As the tree comes down, the gifts exchanged at post-holiday sales, and families disperse from their holiday gatherings, I am left with some time to reflect on what's ahead. I'm not talking 2009 resolutions, but rather the impending doom of airline travel back to work and home. In order to do this, I must fly for three and a half hours in a commercial air vessel in the madness that is modern day travel. This is how I expect things to go: 1. Rush around last minute to maddeningly gather all my clothes (freshly laundered--thanks, Mom), presents, and random items that have been purchased or procured during my visit because--hell--the sales tax is cheaper here, and I might actually use a rubber chicken-headed pot-holder (true story) and then stuff/roll/sit on them to zip up my bag. 2.  Arrive at the airport to a long line of human and vehicle traffic, including: families with 3 screaming, tantrum-y children with 11 bags each, international backpackers with hygienic...

Posted by TAYLOR: MSG in Asia If you travel to Asia, don’t expect to see the “NO MSG!” sign in restaurant windows. This ‘flavor enhancer’, also known as monosodium glutamine, is all over the Asian region. For some of you, this is not a big deal - not all are affected. If you’re like me, however, get ready for some crazy bodily reactions. The Dreams Those sensitive to MSG (like me) often have bizarre dreams. Every time I go to China, I notice that my dreams become vivid and strange…very strange. Most of my travel buddies notice the same thing. We take turns poking fun at one another for yelling or talking in our sleep, which is funny because we don’t normally make a sound while sleeping. Stories of strange dreams in China is nothing new. In the early 1900s, the famous scientistJoseph Needham recorded detailed accounts of his unusual dreams while traveling in China.While there is still some debate, studies have linked MSG to strange, or violent dreams. One...

It is a perilous time to be a traveler....especially one with little cash. From fuel costs to the down-sizing of airlines, it has become nearly impossible to budget a cheapie retreat. Yet alternative notions of travel can help you cut costs, while still allowing you to plan an adventure. Some ideas for travel on the cheap: 1. Stay at a Hostel. Hotels and even Motels can suck you dry of funds. Be like the Euro Trash: stay somewhere cheap, so you have more cash for going out...it's not like you're going to sleep that much anyway. Check out: http://www.hostels.com/ 2. Consider a "staycation." Instead of traveling long distances to exotic lands, check out the wonders in your very own backyard. Chances are, you haven't really felt what it's like to be a tourist in your home town. Some ideas: -Visit a local hotel and peruse the tourist center pamphlets (often located by the lobby restrooms). You will discover national parks, hidden flea markets, community events and gems that...