Home
Samsonite

Newest Articles

  

Newsflash

Rick Steves: Our Fave Travel Guru Disses Tourist Traps


Usually a most pleasant guy, in a USA Today Rick's critique listed places he calls tourist traps. He’s soon to hit age 60, so maybe it’s because Rick’s getting as grouchy as the rest of we wandering elders.

You may plan accordingly while pondering Rick’s opinions. Frankly, wherever we travel to any popular tourist site, it’s there to make bucks with entry fees, schlock for sale and snarky snacks. Here are several from Rick’s list, along with some travel4seniors.com input.

Torture Museums: They’re there for shock and awe, with a year-round Halloween creepiness. Hey, Rick, tourists want to be scared by skeletons, grungy tombs and royal head-chopping blocks.

Blarney Stone, Ireland: Not quite as creepy as the torture stuff, but it’s an old Irish tradition, and the upside down poses make great photos to send home to the folks.

Mamertine Prison, Italy: Old jails are popular in many countries, including some turned into hotels and cafés. Hey, Rick, in the U.S., who doesn’t want to see Al Capone’s old cell on Alcatraz?

Morocco: For a taste of Humphrey Bogart’s classic movie, it’s worth seeing the fake version of an earlier Rick’s gin joint. Who knows: maybe Ingrid will stop in and ask Sam to play As Time Goes By.

usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2014/12/06/europe-tourist-trap
Sleep Pods: Coming To Your Airport Soon? PDF Print E-mail


If you’re old enough to fondly remember Pullman sleepers, WWII troop trains and Navy transports, you’ll love the new airport sleep pods. The teeny little bunks are popping up in terminals all over the world. They’re a welcome convenience for passengers who have long waits or delays, and want some basic privacy and to lie down in comfort until their flight.

Asian airports have been using sleep lockers for many years, and now others in London, Moscow, Philadelphia and Dubai are making the pods available. Some are literally stacked little horizontal spaces not much bigger than check-your-bag lockers, and a bit smaller than the old Pullman sleeper bunks. Others are tiny rooms with a bed, closet and wash station, some with private toilets and shower stalls.

The sleep pods rent for as much as $30 per hour, about what you’d pay for a full night in a cheap motel room or hostel. Of course, because they’re right there in the airport, they’re much more convenient for waiting and stranded passengers. For more information, go to yotel.com or sleepbox.com
 
 
Stay in-the-know about the latest Sports, Life, Money, Tech, and Travel stories. You'll get your first 2 months of USA TODAY for $25 (charged monthly). All print subscribers receive the e-Newspaper included with their subscription.