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Tagged With "trip planning"

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Re: Canadian snowbirds: Don't clip our wings!

DrFumblefinger ·
The current Canadian plan covers only a fraction of the billed amount the snowbirds might encounter with an emergency medical problem in the USA, Mexico or Caribbean. Most of the snowbirds I know have a supplemental travel policy that protects them fully in case of emergency.
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Re: Interview: Orion Travel Tech's Gary German

Travel Rob ·
The part I like most about Gary's ads on luggage plan, is the bags will be distinctive. I've really had a hard time of late distinguishing my luggage from everyone else's and these bags should stand out. As for all of Orion's plans , I can't think of a company that has so many different startups planned for the next few year. It will be fun to watch and I thank Gary for the interview.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, November 13, 2015: Views over Tallinn, Estonia

Mac ·
Marilyn, it was lovely and enchanting. I plan to post more pictures of Tallinn and other Baltic destinations in the run-up to Christmas. I'm sure you would like to visit them all.
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Re: EU Parliament Ends Cell Phone Roaming Charges in 2017

Paul Heymont ·
Yes, it will apply to prepaid plans, which many Europeans as well as visitors use, but it's not as happily absolute as some of the celebrators make it sound. The final June 2017 step depends on a reform of the European wholesale roaming market in which carriers pay each other for roaming use, and is also subject to limits for those who roam "too much." Here's a quote from one of the Parliament members who was a leading proponent of the law (which also originally included provisions for net...
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Re: Money Saving Tips, for your Big Trip – Part 2

Travel Rob ·
Another great set of ideas!
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo #187

Paul Heymont ·
Here are the Saturday clues...and if you can name the statue in the first one, you can name the city Gumbo's in...and the second shows the interesting junction where the building's classical plan ran out of funds...and was continued later.
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Re: Money Savings Tips, for your Big Trip - Part 1

TravelingCanuck ·
Thanks Samantha. All great tips. Some we do now and some (public transit) we do not since we live outside Edmonton and both work in the city. A 15 minute commute would turn into over an hour on transit. We actually just redid our cable subscription, obtained a better plan and updated internet with a reduced monthly cost. With our kids now moved out we are able to save a good bit on our utilities, phone costs and especially food costs. All extra coin for the next trip.
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Re: Money Savings Tips, for your Big Trip - Part 1

Samantha ·
Thanks for the comment. Glad you were able to get a new contract with your cable company. We had Comcast and they don't care about retaining customers, only getting new ones Such a shame. Thanks for the comment and happy travels.
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Re: Shunpiking Through Northern Pennsylvania

Marilyn Jones ·
What fun! I love a good road trip and I enjoyed reading about your...great photos!
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Re: Shunpiking Through Northern Ohio

GarryRF ·
I enjoy your journeys around " Small Town USA". The US has such a wealth of history. You should write a book so that Brits like me know where to search for new ventures - ready for my next trip across the pond. Thank You.
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Re: Sept. 23, 2018: Lalibela—Ethiopia’s Jerusalem

Grand Escapades ·
Ethiopia offers a lot of highlights, but the Rock-Hewn Churches (Lalibela, but also Tigray) are simply breathtaking) You definitely should plan that trip ;-)
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Re: Where We Went: London, Paris, Toronto

Paul Heymont ·
That's a great point! I never like "best" lists, anyway...and like to stray into any place that looks good and take a chance on whether it's "Zagat-quality." The cost of living is interesting, too, especially for travelers on tight budgets; my experience in Portugal last summer (see BLOG here on TravelGumbo) has sent a couple of younger colleagues off to plan Portugal trips instead of more expensive parts of Europe.
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Re: Island Air: Even Billionaires Get Airline Blues

Paul Heymont ·
Well, it's worth noting that Hawaiian has still not gotten Ohana off the ground, literally. They're citing FAA's cutbacks due to sequestration and then the shutdown as the reason. Island Air used to be a Hawaiian affiliate, flying Dash-8s and ATR-42s into small airports and feeding passengers into Hawaiian. Ohana was/is their plan to stay in that market with ATR42s. Island is unhappy with its ATRs (both the 42 and the larger 72), but doesn't seem to be able to solve any of its problems. I...
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other. (Part 5) The Elephants of Pinnawala

