dogging is the act of boarding a flight ― long-haul or otherwise ― with no headphones, no book, no form of entertainment or diversion other than the digital flight map.  Fast forward to this month and numerous doctors have come forward to advise against the practice. So, what could be wrong with sitting in solitude? This is what Dr. Gill Jenkins told the BBC:“A digital detox might do you some good, but all the rest of it is against medical advice,”. The whole thing about the risk of long-haul flying is that you’re at risk of dehydration. If you’re not moving, you’re at risk of deep vein thrombosis, which is the fancy term for blood clot (thrombus) forming in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually in the legs. Plus dehydration from flying doesn’t help. Not going to the toilet, that’s a bit stupid. If you need the loo, you need the loo. Dr Gill isn’t that far off as several years ago I had a co-worker suffer deep vein thrombosis on a short three-hour flight. Thankfully. deep vein thrombosis isn’t an immediate death sentence and this co-worker is still on our team.I use those 2-hours to get caught up on podcasts or watch some TV shows that Hallmark or Food Network produced. If you want to raw-dog your next flight get on with your bad self, but I won’t be joining you. We need one last “Thank You Florida” story and it comes from the Ramp-Life Instagram page. If you’ve ever been to an airport, more than likely you’ve seen an airport TUG. If you haven’t a TUG is a vehicle that is to be used to prepare an aircraft for take-off or transport a plane for regular maintenance and repair. These are hefty vehicles weighing anything from 8800 pounds up to 88,000 pounds and some of these can move a 300,000-pound aircraft, and most don’t go above 15 MPH.Well recently at the Fort Lauderdale International one of these TUGs crashed through the wall of the crew breakroom Kool-Aid Man style. My first question would be how thin are these walls, followed by how did this happen? Seriously these TUGs are known to malfunction, it’s not that uncommon, I verified it on Google. But the general consensus over it Ramp Life is that the pervious person using the TUG noticed an issue with the breaks, but it was the end of their shift and didn’t want to deal with filling out a repair ticket so they clocked out. Enter the next ramp worker to hop on the TUG, only to find defective breaks at about the same time he found the wall. I wonder the over/under of someone getting a drug test for this..Well, there you have it Episode 201. Five “Thank You Florida” stories and a few travel tips.For long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures head over to substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 200 of Travel Stories from the Back Again And Gone podcast.Being recorded in the beautiful home office of, Chateau’ Relaxo, FL. Tonight it’s a look back on 200 podcast episodes. If you are a new listener welcome, if you are a returning listener welcome back.Tonight I’m partaking in a New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Tropical Force IPA coming in at 9.5% ABV.Before looking back let’s spend a few minutes talking about podcasts. I have worked in the technology space since 1990, and we classify people into one of five categories.Innovators. 2.5% These are the people that come up with the technology ideas.Early Adopters. 13.5% These folks will load software as soon as it’s released in AlphaEarly Majority. 34% These people see it on social media and now want it.Late Majority. 34% This group finally cave in and purchase itLaggards. 16% This is the person that still has a VCR just in case they come back into styleIn the business world, I am an innovator, enthusiastic about new technology, and willing to take risks.In the Chateau’ Relaxo world, I am an early adaptor, willing to work through early bugs and setbacks.I first discovered podcasts in 2005, two years before the first iPhone, all we had were MP3 players. I had an ILO with a 64 Meg SD card and I remember writing a batch file to transfer podcasts from my computer to the ILO.Early on I listened to the Travel Commons, the Croncast, and The Daily Source Code. It was so cool that you could wake up each day to a new episode due to an RSS feed. No searching and no clicking on anything.When it comes to podcasts, as of February 2024, the average podcast has 50 episodes, but 44% of podcasts have fewer than three episodes. Only 720,000 podcasts have more than 10 episodes, and only 156,000 of those release episodes weekly. I released a weekly episode until 2021 because my travel had decreased, more on that in a minute. As of 2024, there are over 5 million podcasts available worldwide, with more than 70 million episodes between them. However, if we remove the inactive podcasts, the total number of podcasts available will drop to 4.2 million. This ends today’s statistics class.I toyed with the idea of a podcast for years and then finally in 2017 I posted the first episode on SoundCloud under the name Back And Gone Again. The first episode was 7 minutes and 52 seconds long and was recorded in the Fairfield Inn Duluth, GA and the topic was Airline Loyalty. Seven years later airline loyalty still matters. Take a listen to an excerpt.This was recorded on a gaming microphone with little knowledge of Audacity. The second episode was Table Talk which had three fellow road warriors talking about the best places to eat. We used GoToMeeting to record it.For the first six episodes, I used SoundCloud and then shifted over to Anchor, which Spotify acquired in 2019. Anchor/Spotify does an amazing job of distributing episodes and providing the analytics, all for free.Around 2018 I got into a weekly cadence of posting episodes and this stayed in place until April of 2021. That’s when I consciously pivoted to a monthly or six-week cadence. Here’s why, in 2018 I had 51 trips and 248 days away from home in April of 2021 it was 7 trips and 19 days away from home. The reason was COVID. We were off the road for the first 100 days of COVID, and then it was our choice to travel if we wanted to, or felt comfortable traveling again. Personally, after 100 days of being at home, which I had not done since 2000, I was packed and ready. My COVID strategy was, “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes”. Knock on wood, to date I have never had COVID. I came close just check out episode 113, COVID Got Inside Chateau' Relaxo. Here’s the Cliff Notes - a friend of the family went to a wedding where the bride was diagnosed with COVID but chose not to tell anyone and selfishly decided to go forward with the wedding which turned into a super spreader event. This friend landed at MCO and wasn’t feeling well so she decided to take a COVID test at one of those mobile testing stations. A few days later she visited Chateau Relaxo and on her visit, she brought over a bottle of gin, and we drank from the same glass. Later that night she got the email letting her know that she tested positive. This was on a Friday and we were told to wait four days to take an accurate COVID test. I had a Monday flight, which meant I had to cancel and cost my company an extra plane ticket. During July 3 out of the 4 people living in Chateau got COVID and I still managed to doidge a bullet.So back to those 100 days of not traveling in 2020. During those 100 days, we learned to do business differently. It was discovered that face-to-face meetings weren’t always necessary. I don’t agree, but I don’t have a master's degree. Travel wasn’t as necessary as it was just 100 days prior.During the height of COVID, there was plenty of non-COVID content. I was able to have several fellow road warriors join me across several episodes. I did a series on the towns I like, a few mental health checkin episodes and several episodes focusing on the things that I had learned from working at home.By April of 2021, I had run through any content that I had sandbagged and released episode 138, The Pivot Episode. My plan is to continue to release episodes, hell I live in Thank You Florida so every month there will be crazy travel content emanating from Thank You Florida.Let’s get to some of July’s travel news.We’re calling this first story, If it ain’t broke don’t fix it Like mentioned earlier, I have spent the last 34 years working in the technology corridor. Oftentimes, my mantra is, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. On Friday, July 19th much of the world was brought to its knees. One word CrowdStike, Capital C, and capital S. If you’re not familiar, CrowdStrike is a cybersecurity firm that has Microsoft among its clients and they pushed out an update that impacted many, many, many Microsoft users with the blue screen of death.American Airlines, Delta, Spirit, and United Airlines were affected. One major carrier that is missing Southwest. Wanna know why? Because Southwest is still operating on Windows 3.1. Yes, Windows 3.1 which was released in 1992. Delta alone canceled over 5400 flights, with travelers stuck in terminals 6 days later. And just this past week Delta announced that they will be suing CrowdStrike for 500 million dollars.As a tip-in to this story, you’ll have to head to the Ticky-Tok for the real value. This is where kylephilippi decided to take out his Crowd Stike frustration against Delta. since Delta wasn’t going to compensate him for his lost hours and wages. kylephilippi decided to even the score in the Delta Sky Lounge where he and some rando traveling partner decided to pile several plates full of food for a snack. In addition, they grabbed several bags of Cheez-Its, overused the hand sanitizer, went into the Sky Lounge shower fully clothed, turned on the water and lt it run while he pumped and pumped shampoo out of the container and onto the shower floor. It that wasn’t enough kylephilippi even got a glass of wine and then poured it out in the trash can. The Ticky Tok has over 1.5 million views and the comments are 50/50, pro kylephilippi and anti-kylephilippi. The title of the video is “This will set them back”, kylephilippi I’m guessing your food and beverage rampage totaled up to $30.00 on the high end. It’s doubtful Delta will even notice this, unless they see you video and possibly ban you for life. Have you ever heard the term raw-dogging? If you haven’t don’t look it up on Urban Dictionary. Raw-dogging when it comes to air travel is the act of boarding a flight ― long-haul or otherwise ― with no headphones, no book, no form of entertainment or diversion other than the digital flight map. This takes a bunch of discipline, along the lines of Jacko Willink’s book “Discipline Equal Freedom”. For me staring at the digital flight map for even a 2-hour flight is silly and serves no purpose. I use those 2-hours to get caught up on podcasts or watch some TV shows that Hallmark or Food Network produced. If you want to raw-dog your next flight get on with your bad self, but I won’t be joining you. Let’s get biblical for just a moment. From Matthew 5:38-48 If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Thankfully Roger Allan Holmberg Senior’s wife didn’t turn the other cheek. You see Roger Allen is an evangelical pastor and he smacked his wife on a recent Alaskan Airlines flight.You see, Roger Allen’s wife is an Alaska Airlines MVP Gold member and received a complimentary upgrade to first class. This didn’t sit well with Roger Allen, so he walked up to first class and demanded to know, “How the hell did you get the upgrade?” His wife replied, “I’m a gold point member, and don’t speak to me like that.”A bit later, Roger Allen returned to first class, handed his wife his phone, and told her to read it he then flipped her off.Returning a third time, Roger Allen  “pushed in front of his wife’s seatmate and attempted to swing his arm towards the victim” (per the police report) The seatmate leaned forward to block the strike and an off-duty police officer jumped up to help. At their destination, FBI officers met the aircraft and detained Roger Allen.She clarified that he “struck her in the head with the back of his knuckles”. He responded that he had only “tapped his wife on the head in passing to get her attention”Roger Allen was arrested on simple assault and jailed pending a hearing. Alaska Airlines has canceled his return ticket and banned him from future flights. Roger Allen would’ve been better off raw-dogging that flight as well as practicing what he preaches.Earlier we spoke about kylephilippi’s petty revenge against Delta let’s talk about a United pilot's revenge against his ex-girlfriend. Andrew Hill, 36, and his girlfriend broke up over a decade ago, and get this, it wasn’t an amicable break-up. Hill’s ex-girlfriend told police he had sought revenge by “making online profiles pretending to be her and posting nude images of her for more than a decade.”Eventually, this all caught up with Hill after Police served warrants on mobile phone providers and social media websites and were able to trace the revenge porn back to Hill’s electronic devices via matching IP addresses.Hill was arrested at SFO and put on the next flight to Utah where he is charged with.* pornography distribution* unlawful distribution of an intimate image* electronic communication harassment* stalking and online impersonationThe distribution charge is a felony while the harassment and impersonation charges are misdemeanors. All may carry significant professional consequences.Hill is innocent until proven guilty, but I reference my legal training, where there’s smoke there’s fire.Well, there you have it Episode 200. A look back.For long-time listeners, thank you for your comments and emails. For new listeners, I hope you return.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Or visit Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 199 of Travel Stories from the Back Again And Gone podcast.Recorded in the beautiful home office of, Chateau’ Relaxo, FL. Tonight it’s reviewing seven days in Boston. If you are a new listener welcome, if you are a returning listener welcome back.Tonight I am partaking in a 1300 Mile Brewery IPA, weighing in at 7% ABV brewed just West of here at the Brew Hub in Lakeland, FL.The CEO and I took our first real vacation in five years. A vacation that didn’t involve caring for or moving a relative. Our destination was Boston for seven days. For me, I was spending seven days without my laptop my first non-working vacation in the last 20 years.As our vacation strategy has been in recent years, all transportation would be by taxi or ride-share. This saved us at least $500.00 which is roughly the cost of a seven-day rental plus the $40.00 per night for hotel parking computed to well north of $700.00.  Using taxis, rideshare, and the train our transportation cost, plus tips was right around $150.00.All of my trips to Boston have consisted of flying into Logan and then driving away from the city towards a customer's location. I knew nothing of Boston, I had no idea what to do, where to eat, or where to stay.The CEO put on her travel guide hat and handled the what to do part. The where to eat was going to be based on local recommendations backed up by Google reviews. Where to stay would be my contribution. We’ll get into what we did and where we ate part in a few minutes. Let’s start with the where to stay, my responsibility.I went into this blind since I’ve never booked a room in Boston other than the Hilton connected to the Logan Airport.I’m here to tell you that Boston hotels during June, during the NBA playoffs with a team in the running, are expensive. So I decided to drop several hundreds of thousands of points for the first five nights, our sixth night was at the Logan Airport Hilton thanks to an American Express certificate. One saving grace is with Hilton if you book five consecutive nights at the same property you only pay for four nights and the fifth one is free. The hotel of choice was the Hilton Back Bay, When it comes to a full-service Hilton the Back Bay was on par with the other full-service Hilton’s. Full-service breakfast, dinner area, a solid fitness center, and a bar….. what else could anyone want?Looking back I wished I had booked at a different location as Back Bay was a bit too far west for my liking. One consideration for the distance was that our hotel was located close to the transit system, or as the locals say “The T”.The flight was booked on Delta, not Southwest, and here’s why. I had been vowing to drop my American Express Green card for the last few years and guess what I did, only to replace it with the Delta SkyMiles American Express Gold Card.  The Delta SkyMiles Gold Card gave me two things in addition to the 65,000 miles I’ll get after I hit their spending threshold within the first 90 days. We had an assigned seat and two free checked bags. The planes on both legs of the trip were new, with less than 2000 air miles on each plane.It’s been several years since I’ve flown Delta but the plane had free WiFI and a solid choice of seatback entertainment.When it came to food here are the highlights. These are only the best of the best of food stops through Boston.* Pho Basil on Massachusets - We ate here twice. On my first visit to any Thai restaurant, I always order Pad Thai Chicken. My rationale is if they can’t pull off this Thai staple then they’ll struggle with everything else on the menu. Pad Basil nailed the correct ratio of chicken, noodles, and sauce. It was so tasty that I ordered it on our return visit.* The Barking Crab on Sleeper Street. - We started with the hot crab dip and a round of Harpoon Take 5. The dinner orders were all over the place. I went with the naked lobster roll and here’s the reason….. it’s easy to alter the taste of lobster with salt, pepper, celery, lemon juice, and mayo. The Barking Crab naked lobster roll is nothing but drawn butter and lobster on a fresh bun. And it passed the taste test with two thumbs up. * Dirty Water Dough Company on Newberry Street - Ended up here on the recommendation of our Sam Adams tour guide. Went with a large cheese pizza, because I believe that is how you can honestly rate a pizzeria. Just for kicks, we also ordered a small Fenway which consisted of, Boston Fenway franks, hence the name, shredded mozzarella, Romano cheese, sauerkraut, cheddar, mustard, white onion, and sweet relish. As odd as it looked, it truly did taste like a hotdog, All of us were absolutely surprised at how good it was. We stopped back in for a couple of slices during one of our afternoon walkabouts.* Dillan’s on Boylston Street  - If you’re looking for a great patio bar when the temperature is 70. Then this is the place. My dinner choice after several previous days of pizza was, The Big Papi Roni, Pizza. This was a wondrous culinary delight. Fresh pizza dough. pepperoni, hot honey, ricotta, and mozzarella. It seems like a lot, but it was perfect.Since no booze April is in the rearview mirror here’s the Boston beer list. * LightRunner 6.4% ABV - Medusa Brewing Company Hudson, MA* Citrus Squall 8% ABV - from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery Milton, DE United States Dogfish is part of the Boston Beer company so it counts as drinking local. Plus this beer was consumed on the Boston Ferry while I was on the way to Salem, MA.* Green Ahead IPA 7.2% ABV - Newburyport Brewing Company Newburyport, MA * The Substance IPA 6.6% ABV - Bissell Brothers Brewing Company Portland, ME * Road 2 Ruin Double IPA 8% ABV - Two Roads Brewing Company Stratford, CT* 87 IPA 8% ABV - Night Shift Brewing Everett, MA* The Lazy Frog IPA 7% ABV  - Offshore Ale Co. Oak Bluffs, MA * Take 5 IPA 4.3% ABV -  Harpoon Brewery Boston, MA United States* Cloud Candy IPA 6.5% ABV - Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.Waltham, MA* Built To Spill IPA 8% ABV - Foam Brewers Burlington, VTNoticeably absent from the list is any beer from the Samuel Adams brewery, and the reason is that being a tourist we did the brewery tour, more on that in a bit.What did we do, I'm glad you asked.First up was the Boston Movie Mile Tour. This was an hour-and-a-half walking tour led by a local actor. Here is just a few of the highlights.* We saw the famous park bench from Good Will Hunting* Saw one of Jack Nicolson’s mob hangouts in The Departed* Walked the street of the Blown Away car crash* We visited Boston Public Garden, where iconic park benches set the stage for unforgettable conversations a la Ted and Good Will Hunting.* We stopped for a drink at the legendary Cheers™ bar. The bar is a remake of the Hollywood set complete with the lighting rigs. If you plan to top in, no one will know your name, but the place will be packed and you will be served quickly.* We learned about the historic State House building and its surroundings. These sights were part of Ally McBeal.* The last stop was one of Boston’s most historic homes and was featured in The Thomas Crown Affair.One last fact is that many of the movies you see that feature Harvard University are not filmed at Harvard. Love Story, the 1970 hit was the last movie filmed on Harvard grounds. The reason for the cease is that the filming of Love Story caused significant damage to the campus. The next day it was the Boston small group walking food tour with tastings…. right up my alley.* The first stop was for a Cup of Clam Chowder at the Union Oyster House which is America’s oldest restaurant. This was JFK’s favorite spot and he always requested the same table and is now noted with a hanging plaque. * From the Union Oyster House, it was a quick walk to the Boston Public Market a Lobster roll from Red’s, the Barking Crabs offering was much better.* While at the Boston Public Market, we also sampled some Boston Baked beans. Honestly. They weren’t that spectacular.* From there it was over to Regina’s in North Boston for Italian Pizza. One of the best pies I’ve ever eaten, but dirty water dough is better.* The last stop was Modern Pastry for a Mini Cannoli. When it comes to cannoli’s I’m very neutral I would not go out of my way for one, yet I won’t turn one down if offered. Modern Pastry was packed with a line out the door. The good thing about being on a food tour is you get to skip the lines, just like the fast pass at Disney.The food tour was a solid 5 stars out of 5 stars.The next stop was the Samuel Adams brewery tour which lived up to the online reviews. As with most brewery or distillery tours the tour guide can make or break the experience. Brandon was our guide and he was awesome. We paid for the extra beer sample and I recommend doing the same. Please exit through the gift shop, which wasn’t too expensive and we left with a few items for the Chateau’ Relaxo home bar. The tip-in is that there’s an onsite bar where you can sample most of their offerings on draft.*  Wicked Hazy 6.8% ABV* Jamaicaway IPA 7.2% ABV* Dark Saison ABV unknownI have done countless brewery tours, and this was one of the better ones and not that expensive.We also did the Salem Guided Witch Tour. This required taking the Boston Ferry to get to Salem. The Boston Ferry is the real deal, complete with a full-service bar. Somehow no one gives you the side eye if you're drinking beer on the water at 9:30 AM.When it comes to witches I am 100% indifferent, but the CEO booked the tour. First off, Salem has one industry, and it revolves around an event that took place over 300 years ago. Our tour guide was great as she offered many interesting facts about Salem. One of the planned stops was the Salem Witch Museum. Here’s a tip if your tour guide waits outside it’s a sure sign that whatever you’re walking into is about to suck. The museum was lost on me. The mannequins/statues were childish and looked like they hadn’t been touched up since the museum first opened. Now when it comes to Salem, what a cool town. The architecture is amazing, the food wonderful and the people are super friendly.Some interesting Boston facts.The Ted Williams Tunnel is the deepest in America, approximately 90 feet underground. If you’re driving through a Boston tunnel and you notice green tiles, you are under the earth. If you see blue tiles you are driving underwater.* Boston boasts a lot of firsts.* Boston Harbor boasts of the first-ever American lighthouse.* The first Dunkin Donuts was located near Boston* The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Boston, which makes sense because Plymouth Rock is only 15 hours southeast of Boston.* The Oldest Major League baseball stadium is in Boston* The first public beach in the United States of America was opened in Boston. Somehow I thought that would’ve been in Thank You Florida.* The first American subway was inaugurated in Boston* Boston is the only State capital in the United States that is located on a coastline* The Oldest Major League baseball stadium is in Boston, which is Fenway ParkNow one additional interesting Boston fact is that weed is legal. There were two dispensaries less than a ½ mile from our hotel. Legal weed means you will notice the odor of the devil’s lettuce as you walk the Boston streets. In Boston, weed is a 1.7 billion with a capital B dollar business. Pay attention Florida.Boston is clean, with very little littering and we didn’t see much homelessness.The takeaway is that there’s a lot to do and we did most of it in under seven days.Let's move away from Boston and discuss things that make you go Hmmmmm.Union tells pilots to stop using words like “Cockpit” and other “negative” terms.For example:* Instead of “Ladies & Gentleman” use words like members, guests, or everyone.* Instead of referring to the flight attendants as the “girls in the back” use words such as cabin crew, flight attendants, or inflight crewmembers.* Don't say Mother/Father say parents, guardians, or family.* Instead of saying husband/wife or boyfriend/girlfriend say Spouse/partner or significant other.First I can only imagine the bill the union's legal team put together. Has it come down to this? Are we so offended by common words such as ladies, mothers, gentlemen, or fathers? I’m bald by choice, fat by dietary choices, and white due to genetics. If someone used the term. That bald fat white guy, it would not offend me. Not at all, it would indicate that they took notice of me. Notice, that I did not even mention pronouns. Yes, this is the world we live in.Try this one for size, hotels, are adding a gratuity for minibar purchases. This happened at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport in British Columbia and was posted on Live And Let’s Fly. The patron grabbed a $12.10 of Eviane Spring Water and Evian is naive spelled backwards. He was hit with a Refreshment Center Gratuity of $1.30. A gratuity for opening and removing a bottle from the minibar. Most everyone knows my stance on minibars, they are a ripoff. It’s more of a ripoff if I pay a gratuity on a drink that I served myself.In Vegas, I will gladly pay the $10.00 per day charge for a minifridge and I will stock it with beer, snacks,  etc. from the CVS just down the street. This is one of those posts where the comments are gold. InLA commented - When I check out of a hotel and they ask me to give them a 5-star review. If they have charged any kind of mandatory access/amenity/destination/resort/etc. fee, then I tell them that my review requires a “5-star review access and convenience fee” that is equal to the total of their fees because it’s going to take time for me to write the review and my time isn’t free. They look totally confused and it takes a while for it to sink in. Well done InLA.Finishing up with this. In 2024 I’ve had the opportunity to fly in and out of several brand new terminals. MCO’s terminal C and Laguardia’s terminal C. In both terminals, I noticed there was a bunch more walking compared to some of the other older terminals. I distinctly remember going down and then back up several escalators at LaGurida, essentially ending up on the same level that I was before using the escalators. It seems that X or Twitter user @LHSummers posted this. “I have just traveled thru the new LaGuardia airport.  It confirms a theory of mine. The newer the terminal, the less convenient it is to use because all the walks are longer. I wonder why?’ @LHSummers got a bunch of answers to his question, which many made sense.* Planes are larger and their wingspans wider. Hence the newer terminals are larger to accommodate these things.* Revenue. This one makes the most sense and View From The Wing spells it out in greater detail.* The more revenue terminal shops make, the more they can charge in rent Supply and demand.* Concession deals are generally structured so that the terminal owner takes a percentage of revenue as well* Where there’s a dominant airline especially, the airline will often share in concessions revenue as well.It’s always about money!Well, there you have it Episode 199 seven days in Boston.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Or visit Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 197 of Travel Stories from the Back Again And Gone podcast.Being recorded in the beautiful home office of, Chateau’ Relaxo, FL. and it’s time for some April updates.. Thanks for listening.If you’re a new listener, welcome. If you're a returning listener welcome back. This was recorded at the end of April, and April is alcohol awareness month so no beer this month as I am participating and you are now aware of it.One trip of note since our last episode. It was O-Town to Raleigh NC then Wilmington, NC, and then back out of Raleigh.I believe that my last trip to Raleigh was in 2018 and it had been longer than that since I had been in Wilmington.The Raleigh airport has not changed much in the last few years and one constant was the art piece, located high above the baggage claim lobby is the Highwire Travelers.. The Highwire Travelers features a handful of airport travelers. One traveler is resting against a column, his suitcase beside him, while one reads a book, and another balances his luggage as he makes his way across a tightrope.From Raleigh, it was an uneventful 2-hour drive west on I40. The base camp was the Downtown Marriott Wilmington Historic District.I know that Charlotte NC is NASCAR home but once all the I-40 construction is done this stretch of road will give Charlotte Motor Speedway a run for the money.The Marriott was right in the heart of the historical district. The weather was perfect so I went for a walk exploring the area. Lots of outdoor eating and no shortage of friendly dogs.My dinner was at Rum Cow where I dined on a  Rum Cow Burger Which consisted of Crispy prosciutto, bacon aioli, peach rum chutney, and arugula on a brioche bun. And of course, served with fries.After dinner, I waddled across Grant Street and back into the Marriott.The next afternoon I drove back to Raleigh and dropped my rental car off the night before my flight which is my current strategy as it saves me valuable time before an early morning flight.That evening it was Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh airport. I was sitting in their smoking area enjoying a cigar when a couple of other road warriors showed up and we began exchanging small talk. Finally, the conversation turned to road food and they asked where I was going to get dinner, and since it was a HGI property my answer was wings from the HGI kitchen. These guys told me to check out the RDU Gallariaacross the street. I looked across the street and saw a 4 or 5-story building, actually, it looked like a typical office building except for the fact that there was a huge island filled with gas pumps.I had nothing to lose so I headed across the street. I opened the RDU Galleria doors and was amazed at what I saw. In addition to the typical convenience store, there was a Pizza Hut Express, a Which Wich Sandwiches, a Wayback Burgers, a Gloria Jeans coffee, and a Mex Cafe. Oh yeah, there was also a full bar and lounge. I went with a Mex Cafe chicken burrito which I would put on par with anything Chipolte’s sells.My 6:00 AM flight back to O-Town was on time and a direct flight. Who knows maybe I’ll make it back into Southwest’s A+ club by the end of the year.For April there wasn’t a lot of crazy travel news but let’s give it a shot. In case you didn’t know there was an eclipse on April 8th. And most of the Blogosphere travel sites weighed in on it, but the winner had to be The Points Guy with reporters at 9 locations to see the eclipse.In the last episode, we talked about Delta hosting several flights so passengers could view the eclipse from the air. You have to know that you’ll have a few stand-out passengers with a spectacle like this.For example, one traveled from Amsterdam for the occasion. Another waited until this flight to propose to his longtime girlfriend. (She said yes.) One Diamond Medallion removed herself from the 52-person upgrade list for fear of being upgraded to an aisle seat.Southwest branded the event as a “Solarbration”. Southwest also handed out goodie bags filled with a pin, a specially designed cookie, a Moon Pie, Sun Chips, and special Southwest eclipse glasses.My favorite takeaway was from triple-A, as they posted Do NOT wear eclipse glasses while driving,”. This means at some point some mallet head did just that, they drove while wearing eclipse glasses.Ben Schlappig from One Mile At A Time posted Hotel Club Lounges: Why I Value Them So Much. If you’re not familiar with the term Hotel Lounges, Hotel club lounges also often referred to as executive lounges are lounges within a hotel that offer drinks and snacks throughout the day. Typically free to members of their loyalty program.You don’t typically find these lounges at your Hampton or Fairfield Inn unless you are in downtown New York or Chicago. However, many of these properties do offer manager receptions a couple of nights during the week which include soda, beer, wine, and snacks. Those snacks are typically chips and pretzels.Some hotels charge for lounge access while other hotel’s elite loyalty members get free access. Ben detailed the huge variance in hotel club lounge quality. And it came down to these three points.* The further from the United States (and the closer to Asia) you are, the better the quality of the club lounges* The fewer elite members that receive complimentary access to club lounges, the better the quality* The more luxurious the hotel brand is, the better the quality of the club loungesAll of those points make sense.Many of these lounges offer a hot breakfast in the morning and hot Hors D’oderves in the evening accompanied by mixed drinks and craft beer. Remember to take some singles to tip the waitstaff.The other advantage of a hotel lounge is that it offers a quiet workspace in case you and a coworker need to collaborate.The other advantage of a hotel lounge is that it’s great for showing off to the kids. Probably 13 or 14 years ago we were staying at a full-service Hilton somewhere in the vicinity of I-Drive. In addition to the lazy river pool, it also offered an amazing hotel lounge where the kids got all the soda and snacks that they could handle.Probably my favorite hotel lounge was the one inside the Mobile, Alabam Marriott Airport Drive. The breakfast was amazing as well as the evening's reception. I believe much of the waitstaff had been there for 15+ years. It’s probably been 6 years since my last visit and looking at Trip Advisor the lounge might be out of operation.Now if you know that the property you will be staying at is longe-less you can improvise with a bit of planning. Before COVID I was making a bunch of Florida road trips often meeting the same coworker at the hotel. One of our favorite hotels was the Hampton Inn Sarasota, Florida. If I was leaving out on a Monday I would grill out an extra chicken or bake two plates of Mac-n-cheese and my coworker would do the same with plans of having a homemade meal in the Hampton’s lobby while we saved our per diem. What we forgot were plates so one of us explained our situation to the desk clerk and he immediately opened up the breakfast area giving us full access to microwaves, plates, napkins, and seasonings. We made the desk clerk his plate as thanks. Within 15 minutes a group of construction workers rolled in with some beer and we offered up a trade, food for beer. They decided to join us for an impromptu feast. We repeated this a few more times over the next month. Not sure if the general manager would approve, but the desk didn’t seem to care.We’ve also had the opposite happen. Again before COVID, everyone in our region would meet up in Atlanta for month-end closing. We had a corporate at the local Hampton Inn, so at the end of every month 11 or 12 of us would roll in for a two or three-night stay. After several months of this, the hotel staff would bring in a crockpot full of soup, chicken, or chili as well as all the fixings. This was great for several months until the health inspector pulled the plug on it. The reason was that Hampton had a license to reheat frozen food, but not one that allowed the serving of fresh or freshly cooked foods.I’ve stayed away from the recent challenges that Boeing has been facing, Mainly the challenge of “door plugs”, falling out or off of the 737 series. When I first heard the term door plug I figured it was something the size of a wine cork,.Well, I was wrong because door plugs are panels installed on certain planes to permanently seal off optional exit door openings in the fuselage. They are large, and apparently, if they fall off mid-flight the plane quickly decompresses in the case of a recent Alaskan Airlines flight the oxygen masks deployed, and several seats were damaged, The cause of this was discovered to be faulty rivets on the door plug.Now picture yourself on a Southwest flight aboard a 737 leaving Denver and heading to Houston. You paid for early board and are sitting in a window seat right above the wing. Take-off goes as planned and when you look out the window you see the engine cowling, the engine cover peeling off exposing the engine. The pilot, as most pilots would do as their airplane was falling apart, asked the tower to immediately return to Denver. The request was acknowledged and the plane returned to homebase. As the plane landed the cowling came apart in two pieces, one piece hitting the wing before it cartwheeled down the runway behind the plane. Thankfully no one was injured and the passengers were put on another plane and ended up arriving in Houston only three hours late. There are a couple of videos, there’s always a video and I’ll post a like to them in the show notes.So what caused this mishap, glad you asked. Human error as someone forgot to latch the cowling after its last inspection. This reminds me of the old Ron White bit where Sears forgot to reinstall all the lug nuts on one of his wheels. And the punchline of the bit is that while Sears sent him to a three-day tire school Ron says he must have been absent on lug nut day. So it seems like this mechanic skipped latch day during his three-day airplane mechanics course.Reading up on this incident it appears that American Airlines paints these cowling latches a bright orange color so that they are easily spotted making a visible inspection immediate. A very low-tech inexpensive fix to a very expensive problem.It’s been a minute since we’ve talked drinking on an airplane, or as I call it “Planedranken”.  Matthew Klint at Live And Let’s Fly posted about this recent debacle on a recent American Airlines passenger heading into DFW.A 23-year-old woman was flying in first class on American Airlines and it seems the woman was intoxicated after being served one drink onboard and became quite combative with flight attendants, there’s no detail as to what set her off but, she became so combative that she threw her bag at two flight attendants (that is assault) and also threatened to hurt them with expletives.DFW police were summoned and were waiting on the jetbridge when the aircraft arrived. Police officers asked one of the flight attendants to escort the woman off, but the flight attendant said she was too scared.Matthew summed it up with this.There are so many lessons here, but 1.) Drinking and flying can be a very dangerous combination, 2.) You cannot throw things at flight attendants even if you are a first-class passenger, and 3.) If the cops tell you to remain calm, you should certainly listen.This hits close to home since it involves Southwest Airlines and it came from Reddit.Woman saves seats for 13 then lies - This throwaway Reddit account flew a 4-hour domestic flight and they boarded with the family group. Throwaway stepped into an empty row and noticed 2 hats were on them. The woman in the row behind says she's saving those as they are a group of 13). This woman is the only one of 13 currently on the plane.Throwaway explained how embarrassing, cheap, and rude her behavior is, she has nothing to say but sorry. Flight attendant 2 rows up stay out of it as expected. Throwaway sits in the row across From her.Somehow her seat saving works for the full flight, no one else tried to take any of her 3x4 seating arrangement as far as Throwaway can tell. The women's group were all in the C group. Remember C stands for center as in center seat.The last few boarders arrive and one of them asks the ringleader if the open window next to her is available. She said yes, that person is in the bathroom currently. This isn't true, because the person behind her (the very last person to need a seat) asks and she lets him in.Throwaway sums it up with this, the whole group was polite and the flight was smooth, but WOW was that woman brazen.Throwaway never mentioned what airport or state this all went down in, but I doubt it happened in Florida.Not long after that Reddit thread was posted Southwest Airlines announced they are considering doing away with open, single-class seating on its aircraft.CEO Bob Jordan told CNBC  that Southwest is weighing options for cabin reconfiguration to address its recent revenue shortfall. Depending on their plans this might be a better solution than simply raising ticket prices. Jordan went on to add, “We’re looking into new initiatives, things like the way we seat and board our aircraft,” Jordan told the network.Southwest and its cattle call boarding has been a differentiator in the market because there is no extra legroom seats nor first class on its 737 fleet.I don’t mind this style of boarding. First, there aren’t any gate lice waiting for their boarding group to be called. Second, I’m typically one of the first 60 passengers boarding, thank you boarding group A. This means I always get the seat that I want but more importantly, I have overhead space for my luggage.Well, there you have it Episode 197 the April update.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Or visit Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Hello and welcome to episode 196 of Travel Stories from the Back Again And Gone podcast.Being recorded in the beautiful home office of, Chateau’ Relaxo, FL. and it’s time for some March randomness. Thanks for listening.If you’re a new listener, welcome. if you're a returning listener welcome back. Tonight I am enjoying a Space Cowboi 2023 from the Crooked Can Brewery just down the road in Winter Garden, FL. This is an IPA - Imperial / Double New England / Hazy and hazy it weighs in at a hefty 8.5% ABV. It’s been three weeks of non-stop travel like it was in 2019. The first trip was to Irvine, CA where base camp was the DoubleTree. I was lucky enough to score an upgrade which ended up being a typical room, but with a view of the hotel’s lake. There was only one hiccup with the stay and that occurred the morning of our departure. The front desk arranged a complementary Uber to take us to the airport at 6:00 AM. Out front at 6:00 no Uber, 6:15 still no Uber. I was on the verge of booking my own Uber when an Uber pulled in and asked if we were the Harrison party, nope. The driver waited a few minutes for the Harrison’s and then asked where we were going I said the airport, and he said I’ll take you for $20.00 cash. Seconds later we were in the Uber heading toward John Wayne International Airport. The beers we discovered, * Mind Haze Brain Melter from the Firestone Walker Brewing Company* Montucky Cold Snack from Montucky Cold Snacks* Church Music from The Shop Beer Co.All IPA’s as I am so predictable.From there it was to a place that I had never been to, Tempe Arizona. Tempe was exactly as I pictured it to be lots of cacti very little grass, mostly lave rocks and pebbles. The highlight of the stop was a courtside seat for a Phoenix Suns game, and while I’m not a huge basketball fan the game and the entertainment were a blast. The lowlight came early next morning at the Phonix Sky Harbor International Airport. I went down what was indicated to be the TSA Precheck and when I got to the scanners I was asked to remove my shoes, and my belt as well as to take my laptops out of my backpack. What I thought and what they indicated to be TSA Precheck was not, it was the regular TSA lane. We’ll talk about being a travel snob in a few minutes, but I’ll pull the snobbery card whenever it comes to TSA.The only new beer we discovered* Four Peaks Hazy IPA from Headlands BrewingThe next week it was back to Laguardia and then New Jersey and the Hampton Inn & Suites Fairfield on route 46. Which meant, dinners at Calandra’s Mediterian Gril. Made it time for happy hour as well as the $11.00 pizzas.It was my second flight on JetBlue and on both legs I had an assigned seat, but I was placed in the last boarding group. I learned from the first leg and decided to check my luggage for the return trip.The new beers were* Pirate Plank Walk from Magnify Brewing Company* Pulp Art Hazy Double IPA from the Brooklyn Brewery* Mortal Bloom from Founders Brewing Co.* IPA No. 7 from EBBS Brewing Co.* Jam Juice Hazy IPA from the Captain Lawrence Brewing CompanyAgain all IPAs.Last week it was a five-day road trip which I enjoyed, but it was a different hotel each night. However, I did get plenty of time to perfect my ironing skills. Here’s a road warrior pro tip. If you plan to use a hotel iron let it warm up and then iron a damp washcloth. This way the gribleys are on the washcloth and not on your freshly ironed clothes.I flew into Baltimore grabbed my rental and headed to Pennsauken, NJ. This 2-hour drive proved that I-95 is a giant cup of suck no matter what state you were in. I Stayed at another DoubleTree and it was one that I had stayed at in the past and thankfully it was undergoing renovations.The reason I stay here is because of the on-site restaurant Redz. Redz offers the best Philly Cheesesteak, even though it’s across the river from Philly where a Philly Cheesesteak is just called a Cheesesteak.The new beers wereSession IPA from Double Nickel Brewing CompanyFrom Pennsauken, it was York, Pennsylvania home of York Barbell and the weightlifting hall of fame, which I didn’t get to visit, There must be some sort of a rivalry between Pennsauken and York because everyone in Pennsauken told us that York was rundown. This is not the case at all, plus York is where I found Brewie Louie’s.  This place was amazing, with a more diverse beer inventory than I have ever seen.The new beers were* (No) Santa from Sloop Brewing Co.* Peace Maker from South County Brewing Co.From York, it was down to Middle River, Maryland, and the Hilton Garden Inn that I have stayed at multiple times in the past.  No new beers since we were stocked up fromBrewie Louie’s. As I typically do with Hilton Garden Inn it was wings for dinner. Like I’ve said in the past friend of the show Robbie Morris introduced me to HGI wings years ago and they never disappoint. Now this is where things got weird when it comes to hotel parking. In the past, this property offered plenty of parking between the HGI and the Hampton Inn next store. During this visit there were several signs with  QR codes instructing us to scan so we could pay to park. I get pay-to-park hotels. Go to Boston, Savannah, or Miami more than likely you’ll have to pay to park. This was Middle River, Maryland. So I scanned the code and dropped $!0.00 plus a service fee so I could park.From Middle River, we headed to the BWI Hilton where they also had a QR code indicating we had to pay to park. I think Maryland is kneeling to the parking lobby. This was a first-time visit and the restaurant offered a great selection of local favorites. I went with a blue crab flatbread. I was a bit skeptical thinking typical hotel food. I was completely surprised this flatbread was covered in chucks of blue crab resting on top of the wonderful rich Alfredo sauce.The new beers were* Raging B***h from the Flying Dog Brewery*  Half Cab Hazy from Big Truck Farm BreweryHere’s another tip that I have discovered in the last few months. Most of my flights are early morning, 6 to 7 AM. The reason is that the first flights out typically take off on time. If you punch out a 4 or 5 PM there’s a greater chance that your flight will be delayed.Looking at early morning flights can mean leaving the hotel at 4 or 5 AM so that you will have time to drop off the rental car and head to the terminal.My new tip is to drop off the rental car the evening before, take the rental car shuttle back to the terminal, and then get on the hotel shuttle back to the hotel then the next morning take the hotel shuttle back to the terminal. At most, this will cost you $8.00 in tips. Let’s open with some travel-related housekeeping.I found this on X, formerly Twitter, back in the good old days, remember the Fail Whale?