For most of the year, driving into New York City feels like a test of challenge almost akin to an Odyssey. You start with overcrowded highways then congested bridges and tunnels. Once you arrive in the City, you are met with gridlock on the streets and almost impossible parking. But there is one short period […]
The Best Time of Year to Drive Into NYC: The Week Between Christmas and New Year’s Read More »
A recent viral post from a Marriott employee on Reddit issued a dire warning to travelers: Stop using Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). The poster claimed there is zero benefit to using sites like Expedia or Booking.com, alleging they hide fees, offer worse service, and mark you as a second-class citizen the moment you check in.
The “Book Direct” Myth: Why Hotels Want You to Pay More for Less Read More »
When traveling, we have all hoped to bring a souvenir that reminds us of our trip and the fun we had on it. If we have kids, then you have to bring them something. I have typically bought something for the airport for them. They love pretty much anything. But the key question is what
Stop Buying Bad Souvenirs: The Best Things to Buy When You Travel Read More »
I vividly remember the birth of SeatGuru and how their tools really made travel better. A whole bunch of websites come and go and mostly they are not missed. But SeatGuru was different. It was one of those rare tools that quietly, fundamentally shifted power back to the consumer. Its passing isn’t just a tech
RIP SeatGuru: The Unsung Hero That Saved Us from 35,000 Feet of Misery Read More »
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 »
