Tagged With "App instead of passport"
Comment
Re: Frankfurt: Not Just for Business
I liked your description of the Rubens exhibit that tied together his inspirational objects and sketches. Adds so much more to an art exhibit instead of just hanging a painting with the title. I also fell into the trap of not visiting Frankfurt when I only lived about 20 miles away for about six years. I did really enjoy the Frankfurt Zoo and their Christmas Market.
Comment
Re: Tips to help with packing no matter where you are going
I know what Marilyn means about not overpacking...I recently found a picture of us with our luggage on a 2-person trip to France 20 years ago: a pair of 32" suitcases and a flotilla of small ones around them. Of course, now that we pack Kindle instead of books, that's one down...and overall, we're down to not much luggage. Another useful packing tool is gallon and 2-gallon ZipLoc-type bags (there are even larger sizes available!). Their big plus, aside from compression and sealing is that...
Comment
Re: WestJet Scraps TV's on Back of Seats for New Routes to London Gatwick
I'm a little surprised by this. Westjet has free back-of-seat televisions on virtually all of its planes, and people like that feature a lot. It makes me wonder if this will be their new direction -- streaming to you, instead of providing you their television. If people are prepared, and if they provide charging outlets, I think consumers won't mind about this.
Comment
Re: Surprising Speke Hall, Liverpool
Great piece! I can't say enough good things about John Lennon Airport that's next door. Not only is does it have a wide array of budget flights for Europe, the passport control is actually friendly there.
Comment
Re: Where We Went: London, Paris, Toronto
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.
Reply
Re: Classic American Cars #5
I posted on the linked page instead of here. I agree with GarryRF and said much the same thing.
Comment
Re: Capital of Culture Series: Liverpool
Thanks Red Rover. My last trip I was supposed to go to Edinburgh ,but went to Liverpool instead . I guess I remembered The Tune Hotel from the untaken trip .
Comment
Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
Garry, I have to disagree with you there...having worked in situations like that. It's certainly true that there are often too many tables to serve (if the owner can get by with three waiters instead of four or five, that's money in his pocket). And it's true that too many tables means poor service, even when you want to do better: You just can't, and that often means lower tips as well. Remember: if the party coming in the door is not on your station, you're not serving them. And if they...
Comment
Re: Where Gumbo was #22. Skull Rock, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Lesson learned! I should have Googled Skull Rock instead of speculating about animated films!
Comment
Re: British Parents Prosecuted For Taking Vacation During School Time
In the schools i've been working in these past few years, we have identified when most kids miss school for that specific reason...and work with it Instead of against it. We do encourage parents to try to take vacations when school is out though.
Comment
Re: Wandering In and Around Split
Split is amazing! And I love your article, I missed out on some of the things to do. Instead I visited all the Game of Thrones filming locations in and around Split I tried to visit as much as possible early in the morning avoiding the crowds, this place seems to be very popular already...
Comment
Re: New trend? Some airlines end toll-free calls
Yet another drop in service, but one that likely will have minimal impact on most customers. If it saves millions of dollars, and the savings are used to reduce company overhead (say instead of bonuses for executives), I think consumers will be supportive.
Comment
Re: October 15 2017, Greek Amphitheater - Siracusa Italy
Great pics Jonathan. Greece was on our short list for next year, but decided on Munich, Vienna, and Prague instead. Definitely still on our bucket list. Thanks for sharing.
Comment
Re: Amsterdam councillors: cheap visitors, stay home!
It's because the beer, dining, hotels, museum, coffee shops and the red light district are so expensive we can't afford to stay longer. Perhaps Udo Kock should change the image of Amsterdam away from drugs and prostitution so that the more discerning traveller - like myself - would make it a week instead of a weekend.
Comment
Re: The Difference between Tourists and Travelers
I think it may not be all that easy to divide the world into 'tourists' and 'travelers;' the world is not really that binary, and there are many shades between them. And many of those we meet are on the path to deeper experiences as they experience more and travel more. I think of the many new travelers who used to post on the Frommer forums about their desire to 'see as much as possible' and 'do as many countries as possible' in impossibly short time allowances. Some of us who were regulars...
