Category: Travel Gear

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.

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. AppExample Transit Use CasesMetro Transit–Buy tickets for light rail from home to MSP (Minneapolis airport).Fly Delta–Check in for flight.–Display boarding passes.–Display membership cards.–Check departure time.–Check…… Continue reading Transit Apps for a Short Trip

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.