@Codie_Sanchez posted:Life hack... You never have to check out of a hotel.Just leave.Why does no one do this including my husband?.In Episode 66 I asked the question, “Are you a travel snob?” one of the indicators of being a travel snob was leaving a hotel without stopping by the front desk to check out, as well as when I dropped off the rental car I rarely hang around to wait for a receipt because I know it will be in my inbox by the time I get to the terminal. While I still wouldn’t label myself a travel snob I have gotten into the habit of actually checking out of the hotel. The reason is that I’m tired of itemizing my expense reports to exclude dinners and my frequent visits to the snack market this pay-to-park hotelless time to have the desk clerk remove those changes and generate a new bill than it does for me to manually remove those items from the receipt.Also, I don’t check into a hotel using the app and the reason is that I might be missing out on a possible upgrade and a view of the hotel’s lake..In February Gary Leff from View From The Wing posted - The 5 Biggest Travel Mistakes I’ve Ever MadeGary’s list was somewhat mundane, but relatable.:* Showing up at the airport in the afternoon for a morning Sydney * Snuck into a United Airlines club lounge * Showed up at the Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Hotel only to learn I’d made a reservation for the following month* Drove to the wrong Hyatt in Miami out of sheer habit* Let my AAdvantage miles expire when I was a teenager.My list* Letting a bunch, and I mean a bunch of AirTran free flights expires. because  I never used them. In 2001/2002 one free roundtrip flight required 16 credits or legs, which meant every 8 round-trip flights I got a free flight. At the time I was on a plane almost every week, basically a free flight every 30 days.* Not getting a hotel and airline-branded credit card for the first eight years of business travel.* Not taking my 35mm or DSLR camera with me when I travel. For years the CEO and I packed a physical camera, and sometimes a tripod, with us when we travel. My Google Drive is filled with folders cataloging our adventures. It’s debatable if the current iPhone truly takes better pictures, but it is smaller and lighter, and you can’t check Instagram on your camera.* Not having a packing strategy sooner. For the first handful of years I overpacked, and being a gadget guy I probably owned or was gifted every single travel accessory under the sun most of which turned out to be useless, Currently, I can fit a week's worth of clothing into my 22” Away bag. Side note, if you need a sturdy piece of luggage consider an Away bag, Lightweight and extremely durable.* My biggest regret has to be not putting a ½ PTO when I was in Boston, Memphis, or Chicago, almost any city. Sure I’ve enjoyed eating dinner at the local dive, but I’ve yet to tour Fenway, visit Graceland, and I’ve never set foot on Chicago’s miracle mile. * I will add a sixth mistake and it came three weeks ago. Make sure you are in the TRA Precheck line.  They say, Avoid regrets by leaving your expectations at home. Another from View From The Wing, or possibly you saw this someplace else. - Woman Gets Off American Airlines Flight When The Vibrator In Her Carry-On Won’t Turn Off. See what I did there.My BS meter pegged the green as soon as I read this. An American Airlines passenger in the bulkhead of first-class boarded her aircraft, and her carry-on bag began making a loud vibrating noise. She didn’t want the whole cabin to see what she was turning off, so she walked off the aircraft and back onto the jet bridge. There, you can see what it was that was vibrating.So basically she was planning to do the Tango with her left hand. The young lady captured in the video is Amanda, who has a Ticky Tok following of over 100,00 people in addition to 2.5 million likes. I’m guessing this was staged to get Amanda closer to 2.6 million likes.However, with stories like this, the real comedy gold is in the comments.Mets Fan in NC says: it takes a licking and keeps on tickingMaryland says: I have been told by a friend that the batteries on rechargeables are not removable. So they must be gotten off before boarding.Ending with - jns says: That is just Bob (battery operated boyfriend).For most of us, our employment includes dealing with customers. And I’m sure most of us at some point have wanted to tell a customer to go “Kick rocks” so to speak. This next story will outline what could happen if you decide to tell a customer to “Kick rocks” while using different words.This comes to us from Yahoo News - Qantas baggage handler will 'never work again' for airline after crude note to passenger. baggage handler has been told they will never work on Qantas aircraft again after leaving an "unacceptable" note for a customer on their bag on Friday.A Qantas passenger recently collected their 31-kilogram bag at Karratha Airport in Western Australia, In case you didn’t pay attention to the metric system when they tried to teach it to us in middle school, 31 kilos is roughly 69 lbs. This Qantas passenger found the word "c**t"  See you next Tuesday, shockingly scribbled in green marker onto the "heavy" tag wrapped around the bag's handle — and if that wasn’t enough it was accentuated with an exclamation mark.The passenger shared,"Clearly the Qantas baggage handler at Perth Airport wasn’t happy lifting my bag," so he left me a nice note to read on arrival." After being alerted to the incident Qantas via social media condemned the act and took drastic measures to ensure it never happens again by firing the baggage handler.While I’ve never flown Qantas I’ve heard it stands for - Quick And Nasty Typical Australian Service.One of my favorite social media follows is @AtlScoops. And their tagline is “Be in the know”. If you’re considering moving into the ATL proper I suggest you check them out before you pull the trigger and order a U-Haul.Their February 5th post and video documents an altercation between an unnamed female and two of Atlanta’s finest at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport. Nothing unusual except that this took place on the apron, yes the apron, and not in the gate area.The video shows this young lady speaking with two officers and then she suddenly throws her head back and begins trotting, not running away from the officers. Seconds later one of the officers catches up and gives her a two-hand shove to her back which ends with her receiving an asphalt sandwich to the face. The officer rewards her with a nice set of cuffs before being whisked into the back of an ATL SUV. All of this was done in under 45 seconds, efficient work by the ATL crew. What’s missing is why are passengers on the airport apron? Especially at Atlanta Hartsfield.  Honestly,  this young lady, who isn’t very fast, is lucky. Lucky in the fact that she didn’t get shot or at least tased. The airport is federal property after all. She’s also lucky she didn’t end up like Courtney Edwards who was pulled into the spinning turbines of a jet engine last year. If you’re a umbraphile   (An umbraphile is someone who loves eclipses and will often travel to see them) and have some spare cash lying around Deltra has the deal for you.Eclipse viewing at 30,000 feet: Delta to offer path-of-totality flightThe airline is offering a special flight from Austin to Detroit on April 8, 2024, specifically to spend as much time as possible directly within the path of totality.Delta flight 1218 will be specifically operated on an A220-300, which will offer especially premium viewing due to the aircraft’s extra-large windows. The flight will depart from Austin at 12:15 p.m. CT and land in Detroit at 4:20 p.m. ET — timed to give those on board the best chance of safely viewing the solar eclipse at its peak.*If this sounds appealing flight 1218 was sold out in February. However, 5 additional Delta flights from various airports will provide some sort of an eclipse viewing opportunity. Prices range from $600.00 for the main cabin up to $2800.00 for first class. The April 8 eclipse is the last total eclipse we’ll see over North America until 2044,” take that all you umbraphiles.So here’s my lingering question, isn’t only one side of the plane going to have the opportunity to see the eclipse?I can only imagine what would happen if all the passengers sitting on the non-viewing side of the plane suddenly moved to the other side of the plane.This next story is as Thank You Florida written all over it. It’s about our Brightline Train. If you’re not familiar with the Brightlne it’s a high-speed train that went live in 2018 with service between Miami and West Palm Beach. In September the Brighline began traveling all the way here to Orlando with the termination point Orlando International Airport. If you want to take the Brightline from O-Town  into Ft Lauderdale a standard ticket will set you back right around $100.00 for their Smart fare and for an additional $40.00 you can take advantage of the Premium fare, which includes.Complimentary snacksComplimentary beveragesRelax at their premium loungeThe trip will take you right around three hours, which is much faster than driving it.This sounds great, especially for the passengers, doesn’t it? What’s not so great is that there have been numerous incidents of motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists being on the tracks when a train passes. 100 deaths have been connected to Brightline operations since 2017. Three people were killed in two separate accidents on January 10 and 12, 2024 at the same crossing in Melbourne, FL.In case you were wondering, there have been no onboard fatalities as a consequence of accidents. Amtrack runs the same O-Town to Ft Lauderdale route and they haven't reported anywhere close to the same fatalities.Brightline runs on FEC Florida East Coast Railway tracks while AMtrack runs on the CSX tracks. I’m not a safety expert but someone needs to examine all of the Brightline road crossings.Well, there you have it Episode 196 the  March randomness.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Or visit Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

A couple of firsts for this trip. Since I wanted a direct flight from O-Town to LaGuardia, my choices were limited, such as in take it or leave it, JetBlue. The CEO had flown JetBlue into DC in December. Since JetBlue was CEO approved I clicked “purchase”. In 23 years of business travel, a JetBlue flight was a first. The second first was that JetBlue flies out of the new Terminal C at MCO, and I had yet to fly out of Terminal C. After 3 trips around Terminal C, I finally found the entrance to daily parking. Side note my Monday morning through Friday afternoon parking was $120.00Now Terminal C opened in 2022 and it houses international flights as well as JetBlue, and I was looking forward to seeing what all the hype was all about. The terminal is beautiful, bright, modern, and well-laid out. Breakfast was at Einstein Bagels where a bacon egg and cheese bagel only set me back $7.00, which is reasonable for an airport breakfast.As I was sitting at the gate I started thinking how this terminal compares to Terminal B where I fly out of for Southwest. Terminal A and Terminal B share a central common area complete with shops and a food court.With Terminal A and Terminal B, you have to take the air train from the terminal to the gates. Once at the gates, the whole area is very dated. MCO opened in 1981 and while they’ve replaced the carpet, seats, and gate desks it still throws off 1981 vibes due to the overall architecture and hideous amount of mosaic floor tiles.My last trip to LaGuardia was in November of 2019 and upon landing I had forgotten how updated and modern their terminals were. The last major airport that opened was Denver International and that was, believe it or not, 1995, almost 20 years ago, Now think about this, if you travel or spend time picking people up at airports every airport is under some sort of construction yet unless it’s a whole new terminal like at MCO with Terminal C, the airports all seem dated, think about itFor my JetBlue flight I was in boarding group B, since I had no status and no way to purchase boarding with group A. However, I had a reserved seat which was nice compared to Southwest’s policy where you get to pick your reserved seat once you sit down in it.Since I’ve spent the last 7 years flying Southwest, I had forgotten about what I call the “Gate Lice”. Those are the people in boarding group D who crowd the gate area when they call for group A to board. They were in full force in both Orlando as well as LaGuardia. However, the LaGuardia crowd was a bit more aggressive but I attributed that to them being in New York where everything seems to be a grind.The JetBlue staff was pleasant and welcoming and the flight was uneventful except the seat back entertainment wasn’t working, but the WIFI was and it was free and easy to connect to. Easier to connect to than Southwest's free WIFI. And with Southwest free WIFI watch what they offer, no surfing the web.The return trip was also uneventful. However, the seatback entertainment worked and offered a plethora of movies, music, and TV shows. In case you’re curious JetBlue gives you a whole can of soda and two snacks.I’m based out of New Jersey and my last visit was again November 2019. For the last 20+ years, I’ve stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites Fairfield on route 46. During most of my stays, I was upgraded and the upgraded room usually had a seating area with a larger kitchen area. The whole lobby area had a complete makeover in the last few years and it looked great. This visit I got the rooms of all rooms, and the desk clerk prepped me for it. When I opened the door I was greeted with a conference room that contained a giant 12-seat conference table and a 70” TV. There was also a kitchen area with a wet bar, fridge, TV, and sofa. The bedroom was typical, but also included yet another fridge and TV.The best part of this Hampton Inn is that it is connected to Calandra’s Mediterian Grill where the food is amazing. There’s a happy our every evening, and Tuesday night all pizzas are only $11.00. Calandra’s has a side hustle and it’s a bakery, and that bakery provides all the bread for the “free’ daily breakfast. Other than not being able to pump your gas or make a left-hand turn at an intersection the trip was uneventful.Since I’m a foodie, and I love road food, let’s open with this from One Mile At A Time - Hilton Toronto Airport makes guest sign waiver for medium burgerWhile One Mile At A Time this originally came from Reddit where the OP said this.I ordered my burger medium and the waiter took it with no question or comment. She bought it and it looked great! When I had my first bite she brought me a release form and said we always make our burgers well done but since you wanted it medium now you should sign this! I’ve been to Canada, and we talked about it in episodes 120 and 121. First, I don’t consider Canada as a food mecca. Maybe poutine, but not when it comes to beef. Second I don’t recall any beef product that I’ve ever ordered was anything above medium rare. Call me a monster, but beef above 140 degrees starts bordering on carbon dating. Third why would you ever serve a patron some sort of a Hilton legal team release after the patron took their first bite? Would I sign the release? Not no, but hell no. Time for our first Pervy McPervyton story. This comes from OutKick.com.CBS Sports host Katie Mox posted that  all of her bras & underwear were stolen on a recent Delta flight.Katie Mox arrived in Fort Lauderdale thank you Florida and went straight to her hotel room, and as she started going through her luggage she determined that someone stole all her underwear while on her Delta flight.Mox took to Instagram and posted “This is going to sound insane,” “I just got to the hotel room, I was unpacking my bag and I noticed it had been opened because I have this compartment that I know I zipped close. It was opened. I checked my jewelry. I checked other things. Everything was fine.”But then reality kicked in as she went to where her underwear and bras are/were and they were f–king missing. Mox summed it up with this - “It’s just crazy that my jewelry and my shoes are fine but my underwear is gone,” Mox then went to Walmart for a restock.We talk about kinks on almost every episode and the only way to thwart this kink is by putting an AirTag in your clean underwear. If this is your kink there are several sites you can visit.Time for our second Pervy McPervyton story. And actually it’s an update from a story in September 2023.From Live and Lets Fly - Here are the CliffsNotes:A14-year-old girl rose to use the lavatory in economy class on September 2, 2023. There was a line. A male flight attendant approached her and told her she could use the first class lavatory, but he needed to wash his hands first. He remained in the lavatory for approximately one minute. Stepping out of the lavatory, he told her that the toilet seat was broken (not the toilet itself).When she entered the lavatory, she purportedly observed red tape over the toilet seat, but then noticed a mobile camera taped on the seat. The camera (flash) light was on, suggesting it was recording. I’ll post a picture in the show notes.Fast forward to January 2024and federal prosecutors have arrested the (former) American Airlines flight attendant, identified as 37-year-old Estes Carter Thompson III one of the three named people who is from Charlotte, North Carolina.So here’s how calculated and creepy this guy actually is -When investigators met Thompson in Boston, he had already restored the iPhone to factory settings (Calculated), but in searching his baggage investigators found 11 additional “inoperative catering equipment” stickers identical to what had been used to secure the phone to the toilet seat lid (calculated and creepy).Upon searching his iCloud account, they found four additional instances from the period of January – August 2023 in which a minor was recorded in the lavatory. Those victims were 7, 9, 11, and 14 years old. Police also found over 50 images of a 9-year-old unaccompanied minor who had flown with Thompson. (Totally creepy)Thompson has been charged with two counts, including:* Attempted sexual exploitation of children* And possession of child pornography depicting a prepubescent minorThe family, as they should, is now seeking a payday via a lawsuit against American Airlines and the flight attendant. Against the flight attendant:* invasion of privacy* civil liability for the criminal act of secretly peeping* intentional infliction of emotional distressAgainst American Airlines:* negligence* negligent hiring, supervision or retentionNot sure if I agree with suing American Airlines, but they have deeper pockets. This family will hit a payday, as they should.Time for a second update, about a story we did not report on. Last November, Live And Lets Fly - posted. WOMAN DROPS PANTS AND SQUATS TO PEE ON AISLE FLOOR WHEN FLIGHT ATTENDANT DENIES HER LAVATORY ACCESS ON a THANK YOU FLORIDA FLIGHT. This month Live And Lets Fly posted an update.To bring you up to speed, in November, a female passenger needed to use the lavatory during the planes decent, and was denied. She held it until the aircraft landed, but then sprung up to use the lavatory when the aircraft touched down in Philadelphia.After being denied again, the woman was captured on video saying, “I’m ready to pee over here. Sorry everybody!” Then pulled down her pants, exposing herself to the cabin around her, including a little boy right beside her, and then squatting on the aisle floor. Nice.As passengers yelled in surprise and dismay, she yelled back: “Let me use the lav! I don’t give a f*ck! F*ck you! I gotta go pee!”But she changed her mind, and quickly stood up, and pulled up her pants. During this time, the woman also threatened to kill other passengers who stood in her way as one should do when their pants are pulled down.Turns out that woman is Dulce Huertas, 60, and she now faces a number of charges, including:* interference with flight crew members and attendants* simple assault* indecent exposureOn top of all that, she also faces a fine of $355,000 and up to 21 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. While she is unlikely to be hit with the maximum jail sentence, it is likely that she will face some time behind bars and be hit with the fine.To top it all off, it has emerged that she. may have been intoxicated and the reason she had to go was because she consumed two cocktails on the flight…what do we say about drinking on a plane?This next story comes from the “You could’ve should’ve seen this one coming”. Hertz is selling 20,000 of their electric vehicles in order to buy gasoline cars instead. This is roughly ⅓ of Hertz’s electric car fleet. Hertz was the first car rental company to place a major investment into e-vehicles.For me an EV doesn’t fit into my car theory of not refueling until my 50 mile indicator chimes, but I was and possibly still looking forward to renting a Tesla. The reason that Hertz is willing to take this 245 million loss. It wasn’t that people were turning in cars on an empty battery, or even being stranded because they for got to recharge the battery.The reason is that EV’s have been hurting Hertz's financials, while EV’s cost less to maintain, they have higher damage-repair costs as well as, higher depreciation.As EV price declines in the new car market it has pushed down the resale value of Hertz's used EV rental cars.Remember it’s always about the money.Finishing up with this, if you thought there would a newer, better version of fight club in the sky with the looming merger of JetBlue and Spirit. Put your movie snacks down, it isn’t going to happen.Federal judge, William Young, blocked JetBlue’s acquisition of Spirit Airlines citing - “JetBlue’s plan would eliminate the unique competition that Spirit provides—and about half of all ultra-low-cost airline seats in the industry—and leave tens of millions of travelers to face higher fares and fewer options,” The first visual result of the merger was Spirit Airlines stock shares pluged 60% initially, reducing the airline’s market cap by nearly $1 bn within about five minutes. JetBlue shares jumped around 10% initially before settling back near market open as of this publication.This will be interesting as it’s doubtful these two airlines will be able to exist on their own stay tuned for an appeal.Well, there you have it Episode 195 the first flight of 2024 mixed with some January crazy travel..If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Or visit us at Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office of, Chateau/ Relaxo, FL. and it’s time to catch upThanks for listening.If you’re a new listener, welcome. If you're a returning listener welcome back.It’s been three months since our last episode or as they say in the business world, our previous episode was last quarter.Once again the work-life balance got in the way of posting any episodes. There’s been a decent amount of travel in the last 90 days, but of course not yet back to those 2019 numbers.A few trips do stand out. One was to Thomasville, GA. If you’re unfamiliar with Thomasville it’s located about 45 miles north of Tallahassee FL, a straight shot up 319. Thomasville is the quintessential small town coming in with a population right around 19,000. My last visit to Thomasville was  September 11th, 2002 and the reason I remember it is it was one year after 911 that morning my 6:00 AM alarm came in the form of firetruck sirens in the parking lot and my first thought was, here we go…. Again. Turned out to be a non-emergency but left a lasting impression.It was amazing to see the growth that had taken place in the past 20 years. Several new hotels and the main drag, 19 is now littered with fast-food stops including a Whataburger, guess what I had for dinner. My hotel was a Holiday Inn Express, yes a Holiday Inn Express and my last stay at a Holiday Inn Express was 13 or 14 years ago other than this being a newer hotel Holiday Inn Express not much had changed when it came to their decor. What also had not changed were those warm and gooey cinnamon rolls that they served at breakfast.The other visit was to Ft Worth TX. I was born in Dallas and have lived there twice but I don’t recall spending any time in Ft Worth. Fort Worth or at least the downtown section is still a very western town. A must-visit is Billy Bobs Texas. Yes, you can get fed but you can also watch live bull riding on Friday and Saturday nights, listen to live music and you can also view the handprint wall where people live Bill Engvall, Charlie Daniels, and Dale Earnhardt stuck their hands in wet cement and once it dried it was affixed to the handprint wall.If watching bull riding is a bit intense you can head over to the Fort Worth Stockyards to watch the world's only twice-daily longhorn cattle drive, held every day at 11:30 AM & 4:00 PM.The best meal was at Tim Loves Lonesome Dove Steakhouse. The appetizers were Duck, Rabbit-Rattlesnake Sausage, Pistachios, Black Mission Figs, Blue Corn-Lobster Hushpuppies, Smoked Tomato Butter and Kangaroo Nachos. Each place setting had a small flask of tequila, lime, and syrup to go with the appetizers.The main course was a 14 oz Buffalo Ribeye with sides of Yukon Gold Mash Potatoes and a hearty serving of Lonesome Dove Mac & Cheese.The desert was amazing. Tim Love is one of the few that has defeated Iron Chef Morimoto and he did it with this desert. WARM ANCHO CHILE CHOCOLATE CAKE plated with Vanilla Ice Cream, Smoked Almond Brittle, absolutely decadent.The after-dinner drink was an old-fashioned made with Lonesome Dove Rye this was a legit old-fashioned right down to the Luxardo cherry.This was dinner for 20 plus coworkers and the Lonesome Dove staff nailed it.I had a few flights over the past few months and I’m here to tell you that the planes are still full and the TSA lines are long if you don’t have pre-check. And in case you are wondering less than 5% of the people I flew with were wearing masks.Hotels across the board are more expensive than ever, the Holiday Inn Express was over $160.00 per night and we had a late October trip to Boston, and the hotel was $600.00 per night. I got buyer's remorse and decided that the money was better spent on a couple of months of mortgage payments.So let’s do a quick catch-up on the last few months of crazy travel.We have to open this month with this, Fly the Crappy Skies”Early September a Delta flight out of Atlanta headed to Barcelona had to make a U-turn back to Atlanta due to a passenger's fecal urgency. Urgency might not be the best word more like a passenger’s diarrhea. The pilot's radio call went out as “Divert to ATL — passenger diarrhea all over aircraft — biohazard”This poor passenger could not make it to the lavatory and ended up spreading fecal matter literally throughout the passenger cabin. Spreading might not be the best word, more like destroying the aisle of the passenger cabin.There’s a video, there’s always a video, watch it at your discretion. There’s a LINK in the show notes.The flight arrived in Barcelona just eight hours late, with the same aircraft after a four-hour deep cleaning. Deep cleaning, how about a complete cabin makeover?Spoiler alert - this episode should’ve been named the biohazard episode because we’re not done yet.Ever heard of Mike Beaton? Probably not, but Mike is a British Airways pilot who thought he was checking off a massive bucket list item. And he was so proud of this bucket list achievement that  he sent a stewardess friend this text, “I’ve been a very naughty boy.” That sounds very British, naughty boy.Mike’s bucket list item was meeting two randos in a bar, killing a bottle of vodka with them, and then doing lines of coke off of one of these ladies' breasts. Yep, you heard it right a cheesy porn movie acted out in real life.Thankfully the stewardess friend reported Mike’s behavior to the British Airways bosses who quickly suspended Mike and canceled his upcoming 12-hour flight, which cost right BA around $120,000 American. Mike was flown home the next day as a passenger, but not before being drug-tested at Heathrow. When that popped positive, Mike was fired.Mike who is or was married only comment was, “Co-workers suck”.This one you can file with two hashtags, #CreepyMcCreeperton and #PeopleAre Stupid.This comes from View From The WingOn an American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Boston, there was reported a video camera in the lavatory, and it appeared that it might have been placed there by a flight attendant, and if that isn’t creepy enough it was placed there to record a teenage girl. According to the girl’s family, they were seated in coach but the 14-year-old was invited to use the first-class lavatory. The crewmember, she said, just wanted to “wash his hands” first. Exiting the lavatory, she says that the flight attendant told her that the seat was broken (but the toilet itself was fine). She went into the lav, and as soon as she came out the flight attendant went back inside.Thankfully the girl took a photo of what’s apparently the flight attendant’s iPhone stuck to the toilet in the lavatory with maintenance stickers.So now for the people are stupid part. There’s a picture of how this iPhone was affixed to the back of the toilet seat with two airline “Remove From Service” stickers which included a handwritten note, “Seat Broken”. To be even more stupid the iPhone's flash was on, I mean Stevie Wonder could see this thing from outside the lavatory.Creepy is bad, creepy against someone without their consent is super creepy, creepy against a minor, and a fast track to jail.Let’s move to October.From View From The Wing we have another biohazard story - Explosive Diaper Left In Lavatory Was So Bad, The Airline Thought It Was A Bomb And DivertedCopa Airlines flight 393 from Panama City to Tampa, Thank You Florida took off but less than an hour later, it was headed back to the airline’s hub with special forces placed on alert. The crew had identified what they thought was a bomb placed in the lavatory. It was a diaper, now I’ve dealt with two kids that were in diapers, and while it isn’t a pleasant experience I never once correlated the smell to a bomb, I have no idea what a bomb smells like. However, this was an adult diaper.According to officials, We had it on a secure runway where police special explosives canine units and special forces examined the object and found it to be an adult diaper wrapped in plastic, ruling out any risk.In the end, so to speak, the flight was delayed only 3 hours and cost the airline a couple hours worth of jet fuel. Hey, at least someone had the courtesy to wrap it in plastic.This started on the sub-Reddit United Airlines - Our plane from NYC to SF diverted because a man threw up; he refused to get off the plane.WildBloomFlower started with Please let me know if this is normal.We were on a flight from NYC to SF, and an hour and 45 minutes in, a man threw up in the back of the plane, all over the walls. It was so bad they couldn’t clean it, six people had to move to new seats, and we were diverted to Chicago to have the plane cleaned. The flight attendants said it was a medical emergency and a biohazard that wasn’t safe for the crew or passengers.WildBlkoomFlower went on -i t was frustrating to get delayed, but I am glad we diverted because it sounded like hell for the people in the back. But once we were there, the flight attendant said the man who was sick wasn’t getting off the plane, he said he was fine, and they couldn’t make him leave…. And they didn’t make him leave, even with force. If a single individual forces a plane to divert they should leave the plane. Be it for childbirth, injury, threatening passengers, or flight attendants you have to leave the plane. Then I realized this was United Express and the parent company United Airlines, the same United Airlines that dragged Dr. Dao off a flight in 2017. So now my thought is that United Airlines isn’t forcibly removing anyone from any flights.Looking to get on the no-fly list? Just do what this individual did. Dateline Orlando MCO Thank You Florida where in October one man decided just to press through the screening checkpoint… without stopping for screening. This is not alright. Equipped with a backpack and a guitar this gentleman crashed through the security checkpoint only to be followed by four TSA agents who finally managed to wrestle him to the ground. Here’s what’s so odd, had he managed to elude the TSA agents he still had to ride the air train to his terminal, and while there isn’t another TSA checkpoint, there are numerous law enforcement officers in every terminal. Don’t forget the Florida slogan Florida, arrive on vacation leave on probation.Finishing up with some November craziness, we have our last biohazard story. From Live And Lets Fly - UNREAL: WOMAN DROPS PANTS AND SQUATS TO PEE ON AISLE FLOOR WHEN FLIGHT ATTENDANT DENIES HER LAVATORY ACCESS ON FLORIDA FLIGHT. Yep, you heard it here, a woman on a flight out of Thank You Florida needed to use the lavatory after the pilot had indicated that everyone needed to remain in their seats as they were getting ready to land. The flight attendant tried to stop her while the rest of the plane yelled at her, and in the end, she dropped trou and let loose in the aisle.Time for, “The shoe’s on the other foot”. Again from Live And Lets Fly - INTOXICATED DELTA FLIGHT ATTENDANT KISSED AND GROPED FEMALE PASSENGER, VAPED ONBOARDThis occurred in November 2022 but it’s just now hitting the web. Abigail Louise Trebnick-Emerson one of the four named people, is a Delta flight attendant who was flying “non-rev” (meaning at a greatly reduced price on a space-available basis) from Las Vegas (LAS) to Minneapolis (MSP). To set the stage, she was placed in a middle seat next to Alison Petri, who was seated on the aisle.Trebnick-Emerson was served wine onboard, two cans at a time. After consuming the first two cans, she ordered two more. After finishing the third, she leaned over and kissed her female seatmate on the mouth. Oh no.Petri retreated to the rear lavatory and reported the incident. One of the on-duty flight attendants, John Riss, purportedly brought Trebnick-Emerson a glass of water…and, get this, a fifth can of wine.That may have been the end of it, but after the flight landed when Petri stood up to gather her luggage, Trebnick-Emerson reportedly groped her in the butt. She also began vaping as the plane descended, blowing “‘plumes of smoke” toward Petri.In the words of former British Airways pilot, Mike Beaton, co-workers suck.Well, there you have it Episode 193 and we’re all caught up. I thought about doing the 2023 gift guide, but since this is being posted in early December I’m guessing most of you are done with your holiday shopping.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Or visit Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office, Chateau/ Relaxo, FL.If you’re a first-time listener, welcome. If you're a returning listener welcome back.Tonight I am partaking in a Regatta Double IPA from Biscayne Bay Brewing Company coming in at a very hefty 8.5% ABVTwo trips since our last episode one was a three-day road trip to the ATL, and the other was a 5-day visit to the Northeast.First the Atlanta road trip.For the past year or two, I had been visiting Atlanta by taking 75 north to Macon, and then winding my up through Athens Georgia, and then back down to the Duluth GA area. For this trip, I decided to change it up by heading up 75 north and then taking 475 around Macon back on 75 to 675 to 285 to avoid the downtown Atlanta gridlock finally ending up on 85 north toward Duluth. I’m here to tell you no matter how much road construction Atlanta performs it will never solve Atlanta’s traffic issues. And one of those issues is that most cars in Atlanta have a single passenger.The first two nights were spent in Duluth Georgia and the third night was in Valdosta GeorgiaThe fitness center at Hilton Garden Inn located in Valdosta did have a Peleton and it was in perfect working order. Surprising as most hotel fitness equipment is normally trashed in under 12 months. Possibly this was the second or third cycle.This past week it was to fly into Philly on Monday and drive to Baltimore and make that base camp for Tuesday and Wednesday followed by a day in Pennsauken NJ before flying out of Philly on Friday morning. First, the hotel roundup, two nights at the Hilton Garden Inn White Marsh, one night at the Hilton Double Tree Pennsauken, NJ and the last night it was another Hilton Double Tree Philadelphia Airport. The HGI White Marsh also had a Peleton, but this one had a sign stating that it was out of order due to a manufacturer part recall. A solid HGI including my Tuesday night dinner of wings. As surprising as it sounds the wings at Hilton Garden Inns are far better than anything BDubs serves. A friend of the show Robbie Morris hit me up to those featherless taste sensations several years ago and they are consistently delicious.The Double Tree in Pennsauken was long in the tooth, friendly staff but was in dire need of an overhaul. Especially the greenhouse pool enclosure which was missing screen panels and looked like it might be an actual greenhouse from the plant growth.Finishing up with the Hilton Double Tree Philadelphia Airport. I had a Friday morning 6:15 AM flight home, so here’s a tip for all you baby road warriors. Book your last night hotel at a hotel that offers an airport shuttle, then drop your rental car off the night before your flight take the rental shuttle to the airport and then take the hotel shuttle to the hotel. Yes, it takes a bit more time but I promise you it’s less of a hassle than dropping off the rental at 4:00 AM. The Hilton Double Tree Philadelphia Airport was in much better shape but the highlight was Players Sports Bar located in the lobby. My dinner was the cheesesteak, minus the word Philly since we were in Philly. Deliciously prepared steak mixed with sauteed onions covered with a blanket of cheese.Players also offered a solid local beer selection. I zeroed in on the Brotherly Love Hazy IPA from Victory Brewing, and that’s where I stayed for the duration of the meal.Othe beers on the trip.* Dead Cat IPA from Basement Brewing* Fiddlehead IPA from Fiddlehead Brewing* Monotone Citra from Tonewood Brewing* Aboriginal Gangster from Burley Oak Brewing Company* And finishing up with a Straight Outta Baltimore from Oliver Brewing Co.Beer isn’t cheap in Maryland as we were paying $18.00 for 16 oz 4-packs. So beer prices in addition to the housing prices it’s doubtful that I could afford to live here.The hotel roundup is as follows. Eight nights and five different hotels.* If you needed room service you had to let the front desk know the night before.* None of the hotels offered much of COVID reminders except for the hand sanitizer stations. Most of which were empty and crusty around the nozzle. * The only new addition was that all the hotels had QR codes that you could scan for the TV channels, hotel directory, and local food delivery.* When it came to bathroom toiletries each bathroom had a single bar of soap next to the sink but all the shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner were housed in pump bottles mounted to the shower wall. This I am not a fan of, is it enough to make me pack my own shampoo and gel? Probably not.It’s been several months since I’ve flown and not much had changed. Of course, when flying Southwest the direct routes are limited so the flight up to Philly, as well as the return flight, required connections.The flight up connected in Nashville, Tennessee, and the return flight stopped in Chicago, Illinois, and then Columbus Ohio. The Nashville airport is ever-evolving, there’s always live music but it seems that more and more of the stores are selling Nashville beer and Nashville liquor.Last week's five flights offered a couple of surprises.Airplane occupancy was surprisingly light as my flight to Nashville was 75% full and my flight from Philly to Columbus was only 50% full. Of course, the flight back into O-Town was packed, with lots of kids and lots of families wearing matching Disney shirts.The snack on Southwest is no longer mini-pretzels, the current Southwest snack is Remys Graham crackers. Absolutely wonderful. I probably haven’t eaten many graham crackers since the kids were little, but these are a total game-changer.One thing that hasn’t changed is that taking early morning flights is still a giant cup of suck. Yes, the first flight out does reduce the chances of your flight being delayed, but they wreak havoc on my sleep patterns. My flight to Philly departed at 6:55 am which required leaving Chateau Relaxo by 4:30 AM, which meant I started waking up right around 3:00 AM.My return flight departed at 6:15 AM which required boarding the hotel shuffle by 4:00 AM, which meant I started waking up right around 2:30 AM. In 23 years of travel, I’ve never missed a flight, but I just don’t sleep well before an early morning flight.The other thing that an early morning flight does is by the time you get to your destination, it’s typical early afternoon, so there’s still plenty of time to work.Each day I try to find at least one thing to be grateful for. On Monday and Friday, the one thing that I was grateful for was having a TSA pre-check. At both airports the non-TSA pre-check lines were horrendous. This is a scaled-down crazy travel roundup, but this month we have* 10 drinks isn’t an excuse to be Creepy McCreeperton* How clean is clean?* Are you an entitled traveler?* What fourteen words will get you banned from an airport?Opening with this from Boing Boing “10 drinks under his belt, a 69-year-old man charged with groping teen next to him on Delta flight”Dateline North Carolina, here’s the Cliff NotesShortly after the plane took off, the 15-year-old picked up Jack Allen Roberson's headphones after he dropped them.In response, he said "Thank you, I don't know what I would do without you," Seems like a kind elderly gentleman.Sometime afterward, the teenager felt him touch her thigh, which she thought was accidental because he appeared to be asleep. Seriously the old playing possum trick.Then, he "slowly moved his hands up her thigh, and under her skirt," Enter this month Creepy McCreeperton.The teenager then alerted her aunt, who switched seats with her before notifying the flight crew about Roberson touching her niece — resulting in him getting a new seat.In an interview with federal investigators, after the flight landed, Jack Allen said he had eight alcoholic beverages prior to boarding the flight to Seattle and drank two double vodka tonics on the flight, according to a complaint filed in federal court. I’m saying that's 12 drinks, maybe 10 physical glasses but definitely 12 drinks.In case you didn’t know, abusive sexual contact on an aircraft can result in up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.Remember, that alcohol or other drug use doesn’t excuse felony sexual abuse.Repeating my June PSA….. Dudes, all of the dudes,… no matter what you’ve watched on PornHub or read on Reddit, women, don’t like this, they don’t welcome this or want this, and everything that you’ve watched and read is total BS if a woman wanted you to act like that that they would ask. And doing something like this to a 15-year-old Mr. Jack Ass Allen, you’re deplorable.For this next story let’s head to the Ticky Tok and focus on Rochelle N. Stewart’s account. In addition to listing JESUS, Mom, Wife, Cook, Clean, Organize & Self Care in her profile Rochelle has 1.1 million followers. Rochelle recently shared the intense 20-minute cleaning routine she does in every hotel that includes checking for bed bugs with a blue light. She wipes down everything from the shower to the light switch. During the Ticky Tok, Rochelle said: 'This clean life isn't for everyone, but this is what I do when I check into a hotel,' as she wiped down the phone with a Clorox wipe. Next, she used soap and a Scrub Daddy to clean the sink. Then she a Clorox wipe on a sponge and wiped the toilet, the floor, and the shower.  Finishing up with cleaning the shower floor, she said: 'Even if I wear flip-flops, I got to at least clean the shower floor, call me crazy if you want.' OK, Rochelle as of July 31st I have spent 23 years being a road warrior, and I work with at least 30 other road warriors and I have yet to find out that any of them have ever gotten sick from a hotel room. Make no mistake about it I appreciate your cleanliness, you list it in your profile even if it is strictly for views.Over the years I have seen baby road warriors bring a black or blue light when they travel, and when they disclose this I always ask, “What are you going to do if you find something with that light?” Every time they reply with, “Ask for a new room” to which I reply, “Do you think they have a different housekeeper for each room?”Short of licking the toilet seat in a hotel room chances are you will not get sick.Thank you View From The Wing. Here’s a point to ponder. What is your definition of entitled? With travel, it could be always expecting the upgrade no matter what number you are on the list or expecting the hotel staff to clean up after you in the breakfast area.But here’s an example of an entitled traveler that never came to mind - Business Class Passenger Loses It When United Runs Out Of First Choice Meal. After reading the multitude of stories posted about this “Loses it” isn’t the best descriptor. This guy pitched such a fit that United Airlines flight 20 from Houston to Amsterdam dumped fuel, and then diverted to Chicago. After removing the passenger and refueling at O’Hare, the flight just landed, about three and a half hours late.There’s a video, there’s always a video, I’ll post a link. And of course, as the story unfolds it appears that there was some pregaming before the flight which might have attributed to the outburst.I’m not sure about the cost of a fuel dump, and I’m guessing it’s not the greatest for the environment, but this was all over this passenger not getting the first choice of their meal. It’s not that they didn’t get to eat, it’s that they didn’t get what they wanted. Plus it’s a meal on an airline and the airline is United. I’ve flown United a few times over the years and I don’t recall any 4-star dining experiences.As with most of these stories, the comments hold the real comedy gold.DanK: They should start putting a small padded jail cell next to the toilet to hold these people so they don’t have to divert.Sva Says: A uniquely American problem…..along with guns, and low IQ….and failed geography tests…and standard of living….and lower life expectancy….Andy says: If he were so passionate about onboard dining, why did he choose United?Finishing up with the fourteen words that will get you banned from an airport.Those words are, "I'm going to blow this [expletive] up. I'm going to take you all out," And why would someone choose to utter those words? Well, it turns out that 30-year-old Vincent Cirino showed up at the gate, and was told the flight was closed already, and that he would not be allowed to board because Vincent was late.Deputies apprehended Cirino following the incident. As one would expect, the situation further escalated when officers attempted to inform Cirino of his Miranda rights, as the 30-year-old refused to cooperate and became even more agitated, using explicit language and raising his voice toward officers.In the court proceedings, the judge acknowledged concerns about the specific charges Cirino was facing but found probable cause to proceed with the case.The judge ordered Cirino to post a $10,000 bond and forbade him from entering any airport property.And where did this all take place? Glad you asked.  This took [place at the Thank You Florida, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.And what’s the Florida motto? “Florida, come on vacation. Leave on probation.”There you have it episode 191, Traveling like I used mixed with some July Crazy Travel Roundup is in the books.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Or visit Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office, Chateau/ Relaxo, FL.If you’re a first-time listener, welcome. If you're a returning listener, welcome back.Tonight I am drinking local with a Castillo Coconut Porter from Ancient City Brewing ofSt. Augustine, FL. This comes in at 6.8% ABV It’s a porter mixed with dark chocolate and black malts. It's brewed with raw organic coconut and finished with Northern Brewer hops. St. Augustine is less than two hours up the road, and if you’ve never heard of St Augustine it’s Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States. It has sort of a pirate theme mixed with ghost tours and some great seafood.We skipped the May crazy travel roundup, just too much going on trying to keep that home life work-life balanced to get an episode recorded. We’ve had to relocate a relative to a new residence, experienced a bathroom renovation and we’re in the middle of another renovation, a facelift for the Chateau’ Relaxo home office.If you traveled over the July 4th holiday hopefully your blood pressure is back in the normal range. The news outlets as well as the travel blogs were predicting travel delays and cancelations days before we logged off our final Teams meeting last Friday. Over the four-day weekend, I did a  bit of reflection as one tends to do while enjoying a few beers and it led me down the road of holiday travel. It’s been months since I’ve been on a plane, be it for business or for pleasure. Buy the third beer it dawned on me that I miss the travel grind at least a little bit. There are always going to be travel delays, there’s the human factor, the weather factor as well as a mechanical factor…. The proverbial three-legged stool. If something goes wrong with one of those legs the stool topples just like what happens to flight schedules. Just remember to try to make the best of the situation, no need to yell or try to make next month's crazy travel roundup. Most airports have a decent food selection, enjoy a nice meal and you the airline's app to keep you updated on your flight schedule In case you didn’t know when it comes to travel, no good deeds go unpunished, if you get an upgrade to first-class more than likely one of your next flights will be delayed. If the hotel bumps you up to an executive suite, chances are there will be an issue with your next rental car. Travel is all about perspective.Onto tonight's show, we have:* A bit of crotch grabbing* An exciting twist on the emergency slide deployment* The artistic kid* Yet another flight delay* An exciting way to call in sick to work* And the Spirit Airlines roundupLet’s open with this - dateline somewhere between Atlanta, GA and Portland, Maine. From Live and Let’s Fly.Dr. Jake Namjik Cho, referred to now as Dr. Creepy McCreeperton, was on a Delta flight seated in 17B. No judgment but a doctor that can’t afford first class, seriously? During the flight, a young woman claimed that Dr. Creepy McCreeperton spent much of the flight leaning into her seat area while appearing to be asleep.Here are a few of the highlights from her criminal complaint - Dr. Creepy made contact with her thigh and buttocks. At some point the aircraft encountered turbulence, and Dr. Creepy appeared to have spasmed and reached over her leg and down into her crotch. A total 9th-grade movie theater move.Dr. Creepy then touched the outside of her genitals from the outside of her pants. What a creep.When she cried out, Dr. Creepy “woke up” and removed his hand. For the rest of the flight, he did not touch her. When Dr. Creepy returned to Atlanta he was questioned by the FBI as well as Portland Police and a Federal Air Marshal when he checked in for his return to Atlanta.What Dr. Creepy did was disgusting, wrong, and inappropriate pick your favorite adjective, but it gets more creepy. At first, Dr. Creepy denied touching the woman next to him at all with his hands, let alone inappropriately, and claimed he had traveled to Maine to propose to his girlfriend. What…. propose to his girlfriend?Eventually, Dr. Creepy confessed and his excuse for grabbing her crotch? His glasses were off, the cabin was dark, and his hand slipped. This guy must think he’s Trump.In the end, Dr. Creepy was arrested and now faces up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. My guess is that he’ll also lose his medical license.Here’s my PSA for all the dudes… no matter what you’ve watched on PornHub or read at ReddIt women don’t like this, they don’t welcome or want this, and everything that you’ve watched and read is total BS. If a woman wanted you to act like that that they would ask.This month’s second entry is also from Live and Let’s Fly and it involves one of my favorite airline-related things….. The emergency slide. A mechanical issue forced a Delta Boeing 767 to divert to Salt Lake City, as if that wasn’t heart-stopping enough the emergency exit slide was then inadvertently deployed inside the cabin, smashing a flight attendant just like an airbag.And the inadvertent deployment happened due to a careless caterer that was servicing the plane after the mechanical issue was resolved and the plane was restocking in order to take off.There was a picture posted on Twitter from @danmorenooo and after countless news outlets asking @danmorenooo to check his DM’s requesting permission to repost his picture, we finally stuck comedy gold with a couple of comments. @madewithjello -  That’s just the plane holding its fart. 