We couldn’t let another day go by without Highlight-ing our favorite characters in Tim Leffel’s latest book, “Make Your Travel Dollars Worth a Fortune” (Travelers’ Tales, August 2006).

Throughout the book, Leffel humorously follows two imaginary (we hope) couples, the Smiths and Johnsons. The Smiths (a.k.a. “Goofus”) plan and travel with the masses; the Johnsons (a.k.a. “Gallant”) are informed, independent travelers.

We loved it – and started having flashbacks to dental waiting rooms of our youth, where it might go something like this:

The Smiths purchase a one-week vacation package to an all-inclusive resort, where they are herded onto charter planes and group tour buses.

“I found a last minute flight to Lisbon!” exclaimed Mr. Johnson to his wife, who had already located a darling family pension in the heart of Bairro Alto.

“Make Your Travel Dollars Worth a Fortune” is, in essence, a textbook for being a gallivanting Gallant.

For those unfamiliar with Goofus and Gallant, check them out here.

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