It's easy to try and rush though things when you're on vacation, but Tourism Ireland has launched a new campain urging travelers to slow down when visiting the country. Called "Ireland Unrushed," it encourages travelers to take their time, explore more deeply, and make more meaningful connections with people and place, while reducing their environmental footprint. The new … [Read more...]
Travel blogs from people, places, events and destinations around the world. It's PubClub's personal and unique look at travel!
Trolleys, A Train, A (Flix) Bus & An Automobile: A Travel Adventure
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger My task was to go to from San Diego to Long Beach for an early-evening event. And here's my story about getting there taking trolleys, a (Flix) but, a city bus, an automobile and a train. I really didn’t want to drive (after living in LA for several years I try and avoid it whenever possible) plus, renting a car with gas … [Read more...]
An American Airlines Junk Fees Seating Hack
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Editor Flying today is a lot like buying a car. There's the basic model but also all kinds of options for upgrades, all of which add to your final bill. So the question the modern-day traveler must ask is this: do I just want to get to my destination or do I want to may more for (potentially, but not guaranteed) a little more … [Read more...]
I Was Never A Fan Of Southwest Airlines Open-Seating Policy Anyway
At first, it was novel. Kind of cool. Less structured than the other buttoned-up airlines. It showed a fun side and was ideal for party trips like weekend jaunts to Vegas where you walked on board, spied a seat – or, ideally, a nice-looking seat mate – and plopped down right there. But after a while, it wore thin, mainly because you had to try to be one of the first people … [Read more...]
What To Do If Your Flight Arrives In The AM And Your Hotel Doesn’t Allow Check-in Until 2 PM
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Editor This is the dilemma of many a traveler. Your flight arrives in the morning (sometimes early in the morning) to your destination, yet the hotel where you are staying does not have a check-in time until 2 p.m. So what do you do in the meantime? Here are some tips from travelers who have posted on Quora, plus some of my own. This … [Read more...]
Croatia Travel Blog: Traveling From Split To Hvar Via The Ferry & Finding Accommodations
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Editor Hvar, Croatia, is one place that has long been on my travel and nightlife bucket list. I have heard about it for years and finally had the opportunity to put “boots on the ground” and check it out myself. I had spent a day in Split, the main city of Croatia, and noted that it is only a one-hour catamaran ferry ride to Hyvr. The … [Read more...]
Croatia, A Bucket List Travel Destination, To Become A Reality
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Croatia. Just writing the word brings about a sense of excitement and adventure. It has long been a bucket list travel destination and this May, that dream turns into reality. I am going to Croatia. I will be starting off in Split, then headed to the Makarska Riviera, including Brela, Makarska and Tucepi and the island of … [Read more...]
Why Are Sundays In Euorpean Cities Always So Dull?
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger There is one interesting fact about Europe that I discovered on my very first trip there. And that is, no matter how many things there are to do and how much fun and happening the pubs and clubs are from Monday thru Saturday, it all comes to a screeching halt on Sunday. Discovering this was something that was, well, … [Read more...]
Would A Proposed $25 Tourist Fee Keep Me From Going To Hawaii? No, But…
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Hawaii. Ahh, the land of beaches, Mai Tais and tropical breezes. It is indeed a paradise but an expensive one and it may get even more costly. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green proposed a $25 tourist fee for people visiting the state in his annual State of the State address. That's some Aloha welcome. Now on the surface, $25 to visit … [Read more...]
It’s Time European Travelers Learn To Tip When Traveling In America
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger It is time that European travelers learn to tip when traveling in America. "They don't tip in England (or wherever)," is one popular phrase. But they are not in England or their home country when they cross the pond. They are over here and they need to learn the American custom of tipping. Not all European travelers are … [Read more...]
I Missed The Golden Age Of Airline Travel But Was It As Glamourous At It Seems?
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger As I sat squished in my tight seat with little width and legroom, I looked out the window not at the present landscape below me but into the past. I envisioned what the experience would be like if this were the 1960s or 70s, known as the Golden Age of airline travel, instead of today. I daydreamed of enough space to spread … [Read more...]
How This Half-A-Million Mile Air Travleler Flies First Class Style In Coach
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Traveling by plane is kind of a pain these days but it's a necessary part of travel, of couse. I'll bypass all the reasons it's challenging and difficult and cut tho the chase. I am a freqent travleler with more than 500,000 air miles. ad here is how I am able to have a first-class experience while sitting in coach. Having … [Read more...]
Whatever Happened To Those Cheap Las Vegas Midweek Hotel Rooms?
