Day 1: A New Travel Blog
Today is the official first day of a new travel and transportation blog, Planes, Trains and Travel. The name, of course, pays tribute to my favorite holiday and travel movie, 1987’s classic Planes, Trains and Automobiles. I’m not sure if I should be proud or embarrassed that I’ve memorized nearly all the key lines from that movie.
My name is Mason; and for 30 or so years, I’ve worked in the radio industry. Yes, I was on the air. But if you ask me to “talk like you’re on the radio,” I won’t sound any different (sorry).
A few months ago, I was displaced by my employer. No hard feelings toward any of my co-workers, but I’m still mad at the algorithm that made the decision. In any event, it gave me the chance to do something I’ve always wanted to do. That’s this website and blog, giving voice to a lifetime of travel and transportation expertise. Someday (hopefully soon), a weekly podcast will follow.
What You May Have Missed
While this new travel blog has only just launched, I’ve been writing for several weeks now. A few posts were news at the time, not so much now. But several (most actually) remain relevant — especially since Covid-19 doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. So I thought I’d run down some of the most useful posts here.
- Covid-19: Wrong Time to Start a Travel Site? — This is my first PT&T blog post. The timing could be better, but here we are. And this post will tell you what we’re all about.
- Destination Report: Belize — This small Central American country shut its borders over coronavirus. But when travel resumes, you’ll learn why Belize is one of our favorite places.
- Uber vs. Lyft: The Great Debate — Frankly, I’d rather not grab a Lyft or an Uber until the virus is gone. But when you’re ready to rideshare, this handy guide will help you choose between the two biggest companies.
- The Ten Commandments of Travel Rewards — If you join a frequent flyer or hotel loyalty program, you can get a lot more free nights and flights than you might think. This post helps you get there.
- The Strange Experience of Flying During a Pandemic — More people are traveling today than during April, or even when I flew to Seattle in May. This will help you know what to expect.
- How Black Heritage Travel Can Help Heal — George Floyd’s murder has changed the conversation about race in America. This post runs down the best places you can visit to help in your understanding.
- It’s Fine to Have a Lot of Credit Cards — I have 13 credit cards, and it really isn’t crazy. This post explains why.
- Alaska Airlines Elite-Qualifying Guide for 2020 — Alaska Airlines is making it easy to boost your status this year, so you’ll be ready when the airline joins oneworld alliance in 2021.
- How to Book the Cheapest Airfare — It’s a good time to book, with low fares and no change/cancellation fees. Reference this how-to guide to find the lowest fares anytime.
Final Thoughts
I’m excited to share my knowledge of travel and transportation. For me, the journey is often as much fun as the destination. This blog will give you plenty of useful advice to save money and find more value in your travels, plus fun ways to get there, and great places to visit.
We’re just getting started on a brand new travel blog, and I appreciate you joining us on the ride.
