Flying out of Town

 Well I am flying out of town, we got tasked to bring a plane back into service, so I am not sure if I will be able to post anything.  I will take my baby laptop with me in case the hotel has internet, but the location we are going to is kinda remote so we will see.  

   Worse case scenario, I will resume blogging sometime next week.

"Where to go...or not to go.... When Travelling"

I am taking a break from writing my congresscritters to make my opinion known about the gun control issues.  Write often, in paper and mail it.  It makes more of an impression.  And send it to the local offices, the congressman has staffers that man the location and this helps him/her have a pulse on the locals..Remember the first job of a congressman..is to get re-elected and pissing off the local is not a way to do it.

One of the benefits of my job besides being to swear at airplanes when they don't mind...Try doing that in a customer service job....been there and done that.   I have travel opportunities, when I was in the service, I travelled all over Europe(western) and East Germany including Berlin before the wall fell.  I saw this list from Yahoo Travel and several places on that list I wouldn't mind going, Israel, Greece, and Japan off that list.  I also would like to check out Russia St Petersburg and Volgograd(Stalingrad) and of course Moscow.  I have passport but the wife doesn't so I may start taking trips without her;) outside the country.    I will add my recommendations also besides what the author wrote...Mine will be in BOLD  The opinions by me are my opinion.  If other people have other good places to visit, Please add them to the list.

    Here is the list from Yahoo Travel:

(Photo: Andrew Kazmierski / Dreamstime.com)

Intrepid travelers like to push their limits—they'll test their stamina, language skills, and culinary daring in far-flung destinations around the globe. But we don't like to see anyone risk their personal safety on an ill-researched sojourn.

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So, each year Budget Travel gives you the lowdown on some spots that should, at least for the near term, stay on your "don't bother" list, some that are a definite "maybe," and a few that you may be surprised to hear get a definite "yes."

Jersey Shore

Sure, you know that Superstorm Sandy hit the New Jersey coastline last fall, tearing up boardwalks, hotels, vacation homes, and beaches. What you may not know, however, is that "the shore" will be open for business this summer. In fact, Lori Pepenella, Long Beach Island's destination marketing coordinator, recently told the Newark Star-Ledger, "As businesses are investing and rebuilding, we're getting the message out that we're open right now." 

While rebuilding post-Sandy is a challenge, especially for areas such as Seaside Heights, whose boardwalk sustained serious damage, New Jersey's $38 billion hospitality industry depends on a thriving shore and everyone is sprinting toward a successful Memorial Day weekend. For those of you who thought this might be the summer to skip New Jersey's miles of family-friendly beaches, legendary boardwalks and amusement parks, and notorious party scene, local boosters are working hard to change your mind: Atlantic City is telling anyone who will listen that contrary to rumor, its boardwalk was not destroyed by the hurricane, and Long Beach Island has produced a video to promote its open-for-business status at visitlbiregion.com. 

To Go or Not to Go: Go.  What and get fleeced by the excessive taxes and fees?   and get treated like crap?

(Photo: iStockphoto)Cuba

For those of us who grew up during the Cold War, the question may still seem fanciful: Want to visit Cuba? But whereas the Caribbean island was once off-limits except to the most adventurous of American travelers (who would typically enter Mexico or Canada before flying to Cuba), it is now possible for U.S. citizens to see this amazing country by booking with a licensed tour operator that performs "people-to-people" trips. 

A package will include interaction with Cubans and classes in Cuban culture and history and should also include a visa, airfare, hotel, meals, and an experienced tour guide. They don't come cheap—week-long trips are often more than $2,000 per person—but are the best way to ensure that you comply with U.S. law and that you see the island in the safest way. While accurate crime statistics are not available from Cuba yet, the U.S. Department of State cautions visitors to be alert for pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and burglaries, but traveling with a licensed people-to-people tour guide will help minimize any danger.

To Go or Not to Go: Go, if you can afford a U.S.-approved people-to-people tour.  Costly but worthy of interest.

