When I called to confirm the information I had picked up online, even the airline's reservations desk was unaware of the special deal until I pointed it out to them and demonstrated that my travel plans fit the restrictions exactly.

CNN: Technology: Flight Planning 101

"Much more important than my travel plans is that we must now do everything possible to see that Yulia Tymoshenko gets the proper treatment for her medical problems as soon as possible, " Mrs Merkel was quoted as saying by the Koelner Stadt-Anzeiger newspaper.

BBC: Europe

When I returned, among the bazillion e-mails waiting for me was one from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, which told me I was an idiot for announcing my weekend travel plans to the Twittering and Facebooking world.

FORBES: Traveling this summer? Don't forget to pack your privacy.

While I have nothing against travel agents, I'm one of those people who likes to make my own plans.

CNN: Technology: Flight Planning 101