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); By Kevin Wilkeson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Once upon a time a traveler could head to Las Vegas and easly find a hotel room at a bargain price for a midweek stay as long as something big was not happening in town, such as CES, the rodeo or New Year's Eve. Las Vegas, after all, is the ultimate supply-and-demand travel … [Read more...]
How To Avoid Tourist Trap Restaurants & Bars Like This Notorious One In Mykonos
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger There are stories like this from around the world. Unsuspecting tourists sit down at an inviting-looking place, often lured in by a location or perhaps a banner offering some type of special, and then are presented with a bill for hundreds of dollars after ordering food and … [Read more...]
Sustainability In Travel And Tourism Is Ultimately Up To The Tourists
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger One of the hottest topics in the corporate world these days is sustainability. Pretty much every company and festival or event has a sustainability initiative and they are letting people know about it by posting on their website, in souvenir programs and in PR materials. Even … [Read more...]
First-Time Cruise Questions And Hesitations From A Single Traveler
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger I have often thought about expanding my travel experiences by taking a cruise. Yet whenever I start to seriously consider it, I pause like a guy in a bar hesitating when approaching a beautiful girl. I don't, by the way; I always charge in once I start because a girl can sense … [Read more...]
Simple Budget Travel Hacks That Will Save You A Lot Of Money
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); This article is not AI-generated content By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger As a frequent traveler, I have budget travel hacks that help me save a lot of money when traveling and can help you do the same. I always have 3-4 simple tips and now you have them, too. One of them is getting to … [Read more...]
With These Prices, Is Disneyland Really The Happiest Place On Earth?
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Editor My friend Gabi offered to drive me from Hermosa Beach to the Amtrak station in Anaheim (I take Amtrak between LA and San Diego instead of driving the 5/405 to do the video podcast PubClub LIVE!) and I gladly accepted of course. Now Gabi being Gabi, she wanted a little … [Read more...]
Amtrak Tracks Shut Down From Oceanside To Irvine To Late October; Service Continues On Buses
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Editor The tracks between Oceanside and Irvine, CA, are shut down for repair and Amtrak is providing that service on a bus until further notice. I consulted an Amtrak employee in person today on when the tracks will be open and she said it is currently showing on Saturday, Oct. 22. … [Read more...]
The Travel Blogger: Getting A Glimpse On Board Luxury Cruise Ship Scenic Eclipse
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger I got on board Scenic Eclipse, the ultra-luxury cruise ship and felt like I was on a big yacht. The wooden decks are tan in color, just like those on a yacht. The eating areas are small and there's even a restaurant called the Yacht Club. Beyond the fact that the cruises – … [Read more...]
5 Things That Make Road Trips Memorable
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Saw an interesting question on the travel Twitter chat #RoadTripChat. It was "what makes road trips memorable?" I replied that several things make road trips memorable and then thought "hey that would make for a great blog post." There were many factors to consider but here … [Read more...]
It Is Time To Close Union Station And Relocate Amtrak To LAX
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Editor In its full glory, Union Station was an Art Deco gem of Los Angeles. It was THE transportation hub of the city, the scene of many movies depicting the time periods in the 1920s, 30s and 40s and even hosted a Roaring Twenties New Year’s Eve party. One could easily picture the … [Read more...]
How Much Is WiFi On Airlines? Here’s The Prices On U.S. Carriers
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); By PubClub.com There is some good news when it comes to airline travel these days. The cost of WiFi service has gone down and with a couple of airlines, it's even free. Here is the cost of WifFi, including monthly fees, for major U.S. airlines. Airlines Breakdown Of One-Flight And Monthly WiFi Access Fees • Alaska – … [Read more...]
Travel Is Getting Too Expensive And Becoming A Hassle To, Well, Travel
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Why is it that whenever a company or industry starts to make a rebound, it want to make up for all it lost in revenue the past couple of years all at once? Sure, I'm sympathetic to all in the travel and hospitality industry who suffered tremendously during the pandemic but … [Read more...]
5 Reasons You Still Need Cash When Traveling Abroad To Cashless Countries
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger A friend recently traveled from California to Australia and afterward, was kind of bragging about how he did not once use cash during his trip. Yet when I quizzed him about it, he started to regret not having some cash with him. One of the pieces of advice I give to … [Read more...]
TSA Says You Still Have To Wear A Mask On Airplanes Until April 18
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Travelers must continue to wear a mask when in airports, on airplanes and on all public transportation until at least April 18. The Transportation Security Administration made the announcement when sending out a statement on Spring Break travel recommendations. Originally, the mask mandate was to expire on March 18 – the day … [Read more...]
