Travel Archives - NoSuperHeroes

The Power of a Smile

July 5, 2014

I’ve been traveling in the United States for two weeks with my family. We’ve been to numerous restaurants, hotels, and airports as we hit six states in our first ten days in the country.

I’ve been struck with the radical difference in customer service from various companies and chains.

Southwest Airlines – after flying close to a million miles in my life, I took my first ever flights on Southwest Airlines. The hype is true! They are friendly, efficient, and fun. While offering less frills than other carriers, the commitment to fun and friendliness has the power to win me over.

Hyatt Hotels – We stayed at two Hyatt Place hotels on our journey. Each time we were greeted repeatedly by the staff. They also put together a really cool room with a sectional couch/ living room corner. I will return to this chain! Read more... (474 words, 1 image, estimated 1:54 mins reading time)

In Grace, Travel Christian, Christianity, church, grace, works

Make Moments

April 15, 2014

Just as we pulled up to join the convoy of safari vehicles, the leopard we had been tracking jumped from his tree and sped off into the bushes.

We just missed our moment.

The setting was Krueger National Park in South Africa. I was taking my parents on a safari during their visit to our family.

We had marked a tree in the park as a leopard dining area, having seen an impala carcass hanging from its branches. A fresh kill would surely give us our elusive leopard sighting.

Our guide parked the vehicle and we waited. One by one, the other tourists departed for other pursuits. Our guide suggested we wait.

How often in life to we miss amazing moments because we are in a hurry to our next appointment?
Do we miss the gems life has to offer because we do not slow down enough to even notice? Read more... (413 words, 1 image, estimated 1:39 mins reading time)

In Reading, Travel Christianity, reading, rest

Benefits for Missionaries Who Travel

May 14, 2013

Being a missionary carries a great cost, but does have some benefits. It is not all doom and gloom, complete with vows of poverty and poor fashion choices for clothing.

In today’s day and age it is easy to benefit from one aspect of the missionary life. Frequent travel. The nature of missions involves being traveling missionaries. We have left home to go somewhere.

There are great opportunities and value given to those who find themselves on the road often. It is easy to believe that obtaining these perks are not something “spiritual” missionaries do. I would like to contend it is the practice of the wise

I’ve written several posts on my blog regarding how to benefit from these perks. Some of the topics I have covered are:
– Racking Up Frequent Flyer Miles.
– Finding the Best Flight Deals
– Avoiding the Middle Seat and more Travel Tips. Read more... (205 words, 1 image, estimated 49 secs reading time)

In Missions & Cross-Cultural, Travel airline miles, frequent flyer, hotel points, missionary, missions, travel

The Value of One

November 29, 2012

Our family recently returned to the United States for a furlough over the holiday season. Our trip from Cape Town to New York City went via Istanbul and was slated to take us about 34 hours from our home in South Africa to our family in Pennsylvania.

On a long trip with children, you do not want any delays. We eagerly anticipated getting here as soon as possible.

About 25 hours into our trip on the flight from Istanbul to New York, we saw a passenger get ill. The announcement was made asking if a doctor was on board. This happens somewhat often as I travel, so without too much worry; I dozed off.

Waking up later, I noticed the attendants still crowded around this man. My wife and I commented, “I hope they don’t turn this flight around.” Read more... (569 words, 1 image, estimated 2:17 mins reading time)

In Bible, Travel airline, Bible, family, travel

Avoiding the Middle Seat (and more travel tips)

September 14, 2012

This week on NoSuperheroes, I am sharing some of the travel tips I have learned in 21 years of traveling to 39 nations.

We’ve already covered loyalty to frequent flyer plans, finding the best flight deals, and racking up airline miles.

Here are a few more random tips:

Avoiding the Middle Seat – The only reason you should ever get a middle seat is if you are bumped to another flight. Here are some suggestions.

1. Choose your seat at the time of booking. Most airlines allow this online.
2. Check again two days before online or call the toll-free number for the airline. Even if you are overseas, skype to the toll-free number and avoid long wait times on hold at the international office.
3. Request your seat at check-in, or at least confirm it when you are handed the boarding pass. About 30% of the time, I am given a different seat than I have chosen. Read more... (574 words, estimated 2:18 mins reading time)