Web: www.stevenfrischling.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
24/11/2008 – Are Americans The Most Annoying Travelers? Recent Survey Says Yes!
Having just read a recent survey of 8,931 travelers, by TripAdvisor.com, that says 18% of those surveyed see Americans as the most annoying travellers in the word, I’m not sure if I am offended, or if I agree.
I tend to want to agree, having watched Americans around the world, however I am an American traveller so I want to be offended.
Putting my personal opinions aside, I found the survey quite interesting. I happen to agree with much of the survey, although I can't fathom how Emiratees even made the Top 10 list. Of all the travelers around the world I have watched, while traveling around the world, I can think of quite a few nationalities of travellers who far surpass Emiratee travellers for the Top 10 List.
Below is the break down TripAdvisor.com's Top 10 Most Annoying Travellers
#01 - Americans @ 18%
#02 - French @ 12%
#03 - Germans @ 10%
#04 - British @ 6%
#05 - Chinese @ 6%
#06 - Russians @ 5%
#07 - Japanese @ 5%
#08 - Italians @ 5%
#09 - Indians @ 2%
#10 - Emiratees @1%
If you find this list accurate let me know. If you find this list offensive, e-mail TripAdvisor.com directly.....I hate nothing to do with this survey.
Happy Flying!
Showing posts with label International Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label International Travel. Show all posts
21 October 2008
Mail From United Airlines That I Wish Was True : New Scam To Steal Frequent Flyer Miles
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
21/10/2008 – Mail From United Airlines That I Wish Was True : New Scam To Steal Frequent Flyer Miles
This morning I went to my PO Box to pick up my mail. My mail had the usual bills, a few catalogs and an envelope from United Airlines.
Inside the envelope was a single piece of paper with only the following information, in addition to my name and address
Frischling/Steven Mr.
03 Dec 08
Swiss 345 Coach Class
Lv: Lon / Heathrow 600a nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Zurich 835a
Snack
04 Dec 08
Swiss 1248 Coach Class
Lv: Zurich 650a nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Stkhlm/Arlanda 915a
Snack
05 Dec 08
Lufthansa 3001 Coach Class
Lv: Stkhlm/Arlanda 1005a nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Frankfurt 1215p
Snack
06 Dec 08
Lufthansa 3258 Coach Class
Lv: Frankfurt 820a nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Prague 925a
Snack
07 Dec 08
Swiss 1485 Coach Class Operated By-Helvetic Airways
Lv: Prague 950a nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Zurich 1110a
Snack
07 Dec 08
Swiss 638 Coach Class
Lv: Zurich 1235p nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Paris/DeGaulle 155p
Snack
I read this over and at first I said "Great!" Then of course reality set in when I noticed three glaring problems with receiving this itinerary in the mail.
Problem #1 : My frequent flyer number was no where to be found in the info
Problem #2: The itinerary showed no flights getting me to London or home from Paris
Problem #3: This was NOT my itinerary.
Of course the fact that this was not my itinerary should have been "Problem #1" and eliminated problems #2 and #3, but sometimes you have to just say "Hey, maybe they made a mistake and this is mine!"
After a 15-minute call with United Airlines I learned that this reservation was made on the 15th of October. The person who made the reservation had my old address, with a business phone number I have listed in various places online.
When the reservation was made, who ever made it gave incorrect billing information. Despite the incorrect billing information the seats remain "confirmed" without the tickets being issued.
So what is the point in all this? This appears to have been someone's attempt to steal my frequent flyer miles.
By creating a detailed itinerary and having a 'billing problem' whoever made the reservation would then call back in an attempt to get my frequent flyer information. Once they have my frequent flyer information they would call back and attempt to book the flights using my frequent flyer miles.
Anyone doing this would need to travel with my passport right? Wrong!
Flying on a forged boarding pass is not that risky. A flyer can check-in online, create PDFs of the boarding pass, and then insert 'their name' on the boarding pass using Photoshop. To be caught doing this would require someone visually scanning the boarding pass to actually read the name on the boarding pass while also reading the name that pops up on the screen to see if they match at the gate.
How often do gate agents read the name on the boarding pass while also looking at the name that pops up on the boarding pass scanner? Almost never.
Luckily for me, while I fly United Airlines often, nearly all my miles are credited to a Europe based Star Alliance airline. Should the person who made this reservation have pressed forward in an attempt to steal my miles they would not have gotten very far. I have used nearly all my United Mileage Plus miles and only have roughly 21,000 miles in my account.
FYI: 21,000 miles won't even get you an award seat between Washington Dulles (IAD) and Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
I have been in contact with United Airlines. The reservation is cancelled, my information has been flagged and unfortunately I am not spending four days bouncing around Europe.
New scams are created daily, and I am glad United Airlines sent me off this envelope with this itinerary. Without this letter in the mail I would have had no idea someone was created travel itineraries in my name.
For those of you who are known to fly often and rack up a lot of miles, check your accounts once in a while. Make sure all your miles are in your account and no one is trying to take vacations with your hard earned mileage!
Happy Flying!
21/10/2008 – Mail From United Airlines That I Wish Was True : New Scam To Steal Frequent Flyer Miles
This morning I went to my PO Box to pick up my mail. My mail had the usual bills, a few catalogs and an envelope from United Airlines.
Inside the envelope was a single piece of paper with only the following information, in addition to my name and address
Frischling/Steven Mr.
03 Dec 08
Swiss 345 Coach Class
Lv: Lon / Heathrow 600a nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Zurich 835a
Snack
04 Dec 08
Swiss 1248 Coach Class
Lv: Zurich 650a nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Stkhlm/Arlanda 915a
Snack
05 Dec 08
Lufthansa 3001 Coach Class
Lv: Stkhlm/Arlanda 1005a nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Frankfurt 1215p
Snack
06 Dec 08
Lufthansa 3258 Coach Class
Lv: Frankfurt 820a nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Prague 925a
Snack
07 Dec 08
Swiss 1485 Coach Class Operated By-Helvetic Airways
Lv: Prague 950a nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Zurich 1110a
Snack
07 Dec 08
Swiss 638 Coach Class
Lv: Zurich 1235p nonstop Confirmed
Ar: Paris/DeGaulle 155p
Snack
I read this over and at first I said "Great!" Then of course reality set in when I noticed three glaring problems with receiving this itinerary in the mail.
Problem #1 : My frequent flyer number was no where to be found in the info
Problem #2: The itinerary showed no flights getting me to London or home from Paris
Problem #3: This was NOT my itinerary.
Of course the fact that this was not my itinerary should have been "Problem #1" and eliminated problems #2 and #3, but sometimes you have to just say "Hey, maybe they made a mistake and this is mine!"
After a 15-minute call with United Airlines I learned that this reservation was made on the 15th of October. The person who made the reservation had my old address, with a business phone number I have listed in various places online.
When the reservation was made, who ever made it gave incorrect billing information. Despite the incorrect billing information the seats remain "confirmed" without the tickets being issued.
So what is the point in all this? This appears to have been someone's attempt to steal my frequent flyer miles.
By creating a detailed itinerary and having a 'billing problem' whoever made the reservation would then call back in an attempt to get my frequent flyer information. Once they have my frequent flyer information they would call back and attempt to book the flights using my frequent flyer miles.
Anyone doing this would need to travel with my passport right? Wrong!
Flying on a forged boarding pass is not that risky. A flyer can check-in online, create PDFs of the boarding pass, and then insert 'their name' on the boarding pass using Photoshop. To be caught doing this would require someone visually scanning the boarding pass to actually read the name on the boarding pass while also reading the name that pops up on the screen to see if they match at the gate.
How often do gate agents read the name on the boarding pass while also looking at the name that pops up on the boarding pass scanner? Almost never.
Luckily for me, while I fly United Airlines often, nearly all my miles are credited to a Europe based Star Alliance airline. Should the person who made this reservation have pressed forward in an attempt to steal my miles they would not have gotten very far. I have used nearly all my United Mileage Plus miles and only have roughly 21,000 miles in my account.
FYI: 21,000 miles won't even get you an award seat between Washington Dulles (IAD) and Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
I have been in contact with United Airlines. The reservation is cancelled, my information has been flagged and unfortunately I am not spending four days bouncing around Europe.
New scams are created daily, and I am glad United Airlines sent me off this envelope with this itinerary. Without this letter in the mail I would have had no idea someone was created travel itineraries in my name.
For those of you who are known to fly often and rack up a lot of miles, check your accounts once in a while. Make sure all your miles are in your account and no one is trying to take vacations with your hard earned mileage!
Happy Flying!
10 October 2008
China Airlines Reduces Its Carbon Footprint In A Unique Way
Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
10/10/2008 – China Airlines Reduces Its Carbon Footprint In A Unique Way
Flying With Fish has frequently discussed ways for travelers to reduce their carbon footprint. From purchasing carbon offsets to choosing smaller rental cars, Flying With Fish is an avid supporter of the reduction of a traveler’s carbon footprint.
So what has China Airlines to reduce their carbon footprint? China Airlines has partnered with MOS Burger to create an in-flight menu containing hamburgers comprised of rice, rather than beef. These new burgers include the Burdock Chicken Rice Burger, Pork Rice Burger and the Vegetarian Burdock Rice Burger.
