On the topic of checked bags vs. carry-ons… Recently, I was flying on American Airlines and, since the plane was small, I thought—why not just check my bag? Big mistake. At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the process was way more complicated than expected. The QR code didn’t work, so I had to manually enter […]
While strolling through the incredible Air and Space Museum with my grandkids—absolutely loving it, by the way—I was struck by just how impressive it is. Free, innovative, and deeply educational. I wandered into an exhibit on speed—fast cars, motorbikes, and the broader story of how quickly humans have learned to move. And really, the entire […]
Having spent the week after the Olympics in and around the Dolomites, and the week of the Olympics in and around Rome, I was flabbergasted that there was no branding for the Olympics anywhere. Starting in Rome—not a sign, not even a suggestion that the Olympic Games were happening. Then I went to Venice—again, not […]
Even though there are times when Italians seem to find many ways to make me unlove the place… it never works. Getting into Italy is a little more complicated than it used to be with the new European entry system. When I encountered it in Munich, it was smooth. It went quickly, and everything worked […]
Buying a fridge is a big deal. It costs a lot of money. You start asking the serious questions:Double doors or single? Freezer on top or bottom? Ice maker? Filtered water? Crushed or cubed? But here’s the thing. The most important part of a fridge is the metal bit called the door.And the most important […]
Recently, I’ve had to use a rental car because my own car seems to be permanently out of commission. It’s a lemon. Which means I now get to endure the full rental-car ritual: the insurance interrogation, the add-ons, and all the nonsense that somehow comes with a “$24 a day” rate. It’s torture. Yes, I’d […]
Dear Tony, What are you doing? You’re at it again. Another global board for “world peace” — or whatever it’s called — filled with nations I’ve barely heard of, and now with Donald Trump as the nominal head. Then there’s Gaza.A plan — apparently — to turn it into a beach resort. Look, I know […]
No gates or toll booths to check if you’re “legal.” No tap system. No Paris Metro card that still depends on gates and turnstiles. Instead, they rely on you to play the game. It’s the same system in Munich — the honor system. It seemed crazy when I first encountered it, but it actually saves […]
Dear Germany, I love your beer gardens and beautiful Christmas markets. I love the street stalls selling endless variations of sausage and sauerkraut. I love the beer halls, the beer itself, and the breathtaking closeness of the Alps. I love the wonderful everything of it all. But… whatever happened to German efficiency? The trains are […]
I’m English. I grew up with the Christmas ritual of pulling crackers every year. They were invented in 1847 by Tom Smith, a London confectioner. Inspired by French bonbons—sweets wrapped in paper—he brought the idea to England, but sales were slow. So he added a crack: a small explosive strip that made a bang when […]
Dark days begin at 3:30pm. Intermittent rain. Brollies ready for the downpour and lights. Everywhere are lights… in SoHo, Carnaby Street, Trafalgar Square , Covent Garden and Winter Wonderland in Hyde park, the Angels in Regent Street, the shop windows along Piccadilly, Hamleys toy store… The whole city is lit up. We ride the tube […]
Dear NYC, Your theater is too expensive. Too many musicals and Stars make it so hopelessly impossible for everyone. Dear London. I love your theatre. It takes chances. Yep. Not only do you have the musical factor, but then the lovely off-center stuff and the National, the Bridge, the Almeida, the Globe, Regents Park not […]
Big overdue shout-out to Jet Blue. JetBlue flies to 66 domestic destinations and 46 international destinations across 34 countries. The airline operates approximately 1000 flights daily. Recently, I traveled to New Orleans with Jet Blue. I Grabbed extra leg room. The WiFi was free. The flight was on time and the attendants were really nice. Price was […]
In group travel, there are moments in the day when everyone gathers to chat and talk. To review the things that have been done, and to discuss the days ahead. Often, dinner is the glorious opportunity to do this. A chance to put the phones away, take a break from social media, and socialize. To […]
Whenever I go to London, I always go to the Theatre. I love the Theatre and not just the big plays in London‘s West End, but also strolling over to the old Vic, the Almeida and the National Theatre. One of the wonderful secrets – if you like Theatre- is keeping an eye out for […]