America, Countries, Flying

Air Miles and Hurry Styles

And I’m back with more pins for my world map… but only after a 26-hour trans-Atlantic odyssey of air miles and Hurry Styles.

Now they say the last yards are the hardest for a runner to which my 16-year-old Scottish long-distance champion can testify.

And I had to put the sprint of all sprints on along Princes Street and into Waverley Station to catch the last North Berwick train.

After the peacocked Harry had left Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium and its environs in gridlock and our Citylink bus running at snail’s pace.

That said chapeau to the bus driver for negotiating the back roads of the city.

To get me to the snaking Waverley station with half a chance of my connection.

Deep in the heart of Texas

Get off your horse: John Wayne in Alamo City

It had been a long day’s journey into night.

Starting out at the Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas, my base over four days of the annual American Travel Fair, IPW.

Where I had booked a taxi only to cancel sheepishly when he arrived when a colleague kindly offered me her Uber ride.

My glee at saving a few precious bucks was tempered though when my airline carrier American Airlines charged me $70 for my check-in bag.

But I’d arrived five hours early, the advice is three for international travellers, but better safe than sorry.

And I couldn’t book online, I’m old school and irrationally don’t trust the digital pass.

And then the British Airways app crashed.

Dallas mini-series

Oil be back: Dallas

Now for all that Alamo City, San Antonio is America’s seventh-biggest city it is smaller in comparison to Dallas Fort Worth.

And with only a couple of hours to play with I’d lie if I said I wasn’t anxious.

Particularly with a shuttle to my terminal to negotiate.

What the duck: Heathrow, but the Coronation is still going on

If my last leg would be the longest my flight out of the US alas was seemless.

And here was me hoping it would be cancelled and I might be offered a free night in Dallas.

With the new pal I’d made in the line, the Dallas Stars basketball fan, celebrating a comeback play-off leg win that night.

American nights

Refuelling: With Philly cheesesteak and an Arnold Palmer

American Airlines has been a new experience for me but save for the baggage check-in surprise it went off smoothly.

Randomly I got front of aisle seating to help for the overnighter with those long legs I’d need later.

And timely films to take in such as the Civil Rights epic true story Till which brought back memories.

Of MLK50, walking in the footsteps of Martin Luther King through Tennessee and Mississippi.

Alas, and isn’t it always the way, the hardest leg was the home one?

My British Airways London to Edinburgh flight pushed out and then held up a couple of hours.

Making the whole experience longer than the nine hours it took to get from Dallas to London.

My heart is ticketying

Riverwalk of dreams: San Antonio

Mind you, American Airlines were as good as their word and got my baggage home.

Albeit my address slipped out of its Universal Orlando Shrek and Donkey ‘Are we there yet’ luggage tag.

The question I fired off like a repeater all through our crawl through the Harry Styles traffic to the train station.

Now Waverley with its random platforms is a challenge at the best of times…

Thankfully the train was delayed a couple of minutes and got on, a sweaty mess, just in time.

I’d made it home after all those Air Miles and Hurry Styles.

And the Scary One was there on the platform waiting for me.

Now to break it to her that I’m off to another Travel fair in early June.

Leeds should be a breeze but my travels are rarely ticketyboo.

Still it wouldn’t be any fun following my misadventures otherwise.

 

 

America, Countries, Flying, UK

Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

Because American Airlines won’t accept your request if they’re not the sole carrier on your booking (me neither)!

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

The first two parts negotiated, inevitably the last part trips you up.

Because American Airlines won’t accept your request if they’re not the sole carrier on your booking (me neither)!

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

Too early: Airport drinks

The first two parts negotiated, inevitably the last part trips you up.

Because American Airlines won’t accept your request if they’re not the sole carrier on your booking (me neither)!

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

Of course when the first leg of your trip is a 6.55 red eye and you’ve got to the airport at midnight then there’s plenty of time to fret.

Particularly when you’ve been prompted on your phone to check in as soon as the 24-hour window opened up.

The last leg

Too early: Airport drinks

The first two parts negotiated, inevitably the last part trips you up.

Because American Airlines won’t accept your request if they’re not the sole carrier on your booking (me neither)!

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

And what if the plane ran late?