The new rice based burgers reduce the overall carbon footprint in a number of ways. The largest factor is the reduction in beef, with beef cattle producing a significant amount of the world’s methane (methane is a leading problem with the effects of green house gases). In addition to the reduction of a dependence on beef cattle, the harvesting and delivery of rice requires a reduced use of trucking & transport. With the rice often being delivered over a shorter distance than the beef, requiring less vehicle emissions.
This new in-flight menu was design specifically for China Airlines by MOS Burger to work with the Airlines to not only promote their global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, but also allow the Airline to work with natural ingredients and local agricultural resources. By working with natural ingredients the Airline can both offer its passengers a healthier in-flight dining choice and support its local economy.
The new menu should be taking flight in the near future and will be available on selected long-haul routes.
Overall this is a smartly executed concept that will hopefully prompt other airlines to follow China Airlines' lead.
Happy Flying!
10/10/2008 – China Airlines Reduces Its Carbon Footprint In A Unique Way
Flying With Fish has frequently discussed ways for travelers to reduce their carbon footprint. From purchasing carbon offsets to choosing smaller rental cars, Flying With Fish is an avid supporter of the reduction of a traveler’s carbon footprint.
So what has China Airlines to reduce their carbon footprint? China Airlines has partnered with MOS Burger to create an in-flight menu containing hamburgers comprised of rice, rather than beef. These new burgers include the Burdock Chicken Rice Burger, Pork Rice Burger and the Vegetarian Burdock Rice Burger.
The new rice based burgers reduce the overall carbon footprint in a number of ways. The largest factor is the reduction in beef, with beef cattle producing a significant amount of the world’s methane (methane is a leading problem with the effects of green house gases). In addition to the reduction of a dependence on beef cattle, the harvesting and delivery of rice requires a reduced use of trucking & transport. With the rice often being delivered over a shorter distance than the beef, requiring less vehicle emissions.
This new in-flight menu was design specifically for China Airlines by MOS Burger to work with the Airlines to not only promote their global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, but also allow the Airline to work with natural ingredients and local agricultural resources. By working with natural ingredients the Airline can both offer its passengers a healthier in-flight dining choice and support its local economy.
The new menu should be taking flight in the near future and will be available on selected long-haul routes.
Overall this is a smartly executed concept that will hopefully prompt other airlines to follow China Airlines' lead.
Happy Flying!
07 October 2008
Staying Safe In An Unfamiliar Environment : Don't Be A Lost Tourist
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
7/10/2008 - Staying Safe In An Unfamiliar Environment : Don't Be A Lost Tourist
A significant concern of many photographers when working in unfamiliar surroundings is protecting themselves and their equipment.
When working in an unfamiliar location many photographers have a tendency to either have a false sense of security or become hyper-paranoid. Neither of these tendencies does us any good and there are safe and easy ways to protect yourself and equipment from potential predators while on the road.
As a photographer I travel often, but I learned how to keep myself, and my gear, protected while shooting a wide variety of assignments. The assignments that have taught me the most about my personal security include some of the following: spending multiple-months walking around one of the worst crime ridden and drug infested housing projects in the United States ; photographing a few dozen riots; working in a city after massive natural disaster has devastated the area; working in environments where I have clearly been in the 'wrong place at the wrong time' intentionally.
When I travel with my gear, which can be the next city over or halfway around the world, I make sure my gear is secure in a few ways. For starters, my gear is almost always out on my shoulders. I can't work if my gear is hidden away. I travel with my lenses facing inward and the of my camera facing outward. I usually keep my longer lenses in front of my body so they can't be snatched off the body, and the smaller lenses stay tucked up under my body.
When I carry my bodies I keep my thumbs inside the straps so if someone tried to snatch-and-grab my camera they'd also be grabbing my thumb. This gives me a moment to pull back and allows the thief a moment to release. This can be effective for snatch-and-grab as well as the pseudo-pickpocket.
I NEVER NEVER NEVER use the OEM straps. I don't want a huge Nikon/Canon/Leica/Contax logo on my shoulder. My gear is used and beat, and I keep it looking that way. My longer 'white' lenses are taped black. The tape minimizes the visual attraction to my lens, and while it has been beaten around, even a brand new lens wrapped in black electrical tape will look like well worn and cause many thieves to look for another target.
I don't tape over the Nikon/Canon logo, but I do have tape on the body, it minimizes the glances from would-be thieves who want the newer nicer looking cameras (although some will grab whatever they can get.)
When I walk, I walk confidently. I make sure my body language does not make me an easy target.
If I am in an unfamiliar place I never pull out a map and read it on the street. If I need to use a map I step in some place. Pulling out a map is a big red arrow to thieves. I often e-mail myself directions and read a Blackberry while walking. Everyone reads a Blackberry so it does not draw any attention, plus my directions are clear in text without orienting myself with a map.
Very often when I am in an unfamiliar area I memorize a map the best I can. Being familiar with a city you have never been to can allow you to walk clearly through a city's streets, head up, looking for images rather than stopping to read directions.
My bag selection is key in not being a target. My photo backpacks either have the access flap facing my back (ie: a thief would need to get it off my back to access it) or they are locked with small locks making it difficult to unzip the backpack without me noticing it. I choose backpacks that are not obvious 'photo backpacks.' I never travel with a Nikon or Canon backpack and choose designs that do not look like traditional photo bags.
When I am not using a backpack, which is common, I use a waist pack or belt/pouch system. With these I waits packs/belt systems I keep my gear either directly in front of my body or under my arm, towards the front of my body. By having the pack in front of you it is very difficult for someone to access your gear in stealth like manner.
As for keeping a thief from slitting your camera strap I have moved to the PacSafe Carry Safe 100 straps. These straps are slash proof. I do remove the shoulder pad, leaving me with only the thin strap, but these straps are light, easy to use, comfortable and have a safety lock so they can't even be unlatched if the thief fails to slice the strap. You can find more info on the PacSafe CarrySafe 100 strap, as well as find a link to my write up on these straps, here:
http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=16
PacSafe may be releasing new versions of these straps in the future, but at US$20 a strap, pick up two!
Happy Flying!
7/10/2008 - Staying Safe In An Unfamiliar Environment : Don't Be A Lost Tourist
A significant concern of many photographers when working in unfamiliar surroundings is protecting themselves and their equipment.
When working in an unfamiliar location many photographers have a tendency to either have a false sense of security or become hyper-paranoid. Neither of these tendencies does us any good and there are safe and easy ways to protect yourself and equipment from potential predators while on the road.
As a photographer I travel often, but I learned how to keep myself, and my gear, protected while shooting a wide variety of assignments. The assignments that have taught me the most about my personal security include some of the following: spending multiple-months walking around one of the worst crime ridden and drug infested housing projects in the United States ; photographing a few dozen riots; working in a city after massive natural disaster has devastated the area; working in environments where I have clearly been in the 'wrong place at the wrong time' intentionally.
When I travel with my gear, which can be the next city over or halfway around the world, I make sure my gear is secure in a few ways. For starters, my gear is almost always out on my shoulders. I can't work if my gear is hidden away. I travel with my lenses facing inward and the of my camera facing outward. I usually keep my longer lenses in front of my body so they can't be snatched off the body, and the smaller lenses stay tucked up under my body.
When I carry my bodies I keep my thumbs inside the straps so if someone tried to snatch-and-grab my camera they'd also be grabbing my thumb. This gives me a moment to pull back and allows the thief a moment to release. This can be effective for snatch-and-grab as well as the pseudo-pickpocket.
I NEVER NEVER NEVER use the OEM straps. I don't want a huge Nikon/Canon/Leica/Contax logo on my shoulder. My gear is used and beat, and I keep it looking that way. My longer 'white' lenses are taped black. The tape minimizes the visual attraction to my lens, and while it has been beaten around, even a brand new lens wrapped in black electrical tape will look like well worn and cause many thieves to look for another target.
I don't tape over the Nikon/Canon logo, but I do have tape on the body, it minimizes the glances from would-be thieves who want the newer nicer looking cameras (although some will grab whatever they can get.)
When I walk, I walk confidently. I make sure my body language does not make me an easy target.
If I am in an unfamiliar place I never pull out a map and read it on the street. If I need to use a map I step in some place. Pulling out a map is a big red arrow to thieves. I often e-mail myself directions and read a Blackberry while walking. Everyone reads a Blackberry so it does not draw any attention, plus my directions are clear in text without orienting myself with a map.
Very often when I am in an unfamiliar area I memorize a map the best I can. Being familiar with a city you have never been to can allow you to walk clearly through a city's streets, head up, looking for images rather than stopping to read directions.
My bag selection is key in not being a target. My photo backpacks either have the access flap facing my back (ie: a thief would need to get it off my back to access it) or they are locked with small locks making it difficult to unzip the backpack without me noticing it. I choose backpacks that are not obvious 'photo backpacks.' I never travel with a Nikon or Canon backpack and choose designs that do not look like traditional photo bags.
When I am not using a backpack, which is common, I use a waist pack or belt/pouch system. With these I waits packs/belt systems I keep my gear either directly in front of my body or under my arm, towards the front of my body. By having the pack in front of you it is very difficult for someone to access your gear in stealth like manner.
As for keeping a thief from slitting your camera strap I have moved to the PacSafe Carry Safe 100 straps. These straps are slash proof. I do remove the shoulder pad, leaving me with only the thin strap, but these straps are light, easy to use, comfortable and have a safety lock so they can't even be unlatched if the thief fails to slice the strap. You can find more info on the PacSafe CarrySafe 100 strap, as well as find a link to my write up on these straps, here:
http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=16
PacSafe may be releasing new versions of these straps in the future, but at US$20 a strap, pick up two!