5 Fun Things To Do In An Airport During A Layover Or Waiting For Your Flight To Board
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger One of the biggest drags about flying is waiting in airports. It could be that you unexpectedly made it through security way faster than you anticipated and suddenly have a lot of down time before your flight leaves, or you have a long layover in an airport. Either way, it seems like a big waste of your time. And believe … [Read more...]
I Traveled During The Holidays And Had No Delayed Flights Or Unruly Passengers
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger When I had safely arrived at my final destination – Knoxville, TN, to visit my family for Christmas – several people asked me how my flight was from San Diego. I provided a one-word answer that spoke a thousand words: "uneventful." That's pretty much my standard answer when I fly with no disruptions or difficulties, but I … [Read more...]
When Traveling In The South, One Needs To Eat Like A Southerner
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger When traveling it is always important – in my eyes, anyway – to immerse yourself in the local culture. In the South, where I am from, that means getting a heaping helping of two things: college football and Southern comfort food. The same applies when traveling anywhere, really. You should have wine and baguettes in … [Read more...]
Delta Taking Away Frequent Flyer Miles & Southwest Adding New Fare Category
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Airlines use frequent flyer miles – quite successfully, in fact – as an incentive for passengers to fly on their planes rather than on another carrier. But now, Delta is tossing that aside for one category, its lowest-fare Basic Economy. Any tickets booked in that class will not come with FF miles or count toward Medallion … [Read more...]
Amtrak Service Shut Down Between Los Angeles And San Diego Until October
Trains Won't Operate Due To Urgent Track Repair In San Clemente By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger If you're planning on taking Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner between Los Angeles and San Diego the next few weeks, then you will need to change your plans and find an alternate way to travel between the two cities. This is due to the fact that the track in … [Read more...]
Travel Won’t Return To Normal Until The Stubborn People Get Vaccinated
Countries & Destinations Are Both Overwhelmed And Confused By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Destinations overwhelmed, countries still not letting in some other citizens, raging idiots acting like an airplane is a party bus to an extremist political rally, people refusing a vaccine to curb a global pandemic. What in travel tarnation is going on … [Read more...]
Travel Is Booming Again In America – My Flights Were All Full & Airports Were Crowded
Travelers Are Packing More Than Suitcases; They Are Packing Airports And Planes, Too By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Ahh, those familiar phrases of airline travel are back again. "This is a full flight so please board in the order that is on your boarding pass." "This is a full flight so please quickly take your seats." "The overhead bin … [Read more...]
Why It’s Time To Pull Off The Masks When Traveling In America Right Now
Vaccinated Travelers Deserve To Travel Without Wearing A Mask And The Others, Well, The Heck With Them By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Nightlife Blogger By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger After traveling nearly across the country – San Diego to Nashville and back – in early June, I have come to a couple of conclusions. One, people are traveling … [Read more...]
Why Do Bad Travel Public Relations People Still Have Jobs?
Trying To Reason With Those Who Lack Basic PR Skills By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger If there's one thing that I find a constant head-scratcher, it's why bad travel public relations people still have jobs. It is because they have it so cushy, with clients and companies that every travel writer and blogger craves – food & drink clients, … [Read more...]
Are Adults Too Old To Stay In A Hostel? Not In My Travel World
It's Mind Over Age To Choose One Instead Of A Hotel By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger When I was in Surfer's Paradise, Australia a friend told me that – as long as I was in the neighborhood, so to speak – that I should check out Byron Bay. And that friend further recommended that I stay in a place called Nomads. Nomads is not a five-start hotel … [Read more...]
Are The Days Of Free Meals On FAM Trips Over For Travel Bloggers?
Restaurants Not So Eager To Host Media In Post-Pandemic Recovery By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger One of the biggest perks of being a travel blogger is all the free stuff we get from tourism boards and local businesses. A favorite perk, however, might be going away in the post-pandemic world. Restaurants are not so quick anymore to host meals by … [Read more...]
I Got Vaccinated And Feel Great (And Powerful)
One Down One To Go And Looking Forward To Travel, Festivals & Nightlife By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger I got vaccinated and I feel great! But that's not all – I also feel powerful. Powerful in that I can – finally – walk through a crowd without burying my face in my mask and holding down my head until I get past everyone. Powerful in that I … [Read more...]
Anxious To Travel, I Will Instead Be Traveling Around Here In San Diego
A 'Staycation' In One Of The World's Top Tourist Destinations By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger I want to travel. Get on a plane and go somewhere. See different sights, eat in new (to me) restaurants, drink in different bars – or outside of them if it's outdoor only – than my familiar eating and watering holes. But instead of boarding a plane, … [Read more...]