💨@mfg - First time seeing an emergency slide deployed and can’t even use it. Brutal@omalley_ian - Flight attendants cross-check?Of course, there were plenty of amateur aeronautical engineers adding their comments about grit bars and velcro. I had no idea what any of that meant.In case you’re wondering or haven’t listened to previous episodes, it’s about $10k to repack the emergency and then tack on any repair costs to the plane during deployment.After all that, I doubt I would’ve boarded the second flight and in turn, I would’ve just made my way to the rental car lot.If you’ve ever been the parent of or spent much time around cute little curtain climbers you will discover that they are creative. Some of the creativity can be easily appreciated like tracing their hand with a crayon and then coloring it to make it look like a turkey. Others' creativity takes a bit to appreciate. Case and point I had a friend whose car interior resembled a pinata because his kids had stuck stickers on the car's windows and seats in a very half-assed fashion.For better or worse there is no parenting manual most parenting styles are influenced by how you were raised, mixed with not trying to crush their young spirits while trying to keep your little crotch gobblings from disturbing others. Parenting is a balancing act, however, what took place on a recent Delta flight is not alright….. From JetMarvel.net. - A mother let her child draw all over the seat and windows on Delta Flight. Yes, you heard that right - A mother let her child draw all over the seat and windows on Delta Flight.From the mother’s now-deleted Instagram account “I’m not running an advertisement here. providing practical advice. Thank me later, parents of infants and toddlers! When the iPad has served its purpose, you can use it effectively. When I want my toddler to fall asleep, I prefer to let him use these instead of the iPad because the iPad excites him and makes it more difficult for me to put him to sleep. A sleeping child on a lengthy flight is also a MAJOR WIN, as is common knowledge.This video is from a domestic flight of Delta. I informed the flight attendant that they wipe off on purpose. She exhaled in relief and I did too.“This kid tried his best Bob Ross on the plane's interior. No “Happy little accidents” no “having a tree as a friend” Just big stupid circles and this mallet-head of a mother's assurance that it will wipe off on purpose….. Which is a stupid statement and makes no sense.All joking aside I believe in giving grace, especially to parents with young children on a flight. However, this woman didn’t even try….Hey kid, tired of the iPad? here‘s an 8-pack of Crayolas have at it.Flight delays happen, they happen every day. If you're lucky they happen while you are still at the gate area and not while you’re stuck out on the tarmac. If you’re lucky the delay is only an hour or two, but oftentimes they’re much longer….. And if you’re Ticky Tocker and AI Efficiency Coach Phil Stringer your flight delay was 18 hours…. Yes, 18 hours. Phil’s flight was from Oklahoma to North Carolina and Phil is apparently a very patient man because after 18 hours every other passenger had given up or was lucky enough to catch another flight, which meant Phil was the designated survivor and he was rewarded with a fully staffed Airbus A321 plane all to himself. Phil posted his single-passenger journey on the Ticky Tock with the opening caption “When you buy every single ticket on the plane so you don’t half to deal with people”.The video shows Phil and the flight crew having a blast complete with Phil getting his own one-on-one safety briefing.That being said they still managed to lose Phil’s luggage…… just kidding.In case you were wondering 18 hours is approximately the same amount of time it would take to just drive from Oklahoma to North Carolina. I would’ve waited 18 hours.My closest encounter with being the only passenger on a flight was in 2001 on an Atlanta to Jacksonville Thank You Florida flight where I was one of five passengers, and I still didn’t get the upgrade.At some point, most of us have had a job that we didn’t enjoy. It could be a quote-unquote toxic work environment. An ill-balanced pay scale or not liking your fellow coworkers, especially if one of those coworkers is an ex. Very early on in my corporate career, I heard the phrase “Don’t fish off the company dock” In other words do not get romantically involved with a coworker. And it makes total sense.This brings us to our next story.From PaddleYourOwn Kanoo I give you this.An Aerolineas Argentinian flight attendant, Daniela Carbone, was recently assigned to work a Buenos Aires to Miami, Thank You Florida, flight and on that flight, was to be her ex-boyfriend, also Aerolineas Argentinian flight attendant and he was traveling with his new girlfriend, who is also an Aerolineas Argentinian flight attendant. This sounds like it could be a poorly written pron movie.Instead of letting the anxiety build Daniela decided to call out of work by phoning in a bomb threat. It is alleged that Carbone used her daughter’s cellphone with a disposable sim card to call in the bomb threat with a distorted voice:“Tell the little captain that we put three bombs in the Miami,” “Tell him to stop f**king around with politics and check the plane because they are going to be blown to smithereens”.With such a well-thought-out plan how did Daniela get caught? Glad you asked. Someone had ratted her out. They seized her iPhone and undercovered her search history which included,“Can you analyze an audio to find out whose voice it is”“How to investigate audio”In the end, Daniela did get the day off, as well as the remainder of the year because she got fired and now faces up to six years in prison.Remember don’t fish off the company dock!Wrapping up the episode with three Spirit Airlines stories and all three involve passengers losing their “S”.Spirit Airlines is often known by a few of these nicknames - * Break your Spirit Airlines* Waffle House with wings* Dollar Store of the SkyIf you’ve never flown Spirit put a Google on Spirit Airlines bad reviews and if after going down that rabbit hole you still feel that flying Spirit is a good idea here are my three words of advice - God Bless You.Let’s open with a late June flight from Atlanta to Detroit. To start this flight was delayed five hours. Finally, passengers “were told they could board around 10:15 p.m.” and around 15 did indeed board the flight.But wait there’s more, there’s always more because “rowdy travelers caused yet another delay” At that point, the Spirit gate agents decided it was best to shut the boarding doors so that “nobody else could board.” Hindsight being 20/20 this probably wasn’t the greatest strategy because you now have 15 passengers on board a delayed flight that are now going to experience more delays plus the remaining passengers in the gate area that can’t get on the plane.It was at that point a passenger grabbed the mic of the gate’s public address system to call for a supervisor to which the remaining passenger in the gate area began cheering. Not sure if a supervisor ever showed up, but I know if I had the unfortunate job of being a Spirit supervisor it would be right around that time that I’d be taking my dinner break. After dropping $125.00 on a Spirit flight you not only get onboard entertainment you also get pre-flight entertainment.Spirit round two - It’s Atlanta again. Atlanta you’re on notice don’t try to take Thank You Florida’s Spirit Fight Club status.  With Spirit being the Waffle House with wings it’s surprising that they would deny anyone boarding a flight. They need that $125.00 plus fees and taxes. Well, it happened last month in Atlanta when a gate agent was assaulted by a passenger they’d just denied boarding to out of a belief that the customer was intoxicated. The passenger tried to force her way onto the jet bridge and punched the gate agent in the face when that didn’t work.Fortunately, the agent was fairly unscathed. The passenger was arrested and charged with assault.Again some pre-flight entertainment for only $125.00.Finishing the Sirit roundup with this from Orlando, Thank You Florida story. From Fox35, a Spirit Airlines customer put an Orlando police officer in a chokehold. Edward Hariston, 41, of Ohio, is facing one count of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, battery on a law enforcement officer, and disorderly conduct. What could possibly cause all this? Glad you asked. Investigators said Hariston was reportedly arguing with an employee when he reached behind the ticket counter, grabbed the computer keyboard, and began hitting buttons. That’s when a police officer tried to stop him and the fight started.In my opinion, Hariston should plead insanity because anyone that flies Spirit has to be insane.What do we always say - Florida come on vacation, leave on probation.And that ends this month’s Spirit Airlines travel tips.There you have it episode 189, the June crazy travel roundup is in the books. I’ll try to do better and get another show out in the next few weeks.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Or visit Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office, Chateau/ Relaxo, FL.If you’re a first-time listener, welcome. If you're a returning listener welcome back.We skipped the mid-month episode, just too much going on trying to keep that home life work-life balanced to get an episode recorded.Here’s what’s in store for the April craziness - * Remember the childhood game “Chutes & Ladders” in modern times we play “Emergency chutes & what’s the matter?* Herding cats at JFK, sort of.* One rule for life from the movie Roadhouse* Southwest Airlines "It's like déjà vu all over again." * No shirt, No shoes, No service  * Kids on a plane * More kids on a plane * When real life imitates the movies But first a quick travel update.One quick trip to Columbia, SC for a weekend getaway. The 6-hour drive up I95 would become a 9-hour drive by the time we hit Jacksonville. Make no mistake about it I95 is horrendous, from Florida to Maine somewhere along the way you will experience delays. The first part of our delay was the remaining snowbirds were headed back north. The second part of our delay came from the Georgia-South Carolina state line, where  I95 goes from 4 lanes down to two lanes. Think of it as the merge lane at the onramp except instead of 5 or six cars you’ve got four lanes of cars doing 70 MPH. The base camp was the Hampton Inn Columbia-Downtown Historic District. It was a perfect location as it was located near everything we wanted to do. Dinner was at the Hickory Tavern which offered tasty sports bar food with a solid mix of local beers, plus it was within walking distance of the hotel.Saturday morning was spent at the Soda City Market. Soda City Market is a producer-only market which means vendors must make or grow their own products. Their motto is ‘Find everything you need to nourish your brain, body, and belly”. The market fields an average of 150 vendors per week, and over 400 unique vendors throughout the year! Again an easy walk from the hotel.After that, we grabbed the car and headed to Cromers Peanuts to stock up on boiled peanuts and Peach Nehi. Cromer’s was started by my late grandmother’s Uncle Julian D. Cromer. Julian D. Cromer was an early adopter of grassroots marketing with his slogan Cromer’s  “Guaranteed Worst in Town." And that today that slogan is still on display inside the store.Lunch was at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar. The CEO went with the Smokehouse Burger which consisted of an Angus patty topped with pulled pork, pepper jack cheese, and onion straws. I passed on the beef and went with their special of the month a Peanut Thai Chicken sandwich which was amazing. Don’t pass up their tatter tots covered with their special seasoning, I never knew tots could be kicked up a notch.That night was a formal event at Stone River. Stone River is set on the banks of the Congaree River with a perfect view of downtown Columbia. The service and food were spot on and made the perfect ending to a quick get-a-way weekend. And the drive back only took us 6 ½ hours.On to the April craziness.Let’s open with one of my favorite topics, the deployment of an airplane’s emergency slide.Dateline LOS ANGELES  - Delta flight 1714 was headed towards Seattle right up to the point when a passenger opened an emergency exit door causing the emergency slide to deploy as the plane was pushing away from the gate. In case you were curious, I was, the cost to repack a slide can cost as much as $30,000. According to the Consumerist, that cost will cover the repacking of the slide — which can cost $6,000 to $12,000 alone — and any repairs that may need to be done to the aircraft.Now here’s the odd thing according to Valley News, the person was not arrested, but “transported to a local hospital for mental evaluation,”.Even odder, “The aircraft was holding to taxi for takeoff when the passenger exited the aircraft and was initially detained by Delta staff ahead of being arrested by local law enforcement,” the official statement said. This means Delta isn’t like many businesses where if an employee witnesses an infraction they are told to not engage.And in the end, the aircraft returned to a gate and passengers were put on another plane Delta posted.When it comes to herding cats we must thank Norse Atlantic Airline. Norse has a fleet of roughly 10 planes and positions itself as a low-cost, long-haul airline. Part of Norse Atlantic’s mission statement is this - Norse is dedicated to doing two things excellently: Providing top customer experience and affordable tickets. So how’s this for a customer experience  - In early April Norse forgot to Send Arriving Passengers To Customs, and Now They Have To Return To JFK.This was a flight from France and it appears that passengers deplaned, grabbed their luggage, and headed for the train, their Uber, or their car. That’s it no 2 - 3 hour customs search, claim, and explain. If you’ve ever traveled internationally this was a gift. It was a gift until the next morning and that’s when tiktokbrowser took to Reddit to post this email that they received - "This is a reminder that you have to be cleared by immigration when entering the US. You did not unfortunately clear immigration upon arrival into New York JFK last night. Please report back to Terminal 7 at JFK this morning at 0900LT at Row E. It is in your own interest that you are processed by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the US Government."Through the Reddit comments tiktokbrowser posted a few more details “We got off the plane, passed baggage claim, and were right at the exit! We were so confused but we were like ok I guess??”They even reached out to CBP Customs & Border Patrol and they were wishy-washy on whether or not everyone really did have to return to JFK.In the end, tiktokbrowser finished with this, “Lol - yes I went back. Spent hundreds on Ubers to go back. Supervisor of CBP told me I had to go back”.This was no doubt the fault of one single individual that missed the “Customs & Border Patrol” day at the gate agent school.One of the movies that I will always stop to watch is Roadhouse, and if you’ve listened to any of the previous 187 episodes I will often reference one of John Dalton’s, played by Patrick Swayze  “3 simple rules”. Rule #3 “Be nice”.In case you were wondering about the other two rules.Rule #,1Expect the unexpected. Rule #2, take it outside. Never start anything inside the bar unless it's absolutely necessary. Well Gary Leff from View From The Wing must also listen to Travel Stories because last month he posted this - The Most Important Trick for Getting What You Want From Airlines (And Other Large Businesses)If you’ve never seen Roadhouse Swayze’s character Dalton majored in Philosophy at NYU. And Gary claims that he’s been a proponent of the Philosophy of “hang up, call back” for many years. When you don’t get the answer you want the first time, hang up the phone and talk to someone else.This happened a few weeks ago with a coworker as he was stranded at Dulles due to weather delays. He was flying on United where he had no status. After three phone calls of “Sorry, there are no other flights available” he hit gold on call number four as he got a flight into Miday which put him closer to his final destination.Gary also added this  If you’re dealing with an airline on the day of travel you have some options:* the check-in counter* kiosk, website, or app* telephone reservations* customer service counter* gate agent* Twitter (and in some cases Facebook Messenger or other social media or messaging app)Nowhere in the post does Gary mention screaming, cussing breaking things, or removing your clothes, more on that in a minute.It comes down to being nice and asking nicely. Believe me, if that gate agent could go wrench on a 737 in order to not hear all the b******g about a mechanical delay they would.Also, Rule #1 Expect the unexpected is also solid advice…. Actually, Roadhouse is filled with all sorts of life lessons, go watch it.Yogi Berra once said, 'It's Deja Vu All Over Again' For this let’s jump into the way-back machine to December 2022, so it’s not that far back.If you traveled by plane over the past few weeks, hopefully, you have been reunited with your luggage and you finally have made it home.2022 Christmas air travel was a dumpster fire and a winter storm ignited the fire on Friday, December 23rd, this resulted in lost, make that lots of lost luggage and lots of stranded passengersHere are the quick numbers in case you forgotTuesday, December 27th Over 20,00 delayed flights and 5100 canceled flights.Wednesday, December 28th Over 11,000 delayed flights and 4475 canceled flights. Southwest Airlines took the brunt of it by canceling over 2500 flights on both Tuesday the 27th and Wednesday the 28th. Part of the issue was that  Southwest bases its routes on a point-to-point system and not a hub system.The other part was their outdated and aging technology infrastructure. Think of it as still relying on dial-up internet in 2023.April 18th the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop which halted all Southwest Airlines flights from taking off. This was due to a technical glitch and that glitch was a firewall failure. I used the phrase “a firewall” as I hope Southwest has several firewalls and not just one “the firewall”.Technology failure, again…. As I tend to say, have a good data backup or have a resume. My thought was that maybe a Southwest IT staff member decided to “quiet quit” by unplugging a network cable.No shirt, No shoes, No service  This is our first “Thank You Florida” story.Selecting your seat on an airplane is important and most seasoned travelers are either a window person or an aisle person. If you’re a middle seat person then you're a monster. For years I was a window seat person, but for the last 5 years, I’ve been an aisle guy.Here’s some travel advice, no matter your seat preference, do not, and I repeat do not leave your seat choice up to the airline they have a 1 in 3 shot of assigning you your preferred seat and they will get it wrong 100% of the time….. Trust me.Last month, Charlotte to Fort Lauderdale “Thank you Florida” American Airlines passenger ignored my travel advice and didn’t get the window seat he wanted. And as you could well imagine he was not a happy passenger.There’s a video, there’s always a video and it was posted on the IG account onlyinbroward. Broward is the county Fort Lauderdale is in.The shirtless and low-hanging pant passenger was pacing back and forth to the boarding door and then began trashing the gate area. He TKO’d the boarding area sign before getting in several employees' faces followed up by ranting at no one in particular and then Charlotte officers gave him a prize, a set of shiny chrome bracelets followed by a ride in the back of a police car.You know the Florida motto - Come on vacation, leave on probation except this lad is leaving Charlotte on prohibition.Question of the day - Why did the kids sprinkle sugar all over the floor of the airplane?Because they wanted to have a sweet mess!So let's jump right into this one, in case you’ve been on vacation with limited access to cell service and the internet. Last month Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass posted a photo on Twitter showing a lot of popcorn on the floor of a plane where his kids were sitting.Here’s the TWEET“The flight attendant [on United Airlines] just made my 22 week pregnant wife traveling with a 5 year old and 2 year old get on her hands and knees to pick up the popcorn mess by my youngest daughter. Are you kidding me?!?!” he wrote.In case you didn’t know this, Anthony Bass’s sister-in-law is country singer Jessie James Decker, wrote on her Instagram that her sister was “humiliated” and was “crying in the aisle” while picking up the popcorn.Nearly 66 million people viewed the original tweet. As you can imagine it sparked an immediate debate over who is responsible for cleaning up after kids on a plane: their parents or flight attendants? Fair question.In my humble opinion it is the parent's responsibility to clean up after their kids, be it at a grocery store, restaurant, church, or on an airplane. Be it you spent good money on a ticket and you are with a child and have two in two it does not make a flight attendant your personal servant. Mrs. Bass knew her kids made a mess, give any 5 and 2-year-olds a bag of popcorn and I promise you there will be a mess. Mrs. Bass should have got the flight attendant's attention, acknowledged the mess, and then asked nicely if the flight attendant would help her to clean up the mess I’m willing to bet the flight attendant would have said don’t worry about the mess we’ll handle it. Some might call her behavior entitled, I can’t judge that, but she should have asked for help and saved the internet from yet another stupid, senseless debate.More kids on a plane via View from the Wing I give you - Southwest Airlines Flight Diverts After Passenger Goes On Anti-Baby RantA baby was crying on board a Southwest Airlines flight to Orlando, “Thank you Florida” and a passenger on board absolutely lost it. He spent three minutes on a rant about how couldn’t stand the sound of the baby, and things got so bad the flight had to divert.What do we say, there’s a video, and there’s always a video, and this Ticky-Tok video has "More F-bombs than a Quentin Tarantino movie marathon." One passenger added that, by screaming, the passenger was annoying the rest of the passengers. Why was that ok if the baby’s crying wasn’t?Looking at the video this man's poor wife, girlfriend whatever had the look on her face of “Here he goes again”Screaming kids on a plane comes with the territory, especially when flying into Orlando. If the parent is doing all they can to comfort the child there is nothing else that can be done short of a capful of Dramamine.Now the real gold with these posts comes from the comments - for example, SOBE ER DOC says:Any flight to MCO is my personal version of hell. Totally get that these flights are school bus routes full of over-sugared kids heading to the parks. I can imagine how excited the kids are…I would have been if I had ever had the chance to fly to Orlando as a kid. I hope it’s everything they want it to be.I just don’t want to be subjected to their “enthusiasm” any more than I would a bachelorette party, an Amway convention, Spring Break, you name it. It’s why I ALWAYS have a pair of noise-cancelling headphones with me so I can drown it out.Sold advice SOBE ER DOC, solid advice.Also, there’s no on/off switch on a babyFinishing up with this - A pilot flying a small plane in South Africa with four passengers aboard felt a "cold sensation … underneath my shirt at my hip area," and thought it was a leaky water bottle. Until he glanced to his left and saw a venomous cobra head making its way underneath his seat.This isn’t the opening paragraph to an adventure novel, this was real life.  South African pilot Rudolf Erasmus said he had heard from people at the airport "that they saw this cape cobra that was seeking refuge underneath our wing of the aircraft and had a suspicion that it crawled into the engine cowling."A search of the plane turned up nothing, "so we assumed the snake had gotten out and went on his merry way," he said. We all know what assume means. Fast forward 30 minutes and that’s when Rudolf felt the quote/un-quote cold sensation.  Now this was a small 5-passenger Cesna-style aircraft, not a commercial airline meaning no place to hide. I’m surprised with such a small cockpit there was room for the pilot and his huge set of gonads.This was just like that movie! Pulp Fiction!Here are a few more that didn't make the cut, but the link will be in the show notes.Two Women Blast Music, Dance And Drink At Their Seats While Passengers SufferAmerican Airlines Passenger Urinates On Seatmate After ArgumentFamily sues cruise company for letting man's corpse decompose in drink cooler for 6 daysThe TSA, Bear Spray And A Janitor Cause Evacuation Of Nashville AirportThere you have it episode 188, the April crazy travel roundup is in the books. If you want detailed show notes, links and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Or visit Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office, Chateau/ Relaxo, FL.If you’re a first-time listener, welcome. If you're a returning listener welcome back.One road trip since our last episode, three nights in three different hotels.Hampton Inn Lawrenceville, GA, Hilton Garden Inn, Atlanta, GA, and another Hilton Garden Inn, Valdosta, GA.All three were serving breakfast and in both the Hilton Garden Inn properties, the bar and restaurants were open after 5:00 PM. Here’s a pro tip if you ever stay at a Hilton Garden Inn do yourself a favor and order the wings, you won’t be disappointed.The Lawrenceville and Valdosta properties are locations where I have stayed at least 30 nights a piece over the years and both of those properties were getting long in the tooth and were in dire need of major upgrades such as carpeting, room air conditioners, and mini-fridges. This is surprising as Hilton typically holds their franchisee's feet to the fire when it comes to property upkeep. The hotel industry has taken a financial hit over the past few years so no doubt cash flow plays into this but if people want to stay in a rundown property they’ll head to the local mom-and-pop no-tell motel.Onto this month’s craziness.Opening up with a bit of a confession….. I’m not much of a gamer. I played Castle Wolfenstein in the 80s’ Doom in the 90s’ and my son and I played Need for Speed in the early 2000s’. I tried to place Call of Duty once and got smoked in under 10 seconds.On March 1st, we opened up with a real-life Grand Theft Auto. Dateline JFK Airport  ABC 7 New York gave us this - American Airlines bus stolen from JFK Airport, police identify suspect in a wild chase. Isn’t this how the movie Speed started out?43-year-old Burshawn Quildon, 43, managed to lead the police on a 15-mile chase.This happened just before 2 a.m. when Quildon reportedly jumped into a bus that was left running in Lot 12. Here’s a quick life lesson - when you leave your vehicle take your keys with you.An airport employee followed the bus and called the police.Police say Quildon was in Queens, in Manhattan, and across the Brooklyn Bridge into Brooklyn, where he was finally pulled over.Quildon is charged with grand larceny of an auto and criminal possession of the stolen property.Officials say the suspect was on probation and is no stranger to law enforcement.His last arrest was for domestic robbery in 2015, so he went straight or didn’t get caught for the last 8 years. But he is said to have had numerous other arrests including robbery, marijuana possession, assault, and transit fraud.The lesson here: take your keys with you.Let's stay in the greater New York New Jersey area with a surprise or not-so-surprising appearance from Thank You Florida.From Live and Let’s Fly - A former US Marine was arrested at Newark Airport after trying to board a flight to Florida with a cache of weapons and a fake US Marshal badge.This took place on December 30, 2022. but seems to just now hit the travel blogosphere.Seretse Clouden, 42, was heading from Newark (EWR) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and while screening one of his checked bags, TSA agents found a number of high-caliber magazines with ammo and a ballistic vest bearing the words “Deputy Marshal.”TSA officers then approached the gate and paged Clouden. There, Clouden admitted that he had neither law enforcement credentials a firearms identification card from any state.Officers then pulled his other bags from the aircraft, and ultimately found three weapons:A .308 rifleAn AR-15 rifleAt least one Glock As agents dug through his bag, they also found: a fake US Marshal ID card and badgemore ammo magazines, an expandable baton, and an immense amount of ammunition. Not sure what quantity immense is but officials reported that it was immense.A quick inquiry confirmed that Clouden is not, and was not ever employed by the United States Marshal Service. Somehow I’m thinking officers knew this long before they submitted the inquiry.What is Clouden now eligible for? He faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 and another 15 years for fraudulent possession of a government identification document.I know at least two individuals that forgot to remove a handgun from their bag and another one that left ammunition in a backpack so it happens, but when TSA agents find a number of high-caliber magazines with ammo and a ballistic vest bearing the words “Deputy Marshal.” no one forgot anything.As a Florida tip-in to that last story on Saturday, March 11th my home airport Orlando International Airport OIA experienced its busiest day in history, recording a total of 95,287 departing passengers.This week's first entry in the “people are dumb” category comes from Thank You Florida. At the airport what 10 words in the form of a sentence might land you in jail? “Whole time they missed a whole bomb in my bag!”Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Dorion Young Davis (One of the 3-named people) of Dayton, Ohio after they accused her of making a bogus bomb threat at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.Deputies responded after TSA reported a security alert from a carry-on bag belonging to Dorion Young Davis according to an arrest report.Authorities said while being patted down by a TSA agent, Davis was heard saying: “Whole time they missed a whole bomb in my bag!” Detectives have not said what item caused the security alert.Maybe Dorion Young Davis meant to say, “I’m da bomb”Remember, “Whole time they missed a whole bomb in my bag!” not a quarter of half but a whole bomb. Thank you, Florida.Let's stay local with another Thank You Florida story - Orlando Airport passenger arrested after landing with 38 pounds of meth, and 4 pounds of pot in a suitcase. I know it’s Spring Break, but seriously pace yourself.Michael Jayson Scarlett, (Another one of the 3-named people) age 43, was arrested after drug-sniffing dogs alerted agents on his suitcase. These were drug-sniffing dogs, not bomb-sniffing dogs, it is Thank you Florida after all.Scarlett who was flying in from Los Angeles now faces charges of possession and intent to distribute a controlled substance, according to a federal criminal complaint.When confronted, Scarlett told agents he was looking for work in Orlando. Looking for work, he should’ve stayed in LA and sold the 38 pounds of meth, and 4 pounds of pot. Later, however, once Scarlett was in custody, he told agents “he knew he messed up, and ... was in a lot of trouble.”Scarlett told agents a man named "Chewy" paid him $500 to take the suitcase to Orlando — and that he had done so two other times as well, the affidavit said.Text exchanges on Scarlett's phone led agents to believe Chewy was present at the time Scarlett landed. Chewy is short for Chewbacca and Disney World is home to Star Wars, it all makes perfect sense now.Here’s a question for this episode - If a fellow passenger asked you this while you were midflight “Where on the safety card does it show where the door handle was located?” what would you do?Dateline Boston Logan Airport March 5th. Around 45 minutes before landing, the flight crew on United Airlines flight 2609 received an alarm in the cockpit that a starboard side door located between first class and the economy class was disarmed.A flight attendant found that the door’s locking handle had indeed been moved out of the fully locked position, this was reported to the captain after the flight crew secured the door and emergency slideAnother flight attendant had reported that he observed a passenger near the door, and believed they had tampered with itA flight attendant confronted the passenger about this, and they responded by asking if there were cameras showing that they had done so.The flight attendants then informed the captain that they felt this passenger posed a threat to the aircraft and that the plane needed to land as soon as possibleShortly thereafter, that same passenger approached the door where the flight attendants were standing, thrusting toward one of the flight attendants in a stabbing motion with a broken metal spoon, hitting the flight attendant on the neck area three times.Several passengers then tackled the spoon-welding passenger, and they were restrained with the assistance of the flight crew and the plane landed without further incident.Two final points,First,  this is a perfect example as to why there needs to be a national no-fly list as I’m guessing this wasn’t the first time this passenger decided to show that they were cuckoo for cocoa puffs.Second, for some, it would be terrifying to see someone trying to open the emergency exit door mid-flight, for others, they would simply film it for the Ticky Tik, it can’t be done. The reason you can’t open the emergency exit door mid-flight is for one simple reason…… the captain has the key.Seriously it’s physics - The common emergency exit doors are about six feet tall and 3.5 feet wide. That means to open the door at 36,000 feet, you would need to overcome more than 24,000 pounds of pressure. Thank you, Google. I have a lot of friends in the greater New York, New Jersey area and they all seem to share a common phrase, “I gotta guy”. We’re doing some remodeling here at Chateau’ Relaxo and I was discussing this with one of my northern brethren and he said “I gotta guy”. I replied remember I live in Florida, he replied, “I gotta guy”..... And since Florida really is New York with palm trees I’m sure he does have a guy.What about “I gotta guy” for airline tickets?Enter Aquil Muhammad as reported by my hometown news station WSB TV.Officials say that 36-year-old Muhammad was issuing free tickets without any compensation going to Delta. Muhammad went as far as to create fake transportation credit vouchers and Delta travel vouchers to cover the required taxes. Because as we all know if you fly on points or for free you still have to pay the taxes.Muhammad issued these non-revenue tickets to different people, including family members and other acquaintances from late 2016 through December 2017.Here was Muhammad’s downfall as crooks are stupid, a lot of the tickets included Muhammad’s personal email address as the contact for the passenger.On top of that Muhammad would sell these quote-unquote free tickets, through Square, which also offers an electronic footprint.Muhammad has pled guilty and sentencing is set for June.It’s been a while since we discussed maskers vs anti-maskers. So I offer this. Are you familiar with Steve Kirsch? More than likely not…..Kirsch is an entrepreneur, and as we all know everyone is an entrepreneur, including our own Chateau’ Relaxos entrepreneur.Kirsch has started several companies because that’s what entrepreneurs do. But Kirsch was one of two people who independently invented the optical mouse. The optical mouse that we all use and have used for decades so it’s safe to say that Kirsch is flush with cash.If you happen to live in the rarified air of being rich you can do some fun things with your cash. Case and point early March posted this tweet.“I am on board a Delta flight right now. The person sitting next to me in first-class refused $100,000 to remove her mask for the entire flight. No joke. This was after I explained they don’t work. She works for a pharma company.”He followed that tweet with this comment, “And I started the bidding at $100.”And then finished with this, “And I pointed out that when she removed the mask for eating and drinking, she could be infected with one breath. So she had full disclosure.”The tweet fielded 32 million views in six days.Kirsch’s substack dug a bit deeper into the encounter, asking a few more questions. “If you were offered $x, would you do y for a few hours?”For safety’s sake, he added I was not trying to compel them to do anything they didn’t want to do.As my therapist has told me, “No” is a complete sentence.Kirsch finished Tweetversation with, Now the bigger question is: “Are we no longer able to ask people hypothetical questions in America without being labeled a creep?”Here’s my take, I’m vaxxed and boosted for no other reason than I am the giver and I’m willing to give people a level of comfort if they know that I’m vaxxed and boosted during a client meeting. That being said no one has inquired as to my status and I can’t remember the last time I was asked to wear a mask.If I was on that flight seated next to Kirsch and wearing a mask would I remove it for $100.00? Probably not since I couldn’t pick Kirsch out of a lineup. $10 grand maybe, 50 grand here’s my Venmo and followed by, do you want me to sing a show tune?Another confession for this episode, I have a kink, and it’s not what you think…. It’s dumb people getting tased. From Live And Let’s Fly - Police Taser Intoxicated Man Who Confessed To Drinking “About” Three Margaritas While Waiting For Flight At Airport BarAll together now, there’s a video, and there’s always a video. Here are the Cliff Notes, and the video link is in the show notes.Intoxicated and belligerent, airport police decided to arrest the man, who resisted and was then tasered by the police officers. The whole incident was captured on video—including an older man interjecting himself into the situation (it is not clear why) only to be told by the same police officers to back off.This guy got lit up by the taser and offers two questions that I’m sure there aren’t answers to.First, were the three margaritas in the form of a pitcher?Second, in an airport full of people with phones why wouldn’t you just shut up and listen to the cops? Oh yeah, I forgot about the three margarita part of this.There you have it episode 187, The March crazy travel roundup is in the books.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Or visit Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office at Chateau’ Relaxo Florida.Hello, if you’re a new listener welcome, if you are a returning listener, welcome back.It’s time for yet another random show, which equates to right around 20 minutes of content across several topics.Opening with making the most of a three-day weekend.An update from episode 183, my 2023 travel resolutions where I talked about the nine remaining federal holidays most of which were on a Monday or a Friday which gives you a three-day weekend. Well, last month I took Friday, February 17th off and my company recognizes Monday, February, 20th off for President’s Day - so one PTO day gave me a four-day weekend. While the CEO and I didn’t head to the airport we did get a four-day staycation and got a lot accomplished in the yard.I recently had a conversation with a neighbor who noticed my car has been in my driveway a lot more than it used to be. I gave him the whole 30-second I don’t travel like I used to I’m now a remote/hybrid worker elevator pitch. He then asked, “What are your best travel tips?”I gave him the whole book direct, avoid checking luggage, and sign up for the TSA pre-check talk track after which I took a swig of my double IPA thinking that was the end of it. Then he followed with “What are the tips that no one talks about?” The answer required a bit more of the double IPA which is code for….. “Let me think about this while I swallow my beer.”.My first tip is to be nice, be considerate, and treat people like you want to be treated. For some travel takes them out of their element, so it adds stress and anxiety which in turn makes some people do some very inconsiderate things such as crowding the boarding area thinking the plane will leave without them, or trying to go through TSA with metal in their pockets. Or stopping to get redressed at the end of the TSA baggage screening belt. Have some grace. If your flight is canceled don’t scream at the gate agent because you and a handful of other folks also had their flight canceled and guess what the gate agent knows it and if they had a magic wand to wave and make it all go away the gate agent would do just that.My next tip is two words, “Just Ask”.Looking for an upgrade, hotel room rental car whatever, just ask. Looking for the best restaurant in town, just ask. I truly believe that people want to help others….. But remember tip number one, be nice.Also, make sure you have reservations … reservations, for everything. Don’t leave anything to chance. Early on in my career, I hit the road without having a hotel reservation for that evening. This was right around 2001, long before smartphones, so there was no app to open in order to book a hotel. That evening I went from exit to exit along I-95 in South Carolina before I found a hotel with a vacancy 40 miles north of the next morning's meeting site.My last tip would be, to have a plan B. It’s not if something goes wrong, it’s when something goes wrong….. Because it will. Case in point the Atlanta January 2014 Snowmageden. I was still living in South Florida and had an early morning flight from Atlanta to Orlando to pick up my car and then drive back to South Florida. I booked a hotel near the airport and as I pulled into the hotel parking lot Delta notified me that my morning flight was canceled due to the impending storm. I checked into the Double Tree headed to my room and got online to rebook with Delta. Long story short…. Delta had no status on an alternate flight. So, I went back downstairs to the front desk explained the weather delay, and then asked nicely if I could check out of my room so I could drive my rental to Orlando. They said sure, which with the size and severity of the storm the Double Tree knew they would be completely booked tonight. I managed to outrun the storm and spent the night in Ocala Florida, but not before getting a very expensive speeding ticket in Tifton, Georgia. I believe this was one of the 5 worst winter storms in Georgia's history.Here’s a new section - travel cheers and travel jeers.First a Jeer - From Southwest Airlines - To support the current and upcoming WiFi enhancements, Southwest is implementing a new internet pricing model. Effective Tuesday, February 21, the internet will remain $8 but will be purchased per leg (being introduced as “Takeoff to Landing”). We will no longer offer an $8 DayPass for the internet.I don’t remember the last time I paid for WiFi on Southwest as it’s complementary with A-List Preferred Status. However, for the first time since 2015, I have no status with Southwest, no priority boarding, no priority lane for check-in, and no complimentary WiFI. I’m now just a Southwest Rapid Rewards Member. Honestly, it’s doubtful I’ll take enough flights in the next nine months to even make the A-list. So will I pay for WiFi? Probably not as I typically don’t work while I’m on an airplane. I might check email or review a presentation but it’s rare that I’ll crunch numbers or construct a sales strategy 30,000 feet in the air. Southwest has a decent offering of free movies and TV shows for inflight entertainment.In this day and age, WiFi should be free on airplanes. If this was 2005 or 2010 I’d understand it. Sure it costs money to equip an older fleet of planes with newer technology but add that infrastructure cost into the price of a ticket. Remember when hotels used to charge for WiFI?Cheers to Delta airlines for their employee appreciation day which brought $563 million profit sharing to Delta employees. That 563 million translates into a bit more than a 5.5% pay hike for employees starting April 1st of this year. The Points Guy recently posted - It’s 'too expensive': Many travelers are skipping spring break trips this year due to high pricesFor me, the meat of the post was this paragraph - Some 22% of U.S. adults plan to travel for spring break (likely adults with school-age children or college students). However, more than half — a staggering 66% — said they’d been priced out of at least one of their first choices for a spring break vacation.O-town is a spring break destination due to the Mouse House, Universal, and Sea World. It’s rare that I end up in that part of town so I can’t honestly say the traffic is lighter or heavier than normal.Also, this is the first time in six years that the Entrepreneur isn’t working at Universal during Spring Break so we aren’t hearing him complain about the volume of people in the park but both the Mouse House and Universal are expensive. In 2023 a week at Disney for a family of four is north of $6000.00 and Universal is a bit less. You can certainly comb the interwebs and save some money but park tickets are still going to run you several hundred dollars a day, not to mention if you plan to eat inside the parks. So you shop for airfare, rentals, and hotels, but that’s about it.Now if you want to sit through one of those icepicks in the eyeball timeshare presentations you will save some money on park tickets but you won’t save thousands.I booked hotels for an upcoming trip a few weeks ago and even a month in advance the Hampton Inn was $180.00 before taxes and fees.In 2023 travel is expensive, every piece of it is expensive.Here’s another tip if your summer travel includes leaving the country now is the time to make sure your passport is still valid.Here’s something to ponder - As weed becomes legal in more states, can you bring weed through airport security?Let’s say you're flying from a state where marijuana is legal to a state where marijuana is legal. You should be good to go, nope.No matter your departure and arrival destinations, it's still illegal to fly with marijuana.Wanna know why? Marijuana possession still remains illegal under federal law, and when you fly, because the federal agencies are in charge. That’s why causing an S-Storm on a plane can get you into so much trouble.So I put a google on flying with weed and I came across this Yahoo News article that added -: "TSA is not searching for marijuana or other drugs. Also, keep in mind, the TSA canines are trained to detect explosive odors, not drugs."However, if TSA officers find marijuana or other drugs during a routine screening process, they're supposed to notify local law enforcement, who makes the final call.I’m not a marijuana enthusiast but I support and admire their passion. You see a marijuana enthusiast becomes obsessed with marijuana, Where are they going to find marijuana? When is the next time they’re going to smoke marijuana? What new ways can I find in which to smoke marijuana?So all you marijuana enthusiasts don’t take your weed to the airport!Here’s something else to ponder - Why aren’t Hondas available as a rental vehicles? Hondas are everywhere. I had a 1986 4-door Civic followed by a 1992 Civic SI. The SI was one of my top four favorite cars. When it comes to rentals I typically go with the Hyundai Sonata or a Toyota Camry, don’t be jealous. The main reason for the choices is that I know my iPhone 8, yes I’m that gut will work with their Bluetooth system.So back to why no Hondas. Believe it or not, there are reasons.