Happy New Year from your favorite travel blogger and world explorer. And Happy New Year from TPOL. 2019 is just about in the books, but that doesn’t mean I won’t dwell on all the ass-kicking I did this year. Here are the top posts from the year and one selected post per month:
- Cathay Pacific First Class JFK-HKG: 15.5 Hours of Bliss
Welcome to Cathay First flight with service to Hong Kong from JFK. You are one lucky person to be flying this fine product.
Simply The Best: February 2019
- Crocosaurus Cove: THE CAGE OF DEATH!
Today, I was put into a death cage with the most amazing animal in the world, the crocodile.
Visiting Every Island in the Caribbean: TPOL’s Latest Trip Report
Simply The Best: 5 Years of T-P-O-L
- Guns & Butter: Tasmania Travel Guide
Have you ever been to Tasmania or “Tassie” as it is called by locals? Here’s what you should do and not do while you are there.
- Destination Fee Scam: At Least Tell Me the ‘Benefits’
Destination fees are a scam, but it’s even worse when the ‘benefits’ are not disclosed.
- Chase Mandatory Arbitration: Stop Complaining, Start Fighting
The general public is misinformed, ill-informed, and inadequately informed when it comes to consumer arbitration.
- Booked! ANA RTW: 22,000 Miles in Glorious Business
I once wrote, “Devaluation? I Laugh in the Face of Devaluation,” and I am happy to say, I still do.
- United Polaris EWR-BRU: The Horror Show!
In terms of lie-flat, long-haul flights, this was the worst I have taken.
Simply The Best: September 2019
- Travel Planning: Check Prices Or Just Go?
Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t check prices because I don’t think I could have rationalized how much I spent and may have skipped the trip altogether.
- “It Is a Complete Scam.”: TPOL Is Quoted in the NYT
While I expected more than a single line to be quoted, as my friend said, “That one sentence sums up the angry Alex we all know and love.”
Simply The Best: November 2019
- Guns & Butter: (Overrated) Beirut Travel Guide
Marrakech is the most overrated city I have visited. Istanbul is second. Surprisingly and sadly, Beirut is third.
Simply The Best: December 2019
- Cyberbully? TPOL’s Puerto Rico Turkey Trot (2nd Edition)
Last year, I beat a sneaky runner who tried to sprint past me in the last second. I tried to reach out to him on Twitter this year to propose a rematch. He did not respond.
The publicity photo with the CNN dude looks especially good.
Happy New Year Alex – may 2020 brings you what you wish for & thanks for everything!