Now That I’m Used To Wearing A Mask The CDC Recommends Double Masking
Preventing The Spread Of COVID-19 Just Got A Little Tougher By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger It took almost a year, but I have finally gotten kind of used to wearing a mask. And I'm proud of it, too. I don't like it, never have liked it, but I have adapted to the COVID-19 situation and no longer dread putting a cover over my mouth and nose. … [Read more...]
As A Travel Blogger, I Miss All The PR Tourism PR Events & FAM Trips
These Cool Perks Have Disappeared Due To COVID-19 By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger As a travel blogger, one thing I really miss about travel – besides the traveling itself – in the COVID-19 era, is not generally mentioned by bloggers. But it's a huge part of being a travel blogger and one of the great perks of the job. And that is all the … [Read more...]
How The Capitol Siege Will Affect Americans Traveling Abroad
American Travelers To Experience Scrutiny From Foreigners Published 01/06/2010. Capitol siege, travel, travel blog, Americans traveling abroad By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Editor It was an embarrassing moment for America, criticized by leaders across the world, and as a result it will have a negative affect on Americans traveling abroad this spring, … [Read more...]
Hospitality Workers Should Also Be Among First To Receive The Vaccine
Bar & Restaurant, Hotel And Travel Industry Employees Deserve 'Essential' Status By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger As the COVID-19 vaccines start to make their way to the public, those on the front lines are – as should be the case – first in line to get the shot. But there are others who, along with the military, first responders and senior … [Read more...]
I Flew Home For The Holidays And Here’s What Happened
Answering Your Questions About Safe Travel With The COVID-19 Rules & Restrictions By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Published Dec. 18 When I mentioned to a few friends that I was flying to spend the holidays with my family, a friend who wanted to do the same started peppering me with questions. Do you think it will be safe? Are you worried … [Read more...]
I Would Go On A Free Trial Cruise – Would You?
5 Reasons I Would Volunteer For A Cruise By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger There was one line in a story about the CDC requiring cruise lines to go on trial voyages before they are allowed to sail again in this COVID-19 era that really got my attention. It stated that passengers would be required to be on board to complete the process. In other … [Read more...]
Give The Airlines The Stimulus Bailout But With These Stipulations
Getting Rid Of Those Annoying Extra Fees Should Be A Part Of Any Deal, Says Mr. Sorehead By Mr. Sorehead, PubClub.com Blogger Okay, Mr. President and Congress, go ahead and give the airlines their stimulus bailout. They are really in need of help as people are not getting on planes in big numbers due to all the COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions. About the … [Read more...]
Two Harbors Catalina Island Adventures & Relaxation – A Traveler’s Diary
An Island Escape Where One Of The Things To Do Is To Do Nothing Creating The 'Two Harbors Dilemma' By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Have you ever been to a place where there's a lot to do, but sometimes you want to do nothing? A spot where the mental temptation to take advantage of all the activities before you clashes with the "no hurries, no … [Read more...]
I Haven’t Posted A Travel Blog Lately Because, Well, I Haven’t Done Any Traveling
Destinations In 'Pandemic Protected' Mode Make Staying At Home A Better Option. For Now By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger I am sitting here at my tiki bar desk – yes, my desk is a tiki bar – thinking that it's long past time to do a blog post about traveling. Normally this is easy for me because I am full of stories, but I could not think of … [Read more...]
Have This Tropical Island Resort All To Yourself – For Only $14,000 A Night
'Blue Lagoon' On Fiji Available For A Resort Buyout By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger The "Blue Lagoon" in Fiji, featured in the movie of the same name, can be yours all to yourself. For a price, of course. One of the trends happening now in travel – among the rich, anyway – is something called a resort buyout. And Yasawa Island Resort & Spa on … [Read more...]
My 10 Favorite Beaches In The World From The PubClub Travel Blogger
Sizzlin' Sand Scenes, Prime Party Spots And Great Bars By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger I got the idea for this song while listening to Radio TropRock on the computer when a song came on by a musician named Jeff Dayton titled "My Favorite Beach." And that got me to thinking about MY favorite beaches. So I have put together my list, below. It is … [Read more...]
PubClub.com Virtual Destination Of The Week: Key West, Florida
Sunsets, Bars & Explaining Keys Disease By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Travel is a lot about dreaming – dreaming about going to a destination, about returning to a favorite place, about fantasizing about being at a place. And while we can't go anywhere right now, PubClub.com is providing a look at the fun elements of spots around the world, … [Read more...]
