Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

What Can You Eat for $10 in Bangkok?

Why is Southeast Asia and Thailand in particular so popular? It is SOOOO cheap it is riduculous. Now cheap prices usually means poor taste and bad quality. Not the case in Thailand. Remember the cooking class I took while I was there? I still have the recipe book.

A Guide to the Caribbean on a Budget
From loyal reader Karen
The Caribbean is not the cheapest place in the world, but there are ways to get around. Especially when the cold whether hits, the Caribbean is an easy, quick escape.

And whatever you do, do NOT take LIAT Airlines to get around the Caribbean. They have a horrible on-time record and you’ll be in trouble if you’re using them to connect to another flight. Stay with seaplanes or the large airlines in the region.

Travel Video of the Week
Mobile Phone Keys
The wave of the future. Not check-in in the traditional way but using your cell phone to walk right in the lobby and straight to the room. Your cell phone unlocks your door. Europe and Asia always seem to get the cool tech first. Americans won’t see it until 5 years after everyone else has it.

What It’s Like Refusing a Full-Body Scan: A Firsthand Account

Depending on who you talk to, the pat downs you receive after refusing the full-body scanner is the equivalent of a sexual assault or a harmless necessity in the post 9/11 world. I think a lot has to do with the attitude you bring to the security line. If you understand the TSA is just doing their job, you might be OK. If you think the TSA is inept and that the physical search is a personal affront to you, the pat down suddenly becomes a bad experience. I’m not saying that the TSA is right all the time, but I do think everyone needs to realize it is an necessary evil at this point.

Nabbed! Man boards flight in ‘elderly’ disguise

Wow! How badly do you want to leave somewhere to use a Mission:Impossible type mask to get on a flight? But come on. His ID said he was 55. That mask makes him look like he’s 90.

Five value destinations for winter travel

I don’t know about Boston as a winter destination. It is cold in the Northeast, and the fact that you don’t have lines and crowds to deal with might be negated by the fact that you are frozen straight to the marrow of your bones. Costa Rica is always a great place to get away. Loved my time there.

Who’s REALLY flying your plane?

I think we all would like to believe that our pilots are sitting in the cockpit, ramrod straight, eyes straight ahead, hands firmly on the steering yoke, for the entire length of your flight. Sorry to burst your bubble but it really isn’t like that.

Marrakech shopping: secrets of the souks

I’m glad someone wrote the book I kept thinking about when I was in Marrakesh. Where is the guide to show me where all the souks are? There are so many, so many twists and turns in the alleys that is is easy to get lost in what you think is a small area. I’m not a big shopper, but I love walking through, seeing the vibrant colors of the fabrics, the smells of spices and incense, the give and take of bartering.

Which airline has the best frequent flier program?
There is an award for everything and frequent flier programs are not exception. If your favorite airline/hotel in listed here, sign up if you haven’t already.

13 Things Your Flight Attendant Won’t Tell You

Since the pilots got their chance to spill the beans, the flight attendants now can have their say. Not as informative as the pilots’, but maybe will give you some empathy for your FA the next time you board a plane.

How Safe is a Cruise??

Did you know that per capita there are more sexual assaults on cruise shops than there are in major American cities? Then you hear the stories of people disappearing off of ships, never be found again. Again, very small chance any of this could happen, but it is a possibilty you’ll want to protect yourself against.

The Biggest Travel Gouge and How to Avoid It

It’s food. Think about it. That $3.00 can of soda that should cost no more that $1.50. The bottles of water in the minibar that comes to $6-7 a piece. The restaurant that charges inflated prices because of the ‘tourist tax’. That’s why whenever I check into a hotel, I find the nearest drugstore/supermarket and stock up on snacks and water. When I eat out I find out where the locals eat. Never eat in a toursty area or in the shadow of a major landmark. Eat AWAY from Times Square, or the Eiffel Tower, etc.

Win Unlimited Flights on Qantas for One Year

Content. Enter. Win.

Muay Thai Boxing and Beer in a Bag at Bangkok’s Lumpini Stadium

This brought me back to my own Thailand experience in Bangkok and Ao Nang. My whole reason for going to Thailand was to see the fights up close and person.

Think Twice About Airport Shopping

First it’s expensive. Second, you have to pay more just to get it on the plane with you. It may be better to ship. Or ask youself, “Do I really need this?”

Tourist killed by lions while showering

Watch you back in bush! In the battle of man vs. beast, unless you have a rifle and lots of ammo, the beast is going to win.

