Back in Nomadico issue #218, I mentioned a men’s travel clothing article I got quoted in quite a bit. Another traveler who was featured mentioned a store I’d never shopped in, a Japanese one Uniqlo, and said it was great for inexpensive merino wool tops, shorts, and t-shirts. While I’m in Asia, I picked up a replacement for a fast-drying workout t-shirt that was getting worn out, an anti-odor wicking one that feels better-made than what you’d expect for $15. My last stop is Saigon, so I’ll probably snag a couple more before coming home.

Best Airlines for Economy Class

Skytrax runs the most respected annual rundown on top airlines because it relies on consumer surveys only, which tend to reflect the overall mood and service level more than obscure data points like on-time performance. The latest economy class report is dominated by Asian and Middle Eastern carriers. Anyone who has had one leg on Cathay Pacific (#2) and then a connection on American Airlines will give you an earful about the differences. Delta was the only North American carrier to make the top-20. Singapore won again, while others in the top 5 were Qatar, EVA, and All Nippon (ANA).

Toxic Haze in Southeast Asia

While there have been plenty of natural disasters happening around the world lately, the haze blanketing much of Southeast Asia for more than a month now is a man-made problem. The annual “Haze Season” is caused by farmers following slash-and-burn agriculture, including more than a few big Asian corporations. While the practice has long been squashed in most of the world, the rules in this region are poorly enforced, especially in Indonesia, so neighboring countries deal with dangerous air quality and poor visibility. El Nino is making it worse than usual: here’s the full story.

Disney World or a Luxury Tour?

According to a study that landed in my inbox from a company called FloridaRentals.com, it will cost a family of four an average of $4,064 this season to stay at one of the official Disney World resorts around Orlando. That’s already enough to put a family into a very nice house or apartment in much of the world, but if you pick the top option, Polynesian Village Resort, a week’s lodging will set you back $7,969. That’s before you pay the outrageous park entry fees or buy overpriced meals for everyone, so figure the total tab will be twice that. The things a mom and dad could do with that much money! It’s a dreamy travel list.

A weekly newsletter with four quick bites, edited by Tim Leffel, author of A Better Life for Half the Price and The World’s Cheapest Destinations. See past editions here, where your like-minded friends can subscribe and join you.