This is our only suitcase. My parents bought it in the 1960’s, probably at the John Lewis “Bainbridge’s” department store in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. They understood durable quality, even though money was tight. It took me through my college days in the 1970’s and on to the United States in 1979. In my undergraduate… Continue reading Travel Gear: Suitcase
Category: Travel Gear
Travel Gear: Medications
The first time my partner and I arrived in Japan, we were stopped at Customs. Something prompted a search of our bags. Maybe the official spotted that my partner looked rather miserable with a cold. The official found an American over-the-counter cold medication containing pseudoephedrine. It’s illegal to bring this substance into Japan, but, after… Continue reading Travel Gear: Medications
Suica Balance
Used NFC (near-field communication) to read the outstanding balance on my Japanese Suica stored-value card: ¥421, almost four US dollars. The balance expires in 2028, but I plan to spend it much sooner than that.
Packed Boots
Packed my boots.
Transit Apps for a Short Trip
Posted Transit Apps for a Short Trip.
Transit Apps for a Short Trip
We’re just back from a few days in Chicago. Smartphone apps made travel by train, plane, and bike a breeze. I was able to purchase all transit using my phone. App Example Transit Use Cases Metro Transit –Buy tickets for light rail from home to MSP (Minneapolis airport). Fly Delta –Check in for flight.–Display boarding… Continue reading Transit Apps for a Short Trip
Travel Gear: Carry-On Backpack
I love to travel with just one piece of luggage: a backpack small enough to carry on to flights. Earlier this year, I decided it was time to buy a new backpack. The final impetus was a flight I would be taking from Miami MIA to Lisbon LIS, Portugal. I would be traveling with only… Continue reading Travel Gear: Carry-On Backpack
Carry-On Backpack
Posted Travel Gear: Carry-On Backpack.
Mapping My Next Travels
On a freezing February day in Minnesota, it feels good to think about upcoming travels to warmer places. Today, I’ve been assembling digital and print maps. As usual, my winter trip has several phases, each with its own mapping requirements. The trip starts in the Florida Keys and culminates in a walk from one side… Continue reading Mapping My Next Travels
Traveling with Less
Replaced my 35 liter backpack with a 30 liter backpack. It has plenty room for everything I need for unlimited travel, including hiking boots. I have yet to reduce my needs to 24 liters, the volume of a paper grocery bag.