Of course when the first leg of your trip is a 6.55 red eye and you’ve got to the airport at midnight then there’s plenty of time to fret.

Particularly when you’ve been prompted on your phone to check in as soon as the 24-hour window opened up.

The last leg

Too early: Airport drinks

The first two parts negotiated, inevitably the last part trips you up.

Because American Airlines won’t accept your request if they’re not the sole carrier on your booking (me neither)!

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

While all the time worrying that four hours layover wouldn’t be long enough to get through customs.

And what if the plane ran late?

Of course when the first leg of your trip is a 6.55 red eye and you’ve got to the airport at midnight then there’s plenty of time to fret.

Particularly when you’ve been prompted on your phone to check in as soon as the 24-hour window opened up.

The last leg

Too early: Airport drinks

The first two parts negotiated, inevitably the last part trips you up.

Because American Airlines won’t accept your request if they’re not the sole carrier on your booking (me neither)!

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

While all the time worrying that four hours layover wouldn’t be long enough to get through customs.

And what if the plane ran late?

Of course when the first leg of your trip is a 6.55 red eye and you’ve got to the airport at midnight then there’s plenty of time to fret.

Particularly when you’ve been prompted on your phone to check in as soon as the 24-hour window opened up.

The last leg

Too early: Airport drinks

The first two parts negotiated, inevitably the last part trips you up.

Because American Airlines won’t accept your request if they’re not the sole carrier on your booking (me neither)!

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

Or better still pop off a herogram to their bosses on your return.

But Amy put my mind at ease by running me through why I hadn’t been able to check in for the last and shortest leg of my trip.

The two-hour flight from Chicago O’Hare to San Antonio International.

By reassuring me that it was standard fare and that they were just running through some checks.

Before giving me three printed boarding passes (Edinburgh-London, London-Chicago and Chicago-San Antonio).

When your mind runs

On a wing: And a prayer

When I had visions of having to hotfoot it from Terminal 5 to 3 and stand in a check-in queue.

While all the time worrying that four hours layover wouldn’t be long enough to get through customs.

And what if the plane ran late?

Of course when the first leg of your trip is a 6.55 red eye and you’ve got to the airport at midnight then there’s plenty of time to fret.

Particularly when you’ve been prompted on your phone to check in as soon as the 24-hour window opened up.

The last leg

Too early: Airport drinks

The first two parts negotiated, inevitably the last part trips you up.

Because American Airlines won’t accept your request if they’re not the sole carrier on your booking (me neither)!

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

Such as Amy at British Airways check-in at Edinburgh Airport and when was the last time you asked them their name?

Or better still pop off a herogram to their bosses on your return.

But Amy put my mind at ease by running me through why I hadn’t been able to check in for the last and shortest leg of my trip.

The two-hour flight from Chicago O’Hare to San Antonio International.

By reassuring me that it was standard fare and that they were just running through some checks.

Before giving me three printed boarding passes (Edinburgh-London, London-Chicago and Chicago-San Antonio).

When your mind runs

On a wing: And a prayer

When I had visions of having to hotfoot it from Terminal 5 to 3 and stand in a check-in queue.

While all the time worrying that four hours layover wouldn’t be long enough to get through customs.

And what if the plane ran late?

Of course when the first leg of your trip is a 6.55 red eye and you’ve got to the airport at midnight then there’s plenty of time to fret.

Particularly when you’ve been prompted on your phone to check in as soon as the 24-hour window opened up.

The last leg

Too early: Airport drinks

The first two parts negotiated, inevitably the last part trips you up.

Because American Airlines won’t accept your request if they’re not the sole carrier on your booking (me neither)!

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

Holiday herograms

In the bubble: Airport rest

Such as Amy at British Airways check-in at Edinburgh Airport and when was the last time you asked them their name?

Or better still pop off a herogram to their bosses on your return.

But Amy put my mind at ease by running me through why I hadn’t been able to check in for the last and shortest leg of my trip.

The two-hour flight from Chicago O’Hare to San Antonio International.

By reassuring me that it was standard fare and that they were just running through some checks.

Before giving me three printed boarding passes (Edinburgh-London, London-Chicago and Chicago-San Antonio).