Top Ten Travel Tips: Marrakech – Morocco

Another reminder about a fun experience in Marrakesh.

Hostels: When Is Your Time Up?

Every traveler thinks about this as they get older. When are you too old for hostels? You’re too old when the hostel has an age requirement that you surpass. Otherwise, why feel self conscious? You’re there to enjoy yourself like everyone else? And remember at hostels you can get a private room with an ensuite bathroom, if you want some privacy or just don’t want to be bothered with bunk mates. A little more expensive, but still much cheaper than any hotel room.

10 Difficult-to-Visit Places and How to Get There

I love this list because it shows that where there is a will there is a way. Just have to do a little research on the requirements.

The 20 Step Guide to Traveling With Your Pet

I don’t have a pet but I see the pet carriers in the airports and I always wonder about the dogs, cats and other critters in the luggage hold. Isn’t it cold down there? Is it really worth the hassle to take your pet on a trip?

Best Travel Deals and News – November 9, 2010 – Caribbean on a Budget, Refusing a Full Body Scan, How Safe is a Cruise, The Biggest Travel Price Gouge You Can Avoid is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

Negotiate Your Own Hotel Deal

From loyal reader Karen
Good advise on maximizing your time and money during your next hotel stop. The key takeaway: It does not hurt to ask and when you do, ask discreetly. Drawing attention to yourself is one big way to fall out of the graces of the hotel desk clerk who could knock 20% off your bill.

Travel Video of the Week
Cheaper Flights Via Facebook and Twitter

If you’re not using social media to plan or purchase your next trip, you are missing out. Companies consider those who follow them on Twitter and Facebook the most loyal and more likely to pull the trigger on the best deals. So they get notification first. Get on the VIP list for your favorite airline, hotel, hostel, cruise line, etc by signing up and following them. And if you don’t, well, I guess there will be more travel deals for the rest of us!

Medical Emergency Abroad? There’s an App for That!

I know, I know,  there are other phones and devices out. But Apple’s iPhone/iPad are the hot devices right now and there’s a great app for the travelers when bad things happen.

New York Controversy: A crackdown on “no-tels”

I’ve talked about renting apartments and homes before and now the New York State government is trying to stop the practice. The official line is that they are trying to raise health standards and prevent nuisances for neighbors. But the real truth is that hotels know this is the future of travel, and the hotel lobbyists are coming hard spreading propaganda about the entire concept.

Trying Out Wi-Fi in the Sky

I have yet to try this, but I’m anxious to do it. I’d love to entertain myself with web surfing and doing some work. The only thing I fear: the ridiculous conversations people may have if they get on Skype or Google Voice. You can’t escape when you’re 35,000 feet up…and 17C keeps talking loudly about the cream he needs to get to clear up his rash.

Flying to Europe? It pays to know EU 261

Europe has even more protection for fliers who get bumped or are otherwise inconvenienced. Be sure to understand your rights when you’re flying to a particular part of the world. You could be entitled to money, hotels and meals. Don’t starve in an airport terminal while waiting for your flight the next day. If you’re entitled to compensation, get it.

The Worst Places Make the Best Stories

This was mentioned at #TBEX – the worst experiences make the best stories. So true. Not to say you want to take up that deal the motorcycle gang offers, purposely get yourself thrown in jail or anything that will cause bodily harm. But when you’re traveling, or in ‘real life’, take a chance or two…or three…

5 reasons your travel photos suck

All I’ve got to say – Hold your hands steady. That is half the battle in good photography. Take a deep breath and take the picture while holding your breath. Try it if you’re one of those people whose pictures are always blurry and shaky. Yeah you know who you are…

Travelers, be wary of ‘data passing’ online

The latest scam happens on legitimate sites like Travelocity. At the end of the transaction, there is another link, usually in fine print, that looks like part of the purchase you are making. You click the link and the next thing you know you’re being charged $30 per month from a company you’ve never heard of. Always check your credit card bills, even if you THINK you should have a $0 balance. Much easier to dispute within those precious 60 days after the charge is initially made.

Inspectors find safety flaws where airline food is prepared

If there was ever a reason to pack your own food everywhere, it’s the simple fact that the same problems that happen in restaurants happen in the same kitchens that service millions of fliers every year. But you can check out the Health Department rating of restaurants before you enter. You can’t easily check the company making that $6US box ‘lunch’ or your beef/chicken/fish surprise served from the metal cart. Honestly there is no good solution. But I’m not too worried. If you knew everything happening in the restaurant or airline kitchen, you probably wouldn’t eat out again. Ignorance can truly be bliss.