Comment
Re: Passport Woes
Almost disaster. We once purchased a new Volvo back in 1991 and a trip to the factory in Goteborg Sweden to pick up the car was included. We picked up our new car and crossed via ferry into Denmark without a hitch. But at the German customs and passport control station, I was denied entry including our vehicle. I had shaved off my beard a few months prior, but my passport photo still showed the beard. The German officials kept saying that it wasn't my passport and to produce my real...
Comment
Re: Passport Woes
My son was denied entry to the US shortly after 9-11. "Because the US isn't accepting men traveling alone" He replied "That's not a valid reason" So they stamped "Deported" on his passport. "Is that good enough for you ? "
Comment
Re: TAP surprise winner in European airline numbers
BA have just withdrawn the lunchtime flight from Mumbai to London which we booked several months ago. They put us on one at 2:15 a.m. instead, which would have completely messed up our travel plans (both in India and back here). So, you can subtract 2 from their passenger numbers - we cancelled and re-booked with Jet Airways (who still have a lunchtime flight).
Comment
Re: You've got a friend in Pennsylvania...and it's an app!
An excellent idea. Hopefully every state (and province) can put out similar information.
Comment
Re: You've got a friend in Pennsylvania...and it's an app!
I would assume that the basic structure could be the same for all states, and I'd bet a lot of states use the same format for the information because it's shared with Feds, etc. It might be only the ancillary information that would need to be modified. At least I hope that's so! ------ Original Message ------
Comment
Re: Where in the World is Gumbo (#38)
Here's a view of the other side of the station...economizers once wanted to remove these beautiful fixtures, but after protests, they were restored instead. When the railroad first opened in this town, half the population were on "poor relief;" the railroad enabled its goods to sell over a wider area and made the town prosperous.
Comment
Re: Memphis, Tennessee 2) The King's chariots
Thanks, Garry. Yes, there is definitely an interest in Elvis from the younger generation. I'd say that today most of those visiting Graceland were not alive when Elvis died. And what's most amazing to me is how they come from all over the planet. Some of his greatest supporters, as you know, are from the UK (and also Japan for that matter). Elvis always regretted not performing in England, but his manager (he of the 50% cut fame) was an illegal alien without a passport, so he only kept Elvis...
Comment
Re: More WiFi in NYC Subway...soon...maybe.
Transit Wireless is a company formed for this project; it's owned by the phone and data carriers, which have paid part of the costs. The other revenue stream is the potential for advertising, and also sponsorships ("WiFi at this station is sponsored by...") Everything here seems to be a big to-do; we've been on lots of European systems that have had full service, including tunnels, for quite a while. We're also way behind on "train will arrive" signs, because the NYCTA way is to design from...
Comment
Re: World's 10 Best Airports? Maybe...
I think the comments, and mine are all hitting on the same point: better airport is not more amenities for while you're trapped there...better airport is not trapping you there. I get disbelieving stares when I tell people that Laguardia is my favorite. But, while it looks a bit dated, its size means you don't have ridiculous hikes, and it's easy to get in and get out. Heathrow T5, on the other hand...especially if you are transferring from T3...is an experience that makes you feel like...
Reply
Re: How loooong does it take to get to your airport?
There's certainly a lot of variation, as I also noted above. And sometimes the planners don't help much either, as is the case with all three of our New York airports, where the whole AirTrain concept is completely botched. At Kennedy, the AirTrain's stations are not in, but sort of near, the terminals. That means you have to drag your stuff outside, across the roadways, and then up stairs or elevator to the train. And then, you have a choice of going to the commuter rail station (about 3...
Comment
Re: New York Taxis Debut App to Compete with Uber
Anything that pushes back at Uber is generally fine with me, but there are a few side issues here...starting with the "aging taxi fleet," which is actually newer than it's been in many years. The NV2000 boondoggle (and that's what it is) started with the previous mayor, Bloomberg, who decided that all owners should be forced to use the same cab..and then chose the NV2000, which does not, and cannot, meet ADA standards. For it to be wheelchair accessible requires an aftermarket conversion...