Happy Flying!
23 September 2008
Baghdad Gets Scheduled Flights To Europe With Turkish Airlines
Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
23/09/2008 – Baghdad Gets Scheduled Flights To Europe With Turkish Airlines
Commercial air travel is a key element to the growth of international business. Without the ability to travel creating an international network is extremely challenging. Even in this day-and-age where we can fax, email, FedEx and video chat, being able to visit locations and sit down face to face is often how business is conducted.
Today Turkish Airlines announced that it would begin regularly scheduled service between its 'hub' in Istanbul (IST) and the capital of Iraq, Baghdad (BGW). This service which is set to begin on the 26th of October, and operate on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
For a nation seeking to rebuild its self and move forward with international commerce this new route allows business travelers the ability to easily travel between Iraq and many European business centers. Turkish Airlines' hub at IST is also ideal for travel within the Middle East region as well.
While Royal Jordanian Airlines has operated regular service between its 'hub' in Amman (AMM) and BGW, and Iraqi Airways also operated service between BGW and AMM, as well as Tehran (THR), these flights limit the potential for doing business in a more efficient manner with European nations due to location and limited connecting flight schedules.
The arrival of Turkish Airlines into BGW also brings the arrival of modern 'mainline' aircraft rather than Royal Jordanian's regional jet flights and the older aircraft in service by Iraqi Airways.
Hopefully the new service into Baghdad is beneficial and allows Iraqi business to grow, expand, and help rebuild a national that is one of the original cradles of civilization.
Happy Flying!
23/09/2008 – Baghdad Gets Scheduled Flights To Europe With Turkish Airlines
Commercial air travel is a key element to the growth of international business. Without the ability to travel creating an international network is extremely challenging. Even in this day-and-age where we can fax, email, FedEx and video chat, being able to visit locations and sit down face to face is often how business is conducted.
Today Turkish Airlines announced that it would begin regularly scheduled service between its 'hub' in Istanbul (IST) and the capital of Iraq, Baghdad (BGW). This service which is set to begin on the 26th of October, and operate on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
For a nation seeking to rebuild its self and move forward with international commerce this new route allows business travelers the ability to easily travel between Iraq and many European business centers. Turkish Airlines' hub at IST is also ideal for travel within the Middle East region as well.
While Royal Jordanian Airlines has operated regular service between its 'hub' in Amman (AMM) and BGW, and Iraqi Airways also operated service between BGW and AMM, as well as Tehran (THR), these flights limit the potential for doing business in a more efficient manner with European nations due to location and limited connecting flight schedules.
The arrival of Turkish Airlines into BGW also brings the arrival of modern 'mainline' aircraft rather than Royal Jordanian's regional jet flights and the older aircraft in service by Iraqi Airways.
Hopefully the new service into Baghdad is beneficial and allows Iraqi business to grow, expand, and help rebuild a national that is one of the original cradles of civilization.
Happy Flying!
17 September 2008
Using Your Credit Card Internationally : Inform Your Credit Card Company Before You Cross The Border
Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
17/09/2008 – Using Your Credit Card Internationally : Inform Your Credit Card Company Before You Cross The Border
Last week my fellow photographer from Canada.....we'll call him "Edgar" (the same one with the Passport issues in this post : 12/03/08 - Keeping Your Passport Current & Paying Attention To Visas) was traveling through Newark Liberty Airport, in New Jersey, only to have his credit card declined multiple times.
"Edgar" knew his credit cards were current, but could not figure out the problem. What was the problem? "Edgar" had left the country without informing his credit card company. Many people travel internationally every day with giving their credit cards a second thought, however many credit card companies require you to inform them of when you're leaving the country to prevent fraudulent use of the card.
Some credit card companies have this policy on new cards, others want to know what countries you'll be in, some just want a simple call and other companies don't care or need to be notified.
If you travel internationally and have a new card,or even an old card that has never left the country, it always a good idea to make sure your credit card company is aware that you'll be using the credit cards internationally.
So before you pack your passport and check your drawers for some clean socks, give a quick call to your credit card company and make sure you're card won't be frozen when you try and use it in a foreign country.
Happy Flying!
17/09/2008 – Using Your Credit Card Internationally : Inform Your Credit Card Company Before You Cross The Border
Last week my fellow photographer from Canada.....we'll call him "Edgar" (the same one with the Passport issues in this post : 12/03/08 - Keeping Your Passport Current & Paying Attention To Visas) was traveling through Newark Liberty Airport, in New Jersey, only to have his credit card declined multiple times.
"Edgar" knew his credit cards were current, but could not figure out the problem. What was the problem? "Edgar" had left the country without informing his credit card company. Many people travel internationally every day with giving their credit cards a second thought, however many credit card companies require you to inform them of when you're leaving the country to prevent fraudulent use of the card.
Some credit card companies have this policy on new cards, others want to know what countries you'll be in, some just want a simple call and other companies don't care or need to be notified.
If you travel internationally and have a new card,or even an old card that has never left the country, it always a good idea to make sure your credit card company is aware that you'll be using the credit cards internationally.
So before you pack your passport and check your drawers for some clean socks, give a quick call to your credit card company and make sure you're card won't be frozen when you try and use it in a foreign country.
Happy Flying!
06 September 2008
WPPI Highlights Flying With Fish As Resource For Traveling Photogs
Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
6/09/2008 – WPPI Highlights Flying With Fish As Resource For Traveling Photogs
This morning I received a message from a WPPI member, Karen Ziemkowski (www.tavestudio.com), informing me that the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International organization had highlighted Flying With Fish in its latest e-newsletter to its members.
WPPI (www.wppionline) is an international organization with thousands of members around the world. As the organization is helping its membership plan for their annual convention and trade show, in Las Vegas this coming February, the editors of the organization, sent off information regarding Flying With Fish to help its membership plan their travel logistics.
For those of you who receive the WPPI newsletters, Flying With Fish is in the first segment under Member News : Important News for WPPI Members
This is what it says:
For photographers who are heading to Las Vegas for WPPI 2009, check out the blog Flying With Fish (www.flyingwithfish.com). Flying With Fish is regularly updated with travel information relevant to photographers who travel and those who seek to travel. Flying With Fish keeps photographers informed about travel-related topics.
For those of you flying to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS), some quick tips. On your way home if you want a quiet place to sit and work, check out the Kids-Area new the D-Gates. In the evening there are rarely any kids in there, but the floor is comfortable to lie down and stretch out on. Additionally there are plenty of electrical outlets, and the WiFi signal is strong. Directly (well sort of angled) across from the Kids-Area is Ruby's Dinette, the food is pretty good and relative to eating in an airport it is affordable.
For you international travelers flying home from Las Vegas, keep in mind that the international terminal, Terminal 2, while nice is lacking a selection of restaurants to eat at. While most airports have a wider selection in the international terminals than the domestic terminals, Las Vegas' McCarran Int'l Airport is the opposite. 'T2' only offers fast food and a bar, with no real sit down restaurants. The shopping in 'T2' is also lacking when compared to nearly every international departures terminal I have been through. For those with 'Lounge Access' there is a joint 'First Class Lounge' in T2, next to Gate #3, however it is not what you often expect from a lounge operated directly by an international airline.
Have a great time in Vegas folks!
Happy Flying!
6/09/2008 – WPPI Highlights Flying With Fish As Resource For Traveling Photogs
This morning I received a message from a WPPI member, Karen Ziemkowski (www.tavestudio.com), informing me that the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International organization had highlighted Flying With Fish in its latest e-newsletter to its members.
WPPI (www.wppionline) is an international organization with thousands of members around the world. As the organization is helping its membership plan for their annual convention and trade show, in Las Vegas this coming February, the editors of the organization, sent off information regarding Flying With Fish to help its membership plan their travel logistics.
For those of you who receive the WPPI newsletters, Flying With Fish is in the first segment under Member News : Important News for WPPI Members
This is what it says:
For photographers who are heading to Las Vegas for WPPI 2009, check out the blog Flying With Fish (www.flyingwithfish.com). Flying With Fish is regularly updated with travel information relevant to photographers who travel and those who seek to travel. Flying With Fish keeps photographers informed about travel-related topics.
For those of you flying to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS), some quick tips. On your way home if you want a quiet place to sit and work, check out the Kids-Area new the D-Gates. In the evening there are rarely any kids in there, but the floor is comfortable to lie down and stretch out on. Additionally there are plenty of electrical outlets, and the WiFi signal is strong. Directly (well sort of angled) across from the Kids-Area is Ruby's Dinette, the food is pretty good and relative to eating in an airport it is affordable.
For you international travelers flying home from Las Vegas, keep in mind that the international terminal, Terminal 2, while nice is lacking a selection of restaurants to eat at. While most airports have a wider selection in the international terminals than the domestic terminals, Las Vegas' McCarran Int'l Airport is the opposite. 'T2' only offers fast food and a bar, with no real sit down restaurants. The shopping in 'T2' is also lacking when compared to nearly every international departures terminal I have been through. For those with 'Lounge Access' there is a joint 'First Class Lounge' in T2, next to Gate #3, however it is not what you often expect from a lounge operated directly by an international airline.
Have a great time in Vegas folks!