Best Travel Deals and News – June 29, 2010 – Real Bad Airline Food, Negotiate Your Own Hotel Deal, Social Media for Cheap Travel, Internet in the Air is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Loyal reader Cherish sent me the following question:

Hey, I hope all is well with you!

I have a friend who was scheduled to travel to Thailand at the beginning of May. It’s his first time going to Asia and his buddy is pretty scared and wants to re-route the trip. Do you have any suggestions (other than the travel.state.gov) for where he can get realistic/up-to-date information on Americans travalling to bangkok… maybe a local blog site or something that I can send him? You’re the travel-guru, so I figured I’d ask!

Thanks,
Cherish

This is a real concern for people who are heading to Thailand or any other hotspot.

Mexico had travel plans cancelled when swine flu broke out and more recently after violence in border towns related to drug trafficking.

Kenya had riots in late 2007 over their presidential elections that caused many trips to be rerouted to Tanzania.

Paris has had youth riots with rock throwing and burning cars in 2005 and 2009.

The USA had the Rodney King verdict sparked LA riots back in 1992.

Credit: Flickr/SpecialKRB

No country is immune from civil unrest. So what can you do if you have travel planned for a locale where the usual images of sunny beaches, great food and interesting artifacts is replaced with shouting protesters and burning cars and dead in the streets?

Thailand Protests 2010 – When Violence Breaks Out, Can/Should You Still Travel There? is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

First, let me say this: I have the best blog readers. I really do…

After reading about my lunch with Alisha who wanted advice on her trip to Spain, loyal reader Nikki offered to take me out to dinner to pick my brain about her travel ambitions. Like I said before offer a free meal and you can pretty much ask me anything you want.

Nikki’s great goal is to take off and bounce around Southeast Asia for a while.

Not for a few months.

Nope, she wants to leave the USA for a FEW YEARS, scuba diving, eating pad thai and learning another language, among other things.

And she’s well on her way to doing that. She’s taking care of her finances and getting her life in order before she goes and buys a ticket.

What she asked me about was what many long term travelers and anyone who does anything outside the box encounters.

The Doubting Thomases
Nikki talked about family and friends who told her all the bad things that could happen to her and one of the main reasons she wanted to talk to me was to get some positive reinforcement. What she needed to hear was a friendly voice telling she can do it. And she absolutely CAN do it.

Isn’t it amazing that the people who have never done what you want to do always have a negative opinion about it? Where are their objections coming from? MAYBE from love because they care about you. Or maybe from believing that because they couldn’t/wouldn’t do it themselves, you can’t either.

The other thing people who travel extensively hear is, “What are you running away from?”

Who said we are running away from anything? A curiosity beyond our own little domains and a sense of adventure can make people go anywhere. Someone does not have to be running from a bad relationship, the police or anything else to take off for parts unknown.

Don’t let people run guilt trips or otherwise dictate your life according to how they think it should be. If travel is going to make you happy, do it. YOU are the person ultimately responsible for your own joys in life.

The Internal Self-Doubt
Nikki wonders if she was doing the right thing. She’s going to leave her family and friends and a perfectly good job to do this. Shouldn’t she just stay home and continue doing what she’s doing? She arguably has a great life. But there is a need for more, something that is pushing her forward to see Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia for an extended period of time.

I told Nikki it took me a long time to actually buy my round the world ticket. I had the itinerary, the cost, the dates, everything. I just could not pull the trigger and give my credit card number.

Exactly a month before I was scheduled to leave, I finally sucked it up and booked the trip. And never looked back.

I just kept thinking if I miss this opportunity now I may never get it again. That thought propelled me forward.

The one thing that drives many people to travel is the sense of needing a change, desiring some new mental stimulation and challenges in our lives. Traveling is an adventure from the moment you wake up until you close your eyes again.

That fact is you’ll hate the feeling of regret if you don’t do it.

So for all the people out there like Nikki, who have grand dreams of travel but hold back for whatever reason…

Believe in yourself and your aspirations.


Shut out all the doubters and haters.


And go for it.

Shut Out Doubters, Shut Down Your Own Doubt and Travel is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

The other thing I realized: No matter how much you know, someone else knows nothing. Don’t assume everyone knows what you know.

