The Best Comments Of The Month: October 2008
Every insightful comment you leave on a post enhances foXnoMad more than I could with even the best travel article. I appreciate every comment, hope you’ll leave more, and encourage you to do so if you never have.
In case you don’t get a chance to follow the latest comments in the sidebar, or read through a viewer, here are some of the best comments of the month.
- Shawn says Turkey can still be kind to your weak dollar, but that Egypt and Syria are roughly half the price.
- Taylor agrees that, while most of India’s newer foreign-branded hotels are near the airports and outskirts, you can find high-end, older hotels in town.
- Economic recessions are a good time to travel notes Taylor.
- Raise unconventional funds for your next trip by having focus groups contact you – james has earned $75-200 per study doing this.
- Priyank adds that you can set aside even more money for your next trip by drying your laundry on a clothes line.
- Skip the Black Sea in Romania and head to Lepsa, Valea Prahovei, and Slanic Moldova. For cheap Black Sea coast drive south to Bulgaria Journeyetc recommends.
- Jacqueline has great advice for Rachel’s first flight with an infant – for example, breastfeed during landing and takeoff, bring proof of age, and get an FAA-approved car seat.
This month I had a nice upswing in comments and really drove great conversations about saving for travel in a hard economy, new and old places to visit on a weak dollar, and one going on right now about flying with infants. I’m looking forward to more in November, thank you everyone who left a comment this month!
Never left a comment before? Start of easy and just give a quick hello on this post!
Travel Unravel: Any Tips For A First Time Flight With An Infant?
October 31, 2008 by Anil P.
Filed under Travel Unravel
I’ve often get emails, chats, and comments asking me a variety of travel related questions. “Travel Unravel” is a series where I tried to answer these questions in a quick and concise manner with the help of readers in the comments.
Friend and reader Rachel asked me via my Facebook page: I’m going on my first flight with my infant, any tips for traveling with babies?
Start by not buying an extra ticket, kids under 2 almost always fly for free or a small charge provided you carry them in your lap. Call the airline to let them know beforehand but remember that you won’t get an extra (charge-free) piece of luggage for your little one. You will however be able to bring a large diaper bag which won’t count as a carry on. If you’re bringing a stroller ask the airline representative at the gate for a “Gate Check Tag”, so they’ll take your stroller at the gate, stow it, and have it ready for you when you get off the plane.
Once you get on the plane, asking a flight attendant (firmly) for a seat for your baby, especially if the plane isn’t fully booked – it usually works.
Finally, children under the age of two have much more sensitive inner ears that adults. Expect crying during the first and last 30 minutes of a flight and even longer if your plane ends up circling the airport a few times before landing.
Rachel, those are the ‘technical’ answers, but I don’t have the personal experience to give you many insider tips – I’ve never traveled with an infant, but there are plenty of foXnoMad readers who have.
So, I’d like to defer to all of the traveling mommies, daddies, and family members who have flown with infants – what personal tips do you have for Rachel?
Taking Today Off – Posts Resume Tomorrow
October 30, 2008 by Anil P.
Filed under Travel Journal
It’s been a hectic past 4 weeks in my life, which has included moving, keeping up with your emails, and finding a solid Internet connection – among other personal obligations. I got to the point today where my mind was simply too fatigued to write anything of quality (I was planning my follow up on why Americans should travel more) and decided to take my own advice.
I’d recommend not to force your writing and don’t be scared to take a break when you feel you need one.
And, today, I’m in need of one.
I’ll resume my regular schedule tomorrow with the best comments of the month, catch up over the weekend and get back to my regular writing schedule next week. On Monday, November 3, 2008 I’ll be announcing my next contest, the Inspire Me Africa photo contest, Tuesday I’ll find out what the most important travel issues are for the next US president, and Wednesday I’ll finally post my thoughts on why Americans should travel more than they do.
[photo by: Troy B Thompson]
Tray Table Advertising
On my recent US Airways flight from Ft. Lauderdale back to Dulles International Airport (outside of Washington DC), I put down my tray table to rest my laptop on to find this.
What do you think of this Verizon tray table ad – a clever way of raising revenues in tough economic times, or more price gouging like raising fuel charges even though the price of jet fuel is going down?
I’m personally on the fence about it. While the ads don’t bother me, I do feel that the increase in fares doesn’t warrant it. I look forward to hearing any comments you may have on whether tray table ads are intrusive or innovative.
