MJ’s Travel Favorites 2-21-10

It’s been a week of airline drama, with stories ranging from being “too fat to fly” to airlines having unfriendly family seating policies.  There aren’t easy answers to these thorny issues, despite wishing it were so, and the balance of profitability and customer service keeps shifting. and lots of bloggers chimed in on the topic this week.

Here’s some highlights from this past week in travel:

• The Art of Non-Conformity offers tips for stress free travel.  Some practical, some more cerebral, but all good things to keep in mind when you’re on the road.
• Chris Around the World offers some tips for finding 4-star hotels on hotel discount site Hotwire.  I’m a fan of the site as well, and use it frequently here in Seattle for great room deals.
• PlanetEye Traveler – On the Road tempts me to visit Prague with the highlights of the must-do and must-see sights.  There’s good practical info for anyone considering a visit.
• LA Times Travel recommends some useful iPhone travel apps, ranging from very practical to fun.  You’ll want to try them out to see what will make your travel life easier.
• Wanderlust and Lipstick offers a wonderful story about a monk’s approach to easing the stress of air travel.  It’s a good life lesson, not just a travel lesson.
• Euro Cheapo lists ideas for Paris on a budget.  In such a very expensive city, these options can help stretch your travel budget.
• Jaunted explains how social media site Foursquare is being used by travelers.  As a recent fan of the site, I’ve gotten some great suggestions and recommendations by using it.
• Cockpit Chronicles (at Gadling) tells the story of a Captain’s final trip.  I’ve had the honor of working on a final trip, and it was just as memorable of an experience as described.
• Location Independent Professionals offers some personal finance tips sure to help those seeking permanent life on the road.
• The Word Wire lists some romantic places worth a visit even when it’s not Valentine’s Day.
• PlanetEye Traveler – Atlanta writes about a local high school with a performing arts department that trains and performs in Cirque style.  Fabulous!
• Sharing Travel Experiences sweetens us up with a trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania, the self-proclaimed Sweetest Place on Earth.
• BlogHer Travel has a balanced piece on the issue of families traveling and getting seated together on the plane.  It includes an interview with yours truly!

I hope you’ll take some time to go read these stories, perhaps meeting a new travel blogger in the process.  And hey – tell them MJ sent you!

Photo credit: SXC