Perhaps it's receiving an untimely solicitation for AARP membership in the mail, or coming to the realization that I've never owned so many sweatpants, or ascertaining that I'm just a few holiday meals short of needing to request a seatbelt extension, or the acceptance that Netflix is my most visited Web site; but as of late I'd have to say my hip factor is in dire need of repair, revival or replacement.

What pushed me down this slippery slope of superficial self-evaluation and soul searching? It all began with an email from my friend Peter about a new breed of traveler, the Jetrosexual. We can thank Virgin Atlantic for the moniker and my current state of malaise (though using a French word ought to count for something).

What is a Jetrosexual? I fear that since I have to ask, I am surely not one. My investigation took me to the epicenter of hip, Virgin Atlantic's Web site, which proudly brandishes the 11 Commandments of a Jetrosexual. (I eagerly scanned for words like crossword puzzles, NPR and sensible shoes, but to no avail.)

The 11 Commandments of a Jetrosexual

1. Thou shalt leave terra firma behind in order to move business and culture forward.
   
2. Thou shalt travel economy class, on rare occasions, just to keep thine self humble.
   
3. Thou shalt have at least one passport stamp from a country that now goes by a different name.
   
4. Thou shalt not own one of those inflatable neck pillows.
   
5. Thou shalt be able to pack a week's worth of clothes into a single carry-on bag.
   
6. Thou shalt respect the five-minute rule when using thine lavatory.
   
7. Thou shalt be able to order a beer in at least six different languages.
8. Thou shalt never hold up the security line.
9. Thou shalt not be a chatty Cathy with thine seatmate.
10. Thou shalt have a favorite airport and be prepared to explain why it is thine fave.
11. Thou shalt have thine passport ready to go at a moment's notice.

All hope is not lost. I reckon (Jetrosexuals likely don't use the word reckon) that if I can adhere to number nine, I'm halfway home, make that halfway to my very trendsetting destination.

(Hmmm, which flight would James Bond choose?

Posted by Tom at 12:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Every year since 1947, this country has presented the City of London and the people of the Great Britain with a Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square? Name the country (Bonus points for the reason why.)

What trees are older than the pyramids and still living? 

In 1959, the first mass-produced aluminum tree appeared in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. What was it called?

Posted by Tom at 6:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In this season of giving, I am often asked what gift-wrapped goodie will get the road warrior going?

Within the corridors of Expedia, I cannot venture a step without tripping over a frequent flyer or avowed world traveler. Fueling interest with some Aplets and Cotlets (as charm had limited effects), I asked some of my compadres what does the gamboling globetrotter really, really want? Did I mention this was an unscientific poll? As you can see, some responded with little concern for cost or cheekiness. 

Here are some of the top mentions that I feel safe to share:  

• Wireless-enabled laptop (I know it's rather obvious, but I'm doing this for you.)
• Inflatable neck rest travel pillow (more along the lines of my gift budget)
• Upgrade coupons (I can dream can't I?)
• Portable DVD player
• Leather passport & document holder (This is no place for nylon.)
• Membership to airline club or lounge
• Travel size photo album of family and friends
• Travel slippers (should not resemble a stuffed animal or your Mom's)
• Volunteer to pet sit
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Ziploc bags (the travel must-have this season)
• Talking translator device (I would agree to this if only everyone responded slowly and in present tense.)
• International electrical adapters
• Membership for emergency road service (my best gift for obvious reasons)
• Travel size toiletry items (As if any other size is an option)
• Travel smoke detector (when my travel budget goes one-star)
• Lonely Planet: The Perfect Day (I love this book. LP authors
  reveal their "prized experiences" in 100 cities around the world.)

And of course, as we all know or should be reminded, it's the thought that counts. (Work with me here.)

It is not material trappings of travel I seek (though I wouldn't turndown the travel DVD player). It's a gift from the heart I relish, say rides on demand to and from the airport. (BTW, I'll be waiting outside, baggage claim level.)

Posted by Tom at 6:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

In a story begging for excessive use of puns, double entendre, and bawdy humor, I have decided to take the high road. Yes, this is rare moment for me when decorum and good taste have won out (for the time being). Of course that doesn't mean I can't furnish you with a link to this story of high-flying flatuance.

MSNBC: Flatulence, not turbulence forces plane landing in Nashville

I would be remiss if I did not mention some of my favorite headlines related to this story:

New York Daily News: Her seat in first-gas section KOs flight
The Buffalo News: Fire and flatulence spark panic on plane
NBC4.com: Woman Under Fire After In-Flight Flatulence

I came across one enterprising company that knows a golden opportunity when it sees (or smells) one. Flat-D Innovations: Don't let Flatulence Spoil Yours or 99 Others Travel Plans

Alright, I think I've exhausted this subject...for now.

Posted by Tom at 6:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The State Department has come up with its top-ten travelers tip list. Unfortunately it's nothing akin to a David Letterman top-ten list, but perhaps that's best, because as we all know international travel is no laughing matter. :-)

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport (and visas, if required). Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport.

2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit. (See "Consular Information Program" section for more details.)

3. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.

4. Make two copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.

5. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.

7. If you plan to stay abroad for more than two weeks, upon arrival you should notify by phone or register in person with the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting. This will facilitate communication in case someone contacts the embassy looking for you.

8. To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.

9. In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.

10. If you get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy

Posted by Tom at 11:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)