Help a New Solo Traveler on her trip to Spain is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Don’t leave home without it…and I’m not talking about your American Express card…

With the talk of universal health care in America recently, this story struck a nerve with me. Loyal reader Karen passed this on to me and I planned on talking about this today.

Disabled Australian tourist stranded

George Dobson from Australia was hiking in India, fell down a cliff and was paralyzed from the neck down. His family has gone into serious debt to pay for his medical bills and still can’t even get him out of India. They have had to raise over $50,000AUS to get him back to Australia. All of this because he didn’t have TRAVEL INSURANCE.

When we take off, most of us don’t even think about medical insurance. If we have medical insurance in our home country, we automatically assume that it extends when we go overseas. Not always the case.

For the sake of this discussion, I’m talking about medical travel insurance, not travel insurance that covers incidents like reimbursement for lost luggage or cancelled flights. Those generally will not put you or your family in life altering debt or possibly have you lose your life. Medical emergencies can do that.

credits: bennylin0724

So what are some of the basics we look for when getting medical travel insurance?

If we have medical insurance at home, find out exactly what it covers overseas. Find out if it is even valid overseas. If not…

New MEDICAL TRAVEL INSURANCE:

• Should cover whatever country we happen to go to. Some policies only cover certain countries or regions of the world.

• Should cover lost or stolen prescription medication. If you have a special medical condition that require medicine, don’t pay through your nose to get it back if you run out or lose it.

• Should cover whatever activities you are involved in, including anything considered extreme, like bungee jumping, jet skiing, sky diving, etc.

• Should provide instant payments to the health care provider. In other words, you should not have to pay out of your own pocket and then be reimbursed by the insurance company. The insurance company should pay immediately.

• Should provide for airlift/medivac to your home country. If you are incapacitated and can’t get on a plane under your own power, that is a huge cost to get a special plane and crew to care for you while in the air. Medical evacuation can cost THOUSANDS of dollars. Should also cover ANY transportation needs, for instance, if you need a medivac helicopter because you’re injured and in the wilderness.

Make sure that ambulance doesn’t leave you if you don’t have travel insurance

credits: ian fuller

When I traveled around the world, I got insurance purchased as a package with my round the world tickets. For about $600 I got full travel insurance, plus medical coverage and medical evacuation if I got in trouble anywhere in the world. $600 is very cheap considering that an airlift back to your home country can cost $30,000 and UP.

Fellow travel blogger Nomadic Matt has an article here on travel insurance for you to check out.

And if you are interested in making a donation to George Dobson’s fund, click here.

Anyone have experience putting in a claim for insurance while overseas? What else should medical travel insurance cover?

Don’t Leave Home Without This – The Most Important Thing You MUST Get Before You Travel is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Loyal reader Caryn spent some time on the Big Island of Hawaii and sent in this report from the 50th State. Thanks Caryn!

Who says you can’t take good pictures from a moving bus? This photo of some surfers on a secluded pocket beach on the Big Island of Hawaii was taken while moving at 40 mph!

I have no idea why there’s a sign saying “Emergency Exit” on a bridge, though. Unless there was a bungee cord attached, I doubt anyone would be using it as an escape route!

There aren’t many places in the world where you’ll find a sign asking you not to throw objects into the volcano, but evidently it’s necessary on the Big Island. Some people still show their respect for Pele, the Goddess of Fire (and the volcano), by leaving offerings, but with people walking down trails into the crater this can lead to injuries to unsuspecting hikers below.

I was happy to discover that they had large plants growing on lava rock that had been blessed by a Kahuna and were therefore safe to bring home without any repercussions. It’s been said that strange luck befalls those who take Pele’s rocks without permission. . . .

The best sightseeing value on the island is the Grand Island Circle Tour run by Grayline buses. By purchasing the ticket ahead of time online, and utilizing a AAA discount, I was able to get a 12 hour guided tour of most of the island for only $78. There is no better bargain as far as I’m concerned. Below is a picture of me with “Cousin Greg” our driver, sporting the “hang loose” hand gesture that everyone seems to use. When I purchased the ticket, I planned on going alone but ended up meeting some friends that I weren’t aware were going on the trip. It ended up being a reunion of sorts. Everyone on the trip was so nice that I would have been perfectly comfortable had I been on this trip alone.

The sunsets on the Big Island are quite spectacular, but since Hawaii doesn’t observe daylight savings time, they are also very EARLY.