When your mind runs

On a wing: And a prayer

When I had visions of having to hotfoot it from Terminal 5 to 3 and stand in a check-in queue.

While all the time worrying that four hours layover wouldn’t be long enough to get through customs.

And what if the plane ran late?

Of course when the first leg of your trip is a 6.55 red eye and you’ve got to the airport at midnight then there’s plenty of time to fret.

Particularly when you’ve been prompted on your phone to check in as soon as the 24-hour window opened up.

The last leg

Too early: Airport drinks

The first two parts negotiated, inevitably the last part trips you up.

Because American Airlines won’t accept your request if they’re not the sole carrier on your booking (me neither)!

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

Often too there are those who put you at ease along the way.

Holiday herograms

In the bubble: Airport rest

Such as Amy at British Airways check-in at Edinburgh Airport and when was the last time you asked them their name?

Or better still pop off a herogram to their bosses on your return.

But Amy put my mind at ease by running me through why I hadn’t been able to check in for the last and shortest leg of my trip.

The two-hour flight from Chicago O’Hare to San Antonio International.

By reassuring me that it was standard fare and that they were just running through some checks.

Before giving me three printed boarding passes (Edinburgh-London, London-Chicago and Chicago-San Antonio).

When your mind runs

On a wing: And a prayer

When I had visions of having to hotfoot it from Terminal 5 to 3 and stand in a check-in queue.

While all the time worrying that four hours layover wouldn’t be long enough to get through customs.

And what if the plane ran late?

Of course when the first leg of your trip is a 6.55 red eye and you’ve got to the airport at midnight then there’s plenty of time to fret.

Particularly when you’ve been prompted on your phone to check in as soon as the 24-hour window opened up.

The last leg

Too early: Airport drinks

The first two parts negotiated, inevitably the last part trips you up.

Because American Airlines won’t accept your request if they’re not the sole carrier on your booking (me neither)!

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

The one I leave home too often and the two women who arrange this journos’ jamboree every year around America.

Often too there are those who put you at ease along the way.

Holiday herograms

In the bubble: Airport rest

Such as Amy at British Airways check-in at Edinburgh Airport and when was the last time you asked them their name?

Or better still pop off a herogram to their bosses on your return.

But Amy put my mind at ease by running me through why I hadn’t been able to check in for the last and shortest leg of my trip.

The two-hour flight from Chicago O’Hare to San Antonio International.

By reassuring me that it was standard fare and that they were just running through some checks.

Before giving me three printed boarding passes (Edinburgh-London, London-Chicago and Chicago-San Antonio).

When your mind runs

On a wing: And a prayer

When I had visions of having to hotfoot it from Terminal 5 to 3 and stand in a check-in queue.

While all the time worrying that four hours layover wouldn’t be long enough to get through customs.

And what if the plane ran late?

Of course when the first leg of your trip is a 6.55 red eye and you’ve got to the airport at midnight then there’s plenty of time to fret.

Particularly when you’ve been prompted on your phone to check in as soon as the 24-hour window opened up.

The last leg

Too early: Airport drinks

The first two parts negotiated, inevitably the last part trips you up.

Because American Airlines won’t accept your request if they’re not the sole carrier on your booking (me neither)!

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

When I say I don’t have a wet nurse here to mop up en route to Texas that would diminish some real troopers.

The one I leave home too often and the two women who arrange this journos’ jamboree every year around America.

Often too there are those who put you at ease along the way.

Holiday herograms

In the bubble: Airport rest

Such as Amy at British Airways check-in at Edinburgh Airport and when was the last time you asked them their name?

Or better still pop off a herogram to their bosses on your return.

But Amy put my mind at ease by running me through why I hadn’t been able to check in for the last and shortest leg of my trip.

The two-hour flight from Chicago O’Hare to San Antonio International.

By reassuring me that it was standard fare and that they were just running through some checks.

Before giving me three printed boarding passes (Edinburgh-London, London-Chicago and Chicago-San Antonio).

When your mind runs

On a wing: And a prayer

When I had visions of having to hotfoot it from Terminal 5 to 3 and stand in a check-in queue.

While all the time worrying that four hours layover wouldn’t be long enough to get through customs.

And what if the plane ran late?

