Ralph Raffio has been a writer and editor for more than 40 years. He is the former editor-in-chief of Restaurant Business magazine and currently writes the award-winning food blog Mister Meatball. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, he is now based in suburban Portland, Maine, and curses United Airlines whenever he has to connect to almost anywhere. He'll always stop for BBQ at The Salt Lick in Austin-Bergstrom International and is convinced you should eat at Don Peppe while stuck at Kennedy Airport in New York.

DECEMBER 5: NO STRESS, SOME SLEEP
Take it from an infrequent (mostly coach) passenger: The benefit of business class is more mental than physical. It reduces the stress of traveling long distances.

NOVEMBER 14: LUXURY THE TRADITIONAL WAY IN KYOTO
I happened to be in Kyoto two weeks ago just as the Park Hyatt opened. And I found the type of lodging luxury that literally defines the concept.

AUGUST 8: PORTLAND'S MOMENT TO SHINE. BUT WHY?
Portland, Maine, is suddenly a food lover's paradise--if you believe the general media. But I live here. The gastronomic picture is much more complicated.

JULY 11: BETTER THAN PARIS--AND JUST TWO HOURS AWAY
Lyon, the culinary heart of France, is smaller, easier to manage and more friendly than Paris. And it's just two hours from Paris by train.

JUNE 13: TO MARKET, TO MARKET, AT HUBS, AT HUBS
Need a quick sense of a town and its cultural life? Head to a food hall and check out the merchants. Here are some of the best ones to visit at major U.S. hubs.

MAY 30: THE LONG-LEGGED MAN APPRECIATES NORWEGIAN PREMIUM CABIN
Considering a trip in the Norwegian "premium" cabin? No, it's not business class. But the legroom is fantastic and the service and perks are quite good. And, oh, those pleasant prices.

MAY 16: WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS--AND FOODIES WITH MUST-DINE LISTS
I've just reached Paris and am expecting five entire days and nights of total gastronomic excess. Chosen by professionals, no less. Five days with this crew is gonna be positively grueling. Even for a champion eater like me.

MAY 2: THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT--STREAMING TO YOUR ROOM
Too tired to work in your hotel room? Need a break? You'll be surprised how many great films are available free (and legally) on YouTube.

MARCH 21: WHERE TO EAT ON THE ROAD RIGHT NOW
Where are the best and most interesting new places to drink and dine in a dozen hub cities? Local experts weigh in with their thoughts about the hot spots.

FEBRUARY 21: WHEN THE MOON HITS YOUR EYE ...
Everyone loves pizza, so allow me to offer these ten must-try stops when you're out on the road and jonesin' for a slice.

JANUARY 31: THE (TRAVEL) GODS MUST BE CRAZY
The Lords of Lodging are masters at doling out small indignities. Bad restaurants and not knowing their own rules are just part of the problem.