Happy Flying!
04 September 2008
Free WiFi Worldwide (well sort of)
Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
4/09/2008 – Free WiFi Worldwide (well sort of)
Love Starbucks or hate Starbucks, they are everywhere. With stores in 54 countries, spanning four continents and a sub-continent, it is hard to not spot a Starbucks. Throughout most Starbucks locations you can find public WiFi spots to sit down, log on and surf the web.
How does any of this tie into getting free WiFi around the world? Simple, sign up for Starbucks Card Rewards and you can activate your card with two free hours of WiFi per day at Starbucks.
In the United States this offer is through AT&T, despite the vast majority of Starbucks locations still primarily offering T-Mobile WiFi hotspots. While the offer may vary from country to country, Starbucks customer service tells me the ability to access your two free hours per day should be available to all Starbucks Card Rewards users who use their Starbucks.com account and use that account to log on.
The cost of the Starbucks Card Rewards? Free. Want to customize your card? It is US$4.00. You can top-up the card, you can leave it bare, but you can still get your 2 hours of WiFi free per day. The only catch is that you muse use your Starbucks card at lease once per month.
Last week I came home and found a greeting card containing a personalized Starbucks Card Rewards card in my mailbox. What does my card have on it? A picture of 'me' holding a passport in a city.
While I do not drink coffee, I find myself in Starbucks all over the world.......almost always sitting down to log on and use the internet. From Frankfurt to Hong Kong, I have always been able to find a store when I want to read the news, send an e-mail home or transmit photos to clients via an FTP site.
Want your 2 hours of free WiFi daily at Starbucks? Order yours here: www.starbucks.com/card
Below are a few photos of my Starbucks card......and one of my Starbucks travel mug with my 'Fish Family' drawn on it.
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge Them--
4/09/2008 – Free WiFi Worldwide (well sort of)
Love Starbucks or hate Starbucks, they are everywhere. With stores in 54 countries, spanning four continents and a sub-continent, it is hard to not spot a Starbucks. Throughout most Starbucks locations you can find public WiFi spots to sit down, log on and surf the web.
How does any of this tie into getting free WiFi around the world? Simple, sign up for Starbucks Card Rewards and you can activate your card with two free hours of WiFi per day at Starbucks.
In the United States this offer is through AT&T, despite the vast majority of Starbucks locations still primarily offering T-Mobile WiFi hotspots. While the offer may vary from country to country, Starbucks customer service tells me the ability to access your two free hours per day should be available to all Starbucks Card Rewards users who use their Starbucks.com account and use that account to log on.
The cost of the Starbucks Card Rewards? Free. Want to customize your card? It is US$4.00. You can top-up the card, you can leave it bare, but you can still get your 2 hours of WiFi free per day. The only catch is that you muse use your Starbucks card at lease once per month.
Last week I came home and found a greeting card containing a personalized Starbucks Card Rewards card in my mailbox. What does my card have on it? A picture of 'me' holding a passport in a city.
While I do not drink coffee, I find myself in Starbucks all over the world.......almost always sitting down to log on and use the internet. From Frankfurt to Hong Kong, I have always been able to find a store when I want to read the news, send an e-mail home or transmit photos to clients via an FTP site.
Want your 2 hours of free WiFi daily at Starbucks? Order yours here: www.starbucks.com/card
Below are a few photos of my Starbucks card......and one of my Starbucks travel mug with my 'Fish Family' drawn on it.
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge Them--
03 September 2008
iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Coolgorilla's Talking French Phrasebook
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
3/09/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Coolgorilla's Talking French Phrasebook
With my enjoyment of Lonely Planet's Mandarin Audio Phrasebook (which I reviewed *HERE*) I set out to find other language translation 'Apps' for my iPhone. While looking at a variety of language options, for not only the iPhone but also ink-and-paper phrase books and instructional software, I found myself downloading Coolgorilla's Talking French Phrasebook.
Much like Lonely Planet's audio phrase books, Coolgorilla's talking phrasebooks are equally easy to scroll through to find the phrase you're looking for and effective in practice while on the road. The phrase categories are broken down into sub-categories. Inside each sub-category you'll find the phrase you are looking for. I was easily able to find the bathroom and explain that my baggage had not arrived while quickly scrolling through the Coolgorilla Talking French Phrasebook.
For those not comfortable in attempting to speak a foreign language (or in my case butchering a language) you can both find your phrase and show someone your comment/question in their native language or you can click the audio icon and play and audio clip of your comment/question. I generally attempt to speak (butcher) the language, but sometimes the audio clip is extremely helpful!
There is some overlap between both the Lonely Planet Audio Phrasebook and the Coolgorilla Talking Phrasebook, however they each have their own strengths, and in some areas there is no overlap in languages. Having used the Coolgorilla Talking French Phrasebook I'm now off to download the Coolgorilla Talking German Phrasebook as I start looking at a possible flight through Frankfurt, Germany.
Below are five photos that walk you through the steps of using Coolgorilla's Talking French Phrasebook on your iPhone.
Happy Flying!
--Click Images Below To Enlarge Them--
3/09/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Coolgorilla's Talking French Phrasebook
With my enjoyment of Lonely Planet's Mandarin Audio Phrasebook (which I reviewed *HERE*) I set out to find other language translation 'Apps' for my iPhone. While looking at a variety of language options, for not only the iPhone but also ink-and-paper phrase books and instructional software, I found myself downloading Coolgorilla's Talking French Phrasebook.
Much like Lonely Planet's audio phrase books, Coolgorilla's talking phrasebooks are equally easy to scroll through to find the phrase you're looking for and effective in practice while on the road. The phrase categories are broken down into sub-categories. Inside each sub-category you'll find the phrase you are looking for. I was easily able to find the bathroom and explain that my baggage had not arrived while quickly scrolling through the Coolgorilla Talking French Phrasebook.
For those not comfortable in attempting to speak a foreign language (or in my case butchering a language) you can both find your phrase and show someone your comment/question in their native language or you can click the audio icon and play and audio clip of your comment/question. I generally attempt to speak (butcher) the language, but sometimes the audio clip is extremely helpful!
There is some overlap between both the Lonely Planet Audio Phrasebook and the Coolgorilla Talking Phrasebook, however they each have their own strengths, and in some areas there is no overlap in languages. Having used the Coolgorilla Talking French Phrasebook I'm now off to download the Coolgorilla Talking German Phrasebook as I start looking at a possible flight through Frankfurt, Germany.
Below are five photos that walk you through the steps of using Coolgorilla's Talking French Phrasebook on your iPhone.
Happy Flying!
--Click Images Below To Enlarge Them--
28 August 2008
iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Currency
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
28/08/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Currency
Not all useful iPhone 'Apps' have whiz-bang features and tons of options. Some very useful iPhone 'Apps' are straightforward, simple and singular in purpose, which is why this week I'll be discussing the simplistic nature of 'Currency.'
'Currency' is an exchange rate tool ideal for anyone who travels, or who needs to quickly review foreign currencies. The set-up of the Currency 'app' allows you to add and delete currencies and set a 'Master Currency' (mine is obviously set to US$)
The one function the iPhone Currency 'App' is missing is that of a rate calculator. I'd like to quickly be able to figure out a total cost, so I am still looking at other currency converter 'apps,' but for the total cost of FREE from the iTunes App Store, I'm quite happy with the Currency 'App.'
Below are two images of the Currency 'App' on my iPhone
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge--
28/08/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Currency
Not all useful iPhone 'Apps' have whiz-bang features and tons of options. Some very useful iPhone 'Apps' are straightforward, simple and singular in purpose, which is why this week I'll be discussing the simplistic nature of 'Currency.'
'Currency' is an exchange rate tool ideal for anyone who travels, or who needs to quickly review foreign currencies. The set-up of the Currency 'app' allows you to add and delete currencies and set a 'Master Currency' (mine is obviously set to US$)
The one function the iPhone Currency 'App' is missing is that of a rate calculator. I'd like to quickly be able to figure out a total cost, so I am still looking at other currency converter 'apps,' but for the total cost of FREE from the iTunes App Store, I'm quite happy with the Currency 'App.'
Below are two images of the Currency 'App' on my iPhone
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge--
20 August 2008
Trivial Travel : Honeycomb Chocolate Bars From Two Hemispheres
Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
20/08/2008 – Trivial Travel : Honeycomb Chocolate Bars From Two Hemispheres
Some travelers like to lament about the gourmet foods they find during their travels. I on the other hand plan to use this post to lament about two of my favourite candy bars, one from England the other from Australia.
Back in 1992 I 'discovered' the Cadbury Crunchie bar while briefly living in London. I recall landing at London's Heathrow Airport and picking one up.......then being hooked for the following 16 years (and counting).
The problem with having a Crunchie Bar addiction? They are not distributed in the United States. For years I have come home on flights from the UK with a backpack full of Crunchie Bars, or found ways to have others send me these delectable delights.
More recently I found myself craving a Crunchie bar with none to be found, and this lead me to find the Australian Violet Crumble bar. Upon first bite I was equally hooked on the Violet Crumble bars. The problem with this new, and equally as powerful addiction, is that the Violet Crumble bar is primarily sold in Australia (although it can be found in Hawaii, as well as in the international aisle in some supermarkets).
What do these two candy bars have in common? They are both chocolate covered honeycomb bars.
