Shopping Overseas? 

Buyer beware.  Bringing a piece of your favorite destination home is a pleasure of travel, but watch out for what is illegal to bring back into the US.  You can Google individual countries and US Customs.  Here is a short list of things generally not allowed:  anything with ivory (Africa), coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins (Fiji), most fur skins and sponges (Greece.)  Be cautious with coins, soft cheeses, floral bulbs, cultural/ritual objects and art work older than 50 years.  Gems are questionable and vary with each country.  You know you'd have to pay duty on a diamond ring.  But did you know unmounted cut diamonds are considered rocks and therefore are duty free? 

 

Shame On You 

After 2 years of litigation, British Airways admits to price fixing with Virgin AL and augmenting fuel surcharges.  The airline agreed to pay $347 million in fines, the largest penalty ever imposed by the D.O.J.

 

Avoid Hotel Safe Theft 

A friend told me his story last month in a large Bangkok hotel where items were stolen from his in-room electronic safe.  These may be no more secure now than the personnel is honest, as they can be easily opened with an override key or code.  Check extreme valuable at front desk.  Recently I had my bras and underwear stolen in a room.  Management didn't believe me.  Sometimes I'll get extra towels, leave the Do Not Disturb sign out for 2 days and on day 3, have the room cleaned in my presence.  I always leave a tip if nothing is missing.