(Photo: Reiley / Dreamstime.com)

Spain

It's a sign of the economic times that a nation of Spain's stature could even make our list of questionable destinations. The final quarter of 2012 saw Spain's economic output drop 1.8 percent compared with last year, its worst performance since the global economic meltdown of 2009. As the country embraced an austerity program to bring down its budget deficit, demonstrators took to the streets, often meeting an aggressive response from the police.

In Barcelona, some demonstrators even demanded independence. It's important to keep all this in perspective, though: The U.S. Department of State has not issued a warning against visiting Spain, and the country still poses only the crime threats one might expect in any developed region: You need to be as aware of the potential for pickpocketing, mugging, and break-ins as you would when visiting, say,Italy or France. In addition, some of the advice the State Department has issued for visiting places likeGreece and Israel, where the potential for spontaneous public demonstrations is high, should be heeded when visiting Spain: Stay away from demonstrations (they are not spectactor sports, and passersby have been swept up in police actions in Barcelona), and check with your hotel's concierge for updates on the potential for unrest in your destination.

To Go or Not to Go: Go.  The exchange rate is favorable against the dollar, just avoid all the protest spots.

(Photo: Courtesy David Shankbone/Wikimedia Commons)

Israel

With some of the world's holiest sites, sacred to Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike, Israel is a one-of-a-kind destination. From the ancient streets of Jerusalem to the nightlife of Tel Aviv, this is a place where the past rubs elbows with the present like no other. Unfortunately, all that elbow-rubbing comes with a downside, and Israel has been the scene of religious tension, terrorist attacks, and flat-out war over the course of its 60-plus years. 

The U.S. Department of State strongly warns Americans not to visit the Gaza Strip and most areas of the West Bank (other than Jericho and Bethlehem), because of ongoing tensions and risks that can range from rock-throwing to rocket fire. On the other hand, major cities such as Haifa and Tel Aviv are as safe as any in the world, and Jerusalem, as long as you observe some common-sense rules, is an unforgettable experience that shouldn't be missed. While in Jerusalem, avoid street protests and approach religious sites with caution on holy days, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays because of potential congestion and security restrictions. As with any troubled region, you will feel most supported and informed if you travel with an experienced tour operator and stay in touch with the staff at your hotel about the potential for political and religious demonstrations.

To Go or Not to Go: Go, but avoid the West Bank and Gaza.  Historical alert...well worth it.  Just pay attention to your surroundings.

(Photo: Courtesy Mardetanha/Wikimedia Commons)

Mexico

Yes, millions of U.S. citizens visit Mexico safely each year, but as the U.S. Department of State points out, it's best to stick to major cities such as Mexico City and popular resort areas such as Los Cabos and destinations in Quintana Roo such as Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Tulum, where the crime rate can actually be lower than in some U.S. cities.

But more adventurous travelers should spend some time at state.gov reviewing the warnings about visiting border regions and some Mexican states (including Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Sonora, Chihuahua, and others) that have seen heavy drug-trafficking activity, including daytime gun battles, carjackings, and kidnappings. Regardless of where you travel in Mexico, be prepared for the same risks you might encountering when visiting any American city.

To Go or Not to Go: Go, but only to major cities and resort towns.  Avoid the Border towns and Stick to the resorts if you go, 

(Photo: Chuongy / Dreamstime.com)

Japan
2012 saw an increase of 30 percent in tourism to Japan over the preceding year, according to the Japan National Tourist Organization. It's no wonder people stayed away in 2011: In March of that year the nation was rocked by the largest earthquake in its history, a magnitude 9 quake that destroyed buildings and triggered a tsunami on the island's northeast coast, causing the deaths of thousands and a meltdown at a major nuclear-power plant, including a release of dangerous radiation. But millions have returned to Japan in the past year, buoyed by the nation's swift recovery efforts. Today, major destinations such asTokyo are completely safe and 2013 may even set a record for visitors.