The Crunchie bar is a honeycomb toffee that is quite literally crunches as you bite through it, while the Violet Crumble bar more subtly melts in your mouth as the honeycomb touches your tongue. I find the Crunchie bar to be a slightly chewier bar while the Violet Crumble is crisper, which causes it 'crumble.'
So next time you're traveling to distant lands seeking out new things to try, pick up a new candy bar. You might just find yourself needing to return just to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Happy Flying!
--Click Image To Enlarge It--
20/08/2008 – Trivial Travel : Honeycomb Chocolate Bars From Two Hemispheres
Some travelers like to lament about the gourmet foods they find during their travels. I on the other hand plan to use this post to lament about two of my favourite candy bars, one from England the other from Australia.
Back in 1992 I 'discovered' the Cadbury Crunchie bar while briefly living in London. I recall landing at London's Heathrow Airport and picking one up.......then being hooked for the following 16 years (and counting).
The problem with having a Crunchie Bar addiction? They are not distributed in the United States. For years I have come home on flights from the UK with a backpack full of Crunchie Bars, or found ways to have others send me these delectable delights.
More recently I found myself craving a Crunchie bar with none to be found, and this lead me to find the Australian Violet Crumble bar. Upon first bite I was equally hooked on the Violet Crumble bars. The problem with this new, and equally as powerful addiction, is that the Violet Crumble bar is primarily sold in Australia (although it can be found in Hawaii, as well as in the international aisle in some supermarkets).
What do these two candy bars have in common? They are both chocolate covered honeycomb bars.
The Crunchie bar is a honeycomb toffee that is quite literally crunches as you bite through it, while the Violet Crumble bar more subtly melts in your mouth as the honeycomb touches your tongue. I find the Crunchie bar to be a slightly chewier bar while the Violet Crumble is crisper, which causes it 'crumble.'
So next time you're traveling to distant lands seeking out new things to try, pick up a new candy bar. You might just find yourself needing to return just to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Happy Flying!
--Click Image To Enlarge It--
19 August 2008
iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Locly
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
19/08/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Locly
Whenever I travel one of the challenges I find most difficult to resolve at times is where things are. I don't know a single person who has gotten off a plane; gone to work then suddenly thought, "What is there around here to eat?"
Locly has the answer to "What is there to eat" as well as different categories for this question (such as restaurants, cafes, pubs, and super markets), and other common questions on the road. How Locly works is by figuring out your position from the GSM mobile phone towers. I have had Locly have an accuracy of my location far off as 3,000 meter (1.85 miles) and as close as 450 meters (0.25 miles)
While 3,000 meter can be a great distance if you are standing in the middle of a city, it is extremely helpful when you find yourself in metro-area or suburban area rather than in the middle of the city. I have however used Locly in city center environments and be very happy with its results as the results for 450 meters of accuracy is quite convenient to wherever you may be.
I have used Locly to find dinner on the road as well as locate movie theaters, banks and gas stations. To find interesting tid-bits I have used Locly's "Wikipedia" feature and have heard of others using the iPhone 'App's' Twitter feature to meet up with others.
For you international travelers, fear not! Locly works in many countries throughout the world! Being able to look up a restaurant for dinner in Paris or Shenzhen has never been easier (OK, I haven't tried Locly out in Shenzhen yet, but I'm sure I'll use it in the region at some point in the coming months)
Locly is certainly an iPhone 'App' I will continue to update as they become available and use on a regular basis both on the road and at home.
Below are four photos of Locly on the iPhone
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge Them--
19/08/2008 – iPhone 'App' Of The Week : Locly
Whenever I travel one of the challenges I find most difficult to resolve at times is where things are. I don't know a single person who has gotten off a plane; gone to work then suddenly thought, "What is there around here to eat?"
Locly has the answer to "What is there to eat" as well as different categories for this question (such as restaurants, cafes, pubs, and super markets), and other common questions on the road. How Locly works is by figuring out your position from the GSM mobile phone towers. I have had Locly have an accuracy of my location far off as 3,000 meter (1.85 miles) and as close as 450 meters (0.25 miles)
While 3,000 meter can be a great distance if you are standing in the middle of a city, it is extremely helpful when you find yourself in metro-area or suburban area rather than in the middle of the city. I have however used Locly in city center environments and be very happy with its results as the results for 450 meters of accuracy is quite convenient to wherever you may be.
I have used Locly to find dinner on the road as well as locate movie theaters, banks and gas stations. To find interesting tid-bits I have used Locly's "Wikipedia" feature and have heard of others using the iPhone 'App's' Twitter feature to meet up with others.
For you international travelers, fear not! Locly works in many countries throughout the world! Being able to look up a restaurant for dinner in Paris or Shenzhen has never been easier (OK, I haven't tried Locly out in Shenzhen yet, but I'm sure I'll use it in the region at some point in the coming months)
Locly is certainly an iPhone 'App' I will continue to update as they become available and use on a regular basis both on the road and at home.
Below are four photos of Locly on the iPhone
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge Them--
18 August 2008
Will 'Open Skies' Allow Foreign Airlines To Fly U.S. Domestic Routes?
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
18/08/2008 - Will 'Open Skies' Allow Foreign Airlines To Fly U.S. Domestic Routes?
A frequently asked question in the past year has been "will the Open Skies Agreement' allow foreign airlines to operate domestic flights in the United States.?" In shot 'Open Skies' does not allow for the non-U.S. airlines to operate 'domestic flights' in the U.S.
What Open Skies does covers is the the Eighth Freedom of the Air, as agreed upon during the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation in Chicago. The Eighth Freedom,which is also referred to as 'True Cabotoge,' allows for an airline to operate routes that are completely independent of that airline making stop in, or connecting through, its home country.
There are very few airlines operating with the route authority of the Eighth Freedom. Northwest Airlines operates a limited number of flights that are 'domestic' inside Japan,such as Tokyo-Nagoya and Tokyo-Saipan. NWA has been afforded this unique route authority due to their original relationship with the Japanese Government and their role in helping establish Japan Airlines (JAL).
Pan Am, the former global airline giant, previously operated flights domestically in Germany under the Eighth Freedom of Air. Pan Am flew regularly scheduled flights between West Berlin and their European hub in Frankfurt.
Qantas operates a daily flight between New York's JFK and LAX, however they may not sell a ticket for this flight only. Passengers on the flight must connect onward to a Qantas flights to Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne. Stop-overs are no longer allowed as they once were, such as when BOAC operated service from London to Los Angeles (LAX) and Honolulu (HNL) via New York's JFK (and HNL was also via LAX).
Northwest is also one of only two US airlines that operates under the Fifth Freedom. The Fifth Freedom allows NWA and United to fly to points in Asia using Japan as a 'Hub.' Both airlines have Asia hubs in Tokyo and can sell passengers tickets to fly from Tokyo/NRT to a further 3rd country, without requiring those passengers to first stop in the United States.
Airlines such as Air New Zealand (NZ) and Singapore Airlines (SQ) operate daily flights in the United States under the Seventh Freedom. The Seven Freedom is the ability to service two international routes, without a stop in the airlines home country. This would be NZ's daily service from LAX to London Heathrow and Singapore's abilty to fly from JFK to Frankfurt, Houston to Moscow, San Francisco to Seoul & Hong Kong and LAX to Taipei and Tokyo.
Keep in mind that when Virgin America (VX) was forming it was barred from flying because Richard Branson, who is not a U.S. citizen, owned the controlling stock in the airline. In the US. United States airlines that operate in the US must not be controlled by a foreign person or entity. Under the U.S. regulations had Richard Branson been the control stock holder in Virgin American, it would have been considered a "foreign airline." As a 'foreign airline' Virgin American would have needed to operate under 'stand alone cabotoge,' and this Freedom of the Air will certainly not be granted permission in the United States in the near future.
The interesting twist in this may that airlines such as "Open Skies" (Open Skies is the name of the airline, not to be confused with the actual commercial aviation agreement) that are not registered to a single country. Open Skies aircraft fly under both the EU and US flags, despite the British Airways (BA) tail and UK registration. To make the ownership of the airline more confusing, the airline is not considered British. This leave a lot of room for some interesting grey areas in the Freedoms of the Air in the future.
As for me? I'd welcome Lufthansa (LH) and Air France-KLM (AF-KL)coming to the US and operating flights. I'd love it if Air Canada (AC) could service some US routes as well (as I have flown them at times on U.S. 'domestic' transcontinental flights using Toronto simply as a layover and really enjoy their service.)
Happy Flying!
18/08/2008 - Will 'Open Skies' Allow Foreign Airlines To Fly U.S. Domestic Routes?
A frequently asked question in the past year has been "will the Open Skies Agreement' allow foreign airlines to operate domestic flights in the United States.?" In shot 'Open Skies' does not allow for the non-U.S. airlines to operate 'domestic flights' in the U.S.
What Open Skies does covers is the the Eighth Freedom of the Air, as agreed upon during the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation in Chicago. The Eighth Freedom,which is also referred to as 'True Cabotoge,' allows for an airline to operate routes that are completely independent of that airline making stop in, or connecting through, its home country.
There are very few airlines operating with the route authority of the Eighth Freedom. Northwest Airlines operates a limited number of flights that are 'domestic' inside Japan,such as Tokyo-Nagoya and Tokyo-Saipan. NWA has been afforded this unique route authority due to their original relationship with the Japanese Government and their role in helping establish Japan Airlines (JAL).
