Blog - foXnoMad

End Of Year Contest Update: Multiple Prizes Up For Grabs

by Anil Polat | Dec 7, 2007 | Site News | 0

I’ve received only a few End Of Year contest submissions so far, some of which look pretty good. Since I’ve only got a handful at the moment, I’ve decided to allow people to win multiple prizes by submitting more than one blog post.

You still have to leave 3 comments and sign up to the RSS feed, but can win any number of Amazon or Apple gift cards I’m offering. Read here for more details, or just contact me directly.

I hope to encourage readers to take advantage of the site’s features and to share travel stories of places we haven’t been to yet. You’ve got until midnight (EST) on Saturday, December 8th. Good luck!

UNICEF Recap: November 2007

by Anil Polat | Dec 7, 2007 | Travel | 0

You’ve helped raise $25 towards our UNICEF fund during the month of November. Thank you! 🙂

Chess and Boxing

by Anil Polat | Dec 7, 2007 | Travel | 3

The Germans have combined the two, literally round-by-round.

The rules are simple. There is one round of chess – and then one round of boxing. Punching power alternating with brainpower.

If you are wondering how they can move the pieces with their boxing gloves on, well, they take them off before the rounds of chess.

All in all, you have 11 rounds in which to either checkmate your opponent – or knock them out.

The first ever championship is being hosted in Berlin. Chess boxing has become so popular that it is now being taught in German schools. And we though the Swiss were weird.

Know Your Passenger Rights While Flying In Or Out of Europe

by Anil Polat | Dec 7, 2007 | Air | 0

Passengers in the United States have very little protections in place to compensate them in the event of lengthy delays or flight cancellations. Even if you’re not a European citizen, several laws, in particular Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 state what airlines (in Europe) have to do if your flight is screwed up.

Feel free to poke around on the European Commission’s Transport site where you see these regulations spelled out. Once there, click on Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11?February?2004 which is a PDF file. This regulation was put in force on February 17, 2005. If you’re traveling from a European airport you’d do well do download this document, print it out, carry it with you, and present it to your airline in the event of a cancellation or lengthy delay.

Considering that 30% of flights are delayed here in the United States, travelers should contact their representative in Congress so that travelers in American have the same rights.

[via Consumerist]

Guide To Cheap Chicago

by Anil Polat | Dec 7, 2007 | Travel | 0

The New York Times has an excellent guide to Chicago, one of the best US cities to visit on a weak dollar.

Gifts For Globetrotters

by Anil Polat | Dec 7, 2007 | Advice | 0

Travel experts and specialists from around the industry have compiled a small list of good gift ideas for travelers.

A handheld travel scale for weighing luggage ($10). — Recommended by Mark and Mimi Comfort, who run the Cruise Holidays booking agency in Kansas City, Missouri.

I particularly like the cell phone and laptop extended batteries and hand-held water purification system (similar to an iStraw). Some other good ideas include an Ultimate Spork, a laptop lock that can be used to secure many things – including luggage, or an ultimate jacket.