Category Archives: apps

Is CommonPass the answer to travel revival

Posted on October 13, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

If normalcy is to return to international travel, there must be new mechanisms in place to insure cooperation and safety. There may be  a solution soon based on a project involving the travel industry, nonprofits, and government agencies. The international … Continue reading →

Posted in Air Travel, apps, Tech, Tourism, USA | Tagged | Leave a comment

Why not wear a smart mask

Posted on July 25, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

The Japanese tech start-up Donut Robotics has upped the game for the face mask by creating a “smart” version capable of translating and transmitting messages from Japanese into eight other languages. The “c-mask” (made from plastic and worn over a … Continue reading →

Posted in apps, Asia, Tech | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

I am not a Luddite

Posted on July 21, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Over the years, I have bored many a TBTP reader with my mini-rants promoting print travel guidebooks. And while I still always travel with the old school guides, I also am a fan of travel apps, ebooks, and travel podcasts. … Continue reading →

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Look Through Any Window

Posted on July 20, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

I’ve been a bit obsessive about visiting the website Window Swap this week. The brilliantly simple concept has folks around the world post short video clips out of their home windows. I dare you to try it without falling down … Continue reading →

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Boating on the Thames

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

The next time that I’m in London I look forward to using the recently launched Uber boat service. Thanks to a partnership with Thames Clippers the ride-hailing service will be operating a fleet of 20 boats making stops at 23 … Continue reading →

Posted in apps, Europe, Public Transport, Tourism | Tagged , | 1 Comment

How You Can Help From Anywhere

Posted on June 9, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

If you would like to help the Black Lives Matter movement but don’t know how, or are not able to contribute financially, a group of thoughtful YouTubers have created monetized videos that directly support affiliated organizations — all you need … Continue reading →

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Meditate on This

Posted on May 27, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

My saving grace during this pandemic has been my long time meditation practice. Along with my personal practice, I have been able to engage in daily online group meditation with like minded folks around the world. Don’t worry, I’m not … Continue reading →

Posted in apps, Books, ebooks, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Street Smart

Posted on January 30, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Andrei Kashcha’s City Roads tool will draw you a map of just the roads in any city around the world. Beware map geeks: Down the rabbit hole.  

Posted in apps, Art, Maps, Tech | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Your 2019 Leaf Peeping Guide

Posted on September 21, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Each year at this time, Smokeymountains.com posts a wonderful Fall foliage prediction map. This handy tool allows leaf peepers to plan their Autumn travels based on prime leaf colors. The site also offers some helpful information on the science of … Continue reading →

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Don’t Get Lost

Posted on August 15, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

  Google Maps: Live View If you still managed to get lost despite using Google Maps, augmented reality directions are here. On August 8th, Google launched a beta version of its Live View mode in Google Maps, which uses your … Continue reading →

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