Pan Am, the former global airline giant, previously operated flights domestically in Germany under the Eighth Freedom of Air. Pan Am flew regularly scheduled flights between West Berlin and their European hub in Frankfurt.
Qantas operates a daily flight between New York's JFK and LAX, however they may not sell a ticket for this flight only. Passengers on the flight must connect onward to a Qantas flights to Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne. Stop-overs are no longer allowed as they once were, such as when BOAC operated service from London to Los Angeles (LAX) and Honolulu (HNL) via New York's JFK (and HNL was also via LAX).
Northwest is also one of only two US airlines that operates under the Fifth Freedom. The Fifth Freedom allows NWA and United to fly to points in Asia using Japan as a 'Hub.' Both airlines have Asia hubs in Tokyo and can sell passengers tickets to fly from Tokyo/NRT to a further 3rd country, without requiring those passengers to first stop in the United States.
Airlines such as Air New Zealand (NZ) and Singapore Airlines (SQ) operate daily flights in the United States under the Seventh Freedom. The Seven Freedom is the ability to service two international routes, without a stop in the airlines home country. This would be NZ's daily service from LAX to London Heathrow and Singapore's abilty to fly from JFK to Frankfurt, Houston to Moscow, San Francisco to Seoul & Hong Kong and LAX to Taipei and Tokyo.
Keep in mind that when Virgin America (VX) was forming it was barred from flying because Richard Branson, who is not a U.S. citizen, owned the controlling stock in the airline. In the US. United States airlines that operate in the US must not be controlled by a foreign person or entity. Under the U.S. regulations had Richard Branson been the control stock holder in Virgin American, it would have been considered a "foreign airline." As a 'foreign airline' Virgin American would have needed to operate under 'stand alone cabotoge,' and this Freedom of the Air will certainly not be granted permission in the United States in the near future.
The interesting twist in this may that airlines such as "Open Skies" (Open Skies is the name of the airline, not to be confused with the actual commercial aviation agreement) that are not registered to a single country. Open Skies aircraft fly under both the EU and US flags, despite the British Airways (BA) tail and UK registration. To make the ownership of the airline more confusing, the airline is not considered British. This leave a lot of room for some interesting grey areas in the Freedoms of the Air in the future.
As for me? I'd welcome Lufthansa (LH) and Air France-KLM (AF-KL)coming to the US and operating flights. I'd love it if Air Canada (AC) could service some US routes as well (as I have flown them at times on U.S. 'domestic' transcontinental flights using Toronto simply as a layover and really enjoy their service.)
Happy Flying!
14 August 2008
Is Your Carry-On Bag Legal For 'International' Carry-On? Maybe Not
Web: www.thetravelstrategist.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
14/08/2008 - Is Your Carry-On Bag Legal For 'International' Carry-On? Maybe Not
Have you ever looked the dimensions of your roll-aboard bag and wondered exactly what was included in the bags dimensions?
This seems like a redundant question doesn't it? The company measured the 'whole bag' right? Well the answer is 'not really.'
Many bag manufactures measure the body of the bag, and exclude the wheels from the dimensions. While the overall actual size may be negligible for bags that have 'inset' wheels, the linear size difference between 'bag size' and 'bag size + wheels' for bags that have exterior wheels is quite significant. Often the difference in 'bag size’ and 'bag size + wheels' for bags with exterior wheels more than 1inch (2.54cm).
While 1"(2.54cm) may not seem like a big difference, it can easily be the difference between having your roll-aboard bag be allowed onto the plane with you and a gate agent telling you that you must check it at the gate.
In the U.S. and Canada we have experienced a fairly relaxed carry-on guidelines for our carry-on bags. Airlines in the US and Canada have traditionally measured a bag's dimensions by the size of the bag, excluding the wheels. This has allowed travelers to bring bags that technically exceed the maximum allowed carry-on sized bag onto their flights. With a change in carry on policies for some US airlines, the most notable being American Airlines, the dimension allowances for carry-on bags is becoming closer to those allowed in many airports in Europe and Asia (as well as Australia/New Zealand).
Outside of the US and Canada carry-on bags are measured by the total linear dimension of a bag, including the wheels. In fact many airlines have rigid baggage templates at not only the check-in counter but also at the departure gate. With a rigid baggage template there is no way to 'squeeze' your bag to fit. You can't fudge or fiddle with the tape measure to show that your bag 'fits.' With a template either your bag fits or it does not.
When shopping for a bag you should always measure your bag including the wheels. If you are not purchasing your bag in person you should find out if the bag is not only 'legal for carry-on’ but also legal for 'international carry-on' (that is if you're buying your bag in the US/Canada). If you have any questions about the bag size you should try and contact the manufacturer to find out if the dimensions of the bag include the wheels.
A great carry-on bag does you no good if you cannot bring it with you on all your flights...and there are few things as frustrating while in transit than being told your carry-on bag must be checked before you board the flight.
Happy Flying!
14/08/2008 - Is Your Carry-On Bag Legal For 'International' Carry-On? Maybe Not
Have you ever looked the dimensions of your roll-aboard bag and wondered exactly what was included in the bags dimensions?
This seems like a redundant question doesn't it? The company measured the 'whole bag' right? Well the answer is 'not really.'
Many bag manufactures measure the body of the bag, and exclude the wheels from the dimensions. While the overall actual size may be negligible for bags that have 'inset' wheels, the linear size difference between 'bag size' and 'bag size + wheels' for bags that have exterior wheels is quite significant. Often the difference in 'bag size’ and 'bag size + wheels' for bags with exterior wheels more than 1inch (2.54cm).
While 1"(2.54cm) may not seem like a big difference, it can easily be the difference between having your roll-aboard bag be allowed onto the plane with you and a gate agent telling you that you must check it at the gate.
In the U.S. and Canada we have experienced a fairly relaxed carry-on guidelines for our carry-on bags. Airlines in the US and Canada have traditionally measured a bag's dimensions by the size of the bag, excluding the wheels. This has allowed travelers to bring bags that technically exceed the maximum allowed carry-on sized bag onto their flights. With a change in carry on policies for some US airlines, the most notable being American Airlines, the dimension allowances for carry-on bags is becoming closer to those allowed in many airports in Europe and Asia (as well as Australia/New Zealand).
Outside of the US and Canada carry-on bags are measured by the total linear dimension of a bag, including the wheels. In fact many airlines have rigid baggage templates at not only the check-in counter but also at the departure gate. With a rigid baggage template there is no way to 'squeeze' your bag to fit. You can't fudge or fiddle with the tape measure to show that your bag 'fits.' With a template either your bag fits or it does not.
When shopping for a bag you should always measure your bag including the wheels. If you are not purchasing your bag in person you should find out if the bag is not only 'legal for carry-on’ but also legal for 'international carry-on' (that is if you're buying your bag in the US/Canada). If you have any questions about the bag size you should try and contact the manufacturer to find out if the dimensions of the bag include the wheels.
A great carry-on bag does you no good if you cannot bring it with you on all your flights...and there are few things as frustrating while in transit than being told your carry-on bag must be checked before you board the flight.
Happy Flying!
07 August 2008
Simple International Plug Adapter Solution For Some Travel Scenarios
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
7/08/2008 – Simple International Plug Adapter Solution For Some Travel Scenarios
The other day I received an e-mail from a photographer headed over to Taiwan to photograph a project wanted to know who made reliable international plug adapters.
I emailed him back and told him that coming from North America (as he is Canadian) he didn't need any adapter. The reply I got back was that the travel information he was sent stated he needed a "Type A to Type B" plug adapter, and his local travel shop had a generic adapter in stock for CAN$14.99.
Once I read this I found myself laughing quietly to myself in my room, as anyone in North America can find a simple Type A to Type B international plug adapter at any hardware store for less than US$2.00. How is this possible you ask? Simple. A 'Type B' plug is a standard three-prong electrical outlet used in North America and a 'Type A' plug is a simple two-prong electrical outlet used throughout the world (two vertical and flat prongs).
While the United States, Mexico and Canada use both Type B and Type A outlets, Type A outlets can be found at least more than 45 countries around the globe.
From Brazil to Japan to Saudi Arabia, Type A plugs are possibly the most used outlet type throughout the world (except maybe for Type C the European 'two-pin' outlet type, which is also compatible with Type E and Type F plugs).
So, if you're traveling from the North America and you see that the country you are traveling to uses the 'flat-two-prong' plug you do not need some expensive adapter. Keep in mind that some countries may use multiple plug types, but most countries are fairly straight forward and universal in their plug types.
For a quick reference, below is a list of countries I know of that use Type A plugs:
Aruba; American Samoa; Anguilla; Bahamas; Bermuda; Bangladesh; Brazil; Bolivia; Barbados; Canada; China, PRC; Cambodia; Cayman Islands; Colombia, Cuba; Costa Rica; El Salvador; Ecuador; Guatemala; Guam; Guyana; Haiti; Honduras; Jamaica; Japan; Laos; Liberia; Lebanon; Mexico; Monserrat; Maldives; Netherlands Antilles; Nicaragua; Niger; Panama; Puerto Rico; Peru; Philippines; Palmyra Atoll; Saudi Arabia; Taiwan; Tahiti; Trinidad & Tobago; United States; Venezuela; Virgin Islands; Yemen
For a detailed list of countries and their electrical outlet styles visit Steve Kropla's site "Help for World Travelers" here: www.kropla.com/electric2.htm
Below is a photo of my simple solution to taking your 3-prong plug and using it in standard 2-prong plugs around the world. No need for an 'international travel adapter.'
