Articles

Article / Air Travel

Transportation Department Steps Up Efforts in Aviation Consumer Protection

Even air travelers are impressed with the 'new' Department of Transportation, which, if you listen to the buzz, appears to be protecting consumers for the first time in years.

Article / Beach & Water Sports

Visiting the Caribbean's Smaller, Cuter, & More Authentic Ports

I tend to prefer small ships, as well as the smaller, less flashy ports they can take you to, where everything runs at half-speed and there's a fair chance a chicken will wander across…

Article / Cruise

Our Favorite Picks: Embarkation Ports, Dream Cruises and Favorite Moments

Cruises are not created equal. Some offer better value or higher quality service than others, some are fancy schmancy and others are yee-haa casual. There's something for nearly…

Article / Air Travel

What? You're Still Paying the Airlines to Carry Your Bags?

Now that the airlines have raised their fees for checked bags yet again, it's time to take another look at the alternative: shipping your bags.

Article / Air Travel

Travel Troubleshooter: One Year Later, Still No Refund

Our reader cancels her flight when her father falls ill. He soon dies, and she hopes the airline will refund her nonrefundable ticket. Will the airline keep her money?

Article / Air Travel

5 Easy Ways to Avoid a la Carte Anarchy When You Fly

It used to be so simple: The price you were quoted for an airline ticket, rental car or cruise used to be the price you actually paid. Here's how you can avoid being nickel and dimed.

Article / Family & Kids

Ask the Family Travel Expert: Disney World, Done Dirt Cheap

A family a five is looking for a Disney vacation for less. How can they stay at an on-site hotel and still stay within their budget?

Article / Air Travel

Airport Report: Checking in on Mexico City's Budget Alternative

Toluca has been a convenient alternative for Mexicans since it opened in 2002 -- kind of like Burbank near Los Angeles -- but now that both Southwest and Continental offer non-stops…

Article / Food and Drink

7 Places to Eat: Portland, OR's Beer, Wine & Local Ingredients

Portland has it all: a vigorous local wine industry, great microbreweries, local farmers committed to sustainable agriculture, and a critical mass of talented chefs.

Article / Health, Insurance, Security

7 Trips You Should Never Book Online

Some vacations should never be booked through anyone but a travel agent, and a honeymoon is arguably one of them. But there are others, too, as travelers have discovered the hard way.

Article / Cruise

McMansions of the Seas: The Dawn of the Affordable Suite

In the old days, your average mainstream ship might only have a handful suites, and they were generally snapped up at full fare by the big spenders. Now there are more options for rest…

Article / Beach & Water Sports

Cougars, Swingers, Quilters & Koi: Theme & Group Cruises for Every Niche

Today there are few affinity groups that can't find their place aboard a cruise ship if they so choose. And with that said, let's look at some of the niche upcoming organized cruises.

Article / Local Experiences

Help for Haiti: Resources You Can Trust to Help

Frommer's is about vacation travel but, in a crisis, it's important to offer support to those in need. Here are a few sure-fire ways that you can lend a hand.

Article / Hotels

Travel Troubleshooter: You Call That a Two-Star Hotel?

When our reader books a two-star hotel he expects a reliable property with minimal amenities -- not the dump he ends up in. He asks Hotwire if he can change and it says 'no.' What now?

Article / Air Travel

Flying Under the Influence of the TSA: What Now?

Since the last time we wrote about the Transportation Security Administration, the agency charged with protecting air travel has encountered some unexpected turbulence

Article / Beach & Water Sports

Job Training in the Sun: Learn Travel Writing in Fiji

After 24 years covering the South Pacific islands for us, author Bill Goodwin will tell you how to get into the business when he teaches travel writing in a place he knows well -- Fiji.

Article / Travelers with Disabilities

The Able Traveler: Romantic Retreats for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers

If you're looking to steal away with your sweetheart for a special anniversary, birthday or holiday, then consider some of these wheelchair-accessible properties for your next romantic…

Article / Health, Insurance, Security

5 Common Travel Mistakes -- and How to Fix Them

Tired of being penny-pinched and disappointed? These basic rules can help you protect your next trip from unforeseen problems and travel headaches.

Article / Air Travel

Travel Troubleshooter: Poof! There Go My SkyMiles

Our reader's Delta SkyMiles are gone -- all 101,000 of them. They were never supposed to expire, but the airline changed its rules without telling him. Does he have any chance of…

Article / Miscellaneous

Digital Travel Photography: Planning Your Trip from a Photo Perspective

The anticipation leading up to your departure can be delightful, especially if you spend some of that time planning your trip. Here's what you need to take and what to remember.

Article / Timing Your Trip

Post-Holiday Travel Bargains Abound, But Are They Worth It?

After the New Year's holiday occupancy rates and prices plunge to their lowest levels in months. So why might you ignore the deals and stay home during the first week of the year?

Article / Family & Kids

Deal or No Deal?: 3 Special Offers Where You Need to Do the Math

There's an excellent reason why a list of recession travel rules should begin with the old chestnut: Always do the math. Here are three deals that live up to their promises. We know:…

Article / Local Experiences

Ask the Family Travel Expert: Planning Ahead for White House Tours

Two of Washington, D.C.'s most worthwhile free visits require a ticket that must be requested months in advance. If you have less than six months before your trip, it's time for you to…

Article / Air Travel

Airport Security: Back To Normal -- Mostly

Flying is getting mostly back to normal after a solid week of uncertainties and over-reactions, although some airports and airlines are enforcing new carry-on bag restrictions.

Article / Local Experiences

How Parisians Work: 4 Productive Visits for Travelers

True, you can't visit the offices and workshops where millions of Parisians earn their daily bread, but there are a few places -- from auctions to open studios -- you can go to see…