To Go or Not to Go: Go, as long as you avoid the area around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear-power plant.  Enjoy the culture

(Photo: Mikael Damkier / Dreamstime.com)

Egypt
The political unrest that rocked Egypt two years ago, including public uprisings against then-president Hosni Mubarak, certainly put Egypt front-and-center on the world stage, and inspired some to delay travel plans to the north African nation. But sites such as the pyramids and Great Sphinx at Luxor, museums and historical sites in Cairo, and the beauty of the Lower Nile (now enjoying a resurgence in river cruises) still inspire waves of visitors, and the U.S. Department of State does not explicitly warn Americans away from Egypt. It does suggest that you stay away from public demonstrations, which can be unpredictable and sometimes turn violent. Visiting Egypt with an experienced tour guide, or staying in a major hotel whose concierge regularly monitors the potential for unrest, is your best bet.  

To Go or Not to Go: Go, but, for now, stick with well-trod tourist sites such as Cairo and Luxor.  Don't go at all...With the Muslim Brotherhood in charge, Westerners are easy prey for somebody wanting to make a name for themselves with Allah.

(Photo: Andreas Karelias / Dreamstime.com)

Greece

There's no sugar-coating it: The economic downturn and austerity measures have inspired strikes and public demonstrations in Greece, especially in major squares in the capital city ofAthens. While they are usually peaceful and pose no threat to the democratic government, some demonstrations have turned violent, including fire-bombings and vandalism. 

It's best to avoid ogling demonstrations because of their potential to turn ugly. Americans visiting Athens should be aware that anti-migrant sentiment can make some visitors targets of aggressive behavior—and even police sweeps. The U.S. Department of State especially cautions Americans of African, Asian, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern descent to be on guard because they may be mistaken for migrants. All Americans should carry a copy of a passport or photo ID at all times. That said, tourism to Greece is still a booming business—major hotels in Athens, resorts on the islands, and other destinations with knowledgeable staff and on-site security are not only safe but among the most rewarding vacation spots you could choose.

To Go or Not to Go: Go to the islands, stick to the beaten path in Athens.  Most of the demonstrations are in Athens...Go outside the city to the tourist geared areas.  The Exchange rate is favorable for the Dollar.

(Photo: Lawrence Weslowski Jr / Dreamstime.com)

Haiti

When we say a travel destination "has it all," we usually don't mean crime, cholera, damaged infrastructure, and limited police and medical resources. Unfortunately, that is the situation in Haiti three years after a magnitude-7 earthquake demolished much of the already-impoverished nation (which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic), killing more than 300,000 people. While Haiti has spent billions just to maintain basic services, risks are high and resources for visitors are slim—traveling there as anything but a volunteer will only add to the strain. The U.S. Department of State warns that Americans have been victims of murder and kidnapping, including attacks on arriving visitors that have occurred right outside the Port-au-Prince airport.

To Go or Not to Go: Don't go.  Are you kidding me...?  They added this to the list as a joke.  the only thing I want with Haiti is the UN to move there...and stay.

(Photo: Olga Kolos / Dreamstime.com)

Syria

Sure, Syria boasts some of the most dramatic ruins and landmarks in the Middle East, but this one's a no-brainer: "No part of Syria should be considered immune from violence," reports the U.S. Department of State, warning Americans not to visit the troubled nation (and those Americans who remain in Syria are urged to leave immediately). Anti-government activity and the Syrian government's use of deadly force—including aerial bombing of civilian areas, armed clashes between government and opposition groups, and the arrest, detention, and torture of individuals—have made Syria one of the most dangerous places on earth. And once inside, it can be difficult to get a flight out or to cross the border into neighboring countries, which include Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Israel.

To Go or Not to Go: Don't go.   Don't even think about it...Too much turmoil....Don't want to be branded as a zionist spy or something and make a guest appearance on AL-Jezzera TV.

5 Things to not say or do while traveling....

I got this on Yahoo.com.    It has some common sense approach to travel.   I will also include some of my own opinions in Red.

(Photo: David Wilson via flickr/CC Attribution)

MORE AT SMARTER TRAVEL

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"Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word, before you let it fall," said Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. Thinking before you speak is an excellent strategy for anyone, but it's especially appropriate for the traveling set. To fend off foot-in-mouth syndrome while on the road, banish the following five phrases from your lexicon.