Another thing to keep in mind is that, despite what people will tell you, there are bugs in Hawaii due to its tropical climate. As I traveled up the mountain outside Keauhou where I spent the week at the Sheraton resort and spa (no, this was not a budget trip), I was bitten by a couple of mosquitoes. I hear these are more prevalent in the rain forest regions as they didn’t bother me near the hotel.

The Sheraton is the perfect location to see the extra large manta rays for free. They have spotlights shining on the water and we were able to watch these creatures that are at least 10 feet wide feeding on plankton. I was unable to get a photo of the mantas due to poor lighting conditions, but it is an experience not to be missed if you ever end up in Keauhou.

The airport in Kona, Hawaii resembles a shopping plaza. Yes, it’s outdoors. This airport is so small you can be shopping 25 feet away from the gate. When flying into Kona, I was required to fill out forms stating that I wasn’t bringing any soil or agricultural products with me in my suitcase. Upon leaving, I needed to go through security twice, making it quite similar to going through customs when you return to America from overseas.

Caryn Connolly
ANGEL THERAPY PRACTITIONER®
Usui and Karuna Reiki® Master Teacher
www.dolphincherub.org

Hawaii – Hawaii – Aloha! is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Loyal reader Rhona has been traveling Germany solo for the last three months and has been enjoying her experience. There are a lot of women who like to travel but only go when their friends or family go with them. That limits your opportunities if you need other people to go with. Now you are not only dependent on own your schedule and money, but someone else’s.

Completely unacceptable!

Rhona explains how she started traveling solo and why you should too! Check out her blog about her Germany adventures at the end of this post.

What was your first first trip solo – where and how long?

My first international solo trip was to Barcelona, Spain over the Easter Weekend of April this year. I was supposed to meet some friends that weekend in Spain but at the last minute, they bailed. Since I had already paid for my trip, I went alone. I was upset at first to not be sharing the weekend with my friends but in the end I had a fantastic time!

How To Become A SOLO Female Traveler is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

One of NoDebtWorldTravel.com’s loyal readers, TJ, took off on a trip to Europe in the last few weeks. Using some of the information he found here, he had a great time.

Here is his field report from London and Paris.

Where did you go and how did you decide to go there?

Me and a friend took a week and went to London and Paris. Our planned trip to Egypt was called off due to the kidnapping of several tourists there. We started kicking around ideas and decided on London and Paris. Neither of us had ever been to Europe and we figured those two cities would be a great place to start our European adventures.

Prior to this trip, the only time I left the country was to go to the Caribbean or Mexico. Oh I did journey to Kiribati once, but that’s another story.

How long was your trip?

8 days and 7 nights

Did you use hostels? What were your criteria for choosing the ones you stayed at?

We chose to stay in semi- budget hotels instead of hostels. Melody made it clear she had to have at least three star accommodations. We compromised. I chose a two star Holiday Inn Express in London, and a supposed three star regular Holiday Inn in Paris. We established a lodging budget and pretty much met it.

What are two MUST see sights that everyone reading this should visit?

The MUST see sights of the trip were the Eiffel Tower, a Seine River Cruise and standing in the middle of the Champs Elysee looking towards the Arc de Triomphe. A West End theatre experience and the free museums of London should not be missed.

Any funny, interesting people you met along the way? In the airport, on the streets, cab drivers, at the museums, etc?

We met an Australian backpacker named Kylie in Paris. She was traveling Europe for a year before going home to work and save money for her next sojourn. While backpacking she had managed to drop almost eighty pounds!! For her next trip she plans on backpacking all the way to Alaska.

We also met a crepe vendor on the street. He loved Obama and actually talked us to death about politics and anything else he could.

There was a hotel clerk who demanded we speak French. So I spoke English with a French accent to him.

I wanted to speak with a runner who “hit the wall” during the London marathon. He was in distress and I didn’t think it would be in proper taste to ask him what happened.

Anything people should be wary of, warned about, stay away from?

London appeared to be very clean and safe. We chose the tube or bus for all transportation. I felt safe the whole time.

The Wimbledon tour and museum were nice but should have been a lot better. It’s a private club, so gift shop prices are high and access to the club is very limited. Unless you are a tennis fan (I am) it can be skipped.

In Paris just beware. We again chose the subway for all our transportation needs. I never felt threatened. However, a cab driver wanted to charge us 80 Euro to go from Gare du Nord to Gare de L’est. It was less than a mile and only one stop on the subway for 1,60 Euro.

Beware of the Gypsy woman. If she asks do you speak English, just keep walking. If you say yes, she starts begging for money. If you say no, she starts begging for money.