Happy Flying!
--Click Image To Enlarge--
7/08/2008 – Simple International Plug Adapter Solution For Some Travel Scenarios
The other day I received an e-mail from a photographer headed over to Taiwan to photograph a project wanted to know who made reliable international plug adapters.
I emailed him back and told him that coming from North America (as he is Canadian) he didn't need any adapter. The reply I got back was that the travel information he was sent stated he needed a "Type A to Type B" plug adapter, and his local travel shop had a generic adapter in stock for CAN$14.99.
Once I read this I found myself laughing quietly to myself in my room, as anyone in North America can find a simple Type A to Type B international plug adapter at any hardware store for less than US$2.00. How is this possible you ask? Simple. A 'Type B' plug is a standard three-prong electrical outlet used in North America and a 'Type A' plug is a simple two-prong electrical outlet used throughout the world (two vertical and flat prongs).
While the United States, Mexico and Canada use both Type B and Type A outlets, Type A outlets can be found at least more than 45 countries around the globe.
From Brazil to Japan to Saudi Arabia, Type A plugs are possibly the most used outlet type throughout the world (except maybe for Type C the European 'two-pin' outlet type, which is also compatible with Type E and Type F plugs).
So, if you're traveling from the North America and you see that the country you are traveling to uses the 'flat-two-prong' plug you do not need some expensive adapter. Keep in mind that some countries may use multiple plug types, but most countries are fairly straight forward and universal in their plug types.
For a quick reference, below is a list of countries I know of that use Type A plugs:
Aruba; American Samoa; Anguilla; Bahamas; Bermuda; Bangladesh; Brazil; Bolivia; Barbados; Canada; China, PRC; Cambodia; Cayman Islands; Colombia, Cuba; Costa Rica; El Salvador; Ecuador; Guatemala; Guam; Guyana; Haiti; Honduras; Jamaica; Japan; Laos; Liberia; Lebanon; Mexico; Monserrat; Maldives; Netherlands Antilles; Nicaragua; Niger; Panama; Puerto Rico; Peru; Philippines; Palmyra Atoll; Saudi Arabia; Taiwan; Tahiti; Trinidad & Tobago; United States; Venezuela; Virgin Islands; Yemen
For a detailed list of countries and their electrical outlet styles visit Steve Kropla's site "Help for World Travelers" here: www.kropla.com/electric2.htm
Below is a photo of my simple solution to taking your 3-prong plug and using it in standard 2-prong plugs around the world. No need for an 'international travel adapter.'
Happy Flying!
--Click Image To Enlarge--
27 June 2008
International Mobile Phones : Staying In Touch Around The World
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
27/6/2008 - International Mobile Phones : Staying In Touch Around The World
One of the most common logistical problems international travelers face is staying in touch while on the road.
For some travelers their mobile phones are not "Groupe Spécial Mobile," more commonly known as "GSM" so the mobile phone will not work internationally. Other traveler find they have as GSM phone, but it is only a dual band phone and it does not have the proper frequencies for international use. Many travelers simply do not want to incur outrageous international roaming fees.
There are simple ways to stay in touch while also lowering the expense of using your mobile phone overseas. I have tried a variety of options when traveling will hopefully clear up this somewhat complex travel issue for those of you traveling internationally.
There are some basics you'll need to know before we dive in. The first piece of information you'll need to know is if your phone is GSM, TDMA or CDMA.
--GSM is truly the global standard. "The World" primarily operates on GSM frequencies 900mhz and 1800mhz. "North America" largely operates on 850mhz and 1900mhz. Central-and-South America operate on a mix of all four frequencies.
For those of you who use TDMA and CDMA you'll most likely need to pick up a GSM phone for international use. TDMA and CDMA are really limited to the US and Canada, with some CDMA service in use in South Korea. If you have Bell Mobility PCS (Canada), Telus PCS (Canada), Sprint (USA), Verizon (USA), KT Freetel (South Korea), LG Telecom (South Korea), SK Telecom (South Korea) you most likely have a CDMA phone.
--If you have a GSM phone, or are looking into a GSM phone, you'll need a "Subscriber Identity Module" card, which is more commonly referred to simply as a "SIM Card." Your service, your phone numbers, even your stored phone numbers, live on the SIM Card, not on your phone. A SIM allows you to swap phones as often as you'd like and take your phone number with you. You can also travel and pick up SIM cards as you go and pick up local phone numbers (but we'll get to that later).
--Going to Japan? Well that is a whole other topic that can take up it's own entry.....they have GSM SIMs, but most handsets and SIMs from outside Japan are not compatible with Japan, however mobile phones from Japan have no problem working outside of Japan.
Now that I have covered the basics, lets get into whether you need a GSM phone or not.
If you plan to travel to North America; you are in North America and plan to go anywhere else; you think you venture into Central or South America, then you'll want to purchase a "quad band" GSM mobile phone.
The most cost effective way to use your mobile phone is to simply purchase an unlocked GSM mobile phone if you do not already own one. I picked up a used an abused unlocked GSM quad-band phone on eBay not to long ago for $15. This came with a battery and international wall charger. I didn't need anything fancy, just unlocked and quad-band.
Once you have an unlocked GSM mobile phone you are free to purchase pre-paid mobile SIM cards as you travel. By purchasing a 'local' SIM card you have a local phone number and are paying a significantly better rate for your usage than roaming internationally on your home carriers plan. You can buy a SIM card, no contract required, in nearly any airport or train station, and you can get some great deals online as well! Run out of minutes? Buy a new SIM or top-up to refill the card.
The downside to buying your SIM locally? You lose your phone number. If you must keep your phone number look around at what mobile phone providers offer the best international roaming rates. Rates may not be consistent from country to country so make sure you ask your mobile phone provider for a complete list. If you plan to use data this can incur significant costs which you need to factor in.
As of today I have found AT&T has the most competitive international voice roaming fees for US based customers, while T-Mobile has the most competitive Blackberry Mail fees. Verizon "global phone" users will find their data rates favourable, while their voice rates are well above both AT&T and T-Mobile (US).
Remember that as soon as you land in a foreign country and turn on your mobile phone your SIM has been registered with that country's provider. This means that even if you do not answer your phone you may be charged a connect fee for all missed calls while you are on the road internationally. Since your SIM has registered on a foreign provider, all calls coming to you are automatically being routed to that provider from your 'home' provider.
To avoid this problem I travel with a T-Mobile (US) Blackberry and remove the SIM from my AT&T mobile phone. As soon as I land I place a foreign SIM in my unlocked AT&T phone so I have my Blackberry for mail while using a local SIM for all voice calls. In Hong Kong you can pick up 880 minutes for HK$88 (US$11.25), in Paris you can find a SIM with 500 minutes for €20 (US$31.50) , both example SIMs will save you a lot of money if you choose a local SIM rather than your 'home' SIM.
Want a dedicated international mobile phone with a phone number that will follow you around the world? Check out Mobal International Cell Phones (www.mobal.com). While Mobal may not have the best rates in some countries, overall, you know exactly what your fees are for incoming/outgoing calls before you travel internationally. Having a known expense makes the choice to use a mobile phone easier. Mobal sells a variety of GSM World Phones (be aware than the US$49 promo phone works globally, except on US/Canada frequencies).
Not interested in buying a phone or buying a SIM? You can always rent a phone. Companies such as AllCell Worldwide Wireless Rentals (www.allcellrentals.com) can set you up with what you need worldwide. AllCell has an extensive line of phones for both international and domestic use. Going off the beaten path? AllCell can set you up with a Satellite Phone as well. Companies such as AllCell offer an added benefit of being able to get an international rate plane with Free Incoming Calls. If you plan on accepting more calls than you'll be making you can save a lot of money with this option.
.........going to Japan? Rent a phone, or just buy one when you show up.
Well that's it, the basics of staying in touch while on the road around the world.
Happy Flying!
27/6/2008 - International Mobile Phones : Staying In Touch Around The World
One of the most common logistical problems international travelers face is staying in touch while on the road.
For some travelers their mobile phones are not "Groupe Spécial Mobile," more commonly known as "GSM" so the mobile phone will not work internationally. Other traveler find they have as GSM phone, but it is only a dual band phone and it does not have the proper frequencies for international use. Many travelers simply do not want to incur outrageous international roaming fees.
There are simple ways to stay in touch while also lowering the expense of using your mobile phone overseas. I have tried a variety of options when traveling will hopefully clear up this somewhat complex travel issue for those of you traveling internationally.
There are some basics you'll need to know before we dive in. The first piece of information you'll need to know is if your phone is GSM, TDMA or CDMA.
--GSM is truly the global standard. "The World" primarily operates on GSM frequencies 900mhz and 1800mhz. "North America" largely operates on 850mhz and 1900mhz. Central-and-South America operate on a mix of all four frequencies.
For those of you who use TDMA and CDMA you'll most likely need to pick up a GSM phone for international use. TDMA and CDMA are really limited to the US and Canada, with some CDMA service in use in South Korea. If you have Bell Mobility PCS (Canada), Telus PCS (Canada), Sprint (USA), Verizon (USA), KT Freetel (South Korea), LG Telecom (South Korea), SK Telecom (South Korea) you most likely have a CDMA phone.
