Why Manufactured Spending Is Irresponsible

October 20, 2014 Erica Ho 3 minute read

Nothing says obsession like creating spreadsheets of the credit cards you’re churning so you can get a chance to fly in Singapore’s suites.

Why Manufactured Spending Is Irresponsible via @maphappy

Flights Opinion Seating Travel

In Defense of the Aisle Seat

October 16, 2014 Erica Ho 1 minute read

According to Quartz, rich Americans like the aisle seat the best. Now that’s just classist.

In Defense of the Aisle Seat via @maphappy

Flights Opinion Travel

Why You Should Put Effort Into Your Traveling Outfit

September 24, 2014 Karina Martinez-Carter 4 minute read

Slate recently made the case for dressing nicely for a plane, train or bus ride. It encouraged the tracksuit travelers of the world to put a little effort into their outfits.

Why You Should Put Effort Into Your Traveling Outfit via @maphappy

Features Interviews Opinion

I’m Ben Schlappig and This Is How I Travel

September 4, 2014 Erica Ho 2 minute read

It’s not often that I meet someone crazier than me. Ben Schlappig has been running the One Mile at a Time blog since early 2008, so I caught up with this veteran to see if he’s had any tips he’s picked up along the way.

I’m Ben Schlappig and This Is How I Travel via @maphappy

Airbnb Lodging Opinion Vacation Rentals

Behind Airbnb’s Latest Branding Redesign

July 17, 2014 Erica Ho 4 minute read

Does it look like a pair of boobs to you? For some people, the new logo looks like a butt. I’m actually not here to talk about either.

Behind Airbnb’s Latest Branding Redesign via @maphappy

Airlines Business Loyalty Opinion Travel

Why United’s Frequent Flyer Program Change Is Good

July 9, 2014 Erica Ho 3 minute read

Last month, United changed their frequent flyer program to reward flyers based on how much money they spent.

Why United’s Frequent Flyer Program Change Is Good via @maphappy

Adventure Leisure Opinion Travel

The Advantages of Looking Like a Tourist

June 30, 2014 Erica Ho 4 minute read

There’s no shame in looking like a tourist and, in all honesty, sometimes it can work to your benefit in ways that are underappreciated.

The Advantages of Looking Like a Tourist via @maphappy

Features Ladies Opinion Safety

Why the Concept of Solo Female Travel Is Ridiculous

April 22, 2014 Erica Ho 4 minute read

For some reason, people have always encouraged me to write on my own experiences about traveling alone as a single female.

Why the Concept of Solo Female Travel Is Ridiculous via @maphappy

Flights Money Opinion Trip Planning

Why Most Plane-Ticket Buying Advice is Bogus

April 7, 2014 Erica Ho 1 minute read

Airline ticket buying advice is mostly all stupid. That is except, of course, mine.

Why Most Plane-Ticket Buying Advice is Bogus via @maphappy

Opinion Technology Travel Trip Planning

Why Travel Notebooks Won’t Be Extinct Anytime Soon

March 25, 2014 Erica Ho 2 minute read

It’s just not about having paper and pen handy when your phone dies on you. Though that certainly helps.

Why Travel Notebooks Won’t Be Extinct Anytime Soon via @maphappy

Airbnb Hostels Hotels Lodging Opinion Travel Vacation Rentals

Is Airbnb Really Better Than Staying at a Hostel?

March 12, 2014 Erica Ho 4 minute read

In the six years since Airbnb launched, the company has pretty much managed to redefine budget traveling. Since then, I’ve played the role as both host and guest in several countries and cities, with, more often than not, mixed feelings.

Is Airbnb Really Better Than Staying at a Hostel? via @maphappy

Loyalty Money Opinion Trip Planning

The Pros and Cons of Playing the Credit Card Game

February 27, 2014 Erica Ho 3 minute read

I’ve been playing the travel game for a long time now, but for those who decide to do it by taking advantage of credit card sign-up bonuses, do so at your own risk.

The Pros and Cons of Playing the Credit Card Game via @maphappy

Features Opinion

Is Disaster Tourism Worth It?

December 10, 2013 Erica Ho 4 minute read

It’s pretty rare that I feel uncomfortable, but I was definitely second-guessing my decision to come to Egypt. Sometimes, disaster tourism can be the answer to rebooting a country’s broken economy. Other times, you probably shouldn’t be there.

Is Disaster Tourism Worth It? via @maphappy

Features Opinion

Why “Budget Airlines” Don’t Really Exist Anymore

June 6, 2012 Erica Ho 4 minute read

The peanuts and water are free on United, but it doesn’t almost matter anymore. With legacy carriers nickeling and diming everyone these days and budget airlines pushing fares up in response to rising fuel prices, the difference isn’t so big these days.