* Rental cars aren’t purchased ad-hoc, it’s typically a bulk or as they say a “Fleet” purchase. Fleet sales usually result in lower profit margins per vehicle because they are bought from the manufacturer and not from a dealership. And Honda refuses to discount their vehicles to sell to rental car companies. This is true. I’ve driven a fleet car for the past 20 years and every time my new car comes in I have to chase down the dealership in order to pick up my car the reason is that the dealership didn't sell it so they don’t recognize the profit from the sale. * Fleet sales can adversely affect the resale value of each vehicle because the market is flooded with additional examples of the same vehicles each year. Again true each time my fleet car is due to be replaced I have the option to purchase the car, and I’ve done it a few times over the years. We typically churn cars every 36 months or 60,000 miles whichever comes first. The one car that I should’ve bought but didn’t was my 2007 Chrysler Pacifica. When I picked up the car it had a window sticker price of $32,000. Two years later it had 91,000 miles on it, new tires, and a new transmission the asking price was $6100.00* Finishing up with this, fleet vehicles almost always sell for a significantly lower price than their counterparts which were used by one owner because of the reputation for abuse which they have garnered. So here’s why you never purchase a used rental car - What's the difference between a jeep and a rental car? A rental car can go anywhereAlso, next time you rent a car, do yourself a favor and take a quick video as you walk around your rental this way you have a video of any existing damage already done to the rental as well as damage that wasn’t there when you picked up the car. I once picked up a rental with less than 10 miles on it. This is a road warrior's worst nightmare because any damage that I returned the car with was definitely caused by me.Have you ever heard of or used - lugless?Lugless will Ship your luggage, skis, boards, clubs - all of your stuff to where ever you are planning to go.It’s a four-step process.1. Get labels - You can get your labels in three ways: 1) print them out the old-fashioned way, 2) opt to have Digital Labels sent to your phone, or 3) have us mail you pre-printed labels. 2. Send bags - Now you need to get your luggage to UPS or FedEx depending on which labels you have. 3. Travel light - This is the “travel without baggage” part. Grab your iPad and head to the airport. Track your LugLess shipment from anywhere. 4. Arrive relaxed - UPS or FedEx will deliver the luggage directly to your destination address and you get to skip the dreaded baggage claim. So what does this service cost? Glad you asked.On the lugless site, I selected one-way, and 1 carry-on (up to 25 lbs)  from Chateau’ Relaxo to the Atlanta airport with the arrival date in Atlanta on Monday, April 3rd.Pricing is on a sliding scale If I drop my luggage off on Wednesday, March 29th at a FedEx location the cost is $17.99. The next day the FedEx price jumps to $22.99. If I push it to Friday my option is UPS and the cost is $87.99.If I swap my carry-on for a checked bag, up to 50 lbs the price increases. FedEx Wednesday is $24.99, Thursday it’s $29.99 and My Friday UPS option is $132.00. For oversized luggage up to 75 lbs, FedEx Wednesday is $37.99, Thursday it’s $42.99 and My Friday UPS option is $192.00. Again the pricing is one way, but wait there’s more, there’s always more and it comes in the form of the add-on aka the support plan aka insurance.The pricing ranges from $0.00 which really covers nothing up to $46.00 which gives you $700.00 of coverage and is fully refundable less the $46.00.You have to admit people will always pay for someone else to do something that they don’t want to do. Is lugless for me? Nope. Is it a fit for someone else? Absolutely.Now that being said we have done the UPSP “if it "fits it ships” flat rate where you can fill a 12”x12”x6” with whatever and ship it home for less than $15.00. We’ve shipped home souvenirs we’ve picked on trips and we’ve even shipped a week's worth of dirty clothes home, which took two boxes. Finishing up with one last question from One Mile At A Time - Should You Tip In Hotel Club Lounges?The post starts out with - Tipping etiquette when traveling can be a complicated and controversial subject. The more you travel, the more confusing it all is. The article's tip-in is this - Tipping in hotel club lounges isn’t expected.Here’s my take - My late father the original road warrior once told me - “it's amazing the feeling you get from adding an extra dollar to a tip”. This goes for restaurants, hotel rooms, or hotel lounges. Did you enjoy a Miller Lite? How much would that have cost you in the hotel bar? $4.00 maybe $5.00? Leave a few shekels for the hotel lounge staff after you slammed two Miller Lite and had a p[late of chips and liquid cheese.Make sure you have a handful or more of singles in your wallet even if you're not spending time in a gentlemen's club. Also, leave some for the housekeeping staff. Like my dad once said, “it's amazing the feeling you get from adding an extra dollar to a tip”.There you have it episode 186, another random show is in the books.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Or visit Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office, Chateau/ Relaxo, FL.If you’re a first-time listener, welcome. If you're a returning listener welcome back.Tonight's show notes were written while enjoying Lagunitas IPA coming in at 6.2% ABV but since I’m recording this on Sunday morning and I’m not that much of a monster I’m partaking in a cool crisp Diet Coke 0.0% ABV.Let’s open with some international stories as crazy travel isn’t always domestic.With all the years of traveling on planes one thing that has never struck a chord with me was wanting to actually pilot or fly a plane. I have no desire, I lack that sort of detail, I like to fiddle with things and all the instruments in a cockpit would be a field day for me, but also certain death for myself and any passengers.From BoingBoing - Dateline Lancashire, EnglandDuring a particularly windy day, the pilot of a four-person prop plane requested that a flying instructor join him in the air just to be on the safe side. Great attention to detail.Shortly after take-off, the instructor's head tilted back and he closed his eyes. The pilot thought the instructor was "just pretending to take a nap" during the short flight. Ahh, the prankster flight instructor.The flight instructor wasn’t "just pretending to take a nap" he was dead, due to cardiac arrest. Thoughts to the flight instructor's family, but you have to feel for the actual pilot because unless he walks on the moon he will always be remembered for this one incident. And I wonder if he’s required to let everyone else in the cockpit know that “Yes, I’m that guy”Next up some parenting news. I’m a parent, and when I first became a parent I never received an official parenting manual so like most had to figure stuff out. 30+ years later all the kids are still alive. This next story isn’t a “Parenting Hack” it’s closer to the 1990 movie Home Alone.From CNN Dateline BrusselsA couple flying to Brussels from Tel Aviv checked into their flight, but realized their infant did not have a ticket (2 tickets 3 humans) — This couple had neglected to pay the 25 euro fee for lap babies flying without a paid seat. Adding to the predicament, the couple was running late. So what did they do? Glad you asked, the couple just left the baby in its car seat at the airport's check-in desk and then sprinted off, making sure to catch their flight.Situations like this make me wonder how did both of them decide this was the appropriate thing to do? Usually, if one parent has a stupid idea the other one keeps them in check…. Not in this case.What’s even crazier, get this, once airport security tracked the couple down, they were reconnected with their child there was "no further" investigation. Possibly they abandoned the baby so they could go to the Doody-Free shop.Time for our first “Thank You Florida” story - Man arrested after making a bomb threat at Orlando International Airport.A man was arrested on February 2nd after he allegedly made a bomb threat at Orlando International Airport. The reason… he was frustrated over airline baggage prices.Danny Curry and his wife were set to board a Spirit Airlines flight from Orlando to Pensacola when Curry became frustrated over the airline's carry-on baggage fees. Apparently, Curry wasn’t aware that Spirit charges for everything.* coffee ($2), * sodas and juices ($3), * beer and wine ($8) * snacks like Pringles or Oreos (starting at $3).If you want to fly with your pet in the cabin Spirit charges $110 per pet container… each way.They charge you for the seat you select, anywhere from $12 to $40When it comes to luggage the fee for a carry-on varies as to when you pay for it.When bags are paid for?Carry-on bagDuring Spirit.com booking - $35.After booking, but before checking in online - $45.During online check-in - $45.At the airport (before the gate) - $55.At the gate - $65.And this is how a $50 ticket on a discount airline ends up costing you as much as flying one of the majors.Back to curry - his frustration got to the point that according to the arrest affidavit, Curry said "I bet you, everyone on that aircraft is going to deplane, there is a bomb on that aircraft," to an airline employee.Of course  FBI, TSA, police, and K-9 units performed a sweep of the plane and all luggage, and guess what, no bomb was found.According to the affidavit, Curry claimed to detectives that he actually said, "What IF there was a bomb in that plane," Regardless he was promptly arrested, and now faces a charge of a false bomb report.We all know the Florida motto - Florida come on vacation, leave on probation.Time for our second “Thank you Florida” story. And this one starts with a question. If you check a bag what’s the quickest way to baggage claim?Stairs? NoElevator? NoEscalator? NoGive up?It’s falling through the drop ceiling and onto the baggage claim belt. Before you try to figure out how a passenger pulled this off it wasn’t a passenger it was a worker that apparently made a wrong move and discovered that gravity isn’t just a good idea, it’s the law.Let’s set the stage for this next story.There are a lot of people that are freaked out or as the CEO says “Skeived out” by fingernail clipping or fingernail clippings. I for one am not one of those people, nor do I have a fingernail fetishIf you are “Skeived out” by the aforementioned while stuck on a plane this could be debilitation.From View From the Wing we have - Passenger Clips Their Nails On A Flight, Flicks One Onto The Person Beside Them.There’s a Ticky-Tock video of the incident in the post with the caption - “POV: when the passenger next to you decides to clip their nails and one lands on you and now you have to ask yourself if going on the no-fly list is all that bad”The author Gary Leff asks “What would you do? “ and of course, the comments were filled with keyboard lawyers arguing the legality of wresting nail clippers away from someone on an airplane some even going so far as to quote legal code.  For me, I would clandestinely pick up the nail fragment and then wait till beverage service when I would drop the nail in their beverage and say, “you lost this”.We’ve talked about this before - Would you be willing to give your seat up so that a family with a child could fly together? If I recall my answer really depends on the situation, and factors such as the length of the flight. Is the seat I’m moving to in front of where my carry-on is stored and who is asking. If a flight attendant is asking I will usually comply, because oftentimes this means free adult beverages.From Live and Let’s Fly Dateline Salvador, Brazil - CATFIGHT OVER WINDOW SEAT LEADS TO MASSIVE BRAWL, WITH 15 PEOPLE THROWN OFF FLIGHT.As I said dateline is Brazil, not “Thank You Florida”A mother with a special needs child boarded and wanted to sit in the window seat.A woman already seated in the window seat denied the request.The mother (or perhaps the sister according to one source) of the special needs child took “offense” at the way in which the request was denied and attacked the woman in the window seat.And that’s when all hell broke loose and it was 10 against five with one of the women losing her top mid-battle.There’s a video, there’s always a video and in case there are two videos.Suddenly there were fifteen open seats because everyone involved was thrown off the plane.Live and Let’s Fly summed up the post with this “You are free to ask someone (politely is recommended) to swap seats, but if that person says no then you really have no right to be angry” I have to agree.That last story had a woman that lost her top how about another topless passenger story?Again from Live and Let’s Fly - This took place on an Aeroflot flight from Stavropol (STW) to Moscow (SVO). During turbulence, despite the seatbelt light being illuminated, 49-year-old Anzhelika Moskvitina, I’ll call her Anz. Anz left her seat and headed to the lavatory. There, Anz fired up a cigarette, quickly followed by a flight attendant knocking on the door and scolding her for smoking.Believe it or not, Anz wasn’t in trouble…yet.Inside of heading back to her seat and Anz decided to take up her smoking ban with the pilots and tried to enter the cockpit. In case you were wondering you can’t smoke on Russian planes or freely enter a Russian cockpitWhen the pilots didn’t respond Anz stripped off her top and attacked flight attendants, biting one of them on the shoulder. The bite drew blood and prompted treatment upon landing at Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport.With the help of business class passengers, a top was placed back on her, followed by Anz being restrained and zip-tied. Anz now faces criminal penalties and is awaiting deployment to the Western Front.I’ve never understood how someone can get so mad that taking their clothes off is the next best step.Like I always say airplane and airport nudity is never good nudity.In 2019 I bought a standup desk and in true Chateau’ Relaxo form I gave my leather Lazy-Boy leather desk chair to the CEO and haven’t looked back or sat down since.Friend of the show Robbie Morris says that sitting is the new smoking.I don’t think I could make it through the day sitting not standing behind a desk.View From the Wing posted this - Delta Air Lines Passenger Uses His Coach Seat As A Standing Desk, And I’m Here For ItAuthor Gary Leff started the post with this - “A Delta Air Lines economy passenger was spotted inflight on a four-hour flight using his seat as a standing desk. He’s resting his laptop on top of his seat back and facing backward to work. This is a power move.”downbad  whose @ is NYDouche_capital took the picture and posted it to TwitterAnd Twitter didn’t disappoint with comments like this.If you have an Apple computer for work I promise you the work can wait.Wow, brand new incredibly insufferable guy just dropped.A single word - ChadMust be working at a startupMy favorite - He’s that important but won’t fly business?My take and let me preface it with this. Most of my flights are less than 2 hours coupled with I haven’t been on a plane in the last 6 months.I rarely do business work on planes. I might review a presentation or check emails…. But I’m not crushing a spreadsheet or sending out meeting invites…. And I’m certainly not going to stand up and place my laptop on the top of my seat and work facing the back of the plane.So I agree with Gary - This is a power move.Finishing up with this.I am the last person to dispense relationship advice, but when it comes to this next story I’m thinking the gentleman could have handled this a bit differently.Live And Let’s Fly for the hat trick Man Dumps Girlfriend On American Airlines Flight, Leading To Meltdown and RemovalThis took place pre-COVID, which really doesn’t mean or change anything.There’s a video, what do we say?  All together now - There’s always a video.If you've ever watched or listened to Ron White he has a bit about flying on a plane that suddenly needs to make an emergency landing due to loss in oil pressure and Ron delivers this line - “The guy next to me is *losing his mind* well that’s exactly what this you lady does in the video. She’s on all fours in the aisle of the plane dropping F-Bombs while she’s simultaneously screaming and crying, a true multitasker.After watching this here’s my advice -  If you want to break up in public, do it at a Chili’s or Applebees' because there are multiple exits.Three years later, I wonder if she’s still crying.There you have it episode 185, The February crazy travel roundup.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Or visit Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau/ Relaxo.Following up on the Southwest Airlines 2022/2023 travel debacle CNBC posted these key points.* Southwest Airlines said on Friday it expects to post a loss in the fourth quarter after it canceled over 16,700 flights between Christmas and New Year’s Eve due to a tech meltdown.* The mass cancellations during the peak season for U.S. airlines will result in a pre-tax hit of $725 million to $825 million to quarterly earnings.* Revenue loss from the disruptions is expected to be between $400 million and $425 million, it said.Ending with - Southwest Airlines has agreed to pay its pilots an estimated $45 million in bonus “gratitude pay” for working through the company’s service meltdown during the holiday travel period at the end of last year.During my 2022 Travel Resolutions episode I gave these travel tips if you were planning a big family trip for 2022.* Research - find out the COVID rules, restrictions, and guidelines for your destination, especially if you’re leaving the country.* The late 2021 or early 2022 equivalent to toilet paper in 2020 is COVID home or self-tests. Find some and test everyone before you leave and pack the remaining ones in your luggage as you never know when you’ll need them. And you can always sell them for some quick cash.* I don’t know of anyone that is currently traveling with COVID tests. In fact I don’t remember the last time I heard anyone mention COVID tests.* Be flexible, don’t book your return flight to land the night or even the day before the day you need to be back home for work, school, jury duty, or whatever. Give yourself a day of margin just in case.* Always a solid tip.* I’m not a big believer in travel insurance and that’s probably because I’ve never spent a small fortune on a family vacation…. Guilty. If you can find travel insurance that covers or includes COVID disruptions that might not be that bad of an idea.* Probably no longer the case.* The last thing I’d do would be to make sure that I had access or availability to money. The reason? If you’ve got a whole family that you’re trying to rebook on flights, while at the same time working on extending your hotel for another day, possibly two days and then there’s that rental car. * Again access to money, cash or credit, when traveling is always a good ideaI’d say we’ve come a long way in the last 12 months.Let’s revisit my 2022 travel resolutionsRecord at least one or two episodes on the road. * At the time I thought this was doable as I already had  Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Nashville trips booked. Plus the possibility of two trips to Texas coupled with travel around the state of Florida. and I know I’ll continue to travel the state. * I traveled more in 2022 than I did in 2021 but I managed to only get one episode recorded. My job duties have changed or evolved over the past 18 months which had an impact on my time in the evenings.Get the CEO back on an episode or two. * In January 2022 it has been well over a year since her last appearance and she’s been stuck with me being home a lot, a whole lot. We did get to make a few trips together during 2021 and my thought was to hear her take on air travel, hotels, and food on the road mid-pandemic.* One or at least two family vacation trips - * The first was the Kentucky Bourbon Trail This is a trip we had planned in 2020 and still haven’t been able to pull the trigger on it.* The other trip was to go back to Washington DC. Our last visit there was in December 2021 for my father-in-law's burial at Arlington; at the time, his headstone wasn’t in place. * We still want to spend time in Jacksonville, which is less than 2-hours away. * Florida Salt Marshes and Wildlife Preserve* Riverside Arts Market - I love a good community market, be it farmers, arts & crafts, or beer brewers.*  The Jax Ale Trail* Sweet Pete’s CandyWhile I went to Jacksonville, the CEO didn’t accompany and I only visited one stop on the Jax Ale Trail. The Aardwolf Brewing Company where I went with their Hop Oddity weighing in at 5.9% ABV.There is a bit of a backstory as to why the CEO didn’t record an episode and we didn't take any trips. It was a busy year here at Chateau’ Relaxo, and I hear people say that all the time, but this year we experienced it firsthand. My father had been in failing health since September 2020. He entered home hospice care in August 2021 and then spent March 2022 in the hospital and once released he was totally bedridden. The CEO spent weeks upon weeks at their house tending to both my father and my mother and once he passed away on July 4th she spent more time helping my mom get settled into an assisted living facility.Also during 2022, we became empty nesters, except for the dogs, and boarding a yellow lab and a husky in order to go on a vacation gets really expensive real quick.For 2022 I resolved to post some travel videos, and I’ve said this in the past. * This didn’t happen and the challenge is that I have no idea what to film. Short of Instagram Stories apparently, I do not possess that viral video chip.In 2022 I also wanted to find at least one cool new piece of travel gear or app.* I wasn’t looking for a piece of luggage, not a jacket, or even a new backpack, I’m satisfied with what I use. When wireless travel routers came out they were a game-changer. Same thing with noise-canceling headphones. This year I’m in search of a gadget, or app that makes me go “WOW” how did I ever travel without this? * All I came up with was a travel cooler. A $30.00 Feti, which is code for fake Yeti. Honestly, it was a no-name brand with a 4.6 rating on Amazon. I’ve taken more road trips this year than I have flights and it’s nice to throw a meal or two in the bag along with some beer as I head out the door. For 2022 I planned to keep eating local. * First, I’m not anti-corporate-run restaurants. Their strong point is also their weak point. Everything is the same, a Bloomin Onion from Outback will taste the same in Greenville, SC as it does in Baltimore, MD. Typically, the only thing that can go sideways at a chain restaurant is their service.Besides, if you stick to the chains you’re missing out on some true food adventures.Looking back at my Google reviews these were some of the high points for 2022.* In Lake Forest CA I had Pad Thai at Spice Thai Cuisine* In Jacksonville, FL it was seafood at River & Post overlooking the St. John’s River.* While in Nashville, TN it was BBQ at Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint. The best part was that it was right across the street from the hotel* I spent close to 20 years living in and around Norcross Georgia and last year I had dinner at Dominick's Italian Of Historic Norcross for the first time. It was legit Italian.* You can put a check in the eating local box.I also added to that resolution that maybe it was time to revisit my old Off The Eaten Path episodes and give them an update. I might actually give this a go in 2023. I’ve got over 300 reviews on Google over the past three years and while not all of them are food reviews a good percentage of them are.For 2022 there were also some things I resolved not to do - and this is well beyond the normal things such as….* Don’t overpack* Don’t wander aimlessly around a town you are not familiar with* Don’t get hammered and forget which hotel I’m staying at* For 2022 I resolved not to go on a cruise. I’ve been on a cruise, one cruise and that was enough. Yes, there’s plenty to do. Yes, there’s plenty of food but you’re still stuck on a boat, you can’t go home, and you can’t explore on your own timeline. The only thing that held my interest was the shows, but there’s only so much of that, that a person can take. * Put a check in that box* Finally, I resolved not to stay at a hotel for which I don’t get points, or that I’m not a member of their loyalty program.* My stay in San Antonio was at a Marriott resort and while I didn’t get any points for the stay I did get points for my meals and libations. Plus, I am a lifetime Marriott Titanium member so put a check in that box as well. So what are my travel resolutions for 2023? I don’t know. As my therapist would say, “If you did know, what would the answer be?” Ahhhhh,  I still “I don’t know”.Mid-December, Mark Peacock over at Travel Commons asked this question in a blog post.How Good Are ChatGPT’s Top 5 Holiday Travel Tips? Here’s what ChatGPT gave him* Plan ahead:* Pack light: * Stay organized:* Be flexible: * Stay connected: Mark’s ChatGPT verdict? Not bad. Nothing egregiously wrong, but it’s at a basic “Traveler 101” level. I would tend to agree.So taking a cue from Mark, as well as one that has never had an original idea I also consulted ChatGPT for some 2023 New Year’s travel resolutions.I asked, “What are 5 New Year’s travel resolutions for 2023?”* Set a travel savings goal and make a plan to reach it in order to afford a dream trip or multiple trips throughout the year.* Try new types of travel, such as solo travel, road trips, or backpacking.* Make a conscious effort to visit and support local businesses and communities when traveling.* Prioritize safety and health when planning and taking trips by researching and following guidelines for COVID-19 and other health concerns.* Take the time to truly unplug and disconnect from technology and daily routines while on vacation to maximize relaxation and rejuvenation.Like Mark, my verdict was “Not Bad”, nothing groundbreaking nor inspirational but for some in a travel slump it might work.So back to me, I’m traveling more than I was a year ago, but not like I was in 2019. For better or worse we’ve adapted to doing business remotely.We had Monday, January 16th off for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and it got me thinking after working 4 day work weeks during Christmas and New Year's how many three-day weekends are there this year?Well, if you go buy the Federally recognized holidays we’ve got nine more this calendar year. Most are on a Monday or Friday so you’ve instantly got a three-day weekend and depending on how your PTO rules are structured it can easily become a four-day weekend by burning one PTO day.This is nothing new so if you plan to travel on those long weekends book early because everyone else will have the same idea.Now one thing that the CEO and I have done is get the cobwebs off our bicycles and we’ve taken to riding some of the local bike trails. We have the 22-mile West Orange Bike Trail and the Neighborhood Lakes West Trailhead close by but the thought is to load up the bikes and head out to some of the National Parks.We’ve both spent years taking high-energy go-go-go vacations, including the one cruise, and we’re at the point where we want to get away from the long lines and the expensive food and we discovered that the National Parks put checks in both of those boxes.In case you want to visit a National Park there are 4 days between now and the end of the year when park admission is free.* April 22: First day of National Park Week* Aug. 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act* Sep. 23: National Public Lands Day* Nov. 11: Veterans DayAnd there are 11 National Parks here in Florida and another 11 in Georgia so these can be easy long weekend trips.Three of the Florida parks are less than two hours from Chateau’ Relaxo, two in St. Augustine, and one in Titusville.As one that likes lists and keeping track of things, we do have a National Parks Passport book that you can get stamped at each National Park we visit.There you have it episode 183, my 2023 travel resolutions. The next episode will be the January crazy travel roundup.If you want detailed show notes, links, and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Or visit Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office Chateau’ Relaxo.If you traveled by plane over the past few weeks, hopefully, you have been reunited with your luggage and you finally have made it home.In case you didn’t hear 2022 Christmas air travel was a dumpster fire and a winter storm ignited the fire on Friday, December 23rd, and the havoc from that continued for almost the entire next week.Because I’m a data nerd here are some numbers.Tuesday, December 27th Over 20,00 delayed flights and 5100 canceled flights.Wednesday, December 28th Over 11,000 delayed flights and 4475 canceled flights. Southwest Airlines took the brunt of it by canceling over 2500 flights on both Tuesday the 27th and Wednesday the 28th. Southwest owned up to what it could by calling its own performance "unacceptable." In case you didn't know the word unacceptable, offers no help if you’re trying to get to your destination and retrieve your luggage. So what did Southwest do to gain all this attention? Let me grab my logistics clipboard and try to explain. Southwest doesn’t use a hub system like Delta or American Airlines.  Southwest bases its routes on a point-to-point system. This means they fly directly to the destination instead of being routed through a central hub. This is one of the reasons I switched from Delta to Southwest when I relocated to O-Town. Every Delta flight I took had me going through Atlanta, one of their hubs. If I needed to go to Nashville I had a layover in Atlanta, same with New Orleans and Newark. Point-to-point isn’t a bad system…. Until something like this storm takes place because the planes have nowhere to go since their destination, is their destination and there’s no giant plane parking lot to hang out in for three or four days.As one that appreciates creative marketing, this travel debacle provided the perfect on-ramp for marketing directors. Case and point, dateline Las Vegas, Nevada. Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club is advertising that anyone who can show proof of having a canceled or delayed flight at Harry Reid International Airport can call them for a free ride to the club, and also receive a free cover, a drink, and a lap dance ( insert your own turbulence or bumpy ride joke here). In the spirit of research, I visited the Las Vegas Hustlers Clubs website and it appears that the free cover charge, a drink, and a lap dance is a $60.00 value, not including the free ride to the club. Not sure if that’s a fair trade for a flight delay, but the value is up to the recipient.To sum up holiday travel I leave you with this. Up until 2020 the CEO and I normally got on a plane during the holidays and I don’t recall ever having a travel disaster. Possibly a delayed flight but never to the point of being stranded.Onto the December crazy travel roundup.Let's open with an update of sorts. The running joke for the better part of 2022 centered around Hertz rental cars and whether or not you’d be arrested for not returning your rental car even if you had never rented from Hertz. From the Hertz website.On December 5th Hertz announced the settlement of 364 pending claims relating to vehicle theft reporting, bringing resolution to more than 95% of its pending theft reporting claims. The company will pay an aggregate amount of approximately $168 million by year-end to resolve these disputes. The company believes it will recover a meaningful portion of the settlement amount from its insurance carriers.On the surface, this sounds great, and without knowing all the details the rough math indicates this could mean several hundred thousand dollars for each of the 364 claims. What isn’t addressed in the statement is what has been done, or what is being done to prevent this from happening again. Hertz has taken a sizeable hit to their credibility and I imagine that somewhere in that insurance company payout there will be some verbiage addressing the prevention of just that in the future or at least limiting the insurance company's liability if it does happen again.The last time I mentioned the Hertz fiasco was during the October crazy travel roundup and I summed it up with this - “Hertz this has been going on a bit too long. You’ve had plenty of time to resolve your software issues…. Maybe it’s time for a new CIO.” Fast forward to December 2023 - and so far I haven't received any LinkedIn messages indicating that the position is open.Our first Thank you Florida story comes to us from Fox 2 Detroit - Man and father-in-law kicked off plane leaving Flint airport for saying 'penis'Jayson Bauer said he and his father-in-law were flying down to Thank You Florida to help them move when they were approached by Allegiant Airlines flight staff. Bauer said no reason was given for the removal until they were brought off the flight."Finally the Flint police and the airport authority came over and said we were removed because I said the word ‘penis’ on board an airplane," he said. "I meant it in no derogatory (way). I mean, it's part of the male anatomy and we were literally kicked off an airplane in Flint.Bauer said his wife had to come and pick him and his father-in-law up as a result.A spokesman with Allegiant Airlines said two passengers had become disruptive and verbally abusive after boarding the plane. "When crew members instructed them to cease their unruly behavior, the passengers failed to comply. As a result, both were deplaned and reaccommodated to other flights," According to Bauer, they weren't the only ones kicked off the flight. There was another person who was intoxicated while a fourth person also threw up. In the end, Bauer and his Father-in-law drove to Florida.This story hit most of the travel blogosphere websites and this one comment nailed it head-on.Alan wrote - An uplifting story for travelers. Allegiant is facing stiff competition, but they still gave them a hard time and got them off the plane. However, they were able to rise to the occasion and found their way to Florida without winding up in the hole.So to sum it up.The other two unruly passengers were Mike Johnson and Dick Hertz.Apparently, Allegiant Airlines has a very rigid behavior policy.For most of my life, I’ve been someone that didn’t require much sleep. My internal alarm clock typically goes off between 5:45 & 6:00 AM regardless of the time I go to sleep. That being said there are those who view sleep as a precious resource requiring 9+ hours each evening as well as hitting the snooze button multiple times in the morning.I truly admire people that can sleep 8 or more hours at a clip, I also admire those that can take naps during the day. If I take a nap it’s normally because I’m sick. From Live and Let’s Fly I give you our second Thank You Florida story of the month.COT IN THE ACT: DELTA PASSENGER SETS UP HUGE MATTRESS IN GATE AREA, GOES TO SLEEPCot as in c-o-t, not c-a-u-g-h-t.This took place at my home airport MCO.This passenger is so serious about their sleep that he brought an inflatable air mattress with him to the airport. An air mattress like you have for when company stays over for the evening. If you spend any time at the airport you will see passengers exhibiting various sleeping arrangements. Lots of hoodies covering their whole head, pillows are commonplace and on occasion, you’ll come across someone with a hammock strung between two support pillars. However, this LAD took the initiative to find enough open real estate to not only set the mattress up but it was also close enough to an outlet that permitted it to be pumped up.While it’s easy to brush this off as some lunatic Florida Man getting on a plane I believe that there was a lot of thought that went into this. This took place on December 13th, the previous day it was all over the news that MCO was on the verge of running out of jet fuel and was facing a complete shutdown, and then throw in a side order of nasty weather between Florida and Atlanta, Georgia, his actual destination.There’s a chance this Florida Man was living in 2032, and not 2022.One final Thank You Florida story, securing this month's crazy travel roundup hat trick.Thank you TMZ. Miami International Airpot - AIRPORT FREAKOUT WOMAN CHUCKS COMPUTER AT AIRLINE AGENTFive days before Christmas a woman in Miami ripped out a computer monitor and threw it at a gate agent. Yes, there’s a link to the video in the show notes.The crazy scene played out Tuesday, December 20th at Miami International Airport, and it shows a woman going absolutely nuts on American Airlines staff in the middle of a crowded gate area ... eventually getting her hands on a computer screen and throwing it at the agent.In case you didn’t know TMZ rarely does a deep dive into stories unless it happens inside the Thirty Mile Zone. No need to fret as the travel blogosphere sites immediately picked it up. It turns out to the commotion was over her kids, her missing kids, and that someone should find her kids. As you could well imagine the police did show up to help, not to help find the kids but to help her into the back of a police car.It turns out the kids had gone to the restroom and forgot to tell their mom. Maybe they were trying to run away from this lunatic.This is a solid argument for a nationwide no-fly list.So much for being on Santa’s nice list.From CBOARDINGGROUP.com we have - Flight Attendant’s Commentary on Luxury Bags Gets The Plane Laughing.This took place on a Southwest flight. If you’ve never flown Southwest, and after the holiday travel disaster some of you never will, there are a few things that stand out about Southwest.First, Southwest flight attendants are allowed the freedom to have a bit of fun while doing their job. For instance, the safety announcement might turn into an impromptu comedy sketch, or they’ll hand out candy on Halloween flights.Second, there are no assigned seats which can make storing your carry-on and personal baggage a bit of a challenge, which tends to slow the boarding process down.There was a Tik-Tok video of what I’m about to describe but divine_sorrow916 who posted the video decided to make their account private.Recently a Southwest Airlines flight attendant laid it on thick when encouraging passengers to stow their smaller luggage under the seatback in front of them to make room in the overhead bins.He describes the rigorous testing they’ve performed to ensure that Gucci and Prada and all the other luxury bags fit easily under the seatback he then deadpans the punch line: “If they were real you wouldn’t be flying Southwest would you?”As they say “Nailed it”.Several years ago I had a late evening flight into Tampa and as we were crossing the Gulf the pilot knew we were flying into turbulence so the fasten seat belt chime sounded and the indicator was illuminated. The lady seated next to me was sipping on a cup of coffee when we hit turbulence and the plane immediately dropped in altitude. Her coffee came out of the cup in this brown mass, hit the ceiling of the aircraft, and then came down on both of our heads.Ending today’s episode with this month's PSA. “When you are on a plane always keep your seat belt fastened” even when it isn’t required”.December 19th - At least 36 people were injured, some seriously, after ‘severe turbulence’ on a Hawaiian Airlines flight. Eleven patients were in serious condition, Honolulu Emergency Medical Services said in a statement. Among those transported to the hospital was a 14-month-old child.The patients’ injuries included a serious head injury, lacerations, bruising, and loss of consciousness, Honolulu EMS said.The next day Five were injured after 'severe turbulence' on a United Airlines flight into Houston.No matter how sophisticated avionics systems are, they aren’t perfect and Mother nature can be a b***h.Ending 2022 on a very sad noteA statement from Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama - Today around 3 pm an American Airlines ground crew piedmont employee was involved in a fatality, no additional information is available at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased.More details came forward overnight as it seems that a baggage handler was sucked into an engine on an American Airlines E175 jet.How tragic.There you have it episode 182, the December crazy travel roundup. 2022 is in the books and 2023 lies ahead.If you want detailed show notes, links and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Or visit Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office Chateau’Relaxo, FL.Around this time each year I add up the year's travel numbers, thank you free version of TripIt.2022 - 20 Trips, 69 Days & 26,357 Miles2021 - 11 Trips, 28 Days & 12.173 Miles.2016 - 51 Trips, 248 Days & 75,280 Miles. I’ve been using TripIt since 2010. It’s excellent at organizing and managing my trips but another nice feature is that it keeps a tally of my yearly travel stats in one easily accessible table.The best trip of the year was a 4-day stay in San Antonio Texas. I was born in Dallas and have lived there twice, but San Antonio was one of those Texas cities that I had never been to.The highlight of the trip was an evening at Knibbe Ranch. Knibbe offers activities such as armadillo races and live music. On our visit, we had the chance to watch a rodeo. Think Yellowstone minus John Dalton but with at least a ½ dozen Rips wandering around.In the early part of the year masks were still being required on a plane by mid-year there were more maskless passengers than there were masked passengers.By late year the monthly crazy travel roundup was void of all the maskers vs. anti-vaxxer altercations. 2022 was another year of changes.This year I did take more road trips than normal, and on some of these road trips I would’ve gotten on a plane had COVID never happened.  There was one travel first in 2022. This was the first year in 22 years of business travel that I didn’t rent a car. Be it for business or personnel trips, not a single rental. Thank you Uber and hotel shuttles.To sum up my 2022 travel experience I would conservatively say that things are back to normal or as normal as it’s going to get. Short of no daily housekeeping I see very few COVID remnants. Honestly, the hospitality industry will ride out no daily housekeeping as long as they can or until travelers revolt.Because I am a data nerd here are some Travel Stories podcast updates according to Spotify.This year Travel Stories produced 390 minutes of new content. This was 80% more than any of the other creators in the Society and Culture Spotify category.* The most listened-to episode was My Travel Regrets from May.* During 2022 Travel Stories was heard in 32 different countries. America is number and India is number two.* Listeners grew by 66%* Followers grew by 129%* Ending with Travel Stories being a top 10 podcast for 139 of my followers.To some those numbers look great, and I appreciate all listeners, new as well as old but Travel Stories is nothing more than my outlet and not a revenue stream. That being said Thank You for listening.In addition to being a data nerd, I’m also a beer nerd. I use Untappd to not only track my beers, but to help me discover new beers and new places where I can drink beer.In 2022 I checked in 165 beers, in 2021 I checked in 114 beers.In 2022 I tried 30 different styles of beer, down from 41 different beer styles in 2021.My 2022 number-one style of beer? No surprise IPA.My top beer from 2022 was Foster Lager, a total surpriseI drank beer from 64 unique breweries. The top three were New Belgium, Sweetwater, and Sierra NevadaI checked in beers in 28 different locations.Time to venture into the 2022 gift guide. Gift guides are some of my favorite episodes. Looking back the gift guides have evolved with the years.In 2005 it was a battery-operated corded Sony device that got AM/FM plus TV and weather.In 2012 it was Skull Candy earphones. 10 years later these are still my go-to earphones.In 2019 it was the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket For returning listeners, my standard holiday gift list is still intact, feel free to indulge an old road warrior.* Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II – steel bracelet and should run less than $11k.* 1995 Land Rover Defender – I had a chance to buy one for $30k in 1995 and I’m still bent that I passed on it. You should be able to pick up a gently used one for less than $70k.I am a total gear nerd. If something makes my life easier or condenses several items into one I am all ears.Case and point I have bought no less than four Anker 3-in-1 cables in the past 18 months for residents of Chateau’ Relaxo. This single cable charges, Lightning, Type C, and Micro USB  devices. Three cables condensed into one single cable, perfect for travel. So what is on deck for the 2022 holiday gift guide?  I went through my Amazon orders for 2022 and saw only one standout travel-related purchase. It was a soft-sided cooler bag. It wasn’t a $200.00 Yeti or a 4130.00 Rtic. It was a $30.00 Feti, which is code for fake Yeti. Honestly, it was a no-name brand that got a 4.6 rating on Amazon. I’ve taken more road trips this year than I have flights and it’s nice to throw a meal or two in the bag along with some beer as I head out the door. With no major additions to my travel gear, it might be time to upgrade your road warrior's existing travel gear this year.Upgrade that mobile charging station. Notice I said charging station and not charging block or knuckle. The days of carrying multiple adaptors to charge multiple devices are gone. For less than $150,00 you can buy a 5-in-1 charging station that will support 3 USB “C” connections for your laptops plus two additional ports for charging your phone.Noise-canceling headphones. They aren’t cheap, but they're so nice to have. These aren’t your dad’s noise-canceling headphones because technology has advanced by leaps and bounds in the last few years. Here’s my advice, purchase wireless because on an airplane headphone wire managed to get hung up on everything. If you’re purchasing this for a road warrior that takes a lot of flights I advise you to stay away from noise-canceling earbuds. Yes, the noise-canceling in this small and lightweight earbud is amazing. However, it seems like every few flights that I’m on someone loses one of their earbuds, and I like treasure hunts as much as the next person but looking for a black earbud on the floor of a dark plane is a no-win proposition.There are a few things I hold firm on when choosing gifts for a road warrior.Consider not only the weight of the gift but also the size of the gift. Most road warriors pack deliberately, and giving them something that’s too large or too heavy for their suitcase will throw them off their game.Unless you know the recipient really well or they have told you exactly what they want, avoid purchasing luggage, laptop bags, or DOP kits. Why? For me, my suitcase can’t have any dividers, my laptop bag has to have the right amount of pockets located in the correct location and while a hang-up DOP looks neat I can promise you that I’d never ever hang it up.Is it TSA approved? Nothing worse than having that thoughtful gift confiscated in the TSA screening area.Lastly, road warriors don’t need another aluminum tumbler. No matter how tempting it is to have their initials or favorite sports team logo engraved on the side…. Don’t do it, more than likely they already have 5 of them some of which already have their initials or favorite sports team logo on them already.Several years ago we enacted a gift policy here at Chateau’  Relaxo. No blankets, no candles, and no tumblers can be given as a gift.So what are a few gifts for the road warrior that are unique…. Glad you asked.If you have someone that fishes how about a travel fishing rod?Do they have a favorite podcast that offers a Patreon subscription for extra content?For the cigar smoker in your life how about a nice cigar holder?For the beer drinker, there are plenty of TSA-safe bottle openers. All road warriors know how to open a beer bottle on the handle of the dresser of the bathroom counter of a hotel room. However, nothing classes up an evening of hotel beers more than a nice opener.Very few of us carry DSLR camera’s anymore because our phones do a great job of taking pictures. However a clip-on fish eye, macro, or wide-angle lens can take their picture to the next level. Think modern-day Ansel Adams or social media influencer wannabe.This past year I bought the CEO a Portable White Noise Machine which she now packs on all her trips. And she traveled almost as much as I did this past year.If the road warrior in your life is looking to begin the year on an exercise kick you can pick up a bodyweight suspension trainer starting at $60.00 all the way up to a TRX system for $200.00. These are both small enough and lightweight enough to fit in any piece of luggage.If all else fails every road warrior appreciates a unique luggage tag.For many road warriors, their work environment has changed drastically over the past few years. I think the new term is a hybrid worker. Personally, I think this is a stupid term but someone who is on a higher pay scale than me came up with it. One of the things that I did when I began working from home more was to purchase dual monitors. If you’ve never used dual monitors they will instantly make you more efficient when you work. So efficient that once I began traveling again it was difficult to work off a single monitor, especially on video calls. Enter the Sidetrak monitor. The Sidetrak is an additional monitor that magnetically attaches to your laptop lid and allows you to have dual monitors. If you have a spare iPad you can accomplish the same thing with an app and a charging cable. Same with a Surface Pro, but my SideTrak was a gift from a non-technical person.The other home office purchase was a $9.00 remote-controlled puck light that I turn on when I’m in a meeting or on a call. No more yelling across the house asking, “Are you in a meeting?” or someone walking into my office mid-sentence While it’s not automated and tied to my Outlook calendar I also didn’t drop $100.00 on it. Now if I could only get the dogs to stop barking during meetings.At a total loss for gifts, there is a movement towards social gifting and no this isn’t posting your gifts on social media sites. It’s where you purchase gifts from differently-abled crafters or makers that are struggling with autism, cancer, mental illness, and social isolation.We recently made purchases from Two Blind Brothers, and their tagline is, “Would you buy something that you can't see? We did and we received a knit cap and one of the softest blankets on the planet, yes I know it violates one of the Chateau’ Relaxo gift rules, but we were buying blind.And if all else fails put a Google on “Unique travel gifts” There you have it episode 181, A combo episode of the travel stories year in review, and the 2022 gift guide.If you want detailed show notes, links and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Or visit Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office Chateau’ Relaxo. FL.No trips since our last episode. This isn’t that odd when you take in the time of year. Many clients and customers tend to enter “Holiday Mode” this time of year as project deadlines get extended to compensate for team members taking some well-deserved PTO time.Opening up with some sad news - Airline Weekly recently asked this question - “Why Did Spirit Airlines Just Cut 35 Routes?”