Hotel fees have officially jumped the shark. Even after federal rules forced hotels to show fees upfront, Marriott has found a brand-new way to squeeze guests—this time at a Kansas City Airport Fairfield. Meet the latest invention: the Destination Marketing Fee. Yes, you’re now being charged so the hotel can advertise… to you. Thanks to […]
Have Marriott’s Fees Gone Too Far? The new “Marketing Fee” Read More »
There are few things worse than enjoying a great meal only to have the bill undo the entire experience. That’s exactly what happened during a recent dinner at Barney’s in Locust Valley—a restaurant I’ve long considered a reliable choice for special occasions and romantic evenings. Let me be clear: the food was very good, and
When Dining Out Feels Like a Fee-For-Everything Experience — Split Charges Read More »
Every day brings a new small irritation, but few things test my patience more than that one person who decides the rest of the world should be part of their phone call, playlist, or TikTok marathon. You know exactly who I mean—the headphone-averse individual who treats public spaces like their own personal living room. Why
Headphones Exist for a Reason: My Pet Peeve About Public Noise Read More »
For many Delta Air Lines loyalists, upgrade certificates were once the crown jewel of Medallion status—a reliable, premium perk that brought tangible value to loyalty. I chose for my choice benefit the upgrade certificates. But in recent years, these highly coveted certificates have increasingly become a source of frustration rather than reward. Between limited availability,
The Truth About Delta Upgrade Certificates: Why They’re Almost Impossible to Use Read More »
I saw an article on how airlines choose their snacks and I had a whole bunch of thoughts. I never thought that they did it on a whim but I expected some harder data to decide. My favorite snacks are the traditional pretzels and the cookies. Unfortunately, salted pretzels are nowhere to be found. I
Why Do Airlines Decide What Snacks to Serve and How Can We Get More Pretzels? Read More »
Hotel Tip of the Day. It’s a tiny, almost subconscious act that savvy travelers know by heart, yet it goes unnoticed by many. You check into your hotel room, drop your bags, and head to the bathroom. There, perched neatly on the soap dish, is a fresh, pristine bar of soap. And the first thing
Hotel Soap Hack: Always Use a Washcloth! Read More »
I recently rented an Avis Electric Vehicle (EV). Their return procedures were more complicated than I thought. The car was charged to 94%. The rental agencies said that I needed to return it at the same level (plus or minus 5%). If the car was below the return level (89%) then I would be charged
Hidden Costs of Avis EV Rentals: What You Need to Know About Charging Fees Read More »
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy’s announcement of the new civility campaign, The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You, is a response to a real and troubling problem: the surge in unruly passenger behavior. Citing a 400% increase in in-flight outbursts since 2019, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is clearly trying to address a
Can a Civility Campaign Fix Air Travel? (Spoiler: Not Really) Read More »
I read an article on CNN about the decline in the consummation of baguettes in France and it made me think, who eats the most bread? Bread is more than just a food; it’s a cultural cornerstone, deeply woven into the daily rituals and culinary identities of nations worldwide. A look at how much bread
Are You a Bread Lover? See How You Compares Globally Read More »
One of the major concerns that travelers have is the airline they are flying will lose their bags in transit. With this loss or even sustained delay, it creates a major headache for the traveler, whether they are on a business or leisure trip. My luggage was delayed a few times during my travels. Most
Airline Baggage Claims: Your Guide to Compensation Limits & Rights Read More »