10 Best Social Distancing Travel Destinations In The USA
Top Secluded Travel Spots For the CoVID-19 Era Traveler By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger One of these days, we're going to be getting back on airplanes, going on road trips and heading to travel destinations. Yet we're still going to have to keep our social distance. Well, in case you have forgotten, there are places where we used to love to … [Read more...]
PubClub.com Virtual Destination Of The Week: The City Of New Orleans
The Big Easy Is Big On Fun & Entertainment By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Just because we are on lockdown and can't travel anyplace does not mean we cannot dream about traveling to places. With that in mind we present the PubClub.com Virtual Destination of the Week: the city of New Orleans. NOLA is called the Big Easy because there's … [Read more...]
PubClub.com’s Virtual Destination Of The Week: Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
#StayHome Travel Dreams Can Be Found In This Pacific Paradise By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Just because we're stuck #athome and can't travel doesn't mean we can't dream of travel while we are stuck at home. So to brighten your day I am presenting PubClub.com's virtual destination of the week, the Pacific paradise of Waikiki Beach, … [Read more...]
Running Around – But Not From – The Coronavirus Outbreak Pandemic
It Was Quiet, Almost Eerily Quiet By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger I went for a run today. That's a typical activity for me but this was a bit different than usual. It was the first full day of pretty much the nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak COVID-19 pandemic. And it was a different feeling than any other day. On the one hand, … [Read more...]
An American’s Story Of Flying Back To The U.S. & The COVID 19 Airport Screening Process
Airport Screening & Coronavirus Effects On A Now-Struggling Musician By Evyn Charles, Special To PubClub.com My name is Evyn Charles. I make the bulk of my living as live musical performer (singer-guitarist); a small portion of my income is from songwriter-composer work. I traveled from my home in Los Angeles to my native France on February 23 and landed at … [Read more...]
With Coronavirus Crisis Now Is The Time To Find Cheap Travel Deals
Incredible Airline Fares, 25% Off Hotels Among Deep Discounts By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Flights from Los Angeles to Denver as cheap as $200. During the peak of ski season! Flights from the West Coast to Hawaii as cheap as $250. Feeling like visiting Paris? It's only $278 on American from JFK. A flight from that airport to Miami is just $58 on … [Read more...]
How To Take Great Travel Photos From Behind A Glass Window
This Simple Photography Tip Will Eliminate The Glare In Your Pictures By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Don't you just hate it. You're in a scenic area but are behind a glass wall or window and can't get a good picture because of the glare. You're trying to take a photo while in a car, on a train or from a glass-enclosed observation post such as one at … [Read more...]
A Jimmy Buffett ‘No Plane On Sunday’ Experience During An Amtrak Train Travel Trip
Unexpected Delay And A Caribbean Attitude By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA – There’s a song by Jimmy Buffett called “No Plane On Sunday” in which he gets stuck in the Caribbean because the plane he was to fly out on was broken and nobody was getting off the island. “No plane on Sunday,” the lyrics go, “maybe one come on … [Read more...]
Watch Out For Cleaning Fees & Other Charges When Booking Airbnb & VRBO
Short-Term Rentals Have Their Equivalent Of Hotel Resort Fees By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger The price looks unbelievable. Hard to believe. And while the price may be right, it might not be right on by the time you book it. Like hotel resort fees, people posting places for rent on Airbnb and VRBO have a dirty little secret of their own. They … [Read more...]
Tips On How To Tip At Restaurants & Bars When Traveling In America
The Do's And Don'ts And The Unwritten Rules Of Tipping By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger When my friend from Oz was visiting me in California, she was confused about how, where and how much to tip when we went out to eat and drink. Which was quite often, I must say. She was about as confused as I was trying to figure out the coins when I went to … [Read more...]
L.A. To Vegas High-Speed Train A Great Plan But Has This Major Weakness
Virgin Trains USA Providing Non-Stop Service From, Well, Victorville By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Imagine sitting in a comfortable chair with plenty of personal space, a bottle of champagne in front of you (or a beer or in my case, a rum drink), relaxed and doing cheers with your friends and others around you while speeding to Las … [Read more...]
A Warning About Traveling On Delta Air Lines – And Other Airlines, Too
Traveling By Plane Should Not Be This Frustrating By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Pardon me for venting here, but I am fresh off a pair of Delta flights that had me so frustrated I momentarily lost my temper and tossed my suddenly-useless boarding pass onto a gate agent's keyboard. And that was restraining myself. A late flight had caused me … [Read more...]