--If you have a GSM phone, or are looking into a GSM phone, you'll need a "Subscriber Identity Module" card, which is more commonly referred to simply as a "SIM Card." Your service, your phone numbers, even your stored phone numbers, live on the SIM Card, not on your phone. A SIM allows you to swap phones as often as you'd like and take your phone number with you. You can also travel and pick up SIM cards as you go and pick up local phone numbers (but we'll get to that later).
--Going to Japan? Well that is a whole other topic that can take up it's own entry.....they have GSM SIMs, but most handsets and SIMs from outside Japan are not compatible with Japan, however mobile phones from Japan have no problem working outside of Japan.
Now that I have covered the basics, lets get into whether you need a GSM phone or not.
If you plan to travel to North America; you are in North America and plan to go anywhere else; you think you venture into Central or South America, then you'll want to purchase a "quad band" GSM mobile phone.
The most cost effective way to use your mobile phone is to simply purchase an unlocked GSM mobile phone if you do not already own one. I picked up a used an abused unlocked GSM quad-band phone on eBay not to long ago for $15. This came with a battery and international wall charger. I didn't need anything fancy, just unlocked and quad-band.
Once you have an unlocked GSM mobile phone you are free to purchase pre-paid mobile SIM cards as you travel. By purchasing a 'local' SIM card you have a local phone number and are paying a significantly better rate for your usage than roaming internationally on your home carriers plan. You can buy a SIM card, no contract required, in nearly any airport or train station, and you can get some great deals online as well! Run out of minutes? Buy a new SIM or top-up to refill the card.
The downside to buying your SIM locally? You lose your phone number. If you must keep your phone number look around at what mobile phone providers offer the best international roaming rates. Rates may not be consistent from country to country so make sure you ask your mobile phone provider for a complete list. If you plan to use data this can incur significant costs which you need to factor in.
As of today I have found AT&T has the most competitive international voice roaming fees for US based customers, while T-Mobile has the most competitive Blackberry Mail fees. Verizon "global phone" users will find their data rates favourable, while their voice rates are well above both AT&T and T-Mobile (US).
Remember that as soon as you land in a foreign country and turn on your mobile phone your SIM has been registered with that country's provider. This means that even if you do not answer your phone you may be charged a connect fee for all missed calls while you are on the road internationally. Since your SIM has registered on a foreign provider, all calls coming to you are automatically being routed to that provider from your 'home' provider.
To avoid this problem I travel with a T-Mobile (US) Blackberry and remove the SIM from my AT&T mobile phone. As soon as I land I place a foreign SIM in my unlocked AT&T phone so I have my Blackberry for mail while using a local SIM for all voice calls. In Hong Kong you can pick up 880 minutes for HK$88 (US$11.25), in Paris you can find a SIM with 500 minutes for €20 (US$31.50) , both example SIMs will save you a lot of money if you choose a local SIM rather than your 'home' SIM.
Want a dedicated international mobile phone with a phone number that will follow you around the world? Check out Mobal International Cell Phones (www.mobal.com). While Mobal may not have the best rates in some countries, overall, you know exactly what your fees are for incoming/outgoing calls before you travel internationally. Having a known expense makes the choice to use a mobile phone easier. Mobal sells a variety of GSM World Phones (be aware than the US$49 promo phone works globally, except on US/Canada frequencies).
Not interested in buying a phone or buying a SIM? You can always rent a phone. Companies such as AllCell Worldwide Wireless Rentals (www.allcellrentals.com) can set you up with what you need worldwide. AllCell has an extensive line of phones for both international and domestic use. Going off the beaten path? AllCell can set you up with a Satellite Phone as well. Companies such as AllCell offer an added benefit of being able to get an international rate plane with Free Incoming Calls. If you plan on accepting more calls than you'll be making you can save a lot of money with this option.
.........going to Japan? Rent a phone, or just buy one when you show up.
Well that's it, the basics of staying in touch while on the road around the world.
Happy Flying!
02 June 2008
New Rules For Foreign Visitors To The United States : Be Prepared
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
2/06/2008 - New Rules For Foreign Visitors To The United States : Be Prepared
With the ever-changing rules, regulations and restrictions for traveling in the past few years, an announcement expected today by Michael Chertoff, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, just made it more challenging for those traveling to the United States.
In tomorrow's expected announcement Chertoff will lay out the details of changing the protocols for those flying to the United States from "Visa Waiver Nations." The new rules will require visitors to register online with the United States Government at least 72 hours prior to their visit to the United States. This change in policy is expected to come into place on the 1st of August.
The new Homeland Security policy will collect the same information visitors are required to fill-in on their I-94 immigrations form. This information will now be collected electronically prior to departure. Airlines and travel agencies will be able to pre-file this information for passengers, in much the same way they do for visitors to Australia, and Australia's "e-visa" program. Electronic registration will be valid for two years from the date it is filed.
In an odd note, the new rules list "most of the Western European nations and Andorra." This is very odd, as Andorra is directly between France and Spain, 100% surrounded by both nations.......why is that not included in Western Europe?
As an observer of the travel industry, I have to ask this. If airline revenues are plummeting, and the airline industry is a vital part of the US economy, with our economy in a slump, why impose more restrictions? European business leaders fear this new rule can have a negative implication on doing last minute business in the United States and I have to agree. We should not be making it more difficult to the United States and further place fear into those potentially interested in visiting the United States.
Happy Flying!
2/06/2008 - New Rules For Foreign Visitors To The United States : Be Prepared
With the ever-changing rules, regulations and restrictions for traveling in the past few years, an announcement expected today by Michael Chertoff, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, just made it more challenging for those traveling to the United States.
In tomorrow's expected announcement Chertoff will lay out the details of changing the protocols for those flying to the United States from "Visa Waiver Nations." The new rules will require visitors to register online with the United States Government at least 72 hours prior to their visit to the United States. This change in policy is expected to come into place on the 1st of August.
The new Homeland Security policy will collect the same information visitors are required to fill-in on their I-94 immigrations form. This information will now be collected electronically prior to departure. Airlines and travel agencies will be able to pre-file this information for passengers, in much the same way they do for visitors to Australia, and Australia's "e-visa" program. Electronic registration will be valid for two years from the date it is filed.
In an odd note, the new rules list "most of the Western European nations and Andorra." This is very odd, as Andorra is directly between France and Spain, 100% surrounded by both nations.......why is that not included in Western Europe?
As an observer of the travel industry, I have to ask this. If airline revenues are plummeting, and the airline industry is a vital part of the US economy, with our economy in a slump, why impose more restrictions? European business leaders fear this new rule can have a negative implication on doing last minute business in the United States and I have to agree. We should not be making it more difficult to the United States and further place fear into those potentially interested in visiting the United States.
Happy Flying!
20 January 2007
04-December-2006 Niantic, Connecticut
Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@fishfoto.com
04-December-2006 Niantic, Connecticut
Well I guess every blog has a beginning, everything has to start somewhere, so here we go.
First off, when I am packing for a trip, I always love staring at all the things I need to pack and looking at the small "legal carry on" bag I need to pack them in.
At the moment I am getting ready for a four day business trip that will take me through six U.S. States, four countries, two continents, one train, nine flights, without stopping for one single night in a hotel. This may seem a little bit strange, but for me travel is about business as a photographer. Many photographers travel for work then stay a few days to sight see, no me. I need to go, do my work and get home to my family. The less time I am away the less money spent, the less money spent, the more profitable my trip.
For this trip I am heading out to meetings with four weddings coordinators in two countries, two in Hong Kong and two in Honolulu. I should have some downtime to try and wander around (not to far from the airport) in Incheon, South Korea and Nagoya, Japan along the way.
Due to the international date line, and time zone shifts, I will never technically be in any country on the 6th of December, and on the December 8th I will fly on three (yes three!) overnight red-eye flights, set foot in four countries, and log more air miles than I care to think about.
Below are two photos. One shows everything I must pack , the other shows the LowePro Stealth Backpack and small Domke F5X wait pack in which I must pack it all.
-Click On The Photos Below To Enlarge The Image--
04-December-2006 Niantic, Connecticut
Well I guess every blog has a beginning, everything has to start somewhere, so here we go.
First off, when I am packing for a trip, I always love staring at all the things I need to pack and looking at the small "legal carry on" bag I need to pack them in.
At the moment I am getting ready for a four day business trip that will take me through six U.S. States, four countries, two continents, one train, nine flights, without stopping for one single night in a hotel. This may seem a little bit strange, but for me travel is about business as a photographer. Many photographers travel for work then stay a few days to sight see, no me. I need to go, do my work and get home to my family. The less time I am away the less money spent, the less money spent, the more profitable my trip.
For this trip I am heading out to meetings with four weddings coordinators in two countries, two in Hong Kong and two in Honolulu. I should have some downtime to try and wander around (not to far from the airport) in Incheon, South Korea and Nagoya, Japan along the way.
Due to the international date line, and time zone shifts, I will never technically be in any country on the 6th of December, and on the December 8th I will fly on three (yes three!) overnight red-eye flights, set foot in four countries, and log more air miles than I care to think about.
Below are two photos. One shows everything I must pack , the other shows the LowePro Stealth Backpack and small Domke F5X wait pack in which I must pack it all.
-Click On The Photos Below To Enlarge The Image--
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