PortMoresby ·
Lots to consider. I can't go through Thailand without hanging out a few weeks so the 2 ticket plan may suit me better. I see Cathay Pacific also flies to Colombo, connecting in HKG. Will have to do more research to see if any of the low fare Asian airlines can facilitate a plan. What season is your favorite there? Is there an off-season when there are bargains to be had?
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Re: The Worst Train in the World

Jill's Scene ·
Fascinating read! If I do take this train trip, and it's currently included in the plan, for our hoped for trip to Mynamar later this year, I can't say I wasn't warned. Coming from a country that shakes, rattles, and rolls pretty much every day there were two things about the earthquake that worried me. First, it was big enough to produce screams!! Second, it seems that no-one bothered to check the tracks before the train left the station. And so as I was reading I expected a derailment -...
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Re: The Tulou of Fujian Province

PortMoresby ·
Thanks, Dgems. When I wrote this piece, last year, I didn't have access to my own photos. In the next month or so I plan to post a gallery of my own pictures of the tulou so you'll have a better idea of the variety of structures and ambiance of the area.
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Re: 25 Yr Old Wins $ 1M Picasso for only $ 135 US

DrFumblefinger ·
Originally Posted by JohnT: I saw this in the paper this morning as well. Apparently there are only 10,000 tickets left... Gotta admit it's tempting...only way I'd ever own a Picasso...just wouldn't go with the rest of my decor though...clashes with "Dogs playing poker." No John, don't think it would clash with the Dog picture. Welcome back. Hope you've recovered from your jet lag and have settled into "life as usual" (ie. starting to plan your next trip).
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Re: British Parents Prosecuted For Taking Vacation During School Time

Paul Heymont ·
Often we find that the problem is greatest for the working parents with the fewest resources: those working in low-wage service industries whose cycles don't match those of schools. For instance, hospital workers have time off spaced through the year--no slow season, sadly--and workers in tourism-based industries are often most in demand at the very same time that their children are off! I think the solution goes in two directions: First for parents to consider all other alternatives first,...
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Re: AAA Premier a Good Idea for Budget Travelers

DrFumblefinger ·
I've use the towing service several times over the years, as well as their locksmith service. Excellent service always. And I actually use a ton of their travel books and maps when planning my domestic trips (USA and Canada). Yes, you can check them out but this way you can mark them up and cut out what you need. In Canada, a AAA (CAA) offers a 10% discount on a national parks pass (annual), and their travel agents can help you plan out a road trip with great advice -- all for free if you...
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Re: Walking the Camino on your own

GarryRF ·
Always a good plan is to keep a copy of all your travel documents on your Email address.
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Re: August 23, 2017: Wolf Creek Pass - Colorado

DrFumblefinger ·
I know it's high up, but there is still an awful lot of snow up there. What time of year did you take the photos, Samantha?
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Re: August 23, 2017: Wolf Creek Pass - Colorado

Samantha ·
Hi there DrFumblefinger, it was the middle of May! Crazy huh? lol
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Re: Heather in Bloom - North York Moors.

DrFumblefinger ·
A most amazing and lovely landscape (with tip of the hat to its Scottish counterpart). When is a good time for a tourist to see the heather in bloom? I know some folks that would plan a trip just to see these colors.
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Re: Heather in Bloom - North York Moors.

Paul Hunter Landscape Tog ·
Early to mid august would be the prime time to visit and view.
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Re: Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg, Canada. Where Gumbo Was #36

GarryRF ·
In 1858, Frederick Law Olmsted won a design competition to improve and expand Central Park with a plan he entitled the Greensward Plan . 8 years AFTER Olmsted visited the Peoples Garden - Birkenhead Park England. He said "that in democratic America there was nothing to be thought of as comparable with this People’s Garden" So he took the plans back to New York. Entered the Central Park competition 8 years later. And won using Paxton plans from the Peoples Garden in England as a guide.
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Re: Walking the Freedom Trail in Boston

GarryRF ·
Must be 15 years since I walked most of your journey through Boston. The mix of old and new buildings are fascinating as you walk the city. Many of the older buildings look like they have shared an architects plan with older buildings here in Liverpool UK. I do find it odd that 5 Bostonians were stoning a single Redcoat then you call them unarmed ! A situation that would bring about the same end results today. I enjoyed your Blog. Thanks.
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Re: Shhh! Your suitcase is disturbing my sleep!