Beware of the friendship bracelet. If someone offers to tie some string around your wrist because you are a friend……u really are a friend because they will demand money. Actually, this scam is interesting and I should have tried to speak with one of the purveyors.

Final words of advice?

If you have a desire to travel, plan your trip and just do it. The internet is marvelous for planning. Don’t let your excuses overtake you. It is true where there is a will, there is a way. The world doesn’t begin and end in the US. It begins and ends in NYC. LOL….just playing.

Every year for the past umpteen years I have wanted to go to Europe. For the record I am the de facto travel agent for my friends. They are always calling me to book trips and find fares for them. However, I never would plan the trip I wanted to take to Europe. I always found a reason not to go. The exchange rate is bad. I have no travel companion. I don’t speak the language. I wouldn’t know what to do. I am scared. My momma is scared for me. My daddy said I was forbidden to go. Yeah he said it, and I am very grown!!!

Finally, this was the year I was going to make it happen. When Africa got canceled, I knew I was still going to take a trip and Las Vegas and another Caribbean cruise was not on my agenda this time.

I don’t know what is in store for a major trip next year. Some friends have asked me to plan a group trip to Hawaii. Melody wants to go to Rio and Bahia. Our African connection is planning two journeys to the continent. All of those are good and I may do one or more of them. If they don’t work out, they just don’t. I have a bucket list of places to visit and I will just pick one or two and travel there. If a friend comes along, cool. If not, so be it. London and Paris stoked the fire of desire for travel. I have no intention on letting that flame extinguish.

Paris and London Field Report from a Loyal Reader is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Mexico Tries to Woo Back Tourists
Thanks to Loyal Reader Andy!

With swine flu hysteria leveling off, Mexico’s job is now to get back all the tourists who are suddenly afraid of the country to get to its sunny shores to spend dollars, euros and pesos. Slap on your face mask and drive to the airport right now, because there are incredible deals to be had.

The Financial Crisis: 5 Reasons Why It’s A Perfect Excuse to Volunteer Abroad

I always believe in creating win/win situations. Volunteering abroad can give you the international travel experience you want, while putting you in a ‘safe’ environment. Some folks would love to spend an extended period of time in one place for minimal cost, and this could be a way to do it.

The World’s Hottest Peppers, And Where to Eat Them

I am a hot sauce/pepper freak. I like hot sauces with names like Toxic Doom and Nuclear Bomb with poison symbols on the labels. What better reason to travel around than to sample these fiery delights? Ok maybe not for you, but there are some interesting places and regions that have creatively used the power of the pepper.

Flight 1549 passengers get baggage back after Hudson splash down

I was on the water at Pier 90 today where Flight 1549 touched down in the Hudson River (more on that later). Amazing that USAirways went through the trouble of recovering, restoring and hand delivering these articles back to passengers. That is really great customer service. The greatest customer service USAirways delivered though, was getting all those people back on dry land safely.

Win 100 Days in Australia

With the recent success of the Best Job in the World Contest, here is another Australian contest. This time backpacking around the entire country for 100 days while blogging weekly about it. Enter your one minute video and give it a shot. You never know what could happen.

5 Lessons Learned From Watching ‘Locked Up Abroad’

‘Locked Up Abroad’ is a show on the National Geographic Channel, where people relay their stories of being put behind bars in a foreign country. The number one reason: trying to raise cash by smuggling drugs. If you are broke overseas, take a cup and panhandle, call someone and beg them to wire you some money, or throw yourself at the mercy of your embassy, but do not ever accept a package to deliver for quick cash. The consequences can be devastating. Prisons in developing nations are not as ‘nice’ as in the West. Not by a long shot.

I consider ‘Locked Up Abroad’ the travel industry’s ‘Scared Straight’ program. You don’t even want to think about doing something dumb after watching a few episodes.

How To Receive Better Customer Service At the Airport

Get away from the swarming masses surrounding a flustered counter agent and find someone else, preferably inside the terminal, who can help you.

What Happened in Vegas Can Be Mailed Home From the TSA Checkpoint

What a much needed service – and it should be worldwide! How many times have you been at the airport screening point, and then realized you forgot something in your carry-on that should not be there? Scissors, clippers, your favorite perfume or cologne, or in my case a bottle of tequila from Mexico. I know the Mexican airport security was having a nice drink of my fine tequila after work that day….

Travel News and Deals – May 25, 2009 – To Travel Abroad – Volunteer, Scared Straight For Travel, Win 100 Days in Oz is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel