Travelers have been given a false sense of security. Bomb detector wands are a scam.
Although Iraq and the UK have banned the devices, Thailand's Prime Minister and Army Chief are in denial. The fraudulent bomb detector devices have been used throughout Southeast Asia by major hotel chains, airports, and department stores.
Western governments, ostensibly concerned about protecting their nationals from terrorism, have failed to alert the travel and tourism industry that these devices are ineffective.
You can find out more about these bomb detectors here.
Running in old Bangkok
Camera in hand, dodging security guards, I made my way down the streets of old Bangkok, passing the Royal palace, flags, angry protesters, and cheering crowds. I waved at a princess. It was April 19, 2008.
Five packing tips for how avoid new checked baggage fees
WSJ reports:
United Airlines on Wednesday said it will raise its check-on baggage fees to match those at US Airways (LCC), Delta Air Lines (DAL) and Continental Airlines (CAL).The obvious way to avoid these charges is to carry only the necessities. Of course, that is easier said than done. Because you are only allowed two carry-on bags, it's important to think strategically:
A unit of UAL Corp. (UAUA), United will raised the fee for the first check-on bag to $25 from $20, and $35 from $30 for the second bag. The new fee applies to tickets purchased on or after Thursday for travel on or after Jan. 21. Delta and Continental raised their fees last week, matching US Airways. AMR Corp.'s (AMR) American Airlines has yet to raise its checked-on luggage fees.
- If you don't think you are likely to need something on your trip, leave it at home. Over time, the money you save on checked baggage fees will easily pay for the occasional "emergency" purchase.
- Pack a collapsible bag into which you can put any smaller carry on -- such as a purse -- in case they strictly enforce the "2 carry on maximum." (On an aircraft, it's actually far easier to store three small carry-on bags than two regulation sized carry-on bags. Nevertheless, over the holidays I came across a gate attendant who lacked common sense.)
- Ship it. The cost of checking a bag has made even overnight delivery services an affordable option.
- Sometimes checking one bag (and coughing up the fee) makes the most sense. But you will want to avoid paying even more to check a second piece of luggage. So if you must check one bag, make sure it is expandable. (You don't want to have to check a second bag on your return trip. Ensure one of your carry-on bags is expandable to the size of a checked-bag.)
- Take any jacket you would have packed in checked luggage and carry/wear it on board.
Cats of Alexandria, Part II
Pharos Cat
Pharos Cat stares at Fort Qaitbey which was built on the site of the Pharos, Alexandria's 125 meter-tall lighthouse. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pharos remained the world's second tallest structure (after the Cheops pyramid) until the lighthouse was destroyed by an earthquake in the 14th or 15th Century.
Sphinx Cat
Captain Cat
A blue and green cat? Here is a photo of Alexandria's strangest cat.
Pharos Cat stares at Fort Qaitbey which was built on the site of the Pharos, Alexandria's 125 meter-tall lighthouse. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pharos remained the world's second tallest structure (after the Cheops pyramid) until the lighthouse was destroyed by an earthquake in the 14th or 15th Century.
Sphinx Cat
Palm Cat
Captain Cat
A blue and green cat? Here is a photo of Alexandria's strangest cat.
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