Paul Heymont ·
Well...it turns out... Or anyway, maybe the flurry of media protests changed their mind... But the city commissioner for Venice (the Mayor was removed earlier this year for corruption) denies that there was ever a plan to ban the suitcases or fine the tourists. He did say that they cause damage, but the rules are intended at noisy freight carts. However you view it, here's the LATEST
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, November 25, 2014: Fall colors at Upper Kananaskis Lake, Alberta

GarryRF ·
My Wife - she who must be obeyed - loves a single Kayak and the open sea. So I presume this would be on a lake. Much safer I think. Sounds like you have the perfect location for a wilderness family like ours ! When we camp in summer you'd mistake some of the tents for aircraft hangers. But the kids and babies come too. Canoes and Fishing rods. Wet suits and waders. We go to Shell Island in Wales - but only when the tides out. Need to plan your journey ahead. They only have Grizzly Sheep.
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Re: The National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology, Dublin: Where Gumbo was #78

HistoryDigger ·
Wonderful. Can't wait to read the rest of your Ireland posts to help plan my next trip. Ireland was at the top of the list.
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Re: Finding Reiner #7: Shrapnel & Bones

DrFumblefinger ·
Originally Posted by Carlin Scherer: Beautiful image - grabbing on to the spider web and flying into a peaceful land/world. Reiner wrote beautifully!!! Reiner was a great writer, and I'm sure in the original German it's even more elegantly phrased than in this fine translation! PHeymont -- agree with the sentiment. Believe we'll always have evil, power grabbing tyrants in our midst and our challenge is not to keep them from seizing power. Not an easy task. I've been reading Eric Metaxas...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 17, 2014: Cobble Stone Square in Aix-en-Provence

Paul Heymont ·
Aix is a favorite with us, even though we've spent only limited time there...but long enough to have posted a Picture of the Day featuring the local market , not far from the scene of your picture...it's really a great walking town.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 17, 2014: Cobble Stone Square in Aix-en-Provence

DrFumblefinger ·
An evocative image, Islandman, and no -- I can't think of any place this could be but France. Thanks for sharing the photo and the story behind it!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 17, 2014: Cobble Stone Square in Aix-en-Provence

Travel Rob ·
You sure captured France!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 17, 2014: Cobble Stone Square in Aix-en-Provence

HistoryDigger ·
Draws me in...and back to my days in Provence, too many years ago. Thanks for the reminder of France's southern beauty.
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Re: Iceland's new attraction: tunnel into a glacier

DrFumblefinger ·
Glaciers are constantly moving, and not all parts at the same rate! Makes you wonder how they plan on keeping the tunnel safe and in good condition all the time?
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Re: Marriott to offer free wi-fi to all its Rewards member

PortMoresby ·
It makes me wonder who they think is their target upgrader. In this age of data plans, most people who want or need fast access already have it. It seems to me not a very well thought out marketing plan. Having it free for everyone would make them more in goodwill than a few paying for it. For those, like me, who are more annoyed by the ploy than I need the service, it's definitely a losing proposition.
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Re: Marriott to offer free wi-fi to all its Rewards member

Paul Heymont ·
When you have a high-speed data plan on the phone, it can get eaten quickly when used as a hotspot, especially when the whole family is on devices! But if these chains want to be viewed by their customers the way many people view Spirit Airlines...they're on the right track!
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Re: Tupelo, Mississippi. Birthplace of the King of Rock 'n Roll

GarryRF ·
Great piece of living history DrF. I think I'd have to follow your plan of attack and travel without my p.a. She's not a fan of modern music ! I love anyone who spells Theatre correctly, and gives me new ways to describe being "skint" "before their deteriorating financial conditions (“dirt poo") forced them to move elsewhere"
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Re: Anatomy of a Trip (beyond eating & drinking...mostly)

DrFumblefinger ·
I certainly look forward to hearing and seeing more of your in-the-field reports about Oaxaca, esp the markets. Hope you're having a wonderful trip, PM!
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#126)

Roderick Simpson ·
I think I know where this is, as I plan to go to the area in September and looked at relevant websites yesterday, hence I think I have the answer. Unfortunately, I cannot e-mail it to suggestions@travelgumbo.com. , as my server is down for repairs.
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Re: Anatomy of a Trip (first things first, where to go?)

