The Perils of Traveling by Private Jet

Smoke-Free Hotels On the Rise

Los Angeles Native Jonny Olsen: Huge in Laos

Saving Chekhov’s Yalta ‘White Dacha’ Home

How Can I Save on Transportation During a Round-the-World Trip?

Vagabonding traveler Rolf Potts answers your questions about travel

13 Great Travel Horror Movies

The Hollywood horror archives are filled with tales of bad trips. To celebrate Halloween, Eva Holland and Eli Ellison sift through the carnage to pick their favorites—and lose a little sleep doing so.

Matt Weiland: Through 50 States With 50 Writers

The coeditor of “State by State: A Panoramic Portrait of America” talks to Frank Bures about the book, the WPA and how the United States hasn’t been “bulldozed for speed”

Love Herring in Sweden

From artery-clogging casseroles to a fermented concoction that smells alarmingly like vinegary flatulence, Lola Akinmade digs in to a smörgåsbord of herring and explains how to best appreciate Scandinavia’s favorite fish. 

The Water Is Wide

Bronwen Dickey considers Tim Butcher’s “Blood River: A Journey to Africa’s Broken Heart,” which takes readers deep into the Congo

Vagrant Ruminations of a Compulsive Traveler

Where does the urge to hunt for that “fleeting fix of elsewhere” come from? Peter Wortsman recalls a life of travel inspiration. 

Notes From an Unofficial Tourist Greeter

Summer is over, and so is Julia Ross‘ season as an ambassador to travelers in Washington, D.C.’s Woodley Park neighborhood. She’s happy to be off duty.

Amtrak Sets Another Ridership Record

It’s a good article and mostly good news all around concerning Amtrak’s setting another ridership record.

The article hit the nail right on the head stating “The company has posted six years of ridership and revenue growth, recently benefiting from high gas and airline prices. “

Maybe, folks like me that have had enough of the hassle trying to get to JFK, LGA and EWR Airports from Manhattan is another reason.  Then, having to deal with rude TSA Security Staff and the entire 9 yards just trying to reach your gate, can consume almost the same amount of time it takes me to board an Amtrak train at NYC’s Penn Station and arrive at Union Station, Washington, D.C.  So, I opt for an Amtrak ticket over an airline ticket because it’s less hassle, stress and frustration.  Also, Amtrak Conductors get my vote in personality, professionalism and kindness to passengers over Airline Flight Attendants. 

The only unsettling news in the article states, “Earlier this month, Congress passed legislation that sets funding targets of $13 billion over five years in a major vote of confidence for the company. President Bush, a staunch Amtrak critic, is expected to sign the bill, which also includes broad new rail safety provisions.”

I’m not a happy camper about my taxes continuing to fund and keep Amtrak alive.  Uncle Sam’s funding needs to stop just like it happened with the U.S. Postal Service.  Additionally, better accountability is a must with Amtrak’s management and safety standards.  Michael Zullo, Upper Eastside, New York City