. This a solid question, part of the reason for the cancelation is supply chain issues which are delaying deliveries of new aircraft and creating a shortage of parts needed to maintain in-service airplanes. Larger more cash-rich airlines typically cancel flights and not complete routes. Spirit being smaller and not as cash-rich can’t afford to roll the dice on picking the right individual flights to cancel so they’re 86’ing the complete route.So the sad part is that many canceled routes involve thank you Florida.Seven from Fort Myers and Tampa, six from Fort Lauderdale, three from Orlando, and two from Miami.These cancelations will severely impact content for the monthly crazy travel roundup.That ends today’s PSAWith the holiday season upon us families and friends will often gather to share a meal. Here at Chateau’ Relaxo, those gatherings come with set ground rules and the first two rules are we don’t discuss politics and we don’t discuss religion.That being said on a recent Southwest flight from Houston Tx to Columbus, Ohio, a woman bit a fellow passenger and then attempted to open the exit door mid-flight because... Jesus told her to.The 34-year-old, let’s call her Nibbles, Nibbles shoved a flight attendant as she lunged for the exit door and attempted to open it. After the flight attendants restrained her, Nibbles requested a window seat but was denied the privilege. Further enraged, Nibbles again tried to open the door but was tackled by another passenger who Nibbles then bit on the thigh.According to an FBI complaint, Nibbles had informed the other passenger that "Jesus told her to open the plane door."The pilot made an emergency landing in Arkansas where Nibbles was arrested and the bitten passenger received a hepatitis shot as well as some antibiotics.First, for the passenger that was bitten, skip the hepatitis and antibiotic shot and go right for the rabies shot and work backward from there.Second, religion or the definition of religion is different for everyone. Nevertheless how come we never hear of someone’s personal Jesus telling them to sit down and shut the hell up?From Live And Let’s Fly - A man holds a razor blade to a woman's throat.Merrill Darrell Fackrell, 41, has been charged with two crimes: assault with a dangerous weapon on or near an aircraft and carrying a weapon on a flight.This was a  JetBlue flight from New York (JFK) to Salt Lake City (SLC). Somehow, someway, Fackrell made it onboard with a concealed straight-edge razor.Merrill Darrel was seated in a window seat next to a married couple. During the flight, he turned to the woman, seated in the middle seat, and told her to pause her movie while placing his hands over her screen.She lowered her headphones, noticing that Merrill Darrel was holding the razor blade just inches from her neck. The woman’s husband went to the front of the aircraft to get assistance from the flight attendant …we’ll come back to this in a moment…..and the woman lunged for the aisle to escape. While doing so, Fackrell reached and tried to stop her by grabbing her shoulder.In case you didn’t see it coming, alcohol is thought to be involved in Fackrell’s behavior.Here’s my take, First, how did Merrill Darrel make it through TSA with an old-school Sweeny Todd straight razor? Hopefully, TSA fired someone. Why? Because you had one job.Second, taking the information that was provided n the story…… this lady’s husband might possibly be the Major of Wussville.Some details are missing and I don’t mean to throw the husband under the bus unless warranted, but if he ran while his wife was under attack, I’d say he might be the bigger problem for her than the idiot with the razor blade (not that she cannot take care of herself, but is chivalry dead?).As for Merrill Darrel, I hope he must atone for his indiscretion and is self-accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The TSA staff who let him through should also be fired.Again, what was her husband thinking? Hey dude, you evacuate your wife first, then get a flight attendant. There’s also this cool thing called a flight attendant call button right up there by the air vent and light. You just have to press it and a flight attendant will come to you. Yelling also works.Right around this point in the year air travelers begins to ask what food items can they take through TSA in their carry-on.Believe it or not TSA posts a list of what’s permitted.* Bread - permitted* Solid cheese - permitted* Fresh eggs - permitted* Fresh meat, seafood, and other non-liquid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags, as long as they are packed in ice.What’s not permitted is stuffing a fresh chicken with a handgun and then trying to get it through TSA.One guess as to where this all went down….. thank you, Florida. Not a lot of detail other than it happened at the Fort Lauderdale International airport. No mention of a name or any repercussions. TSA posted several pictures and if you’re truly Flogrown you will recognize the green-striped Publix cooler bag in several of the pictures.As TSA summed it up with their Instagram post - “We hate to break it to you here, but stuffing a firearm in your holiday bird for travel is just a baste of time,” “Not sure which is better, the Florida Man in all his glory or the joking way TSA handles the situation.Let’s stick with the theme of TSA and carry-ons and just for kicks, we’ll include thank you Florida.This came from Live And Let’s Fly.An orange cat was discovered at New York Kennedy (JFK) by a TSA baggage screener. Not totally out of the ordinary, but wait there’s more.First, the agent spotted some orange hair poking out of the zipper of the suitcaseRather than pull the animal out, he ran the bag through the x-ray machineAfter the cat was discovered, the bag was very carefully openedThe cat popped out unharmed and seemed calmThe passenger was tracked down, and admitted the cat was from the house he was staying at but was adamant he did not pack the catTSA reached out to the owner alerted her to the location of the cat and asked if she wanted to press chargesShe declined, stating that her cat loves to climb into boxes, and came to pick up “Smells” at JFKShe later reported that the cat was totally unfazed by the incidentLet’s talk about luggage for a few minutes. We all know my rule of thumb is that there are two types of luggage, carry-on and lost.Checking luggage can be a crapshoot. Beyond getting lost a checked bag can also have stuff removed from it even if you use a luggage lock. A $10.00 bill on Amazon will get you a TSA luggage master key.Losing your luggage is a giant cup of suck even if you eventually get it back. I’ve lost luggage three times in all my years of travel. Twice I found myself at Walmart late at night trying to assemble an outfit for meetings the next day. The third time I landed at 1:00 AM and my luggage made it to the hotel around 6:00 AM. If you check luggage consider throwing an Apple Airtag inside.Any idea what lost luggage costs the airlines? Let's do some pre-COVID math.In 2020  American Airlines President Robert Isom told employees “every lost bag is nearly $60.” Isom went on to add that in January alone American Airlines mishandled 74,975 bags (Airlines don’t like to use the word lost),. At $60 per bag it cost American Airlines $4.5 million that month, that’s around $54 million over the course of a year. Taking that same $60.00 airlines as a whole could be close to losing over $160 million a year to mishandled, not lost, bags.What happens to bags that are actually lost and not reunited with their owners? Much of it ends up in Scottsboro, Alabama, with a population of 15,000. Scottsboro Alabama is home to Unclaimed Luggage. My last visit was about 15 years ago and at the time there were more portable DVD players and digital cameras than at the local Best Buy. I saw half-used bottles of cologne, worn shoes, suits, and even underwear. All of which were for sale.You can purchase brand-new clothing complete with the tags still attached. Looking for a second-hand Omega or Seiko watch? They have them.You can purchase these oddities that never got reunited with their rightful owners. David Copperfield 8x10 Autographed Poster - $15.99FIELD & STREAM 1985 Portfolio of Game of Birds - $25.99INTERNATIONAL SILVER CO.1927 Pine Tree 37pc Serving Set - $1,645.99And who couldn’t use a 19th Century Dutch Brass Jelly Pan 8.5" x 4.5" - $65.99If you find yourself in Scottsboro Alabama allow yourself an hour or maybe two for a visit.Have you ever heard of a “Mattress Run”? No, it’s not a Tck-Tok challenge or a college hazing week ritual, it's when you book and pay for a hotel room (that you otherwise wouldn’t need) to earn rewards or qualify for elite hotel status.All of this is according to The Points Guy and it’s a valid question. Years ago mileage runs were common with the airlines, especially when elite status was based on connections. When I lived in Atlanta I remember late in the year friends taking business trips with 3 or 4 connections when it was typically a direct flight. Mileage runs aren’t that common anymore.Back to the question, is a mattress run valid? In my opinion, this late in the year no mattress run is a waste of both your time and your money…. And here’s why.First credit cards, yes love them or hate them but every hotel chain offers a credit card and those hotel credit cards will often give you some level of elite status as well as several thousand points. Side note most of the cards do require you to spend several thousand dollars in the first few months after you sign up for the card.Also most every hotel chain offers some sort of an elite status-level program this time of the year so check their website.Also, check your airline of choice’s website for promos. Recently Southwest offered a program that I took advantage of. A few months ago I did the math and knew there was no way that I was going to have enough flights or points to have the companion pass for 2023. Enter the Southwest promo - It was a no-brainer if you took one flight during the designated time period you would get the Southwest companion pass for the first three months of 2023. Hey, it’s not for the full year, but at least it’s something. The tip in is that typically you will need to have your head in that bed or that butt in a seat in order to get those points or miles. One last question, are looking for a unique way to miss your flight? My suggestion is to not, I repeat not, this way. Dateline Seattle, Washing American Airlines gate area where a passenger waiting to board screamed “heil Hitler” while holding a Nazi salute. In case you didn’t know…. That is not OK. If that wasn’t enough, he then called for a race war right before he was arrested at Sea-Tac airport.In the words of Ricky Gervais  "Being dead is like being stupid: it's only painful for others." - There you have it. episode 180, the November crazy travel roundup. I plan to squeeze in a quick 2022 year-end travel numbers and holiday gift guide next week so please check back. If you want detailed show notes, links and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Or visit Substack at travelstories.substack.com/You can also leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office, Chateau' Relaxo, FL.One trip since our last episode, and it came in the form of a road trip which is the topic for this episode.This trip was four days on the road with three nights in three different hotels, which is never desirable, and to add to the madness Hurricane Nicole made landfall halfway through the trip.It’s safe to say that none of the hotels offered any reminder of COVID. No plexiglass riot shields, only a few remnants of Hilton’s “CleanStay” stickers, and most of the hand cleaner stations were empty. One hotel was undergoing a remodel six years after its last remodel. One hotel had a Peleton bike in the fitness center. And the last one offered a firepit where I enjoyed the fall evening.On to tonight's topic - the road trip showWe survived summer travel. Flights were expensive and packed. Rental cars were expensive and if you rented from Hertz you ran the risk of being arrested. Hotels were plentiful and expensive. Notice a pattern?With fall travel here I see no reversal in any cost associated with travel. There is a hotel close to my parents, it’s a normal Hampton Inn, nothing special. Typically it’s $100.00 per night, occasionally $130.00 if there’s a softball tournament taking place. Lately, it’s been $180.00 per night even with all my secret squirrel discount codes.So with the upcoming holiday travel season, it might be time to consider a good old-fashioned road trip. We’ve talked about road trips several times over the years, but it’s worthy of a revisit.What are some common road trip mistakes? Glad you asked.When it comes to a road trip it is important to follow the 7 P’s - Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance. Let's concentrate on the first three P’s - Proper Planning and Preparation.Not planning. You have to have a plan and start that plan well in advance of your departure.So where do you want to go - it’s fall and in the southeast that means fall colors and there’s no better way to see the changing leaves than through the windshield of a car. The weather is still mild enough for a bourbon or winery road trip. So a road trip doesn’t always mean an over the river, and through the woods, To Grandmother's house.You need to plan for frequent stops and roadside billboard suggestions can help. Want to see a 15” gator? There’s a billboard to tell you how. Same with the Bigfoot museum, and the desire to shoot a real machine gun there are billboards that point you in the direction to do just those thingsDon’t assume your car is road trip worthy just because you drive it every day. Make sure you’re car is equipped and serviced for the trip. Make sure there’s a copy of your license and registration handy. Consider an EDC roadside kit. Things like jumper cables, a flashlight, and something to clean your hands with in case you have to change a flat tire. Make sure your spare tire is roadworthy as well.If you don’t have AAA it might be worth the investment and while you’re at it throw an old-school paper map, in the glove box….. You never know.Some road trip essentials that you might not think to pack.* First aid kit and include - * Heartburn meds* Aspirin* Benadryl* Allergy Pills* Zip Lock Bags* A can of fix-a-flat* Plastic shopping bags* A handful of zip ties, paracords, and bungee cordsWhile you’re in prep mode, make sure you have some travel-related apps installed on your phone.Plan your wardrobe. It’s fall and this time of year there can be a 40-degree swing in temperature between the morning and mid-day. Don’t forget the umbrella either.What apps will help? At least install Google maps and Waze. If you have no idea how valuable either one of those is, please stay off the road.* iExit helps with the latest gas prices.* Roadtrippers with their tagline of “Turn your road trip into an adventure” is a great addition if you need road trip guidance. Enter your starting point and destination and Roadtrippers will help to fill in the stops along the way.* Roadside America offers over 15,000 offbeat attractions, some of which no one is familiar with, well beyond what you’ll find on Google maps. I advise installing Yelp as it will give you insights on food, hotels as well as attractions. * And don’t forget Google reviews as it will also give you the lowdown. TripAdvisor is another one, I don’t personally use it, but I have heard good things about it.It seems that there’s an app for everything, including road trips - There’s Dyrt which will help you find places where you can camp. You can install Flush, think of it as Yelp reviews but for public toilets.Plan your route. Here in O-Town, we’re home to (2) of the worst traffic snarls in the United States.From the Orlando Weekly - Drivers in rush hour traffic on I-4 West between Beachline Expressway and FL-429  lost an average of 74 hours in traffic. Anyone taking US-17 South from 192 to The Oaks Blvd also suffered, losing 59 hours in traffic. Those roads were good enough for the third and seventh-worst congestion in the US, respectively.Every major city has its share of traffic, Atlanta, Dallas Washington DC there’s no escaping traffic.Plan for an alternate route. On my recent drives to Georgia, I’ve been bypassing the downtown Atlanta area by taking 441 out of Macon towards Athens and then Highway 29 to the office. For my return trip from Georgia, I jump on 40 outside of Ocala and head down the middle of the state. Both routes are typically 15 minutes longer according to Waze, but both routes typically keep me from sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic.So plan your route, and this includes places to stop for fuel. Fuel stops are important so make them more meaningful than 6 fuel pumps and the offering of boiled peanuts that have been cooking in a crock pot for the last 6 days.One of my favorite fuel stops is one that I’ve done a 180 on in the past few years.It’s Buc-ee’s and with their expansion into the southeast, it’s the perfect place to stop. Beyond the 40 or 50 gas pumps, they have a wall of jerky, a legit BBQ pit, and gifts galore. If you’re rolling along I-95 around the North Carolina South Carolina state line, there’s South of the Border”  with its Sombrero Tower, Reptile Lagoon & The Peddler Steakhouse it’s a great place to kill an hour or so. Besides Pedro says so. When it comes to road trip nutrition there are two approaches.First, take it with you. Why? Because eating on the road is expensive. Drop $20.00 or $30.00 on a soft-sided cooler. No need to spend $300.00 on a Yeti, we survived without them for decades.You can freeze almost everything, my mom proved it by freezing a Burger King Big Mac. Meal prep wraps, leftovers, veggies, and snacks, all of these travel well and can be consumed while driving.I’ve talked about road food in the past, and all these years later I still stand by these foods for consumption while barreling westbound on I-20.Beef Jerky and Slim Jims, actually make any processed meat product wrapped in plastic that doesn’t need refrigeration.* Positives – High in protein, easy to eat, and little or no mess.* Negatives – High in salt and the smell might offend passengers, which might be a good thing depending on who is riding with you. Beef jerky can be a tad expensive when purchased in a gas station.Almost every gas station will have a rack filled full of Little Debbie snacks. From oatmeal pies to cosmic brownies, there’s a snack for everybody. My favorite is the Nutty Buddy or anything from their Zebra collection.* Positives – As tasty as it gets, inexpensive, easy to hold, and almost never expires. Don’t forget their seasonal offerings such as Fall Party Cakes.* Negatives – Loaded with sugar and not the most filling, so if you happen to eat four or five keep an eye on that calorie count.Roller food, those tasty cylindrical tubes of nutrition and calories. Looking to snack on an egg roll, tamale, hotdog, or taquito while driving 75 MPH? If so, then grab those tongs and pluck a few of these rolling beauties.* Positives – Cheap, usually $1.00 plus they taste good and are relatively filling. Where else can you eat food from three different ethnicities all in a single stop?* Negatives – Be careful if you load any of these items up with salsa. ketchup or mustard, it’s very easy to end up with a goopy mess in your lap. Stay away from any item that’s not rolling, a sure sign that the bottom is more than likely over-cooked.There’s a reason those foods are in heavy rotations during my road trips. They’re easy to hold with one hand, leaving your other hand free for texting.When you make it to base camp, aka your destination, ask the hotel staff for some local food stops. They will almost be willing to offer you some local taste sensations. The backup food plan is Yelp or Google reviewsRoad trip entertainment, since I’m the driver I rely on a couple of things audiobooks and podcasts. I still have my old standby music playlist, Dave Matthews Band, Toto, and almost every artist that charted in the 1980s…. You can call me a renaissance man.For me, audiobooks are mostly non-fiction. Recently I finished Rob Lowe’s, “Stories I only tell my friends” and Dave Grohl’s “The storyteller”. The key to audiobooks, listen to them at 1.5 speed. It’ll take your brain a few minutes to adapt but after that, it’s smooth sailing.With podcasts, I’m all over the road - Smartless, The Upside, Literally from Rob Lowe, Tim Ferris, Mike O’Meara, and my two travel podcasts, Travel Commons and Travel Wins.Do you subscribe to Spotify? If so hit up one of their One Hit Wonder channels and you’ll be amazed. If you’re a Joe Rogan fan you can listen to his podcast here.Time to discuss lodging, more specifically hotels, can be a bit dicey. I admit I’m spoiled as Hilton & Marriott are my go-to’s and have been for two decades. That being said most traditional chain hotels will suit almost anyone. However, you need to plan to spend some money. Hotels are one of those things in life where you truly get what you pay for, and two of those things you pay for are safety and cleanliness.Here is a hotel strategy to consider when choosing a location. While it’s nice to stay on Disney property, and this makes sense you can shuttle into the park each day and not worry, or paying for parking. You can sleep in since you’re already on Disney property. However, there are two deterrents to staying on the property, it’s expensive and you will find yourself waiting in lines just like you were in the park.Years ago one of my first business trips to Orlando was a project at Reedy Creek Improvement District. Reedy Creek is the governing jurisdiction and special taxing district for the land of Walt Disney World Resort. It acts with the same authority and responsibility as a county complete with its own fire department headquartered out of the Dalmation Station. Reedy Creek’s main office is just down the street from what was Downtown Disney and is now Disney Springs. So I booked my hotel on the north side of I4 just outside Disney Springs. The next morning I go downstairs for breakfast and the dining area was packed. Lines for cereal, lines for eggs, and lines for coffee. It was packed with families waiting to go to Disney. There’s another advantage to staying off-site, especially if you have young kids. Being forced to find parking and then taking a trolley or the monorail to the park entrance can easily remove an hour or two of park time. Why this is important is that it removes one to two hours of time that your small child will be getting frustrated waiting in lines, and getting sunburnt. Plus the off-property or not near-property hotels will be cheaper and less crowded.But, you will come across locally owned and operated hotels that provide a wonderful experience. Years ago I had a project in Smithfield, VA, yes that Smithfield, bacon, ham, bacon, sausage, and bacon. At the time there were no hotels in Smithfield to speak of so I booked my room at the Mansion on main which was a bed & breakfast. Every morning we woke to the smell of bacon and fresh biscuits and each afternoon we’d come back from Smithfield to a plate of fresh warm cookies and a cold glass of mile. My favorite part while in Smithfield was one of the executives was giving us a tour of the facility and as we were walking from one building to the next he asked, “Do you smell that?” of course, we could smell the smokey order from the smokehouses, he went on to tell us “that’s the smell of money!”In the past I’d often book hotels close to my favorite dining establishments with Uber Eats and Door Dash this is no longer the case…. And Uber Eats will deliver liquor.There’s also HotelTonight as well that offers up a “day of deals” in case you need a last-minute place to crash. The one piece of advice that I offer up to Baby Road Warriors is to make sure you have that night’s hotel reservation before you head out in the morning.If you’ve got kids in tow one of your major jobs is to keep them from getting bored.Make sure to pack charging cables etc. If you’ve got an extra $50.00 or so purchase an extra Amazon Fire tablet just in case someone breaks something. When I was a rugrat my parents gave us two Dramamines and put us in the back seat.This is also where the aforementioned snacks can buy you a few additional minutes of peace as well as silencing those “Are we there yet”.There you have it episode 179, the road trip revisited.Thanks for listening.Leave me a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] us out on the web at PodPage or Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the home office of Chateau’ Relaxo.Sorry, no episodes since the September crazy travel roundup it’s been really busy the last 30 days.Hears a few updates to open the episode with - In episode 177 I mentioned that during a recent road trip I noticed that two of the three Hilton hotels that I bunked at had Peleton bikes in their fitness centers. Drum roll please - Hilton and Peloton Team Up to Enhance the Travel Wellness Experience.This is an industry‑first partnership, all 5,400 U.S. Hilton‑branded hotels to feature Peloton in fitness centers.As one that has planned my hotel stays based on the fitness center or the hotel providing access to a nearby gym I can appreciate this.Do you know who else appreciates this? Peloton. As big as the Church of Peloton is Peloton has been struggling financially. From a stock price high of $162.00 in January of 2021 to last week's close of $8.00 per share.I’m not a Peloton disciple, I almost joined the Church of Peloton until I saw the cost to join the Church of Peloton combined with the monthly offering for the app it was too rich for my blood.However next time  I see one in a Hilton fitness center I will give it a try. Hopefully, the Peloton will hold up the abuse of a hotel fitness center.Another update from Episode 177, remember  Hend Bustami? In case you don’t…….Hend was arrested for reportedly skipping out on her Chili’s tab inside the Harry Reid International Airport The icing on the cake was that Hend told officers she was under arrest because she was so good-looking.Hopefully, Hend will still be good-looking in an orange jumpsuit because…. Here’s the update…..Hend has been arrested for murder, the murder of her mother.Since Hend is a fan of Chili’s I hope she finds prison food to her liking.Here’s the first entry into this month's “I’m a mallethead” contest.From the Jerusalem Post - Israeli passenger sets toilet on fire during El Al flight to Bangkok.In case you didn’t know  - You can’t smoke on planes.And probably one of the reasons you can’t smoke on a plane is that you just might set the toilet on fire.The incident took place on a flight that took off from Tel Aviv., A passenger who probably wanted to smoke without being detected threw a cigarette butt into the trash can in the toilet compartment - but the cigarette ignited the toilet paper inside, which caused both the trash can and the toilet to catch fire.The smoke detector went off and the flight crew immediately extinguished the fire.Now if this had happened in the United States, a toilet fire on an inflight airplane, that plane would've been on the ground before the proverbial smoke had cleared and that would’ve been followed by at least a four-hour flight delay.That’s not how it's done overseas - The plane that was mid-flight at the time of the incident continued on its path as planned until it landed in Bangkok despite the fire.This comes to us from Harsha wears a mask over at Twitter. - Best part of today’s flight @AmericanAir   the captain of the flight is so magnanimous that he ordered us all pizzas as we have been stuck on the flight @fly_BUR  for over 6 hours and we never departed because of some complicated routing issues.Not all heroes wear capes, case and point this American Airlines pilot. American Airlines flight 1208 from Burbank to Dallas was delayed due to weather in Dallas (DFW is known to stand for Doesn’t Function Wet.)A 6-hour weather delay? Maybe I should rethink my previous story - a toilet fire on an inflight domestic airplane that’s a solid 8-hour delay,If there are any pilots listening and thinking of doing the same good deed…. Dominos has slashed their prices by 20%Our first “Thank You Florida Story” - Miami Man Blames Altitude For Poor Behavior On United Airlines Flight, Not His Regular Consumption Of Mushrooms from Live and Let’s Fly.A Miami man, Cherruy Garcia Sevilla, age 23 took magic mushrooms and then allegedly groped an air stewardess and broke into an occupied toilet on the flight has blamed his crazed attack on the altitude. Cherruy Garcia Sevilla, 23, was arrested after traveling from Miami to Washington on October 4 when a dose of magic mushrooms that he had taken kicked in, sending him into the aforementioned incident.I’m not a magic mushroom enthusiast so I can’t speak to their effects. However, I’ve been on an S-Ton of flights and I don’t ever recall anyone getting altitude sickness…. It probably has something to do with those pressurized cabins.One more Thank you Florida story from Live and Let’s Fly - American Airlines Flight Forced to Divert After Woman Screams ‘We’re All Gonna Die!’Flight 1295 left Miami and was headed for Los Angeles but was diverted to El Paso after a woman stood up and told everyone on the plane they were all about to die and must “repent,” according to a passenger who witnessed the episode.After that, the woman remained silent. Flight attendants were able to restrain the woman and place flex cuffs on her. One flight attendant asked her if she “needed” to get off the plane and when she responded affirmatively, the plane began a rapid descent into El Paso, Texas (ELP).From Yahoo News - Flight attendant charged with stealing $8,000 bracelet from TSA lineA woman identified as a Republic Airways flight attendant was arrested Monday at Reagan National Airport after authorities said she took a passenger's bracelet set from a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint.Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said Rebecca Valley, 60, of Wesley Chapel, Fla., Thank you Florida, works for the regional carrier and was charged with one count of grand larceny. The owner of the jewelry reported that it was valued at $8,000, Nosal said.Here’s a quick travel tip -  place items such as wallets, phones or large pieces of jewelry in your carry-on bag, not a bin, Also laptops should be easily identifiable with a business card or some type of sticker.From BoingBoing - Pilot sues Southwest after co-pilot allegedly locked her in the cockpit and took off his clothesChristine Janning, a Southwest pilot, filed a lawsuit last week in Orange County, Florida, over an incident that took place in August 2020.Michael Haak, a 27-year veteran of the airline, had used his seniority rights the previous day to bump another pilot who had been scheduled to command the flight. Janning believes that's because he saw a woman was the scheduled co-pilot.Janning said that when they reached cruising altitude, Haak told her this was his final flight and there was something he wanted to do before retirement.She said he bolted the door so no flight attendant could enter. He then put the plane on autopilot, stripped off his clothes, began watching pornography on his laptop, and committed a lewd act for 30 minutes while taking photos and videos of himself. …What a Creepy McCreeperton, took look at a schedule so you’re flying with a female. To top that Haak called the incident "a consensual prank" that got out of hand.Here’s this month's PSA….. Women do not want to see random dudes' junk, they don’t want pictures of random dudes' junk and they don’t want to see random dudes touching their junk. If they do they'll probably let you know.Our last Thank you Florida story - From 7 News Miami, American Airlines plane evacuated after strange odor fills cabin.Dateline - MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLA. (WSVN) - An American Airlines flight had to return to Miami International Airport after an odor filled the cabin during the flight.It was a scare in the air for 172 passengers on their way to Barbados, as they had to be turned around back to Miami International Airport just before 9 p.m., Wednesday, October 12th“Coming in with toxic fumes coming from a passenger suitcase,” an official said on Broadcastify.This is where I fully expected the culprit to be….. Durian, but that wasn’t the case.The plane landed at 9 p.m. and was taken to what is referred to the penalty box so first responders could deal with the issue and get everyone off the plane.“A smell came into the cabin, maybe midway through the flight. It smelled like nail polish. It was really strong,” said one passenger.In a statement, American Airlines said they had to deplane all passengers.“Due to a chemical odor in the cabin caused by the contents of a customer’s carry-on luggage. The aircraft landed safely and without incident, and customers deplaned normally,” read the statement.So you're telling me that cabin air isn’t always fresh and filtered from the outside like we were told during the height of the pandemic.Hertz has recently been in the news with stories of lost cars, Flashy reporting cars as stolen going as far as sending people to jail that never rented cars from Hertz.The people are fighting back - Man sues after Hertz rental leads to ‘surreal’ traffic stop.Police had their weapons drawn as they ordered Nick Wright and his 13-year-old daughter to put their hands on the hood of the car they had rented less than an hour earlier.Wright and his daughter were on vacation and had just landed at Savannah airport. They’d rented the car about 30 minutes before officers stopped them.“This is what happens when the rental company doesn’t clear a stolen license plate vehicle from the national database. Yep! That just happened.” Wright said during a video he recorded after the incident.Wright added - “They told us ‘Do not drive this car out of this parking lot. Make Hertz come and pick it up and bring you a new one because if you get out on the highways it may not go well for you,’” Wright is one of the hundreds suing Hertz over mental and emotional damages after they were arrested — sometimes jailed — based on police reports labeling the cars stolen.Hertz this has been going on a bit too long. You’ve had plenty of time to resolve your software issues…. Maybe it’s time for a new CIO.There you have it, the October crazy travel roundup.If you want detailed show notes, links and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Leave a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau Relaxo, FL.One trip since the last episode. From O-Town to John Wayne airport for a three-day visit to Irvine, CA. The trip out was uneventful as was the Hampton Inn Irvine East. Three things of note… First, 78 degrees with zero humidity is amazing. Second, the landscape is beautiful. Irvine is nestled inside these beautiful mountains, none of which had been developed.Third, My daily drive took me along Alton Parkway. Most of the homes along Alton are located up on a hill, nothing odd there. But, all of the homes had clear plexiglass fences. Think COVID-era riot shields. I asked a co-worker about the clear fences and he let me know that these were $1,000,000 plus homes and they didn’t want a solid wood fence spoiling that $1,000,000 view of the mountains. Side note $1,000,000 in Irvine California is much different than 1 $1,000,000 home in O-Town.My return flight home included a 3-hour delay in Austin, TX placing me back at Chateau’ Relaxo right around 2:00 AM. This allowed me plenty of time for a 7:00 AM drive to Atlanta, GA.I was on four planes that week, and maybe 20 people were wearing a mask between those four flights.A bit of a break in the Chateau’ Relaxo monotony last week as hurricane Ian came to town. We truly dodged a bullet as we only experienced high winds and a lot of rain. Nothing near the damage that Southwest Florida experienced. That being said the local O-Town news organizations were firmly convinced and trying to convenience us that we were all going to die. In case you didn’t know there is typically a weatherman progression when it comes to hurricanes. First, the jacket gets removed, then the shirt sleeves get rolled up, and finally right before the “S” hits the fan the necktie gets loosened or removed. Wednesday morning at 6:00 AM we turned on the local news and our local weatherman was already jacketless, tieless, not only were his sleeves rolled up it looked like he had slept in his dress shirt. This was a solid 18 hours before O-town was in the midst of hurricane Ian.Now as I’m putting show notes together Hurricane Ian has made landfall near Georgetown, South Carolina, as a Category 1 hurricane.The devastation in Southwest Florida is unimaginable. There are links in the show notes for* Red Cross* Salvation Army* Don’t forget the pets American HumaneNo matter where you live there are always weather challenges. Out west it’s fires and earthquakes. The midwest has its share of flooding and tornados. The north is known for snowstorms and in the south, it's hurricanes. Like they say, “You can’t fool Mother Nature”.We open this month's crazy travel roundup with this Titillating tale from Live and Lets Fly - WOMAN FORCED TO SIT IN FLIGHT ATTENDANT JUMP SEAT DUE TO HER OSTENTATIOUS BREASTSLeia Parker is a 26-year-old glamour model and exotic dancer. On a recent flight, she was busted for her breast size. Now Leia is petite but my opinion is that she has some aftermarket bolt-on parts. Due to those modifications, Leia claims she was forced to sit in the rear galley in a flight attendant jump seat all the way to London from Las Vegas.Leia explained that she couldn’t help touching other passengers while squashed into her small economy seat. She claims fellow passengers complained about this and asked the cabin crew to move her.“The seats being small is not good for my boobs – I struggle to not be in other passengers’ way,” she said.Don’t feel too bad for Leia as he IG bio does indeed have her as a glamour model and exotic dancer so I guess she’s used to being the center of attention.I put a Google on the word ostentatious hoping to see a picture of Leia, aka @JodieJuggs with two G’s, but I didn’t so I put a link in the show notes. I wonder if Leia was seated originally in row 46 DD?In keeping with the last story's theme, 8NewsNow sent this our way.Las Vegas police: Woman tells officers she was under arrest due to good looksDateline Las Vegas Nevada. Hend Bustami was arrested for reportedly skipping out on a restaurant tab as well as violating airport rules. The icing on the cake was that Hend Bustami told officers she was under arrest because she was so good-looking.Police said they were called to a Chili’s restaurant, a solid airport food choice,  in Harry Reid International Airport for a report of a woman who had left without paying her bill.Police searched for Bustami, but could not find her.Why couldn’t they find her?  It seems that the police were notified by TSA that [a] female matching Bustami’s description was observed sleeping near the security checkpoint, hindering their operations,” the report said.Officers later found Bustami in the baggage claim area where she was “belligerent with officers, saying she was being harassed because the cops had never seen anyone as pretty as her,” While officers were arresting Bustami threatened to spit on the officers and that officers were perverts and were trying to rape her because they had never seen anyone as good-looking.Here’s the tip-in, police later learned Bustami had a warrant out of Las Vegas Municipal Court.Typically when women complain about being singled out or picked on at the airport or on the plane they typically complain that it’s because they are an Uggo or Fattie and not because they are too voluptuous or too good-looking.Here’s a quick life lesson. In case you didn’t know much of life is subjective.For Example - * Yelp, everything posted is someone's opinion* Same with beauty contests* Are you fairly compensated at your jobNow some things are cut and dry - * Hitting a sales quota* Winning a powerlifting contestSubjectiveness sets the stage for this story from Southwest Airlines.In early September, Carrie was kicked off a Southwest Airlines flight. Nothing new there.Carrie’s side story is she wanted to make a crying child in the gate area feel better, so she did some cartwheels while also having a glass of wine. Not sure if the wine led to the cartwheels or vice versa.The Southwest crew found her behavior unusual, assuming Carrie was intoxicated, and denied her boarding.The Southwest side of the story is as follows. The flight crew noticed Carrie having a glass of wine while being loud while doing gymnastics. This combination got Carrie denied boarding as she was told that she was intoxicated. This part is not subjective, there is a video, and there’s always a video and of course, it was filmed in portrait mode - LINKIn the video, subjectively, Carrie’s speech is slurred. However, stone-cold sober I have terrible balance and could never walk a straight line at a DUI stop. P{ossibly what i heard was Carrie’s normal speech pattern.Subjectively, the Southwest flight attendant sounded very condescending, that's when you talk down to people, when speaking with CarrieThis next story will give you step-by-step instructions on how to appear as a mallethead, then prove it, and then get fired.An unnamed passenger flying from Philly to Dallas started his flight and downward spiral by allegedly being inappropriate toward the woman seated next to him.This was followed by him exclaiming he's racist because he's a white male with a black bag which he states is, "a better bag than most of y'all can afford." Then he admitted that he was a little intoxicated.Next, he proved that he was not only racist but also homophobic with an obscenity-laced rant for the whole plane to hear. This led to him being escorted off of the American Airlines flight, but not before he let everyone know that he was a chemical engineer with GlaxoSmithKline. At the time he was working for GlaxoSmithKline, currently, he was working for GlaxoSmithKline because once GlaxoSmithKline got wind of this behavior they fired him. Here’s a quick life tip, don’t flex your job if you plan on going on an embarrassing rant.I spoke about this next topic in episode 175, The August Crazy Travel Roundup. This month The Points Guy tackled this topic as well - Mobile tipping comes to hotels: Will housekeepers really benefit?The post opens up with this.No cash on hand to leave as a tip for a housekeeper during your next hotel stay? No problem.One major hotel company rolled out a mobile tipping platform this month to keep things cashless, and there are signs more could be in the works.The major hotel chain in the post is Wyndham. The hotel that I stayed at was Homewood Suites.The customer engagement follows the same process, scan a Quick Response (QR) code with your phone and follow the prompts.Wyndham's adoption of mobile tipping came as a result of hotel owners and housekeepers asking for it during the pandemic.Typically with hotel chains and airlines is, once one of them breaks the seal with any sort of a new plan or policy, no matter how bad it is, the others will soon follow.Without getting into unions and franchised properties this is a terrible idea. Here’s my personal take on this. In Miami, many restaurants automatically impose a 20% tip on your meal. If you don’t notice you could very quickly end up leaving a 40% tip. The reason is that Miami has an endless supply of European travelers and apparently they don’t tip.While mobile tipping isn’t the same I don’t need someone deciding that this is how they now want others to tip. Yes, I can still drop a five-dollar bill on the dresser as I leave but it’s not the same. Possibly hurricane Ian and the barometric pressure have me in a funk.Here’s the question of the episode. Is it OK to have fun a work? And of course, the answer is……. Subjective. From the Daily Mail.TikToker slams Air Canada crew for fooling around on tarmac and posing for snaps on engine while her flight was three hours late.TikTok user @sugywitdahoodie filmed the staff through a window overlooking the runway, as they were taking photos around the plane.'Everyone on our flight wondering why we're 3+ hours delayed,' and. 'The flight attendants are having a literal photoshoot outside, ON THE PLANE.'. “On the plane”  is in all CAPS, so this had to have been very important to @sugywitdahoodie .The Tik Tok comments were divided, from - * 'My Air Canada flight was delayed for 2 hours because the crew left their hotel late and were stuck in traffic. * Another suggested that the staff were 'quiet quitting' To this point - Which might, or might not be true.* Not so fun fact: flight attendants are not paid on the ground, boarding, during delays, at the airport, etc so might as well do a photoshoot,'*  Another added: 'To be fair they’re probably waiting and trying to pass the time just like you.'Like it or not, the three-hour delay had nothing to do with the pop-up photo shoot. Maybe the Air Canada flight was delayed as they stocked up on Ginger Ale & Bacon.Finishing up with this. We’ve all heard about the exclusive mile-high club if you haven’t put a Google on it. After 20+ years of business travel, I’d much rather have admittance in the Admirals Club than the mile-high club.This was an American Airlines flight from L.A. to Dallas, and the passengers had no idea what was in store for them.Passengers heard what one passenger described as "somewhere between an orgasm and vomiting." Here’s a link to the video LINKThe noise is coming from inside the plane, no it’s coming from inside the PA system. It was a source of confusion to the flight crew ... apparently, one flight attendant thought someone was pulling a prank, but it turned out to be a weird malfunction in the P.A. that sounded like a man's moans.Some poor American Airlines representative had to deliver this message -  "Our maintenance team thoroughly inspected the aircraft and the PA system and determined the sounds were caused by a mechanical issue with the PA amplifier, which raises the volume of the PA system when the engines are running."Which was followed up with - You're now free to moan about the cabin..There you have it, the September crazy travel roundup.If you want detailed show notes, links and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Leave a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau’ Relaxo.One trip since the last episode, and it came in the form of a 1500-mile road trip. Chateau’ Relaxo to Ft Oglethorpe, GA to Nashville, TN to Helen, GA, and back to Chateau’ Relaxo.The Hampton in Ft Oglethorpe, GA gave me a surprise. They offered me an upgrade at check-in and since it was a single-night turn-and-burn I declined. The surprise was when I entered my room, one of the beds was significantly lower than the other one. Upon closer inspection, I found that the bed had only a mattress and no box spring. When I opened the blinds I saw a dumpster with seven or eight box springs and mattresses in it. I checked in mid-restoration.The next couple of nights were in Nashville, and due to hotel pricing, which we’ll talk about in a bit, I couldn’t, in good conscience, stay downtown. As I pulled into the parking lot I saw yet another dumpster filled with worn hotel furnishings, but in addition to that, there was a building permit sticker plastered on the front door….. My heart sank…. Not again. As I checked in I asked if they were under renovations. They weren’t, the restorations were done, except for the landscaping. The tip-in was that my room looked like it belonged on the West Elm webpage.  