I have a short list of travel posts this week, not because there was any shortage in great stuff, but because I had a little health scare that landed me in the emergency room.  I’ve spent a rather low key week as I’ve been nursing myself back to health, and so I just haven’t had the typical online time that I usually do.  Still, I think you’ll find plenty to like from these posts:
The Vacation Gals entreat the airlines and the FAA not to allow lap children.  The fares are cheap these days, but the costs add up.  Still, …read more

Reading time once again.  I offer up a good variety to keep you informed and entertained this Sunday afternoon.
Consumer Traveler – Chris Elliott shares good advice about dealing with a bankrupt, or soon-to-be bankrupt, airline.  Ignore this advice at your peril.
Ciao Amalfi – Taking the boat from Salerno to Amalfi.  Just a little slice of heaven.
Travel Blog Camp – Registration for this travel blogger meet up opens. . . and closes.  If you’ll be in London next month, it may still be worth getting on the waiting list.  I’ll be there, so let me know if you will too!
Almost …read more

The world is a pretty germy place.  When your at home or in an environment that you can control, it’s easy to take control of your exposure to germs.  But travelers get hit with germs in ways that they can’t always plan for.  One of those germy times is passing through airport security.  ecoLiving Essentials has developed two eco-friendly products to help give travelers a little bit of a defense against the germs of the world – Biodegradable Travel Booties and a Biodegradable Shower Cap.
The company was founded by two moms, who, as frequent travelers. were concerned about their germ …read more

When it comes to travel gadgets, it seems like smaller is better.  As long as smaller still allows for a quality experience, that is.  And that’s why the Flip Mino has become such a popular video cam choice.
Now available in HD, and a number of colors and fashion choices (like the Hello Kitty Flip in photo) , the Flip Mino has a budget friendly price point to go along with its travel friendly size.  Here are a few of the features it offers:

Pocket sized
One-touch recording
Built in flash memory (holding up to 60 minutes of recording)
Battery lasts over 4 hours …read more

If you’re still trying to figure out how you’re going to add a little travel into your life – and budget – this year, here’s a low budget way to get you travel fix at home.
Buy a wall calendar of the destination you want to visit this year.
You can use the beautiful photos as a daily reminder to cut back on your lattes, and save up for an espresso in Tuscany.  Or to ditch the muffin from the cart to save up for a croissant in Paris.  Take the bus so you can finance a gondola ride in Venice, or …read more

Here’s a stamp that every traveler will want in their passport – from the first (of what I am assuming will be an annual) fundraiser from Passports with Purpose.  Formed by some of my travel blogging friends, this is an opportunity for those of us who travel the world to give back to it.
As the recipient of its first fundraiser, Passports with Purpose chose Heifer International,  a non-profit organization with a very simple mission – to end worldwide hunger.  And they do it by helping people find a sustainable source of income and food.  Your donation to Heifer International not …read more

I’m one of those people who think the airplane is always too chilly. 
On overnight flights across country or to Europe it’s usually hard to get a comfortable temperature.  And coming from a warm climate back to chilly Seattle is always difficult.
I NEVER use the blankets on the airplane.  I know that they swear they clean them regularly, but I’m just not very trusting.
Keeping a coat on is usually too bulky and uncomfortable.  Keeping a light weight sweater on is fine, but as the temperature in the cabin changes, I often have to wiggle in and out of the …read more