Comment
Re: New York Taxis Debut App to Compete with Uber
I seem to remember you posting something about the Nissan Minivan before on TG but I couldn't find it. I'll link to it here if I can come across it I do like the idea of finding out the fare ahead of time with the app. No arguing about what route to take or worrying you'll be over-charged
Comment
Re: New York Taxis Debut App to Compete with Uber
Well, even without the app, it's not like the fa e is a blind guess, either. There's a meter, and a rate based on miles and time...just like almost every other big city. And there are online calculators such as WorldTaxi which will tell you about what a specific trip should cost, It's not that there aren't things that could improve, but Uber is no improvement, with its cavalier attitudes (surge pricing, drivers stiffed on rates, lack of or inadequate insurance) and its not paying its share...
Comment
Re: Holiday Inn Express to Offer Selfies on Pancakes
I'm not an ad executive, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express recently, so that qualifies me to tell them. This is a horrible campaign. Couldn't they of come up with a selfie free breakfast campaign instead?
Comment
Re: Iran: Friendliness, Culture, Modernity - So Far Away From The Clichés!
Hello Dr. Fumblefinger, Thank you for your Feedback! To answer your questions: 1) The infrastructure is good to very good, and it is extremely easy to travel within Iran: there are lots of buses and excellent trains, there is a wide range of hotels, from simple guesthouses to world-class 5 stars hotels, restaurants going from street food stalls to fine dining, ... I have read that with the very fast development of tourism, the high-end category of hotels is the one that might get overbooked...
Comment
Re: No place like home? 41% of Americans stayed there!
You're certainly right about the prioritiess and affordability; I've never understood, for instance, couples who put off having a glorious honeymoon in order to pay for a fancy wedding. Or who save for years for a big trip instead of camping with the kids while they are young... At the other end, though, there are lots of people who've had very hard times the last few years, and may be cashing in vacation time for home repair or mortgage payment. And as for the 20 days (4 working...
Reply
Re: Beating Jet Lag
My method is similar--get on the local schedule as best as I can. I do not nap upon arrival. Fortunately, I am usually so dang excited that adrenaline takes over and am usually fairly alert until after dinner time. Unfortunately, that also means I have nearly an impossible time sleeping on planes. Even with a sleep aid. I've read of people adjusting their schedule for up to two weeks ahead of time to make up for the change in the schedule, making their sleep rhythms in tune with the local...
Reply
Re: Beating Jet Lag
We've developed an easy-to-use method of avoiding jet lag. Instead of changing sleep and/or lighting schedules days before your flight, simply fast for ~16 hrs before your first full meal at your destination. This calculator can help you plan: jetlagcalc.com Happy travels everyone!
Comment
Re: Boeing's 'Cuddle Seat' tackles the economy snooze
I can think up a few problems but maybe the've factored for those. it looks like,instead of getting your knees hit by a reclining seat, it could be your face. And I could imagine getting all twisted up in the straps by the time I wake up.
Comment
Re: A Price War over Trans-Atlantic? TravelGumbo interviews Norwegian Air
I recently saw a cheap fare from Norwegian posted on The Flight Deal website. What struck me is what they said in the post (below) and how it really demonstrates the same Skytrain price matching problem . I do think consumers have to think that if they choose the legacy carriers price match ,instead of Norwegians, there might not be these lower fares in the future that Delta or United will match. " Norwegian is a low cost carrier so they will charge you for everything – advanced seat...
Reply
Re: Is Visa everywhere you want to be?
Very good advice, Rob...and also check with the card-issuer what fees it charges for overseas use...some of them not only charge foreign-exchange fees, but also hefty ATM fees! One idea that may make sense for many travelers: Charles Schwab has a "high-yield investment" checking account that seems almost like a dream. No fees, no minimum balance, no foreign exchange fees, no ATM fees, and if anyone charges you an ATM fee, they refund it. It's linked to an investment account, but you don't...
