Be on the lookout for nine travel scams
Travel scams will again be plentiful this summer, say the folks at Experian. Fraud increased by 16 percent in 2017, and there’s no reason to expect that trend will reverse any time soon. Experian released its list of six scams, but the list involves some double-counting, and it also does not cover all the possibilities. So here’s my list of nine to watch out for. Free vacation or... READ MORE
Expect more scrutiny now from the TSA
If you’re flying this summer, get to the airport early. The Transportation Security Administration is beefing up security measures, and that could lead to longer lines. In addition to requiring you to remove laptops, tablets and e-readers from your carry-ons, TSA officers may also ask you to take out books, food and other items that obstruct their view during screening. To bypass... READ MORE
Exploring the Grand Canyon’s grandeur
As I stared at the multi-colored layers of the yawning abyss stretching across the horizon for miles, I was immobilized by this geologic layer cake a billion years in the making. It was a pinch-me moment. I first saw a picture-postcard image of the Grand Canyon in the third grade. Then, I could never imagine seeing it for real. But here I was standing 7,000 feet above sea level on the... READ MORE
How to avoid airline, hotel and other fees
You hear a lot about travel fees these days — especially airline fees, more especially fees for “something you used to get free,” and most especially fees that are theoretically optional but in reality are mandatory. A recent survey by MileCards listed fees that travelers hate most. Fortunately, you can avoid many of the worst fees, at least some of the time, at little or no cost.... READ MORE
A visit to Baltimore with grandchildren
“Can we ask someone for help?” Mollie inquired, her voice exhibiting the anguish we all felt. “Not yet,” I replied, trying to sound as confident as possible. “Let’s give it one more try.” It took less than five minutes for me to capitulate. “OK, let’s ask that family over there.” Approaching the group, I explained that we were participating in a Baltimore-area... READ MORE
Off the beaten path: our trip to Myanmar
I was 3,000 feet high, floating in a hot air balloon with 11 other passengers, including my wife Fyllis, and — thank goodness — a pilot. Since this was my first balloon flight, my attention during the ascent was focused on the gigantic orb overhead that was keeping us aloft, into which our aviator was directing occasional bursts of flame. Flame! Once I was convinced that we would... READ MORE
What to know about flying with your pet
In late March, a dog died after being stowed in its carrier in an overhead bin on a United flight. Soon after, United announced that it would suspend reservations for cargo transport of pets while it reviewed its program, a process it completed at the end of April. Airlines publish guidelines and rules on their websites for traveling with or transporting pets. The rules differ for... READ MORE
Books that explore the great outdoors
The Bibliophile As the travel season approaches, it’s wise to consider your choices carefully before embarking. Here are some books to make the planning easier. Even an armchair traveler will be mesmerized by the many scenic destinations described in these books. Let your imagination soar, whether on a flight of fancy or a real life adventure. Your Guide to the National Parks: The... READ MORE
Mississippi’s resilient Gulf Coast beckons
Exploring Mississippi’s 26-mile Gulf Coast is a sojourn to small, laid-back towns, sugar-white beaches, artsy enclaves, “aromatic” fishing villages, and even a whiff of William Faulkner’s fictional Yoknapatawpha County. Life moves at a slow southern pace, and friendly locals greet out-of-towners with a hearty, “Hi ya’ll!” Mississippi Gulf people are proudly resilient.... READ MORE
Batteau festival celebrates the James River
Boaters piloting 15 to 20 shallow, flat-bottomed boats (called batteaux) will launch on the James River in Lynchburg in mid-June, slowly paddling 120 miles until they arrive at Maiden’s Landing west of Richmond a week later. For the past 33 years, members of the Virginia Canals and Navigations Society have been navigating the James River on such batteaux. For the society’s yearly... READ MORE
