Articles

Article / Money and Fees

'No Waivers, No Favors' Reaches New Highs (and Lows)

The travel industry, hammered by the worst economic downturn in more than a generation, is taking a hard line in an effort to contain costs and preserve profits. Here's how to turn a…

Article / Hotels

Travel Troubleshooter: Blocked From Checking in But Charged Anyway

When our reader can't get through a blockade to his hotel, a manager promises to 'help' him cancel the reservation. It isn't, and his credit card is still charged $113. What can he do?

Article / Food and Drink

7 Places to Eat: From Pork Cutlets to Sushi in Tokyo

For sheer urban energy, you can't beat Tokyo -- densely populated, affluent, juiced up with a thirst for whatever's new. When everyone lives in such tiny apartments, what else can you…

Article / Miscellaneous

Want To Be a Travel Writer? Here's One Way to Get Started

Whether you intend to make writing about travel your full-time profession or just want to improve your twittering, blogging, or memoirs, you should check this out.

Article / Beach & Water Sports

See the Great Outdoors Without Leaving New York City

Woody Allen is not the only New Yorker who gets anxious leaving town. Many of us prefer to experience the great outdoors right here in old New York.

Article / Outdoor & Adventure

4 Ways to Hike National Parks Across the U.S.

What's the best trail for you and your family? That's a question only you can answer, but let me toss out some options that cover a wide range of abilities and landscapes.

Article / Local Experiences

Join the Revolution! 25 Ways to Take Action in Williamsburg

At the most popular destination in Virginia, a family can pack an awful lot of fun into three or four days around Williamsburg.

Article / Hotels

Dog Days of Summer and Early Fall at National Parks

Summer is ending and parks are eager to fill their breathtaking interiors with families or couples. Here is a sneak preview of rates, discounts, and special activities that will be…

Article / Food and Drink

Getting a Great Meal in Mesa Verde National Park

If you haven't sampled national park cuisine lately, you're going to be amazed the next time you sit down for dinner after a long day in a park.

Article / Local Experiences

London and Sochi Ready for Their Olympic Moment

The next two Olympic competitions seek to set the tone for the next century of global competition.

Article / Air Travel

Travel Troubleshooter: My Airline's Giving Me the Cold Shoulder

Our reader books seven tickets on Icelandair's website. Then it bills her twice and cancels her tickets. Rebooking will cost $100 apiece. Plus, there's still a $6,897 charge on her…

Article / Food and Drink

The Real Local Cuisine of Washington, D.C.: Ethiopian Food

Nearly 200,000 Ethiopians live in the D.C. area, and it feels like one out of every 10 of them runs a restaurant. Through their hard work, Ethiopian food has become a defining local…

Article / Air Travel

The Baggage "Insurance" Airlines Never Tell You About

Excess valuation can come in handy when you're flying with valuables. Never heard of this? The airline isn't likely to tell you about it unless you ask. So let us explain.

Article / Family & Kids

Take a Trip Down Memory Lane at Disneyland

Judging by the sun up to sun down crowds at Disneyland and California Adventure Park in Anaheim, a lot of families have decided to wring every dollar's worth out of their day.

Article / Food and Drink

Grape-Grazing and Wine-Quaffing Getaways Across the United States

From Virginia, to Michigan, and on to California, here are three wine-filled getaways for every budget.

Article / Local Experiences

August's Prize: Discover 500 Places and Win $500

One lucky winner will receive $500 and three 500 Places guidebooks. Register now to win this prize.

Article / Family & Kids

Big City Hotels Cater to Families for Under $200 a Night

These city hotel packages are geared specifically toward families, with rates that won't break the bank and activities that will keep everyone happy.

Article / Car, Bus, Rail

Travel Troubleshooter: Broadsided By a Car Rental Bill

When our reader picks up her rental car, an agent tells her not to worry about the nicks and scratches. Now the company wants her to pay for the damage. Can she do anything about it?

Article / Air Travel

7 Ways to Avoid Checked Luggage Fees

Airlines are depending on ancillary revenues in general, and luggage fees in particular, more than ever. Here's how air travelers can be more vigilant than ever about avoiding them.

Article / Food and Drink

7 Places to Eat: Puebla's Iconic Mexican Dishes

It has colonial architecture and a gracious atmosphere that's welcoming to visitors, but Puebla's real ace in the hole is it's food: Among Mexicans, it's revered as the cradle of…

Article / Local Experiences

How to Get Up, Up and Away in Barcelona

Just a few minutes' train ride from the center of town can put you hundreds of feet above Barcelona, with stunning views and a great cup of coffee at the end of it.

Article / Food and Drink

4 Ways to Harmonize Hunger Near Carnegie Hall

Despite what the price tags of many options around Carnegie Hall may suggest, music lovers can have a budget pre- or post-concert nosh that hits all the right notes.

Article / Local Experiences

Sun, Sand, and Sports in the Heart of Paris

Paris has some of the best museums in the world, but if you start to experience overload or your family threatens a mutiny, it's time to discover some of Paris' other recreational…

Article / Beach & Water Sports

Shore Bets: 6 Chesapeake Summer Destinations

The moment the summer sun comes out, boats ship out to waterside Maryland towns. A boat's not necessary, though -- almost all of them are less than 90 minutes from the Bay Bridge by…

Article / Money and Fees

5 Secrets Travelers Need to Know When Dealing with a Collection Agency

Travel providers are paying attention to every penny, and going after customers who may or may not owe. What should you do if a travel company sends a collection agency after you?