Checked-baggage charges and carry- on limits, flight cancellations and airline bankruptcies — travel is changing again, and not for the better.
The Travel section wants to keep up with the changes and try to be better for you, though, and in an effort to do just that, we’ve added a few new features.
Starting today, every week we’ll run a different nationally syndicated columnist, each of whom speaks to a specific type of traveler.
First up is Jae-Ha Kim, whose “Go Away With …” series has become popular across the country because she picks the brains of a peculiar breed of tourist — the celebrity. Who better to ask about jet lag, culture shock and where to find off-the-beaten-path spots than folks who spend their lives crisscrossing the globe?
Following Kim’s column will be the beloved Rick Steves, whose knowledge on the ins and outs of Europe is undisputed. Next comes “Travel Troubleshooter” Chris Elliott, ombudsman extraordinaire, the man you want in your corner when a travel situation goes horribly awry. After Elliott look for Eileen Ogintz, whose “Taking the Kids” helps you do just that, whether to a Colorado dude ranch or hiking the Amalfi coast.
It isn’t just about the information, though. We hope to entertain, as well. To that end we bring you Signspotting, travel writer Doug Lansky’s collection of bizarre, intriguing and usually hilarious signs from around the world, underscored by amusingly incisive comments from Lansky. Each week on Page 2T, look for a new sign posted for your enjoyment. Today, check out the first sign on 2T, but please also read Lansky’s introduction to his world on 3T.
And back by popular demand, longtime gadget guru Judi Dash will offer weekly critiques of travel gear. Read her takes on the must-haves and the need-nots on Page 2T each week in GearingUp.
In addition, the Travel blog is back in action and mouthier than ever. It has a new name, “Carrying On,” and can be found at blogs .
Look for cheeky posts from me and other staffers connected to the Travel world with something to say about airline news, how big your carry-ons should be, hotel rates and the fact that Norwegian Cruise lines will offer Botox injections onboard this fall (don’t believe me? well, you’re going to have to go to the blog to find out).
Really, if it affects Travel, we want to talk with you about it.
And speaking of a dialogue with you, a column two Sundays ago in this section sparked more feedback than anything I’ve done since taking over this gig three years ago. Folks have pretty strong feelings about the airlines — United, are you listening? — and the security process, and they weren’t afraid to share.
My favorite, though, was from the Singer family in Englewood, whose teenagers fly frequently and had their own suggestions for unruly passengers. The teens think that if folks break three or more rules, they should have to stand in a “holding area” for 10 minutes, because that’s how long they usually delay the passengers behind them with their shenanigans.
Traveler time-outs, not a bad idea.
Readers also asked where to find information on security rules. Visit . or, for specifics about Denver International Airport, flydenver .
Kyle Wagner: 303-954-1599 or travel@denverpost.com