It’s Holiday Travel Time – Here Is Why I Say Bah Humbug
Of Airports, Airlines And Why Isn't Anyone Smiling? By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger I love being home for the holidays with my family. The problem, tho, is getting there. You see, I live in Southern California and my family is in Tennessee. And that means boarding flights and, well, holiday travel. That's the part where I say "bah humbug." Oh, … [Read more...]
Airlines Should Give Passengers One Free Drink For Every Half Hour They Are Late
Complementary Cocktails Are Good Compensation For Being Delayed By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Delayed flights. Sitting in airports, on the floor or in a chair at the gate, waiting, waiting and waiting for your flight to board. Missing appointments, meetings or just spending time at the destination. It's the bane of travelers around the … [Read more...]
Why You Need To Arrive 2 Hours Early To Fly Out Of The San Jose Airport
Travel Blogger Has These Complaints About SJC By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger I was never much for the San Jose airport back when it was a tiny, insufficient place, and after going through the newer, more modern version in December of 2019, I can say I still don't like it. My flight was on Southwest, in Terminal B, and I can tell you that in … [Read more...]
I Took Amtrak From San Diego To Salinas For 13 Hours And Here’s What Happened
Coast Starlight Proves Train Travel Can Be A Good Experience By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger I had a sudden need to get from San Diego to Salinas, CA (Monterey County) and really did not want to drive. I especially did not want to have to deal with last-minute flight fares when suddenly the light bulb went off over my head: "hey, there's a train … [Read more...]
Things I Learned About Train Travel After A Long Trip On Amtrak’s Coast Starlight
Five Important Things To Know About Riding On The Rails By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger While others were driving or flying, I was riding the gentle beat of the rhythm of the rails on Thanksgiving weekend. I had to get from San Diego to Salinas, CA, and instead of making what would have been an eight-plus hour drive or buy an expensive plane … [Read more...]
FlixBus Leaves Riders Stranded For 3 Hours Going From San Diego To L.A.
Leave The Driving To Me With This Kind Of Bad Customer Service By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Seasoned sailors know that when you go out own the ocean, you load up on water, snacks and other survival provisions because you never know when you may get stuck out there. I did not realize one has to do the same thing when riding … [Read more...]
Airline Employee Questions Why Anyone Would Fly Southwest To Hawaii
What Passengers Should Know Before Taking SWA To Land Of Aloha, He Says By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Flights for $99. Packed planes. Increased revenue from a rush of passengers. It seems as if Southwest Airlines' decision to fly to Hawaii was a good one for the airline and travelers. But an employee from another airline that has regular … [Read more...]
5 American Cities With Great Public Transportation
How To Get Around European Style While In Traveling In The USA By Kevin Wilkerson PubClub.com Travel Blogger Whenever I travel anywhere outside of the USA, I marvel at the public transportation system in other cities and countries. We simply don't have that in much of America because America is a suburban car culture country. Therefore, Americans are not used … [Read more...]
It’s Another Sunny Day In San Diego
Routine Weather Is A Part Of The Southern California Lifestyle By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger It is yet another sunny day in San Diego. Almost every day one wakes up to the same thing here: the sun blasting through a window, a temperature somewhere in the low 70s. Pull the shades? What, are you crazy!? I like having that sun coming in to wake me … [Read more...]
Don’t Let Los Angeles Earthquakes Cancel Your Summer Vacation Plans
You're More Likely To See A Celebrity Than Experience An Earthquake In L.A. By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Yes, there's whole lotta shaking going on in the Los Angeles area these days – heck, even Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach had a little tremor – but this is no reason for tourists to cancel their summer vacation plans to visit La La Land. In … [Read more...]
Delta’s Crappy Terminal 3 At LAX Is Like A Third-World Airport
Los Angeles Deserves Better And So Do Its Passengers By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger When I went to Delta's Terminal 3 to catch a flight, I was appalled. This cramped terminal reminded me of something I would find at a third-world airport. There were people sitting on the floor because there were not enough seats; it looked as if there was a huge … [Read more...]
Why I Am Not In Love With The Minneapolis Airport (MSP)
Unconnected While Making An Airline Connection By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger I had not been to the Minneapolis airport (MSP) for several years, and hope not to have to go there again anytime soon. It was a layover destination, meaning I had to get from one terminal to another. Immediately, I disliked the place. The gate spilled out into an … [Read more...]
It’s Time For The U.S. To End These Silly Travel Restrictions To Cuba
Trump's Cutting Off Of Cruise Ships Hurts Americans As Much As Cubans By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Get over it, America. It's time put an to end all the travel restrictions to Cuba. President Trump has trumped Obama's attempts to open up travel to Cuba by banning cruise ships from visiting the island nation. This will cut off American money … [Read more...]