Of course when the first leg of your trip is a 6.55 red eye and you’ve got to the airport at midnight then there’s plenty of time to fret.

Particularly when you’ve been prompted on your phone to check in as soon as the 24-hour window opened up.

The last leg

Too early: Airport drinks

The first two parts negotiated, inevitably the last part trips you up.

Because American Airlines won’t accept your request if they’re not the sole carrier on your booking (me neither)!

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

And this time nobody is here to hold my hand but so far so better as my holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

When I say I don’t have a wet nurse here to mop up en route to Texas that would diminish some real troopers.

The one I leave home too often and the two women who arrange this journos’ jamboree every year around America.

Often too there are those who put you at ease along the way.

Holiday herograms

In the bubble: Airport rest

Such as Amy at British Airways check-in at Edinburgh Airport and when was the last time you asked them their name?

Or better still pop off a herogram to their bosses on your return.

But Amy put my mind at ease by running me through why I hadn’t been able to check in for the last and shortest leg of my trip.

The two-hour flight from Chicago O’Hare to San Antonio International.

By reassuring me that it was standard fare and that they were just running through some checks.

Before giving me three printed boarding passes (Edinburgh-London, London-Chicago and Chicago-San Antonio).

When your mind runs

On a wing: And a prayer

When I had visions of having to hotfoot it from Terminal 5 to 3 and stand in a check-in queue.

While all the time worrying that four hours layover wouldn’t be long enough to get through customs.

And what if the plane ran late?

Of course when the first leg of your trip is a 6.55 red eye and you’ve got to the airport at midnight then there’s plenty of time to fret.

Particularly when you’ve been prompted on your phone to check in as soon as the 24-hour window opened up.

The last leg

Too early: Airport drinks

The first two parts negotiated, inevitably the last part trips you up.

Because American Airlines won’t accept your request if they’re not the sole carrier on your booking (me neither)!

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

And this time nobody is here to hold my hand but so far so better as my holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

When I say I don’t have a wet nurse here to mop up en route to Texas that would diminish some real troopers.

The one I leave home too often and the two women who arrange this journos’ jamboree every year around America.

Often too there are those who put you at ease along the way.

Holiday herograms

In the bubble: Airport rest

Such as Amy at British Airways check-in at Edinburgh Airport and when was the last time you asked them their name?

Or better still pop off a herogram to their bosses on your return.

But Amy put my mind at ease by running me through why I hadn’t been able to check in for the last and shortest leg of my trip.

The two-hour flight from Chicago O’Hare to San Antonio International.

By reassuring me that it was standard fare and that they were just running through some checks.

Before giving me three printed boarding passes (Edinburgh-London, London-Chicago and Chicago-San Antonio).

When your mind runs

On a wing: And a prayer

When I had visions of having to hotfoot it from Terminal 5 to 3 and stand in a check-in queue.

While all the time worrying that four hours layover wouldn’t be long enough to get through customs.

And what if the plane ran late?

Of course when the first leg of your trip is a 6.55 red eye and you’ve got to the airport at midnight then there’s plenty of time to fret.

Particularly when you’ve been prompted on your phone to check in as soon as the 24-hour window opened up.

The last leg

Too early: Airport drinks

The first two parts negotiated, inevitably the last part trips you up.

Because American Airlines won’t accept your request if they’re not the sole carrier on your booking (me neither)!

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

And this time nobody is here to hold my hand but so far so better as my holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

When I say I don’t have a wet nurse here to mop up en route to Texas that would diminish some real troopers.

The one I leave home too often and the two women who arrange this journos’ jamboree every year around America.

Often too there are those who put you at ease along the way.

Holiday herograms

In the bubble: Airport rest

Such as Amy at British Airways check-in at Edinburgh Airport and when was the last time you asked them their name?

Or better still pop off a herogram to their bosses on your return.

But Amy put my mind at ease by running me through why I hadn’t been able to check in for the last and shortest leg of my trip.

The two-hour flight from Chicago O’Hare to San Antonio International.

By reassuring me that it was standard fare and that they were just running through some checks.

Before giving me three printed boarding passes (Edinburgh-London, London-Chicago and Chicago-San Antonio).

