Who Gets Searched at the Airport?

Airport security is crucial to our safety. Screeners and agents "randomly" pick people out of line to give them a double check. But how "random" is it? How does "profiling" come into play? Well Mexico has solved this problem. When you pass through security (metal detector, luggage xray), the agents ask you to come push this button(!). The button will either light up a Green or Red light. Green means go and red means you got chosen at random for more screening. By taking the "person" out of it, it seems a lot more random (thus fairer?) way to screen. Have you seen these systems in other countries?

Pack Smart

Some clothes just don't travel well. Suits, tuxedo jackets, long dresses, hats -- none of these things pack easily, so what do you do? Try not to need them in the first place! Even if you are going to a fancy party at your destination, you can pack smartly and perhaps find alternatives to the standard formal wear. Some things just don't pack well -- instead of having them wrinkled and ruined, don't try to bring them in the first place.

The Future of Air Travel = No Carry-ons?

Do you think you could fly without any carry-on luggage? I mean, it seems like the easiest, most hassle free way to fly, but could you do it? Or is it the easiest way to fly? What do you really need for a 3 hour flight? What in your checked luggage is too valuable not to keep with your person? A wallet/purse? Passport? Lipstick?

Travel Insurance for your Car

When you travel, do you use your own car or do you rent one? The good thing about your own insurance on your own car is that is follows you where ever you go. You don't need specific Arizona car insurance when you travel there... duh! But when you rent a car, do you know what your rights and coverages are? Should you buy additional insurance? Before you do, check with your credit card company. Many Platinum level cards offer free travel and rental car insurance if you use your card for the entire transaction. That can save you money.

Pay for Airline Food? No Way!

What are the rules to bringing your own food / drink on board? It seems like liquids over 3oz are not allowed, so that rules out a coffee or soda. But what about food? I think you can still bring food on board a flight within reason. A candy bar, gum, peanuts -- easy. What about French fries? It sure beats savoring your tiny bag of pretzels when you can bring your own food for cheap!

Leave the Light On

What do you do when you travel with regards to your home? Do you leave the light on outside? Do you use a timer so that inside lights only come on a few hours at night? Do you have a security system? For me, its all of the above. I've got Sylvania light bulbs outside connected to a motion detector. This saves energy but keeps my house illuminated if someone's out there. Inside, I use timers for some lights and I also have a home security system. Peace of mind while you travel -- priceless!

Hotel MiniBars = $$$

Who really uses those things? Located in hotels of all levels, the mini-bar evokes contents of vodka, gin, and whiskey, but they also usually hold snacks like chocolate bars. Who really pays those crazy-high prices for those good? Not me! I mean, it's usually more expensive than room service (which is too rich for my blood itself).

Pilgrimage versus Mission - What's the Difference?

What do you call Religious Travel? Well there are several terms which apply to it:

• Pilgrimage - Often a long journey where you follow a certain path or visit different places all with a religious significance. It can also mean visiting only one place of great importance.
• Missionary - Travel not for pleasure but instead for the purpose of spreading a religious message and converting other people to that religion.

Travel Gift Cards?

Here's a fresh idea -- what about airlines and travel companies make gift cards which can be redeemed for travel? What a fresh idea? Of course one gift card probably couldn't pay for a ticket, but if you got 4 or 5 for your birthday from different people, you could combine them all. What else would be the best gift to give the world traveler in your family? ARe you listening Delta? Offer gift cards!

What is Culture?

What is culture? Is it only the haughty-tohty stuff like Opera and Ballet? Nah. Culture is all around us -- it can be found in everyday life. Our actions, customs, common beliefs, and interests all make up our culture. Think about this the next time you turn on the TV -- what do you see and what does that mean for out common culture?

Amazing Things from Around the World

What are the most amazing things you've seen, bought, or tried from around the world? Was there a specific dish in a far away locale? Or how about some amazing household products, beauty supplies, or even the best diet pill in the world? I bet you only bought one pack, if any and are now kicking yourself. What are some of the things you've seen, heard, tasted or tried -- leave a comment and lets get a conversation about his going. Its one of the best things about taking international vacations.

Wrap Your Brain Around This, Travelers

Here's something simple but not many people think about it -- each country has it's own name for itself! China is not called "China" in Chinese. In fact, Chinese has different names for most of the countries of the world. The same for Russian, German, ... you get the point. Sometimes it gets a little off our American minds that the world is not just English (or Spanish) and that countries have their own ways to identify themselves. Quick: Do you know what the U.S. of A is called in:

• German?
• French?
• Chinese?
• Portuguese?