Questions–and answers–on our blog
Sometimes they’re ours. Sometimes they’re yours.
As our new travel blog, Taking Off, enters its second week, the exchange of information has begun.
Among the topics (and feedback from you — or answers from us):
You can join in on the conversation at chicagotribune.com/takingoff
WHERE’S THAT NEW PASSPORT? Hey, there. You with the sweaty palms. Bet you’re wondering where that passport is … the one you applied for in April through a Chicago suburban post office where a postal employee told you you didn’t need to spend $60 for expedited service …
(We proceeded to list some ways to track down your passport application
… Among your responses were these.)
– “Your post only scratches the surface of the problem here. The 1-877 number you list is swamped — expect to spend a long time in an endless loop of phone menus — if you don’t get cut off altogether …”
– “It’s a shame people are planning last minute. The new passport rules were well publicized last fall, and the passport processing delays have been well publicized since the beginning of the year. Why wait so long to apply?”
– “Boy! Do I feel lucky. I sent in the renewal around the first of March, unexpedited. By that time the official wait time according to the website was 10-12 weeks. I was pleasantly surprised to receive it at the end of April.”
WHEN IN LONDON, HIT THE ATM: Christy asks: “My twenty-something children are off to London. What is the best method of carrying money? Pre-loaded credit, regular credit card or something else? Also, does a Starbucks card bought here, work there?”
Alan Solomon answers: For London, best way to carry money is in a wheelbarrow. Have you checked the exchange rates lately? The price of bangers and mash? But people will stare, so …”
ADVICE FOR TRAVELING TO CHINA : Pat asks: “I’m traveling to China in mid-September — my first time there — and I’d like to hear about things you wish you’d known or wish you’d brought and didn’t.”
Alan answers: Well, Pat, mainly I wish I’d brought someone who speaks Mandarin. Aside from that …
What state are you in?
Mountain Home, Kimberly, American Falls, Soda Springs, Salmon.
Our 50-state, 50-day challenge continues on the blog.
Freebies and ‘The Bean’
Take a walk through Millennium Park with a Chicago Greeter.
Leinie treat
Have a beer — oh, go ahead, have two — on Leinenkugel at their annual festival in Chippewa Falls, Wis.
American’s new time limit
The AAdvantage frequent-flier program tightens up on inactive travelers.
At sea with The King
Elvis is making waves on three Royal Caribbean ships. chicagotribune.com/takingoff
