January, 2010:

Travel Tip #345: Eat Chili

Whether you’re in a cabin on a winter getaway, camping in the woods or road tripping through the American Southwest, chili is a staple food. Cook a batch yourself if you can. If you don’t have the facilities or the wherewithal to whip up a steaming pot of goodness, find a place that specializes in it. The more they tout their “secret recipe” the better. And if their signage includes an anthropomorphic animal wearing a bib while holding a knife and fork, you’re golden.

What do you put in your chili? I’m a cheese and Fritos man, myself. Rice is nice. Crackers are decent. Have any suggestions? Leave ‘em in the comments. And if you’ve found a sweet chili spot in your travels, spill the beans in the comments, too!

SkyRest Unicorn Test

Jan 15th, 2010

by mike barish.

2 comments

Most unicorns live in the forest and go on quests. But Björn the Unicorn lives in Manhattan. He’s a womanizer, heavy drinker and gallops at epic speeds. With a booming neigh, he makes his presence known to all who dare approach him. This lifestyle, as you might imagine, can wear out even toughest of mythical creatures.

How’d the SkyRest handle this horny encounter? Björn said it wasn’t as good as this but much better than this.

Watch Björn deliver his official statement on the SkyRest.

Check out previous SkyRest Tests and my full SkyRest Tests Flickr gallery.

Travel Tip #22: Pack a Toothbrush

Jan 15th, 2010

by mike barish.

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Pack a toothbrush with soft bristles and massage your gums daily. That way, when you return home and go to the dentist, you won’t have to endure one of those preachy lectures from a dude who’s wrist-deep in your mouth.

Travel Tip #6: Hang with the Locals

Jan 14th, 2010

by mike barish.

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The best way to experience a place is through the eyes of someone who lives there. No matter how much you research a destination, you’ll never be able to replicate the lifestyle of someone who calls that place home. Find some locals who are willing to show you around, share their favorite place and invite you into their lives.

Before you start your trip, spread the word and seek out connections. Tweet requests for introductions to friends. Do the same on Facebook or your blog. You’ll be surprised by the offers you receive to put you in touch with people on the ground in your destination.

Before you know it, you’ll be connecting with your new friends. Just be sure not to take advantage of them. Rather than treat them like a personal tour guide, befriend them. Hang out with them as you would your friends at home.

Not only will you have a much more authentic experience during your trip, you’re likely to create some real and lasting friendships. What starts with a handshake may very well end with a hug.

Life Tip #1: Help

Jan 14th, 2010

by mike barish.

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“When all it takes is a text, laziness is no longer an excuse to not help others.” That was what I tweeted last night and it bears repeating. After the devastating earthquake in Haiti, all it takes to donate $10 to the Red Cross for disaster relief is a text message.

Simply text “Haiti” to 90999 and $10 will be added to your phone bill. It will go to the Red Cross’ efforts in Haiti and you won’t even have to find your wallet.

For you lazy yet thoughtful Canucks, text “Haiti” to 45678 to donate $5 to the Salvation Army Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief fund. Like the Red Cross’ program, the money will be added to your phone bill.

After you send the text, you will be asked to confirm your donation. You will then receive a confirmation that it has been received. It’s really that easy.

Lest you think that texting is a futile endeavor, the Red Cross’ text to help program has already raised more than ONE MILLION DOLLARS for Haiti relief efforts.

So, get to texting! It’ll be the best use of your thumbs all day.

Update: Text donations to the Red Cross have surpassed THREE MILLION DOLLARS. Keep at it!

Saucy Interview

Jan 13th, 2010

by mike barish.

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The gang over at Sosauce thought it would be neat to interview me. I thought it’d be neat to find the Lamborghini Countach poster that I had as a kid. Everyboday wins!

Sosauce interview with Mike Barish (apologies for that use of the third person)

Travel Tip #9: Pack a Change of Clothes in Your Carry-On

Jan 13th, 2010

by mike barish.

2 comments

Along with your laptop, iPod and a good book, throw a fresh outfit in your carry-on bag. In the event that your luggage is lost, you’ll at least be able to wear a clean t-shirt and your favorite pants to that horseback riding lesson.

Travel Tip #54: Keep Your Friends Clean

Jan 12th, 2010

by mike barish.

2 comments

Traveling for days on end can leave your travel companions looking haggard. Do them a solid and help them stay clean.

SkyRest Conversation Test

Jan 11th, 2010

by mike barish.

3 comments

Listening to your friends drone on and on about the minutia of their lives can get old fast. Frankly, I don’t always pay attention when other people are talking. So, while your friends babble on about their feelings, why not catch up on some much needed (and, to be honest, more entertaining) sleep?

How’d the SkyRest handle all that jibber jabber? I was too busy talking in my sleep to be bothered.

Special thanks to Rachel Kelly and Fancy Fast Food’s Erik Trinidad for boring me to sleep.

Check out previous SkyRest Tests and my full SkyRest Tests Flickr gallery.