When your mind runs

On a wing: And a prayer

When I had visions of having to hotfoot it from Terminal 5 to 3 and stand in a check-in queue.

While all the time worrying that four hours layover wouldn’t be long enough to get through customs.

And what if the plane ran late?

Of course when the first leg of your trip is a 6.55 red eye and you’ve got to the airport at midnight then there’s plenty of time to fret.

Particularly when you’ve been prompted on your phone to check in as soon as the 24-hour window opened up.

The last leg

Too early: Airport drinks

The first two parts negotiated, inevitably the last part trips you up.

Because American Airlines won’t accept your request if they’re not the sole carrier on your booking (me neither)!

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Slog: So pack light

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

Check out… the check-ins

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

 

 

Caribbean, Countries

Be a Rum Master in St Lucia

What’s the ingredient… well, you’ll just have to go out to the Caribbean if you want to be a rum master in St Lucia.

For me, I caught the rum punches bug myself in the West Indies and made Saturdays my cocktail-making day.

And that skill I learned at the hands of my Bajan pals and took back here with me I’m happy to say I passed onto the Son and Heir.

Not that I come anywhere near the rumaristas of the Caribbean.

All of which brings us to our Kittitian (their denonym) friends.

And they have only put together a special rumarista (mine) package for those who pay them a visit.

Out on a wing

Roll out the barrel: Rum tasting

So to the first part of the tour which will take you to Wingfield Estate distillery.

And that’s where rum expert Jack Widdowson (Founder of Old Road RumCompany) will teach rum theory and the history of rum production.

While there it’s worth considering too who might have come before you.

And the recently excavated distillery is found on the 18th-century sugar cane plantation owned by a direct ancestor of Thomas Jefferson.

And yes, you’ll be sipping Old Road Rum and learning the history.

While there will be a chance to see a preserved aqueduct, chimney, mill house, boiling house, and lime kiln and learn how to label their own rum bottle.

Spice it up

Rum time: With Caribbean chums Jevan and Donna

Now onto the second course which takes place at the lively Spice Mill Restaurant on Cockleshell Bay.

Run by rum expert Roger Brisbane this course will showcase spiced rum creation methodology,  rum-blending techniques, and cocktail creations. 

So a key part of the whole rum experience is of course the Hibiscus that you’ll see around every Caribbean island.

And which Roger curates with Hibiscus Spirits

Carnival time: St Lucia

It is created by infusing handpicked and locally grown Roselle Hibiscus calyx, known as sorrel, to flavour the rum and create a natural red colour.  

And, of course, you’ll get a certificate to show your friends at the end of it all…

To take pride of place alongside others I’ve passed over the years.

Such as the Guinness pouring scroll from Las Vegas ,

So just a notch on the Neon City tour.

Stay the course

Limin’: Easy times on St Lucia

And we’ll get started with a visit to Wingfield Estate – home of Old Road Rum, and the oldest surviving rum distillery in the Caribbean:

  • Introduction of Rum
  • History of Rum in St. Kitts
  • Rum production methods
  • Learning How to Taste + Identify Flavour Profiles
  • Tour the estate
  • Label your own rum bottle

And visit Spice Mill – home of Hibiscus Spirits:

  • Learn how to create spiced rum
  • Methodology of creating classic rum drinks
  • Learn nuances of creating rum cocktails
  • Rum appreciation methods

So get your bookings in for the Kittitian RumMaster programme cost $150 per person.  For booking information, visit Our Stories | St Kitts Tourism

St. Kitts can be easily reached from the UK via twice weekly (Wednesday & Saturday) direct flights from London Gatwick with British Airways.

And come back with a new skill when you’ll be a Rum Master in St Lucia.

 

America, Countries

Say hi to Donald from me

Are you in America now it’s open again to UK and Irish visitors… if so, say hi to Donald from me if you’re in Orlando.

Orlando will be the first stop for visitors from these, and Irish shores, as our favourite US holiday destination.

We hooked up with our friends from Roller Coaster City.

And they took just enough time off the rides to update us on the thrilliest, spilliest place on Earth.

Stars in my eyes

Now in a Galaxy’s Edge far, far, away in Disney’s twin centre in Anaheim… well, two years ago I got a glimpse into the future in the first party to try out Star Wars world. 