Paul Heymont ·
While I've never (unfortunately) been away long enough to worry my insurance company, the rest of the tale feels so familiar—all the possibilities spread out before me, all the questions, the doubts and self-doubts, and finally the sense of really "owning" the journey. I'm looking forward to the rest!
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Re: Anatomy of a Trip (first things first, where to go?)

Jonathan L ·
I have to say, i have never seen that much bouncing around of flights, except when one of my daughters took Air Pakistan to Europe in the mid-90's. I am also looking forward to what else happens with your trip.
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Re: Your TSA Approved Locks Won't Keep Thieves Out

PortMoresby ·
I assume locks on suitcase are like locks on our doors, as someone installing one at my house once said, to "keep honest people out". Or maybe just slowing down the dishonest ones, although not by much, I'm sure, in either case. A better plan might be to have nothing of value to such people where they can take it. The highest probability of theft from our bags seems to be from the baggage handlers. I wonder how they choose bags to go through? Maybe by size, the smaller the bag, the less...
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Re: The Historic Fort and Town of Galle, Sri Lanka

Travellinn ·
DrFumblefinger, then you should absolutely spend some time in Galle next time you visit Sri Lanka! GarryRF, the plan was originally to go to Unawatuna (30 min away) staying there and doing a day trip to Galle. But after doing a little bit research online, we found out that Unawatuna would not fit us, and ended up doing the opposite. On our daytrip to Unawatuna we certainly got confirmed that staying in Galle was a much better option. See my thought about that on...
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Re: How do you see Airbnb? The Times keeps track.

PortMoresby ·
The most negative feelings I've seen expressed online directed at Airbnb have been on forums, almost all from those not adventuresome enough to try it but who consider themselves "in the know". I think it must be terribly frustrating for those who'd like us to think they know everything, but who know nothing but hearsay about what's really become a movement. I've been verbally turned on when I've posted anything positive, accused of shilling for the site, among other imaginary sins. I always...
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Re: Visiting Cuba.

MAD Travel Diaries ·
It's similar rules for people like me coming from the Caribbean into Cuba. I flew via Panama and I was surprised how easy the process was entering Cuba given some horror stories I have heard. I planned my entire trip, thankfully with the help of locals. The only stress was getting an internal flight from Santiago back to Havana before we arrived (which I tried to do the minute we arrived). After a week of trying I finally scored the last two seats on the last flight out before our connecting...
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Re: Airline scheduling: Hurry up and wait, or run like crazy?

Jonathan L ·
Of course the king of "Banking" for years has been Icelandic Air. They have made their whole business plan around bringing planes from 10 different North American cities in the morning and having those same planes fly out to 10 different European cities 1-2 hours after landing. This allows 10 plane loads of passengers the ability to mix and match origins and destinations. Then in the afternoon they do the reverse run. For 2-4 hours a day the terminal is full as passengers switch planes, the...
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Re: Monumental Madrid

PortMoresby ·
I've never been to Madrid, a drive-through in 1966 doesn't count. When the world seems a good place to wander again I plan to go. Thanks for the preview.
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Re: Carnival ending free room service

Paul Heymont ·
UPDATE: Carnival announced on January 7 that it has canceled plans to charge for room service for items ordered before 10 pm. A Carnival spokesperson said the line is "making some adjustments to that plan to balance the interests of our guests with our efforts to reduce food waste costs. For the time being, there will be no changes until we finalize a plan that will be communicated to guests and travel agency partners alike."
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Re: The Murals of Winnipeg Pt 1

TravelingCanuck ·
You are correct. I was there mid April and there was a light dusting of snow falling. I will be back in the fall or new year again and plan on checking out more murals for a part 2.
 
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