It’s been several years since I’ve stayed at a Marriott property and I had forgotten that the toiletries supplied were done so in bulk. Three bottles stuck to the shower wall. I know we’re reducing our carbon footprint, but I want my own bottle of body wash.Since Nashville was on the agenda, and my last visit was in winter 2021 I decided to throw in five Nashville tips. * Nashville has been deemed Nash-Vegas due to all the neon signs that grace Broadway. And all the travel guides and experts will encourage you to visit Broadway, which you should, at least once. But don’t overlook the Nashville Zoo, Music Row, Belle Meade Historic Site and if you’re into cars there’s the Lane Motor Museum.* If you’re into sports and you time it right you can take in ITitans (football), Predators (hockey), Sounds (baseball), or Nashville SC (soccer) game. * Beyond music, Nashville is a great up-and-coming whiskey town. There are plenty of whiskey tours, they drive, and you drink. George Dickel and Jack Daniels are just south of downtown.* Here’s a tip I picked up along the way. Hattie B’s, claim to fame is their Nashville hot chicken. No matter when you get there, there will be a long line stretching outside and down the block. Did you know that Hattie B’s offers online to-go ordering, I didn’t. Order online to-go, walk past the line, and enjoy your meal, and the time you just saved by not waiting in a line.* Try to stay downtown. It’ll be pricy, more on that in a minute, but it’ll be worth it. Nashville is very walkable, but if you visit in the fall bring a jacket as the autumn wind seems to whip between buildings.From Nashville, my next stop was Flowery Branch, GA. leaving Nashville I had two routes to select from. Nashville south through Chattanooga down to 285 and the up I-85 - 279 mile at least 5 hours not including Atlanta traffic.The other choice is Nashville south through Chattanooga north to Cleveland, TN and across Lake Ocoee and coming out just above Gainesville, GA 317 miles and just a bit over 5 hours of windshield time.I took the longer route, and it had been years since I’d taken that route and I forgot how many small towns are scattered across the north Georgia mountains. Sometimes it pays to take the longer route. In the word of  Ferris Bueller,  “Life Moves Pretty Fast. If You Don't Stop And Look Around Once In A While, You Could Miss It.” That evening's stop was the Flowery Branch Hampton Inn. My last visit was in 2018 and they didn’t seem the least bit happy that I was back. However, this was the first Hampton Inn where they offered Cookie Time. A plate of warm cookies not individually wrapped on a tray. Grab one or two cookies with the tongs and head to your room. Yes, things are returning to normal.The last hotel on the trip was another Hampton Inn located in beautiful Demorest, GA. I’ve spent no less than 30 nights here over the course of the last 12 years. The only thing unique about this location is that it took close to three years to complete its renovation.If you are a fan of the Peleton bike or exercise craze, two of the three Hampton Inn fitness centers had legit Peleton bikes right down to the clip-in pedals.It’s been 6 or 7 months since the last random show which means it’s time to revisit all the travel randomness.Going into my 23rd year of business travel there are a few givens. * The more important it is for your flight to depart or land at the scheduled time the greater the chance that it won’t. * There are two chances that Hertz will upgrade you to a Porsche 911 or a Mercedes C63 AMG. None and less than none.* Hotel prices will decrease going into fall and then increase again before Easter.That last given, seasonal hotel price fluctuation is quickly becoming ungiven. Fall hotel prices are not decreasing. On this last road trip, I had planned to spend Sunday night in Dalton, GA, but driving 20 miles up I-75 saved $30.00. The same thing with Nashville, I had wanted to stay closer to downtown, but staying north of town near I-24 saved close to $40.00 each night.The Chateau’ Relaxo corporate marketer wants to spend her birthday in Savannah, GA. A great choice, but she struggled with finding an affordable room. I worked my best hotel price voodoo and the only affordable property I could come up with was the Mansion on Forsyth Park, another great choice part of the Marriott Autograph Collection hotels and one of my favorite Savannah properties. However, it was a distance away from the places she wants to visit. This location left her paying for daily parking, tipping the valet each time she needed her car, or spending the money for rideshare each time she wanted to head to the city center.Back to my best hotel price voodoo and I found another Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, but this one is on Bay Street near the things she wants to do, and for some reason, I don’t have to pay for daily parking which will save her $45.00 and cover the difference between the two properties.The takeaway is to decide what the focus of your trip is, food, recreation, convenience, etc. Then factor in things like daily parking fees, tips, and rideshare costs. Not to mention your time. See if your credit card offers discounts, AAA and AARP both offer great discounts.Stuff you don’t need for travel. While I am a huge fan of HuffPost they could use some real-world assistance when it comes to their travel posts.On April 17th they posted 32 Things I Guarantee You Won't Regret Having On Hand Next Time You Travel.Then on April 22nd, they hit us with these 24 Useful Travel Products That Won't Take Up A Lot Of Space In Your Luggage.56 items or products you need to travel with. Here are just a few of the things you don’t need, I promise.* An RFID-blocking travel wallet - Is this still something we’re concerned with? This was all the rage 10 years ago and I was gifted one of these wallets. I placed the gifted wallet with my RFID office keys against the RFID food module and it still read my office key.* AirFly is a wireless transmitter that'll connect your AirPods (or any other wireless headphones) to the headphone jack. This was on both posts and costs $54.00. It’s rare that I ever watch the seatback entertainment on a flight, but if I did I’d purchase a $15.00 pair of SkullCandy headphones.* Odor eliminators you can stash in your luggage or carry-on. Or I can just was my dirty clothes at the end of a trip. If I was that self-conscious I could throw a couple of dryer sheets into my luggage before my next trip.* A USB-chargeable fan. Possibly the stupid thing I’ve ever seen. First, is the juice worth the squeeze? This will bleed the juice out of your portable USB phone charger quicker than your phone ever will. Second, what’s more, important posting on social media or warm air blowing across your body?* Some laundry soap sheets. While these are less than $8.00 I’m here to tell you that I’ve done laundry once while traveling. It was after spending the day rafting the Upper Gauley river.Now there were a couple of nuggets between the two articles.* A set of compression packing cubes. I traveled for at least 10 years before I ever purchased these, and I use them on every trip.* A Wallet Ninja with 18 different functions. The Entrepreneur gave me one of these several years ago and it does have its uses. There’s an eyeglass screwdriver, letter opener, nail puller, ruler, and bottle opener, and it is TSA-approved.In August the Points Guy posted - ’Til death — or a first-class upgrade — do us part: Testing wedding vows at 35,000 feet.The author  Cameron Sperance started with, “I’m not going to look like the best person in this story.”The 3700-word post details how Cameron received an upgrade and his husband didn’t and the feelings and emotions that they both experienced. Cameron summed the post up by asking this. What would you have done in this situation?  Or, what have you already done when you cleared the upgrade list, but a loved one didn’t? I’ve been married for the better part of 35 years and I can easily answer the question of what I would’ve done. I would offer the upgrade to the CEO, and then when she refused I’d pass on it. One of our best trips was when I still flew Delta and all of us were heading to Washington DC I got an upgrade which I quickly handed over to the Entrepreneur, and he had 3 of the best hours of his life.When I flew Delta I got priority boarding, humble brag, I would still board with her. Even now when we fly Southwest we pay the $30.00 so she can have early-bird boarding and we board in the same group. I am the giverThis next topic will make my therapist shake his head, or make him realize that he has a steady revenue stream with me as a client. Last May Tanner Saunders from The Points Guy posted Why I love hotel bars, especially when I travel solo.Tanner spent several paragraphs talking about solo travel but I think he summed up the post up with this.Hotels, in a way, are a microcosm of the world, and grabbing a bar stool at a hotel bar is like a front-row seat to a show performed in many languages and in many acts happening simultaneously. In one hour you can see a comedy, as a bachelorette party stumbles in from a rowdy night out; a drama, as a couple argues over whose fault it really was they booked plane tickets for an airport that’s actually a good two hours from the city center; or even just raw dialogue between yourself and the bartender — improv, if you will.Tanner writes more eloquently than I could ever speak but a hotel bar, make that a good hotel bar is people-watching at its best and you can people-watch while you’re enjoying a Diet Coke like the CEO does. My pro tip is to sit at the bar, especially if you’re traveling solo. I’ve yet to meet a bartender that’s an introvert, they welcome conversation, they love to talk about their town and they love to talk about the craziness they see as a hotel bartender.In late April Lifehacker asked their readers, What Are Your Unwritten Rules of Flying?The article started off with this;What airplane etiquette should be universally agreed upon, but other people simply don’t understand?There are unwritten rules all around us, especially when it comes to marriage. The CEO and I have several, and I guarantee that anyone outside the two of us would never understand.The reader's comments were along the lines of what you’d expect.* Don’t carry the bag on the plane if you can’t put it in/get it out of the overhead bin.* No bare feet. Socks are fine, but no bare feet, and certainly no feet off the ground.* The center seat gets priority on shared armrests.* Don’t be the jerk that puts their bag in a forward overhead bin when their seat is near the back of the plane. My unwritten rules are a bit different.* If my flight goes out of Gate 110 I never sit in the Gate 110 boarding area, I’ll sit in the 109 or the 111 gate area.* When entering the plane I always tap the outside of the plane right above the door.* I always sit on the left side of the plane.In season 4 of The Office Michael Scott said, I am not superstitious, but I'm a little 'stitious. For me, I'm not even a little 'stitious as to why I do these things but I do. What are your unwritten travel rules?A few weeks ago a friend asked if COVID had changed how I travel and of course the easy answer was I guess, and then our conversation switched to something completely different.My Nashville trip started on September 11th so I was packing on September 10th and during packing, I decided to clean out my laptop bag and came across a handful of masks that I hadn’t worn in months. As I was throwing the masks out I started thinking about the events of 9-11 and the COVID travel conversation I had with my friend a few weeks prior.I’ve been through two major travel disruptions. With 9-11, I was a baby road warrior and really didn’t know what I was doing when It came to business travel all I knew was that I needed to be at the airport 3-hours before my flight, and more than likely someone was going to inspect my luggage.. With COVID I have noticed a few changes. Probably the biggest change is that I pay attention to cancellation policies with hotel rooms. Hotels have doubled down when it comes to revenue preservation and what better way than forbidding last-minute cancellations.I don’t book travel as far in advance as I used to. This is changing a bit, as COVID numbers are decreasing but I’m not booking travel 30 and 45 days out. In case you haven’t checked airfare has increased.I’m doing more road trips, but not for fear of getting sick while flying. The reason is that I don’t miss the hassle of the airport and flight delays. Piling onto this was a last-minute post from View From the Wing - There’s Less Business Travel Than Airlines Expected, And It’s Going To Stay That WayThe post list several reasons, such as - That means there’s a lot of business travel which no longer makes sense.* Visiting customers in their office happens less when those customers aren’t in their office.* Consultants don’t need to spend the week at their client's offices. The “Monday – Thursday consultant travel week” doesn’t exist in the same way anymore.* More work from home means former office workers have invested in becoming optimized for Zoom, and more meetings can be taken that way. It’s much easier to do Zoom meetings than it used to be, so at the margin, that means fewer in-person meetings.People are returning to the office, I’ve had three trips in the last five weeks. Yes, travel doesn’t exist as it once did, but I look at it as travel is for good or bad ever evolving.The Points Guy recently asked - Do you really have to check out of a hotel?I’ve answered this twice, once in 2016 and again in 2020. Both times my response was that I rarely stop by the front desk to check out. Both episodes centered around being a travel snob, and that not checking out of a hotel doesn’t automatically make you a travel snob.I’ve done a 180 on this. I now stop by the front desk to checkout, and for a few reasons. First with lifetime status, humble brag, with Hilton and Marriott I shouldn’t be charged for certain amenities parking for one, and Hiltons daily food and beverage charge of up to $15.00. Second, with hotels reducing their housekeeping staff as well as their daily housekeeping service I figured by 7:00 AM checkout might give them a jump on the day. From a time management standpoint, it’s easier to handle a billing error at checkout than it is while your filling out an expense report.Most hotel apps do offer the ability to checkout without visiting the front desk to actually checkout, and there’s nothing wrong with that either. There you have it, another random show in the books.If you want detailed show notes, links and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Leave a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening.Thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau RelaxoOne trip in the last few weeks a quick two-night stay in Jacksonville, FL, the birthplace of the CEO in case you were keeping track.The hotel was the Homewood Suites Hilton Garden Inn location. Hilton has embraced a strategy that combines two of its brands into one single structure. Shared pool, shared fitness centers, and shared parking lots but with an entrance for the Homewood Suites side and one for the Hilton Garden Inn. Honestly, this does make sense as often time there will be a Hilton Garden with a completely separate Homewood Suites across the parking lot, so why not share some resources, and I’m guessing some employees well. The first time I ran into this was in Brunswick, GA last year.As far as COVID the riot shield across the check-in desk was gone, and very few of the employees were wearing masks. Not sure what the daily housekeeping situation was as I hung the “Don Not Disturb” sign on the door as soon as I entered the room. That being said, I believe that there was some sort of housekeeping available as the elevator had a sign posted letting me know that there was now cashless tipping available by scanning a QR code that was in my room. My prediction is that this cashless offering will disappear in less than 12 months.Jacksonville food consisted of two stops.The first was the River and Post.Here’s a pro tip, if you choose to sit on the rooftop the view is spectacular, but the menu is limited, so opt for downstairs seating. Start the meal with fresh raw oysters and calamari, and pair that with a Bulleit Proof, their version of an Old Fashioned. My main course was simple, crab cakes, creamy mashed potatoes, and this wonderfully fresh sauteed spinach.My next stop was on the coast at North Beach Fish Camp. While the CEO was born in a seaside town beyond shrimp she’s not much of a seafood fan, so I took full advantage of this trip.My choice was their trifecta seafood basket, deviled crash, fried oysters, fried clam strips, hush puppies. french fries and cole slaw. This was lunch, and while this is an S-Ton of food I’m here to tell you that I was part of the clean basket club.When it comes to fried food, especially fried seafood it’s very easy for everything to taste the same. At the North Beach Fish Camp, this was not the case as the clams tasted like clams and the oysters tasted like oysters.All this food needed some brew and that’s where Aardwolf Brewing Company comes into the picture. The location is a repurposed tile distributor, so the locations outside is eclectic, to say the least, and one of the brewmasters has a story to go along with the location being an old tile factory. This evening my choice was their Hop Oddity weighing in at 5.8% ABV.The J-Town food and brews have been noted so it’s time to move on to the August crazy travel roundup.Let's open with this. It seems that the current trend is quite quitting. If you’ve never heard of quite quitting here’s to 30,000” view. It’s where you're not outright quitting your job, but you're quitting the idea of going above and beyond.From WWAY we give you this, Air traffic controllers say co-pilot ‘jumped’ from plane in Raleigh. Short of being a skydiver, I see no reason in jumping from a completely good plane, unless…. It’s damaged. And I have a parachute Apparently, that’s what happened. It’s been unclear exactly how or why the co-pilot Charles Hew Crooks exited the small damaged cargo plane because he didn’t have the aforementioned parachute.Sadly, his body was found in a backyard about 30 miles south of Raleigh-Durham International Airport.And the damaged aircraft managed to pull off a successful landing.Carrying on with the theme of successful crash landings. From the Orlando Weekly, I give you Video shows plane crashing into Orlando area road near UCF. UCF is one of our many local colleges and UCF means you can’t finish. Hello, 6th-year senior.The plane was on a maintenance flight at the time of the hard landing, citing engine failures as the cause. Colin also said he was in the plane at the time of the crash.The pilot, Remy Colin, said “It was 4:00 over University (Boulevard). Worst traffic. There was absolutely nowhere to land,” “My choice was a lake or the road. I see a stretch of 300 feet. There was one red light. There were 100 cars on one side, and 100 cars on the other side, so I had oncoming traffic. I had a stretch of maybe 100 feet, and I said, ‘I’m gonna land it there.’”. Which is exactly what Remy Colin did.The link in the show notes will take you to the video, and in this case, UCF just might stand for “You Can’t Fly, but you can land”.As a child, most of our vacations were road trips, thus my love for a road trip. As with most families, any of our shenanigans were met with my mother or father turning their head and uttering the veiled threat of, “Don’t make me turn this car around”. Veiled threat as in after prepaying for hotels and whatnot Scrooge McDuck and his wife wasn’t about to forfeit any of their hard-earned money.That brings us to our next story from DailyDot - ‘Quit sending naked pictures’: Pilot says he’ll turn plane around after passenger AirDrops nudes.In the June crazy travel roundup, we talked about Creepy McCreeperton airdropping pictures of his twig and the accompanying berries to anyone on his recent Southwest flight.The pilot responded with the announcement if passengers continue to AirDrop nude photos to other passengers while the plane is on the ground, he will “have to pull back into the gate, everybody’s going to have to get off. We’re going to have to get security involved.”Followed by, “Vacation is going to be ruined,” and then “Whatever that AirDrop thing is, quit sending naked pictures, and let’s get yourselves to Cabo.”We’ve talked about this before, many many times…. Women don’t want to see pictures of random dudes' junk, pen-is, member, twig, or their berries. If they did they’d let you know.Remember women are wired differently the men.The video in the show notes has had almost 2 million views.The tip-in was Israel arrests 9 for 'AirDrop' of crash images aboard plane.Mid-August View From the Wing posted - Passenger Sprawls Across Row Of Seats Smoking A Cigarette, Only Gets 15 Day Airline Ban.I’m not a marketer, but I’ve been told, that the first rule of marketing is to find the marketing message that most resonates with your target market.  United Airlines was the first to create a nonsmoking section on the back of a plane in 1971. As if smoke knew not to float to the back of the plane. U.S. airlines were still allowed to offer onboard smoking up until 2000…. I never knew.The View From The Wing post noted - Recently a passenger on SpiceJet in India was banned for 15 days – that’s seriously all that happened – after being videotaped smoking a cigarette while sprawled out across a row of seats. Given the way this was videotaped, making a clear point of showing the brand of the man’s pants, it seems likely this was staged for brand publicity.Yep, brand publicity and I’m guessing the second rule of marketing is - bad publicity is good publicity. Even a child knows that you can’t smoke in a store, on a bus, or even on an airplane.Curious, if it had been a cigar would it have been a 30-day ban?What do we say about nudity? There are two types, good nudity, and bad nudity. This post from Live An Let’s Fly falls under bad nudity. Half-Naked Woman Storms Cockpit Shouting “Allahu Akbar” And Warning Of Explosion.According to Live And Let’s Fly these are the Cliff Noyes -  She ripped her clothes off. She ran for the cockpit and screamed “Allahu Akbar.” That phrase, known as the Takbir, means “God is the greatest.”Demanding to be let into the cockpit, she said if she was not let in there would “be an explosion and everybody is going to die.” She also claimed her parents were members of ISIS, a militant Sunni group also known as The Islamic State or Daesh.Next - Flight attendants advised her to stop, but apparently could not stop her. A passenger named Phillip O’Brien jumped to the rescue and secured her to a chair (a flight attendant helped).The post concluded with this - The woman now faces a prison sentence of up to five years as well as a hefty fine. No video of the scene has yet emerged.The story lacks any call to action as to why the nudity and charging of the cockpit took place, but it makes for that with some solid comments. Stuart postedFlight attendants: “We are first responders and here only for your safety.”Cut to scene: Passengers rolling their eyes.But Too Many may have summed the incident up with this - I get a feeling a woman who strips down and screams Allah Akbar isn’t actually Muslim.It’s been several years since I’ve flown Delta, but when I was based out of Atlanta I was a Delta fan-boy. I never made it to Delta Diamond, but I was Delta gold for years. With Delta gold, I was able to always board early so I was always able to have an overhead bin above my seat for my luggage. Plus early on I was able to get a first-class upgrade about 40% of the time. Once Delta introduced those branded American Express credit cards that percentage dropped.So here’s a quick question for you, beginning January 2023 how many boarding zones will Delta have? 10 - * Pre-Boarding* Active Duty Military* Delta One or First Class* Diamond Medalion Members* Delta Premium Select* Early Access (Car Seats & Strollers)* Delta Comfort+* Sky Priority* Main Cabin 1* Main Cabin 2* Main Cabin 3* Basic EconomySo the big change to the boarding zone lineup is that Delta diamond no longer boards with first-class. Not sure of Delta’s strategy as no diamond member would be willing to purchase a first-class ticket just in order to board earlier.Another crazy twist to this is that if you’re flying out of a Delta hub, especially Atlanta, I have personally witnessed the majority of passengers being Delta diamond which created yet another boarding zone bottleneck as 40 or 50 passengers queuing up to board the flight.Stay tuned because as 2023 gets closer this will become a topic of conversation for Delta devotees.If you ever meet a baby road warrior, I’ve decided that a baby road warrior is someone that’s been a weekly business traveler for less than 3 years, all baby road warriors will be able to tell you the total number of flights they have taken as well as the number of nights they’ve spent in a hotel room…. The reason, is they’re looking for that next status level. After three years you keep track of the status, gold, diamond titanium. If you ask me the number of flights I’ve taken in the last 22 years my guess would be at least 700. Of those 700+ flights, I’ve never once experienced an aborted landing nor even what I would call a rough landing. This actually happened in July but didn’t hit the light of day until August. This story was all over the Internet, but here’s the gist of it - Southwest attendant suffers broken back in hard landing.From the Associated Press posted, A Southwest Airlines flight attendant suffered a compression fracture to a vertebra in her upper back during a hard landing last month in California.The National Transportation Safety Board said the impact of landing was so hard that the flight attendant thought the plane had crashed. She felt pain in her back and neck and could not move, and was taken to a hospital where she was diagnosed with the fracture.The safety board completed its investigation without saying what caused the hard landing.As they say, fact is stranger than fiction as this flight attendant was the only one on board that reported any sort of an issue.Take it from someone with a destroyed spinal column, I feel for this flight attendant.In last month’s crazy travel roundup we talked about Mr. It’s All About Me who proposed to his girlfriend on the tarmac of the Atlanta Hartsfield airport. I hope Mr. It’s All About Me is listening because here’s how that proposal just might end.Inconsolable' man returned from Heathrow loo to find fiancée ran off with bags and £5k.The man had "fallen head over heels" for the woman and proposed the day before they were due to fly to Rome to get married, but she vanished at Heathrow Airport when he went to the toilet.Here are the Cliff Notes - The pair, in their 40s, told check-in staff at Heathrow they were flying to Rome to tie the knot after getting engaged a day earlier.But when the man went to the toilets and left the woman with their suitcases she disappeared and took everything with her, The Sun reports.I’ve watched multiple episodes of MTV’s Catfish, apparently, this bloke didn’t. I doubt she took an earlier flight, but hopefully, he had thrown an AirTag in his luggage.There you have it, the August crazy travel roundup.If you want detailed show notes, links and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Leave a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening.Thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau’ Relaxo Florida. Tonight it’s time for my thoughts on elder care.This topic is a launch off from Episode 172, Remembering My Father.I make jokes all the time about how Florida is God’s waiting room, but in reality, the whole country is God’s waiting room as modern medicine is keeping us alive longer than ever before.My dad had been struggling with declining health over the last 15 years. It started with prostate cancer, then came insulin-controlled disabilities, and then Parkinson's diagnosis.His decline really began in September 2020 with uncontrolled bleeding. After a two-week hospital stay, I rolled into the Braselton, GA hospital parking lot where the nurse met me in the parking lot to help me load my dad into my car….. No conversations with doctors or staff, just my dad and a manilla folder full of papers. Thank you, COVID.My dad was now diagnosed with bladder cancer.Over the next 20 months, my dad had several lengthy hospital stays. Then throw into the mix our mother who is on oxygen and suffered a life-changing fall in 2019.Also in 2019, the CEO lost her father after a several-year health struggle. Between the two of us over the past five years, we’ve learned a lot about elder care.With my dad, there were a handful of things that I had no idea about and I had never asked about.First I’m not a lawyer, so spend some time and some dollars with one just to get answers to some common questions. What documents do you and your family need? * Is there a Power of attorney in place? If so where is it?* Do you have or need Authorization to Release Medical Information to Family members? If so where is it?* Are you a signer on their bank account? You’re going to need to be.* Do they have a DNR? I have often joked about having DNR tattooed across my chest. Here’s something I learned. I always thought DNR meant no heart-lung machine, no being in a coma and having to be fed through a tube…. Etc. No, no, no…. On the surface, it can mean no CPR. So make sure you’re clear on their wishes and what those wishes actually mean.* Where are their wills? Is it an original signed in blue ink? Do you have copies of it?There are questions and conversations that no one thinks to have during those holiday get-togethers. As my therapist told me, these are the conversations no one wants to have at 2:00 AM in the hallway of a hospital or across the country via Facetime. I wish he had told me this 3 years ago.In early 2021 my dad was in an extended hospital stay so we relieved him of the responsibility of having to pay bills. At the time this sounded like a great idea until I realized that he had all the passwords to all websites in his head, and my mom had at most two passwords, one of which was thankfully their email.I spent a solid two days visiting websites selecting “forgot password” and then hoping that his email account would get an email with a reset password link.Once I had a pretty good grip on websites I did two things, I created a Google folder that was shared with the family, and then I created a Google sheet with all the login information. Sixteen months later I am on version 20 of that Google sheet.The next thing we had to do was figure out his medicine. Yeah, he knew what he took and when he took it but no one else did. This made it extremely rough on his first hospital visit when my mom handed the hospital staff his pill box with no accompanying instructions.Once we got what pills get taken when straightened out we took pictures of each pill and created a Google doc with the picture of the pills and a description including the milligrams. We created a page for breakfast pills, afternoon pills, dinner pills, and bedtime pills. We printed them out and the CEO had them laminated and anytime he went to the doctor or hospital those pages went along with him. The medical staff was very appreciative.One thing that I did learn is that prescription pills are marked with codes which means if someone keeps their pills in a pill organizer you can look at the pill and find the markings then head over to drugs.com where you can look up the markings. Also if a pill has a score or indent across it that means the medicine is distributed evenly in the pill and it’s safe to cut in half.Here’s another medical tip… if you want to verify everything with the doctors, you might need a power of attorney or a completed medical authorization form.Thankfully his doctors were well acquainted with us by this point.We had a virtual meeting with my dad's neurologist. She oversaw his Parkinson's treatment and his medicine regime. She asked me on the appointment how his tremors were, and I replied that there hadn’t been any decrease, and she was surprised as the medicine should be suppressing them. It turned out that he was taking his Parkinson's medicine with food and not 30 minutes before a meal as it was prescribed.The takeaway is to make sure you know not only when medicine should be administered and under what conditions. Similar to the “Do Not Operate Heavy Machinery” warning label on the side of your anxiety pill bottle.Also if a parent or loved one uses some sort of a medical device or monitor make sure you know how to use it.Case and point - One night my dad broke out in a cold sweat and his eyes rolled back in his head. It was at that moment that I realized that I had no idea how to use his diabetes blood sugar testing kit. I’d seen him use it, but I had no idea. After a few stressful minutes on YouTube I figured it out and yes his sugar had crashed. The next day I took pictures of the whole blood testing process, created another Google document, printed it out, laminated it kept it with his blood testing kit.And here’s another reason to verify medicine administration. My dad was injecting himself twice each day with insulin, yet he only tested his blood sugar in the morning. Often times he was causing his own sugar crash. A quick phone call to the doctor outlined his insulin regime, which was printed out and also laminated.When you have someone that’s older and medically fragile someone will eventually mention Hospice. Possibly a friend, another family member, or even a doctor. That’s what happened to us, In August of 2021 my dad's doctor suggested that we get in touch with hospice. At the time my only experience with hospice was with the CEO’s father. He was admitted into hospice and three days later he passed away.As you could imagine I was a bit hesitant since my mother and dad had both walked into the doctor's office under their own power. But there’s much more to hospice than just those final days, there is something I shall call long-term hospice. This is where you turn your medical support and guidance over to hospice. One thing I haven’t spoken of is that my mom is also medically fragile, with congestive heart failure, and is on oxygen 24/7. She was in no condition to care for my dad’s day-to-day needs.Last August 2021, we admitted my dad into hospice and for the next 11 months, there was a daily visit from the hospice attendant that bathed him, changed his clothes, and even changed out his linens. There were weekly visits from the hospice CNA that took care of medicine refills and monitoring his vitals Throw in a social worker that took care of making sure my dad had things like a hospital bed, shower chairs, and a wheelchair.Some days the visits were less than 30-minutes due to what I call my dad having a good day, and other days visits lasted longer. It gave me a piece of mind knowing that there would be someone eyeballing them each and every day.Now with hospice, you have to cease life-extending or life-prolonging procedures or medicine. With cancer that usually means stopping any sort of chemotherapy. With my dad, he was taking what amounted to oral chemotherapy, and oh yeah it was experimental.Just like I’m not a lawyer, I’m also not a doctor but I know with medicine there is something called a half-life which equates to how long it takes for the medicine to get out of your system. In the case of my dad's oral chemotherapy, the half-life was about 20 days. By mid-September, my dad's health improved immensely. He no longer needed a walker, he was getting out of bed on his own and was occasionally fixing his own breakfast.In my non-medical opinion, it appeared that his experimental oral chemotherapy was killing him. Months later a hospice nurse told me off the record that when they first saw him she felt that he wouldn’t make it till October. So yes the pills were killing him. However, hospice provided an extra 10 months with him.Here’s a tip, when you call the oncologist’s receptionist to tell them that your father will no longer be a patient, no one bothers to call you back in order to question the decision. That should be a sign.The hospice nurse also told me that there would be peaks and valleys with his health, or as they call it rallies. And we saw right up till his passing. At one point the pastor, whose wife is also a hospice nurse, told my mom that it would probably be best if I came for a visit. With “came for a visit” being code that this might be the last time you can see him. I arrived the next morning with my dad wide awake and hungry, this was 6-weeks before he passed.So don’t be afraid of hospice.A few more things to consider.Money* What comes in?* Is it just social security?* Do they routinely draft from an investment account? If yes, how often?* What goes out?* Are there monthly subscriptions?* Is there a second mortgage?* If there’s an HOA when is the payment due?* Having access to their bank accounts and credit cards can really help out with this.* What’s being drafted* Again, this is where having access to the bank and credit card accounts comes in real handy.* I set everything up to be drafted that I could possibly set up. The only two payments I had to worry about were their HOA payment and the monthly credit card bill.Paper* When was the last time they filled a tax return?  * I found Turbo Tax CDs dating back close to 20 years that my dad saved.* If possible get rid of as much paper as you can while they are still alert and still alive. * I came across credit card statements from 1986. Mortgage papers from the early 1970s’. Side note our home in Palos Verdes, CA that I mentioned in episode 172 recently sold for 2.4 million.* There can be some paper surprises as well.* My dad's resume, various news articles about him, and birthday cards from family members that he had saved.* I found my very first resume from 1990 that he had kept.* My dad fancied himself a poet, even taking a poetry class decades ago. There were poems he wrote for all his grandchildren over the yearsGoing through his things was like opening a time capsule, bittersweet, but also at times enjoyable.Things I didn’t know my parents really, really liked and used…. Maybe your parents are the same. * Tissue* There were boxes of tissues on almost every table and counter.* If you’re doing their laundry, check pockets and be prepared for piles of tissue lint.* Batteries* Not sure if my dad was on some sort of an Amazon subscription service, but he had batteries for days.* Sweat pants/pajama pants* They love loose-fitting clothing.* The weather, especially the temperature.* My parent's house was air-conditioned and the roof didn’t leak. However, my dad made me install a rain gauge on the deck and replace his outside digital thermometer in the last 9 months.* Knowing the time.* My dad wore a watch all the time, and even when he became bedridden has was always fixated on the time of day.* The other thing I ran into was this. If I told them I’d be heading home at 1:00 PM, it’s an 8-hour drive back to Chateau’ Relaxo,  my dad would ask me to do something, or go to the store at 12:50 PM.* Books* I can’t remember the last time either of my parents read a book, but there were books everywhere, and they did not want to get rid of any of them.Thinks to look out for* Their sense of smell begins to diminish. * Check the fridge for rotten food and expiration dates* Medicine expiration dates. !998* Driving* As we age our reaction time decreases as well as our memory, hearing, and vision.* Thankfully taking the keys away was easy, due to the struggles my dad had with his father as Grandpa continued to tool around Rock Hill, SC in a 1976 Buick creating havoc and minor fender benders.* This loss of freedom did lead to frustration for both of them, but thankfully family and their neighbors became their poor man's version of Uber.More things I never know about my parents up until the last few years.* They have an amazing sense of pride, more so than I ever knew. My parents always relied on their church family for support, but over the course of the last two years, they were reluctant to ask church members for help.* Don’t remember what day of the week it is, or remember to take their medicine, but they easily recalled where some out-of-the-place restaurant is.* I am a realist, and I knew where things were headed. For lack of a better term, I wanted to minimalize their home in preparation for a move as caring for themselves became harder and harder.  At first, they were defensive, they didn’t want to donate that Corningware dish that they haven’t used for 25 years. After a frustrating weekend of this resistance, I asked them, “Will you allow me to do this for you?” This worked and suddenly there was buy-in and after multiple multiple, multiple trips to Goodwill, the mission was accomplished.I consider myself a fan of Lifehacks, but these are some Carehacks that I’ve come across in the past 2+ years.* Puppy pads or what we call Chuck pads* As we age we begin to make more messes, who knew? These pads help to absorb liquids etc. Throw one down on their favorite chair cushion and it will help to keep it looking good as well as smelling fresh. Also, Fabreez and those .99-cent air fresheners do wonders.* Blanket on the bed.* If you have someone that is for the most part bedridden they become very difficult to move. Even if you’re strong like a bull you could still find yourself having to move 160 lbs of weight around in the bed. Before they lay down, throw a blanket across the bed. Now you have fabric hanging out underneath them on both sides making it easy for two people to grab the blanket and easily reposition them. Avoid grabbing their arms or legs to do this as dislocated hips and shoulders aren’t fun for anyone.* Handrails.* We discovered this early on while my dad had some strength left. Amazon sells handrails for the bed that fits between the mattress and box spring.* Showering* A shower is a great place for a fall. We installed garb bars that made entry into the shower easier, but you can also remove the shower doors making entry and exit out of the shower even easier. Shower head holder.* Getting rid of old medicine* We talked about expired medicine a few minutes ago. While it’s tempting to flush expired medicine down the toilet, just ask the Florida Meth-Gators, don’t do it. Place the meds in a ZipLock bag and then fill the bag with dish soap and then throw the bag into the trash.* Food * In the case of my dad after a 6-week hospital stay, he had lost a considerable amount of weight and muscle atrophy had severely set in. We concentrated on protein. Lots of chicken and protein shakes, and we let him eat whenever he wanted because we now had his blood sugar under control once we understood how his insulin needed to be administered.*  The other thing that my dad suddenly developed as well as my mother was a desire for sweets. Growing up we always had a bag of cookies in the house, but they now had several bags of cookies, plus ice cream and some candy bars.* Clothing* When you are bedridden changing out a shirt is a big deal. When you’re bedridden with a tube in each kidney it’s a major deal. Here’s a tip, take an old t-shirt, and on the back of the shirt cut a slit right up to the neckband, this one little trick makes changing their shirt a breeze.There you have it, for what it’s worth, my thoughts on elder care.If you want detailed show notes, links and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Leave a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau’ Relaxo Florida. Tonight it’s time for that July crazy travel roundup.Often I talk about the island of me, a place inhabited by residents who strive to make everything about them. Our first story contains at least one resident from the island of me.From One Mile At A Time we have “Delta Diamond Medallion Gets Engaged On Tarmac In Atlanta.”Delta shared how a Gold Medallion member proposed to his Diamond Medallion girlfriend at Atlanta Airport (ATL). He’s gold she’s diamond isn't she marrying down?When the couple landed in Atlanta, they were picked up planeside via Delta’s Porsche tarmac service. This is sometimes offered on a surprise & delight basis for Diamond Medallion members. It wasn’t just a Porsche waiting, though, but also a red carpet, on which the proposal took place.After a successful proposal, the couple was driven to the terminal in the Porsche, and they went to the Sky Club, where their family was waiting to celebrate their engagement.First of course it was a successful proposal. These pre-staged, preconfigured all about me, or in this case us, events always end with a YES. I’m willing to bet that MIss Delta Diamond was in on this from the start, I’m willing to bet this was 90 or 95% her idea.In most of these stories, the comments are better than the actual story. Case and point 9volt who left this comment, Nothing screams romantic like a proposal on a loud, jet fume-filled tarmac, then going to a standing-room-only SkyClub.Recently, The Gate asked, Should Families Be Seated Together Aboard Airplanes Without Paying Extra Money?The article starts with this - The advent of both ultra-low-cost airlines and Basic Economy fares offered by other commercial carriers has created a profit margin for airlines in general by charging extra for what used to be included in the fare and because advance seat assignments cost extra money per person, families who are on a budget but want or need to travel are loathed to pay extra for the privilege — which often results in members of a family seated in different parts of the airplane. Young boys or girls may potentially be seated by themselves among — or between — fellow passengers who are strangers to them.My simple but well throughout answer is no. Hate me if you want, and send your complaints to [email protected]. Here’s my rationale you’re going on vacation you need to incorporate having everyone sit together into your travel budget. That being said I will give up my seat to a family wishing to seat together, especially if the child is under 10 years old and super especially if I’m flying on Southwest. First, no 10-year-old should be exposed to sitting next to some creepy rando on a three-hour flight, and second, if you’re on Southwest you will more than likely get to drink for free the whole flight. Case and point my last flight from Orlando, FL to San Antoni, TX.Everyone has their home airport. Mine is Atlanta Hartsfield even though I moved from Atlanta 13 years ago. Hartsfield has great restaurants such as Chicken + Beer or One Flew South and of course, there’s a Carrabba’s Italian Grill where the CEO and I will often enjoy a pre-flight meal.For picking up arriving passengers there’s the Delta Dash which saves you on the stop-and-go traffic of the north and south terminals.Well, my home airport hits this month's crazy travel roundup with this entry.First, Atlanta Hartsfield is officially the world’s busiest airport….. Again. They last held this title in 2019. This begs to ask, what does it take to claim this title?  In 2021 Hartfield saw over  75,704,760,000 passengers, an increase of 76% over their 2020 numbers.For comparison Orlando International Airport (MCO). was ranked number seven hosting over 40,350,000 passengers. This is up from the twenty-seventh position in 2020.In July Hartfield also saw a Spirit Airlines flight from Tampa, thank you Florida, coming in hot, so hot that the brakes caught fire upon landing and the Atlanta Hartsfield Fire Rescue was deployed.No passengers were injured and no emergency evacuation was necessary. However, that did not stop panic from setting with the passengers as many jumped up in order to evacuate but the crew immediately turned them back. As most airlines say during the safety announcement, always follow crew instructions.Friend of the podcast, Willie Shakespeare, once said “What's in a name?” which was followed by some additional gibberish. But in this case, the name is LAX Karen.LAX Karen was waiting to check in with Southwest Airlines at LAX, when LAX Karen tells another passenger, who happens to be  African American man, that he’s entitled. Side note, doing this in public is a sure way to start an S-show.An unfortunate Southwest agent then asks LAX Karen to move up in line. LAX Karen responds by yelling and making a fist at the unfortunate Southwest agent that asked her to move up. This put  LAX Karen close to being “escorted out” of the check-in area. That’s when another agent enters stage left and tells LAX Karen,  “I don’t know what you think this is, but this is not Spirit.”This was met with applause from other Southwest passengers. LAX Karen gave it one more shot by responding with this, “Every time I ask for something I get totally yelled or given attitude”.My deep dive into LAX Karen was the 68-second TikTok video, but I’m here to tell you that LAX Karen is one of those people that just so happens to piss off everyone she comes in contact with. Kids can be stupid, case and point. Spanish Government Prepared To Shoot Down Flight From London. This was posted on View From The Wing.A teenager on board an EasyJet flight from London Gatwick to Menorca, Spain posted “a fake bomb threat to social media.” I guess teenagers don’t spend much time looking at porn anymore.In response, the Spanish government deployed a fighter jet to intercept the aircraft making its 808-mile flight.The 18-year-old passenger was part of a group of 5 friends on the flight and was arrested on arrival. The plane was kept away from the airport’s terminal, and passengers were held on the aircraft for two hours and eventually deplaned one at a time. All bags were inspected “by bomb detection dogs and bomb disposal experts” while other takeoffs and landings were delayed at the airport.Side note in case you didn’t know bomb threats are a giant pain in the ass. During my former life I was a firefighter, and almost every Wednesday night some whack-a-do would call in a bomb threat at the local Publix. This was long before the Pub-Sub was a thing so it wasn’t a Subway employee going rogue. But we’d roll at least one engine and one ladder truck and hang out in the parking lot while the police swept the building.To sum this up, back in my day kids were happy with a set of captain's wings, I guess nowadays the starting point is a military aircraft escort all the way to your destination.Just because we haven’t had any COVID news in the past few episodes and the fact that I like to stir the pot. In late July, The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health says at least 400 workers from the Transporation Security Administration (TSA) have been infected in the latest cluster, along with Southwest and American Airlines employees.This has not had any noticeable impact on airport operations and the TSA has not reported any delays in passengers clearing security checkpoints.This next story takes a bit to set up.First, have you ever watched an IG Story or Tik Tok video where a customer say at a McDonald’s or Burger King, gets so frustrated at the slow service that they hop the counter to make their own burger?Have you or have any of your friends traveled to Europe in the last few months and get separated from their luggage?Those two things set the stage for Cameron Hopkins. From The Points Guy - It had been weeks since Cameron Hopkins and his girlfriend had arrived back home in the U.S. after their June excursion to Europe — and there was still no sign their lost bags would ever show up.Hopkins could see their exact location with the help of the Apple AirTags he had placed on the suitcases. However, the bags still were sitting, unmoved, somewhere at the Dusseldorf Airport (DUS) in Germany.Early July Cameron booked yet another ticket back to Europe for a 96-hour Planes, Trains, and Automobiles saga. A saga that ended with Cameron in Dusseldorf sorting through rooms and rooms of luggage with some of the luggage being located in the airport's parking structures. Cameron reported that the “Baggage smelled horrible,”. Of course, it did baggage filled with rotting food dirty clothes, etc . all stored in rooms with less than adequate air circulation.Cameron did retrieve all four of his family's bags and is now safely back home.So basically Cameron did what a baggage handler with one job couldn’t do…… reunite luggage with its owner.Here’s the tip-in to this story.  