And the future is here now in the present and ready for y’all to see it both in California and here in Orlando.

Of course Mickey, Donald and their pals have been celebrating since last month their 50th birthday (well, not theirs, they’re much older but Disney World’s).

On a theme

Rat-a-tat-tat: Food for thought

And the four theme parks and beyond have been in fine song.

Among the most anticipated attractions, and the ones we’ve zeroed in on are:

Disney Enchantment, a new all-new nighttime extravaganza at Magic Kingdom Park, featuring captivating Disney music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A.

And we’ve danced along to Mickey’s In Da House party on that very street and can advise that you lose all inhibitions (or was that just me, Mickey and Donald?)

Then there’s Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at Epcot, where guests shrink to the size of Chef Remy and race through Gusteau’s restaurant on a wild adventure.

You like your French gastronomeee, oui? 

Then La Crêperie de Paris is a new restaurant located in the France pavilion at Epcot which offers both table and quick-service options and features a menu from celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse.

The Showbiz Lion and I

Scots wahey: With Bev in Orlando

Now as a veteran of the Orlando theme parks I know how nothing sits still (well, it wouldn’t with you twirled this way and that).

Personally, I prefer a wet one, as my old sparring partner, Lady Lyons, Bev, of Showbiz Lion fame, would say.

And so we both loved Aquatica Orlando. AO can now boast Florida’s first-ever duelling waterslide, Riptide Race, which opened in the spring.

You’ll start atop a 68-foot tower and race side-by-side at top speeds, navigating tight loops and accelerations through indoor and outdoor sections.

While Florida also loves its natural as well as animated animals. And it has those in abundance, particularly flamingos.

In the Pink

Pickin’ ma pocket: Flamingo time

The Flamingo Mingle at Discovery Cove is a new, exclusive animal experience where guests can feed and learn about our pink friends in an outdoor setting. 

Another old pal I met back then in Anaheim is The Jurassic Park VelociCoaster which opened in June at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

The ride sends you catapulting up to 70mph and over 150ft in the air with the swiftest of prehistoric predators.

If you like your fun irreverent and green and ogre-like then you’ll love Shrek (guilty).

And his DreamWorks friends. So you’ll be excited about DreamWorks Destination, an all-new, interactive character experience, opened in the KidZone area of Universal Studios Florida.

Guests can interact, dance and be photographed with multiple beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation’s hit film franchises, including Trolls, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda – all in one location.

And seeing it’s all about you in ’22 then here’s what’s still to come. 

Wet, wet, wet

Twirl power: SeaWorld Orlando

Ice Breaker, SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster, will open in February and riders will shiver through family-friendly adventures featuring four launches, both backwards and forwards.

It all culminates in a reverse launch with a 93ft tall spike with 100-degree angle, the steepest vertical drop in Florida.

Aquatica Orlando’s newest water slide, Reef Plunge, will launch in spring with guests sliding through translucent cutouts and rings.

You’ll get to twist and turn though 330ft of fiberglass; and zoom past a vibrant array of marine life.

Commerson’s dolphins, leopard sharks, sardines, and a variety of other cold-water fish will be part of the new dynamic habitat.   

Peppa party

Hamming it up: Peppa and pals

Again, they like it pink in Orlando and LEGOLAND Florida Resort will open the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park  on February 24.

The standalone theme park will feature multiple rides, interactive attractions, fun live shows, themed playscapes and water play areas.

Phew, and you’ll be looking for somewhere to stay, but not just somewhere but the best Star Warsy place of them all.

Starry hotel

In control: Star Wars time in Anaheim

Walt Disney World has unveiled plans for its immersive Star Wars-themed hotel, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, opening March 1.

Guests will “board” the starship Halcyon for an all-inclusive experience that puts them into the immersive world of Star Wars.

The hotel will debut as part of the new Disney 360 vacation concept that gives each guest a storyline upon arrival. 

So, plenty of stories of your own to tell, like mines the week I met His Royal Quackness.

So, say hi to Donald from me if you’re in Orlando.

And remember all our favourite airlines, Virgin, British Airways and TUI . And, of course. Ireland’s national airline carrier, Aer Lingus.

And Attraction Tickets who will look after your every care when you book with them.