Blog - foXnoMad

Is Speeding Worth The Risk?

by | May 14, 2008 | | 0

My recent post on how to avoid a speeding ticket generated some feedback about the disadvantages of driving faster. In particular, peter wrote:

How about not breaking the law. Example added benefits are reducing the chances of killing someone and using less gas – save money and the planet.

Must be a reasonable option?

So I ask you out there, is speeding worth the risks to you or are the risks in your opinion small and worth the saved time? Are the alternatives “reasonable options” as peter suggests?

Beautiful Views, Quiet Comfort At Harman’s North Folk Cottages: Cabins, West Virginia

by | May 13, 2008 | | 4

Enjoy a remote section of the Appalachian mountains by staying in the comfortable and clean Harman’s North Folk Cottages. I enjoyed a recent stay there which I couldn’t wait to get home to write about. There are approximately 20 cabins on a small stretch of land right in the mountains of West Virginia. The cabins are far enough apart to where you get a good deal of privacy, but feel close enough to civilization to be comfortable.

Location

The cabins are in Cabins, WV, a tiny town about 2 miles away from Smoke Hole Caverns. Step out of the front door of the cabin and you’ll see the north fork of the Potomac River and one of the impressive mountain faces. There is a convenience store about a mile down the road, but make sure to stock up on groceries. The nearest one is 17 miles away.

Pictures

You can see some of my pictures of and around the cabin here.

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How To Avoid A Speeding Ticket

by | May 12, 2008 | | 2

Automobiles are the most common method of travel and many of us use them to jet from city to city. Hitting the gas on the open road can help shave minutes of any trip but get pulled over and you’ll lose time, money, and maybe your ability to drive.

Although it’s not encouraged, if you do decide to speed here are some ways to avoid the flashing lights and scruffy beards of police speed traps.

  • Use The Herd Mentality – Think of a nature show, which one of the grazing animals gets eaten by the lion? The odd one out that’s away from the group. The same logic applies when you’re on the road; slow down when there are no other cars around, you’re easy prey for a cop sitting by the road.
  • Watch The Taillights On The Horizon – The cars on the edge of your visual range (not the ones right in front of you) will tip you off to police, accidents, and construction. Be alert if you see a series of brake lights making their way toward you.

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Amazon Kindle vs. iPod Touch vs. Books: What Are The Best Options For Different Types Of Traveler?

by | May 10, 2008 | | 0

Reading is the pastime of the frequent flier as a good way to stay entertained on long flights, unexpected delays, or the usual layovers. It’s been a while since Amazon released its wireless reading device, the Kindle and I decided to test whether its the ultimate way to read at 30,000 feet.

The contender is an iPod Touch that has been jailbroken, (something you’ll need to do if you want to read eBooks).

Up against both are classical books, made of nothing but paper and ink. Here’s how each fared.

Aspect: Size

  • Winner: iPod Touch – The iPod Touch comes in at 4.2 ounces about 4.3 inches high, 2.4 inches wide and .31 inches thick. The Kindle doesn’t fit into most pockets at 7.5 inches tall and 5.3 inches wide at 10.3 ounces. Books vary, but are almost all heavier and bigger.
  • Best For: Travelers who are short on space, trying to avoid luggage fees, or sticking to a single carry-on.

Aspect: Security Lines

  • Winner: Books (except controversial ones) – Books won’t make X-ray machines beep, get TSA officials riled up, or have wires associated with them. Carrying books can help you get through security faster. The more electronics you travel with the greater the likelihood you’ll be held up, stopped, or searched.
  • Best For: Business travelers who tend to take day trips, people who end up late at the airport, and the impatient. Never travel with books that may be offensive in the countries you are visiting (especially in conservative societies); in these cases, it’s better to have a Kindle or iPod Touch to obscure what you are reading.

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Use The Flight Reading Formula To Calculate How Long You’ll Really Be Reading On Your Next Flight

by | May 8, 2008 | | 0

Travelers headed on longer flights tend to overestimate the amount of time they’ll spend reading and pack their carry-ons with too many books. You can easily calculate the amount of time you’ll actually get to read with the flight reading formula.

(Total flight hours – 4) + (Total layover hours/2)

  • Add up your total flight time and subtract 4 hours per flight for international trips (2 hours for domestic). The first 30 minutes of a flight is taxi, safety instructions, and takeoff. The second hour is usually when meals are served, plus 30 minutes to go to bathroom, doze off, and look out the window.
  • Cut Your Total Layover Time In Half – A 3 hour layover means that you’ll at most get only 1.5 hours to read. You’ll spend the rest of the time getting to your gate, looking for food, peeing, and boarding.

You’re reading ability and desire will also drop off as you get closer to your destination. On your way back home double all of these numbers. Fatigue will have set in and jet lag is compounded as you return home. Take the total number of hours and divide it by the number of hours it take you to read one book.

Save space in your carry on by bringing the realistic number of books you’ll be able to read – which is usually 1.

[photo by: florian.b]

About Anil Polat

foxnomad aboutHi, I'm Anil. foXnoMad is where I combine travel and tech to help you travel smarter. I'm on a journey to every country in the world and you're invited to join the adventure! Read More

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