Recently Delta had to fly a plane full of only missing bags from London to Detroit in hopes of sorting some of this mess out.And, Yahoo News posted this - Passengers' lost suitcases were found dumped in the trash at an international airport. Yes, it’s gotten so bad that they’ve resorted to just throwing the luggage away. There is a bit of justification as some baggage did contain perishable items and they were beginning to attract rodents, but other bags contained clothing, souvenirs, and jewelry. And if you check your Rolex or Paneri in your luggage you are a mallet head.In our last episode, I described my dad's one and only trip that involved flying with a cat.BOSTON (AP) — A family’s beloved pet cat that’s been dodging airport personnel, airline employees, and animal experts since escaping from a pet carrier at Boston’s Logan International Airport about three weeks ago was finally caught Wednesday.“Whether out of fatigue or hunger we’ll never know, but this morning she finally let herself be caught,” Those last four words, let herself be caught, describe a cat perfectly. Cats are sketchy, and I’m not a cat fan. In fact, if household cates weighed in excess of 100 lbs I’m convinced that 80% of cats would kill their owner. Cats do what they want when they want, and in this case, the cat cared nothing about the family that cared for her, fed her, and even took her on a trip. Again please email all complaints to [email protected] month's dress code violation story comes to us from Live And Lets Fly and Southwest Airlines.Southwest Airlines Throws Off Woman Who Defended “Lady In Red”.The “lady in red” was a young woman who chose to wear a red corset on a Southwest Airlines flight leaving Sacramento Sac-Town. While boarding, the gate agent asked her if she had a sweater or jacket and told her she had to cover up. When she said she had nothing to cover up, the gate agent allowed her to board but said she would bring her a t-shirt to wear.Onboard, the woman was given a t-shirt and asked to cover up by a flight attendant, but a woman seated nearby jumped to her defense, wondering why this young lady was being targeted when it was over 100ºF outside and many of the passengers were wearing revealing attire.A flight attendant explained: “She is wearing a corset and this is a family company. Some people find it offensive.”The situation escalated and the older woman was thrown off…but not the young lady in red.After extensive research, which consisted in clicking the link Live And Lets Fly post took me to the Lady In Red’s Tik Tok page aka. Maybejacy.And  Maybejacy seems nice, but I have two pieces of advice for her.First, after her defender was escorted off the plane, Maybejacy should have voluntarily left the plane as well for no other reason than it was a sign of solidarity.Second, Maybejacy I promise you that no man has ever said to himself or to his best buds, “Man I wish she had longer eyelashes”.Growing up whenever we’d say something or wear something that my mom deemed inappropriate she’d ask, “Would you wear that in front of your grandparents?”. In current times I’m not sure if that question is relevant.There you have it, the July crazy travel roundup.If you want detailed show notes, links and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Leave a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening.Thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau’ Relaxo Florida. Tonight is not about my travel stories it’s just me remembering my dad.On July 4th, 2022 my dad passed away, he was 86. He likely planned to go out with a bang and what better day to do that than July 4th?The year was 1994 and that was when my dad introduced me to craft beer. My dad was not a “beer guy” but he was an early adopter of almost everything long before the internet. That year he was living in Ashville, NC and he came to visit us in Lawrenceville, GA with him, he brought two growler-sized bottles of Gaelic Ale from Highland Brewing a brand new brewery near his home. Gaelic Ale still is this wonderful red ale weighing in at 5.8% ABV, it is delicious and it started me down the path of craft beer.In honor of that most of this episode's show notes were written while enjoying several of Highland Brewings IPA’s.We don’t always realize what parents instill in us. Some things are a no-brainer, my love of music came from my parents. Neil Diamond, Mac Davis, and Ray Charles were just the beginning.But as I grew and quote un-quote matured I noticed myself mirroring many of the actions and behaviors that I saw my dad exhibit, especially in regards to the business world.I called my Dad the original road warrior, and before I accepted a traveling job we had a long talk about business travel. He gave me the highlights, exciting places, great food and he told me you’ll meet all sorts of people.He also gave me the lowlights, you’re away from family, you’ll miss school concerts and plays, you’ll wake up at ungodly hours in order to catch an early morning flight and there will be Friday nights that all you want to do is get home but you won’t.As with all good road warriors he had his share of stories as well.In the early 1970s’ we lived in Rockville MD and my Dad worked for Xerox as a regional manager for their copier division. Here’s a side note, our next-door neighbor worked for IBM selling the IBM Selectric typewriter. This was the first electric typewriter with a ball instead of keys that struck the paper. My dad was selling Xerox copiers and our neighbor was selling IBM Selectric typewriters these two never missed their sales quota. After my dad’s first quarter at Xerox, one of the VPs’ called him into his office to discuss his travel expenses. My dad was nervous thinking he hadn’t been a good steward of the company's money. Well, the conversation was quite the opposite of that, my dad was being too good of a steward. He was so far below his travel budget that the VP was afraid that the finance department was going to reduce the region's travel budget the following year. You see at the time when you worked for Xerox and you were on the executive management team you flew nothing but first class, and my dad was booking coach tickets. In 2022 coach or discount tickets is the norm.If you know anyone in sales they are typically very competitive. Throw a sales contest or a quota buster program in front of them and they tend to salivate.One evening my dad comes home with a beautiful Belgium made Browing goose gun that he had won in a sales contest. Up to that point, my dad's exposure to guns had been limited to my Crossman BB gun and some tin cans in the backyard. But in addition to the shotgun, it also came with a guided Canadian Goose hunting trip, which was also something new to him. He went on the trip and believe it or not he came home with a lifeless Canadian Goose. His plan was to pluck it and have my mom cook it and serve it as a meal We were all impressed by his hunting prowess until we discovered that this guided goose hunt consisted of the contest winners standing on a dock at daybreak as the guide opened a  cage, and then kicked the cage until the geese wandered or flew out. Similar to shooting fish in a barrel, but with feathers.When it came to the goose plucking and cleaning part my dad made it about 15% in before he gave up and decided that a store-bought ham for dinner was a better choice. I’ve told this story before but in 1970 my dad was transferred from California to Maryland. My dad flew out a week early because I had chicken pox and I was still contagious. We had a cat, Charlie, and Charlie was pregnant. Apparently, Charlie was transgender before it was commonplace. Somehow it was decided that my dad would take pregnant Charlie with him to Maryland. Now in 1970 cats didn't fly in the cabin they flew in the cargo area, how barbaric. The vet gave us some kitty Vicodin or kitty Prozac so Charlie would be less stressed during the flight. My dad arrives at Dulles and heads to baggage claim to get Charlie and her cat carrier. When he hits baggage claim there are all sorts of commotion, loud voices, and people pointing. My dad made his way to the luggage belt only to see Charlie and her cat carrier on lap three of four, except now it’s Charlie and her two newly born kittens. My dad claims he waited for everyone to leave the baggage claim area before he grabbed Charlie, the kittens, and the cat carrier and headed to his taxi. Later that night Charlie delivered kitten number three and kitten number four in his apartment.In 1972 my Dad was transferred again, this time from Rockville, Maryland to Dallas, Texas. Here’s another side story, we moved on average every 24 to 36 months. In the corporate world, the general rule at the time was that if you turned down a state-to-state transfer your upward progression in the company came to a grinding halt. When it was time to move we generally knew it because my mom would make pancakes for breakfast while dad presented a brochure of the new house pointing out all the highlights, a pool, it was on a lake or it had a basement where we could put a pool table. In hindsight moving so often helped me to easily establish relationships with new people, and to this day it is a huge benefit in my career.In case you didn’t know, Dallas is Southwest Airlines' home base. And in 1973 the now defunct Braniff airlines, which was a competitor began offering a $13 fare from Dallas to Houston. At the time this was Southwest's only profitable route. Southwest smartly responded by offering to match the $13 Braniff fare or you could pay the full fare of $26 and get a free bottle of Chivas, Crown Royal, or Smirnoff. At the time the Dallas to Houston route was typically flown by business travelers, business travelers flying on expense accounts which meant the Southwest $26.00 full fare passed underneath the bean counters radar.My dad flew that route weekly and our liquor cabinet quickly overflowed with booze compliments of his expense report and the advice of his VP two years before. Sadly, the $13 fare war promotion didn’t last long but Southwest became the largest distributor in Texas of Chivas, Crown Royal, and Smirnoff for two months in a row.Travel also has its tragedies, and often times it hits close to home. Three people on my dad's team were flying to the project site when their plane crashed killing almost everyone on board including those three team members. The funeral home had three caskets in three different rooms for the wake and service. My dad says that was one of the toughest days in his life going room to room and speaking with their wives and parents. He’s never shared any detail beyond what I just told you. No name, no cities, not even the airlines. The following week Xerox issued a policy that no more than two principals on a team could travel together. My dad was also a great negotiator, or I should say a fair negotiator so long as everyone had skin in the game. For instance, in Middle School, I discovered that fellow classmates were getting paid for good grades on their report cards so I asked if he could do the same for me.He agreed, but this was the arrangementA - $1.00B - $.50At this point, I began smilingC - NothingI was still smilingD - I owed him $.50F - I owed him $1.00When it was time for my first car he came to me with this deal. He would match every dollar that I saved, but in order to get the money and buy the car, I had to get all Bs’ or better on my report card.It’s all about having skin in the game, just ask my 1973 Dodge Duster with the lift kit and 60s”My favorite negotiation story is this one. My dad was a “car guy”, a convertible Austin Healy in his 20s’, a Chevy SS in his 30s’. There was the disastrous 1982 turbo Ford Mustang, a Mercedes coupe that he held onto for almost 30 years, and the 1984 fuel-injected turbo Dodge Daytona that he and I passed back and forth several times.The year was 1986 and a computer game company had offered him the position of CEO, but it came with a catch. If he came on board he had to immediately fire the owner's two sons. The owner couldn’t do it because he was afraid of his wife's wrath. The compensation package was solid, including a company car, not bad for 1986. My dad accepted the offer including firing the sons, but on one condition he wanted his company car to be a 1987 BMW 325i convertible. This was the first year the BMW 325i came with a drop-top and it was going to be in short supply once it hit the dealer showrooms. In late 1986 my dad received one of the first three 1987 BMW 325i convertibles to hit Arizona. In 1990 I moved back from Florida back to Atlanta and one of our traditions was attending his alma mater Georgia Tech’s annual homecoming game in the fall. The morning would start by watching the “Wreck Parade”  where the engineering students would Frankenstein some sort of a vehicle together that humiliated the opposing team….. Think of Animal House without the nudity. After the parade, we’d head across the street to the Varsity for lunch and then back to the stadium where’d he’d buy tickets from a student that was selling one of the players extra tickets. This is an amazing college game day life hack. One year the tickets he bought were on the 50-yard line right next to the student fraternity section with only a 3’ high chainlink fence separating us from them, or them from us. The frat boys seated on the other side of the fence had smuggled in their own libations and by late in the game, they were hammered, which was fine until they started yelling obscenity-laced pickup lines at the female students. In 1992 I was 28 and he was 56 and before I knew it he was heading over the fence to straighten these Georgia Tech frat boys out. Thankfully I was able to grab his belt and stop his really bad idea before he was on the other side of the fence. My dad wasn’t a violent man at all, and where this behavior came from I don’t even think he knew.Another thing that I learned from my dad is value in things that you purchase, or as he used to buy once cry once. For example, he bought a beautiful set of gold-rimmed pheasant embossed old fashion and highball glasses in 1970. When we moved into Chateau’ Relaxo he gave them to us as a housewarming gift, and they still look brand new and are one of my prized possessions. Thirty years ago he purchased a Denon receiver and a set of Polk speakers. They were well in excess of $1000.00 and to this day they sound better than anything your iPhone and Bluetooth speaker can produce.As we cleaned out my parent's house I saw more evidence of buy once cry once. His Craftsman tools are over 50 years old, I found a still working Sony Discman from 1987 and a set of Hofritz kitchen knives from 1976 that they still use.To this day my buy once cry once scenario that I passed on was that hunter green 1994 Range Rover Defender. At the time the cost was an astronomical $33,000 current value north of $70,000.On top of that, my dad was a true foodie, and he taught me to appreciate food experiences at a very young age. By the time I was a teenager I knew how to grill on a charcoal grill, I could crack king crab legs and I appreciated something as simple as Brunswager on Ritz crackers. He also loved food gadgets. In the 1970s’ our houses had a Jenn Air range in the kitchen long before anyone else did. Many food gadgets were used once or twice and then went to live and gather dust in the pantry. For example, the bread maker, what a great idea. We could make wheat bread, rosemary bread, or banana bread if we wanted to wait 5 hours.He had his own ROMEO group, Romeo as in Retired Old Men Eating Out. His crew would pile into someone's car and drive 3 hours one way for a BBQ lunch at their favorite South Carolina spot. Or they’d head over to the local college every Wednesday when the culinary students opened the cafeteria to the public.Here’s a foodie one for you, my dad was a Trader Joe’s peanut butter fanatic, He didn't live near a Trader Joe's but my sister would bring him six jars at a time when she’d visit. In 2021 he had a blood transfusion or two and I don’t think he had any desire for peanut butter after that.My dad was also a very giving man, giving his time to his church and giving anything he had to his family. Once he hit it big in Las Vegas and hitting it big meant $500.00. Who knows how much he lost in order to win that $500.00, but he sent my sister and me a $100.00 check in the mail to celebrate.When I was nineteen my dad transferred to Atlanta leaving the rest of us in Florida to sell the house. Interest rates were over 13% at the time and the house took close to 18 months to sell.Here’s another side story to that, when the house finally did sell my mom came home and told me they were closing in three weeks and I could have my bedroom furniture, the kitchen table, and a $1000.00. I was 20 years old. Back to the original story, one weekend I flew into Atlanta for a father-son weekend in the mountains. After landing, we headed up to one of our family's favorite spots Amicalola Falls for a streamside lunch and some hiking. Once we got to the parking lot of the falls, my dad said he had a surprise for me. He opens the trunk of his car, and there’s a case, a case of Carlings Black Label beer. Possibly the worst beer on the face of the earth. Over the course of a typical year, my dad might have 6 or 7 beers at most. I looked at him, looked at the beer, and looked back at his smiling face, and I said, “This is going to be one hell of a hike”.Time with my dad was filled with all sorts of good times and great memories, I will miss him. It was through his guidance that I ended up on the career path that I’m on and up until the end, we had many business-based conversations about my industry including the one in his final days where he thought I owned the company that I currently work for. I didn’t have the heart to correct him.There is so much more that I learned from my dad, actually both my parents and I realize it more and more with each passing day. My mom and my mom did it right, and I’m thankful for that.This episode was to have contained my thoughts on elder care based on what the CEO and I had learned over the last five or six years. However, the Highland Brewery IPAs’ were flowing and the show notes got too long. So look for an elder care episode next month.Thank you for listening to my memories, my dad was my hero.If you want detailed show notes, links and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Leave a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening.Thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau’ RelaxoAfter spending most of the month of June away from Chateau’ Relaxo it’s time for a COVID update from the road warriors' or at least my point of view. Most COVID signs, COVID stickers, and COVID warnings have disappeared from hotels, restaurants, and gas stations.Here’s a spoiler alert this will be the second month in a row with no mention of COVID mask or vax-related fights or altercations. Maybe they’ve become so commonplace that no one adds the word COVID to the news reports. Make your own judgment.If you traveled over the July 4th holiday hopefully you faired well. But, according to FlightAware, more than 4,500 U.S. domestic and international flights were delayed Friday, July 1st alone.By Saturday more than 1,000 flights had been canceled.American Airlines led the pack with 208 cancellations, Delta bailed on 180 & United right around 104 flightsThis is being recorded on Sunday, July 3rd and my prediction for Monday travel will be pure bedlam. So check the TSA app, FlightAware, and Waze before heading back home, and stay strong.As we try to do here’s an update on two previous crazy travel roundup stories.In April, I believe actually on 4/20 Melvin Townsend III, got a 30,000’ beatdown by none other than  Mike Tyson. Make no mistake about it Melvin Townsend III was the instigator. Tyson was recently on Jimmy Kimmel’s show and summed up his experience in seven words, “I WAS HIGH, TIRED AND PISSED OFF”. No charges were filed against Tyson and Melvin Townsend III is to undergo a brain scan on the part of his brain responsible for making bad decisions.A few months ago Adam Alexander Williams, 33, of Auburn, Washington Adam was flying to Charlotte, North Carolina from Seattle. For some reason, Adam shoved a flight attendant, and leaped over passengers, and onto a beverage cart, which "sent cups and drinks flying,". Adam then screamed an obscenity, and for the grand finale, tried to strip off his clothes. The plane had to make an emergency landing in Billings, Montana, where Adam was removed from the aircraft.What sort of prize can Adam win for this performance? Adam faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison as well as a $25,000 fine and three years of supervised release.Here’s a travel tip, don’t F-around with the FFA.Now onto June's craziness.Last month we reported about the - Virgin Atlantic pilot forced to turn back because he was still in training In case you missed the episode here’s the cliff notes - 40 minutes into the Virgin Atlantic transatlantic journey the first officer informed the captain that he had yet to complete his last flying test. This month it’s Pilots Fall Asleep On Transatlantic Flight. First I can fall asleep on a plane long before we push back from the gate, it’s a gift. I know I should listen to the safety announcement, but I’ve heard it several hundred times…. Humble brag.This happened on ITA - Italia Trasporto Aereo, and here’s what happened - There were two pilots, and one pilot was in a “controlled rest” during the flight, which means there was one pilot who was supposed to be awake at the controls…. OK, I guess.The tower tried to make several calls to the pilots, which went unanswered. The tower then reached out to the airline, and they didn’t respond either.  Next French military fighter jets were deployed to do a wellness check on the plane and look into the cockpit.Finally later during the flight the pilots once again became responsive, and the situation ended.Afterward, ITA Airways conducted an investigation into what happened. ITA suspected that the captain had fallen asleep, but the captain denied that he did. Rather he claimed that there were issues with the plane’s communication systems. However, there were allegedly inconsistencies in his stories, and some equipment from the plane was also inspected, but no issues were found.What was the result?This is where things get a bit sketchy, but allegedly both pilots got fired. This was a New York to Rome flight, 9 hours at most, and here’s my take… my team truly works half days, it doesn’t matter what 12 hours we work…. And we don’t get naps.BoingBoing posted this one - Gentleman caught rolling through airport security with 23 pounds of cocaine in his wheelchairThis took place at North Carolina's Charlotte Douglas International Airport. A gentleman attempted to roll, yes roll, through customs with 23 pounds of cocaine stuffed in the seat of his Rascal scooter. The suspect, Alexander Lopez-Morel, 22, had arrived at the airport from the Dominican Republic.According to the US Customs and Border Patrol, the cocaine has or had a street value of $378,000. No word on whether Lopez-Morel actually needed the wheelchair or not. And there was no word on how anyone knew that Lopez-Morel was rolling with contraband.And make no mistake about it it’s easy to leave many of these countries with drugs and animals and it’s our job here in America to catch them. Maybe the person paying off the Dominican Republic authorities should’ve sent a few bills in the direction of Charlotte, North Carolina.This next one is sort of a she-said, he-said, and it unfolded on TMZ, not once, but twice.We open with the she-said part.Mary Magdalene a Canadian model, took to social media, to let the whole world know that she was kicked off a recent flight from Canada to Dallas for looking "too explicit.".Mary Magdalene, I’m guessing that's not her given name, said she was kicked off the plane because her boobs were too big for her top. Typically I would think one might say that the top was too small for the boobs. That was until I saw a picture of Mary Mary and yes her boobs were too big for the top.Don’t feel bad for Mary as she went on to post, that she finally made it to America on a later flight, but she's still got beef with the airline and society ... saying discrimination against "enhanced bodies" is very common.Yes, Mary is enhanced, and probably more than one or two enhancements. It’s hard to tell if she’s built for pleasure or built for speed, but either way, the claim is that Mary rolls with 22lbs of boobs..Here’s the he-said portion coming from American Airlines. They say flight attendants noticed Mary sitting in several different seats before takeoff ... seats that weren't her ticketed seat. It was also reported that airline employees believed Mary to be intoxicated and she seemed unstable. Flight attendants and the captain asked her to leave -- Mary left without incident, and cops did not have to get involved.I encourage you to check Mary’s picture posted in the show notes.From the criminals are stupid department we have this, Allegheny County man uses fake $100 bill to buy drinks at airport before boarding planeWESTMORELAND COUNTY, Pa. — An Allegheny County man, Stephen Peterson, is facing felony charges, accused of passing off a fake $100 bill before he boarded a plane at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport early in June. Two things I bet you didn’t know about the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, first they provide airport parking for free, and second Spirit is the only airline that flies in and out of the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport.Peterson said, that the pants he was wearing were not his, and he found the $100 bill in the pocket, so he decided to just use it,” So here’s Peterson’s stupid part. The cashier at the snack bar inside the airport noticed the bill that said “for motion picture use only,” and tipped off officers at the airport.The police got a warrant for Peterson, and when he flew back into the airport they picked him up and served the warrant,” Here’s the tip-in, state troopers are also looking into a suspect who was wanted for passing fake $100 bills at two Dollar General stores in Derry Township within 10 minutes of each other last month.Like I said criminals are stupid.And remember airport drinking, plane drinking whatever you want to call it rarely ends well. That is unless you’re George Clooney from Up in the air.If you think you’ve found the person of your dreams, your ride or die there’s a handful of things you can do with that person to see if you’ve made that right choice.* See what their behavior is when the internet suddenly cuts out. A solid indicator of what’s ahead.* Travel with them. Canceled or delayed flights, bad weather, sunburn, food poisoning …. Anything can occur while traveling. Even after 12 years of marriage traveling together the CEO and I still have our moments.From Live and Let’s Fly we have - Angry Man Shoves Girlfriend Aside As He Lunges At Airport StaffLet's set the stage for this couple, and I’ll call her Tiffany and him Chad. Tiffany and Chad were flying on EasyJet from somewhere in the, UK to somewhere in Spain.While waiting to board, the airport staff confronted Tiffany and Chad believing that they might be intoxicated, and what transpired next just might back up that belief.There’s a video, there’s always a video.Once confronted, Tiffany channeled her inner Karate Kid by raising her arms to shoulder height, and before she could raise her leg to enter the crane pose Chad pushed Tiffany to the floor. Both hands on Tiffany’s waist a hearty push and Tiffany went immediately to the ground. Chad quickly advanced putting two of the airport staff on the ground before retreating…. And if that wasn’t enough Tiffanny makes it back on her feet and managed to get between Chad pushing an airport staff member away and protecting her beloved Chad. So yes, a perfect test…. These two are meant for each other.Here’s my take on this, it appears that Tiffany led Chad down the runways of violence as she was the one taunting the airport staff. This reminds me of a travel story from August or September of 2007. We were in Tampa for business and my travel partner at the time was a New York transplant and a huge Yankee fan. We finished up for the day and decided to head to the stadium and find tickets for this playoff game. And the tickets we found were in the Yankee section and my buddy couldn’t have been happier as he was going to watch the game with “his people”...... New York transplants. MId-game there was a commotion to our right and there was a female that for lack of a better term had been over-served and she was screaming at the top of her lungs at a gentleman that was a Rays fan. At some point, she screamed, “My husband is going to kick your ass”. Her husband was easy to pick out as he was the guy rolling his eyes and I guarantee you that this wasn’t the first time that his wife had dragged him into a situation that he wanted nothing to do with. All this guy wanted to do was watch the playoff game. So yes, more than likely Tiffany dragged Chad into a situation that he wanted nothing to do with.I’m not a fan of cruises, I’ve been on one and they are not for me. Yes there’s plenty to do if you like what they have planned, and there’s plenty of food if you like what they’ve fixed, but you’re still held captive for 3, 5, or 7 days.Well here’s another nail in the cruise coffin for me. Carnival cruise brawl caught on camera An all-out brawl broke out between dozens of passengers aboard the Carnival Magic cruise ship. The reason, was allegations of cheating while on the trip. First, Carnival cruise lines, in my opinion, are the Spirit Airlines of the ocean. Second, it has to take a tremendous amount of effort to find a willing rando on a cruise and then seal the deal as they say. Theresa James, who said she is a travel agent, said that the fight started just before 2 a.m. on the ship’s fifth floor, where a dance club and casino are located. There’s no better place than there. An alleged threesome between passengers had upset their significant others, why wouldn’t it, when they learned of the rendezvous.This lasted about an hour and included broken beer bottles. This wasn’t physical the whole time, as yelling and shouting were involved, but an estimated 60 people may have participated.The one unanswered question, was this a devil's threesome?This month Creepy McCreeperton's story comes to us from Southwest airlines and involves Larry McCreeperton and the iPhone's AirDrop feature. Larry decided that it was a good idea to AirDrop pictures of his twig-n-berries to everyone on his flight.A woman sitting across from Larry got an airdrop notification on her phone. She saw the man airdropping photos on his phone. She looked at the photo and asked if Larry meant to send it. Larry said “yes” and that’s when she brought it to the attention of the crew.When a flight attendant asked him why he did it, he responded “it sounded like fun.”.Long story short the FBI got involved and let Larry know that he’d be spending the weekend in airport jail…… insert some sort of a don’t drop the soap, Larry, here if you see fit.We’ve talked about this before…. Women don’t want to see pictures of random dudes' junk, pen-is, member, twig or their berries. If they did they’d let you know.Remember women are wired differently the men.Here’s a question, what’s a plane ticket worth? The answer varies. In early January most of my team flew to San Antonio for a conference and ticket prices ranged from $400.00 to $1100.00.Here’s a different question, what’s your plane ticket worth to you? Again, the answer varies, and for me, it would vary on a number of factors.* Am I traveling alone or with family and coworkers* Am I heading to a job site or heading home? According to Eye of the Flyer Delta passengers who had already purchased tickets grew in value very quickly.Are you ready for this? Delta Passengers Were Offered $10,000 EACH to Take a Later Flight?Delta flight 3550 operated by SkyWest from Grand Rapids, Michigan (GRR) to Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) apparently was oversold. There were more confirmed passengers who showed up at the airport than there were available seats on the Embraer 175 aircraft. An Embraer 175 is a small plane, with less than 80 seats.We’ve all heard about airlines looking for volunteers to give up their seats, and typically they’ll be rewarded with a travel voucher for $500.00 or $600.00 dollars. These were $10,000 Visa gift cards.Why so generous? Well if enough passengers don’t volunteer to take later flights. The DOT states that passengers involuntarily denied boarding are entitled to “400% of one-way fare (airlines may limit the compensation to $1,550 if 400% of the one-way fare is higher than $1,550).”Length of DelayCompensation0 to 1-hour arrival delay No compensation1 to 4-hour arrival delay 200% of one-way fare (airlines may limit the compensation to $775 if 200% of the one-way fare is higher than $775)Over 4-hour arrival delay 400% of one-way fare (airlines may limit the compensation to $1,550 if 400% of the one-way fare is higher than $1,550)I’ll put a link in the show notes as to what the DOT states are your rights for bumps & oversales when you fly.That’s it for the June Crazy Travel Roundup.If you want detailed show notes, links and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Leave a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening.Thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful Northwest Georgia mountains. Since May 22nd I’ve spent less than 5 days in my own bed, yes it’s been this much travel. The opening audio quality is sub-par since the only microphone I had was built into my iPhone. If you get through the first few minutes, the audio gets better.Our first two interweb round-up stories are a bit of a throwback to episodes past.Railroad workers' "man cave" discovered under NYC's Grand Central Terminal BoingBoingNew York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority suspended three railroad workers for building out a secret "man cave" in an old locksmith storage room under Grand Central Terminal. Their hidden break room featured a TV, futon sofa, refrigerator, air mattress, and microwave.IN episode 103 we talked about hiding places. From a homeless fellow who had been living in a luxury suite in Al Lang Stadium to Tad my first supervisor who got busted for having his own man cave in the back of the warehouse way back in 1983.Growing up we were always building forts, from blanket forts in the living room to primitive lean twos in the woods behind my Maryland home. There’s something to be said for hiding, or thinking you’re hiding out while in plain sight.*****************************************Next comes directly from the airline Qantas’s website - Qantas 747 Half Bar Cart - Including DeliveryEnjoy drinks’ service at home with a fully stocked bar cart from a retired Qantas 747. Includes a range of Business Class items, including Champagne, mini bottles of red and white wine, Tim Tams, iconic Qantas pajamas, an exclusive Qantas First Class Sheridan throw and more.The bar carts are used and will show signs of wear and tear. This product is not covered by our money-back-guarantee policy and no returns for change of mind are permitted.In episode 100 I talked about wanting to purchase an empty retired genuine bar cart from SkyCart for only $1500. Yep, $1500.00 and empty…. The Qantas cart comes stocked and costs  $974.00 and it’s completely sold out. FYI - Qantas stands for - Queensland and Northern Territory Air Service, or maybe it doesn’t.In episode 107 I discussed business travel and whether or not it was returning to normal…. Well here’s an update. Business travel is still inconsistent, or at least it is when it comes to road travel versus air travel. For 2020 my nights spent in hotels have crested at 40 and it seems that every single Hilton property has its own COVID strategy. This past week was a South Carolina journey. From O-Town to Columbia, SC was roughly 630 miles. This required a couple of stops along the wayThe Hilton Garden Inn that I stayed at had its bar open, but no food service. Their breakfast was grab-and-go yogurt, Nature Valley granola bars, and coffee. My next stop was at a Hampton Inn and their breakfast was marginal, I opted for Bojangles. If you’ve never had a Bojangles breakfast don’t pass it up if you have the chance. Take it for what it’s worth since a Hampton Inn breakfast is included with your stay, their breakfast is just north of…. It’s an OK breakfast, but better than any to-go bag. Both hotels had a “break the seal” sticker across the doorway, but both Hilton properties presented completely different experiences once inside the room. In one room the remote was wrapped in a clean seal, in the other nothing. One room had a sign indicating that displaying the “Do Not Disturb” sign would let the housekeeping staff know not to enter the room,  the other room had nothing.  Here’s a bit of a pet peeve, masks everywhere….The Top 10 Travel Lies We’ve All Been Told……In full disclosure, 90% of my travel is business-related is domestic, and will typically be in the eastern part of the United States. That means I typically travel during the week and the expense of that travel is a huge factor. The remaining 10% of my travel is for pleasure and often airfare, hotels, and rental cars are booked using credit card points.Travel is glamorous - It certainly can be, if you have deep pockets, and no sense of urgency, and deep pockets. Glamor traveling is a manifestation of social media, plain and simple. 15 years ago there were magazines like Town & Country or Conde’ Naste that highlighted where to go and where to be seen. In 2020 you have Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat and that mighty trio will make you think that travel is glamorous. I’m here to tell you that travel is enjoyable, especially with the right mindset.Travel is relaxing - It certainly can be, if you have deep pockets, no sense of urgency, and deep pockets. Seriously, travel should be relaxing, and it can be if you plan correctly.At some point, your travel plans will go squirrelly, and your squirrelly travel partner is STRESS…. So you need to have a plan. I have a few tips for minimizing travel-induced stress.* Have a time budget -  Don’t book a flight that lands at 11:00 PM Sunday night fully expecting to be at work at 9:00 AM Monday. Something will happen, weather delays and mechanical issues will happen. Either come home a day early or get a flight that lands early afternoon Sunday.* Putting all your eggs in one basket - Instead of a basket think suitcase. Divide everyone’s clothes across all of the suitcases. That way if luggage gets lost or stolen all lose some but no one loses all of their clothes.* Have some numbers - Not lottery numbers but travel numbers.* Confirmation numbers for your flights, hotels, rentals, and attractions.* Phone numbers for the airlines and your hotels. If you have bulging veins in your neck this might not be the best time to search for your hotel’s phone number.* Emergency phone numbers for family and friends - The actual phone number, not #2 on your phone’s speed dial menu.Once you have all of this information complied you have several options, Let’s go Good, Better, Best. * Good - Go old school and write all of it on a piece of paper, make copies and give it to everyone in your travel party. * Better - Create a list and email it to everyone in your travel party. * Best - Create a Google Doc and share it with everyone in your travel party and any updates made will be shared with everyone in our travel party.Travel is great for family bonding - It certainly can be if your family resembles the Brady Bunch more than the Bundy’s or Connor’s. If you have family stress at home, guess what it will follow you on the road. The bills, mental health, ex-spouses, and job struggles all get put in those suitcases along with all your clothes.Book early for the best prices - Ok, how early is early? I’m a fan of booking early, will I get the best price? Sometimes, other times there will be a fire sale looking to put butts in seats or heads in beds.Book last minute for the best prices - Ok, how last minute is the last minute? When it comes to travel I never wait until the last minute to book, especially when booking a hotel room, as no one wants to sleep in their car. And I tell baby road warriors the same thing. There are two outcomes to this last-minute situation…. You book at whatever price you click “OK” on and the second outcome is…. There are no seats, rooms, or cars available and you wish you had a go-back machine so you could’ve booked last week. For me, I will always err on the side of book early.You can get a great deal if you do this - Imagine you just pulled into your driveway with a brand new 2021 Ford Bronco. No one in your neighborhood has one, and possibly no one in your town has one. All of a sudden rival Dad Kyle emerges not to admire your purchase, not to ask questions….. No Kyle is there to tell you that YOU could’ve gotten a better price if you did A… B… C…. Typically ABC requires a wing and a prayer to start next you’ll need to know someone, and then you’ll be indebted to that person and they will hold it over your head the next time you see them face to face….. They’ll get extra points if that next face-to-face involves a large crowd.Deals are deals…. Prices are prices. Benjamin Franklin once said, “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low prices are forgotten.”Book early, book last-minute, get a deal, or don’t get a deal, here's a thought: pick a destination, set a budget, and work to stay under that number. If you stay under that’s extra cashStay outside the city - If you plan to spend time in the city, and your budget permits it to stay in the city. Taking your personal ride or rental can be stress-inducing. First, you gotta find a parking space. If it’s in a garage that costs money if it’s at a meter then you have to worry about feeding the meter… hopefully there’s an app where you can do it from afar. If you’re traveling with others they’ll wanna help by telling you to go down this street or that street. Making base camp in the city allows you to take, a walk, take Uber, or public transportation to almost everything.It gives you time to unplug - Welcome to the world of fantasy. If you can’t unplug at home where everything is for the most part….. The same…. What makes you think you can unplug when traveling? All travel cynicism aside this is a tightrope between being in the moment and filming the moment. In the early 90’ when camcorders were expensive and almost the same size as a boom box I worked for a technology company that also sold cameras and camcorders. One of the perks was we could borrow a camcorder whenever we wanted. Let’s just say I filmed my daughter’s baptism and first birthday while everyone else participated…. Thank you 1991.You’ll get to do everything on your itinerary - Of course, you will complete your itinerary in the fantasy travel world. The reality is that you will do almost everything on your itinerary that is either scheduled or you paid money…. And you just might not pull that off, I bailed on my recent Penn & Teller show tickets. We didn’t make it to Ruby Falls on our last Chat-Vegas trip even though we had pre-paid for the tickets. We also passed on a Journey tribute band at House of Blues after we had bought tickets. The lesson here is that you don’t have to live by an itinerary, live by the experience.It’s not that expensive - Expensive is a relative term and is completely open to interpretation.That’s it for this repost see you in a few weeks with the June crazy travel roundup..If you want detailed show notes, links and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Leave a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening.Thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau’ RelaxoThis episode is being posted a solid week after June 1st, and the reason was that I was attending a conference in San Antonio, Texas the first week in June and due to the time change and commitments, I barely had a free hour to record much less a free hour to edit the audio.During May I spent 5 nights in the beautiful Demorest, GA Hampton Inn & Suites. And I’m here to tell you that this property has removed any indications that there was ever a COVID situation. Short of no daily housekeeping without requesting it and the remaining hand sanitizing stations outside the elevator there was no “break the seal” sticker across the room door, no condom protecting the TV remote, and nothing mentioning anything about masks. Possibly the biggest change was a typical Hampton Inn serve yourself breakfast was on display each morning. Square eggs, no bagels wrapped in Saran Wrap, and malted waffles were back on the menu.The next trip was Monday - Friday in San Antonio, TX. Now I’ve discussed that I’m not an airplane or airport nerd. I rarely know which model plane I’m flying on. I know that Southwest flies 737-700 and 737-800, but visibly I can’t tell them apart. I know a few airport codes, Newark - EWR, Atlanta - ATL, and Orlando - MCO. This next segment is where airport codes come into play. A few weeks ago another team member, a baby-baby roadwarrior that was meeting me in San Antonio sent me a message, letting me know that there were no flights on Travelocity out of San Antonio back to Newark on Friday. I message back, don’t use Travelocity book directly through the airline. A few minutes later I get another message, still no flights on Friday. I stop what I’m doing and head to United.com and find no less than six flights on Friday from SAT to EWR…. and that’s when it dawned on me that, the baby-baby road warrior was looking at the airport code SAT and thinking it was the day of the week for departure. So I guess there is value in knowing airport codes.During these two trips, I broke one of my travel rules not once, but twice. And that rule is to avoid business travel during holidays. The first breach was my trip back from Demorest, GA took place on Friday, May 27th the start of Memorial Day travel. This turned a 7-hour drive into a 9-hour odyssey down backroads and through national parks.The second breach was my flight to San Antonio was on Monday, as in Monday, Memorial Day.My flight to San Antonio started out on the bright side with the Southwest boarding assignment Sunday night of Group A Position 01 which means I was the first one boarding the plane after those that needed assistance.Monday morning news shows were filled with story after story about how bad the airports were on the last day of the three-day weekend. Limited parking and long TSA lines were the common themes. My departure from Orlando International resembled none of that. I found a parking spot close to the elevator and TSA was less than 5 minutes including a secondary screening of my carryon. After the door of the airplane was shut I found myself with the middle seat next to me vacant. Then the flight attendant announced that there was a parent and child that needed to sit together and would anyone with a vacant middle seat next to them be willing to move so they could indeed sit together. I volunteered knowing that I was about to get stuck in a middle seat for the flight… that was until the row that I picked was actually a couple traveling together that decided to try the old split the middle seat trick where one sat in the aisle and the other took the window seat hoping no one would take the middle seat. They sat next to each other gave me the aisle seat and to top it off the Southwest flight attendant hot me up with a free double of Wild Turkey 101 and Gingerale.Onto the May crazy travel roundup. Friend of the show Robbie Morris told me that this month's episode could have almost written itself, and he was spot-on.First a few crazy travel updates. Via BoingBoing - 15 months for woman who punched flight attendant's teeth out.Remember Vyvianna M. Quinonez? She was sentenced to 15 months in prison for punching out a flight attendant's teeth on a Southwest flight in 2021. The reason for the unscheduled dental work? A flight attendant had asked Quinonez to mask up; Quinonez pleaded guilty last year after being charged with felony assault and interfering with a flight. Quinonez is to pay nearly $26,000 in restitution and a $7,500 fine.Second, via the whole internet - Mike Tyson won’t face criminal charges over last month's airplane attack.Third, how about Maxwell Berry? Maxwell Berry and you know that no one ever calls him Maxwell, it’s always Maxwell Berry. Last year Maxwell Berry assaulted a male flight attendant and groped two female flight attendants on board a Frontier Airlines flight to Miami, thank you Florida. This behavior resulted in Maxwell Berry being duct-taped to his seat for the remainder of his flight.Here’s the update, Maxwell Berry has been sentenced to 60-day in jail followed by one year of supervised release, fined $2,500, and ordered to pay $1,500 in restoration over this incident.  