How Travel Misadventures Can Enhance Your Traveling Experience
Turning Your Lemons Into, Well, Champagne! By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger PubClubette Ashley checked her Google maps, turned to me and said: "we're headed the wrong way. Again!" Instead of becoming frustrated or yelling at each other, we laughed. We know. Traveling can sometimes be as much about misadventures as it is about adventures. We … [Read more...]
Ashley & Kev’s Travel Misadventures – San Francisco
Misdirections, A Cable Car Blunder, Denied A Signature Cocktail And In Napa Valley With No Wine By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger We were continually headed in the wrong direction, walked up a 40% grade street instead of taking a cable car and somehow wound up in downtown Napa and didn't drink any wine. This is the story of the misadventures of … [Read more...]
A Memorial Memorial Day Of Traveling And Misadventures
A Wrong Train, Another Delayed Flight And Two Flat Tires By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel .Blogger I did not spend this Memorial Day hanging out at the beach, at a backyard BBQ, at a wild Las Vegas pool party or whopping it up at big-time festival. Instead, I spent a lot of it traveling – too much of it traveling, as it turned out, in fact. After three … [Read more...]
Travel Blogger Question: Do You Unpack Your Suitcase At Hotels?
Getting Settled In A Hotel Room By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger You arrive at your destination, check in and excitedly head to your room. What's the first thing you do after opening the door? If you're like, you toss your bag on on the bed and head out to explore the destination. Others, tho, open their suitcase and start putting things in the … [Read more...]
Travel Blogger Road Trip: Spending Memorial Day Weekend In San Francisco
Three Days In The City By The Bay By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger This Memorial Day Weekend, I will be taking the (hopefully) friendly skies of United up the California coast to spend three days in the City by the Bay, golden moments to come in the shadows of the Golden Gate Bridge. I will be in San Francisco for a travel blogger's press trip … [Read more...]
Elimination Of Visit Florida Could Affect Tourism Boards Across The USA
Travel Promotion Agencies Under Scrutiny By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Tourism boards across the USA are wise to keep a keen eye on what happens in Florida as the state legislature is on the verge of eliminating the Sunshine State's tourism board, Visit Florida. And you can bet they are, too. If Visit Florida's funding is cut off – with little … [Read more...]
Things Aren’t So Sunny For Visit Florida In The Sunshine State
Tourism Board Facing Elimination By Legislature By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Florida has a lot of attractions and attractive places, and apparently the state legislature figures that is enough to attract tourists. Unless the senate and house reverse course and provide $50 million in funding then Visit Florida, the state's tourism board, will … [Read more...]
Travel Blog: Is Global Warning Really Going To Cause Waikiki Beach To Disappear?
Paradise May Be Swallowed By The Pacific By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger If you don't know where you're going when the volcano blows, then what the heck are you doing to do when the ocean overwhelms Waikiki Beach? While exploding volcanos are a natural part of Hawaii, its most famous location and tourist attraction being swallowed whole by the … [Read more...]
How The Notre Dame Cathedral Fire Could Be A Blessing
Tragedy Is Bringing The World Together Through Outpouring Of Emotions & $1 Million In Donations By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger The outpouring of emotions were stronger than the blaze that tore through the Notre Dame Cathedral. As I saw the photos and read the reports and outpouring of emotions, I realized something good was happening from … [Read more...]
Notre Dame Cathedral Fire Makes For A Sad Day For Tourists
Paris Landmark 'Saved From Total Destruction' By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger All over social media the message was the same: sad and devastated. As the Notre Dame Cathedral fire raged at this Paris landmark, people let their their feelings known about its potential loss. Fortunately, a Paris fire official told the media it has been "saved from … [Read more...]
What WOW Air And AAF Collapses Have In Common
Airline & ProFootball League Leave Passengers/Players Stranded After Folding By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Sports And Travel Blogger No warning. People left stranded. No support from the executives and complete chaos. I wasn't sure if I was reading a story on the collapse of WOW Air or the end of the Alliance of American Football, the short-lived (eight … [Read more...]
Don’t Forget To Pack For Your Feet When You Travel
An Expert Provides These Top 5 Foot Care Tips For Travelers We've all been there and experienced this scenario. It's a hot day, you've dragged yourself through the massive hallways of the museums, visited the top attractions and now you're hauling yourself down some long, never-ending boulevard. And your feet are killing you. You are thinking – no, dreaming – … [Read more...]
