Where do guidebooks fit in the world of apps, review websites, social media, and podcasts? Planning for a trip to Iceland got me thinking about how to make sense of the explosion of travel tips. And then, after giving my thoughts about my new Bluesmart smart luggage, I talk about how idiosyncratic frequent travelers are about packing strategies and their choice of suitcases. There's also follow-up about foreign exchange apps, and listener comments about digital travel security and Spirit Airlines' growth.

Final episode of the year to keep you entertained while you navigate the holiday airport lines. We talk about digital security on the road -- what's the right balance between hassle and hack. We also dig into JD Power's latest airport satisfaction survey. They report a tick up in traveler experience and, for the most part, I think they have it right. We also cover Spirit Airlines' growth and the planned expansion of US immigration pre-clearance.

A bit less of a random walk than the last episode, we talk about safety, physical safety, when traveling. While we sometimes put ourselves in the midst of dodgy surroundings, we usually feel safe when we retreat back into the "travel bubble" What about when the bubble is no longer safe? Smartphones are the frequent traveler's most important tool. So when an upgrade to my HTC One killed its usefulness, I found myself heading back to Apple.

Apologies in advance because this is pretty much a stream-of-consciousness episode, with semi-strung together thoughts about eggs, car rentals, seeing the Pope, travel food, and stuff from my September trip to Scotland. I talk about how handy I found the new Revolut service for spending and sending money in Europe; recent good and bad experiences with Hertz and other car rentals; most bad experience with British Airways; and how true-to-life the Doritos Super Bowl commercial portrays the Southwest boarding experience.

Back behind the microphone after an extended summer break highlighted by a two-week family vacation in Japan. We talk about traveling in Japan. It was a fantastic time, though we were lost without translation at times. But with the US dollar buying 124 yen, it was the right time to go. We also talk about frustration in using frequent flier miles, trends toward prettier and higher tech luggage, and a connoisseur of scrambled eggs.

Looking back over 10 years of TravelCommons

Comparing public transit and drive times to US airports; SkyMall magazine; technology lost-and-found; winter flight delays; hotel perks more important than points

Can frequent fliers just write off 2014 with its high prices and lousy service? Restaurant trends to local sourcing and flavors make things more interesting. Hope IHG's purchase of Kimpton doesn't screw it up. Why does Marriott want to block your WiFi hot spot?

Airport etiquette for non-frequent travelers; how travel taxes soak you; a high-tech suitcase; hackers attacking Hilton Honors; expensive overseas WiFi session

Seatback recline button becomes a Manichean morality play; Tacking beer hunting onto Midwest business trips; Taking Atlanta's MARTA from the airport