Maxwell Berry must surrender himself by August 1, 2022.Fourth, Spirit Airlines rejects JetBlue's takeover bid and will pursue a merger with Frontier. I promise there will be more on this, but at this point, I view this as Frontier being Spirit Airline's hot side chick…. Which never ends well.Onto the May crazy travel - Man opens emergency exit, walks out onto wing of moving plane at O’Hare Airport.From 102.5 The Bone we get - A man is in custody after allegedly opening the emergency exit and walking out onto the wing of a United plane while it was moving Thursday morning at O’Hare International Airport.Before we go any further everyone knows that I am a fan of travel stories that involve exit doors or emergency slides. Also, if you’re a betting person, the chances of either an emergency door being opened or an emergency slide being deployed midflight are between none and less than none.This happened around 4:30 a.m. as a United Airlines plane was approaching the airport’s gate. So yes the plane had landed and yes this happened at 4:30 AM.Police reported that Randy Frank Davila, 57 pulled the emergency exit door after he leaped over several people and walked out onto the wing of the United flight, and then slid down onto the airfield.Randy, has been charged with one misdemeanor count of reckless conduct. And to sum all of this up… that is the end of this story., Nothing else, no follow-up no reason…. Just crickets.4:30 AM, I’m guessing that Randy was looking to get home and get some sleep.WTOP news sent this one our way - Alexandria man stopped at Reagan Airport with 23 weaponsHere are the details, an unnamed man was stopped and cited at Reagan National Airport with 23 weapon violationsAccording to the Transportation Security Administration, the man’s carry-on bag had:* Nine disposable scalpels;* Eight folding locking-blade knives;* Three martial arts throwing knives;* One dagger;* One switchblade;* One pair of brass knuckles.I collect knives, ever since my first Swiss Army knife in 1971 knives have held a certain fascination with me. Plus in my case, knives are safer the handguns.Looking at the pictures most of these knives screamed “Mall Ninja”. If you’ve never heard of mall ninja here’s the lowdown - Mall ninja is crazy-ass or stupid knives or weapons that are just ridiculous. They are typically fluorescent in color, contain marbles or claws, and are duller than your Grandma’s butter knife. Their distribution isn’t limited to just the mall you can find them in most roadside gas stations or truck stops. So unnamed Alexandria man the embarrassment of owning such trash should far outweigh any sentence imposed on you.From Paddle Your Own Kanoo - Kanoo with a K - Ryanair Cabin Crew Downs Bottle of Wine and Whiskey While Working On a FlightA member of Ryanair’s cabin crew was filmed allegedly downing a 187ml bottle of rosé wine and a double shot of whiskey during a flight he was working on from Poland to Stansted Airport.The 26-year-old flight attendant failed a breathalyzer test once the plane safely landed in the UK. He was then arrested on suspicion of performing an aviation function while impaired by alcohol.The passenger told the local press “I don’t know what he was thinking. I asked for a drink and when he came over he said to me, ‘Shush, don’t tell anyone but I will have one, too.”Alcohol rules for aircrew can vary but in the UK and many other European countries, pilots and cabin crew are not permitted to drink alcohol within at least eight hours of working a flight. 8 hours bottle to throttle.The flight attendant is due to appear in court on June 8. If found guilty, he could face the prospect of jail time.Can’t we all relate to this? How many times after a meeting have you wished that your coffee mug was filled with an adult beverage? The only issue was that someone with a cellphone busted him. Similar to leaving your webcam on during a Zoom meeting.Keeping with the alcohol theme here’s this month's next entry. If you drink anywhere but at home drinks are expensive. A $12.00 Margaretta at the local Mexican restaurant. A $15.00 Heiekin tallboy at a hockey game. And I’m guilty of purchasing a $48.00 six-pack of Sweetwater IPA at a Hilton Garden Inn at least once…. Don’t judge. However, if you happen to fly out of Newark or LaGuardia are you familiar with the Office of Inspector General, or the Port Authority? If you aren’t familiar they are somehow connected or responsible for what the New York airports charge for airport booze, more focused on what they charge for airport beers. And they have clamped down on outrageous prices being charged for airport beer.This started last year after one person posted on social media that they had purchased a $27.00 beer at LaGuardia Now I’m a beer guy, and the beer purchased was a seasonal beer so they do bear a higher price but unless that beer was served with a side of wings, $27.00 is a bit steep.However, what concerns me most is that $27.00 is the dollar figure that causes a clampdown by the Office of Inspector General, and the Port Authority. So you’re saying that a $26.00 seasonal beer would’ve made it under the radar?From Live And Let’s Fly - SHREWD MODEL USES AIR VENT TO DRY LINGERIE ON SOUTHWEST AIRLINES FLIGHTThe unnamed OnlyFans model went grassroots marketing with this stunt. She claimed that she had a bit too much to drink the night before and continued drinking at the airport. Remember what we say about Plane Drinking.  Still tipsy, she spilled her drink onboard. So she took off her underwear…then used the air vent to dry it off.She apparently held up her underwear for three minutes before putting her underwear back on…at her seat. And of course, this was filmed by an accomplice seated a few rows behind her.So this begs to ask… did her grassroots marketing deliver?  I’m not a marketing guy but with over two million views on TikTok and 14,000 on Instagram I’d have to say, “Yes it delivered.” In case you don’t look at the show notes it was a thong and not Granny Panties.So this is where this month's episode begins to write itselfDELTA AIR LINES PILOT CRAWLS THROUGH WINDOW OF BOEING 737Short of a fire or terroristic attack why would pilots ever need to enter a plane by crawling through the cockpit window?  It seems that pilots can lock themselves out of the cockpit.There’s a video, there’s always a video of a Delta pilot using a luggage conveyor belt to enter the window of a Boeing 737 aircraft. As the pilot struggles to enter head first, his co-pilot gives him a helping hand, eventually pushing him in through the window and then guiding his legs to get him fully inside.The video is true comedy gold, but the comments from Live And Let’s Fly are even better. From the mention of OSHA violations to amateur avionic technicians arguing over the plane not being connected to a power source so the door lock solenoids couldn’t function. Like I started with, who knew pilots could ever lock themselves out of the cockpit.I’m not what you would an airplane/airport guy. My knowledge of airport codes is normally forced on the destinations that I travel to. Beyond looking that the placard in the seatback pocket I have no idea what type of plane I’m flying on.However, I rely on “Big Airport” or “Big Airplane” to make sure that everyone is doing their assigned jobs in order to secure my safety.Securing my safety as in avoiding this next story - Virgin Atlantic pilot forced to turn back because he was still in trainingThe Virgin Atlantic flight was 40 minutes into its transatlantic journey when the first officer informed the captain that he had yet to complete his last flying test. Seriously?The passengers bound for New York were delayed almost three hours as the Airbus A330 returned to Heathrow, where it then waited on the runway while the staff found an experienced replacement.It seems that Virgin Atlantic has since reviewed its protocols and will update them to ensure similar mistakes aren’t repeated in the future.Ok, but I have to show ID, etc in order to pick up my rental from Hertz, shouldn’t the flight crew be required to do the same?Let’s end with a bit of travel good news - Baby Born On Frontier Airlines Flight With Assistance From Flight AttendantThe occurred on a recent Frontier Airlines flight from Denver (DEN) to Orlando (MCO), thank you Florida.Frontier took to social media to detail the birth - The baby couldn’t wait, so the early and unexpected labor took place on a flight from Denver International Airport to Orlando International Airport (MCO). Flight Attendant Diana Giraldo’s helped the mother to the back lavatory and assisted the mother in giving birth.Wow, I’ve been present for the birth of two children, and as a former firefighter and first-responder when I was asked if I wanted to cut the umbilical cord my response both times was, “Isn’t there anyone her more qualified?”How Flight Attendant Diana was able to get it together enough to deliver a baby, much less in a lavatory, I’ll never know. It’s been years since I’ve visited the lavatory of a plane, but as I recall they aren’t very spacious and have much less space than a delivery room.My guess is that child is automatically immune to most germs and diseases due to her place of birth, and yes the parents gave her the middle name of “Sky”.That’s it for the May Crazy Travel Roundup.If you want detailed show notes, links and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Leave a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening.Thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau’ Relaxo, FL.In the words of the immortal Frank Sinatra, “Regrets, I've had a few” and when it comes to travel there have been more than a few regrets.Before we head into regrets, how about a few travel non-regrets, if that’s even a word.I have no travel regrets when it comes to food experiences - * Gator tail in McComb, Mississippi. * Homemade moonshine in Mobile, Alabama.* Deer sausage in Statesboro, Georgia.I have no travel regrets with my travel gear. My travel gear has evolved over the years and has kept up with my travel demands. The only two pieces of travel gear that I have had for the past 20-plus years are a 1990 Mont Blanc pen and my travel wallet that holds all my travel loyalty cards. Yes, I still carry it even though most of the information in it is now stored on an app on my phone.I have no regrets about my, as my wife calls it, my “Travel Withitness”. Withitness is an educational system term, probably made up by someone that was way overpaid, but it centers around the ability to perceive needs with accuracy and care. I think. Thankfully my travel withitness has allowed me to basically keep up with the times. * Mapquest - GPS - App* Travel agent booking - online booking - booking using an app* Taxis - hotel buses for transportation - rideshareNot sure if my travel non-regrets are worthy of an episode, but as my idea pool runs dry, you never know.Enough about the travel non-regrets, it’s time to talk about my travel regrets. Regret number oneIn Sales 101 you’ll be told or you’ll learn, “Do not leave money on the table.” And that’s the focus of my first travel regret.* AirTran free flightsWhen I first started traveling I was based out of Atlanta, as in Atlanta, Georgia the world headquarters for Delta airlines. What did I do, I decided to hook my suitcase to the now-defunct AirTran Airlines. However, there was a strategy, possibly not a great strategy behind my airline of choice, but a strategy. In 2000 Delta-based medallion levels, which translated to points for free flights and upgrades were based on a few factors.* The number of miles flown* The number of dollars spent* The number of connectionsSo let's deconstruct this a bit. At the time you had to hit two of those three metrics to progress through the levels of Delta medallion status.* The number of miles flown - At the time I flew domestic, and what’s more domestic than flying strictly in the Southeastern part of the United States. This equates to a bunch of 500-mile flights.* The number of dollars spent - I’ve always been a steward of my company's money….. Enough on that.* The number of connections was the lynchpin in this whole status level conundrum. To this day almost every flight connects in one of Delta’s hubs. In 2022 if you fly Orlando to Newark you will stop in Atlanta. In 2000 that counted as two connections, round trip four connections. So in the year 2000 if you didn’t fly out of a Delta hub you could easily add to the number of connections.During this time many road warriors would take medallion runs at the end of the year. Medallion runs meant you booked flights with as many connections as possible to help maintain your current or achieve the next level of Delta medallion status.So that’s the reason I flew AirTran. At the time their system for free flights was very simple… it was based on the number of flights aka round trip = 2 flights…. That was it, no miles, no dollars spent, and no connections.All these years later I still recall that 6 round-trip AirTran flights netted me a free round-trip ticket. So I flew AirTran till 2004… more on 2004 in a bit. In 2003 I got a promotion, and that promotion included a new office, a corner office with floor-to-ceiling windows on three of the four walls. As I moved into my new office I came across a black binder clip full of Airtran boarding passes. Boarding passes were what AirTran used as currency for free flights. That binder held at least 12 round-trip tickets.The lesson or the regret here is, Don’t leave money on the table……Regret number two.* Next no hotel loyaltyI started business travel in the year 2000 and for my first 4 years of business travel, I booked hotels based on these two factors. * I stayed where my coworkers stayed, and being the quote-unquote new guy, yes even after four years, I never offered input and just followed the crowd* For some reason, I felt compelled to stay as close to the meeting site as possible.Typically those two factors will never help you to build any hotel loyalty which translates to hotel points that you can use for leisure travel. I stopped doing this in 2004. More on 2004 in a bit.Why is hotel loyalty important? I’m glad you asked.* If you don’t establish hotel loyalty you will end up with a small number of hotel points spread across multiple hotel brands.* In my case being close to a partner or meeting site really had no bearing. I wake up at 6:00 AM, 6:15 AM at the latest, yes I do this on the weekend even if a meeting begins at 8:00 AM that still gives me 90 minutes of lead time.* Possibly one of the biggest reasons for hotel loyalty is this…… the hotel staff gets to know you, which is code for an extra snack at check-in, possibly an upgrade, and most importantly a reservation when the hotel's website shows “No Vacancy”.The lesson here is to pick your hotel brand, possibly two at most, and stick with them even if you have to wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual.Regret number three* My travel intervention didn’t come soon enoughOk, time to talk about 2004. 2004 was when I had an intervention, and that intervention came in the form of a friend of the show Chris Brown. Chris was hired and showed up at our regional office on a Monday morning, because everyone, to this day, starts a new job on a Monday. I was told to show him the travel ropes as we were paired up together for client visits. First, a disclaimer, to this day Chris and I are great friends, even though I don’t have the Star Wars chip. In 2004 if anyone thought that I could show anyone the travel ropes…. They were greatly mistaken. Chris understood travel. On our first trip, Chris asked “Where are we going to stay?” I said someplace close to the account. This was followed by “What hotel chain?” I replied with …. one that is close to the account. This exchange continued throughout the week with my answers being along the lines of “close to the account”. On Thursday of that week Chris asked “ What hotel loyalty programs do you belong to?” Knowing 2004 me, I probably smiled and proudly proclaimed, “All of them!” Chris quickly countered with, “The Person Who Chases Two Rabbits Catches Neither” and he was and still is correct.That evening in the hotel lobby Chris showed me how to strategically map out my territory in relation to airports, hotels, and major interstates.It was that evening that Chris deemed me a “Marriott Guy”. Why Marriott? Because Chris was a Marriott guy and he wasn’t about to change that on my behalf especially since we had been paired up and I had no idea what I was doing.In addition to his shiny Marriott “brag tags” and brag tags are these luggage tags that airlines and hotels send you as you move through their various reward program levels Chris had a shiny black Marriott credit card, and all I had was the typical corporate-issued green American Express card.This leads me to regret number four…..* For the first 4 years of travel. I used my corporate-issued green American Express card.That same Thursday evening in that same hotel lobby, Chris asked, “Why do you use the corporate-issued credit card?” My answer was, “Because they issued it to me.”Chris “Did they tell you that you had to use it?”No…..“Then why do you use it?”“Because they issued it to me.”Moments later I was on Marriott.com completing a credit card application. I was now officially a “Marriott Guy” according to EquifaxChris, newly employed Chris as in day four of Chris’s employment and he wasn’t using, had no intentions of ever using his corporate issues credit card. Me, I don’t think I took a coffee break until my third week of employment.So I missed out on four years of points, points that could have been converted into travel or tangible goods.This next regret involves those points or at least not using those points.If you spend any amount of time on the travel blogosphere you will come across post after post on how to establish value for those points. Is it better to use the points for airfare or for hotel stays? Which credit card offers the best dollar-to-point conversion. It’s paralysis by analysis.To this day, my system for cashing in points isn’t so sophisticated, it typically involves five questions* How many points does my account have?* Will I be sad if that balance decreases?* How much money do I have in my bank account?* What’s my current credit card payment for the month?* And finally when is it due?After I answer those I perform some Chateau’ Relaxo math and decide to either use points or pay for it. As I said, not that sophisticated and this system varies monthly.Here’s a quick Hilton travel tip. When it comes to leisure travel and you’re paying cash for the room always look through the room offerings because Hilton will often offer double points for the stay. It might be  $15.00 or $20.00 more for the night, but this is a cheap way to add points to your account  If it's for business travel don’t try to bury that room rate on an expense report.Regret number five.I’m a “Watch Guy”, still looking for that Rolex GMT Master to be gifted to me.In 2006 Marriott’s website offered a page of goods that you could spend your Marriott points on.Bose headphonesMont Blanc PensPing Golf ClubsKitchen Gadgets And a Tag Heuer Formula 1 Watch for right around 125,000 pointsNow to most watch purists, a Tag isn’t what they consider a grail watch, or at least the Forumla 1 isn’t. But for someone that’s 32 years old with two young children, we just didn’t have the spare cash to buy that type of watch. It was because of Chris and his advice to focus on hotel loyalty and stop using the company credit card that I had accumulated well over 125,000 in just a couple of years.To end the story I didn’t pull the trigger on the Tag, and I can’t remember why, but looking back I wish that I had ordered the Tag.When you talk about regrets all of us have at least one, and while we often correct the behavior that caused the original regret so that it doesn’t happen again there are still lingering pieces and parts of the original regret….. What the hell did I just say?Over the course of the past two years, there’s been a trend to Focus on Experiences, Not Things.This is where travel regret number six comes in.And this is a true travel regret because for years I focused on travel things or things from travel, and not the travel experiences.And in the words of Tidy McTidy, aka, Marie Kondo, all of those travel things bring me joy.* The artwork from New Orleans* The hand-blown glass pineapple from Williamsburg* In Kentucky, I picked up some tobacco sticks that are neatly stored in our umbrella stand* And the antique liquor decanters from Tennessee  sit on my bar cart  All of those things plus many more things from my travels, bring me great joy.However, for the first 8 or 9 years of business travel, I didn’t spend any time exploring the places that I was visiting. It was travel, hotel, meeting, and hotel…. Then repeat.I understood the major destinations, we all do. For instance, when I first went to New Your or  New Jersey I knew that visiting the city was a must. In Philadelphia, I knew a visit to the Liberty Bell was a requirement, and yes the crack is still there. And no visit to Atlanta is complete without stopping by the World of Coke or Centennial Park.But it took me those first 8 or 9 years to realize that there are experiences in every town that I visited.* Charlotte, NC there is the Whitewater Center.* Cleveland, MS the Grammy Museum* Dallas, TX you can get a tour of the AT&T stadium* Fort Lauderdale, FL houses the Internationa Game Fish Association just in case you’re into fishing.So how do you find these hidden gems? Yelp and Google maps are a great place to start, with TripAdvisor as a backup plan. Nothing against TripAdvisor I just routinely contribute and reference Yelp and Google maps and not TripAdvisor.The ultimate backup plan is to ask the hotel staff or the clients or family you’re visiting. These folks will know the hidden gyms.So think about the things that you enjoy doing during your everyday at-home life.* Outlet Malls* Breweries* Book Stores* Frisbee Golf* Geocaching* Presidential LibrariesI’m willing to bet that you can find an experience no matter where you’re visiting. And if you do, use one of those social media sites and let everyone else know.That’s it for my travel regretsIf you want detailed show notes, links and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Please leave a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening.Thanks for listening.As I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening.Thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau’ Relaxo, FL.Believe it or not, I’ve spent a fair amount of nights away from Chateau’ Relaxo over the past 30 days. Looking to combine that with some CEO travel that we’ve done over the past 6 or 7 months and turn that all into some sort of an episode in the coming months.Onto the April crazy travel roundup.Starting off with a recap of episode 166 Travel Randomness where we discussed the roadmap of the federal mask mandate over the past 10 months and I, the prognosticator of all things great ended the segment with this - I’m not a betting man but I’m willing to bet that the mask mandate will again be extended and one of the main reasons is that there isn’t a collective mask mandate across the world, it seems that each country offers up their own individualized plan.Talk about missing the mark, damn.In case you missed it as well, or missed the news clips and avoided TMZ this is one of the best headlines posted - Florida judge voids US mask mandate for planes - A federal judge in Florida struck down a national mask mandate on airplanes and mass transit Monday, and airlines and airports swiftly began repealing their face covering requirements. First, thank you Florida. Second, The judge's decision allowed airlines, airports, and mass transit systems to make their own decisions about mask requirements, you heard that right, “make their own decisions”, what could possibly go wrong? If I owned an airline, an airport or a mass transit system I would, in an odd way welcome someone besides myself issuing the directive…… notice I didn’t say the government issuing the directive I said “someone” and here’s why. If a passenger throws a fit it’s easy to say “Don’t shoot me, I’m just the messenger” if they vocally support the mandate, it’s easy to say, “Damn right, masks for everyone”.Responses to this change were mixed, my personal favorite was from flight attendants walking the aisles of the planes as they collected masks from passengers that no longer wanted to wear them.I began to compile a list of airlines that were no longer requiring masks, and I soon discovered that most had lifted the requirement to wear masks.Here’s my take, in case you’re interested. Will I wear a mask on a plane, no. I honestly can’t remember the last time, besides being on a flight, that I wore a mask. I have a box of them in my car, and I carry a handful in my laptop bag just in case, but when I walk into Publix I’m not wearing a mask.That being said if someone asked me to wear a mask for their own protection I would. If a store, restaurant, or meeting site required masks I would. If I wore a mask during those interactions it would consume at most four or five hours of my day….roughly 20% of my overall day, I think I can handle that in order to put someone, besides myself at ease.I’m a fan of quotes, and one of my favorites is from Mike Tyson, “Everyone has a plan: until they get punched in the face.”  some purists will argue that it’s “punched in the mouth” and not “punched in the face”. I’m not a purist, and for me, the face is a much bigger target than the mouth.Early April, life imitated art, or if not art at least it imitated this quote. In case you haven’t heard during April Mike Tyson got in a fight. However, instead of the squared circle, it was on a JetBlue flight from San Fransisco, CA to Fort Lauderdale, Florida…. Thank you, Florida.These are the CliffNotes - JetBlue business class, Melvin Townsend, III was sitting behind Tyson and wouldn’t stop talking with him. This is a classic example of no good deed going unpunished as Tyson agreed to take a selfie with Melvin Townsend, III, but when Melvin Townsend, III wouldn’t leave him alone Tyson let them know he’d had enough. Of course Melvin Townsend, III continued, and at some point, Tyson went full UCF on Melvin Townsend, III’s head.In itself, this is a great story, but there’s more, there’s always more. Allegedly, Melvin Townsend, III was intoxicated. Another alleged example of why “Plane Dranken” never works out. In addition to the fact that Melvin Townsend, III, has been convicted of fraud, grand theft, burglary, possession of controlled substances, and trafficking in stolen property.The tip-in is this - Melvin Townsend III, has “lawyered up” with Attorney Matt Morgan from Morgan & Morgan, based out of Florida, thank you Florida. Matt added, "Our client is a big Mike Tyson fan. When Mike Tyson boarded the plane, he became overly excited”. Melvin Townsend III here’s a life tip, Next time you meet someone that you’re a big fan of….. Learn to keep it in your pants.And here’s yet another mega-star, which Tyson is, flying JetBlue.I’m a fan of automation. If there’s a manual process that can be automated, and it makes sense I’m on board. As someone that spends countless hours driving while staring through a windshield autonomous cars gathers my interest. However, according to BoingBoing automation might not be so great. Somebody summoned their Tesla at an airport and it crashed into a $2 million jet.Here’s what I know - No one knows how the Tesla got on the tarmac, but apparently its "Summon" feature mode was active. The summon is where an operator can hail the car from a nearby parking spot, with the car then driving itself to the location of the user. If only there was a summon feature here at Chateau’ Relaxo.If you watch the video a Tesla Model Y roughly a 60 to 70k vehicle depending on the website you check comes across the tarmac and drives under the tail of a Cirrus Vision Jet, a 1.7 to 2.1 million dollar jet depending on the website you check. What makes this even better is that the Tesla tries to continue forward after smashing the tail section of the jet. This might suggest that Tesla's sensor suite isn't designed to sense taller objects hovering above the ground aka… the tail of a 1.7 to 2.1 million dollar jet.I wonder if Elon tweeted about this?Live and let's fly threw this our way - SOUTHWEST AIRLINES PASSENGER RELIEVES HIMSELF IN FRONT OF FEMALE SEATMATE, SMUGLY DEFENDS IT AS “KINKY”On April 2nd, Antonio Sherrodd McGarity one of the three named people allegedly exposed himself, then proceeded to relieve himself four times on a Southwest Airlines flight from Seattle (SEA) to Phoenix (PHX). His female seatmate sat petrified as he engaged in his act. According to an FBI report: If you choose not to read the FBI report the word “relieve” translates to - solitary sex, punching the clown, or self-gratification? If none of those terms makes sense ask your local 11th grader and they will gladly offer the translation. Antonio Sherrodd McGarity defended his actions as kinky, and while I often say that there’s a kink for everyone I never say that you’re entitled to share your kink with everyone, much less an unwilling seatmate on an airplane.If Antonio Sherrodd McGarity wasn’t enough, an elderly Florida man was arrested after allegedly exposing himself and then punching his clown on a flight from Newark to Boston on Friday, April 8th.Donald Edward Robinson, 76, allegedly flashed his genitals to a 21-year-old female passenger seated next to him. This was followed by the victim alerting another passenger that she was seated next to Pervy Mc Pervyington. Robinson was charged with one count of lewd, indecent, and obscene acts. Here’s a life tip from one dude to the rest of the dudes….. Women, thank God, are built differently. They have different chips, things that we find appealing, insert your own definition, aren’t always appealing to the opposite sex….. Such as the previous two stories.Alex, I’ll take “things not to talk about in mixed company” for $500.00. What is religion?Religion similar to politics is a minefield of fun, especially at family gatherings.So here’s a chip that I do have it’s the disturbing chip, and it’s not that I’m disturbing it’s when someone's behavior disturbs others. It’s the person that creates a scene at Publix when someone has 11 items in the 10 items or less lane. It’s the parent that loses their mind when their kid drops an easy pop-up during the first inning. On a plane, there are plenty of opportunities where one's behavior can easily disturb 100 people…. At the same time.  Mid-month there was a smash-mob Christian-themed musical performance on an EasyJet flight. Seriously, the performers should have known better, but get this, they not only got the blessing of the captain, the captain even introduced them prior to their performance. How much would you enjoy working in the EasyJet marketing department after this video went viral, did I fail to mention that there’s a video?The road to hell is paved with good intentions which this group had, unfortunately, their intentions infringed on everyone else. If you find people singing in sync irritating just wait til they allow phone calls during flights….. Believe me, it’s coming.I’m a fan of Reddit and since I rarely post I’m what they call a lurker. I found this on the FlightAttendants sub-Reddit.Here’s the post title, be patient - “Saw this delta pilot on a frontier flight taking pictures of the flight attendant’s legs and butt the whole flight. Have sent it to delta but don’t want them to bury this and don’t want an unsafe and uncomfortable environment for flight attendants”  this came from cellinhaluv and it seems that they just might be paid by the word.A month after this post there’s no update as to whether or not the amateur Ansel Adams has received any disciplinary action from Delta since he was in a Delta uniform. To start this behavior is not OK, it’s disrespectful to this woman, all women as well as the world, thank you, Norm McDonald.I get kinks, we talk about them often and there’s a category for all of them on a website…. somewhere. And kinks are ok so long as your kink doesn’t involve unwilling participants or the public. Besides, with all the allegedly free porn available why would anyone feel the need to creep anyone besides themself out with their particular kink…… maybe that’s yet another kink. Not sure if I should call this next story “Here’s another reason to never fly Spirit” or “Isn’t that ironic” I’ll let you, the listener decide.Spirit passengers were allegedly notified of flight change after the flight had already left. OK, flight changes are nothing new some flights get canceled other flights have the departure times changed, changed as in normally delayed, not changed as in your flight already left.In a video posted to TikTok with well over 3 million views, Spirit Airlines passenger Kaley Reed, said she hadn't been made aware of the departure change until after the plane had already left."We showed up for our 4:00 p.m. flight at 2:45 p.m.," Kaley posted. "Well, we go to check-in, and they tell us, 'The plane's already left.'"Kaley went back and forth with a Spirit employee until finally, the employee told her to check her email.Kaley added, "So, I check my email, and at 3:02 p.m....they sent us an email saying the flight time had been changed to 3:00 p.m.,"Kaley posted a follow-up TikTok saying that in effect Spirit Airlines ghosted her after her request for any sort of compensation since she and her husband were forced to stay in Las Vegas two additional days before catching a Southwest flight back home. In addition, Kaley’s husband missed two days of work due to this delay.So where do I come down on this? At first, my BS detector began to go off, and here’s why.* When have you ever heard of a plane leaving early, especially an hour early?* How come Kaley is the only person that’s made any mention of this incident?* Nothing against Kaley but her smooth TikTok presence reminds me of an “influencer wanna-be”* And finally, it doesn’t take two days for anyone to catch a flight home from Las Vegas, especially if they really want to get home.But then I remembered it’s Spirit Airlines and almost anything is possible so I’m 70% Kaley and 30% Spirit.At some point, most of us have used some sort of an excuse to get us out of an unpleasant or sticky situation - * The dog ate my homework.* I’ve already donated* I’m late because my alarm didn’t go off.But this one just might take the cake. Tampa TSA officer made up a dramatic burglary story to cover up being late for work, Here’s a life tip, if you’re late for work don’t walk into the office with a cup of Starbucks coffee. The TSA agent was arrested in late April after falsely reporting she fought off a knife-wielding burglar outside her parent's home.The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said her heroic story proved to be entirely fake and was concocted to help her avoid penalties for excessive lateness to work,”. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in the release, “You can’t make this stuff up,”. “I don’t understand why anyone would go to the extent of creating a fake police report to avoid a reprimand at work for tardiness.”Part of the reason for this post is that I find Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd fascinating. You can agree or disagree with him but he’s going to tell it the way it is.Here are a few of my favorite Grady Judd quotes…..* "Having a gun in your hand is much better than having the sheriff's office on the phone."* A reporter once questioned why Polk Sheriff SWAT shot a criminal 68 times......Sheriff Grady Judd answered, "That's all the bullets we had!"* "We shot back because he shot at us -- and we shot at him a lot."* "This fake cop wanted a uniform so much, we gave him one, an ORANGE uniform."Like Sheriff Grady Judd or don’t like him, I really don’t think he cares, however, he is one of the things that makes Florida….. Florida. Thank you, Florida.That’s it for the April Crazy Travel Roundup.If you want detailed show notes, links and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Leave a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening.Thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com

Recorded in the beautiful home office of Chateau’ Relaxo.In case you’ve been on a deserted island, the Airline Mask Mandate has been Extended Until May 3, 2022. If you haven’t followed the mask mandate here’s the Cliff Notes - The original ban was through September 14, 2021, * Next, it was extended through January 18, 2022, * Next, it was extended through March 18, 2022, * Next, it was extended through April 18, 2022, * And finally, the federal mask mandate has been extended another two weeks till May 3, 2022.I heard someone recently say - We've moved away from a 'collective responsibility to a 'personal responsibility phase of the pandemic. Talk about the proverbial can of worms that statement is the perfect example. Spend any amount of time out in the world and you witness people’s personal responsibility being very subjective.I’m not a betting man but I’m willing to bet that the mask mandate will again be extended and one of the main reasons is that there isn’t a collective mask mandate across the world, it seems that each country offers up their own individualized plan.If you plan to head to Florida for summer travel here’s a tip worth sharing. Florida has an abundance of toll roads, and those toll roads can be expensive. They’re even more expensive if you are in a rental car, and that’s due to the “convenience fee” imposed by car rental companies. I’ve seen daily convenience fees for each day of the rental even if you don’t use a toll road, and I’ve also seen a convenience fee imposed each day you use a toll road.I use an EZ Pass and at some point, I was smart enough to purchase an EZ Pass that mounts to my windshield with suction cups. At the time the reason was that I flip my car every 36 months and it would be easier to move the transponder to a new vehicle rather than remembering to scape the old pass off the windshield when I turned my car in. Little did I know that the EZ Pass is accepted in 19 states, most of which I travel through. So now part of my routine is when I park at the airport I remove my EZ Pass transponder and throw it in my laptop bag so I have it for my rental car. So if you can remove your EZ Pass take it with you when you travel. If you don’t have an EZ Pass here’s another solution when you arrive in Orlando. You can pick up a Visitor Toll Pass at the Orlando airport.Four easy steps - * Download the app and reserve your Visitor Toll Pass™* Pick Up Your Pass at the Orlando International Airport* Hang your Visitor Toll Pass™ on your Rental Vehicle’s Rearview Mirror* Return Your Visitor Toll Pass™ at Orlando International AirportThe benefits -* Save Up to 80% on Tolls with Visitor Toll Pass™* Completely free to use** Guarantees you always pay the lowest toll rate throughout Florida* Available for pick-up and return at Orlando International Airport* Here’s the one catch - You must return your Visitor Toll Pass™ hangtag at the conclusion of your trip or a $10 fee will be charged. Even if you forget to return the hangtag it’s still cheaper than paying the rental car company's convenience fee.From the “Who Knew” department, I give you - Five nude beaches in the United States.* Haulover Beach Park, Florida - I knew about this one from growing up in South Florida, and apparently, it’s still in operation. On the upside, if you get tired of all the Florida nudity you’ll be near Haulover Inlet and there you can watch mature captains try and navigate their vessels out into the ocean. Which honestly is a lot more entertaining than watching naked bodies roasting in the sun.* Next is Black’s Beach, California which requires a bit of hiking to access. Not sure if you hike clothed or just leave everything in the car.* How about Gunnison Beach, New Jersey, yes New Jersey has a nude beach, who knew.* If you’re in Hawaii you can let it all hang out in Little Beach, located in Maui, Hawaii* Finishing the list with Collins Beach, Oregon. Yes, Oregon… and I can tell you that I never once considered that Oregon residents would ever want to visit the beach, much less a nude beach.Here’s how I typically sum up nudist colonies and nude beaches…… none of the people there are the ones you would want to see naked.So if a nudist beach isn’t on your summer destination list what is? And how do you make the summer vacation process more enjoyable?Number one you need to begin booking summer travel right now. Airfare won’t be any cheaper in four weeks unless you stumble across some random sale. Home rentals and hotels will quickly book up and rental cars will also quickly be gobbled up.Here are a few additional tips to help with summer travel.* My first piece of advice is to avoid selecting mega-popular destinations. Yep, possibly won’t win father of the year with that advice but I don’t want to spend my downtime with lots of randos. I know that there are people that love the grind of waiting in long lines, that love being sunburnt, and who love having the same vacation experience as everyone else.* Next, do some research. We all have the internet, otherwise, you wouldn't have access to this show. Make sure you fully understand where you’re headed to. If it’s the southeast it’s going to be hot. If it’s Florida more than likely it will rain at some point during the day…. So pack a  poncho.* Don’t plan every moment of every day. I’ve talked about this before, but the CEO and I have had more fun taking quick side trips during our travels.* I typically don’t plan family travel during busy times. Think Memorial Day, July 4th, and the week before the kiddos return to school. You get the point.I found this over on Make Use Of - 10 Pieces of Tech You Really Don't Need AnymoreAnd here are a few of the highlights.* Payphones or calling cards. - Payphones, I can’t remember the last time I saw one in the wild, and if I did I’d doubt that I’d have any coins to feed it. The same goes for calling cards. I was issued one several decades ago, and I’m sure it’s in a drawer someplace but I can’t remember the last time I used it. Calling cards were great cost savings when you traveled as they allowed you to avoid the hotel surcharge added to your bill when you connected your laptop's 56k modem in order to access your email. * Pagers - in the early 1990s’ a pager was how we conducted business. This was before texting so communication was done using only numbers and not alpha characters. Most of us perfected a series of numeric codes to get our message across. Think emojis but without the graphic* 911 - call me back immediately* 411 - I have a question* 831 - I love you - 8 characters, 3 words 1 meaning. We were creative, to say the least.* Portable music players - I started with a Sony WalkMan that became a Sony Discman that morphed into an MP3 player and now everything is contained on my phone.* Floppy Disks and CDs’ - My last computer with a floppy drive was 2000 and after that, I went with 2 CDRW drives so I could burn one CD to another so I would have a Quote - unquote backup. None of the laptops at Chateau’ Relaxo have a CD drive but when the entrepreneur recently moved out he left us with a USB external CD drive just for old time's sake. Recently a View From The Wing reader asked, Does A Hotel Owe You Compensation When Your Room’s Alarm Goes Off During The Night? They are asking about the alarm clock, not the fire alarm.Here was the author of the post Gary Leff’s response - This one seems easy to me – the hotel is responsible.And here’s his reasoning - * The fundamental thing you’re buying from a hotel is a safe, comfortable night’s sleep and a place to shower in the morning.* A basic responsibility for any decent hotel would be to check that the bedside alarm clock is not turned on, as part of turning the room between guests. If they fail to do that, and the result if you aren’t able to get the comfortable night’s sleep you purchased, then they haven’t earned their money.In all my years of travel, this has happened to me maybe twice, and neither time did I consider asking for compensation from the hotel.Earlier I mentioned personal responsibility and this is a perfect example of just that. Do people really expect housekeeping to verify that every clocks alarm is set to off? Most times I verify that the alarm is set to “off” and then I unplug the alarm clock because I set an alarm on my smartphone and that frees up a receptacle for powering one of the other life-saving devices I travel with.Last year Marriott was considering removing alarm clocks from hotel rooms altogether. Be prepared Marriott more than likely someone will want compensation for oversleeping since there wasn’t an alarm clock to wake them up.Lifehacker posted How to Create the Ultimate Travel Spreadsheet (and Why You Need One)I love data and organization so I immediately thought this would hold one or two new nuggets. The post started out strong - with Why you need an ultimate travel spreadsheet.* Accessibility. You will always have access to your itinerary via your phone. Viewing a spreadsheet on a smartphone is brutal.* Collaborating and sharing. Makes sense especially if it’s Office 365 or Google sheets.* Built-in templates. OK* Adaptability. As plans change, you can edit your spreadsheet on the go. But here’s where they lost me - Creating tabs. Tabs for - * General overview itinerary: * Detailed, master itinerary: All the information in one place, links to different tabs, (all the information in one place, can link to different tabs as needed?)* Packing list:* Transportation: * Lodging:* Budget:.* Day-by-day itineraries: * The fun stuff: Restaurants, nightlife ideas, etc.There are many many many people that enjoy planning a vacation more than taking the actual vacation. If that’s you then this 8-tab pivot-table wanna-be spreadsheet might just be for you.Here’s my take on travel planning, more specifically vacation or pleasure travel planning. Get a free Evernote account and download the desktop client as well as the plugin for your web browser of choice. Step 1 - Create an Evernote notebook for your next trip or multiple notebooks for multiple tripsStep 2 - While browsing and you see something that applies to an upcoming trip use the Evernote web clipper to store it in the correct folder. You can even add tags to the clips if you want.Step 3 - As the time approaches to begin booking travel open Evernote and the notebook for your next trip and all your cool ideas and destinations are in one place.You can even share the notebook with others so they can contribute their own notes, links, and ideas.When it comes to managing itineraries TripIt does it better than anyone, and again the free version will work perfectly.TripIt monitors your email inbox and has the intelligence to build a travel itinerary based on email subject lines. The best part is that you don’t have to input any information.Again you can easily share your TripIt information with othersSo sorry “Big Spreadsheet” my method suits me perfectly.Finishing up with this inspiration from HuffPost - How To Get Rid Of The Post-Vacation Blues.I’ve never experienced this, and after reading their suggestion I have an idea why. Thankfully I have a job that I love, I work with a great group of people, so it’s rare that finish up my Sundays dreading Monday.* Unpack your suitcase when you get home - I do this after every trip. If toiletries need replacing I tell my Echo to add it to the shopping list.* Bring home a souvenir you can use in daily life - My office is decorated with things I’ve found while traveling.* Seek out meals you tried while traveling - Can you say Nashville hot chicken or Savannah’s shrimp and grits? Before the internet became so prevalent I would often times buy local cookbooks while traveling.* Plan your next trip -  * Do vacation activities in your everyday life - This is somewhat the reverse for me as there are times when we’ll do everyday activities while traveling, such as fishing, geocaching, or attending cooking schools.* Explore your hometown - I’ve often said that there’s so much just an hour or two from where you live and since moving to Central Florida we’ve done some sort of a day trip or an overnighter almost every single month.* Share memories - First, no one wants to look at 47 pictures on your smartphone of your latest trip. But you can easily share them with people using Flickr or you can create your own website and share your adventures that way. Or even a podcast……So since I’m already doing most of the items on the list that’s the reason I don’t suffer the post-vacation blues.That’s it for this episode of travel randomness, the next episode in the queue is the April Crazy Travel Roundup.If you want detailed show notes, links and pictures head over to podpage.com/travel-stories/Leave a message on Anchor, or shoot me an email at [email protected] I always say, travel safe, stay safe, and thanks for listening.Thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelstories.substack.com