Travel Tips

The Layover: Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)

Layovers are the worst. I always try to avoid layovers when I can. Think about it, having a delay on your original flight can mean you miss your connecting flight, it doubles the opportunity for your luggage to be lost (if you check luggage), and it can significantly add to your travel time. Not to mention that having a layover at some airports means that you’ll have to leave security and go back through just to get to your other gate. I would rather not deal with any of that, but sometimes, you can’t avoid layovers…..

Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Chances are you will never end up at Des Moines International Airport (DSM), but in the off chance that you do, I’ve got you covered! I’m a city boy, so I don’t get too excited about travelling to places like Iowa. I’m more of a Chicago, LA, DC, type of person. Des Moines, not so much. However, I traveled to Iowa for the first time in 2014 and a few things caught me by surprise.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is an incredible mall, I mean, airport. Seriously, it’s huge. It’s the largest and busiest airport in the entire world. Therefore, if you’re flying in or out of it, there are a few things you need to know.

Reagan National Airport (DCA)

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It’s no secret that Washington D.C. is one of my favorite cities. I love visiting DC. Maybe I’ll live there one day, but until then, I’ll be satisfied with spending a weekend here and there. I prefer driving to DC since it’s only about 7 hours away. We’re 2 hours away from a major airport. So by the time you drive 2 hours to get there 2 hours before, then an hour and half flight, much of that time is gone. The drive from North Carolina to DC is easy and driving through the Virginia mountains is beautiful. For those of you who live further than that or would like to fly instead of drive, Reagan National Airport needs to be your go-to airport. It’s not the only airport serving Washington DC, but it’s your best option, I’ll tell you why.

Denver International Airport (DEN)

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There are many beautiful places to visit in the United States, and for most of them, one trip is enough. New York in the Fall, Chicago in the Spring, Miami in the Winter, Denver…. any time of the year. Colorado is the kind of place that you should visit twice. Go once in the early Spring for skiing and go again in the summer time for hiking. Colorado is great any time of the year. If you don’t like the weather in Colorado today, wait until tomorrow. It can go from 60 degrees and sunny to snowstorm overnight. Don’t worry, though! Colorado boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year! Colorado is one of my favorite places and Denver happens to be one cool city (literally) where you can go from tacos to homemade pop tarts, seriously…..

10 Basic Rules for short term travel to High Risk areas

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Let’s first define what this list is and what it’s not. It’s not exhaustive and it’s not meant to save your life. It is a list of 10 basic rules to think through if you plan a short term trip to a high risk area or a high risk country. A short term trip is anything from a few hours to a few weeks.

High Risk Areas? Tulsa or Teheran?

A high risk area is anywhere where you face a higher chance of being the target of crime, whether robbery, assault, or kidnapping. First, understand that all travel is high risk travel. No matter if your in Tulsa or Tehran. Well, Tehran may be a bit more of a high risk area, but you get the picture.

Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)

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The Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) is probably not an airport that you’re likely to pass through, and unless you’re going to Wichita, there wouldn’t be a reason for you to fly into it. Kansas City is close by and has it’s own airport. Dallas is a few hours away and has it’s own airport. Tulsa is close and has it’s own airport. Still, you’ll be surprised at the big punch that this little airport packs.

Tacos before Vatos in Southern California

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I have a confession. I love Southern California. I really do. The first time I went to Southern California it was for a Calvary Chapel Missions Conference in 2006 (I think). I’ve gone back to that conference twice after that. Both times I stayed before and after the conference to hang out with friends, ski in the mountains, or just eat tacos all day.

This trip was my fourth time there, and as always, Southern California doesn’t disappoint.

There are only two bad things about Southern California. No, not the crime. Not the smog. Not the high real estate prices.

1. Toll roads!

Beware of toll roads! You must pay within 48 hours or risk a $56 late fee for a $3-$6 toll. Tolls vary in cost depending on demand, which I think is an awesome economic idea (not being sarcastic). You go through them and go online to pay later. Pay attention to where you drive, the website won’t be able to tell you and your rental car company has nothing to do with it. I’m serious, pay your tolls!

2. Traffic!

The traffic is serious. It’s probably the worst traffic in the United States. There’s no logic to it, don’t try to figure it out. You may think that you’re safe because it’s the middle of the day on a Tuesday, therefore there should be no traffic. You’d be wrong. You could end up in traffic for HOURS. Plan accordingly. Or at least try to.

That’s it, everything else is perfect, especially the food. I’ve been contemplating this and decided to share a few of my favorites.