Started evaluating refillable toothpaste tubes. We generally travel with just carry-ons, so we end up buying small tubes of toothpaste to meet TSA requirements. Refillable tubes seem less wasteful, and the adapter makes it a breeze to transfer our regular toothpaste.
Category: Travel Gear
End of a Sock
Last Arizona hike today. Inspired by Marie Kondo, thanked a hiking sock for its service before discarding. It should’ve departed a long time ago as it had lost most of its cushion. My feet are happy with synthetic: comfortable, they wick, no blisters, and overnight wash and dry.
Almost-Clean Bicycle Helmets
Prepared gear for an upcoming trip; washed the summer off our cycle helmets.
Ready for Quick Getaway
Prepared for an early flight tomorrow morning to Chicago. I’ll explore on foot and shared bicycles (hence the helmet) then fly back in the evening.
A Request from Her Majesty
I now have Her Britannic Majesty watching my back: my British passport arrived today. I’ll usually travel on my US passport, but a second passport might help me to work around nationality-dependent Covid restrictions.
Backup Passport
Spent much of the afternoon applying for a UK passport: my old one expired 15 years ago. Post-Covid travel with 2 passports may give more flexibility: when I arrive at London LHR later this year, I’ll choose the shortest immigration line. (Current wait times are up to 7 hours.)
Reducing Pathogen Transmission on Long Trips
Posted Reducing Pathogen Transmission on Long Trips.
Reducing Pathogen Transmission on Long Trips
A few years ago we arrived in Cairns, Australia, off a flight from Guam. Our backpacks alerted a friendly customs official we might be carrying hiking boots. We proudly showed our squeaky-clean boots (thanks, Dwight), but in the process she spotted our trail mix, which contained dried banana pieces. Dried bananas carry a pathogen that…… Continue reading Reducing Pathogen Transmission on Long Trips
Avoiding the Wrath of the TSA
Avoided the wrath of the TSA. Filled 3 fluid ounce silicone travel bottles with sunscreen and toothpaste.
Using a Smartphone to Bypass Lines in Spain
April 2018. Hundreds of people were lined up in heavy rain to buy tickets for Spain’s national art museum, the Prado. Some fiddled with their smartphones to alleviate their boredom as they shuffled slowly towards the entrance. They seemed unaware they could use their expensive devices to simplify their lives. I found a sheltered spot…… Continue reading Using a Smartphone to Bypass Lines in Spain