(Photo: polandeze via flickr/CC Attribution)

Do You Speak English?

There are basic foreign-language expressions that every international traveler should learn before crossing borders, and this is one of them. Even if you're light-years away from fluency, a rudimentary grasp of simple phrases in the regional tongue—like "please," "hello," "thank you," "no thank you," and "where is the bathroom?"—will work wonders. Add to this list "Do you speak English?" to be stated in the applicable language. It's a show of respect. And locals will likely be more responsive and helpful to anyone who doesn't behave as if all citizens of the world ought to speak his or her native language.  Before you travel, it is good to brush up on the layout of the city where you are going, if going to a foreign country, google something about the language, there are translation apps out there.  Also get an idea of the local customs, and check on the local holidays, if you show up during a holiday, it could make it difficult to get around.  memorize the ways out of the city in case there is a social upheaval and you have to get out fast.

(Photo: Elvert Barnes via flickr/CC Attribution)

Do You Have Change for a $20?
This phrase shouldn't be spoken to your bellman, tour guide, airport-shuttle driver, hotel housekeeper, or any other serviceperson not stationed behind a cash register. Travel and tipping go together like Lewis and Clark. Thus, road warriors should make a point of obtaining small bills in the local currency at the beginning of every trip. Don't put your service person in the position of awkwardly fumbling through his or her wallet in order to receive due recompense.  Also keep your wallet in your front pocket, don"t use a purse...that screams "grab me" to the local moped gang.  Before you travel, thin out your wallet, only take the basics, drivers license, medical card, 1 credit card( notify your CC company that you are traveling so they can keep an eye on unexplained purchases) and make a copy of your passport( more about that later)

(Photo: Enrico via flickr/CC Attribution)

Can You Help Me? I'm Lost, and I'm Staying at [Name of Hotel].

Have you seen the movie Taken? It's about a girl who gets kidnapped in Paris after human traffickers have found out where she is staying. Yes, it's Hollywood. But, to some degree, art imitates life. Many criminals target unsuspecting travelers—especially in popular tourist destinations—and it's not a smart idea to tell a stranger that you're from out of town or to publicize where you're bunking down for the night. You might not get sold into sex slavery, but you could get robbed, especially if your hotel lacks top-notch security.  Remember the copy of the passport I mentioned earlier?  Most hotels that cater to tourist have a safe in the room, Leave the original passport in the safe and use the copy when you are around town.  You have to safeguard the passport, if you have to get out fast, having a passport will make things easier with the U.S. Embassy.  Also stay on the ground floor in case you have to leave in a hurry and the doors are blocked.  Also keep a basic "bug out" bag in the safe with your passport, something small that allows you to keep some money, passport, small first aid supplies.  Also dress like the locals...no bling, try to blend in with the local scene.

(Photo: Jeremy Keith via flickr/CC Attribution)

I Don't Want To Go There; There Aren't Any Reviews!

While we appreciate the power and practicality of user-generated reviews, they have their limits. New establishments, locals-only joints, tiny B&B's, and less-traveled hideaways often get left off the reviews grid. Developing a dependence on the aggregated opinions of the faceless masses will prevent you from discovering anything remotely, well, undiscovered.

One traveler told our sister site IndependentTraveler.com, "Some great travel memories I have are from exploring Switzerland by train. I stopped over in many towns [without] knowing anything about the place or where I would end up staying. It was liberating to fend for myself and discover all things with new eyes."

(Photo: redjar via flickr/CC Attribution and Share Alike)

Geez. It's Not Like I Have A Bomb.

Airport security can often seem like a joke—especially when young children get pat-downs or Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents steal from passengers. But that doesn't mean you should play the part of the comedian when going through the metal detector. Travelers have been arrested for making jokes about terrorism in the airport. According to the TSA, "Belligerence, inappropriate jokes, and threats are not tolerated. Jokes and/or comments about threats to passengers or the aircraft will be taken seriously and can result in criminal or civil penalties for the passenger." Be on the safe side and save the jokes for after you've left the airport.  The TSA don't have a sense of humor.

     If y'all have anything else to add, please do and I will do a follow-up article