The Travel Blogger: March Madness Is America’s Party
Bracket Busters And Buzzer Beaters Can Be A Real Experience For Travelers To USA By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger If you're not from the States and are traveling in America the last two weeks of March, you may curious as to what is going on here. Chances are you will be be seeing men in business suits screaming like kids at the various TVs while … [Read more...]
Ready Or Not It’s St. Patrick’s Day Party Time In The USA
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Nightlife Blogger The scene to be green is set, and America is rolling out the green carpet for this big event. March 16-17 is St. Patrick's Day weekend, a Saturday and Sunday that will have much of the country drinking colored beer, wearing colored glasses, singing Irish folk songs (even tho they barely know some of the words) and yelling … [Read more...]
A Warm And Sunny Sunday In Southern California – Finally!
LA Weather Finally Returns To Normal By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Rain was forecast. Again. When will it end!? But then I woke up on a Sunday morning – it was barely morning, because the previous day I was on a pub crawl but it was morning none-the-less – and much to my pleasant surprise water was not coming down from the sky. Instead, … [Read more...]
The Travel Blogger: 5 Reasons I Love St. Patrick’s Day
A Day To Be Irish And Say Erin Go Brah! By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger It's not because my name is Kevin, tho that helps. Were it O'Brien, then I might be over the top. As it is, I love St. Patrick's Day and here's five reasons why it's one of my favorite times of the year. 1.) The Atmosphere Depending on where your are, there might be … [Read more...]
The Travel Blogger: 3 Lesser-Known St. Patrick’s Day Destinations You Need To See To Believe
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger The group checked out of their hotel in Savannah, Ga., the day after St. Patrick's Day. They were a bit blurry-eyed and some were still staggering from the day before, but they had enough wits about them to do something really smart: they made reservations on the spot for the next year. You pretty much have to do that in … [Read more...]
The Travel Blogger: Why It’s Mardi Gras 365 Days A Year In New Orleans
Why The Big Easy Is A Year-Round Party By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger It's Mardi Gras time in New Orleans and even tho I'm not there for it, in a kind of strange, New Orleans way, I was just there for it. The time was early September and the Zydeo music was coming out of beads shops in the French Quarter, Bourbon Street was packed with people – … [Read more...]
The Travel Blogger: Finally A Nice Day In Southern California. But Wait!
The Weather Has Been So Bad I'm Writing About Seeing The Sun In L.A. By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Am I really writing this – a headline with the words "a nice day in Southern California!?" Yeah, what else is new? There's traffic on an LA freeway? There was an awards show in Hollywood? The Lakers lost again? Yet things are so bizarre with … [Read more...]
The Travel Blogger: LA Hosts Pre-Oscars Party & Gift Lounge Event In Beverly HIlls
Experiencing The Academy Awards Red Carpet Treatment In La La Land By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger When most people think of Los Angeles, they think of Hollywood, movies, TV shows and celebrities. In reality when you live here or visit here, your experiences with such things are rare if at all or – as is the case with celebrities – chance … [Read more...]
The Travel Blogger: Where Are You Drinking Margaritas For National Margarita Day?
Celebrating The Frozen (Or On The Rocks) Concoction By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger A beach? A bar? Both!? National Margarita Day is Feb. 22, and where are you spending it this day? Normally, I don't fall victim to all those "National So-And-So" Days created for social media hashtags and by marketers of companies just to push products like … [Read more...]
The Travel Blogger: My Rule For Window Vs. Aisle Seat When Flying Coach
Solving This Travelers' Airplane Dilemma By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger It is the great airplane debate, one that people have debated for years with no clear-cut consensus as a conclusion. It is the window-vs-aisle seat dilemma for airline passengers flying coach. And since I have flown in coach for the vast majority of of my airline trips, I … [Read more...]
The Travel Blogger: WWII Sailor In Famous Photo Has Died But Lives On In These Statues
Sarasota & San Diego 'Embrace' The Iconic Image & V-J Day Moment By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger George Mendosa admitted he had a bit to drink and he saw a pretty woman. So he went up and planted one on her. His spontaneous moment wound up lasting for years, tho, as it became an iconic moment in American history. That is because famed … [Read more...]
The Travel Blogger: Why Travelers Need To Check The Weather Before Visiting California
Californians Experiencing Winter Weather Like, Well, Everyone Else By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger Rain. Rain that just won't go away and keeps coming back here. Snow-stopping streets. Hail – during a nationally-televised PGA Tour golf tournament at a location known for its seaside beauty. Winds so strong it moved piles of sand off beaches and … [Read more...]