Comment
Re: Spain, Portugal gain tourists in Greek crisis
I think people are exchanging visiting GREECE now for a lot of other European countries too besides Spain and Portugal. Avoiding uncertainty in travel is very hard to do though when you travel no matter where you go as i've found out with a lost passport and ferry strikes
Reply
Re: Lost a US Passport Overseas? What I learned this trip.
I'm glad to hear the process worked so well. But I am surprised, for some reason, that they charged you for it. I wish you'd reported that it was as straightforward as you said and also that it's a service that comes with having paid for your passport already. Oh, well.
Reply
Re: Lost a US Passport Overseas? What I learned this trip.
I also wish they didn't charge extra for it since I already paid for a Passport. I expected that part though. I was just glad to get my Passport the first business day.
Reply
Re: Lost a US Passport Overseas? What I learned this trip.
I appreciate reading this because I have always wanted to know what to do if I lose my passport. I always carry with me extra passport photos and a photocopies of my passport. Glad to know they could come in handy.
Reply
Re: Lost a US Passport Overseas? What I learned this trip.
I like HistoryDigger's idea of carrying extra passport-sized photos...even if you don't lose your passport, you may find them useful if you need them for a transit pass (as in Paris, for the Navigo). We also carry color copies of the ID page of our passports; in case of loss or theft it may help identify you at the consulate.
Reply
Re: Lost a US Passport Overseas? What I learned this trip.
i believe that we should make a copy of our passport and bring some photos (passport size) before departure. It will be really useful in the case we lost our passport. This is my travel experience whilst working as travel consultant in Vietnam.
Comment
Re: Max Gate - home of British author Thomas Hardy
It was right at the end of about a week walking on that killer path, the Southwest Coast Path, and isn't SO far from Dorchester. But you don't need to be impressed, Mac, I ran out of gas just as I was leaving Hardy's Cottage to start back and instead of returning on foot, called the hotel and had them send a taxi to fetch us. But walking does put me in the mood to visit historic places. Arriving by car, which I've done with friends and in rental cars, just isn't the same. There's nothing...
Comment
Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#135)
Saturday clue...sorry it's a bit late! To make up for it, the last (Sunday) clue will be posted tonight instead of the morning...
Comment
Re: Left Hand Drive Vs Right Hand Drive Countries
The Swedish experience is fascinating. Here's a link to more details. What makes it especially fascinating is that Sweden had always had cars with the driver and steering on the left, initially American imports, but had driven on the left. I would have expected a surge in minor accidents at the time of the change, but instead, the article says, the accident rate dropped sharply because drivers were now better placed to deal with oncoming traffic!
Comment
Re: U.S. cuts most Cuba air routes
We were there just before that, in January 2016, and found a broad wave of (over)optimistic expectation that we were the leading edge of a wave, and that Obama was something akin to Mother Theresa and Gandhi wrapped in one. On our last visit, this past January, we had less contact with locals, but found a belief among some that Trump was a glitch and soon the Americans would come again... It seems to me that there are a lot of misperceptions on all sides, including the idea that Cuba is what...
Comment
Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#343)
The leeches are on display in the next exhibit, George, but perhaps instead you'd like to look at our next puzzle clues from this week's mystery destination. How might they tie in with the exhibit shown in our first clue?
Comment
Re: Brits still in love with long-haul holidays
I can get an 11 hour flight from the UK to Cuba, Airport transfers, All inclusive Resort on the Beach and evening Entertainment. 2 weeks in June. Same price as I pay for a return Flight only to New York - 6 Hours. $1250 US. I'll be responsible when the UK Prime Minister gets the Train from London to Brussels instead of Flying.
Comment
Re: June 27, 2016. The Cormorant and the Eel
It's the first time I'd wish you used video instead of still images! But the drama of the struggle is well captured. Thanks!
Comment
Re: 4 fairly new travel apps that really work
What a great blog. I will certainly be trying out CityMapper and FLIO on our next trip to Paris in the fall. Thanks for the useful tips.