Articles

Jason Cochran

Article / Passportable

Tours of Big Ben in London Reopen to Foreigners: How to Book

Big Ben is one of the most famous bells in the world, hanging in one of the most recognizable towers in the world, high above the Houses of Parliament in central London. But since…

Article / Arthur Frommer Online

Australia's Fraser Island Sheds a Name Born from Lies—and Restores the Original One

You could call it a much-delayed rebuke of propaganda.Australia's Fraser Island, a popular nature destination just off the coast of Queensland, is reverting to what it was called…

Article / Slideshows

Rocky Mountaineer Canada Train Review: The Good, the Bad, and the Insanely Picturesque

A few high-end scenic rail journeys around the world have achieved icon status, but not all of them are easily attainable by travelers. South Africa's Blue Train can be arduous to…

Article / Passportable

Disney's Galactic Starcruiser, the Luxury Star Wars–Themed Hotel, to Close

Walt Disney World in Florida has announced that its infamous Galactic Starcruiser hotel will close its doors at the end of September, just 18 months after opening. The troubles with…

Article / Passportable

This Summer, Some of Amtrak's Best Scenic Routes Are Finally Back

In good news for travelers, two Amtrak routes that have long been popular with vacationers are finally returning to service after years of closure. • The Adirondack, which connects New…

Article / Arthur Frommer Online

Disney World to Make Big Changes—But Will They Make Visiting More Pleasant?

Bob Chapek, the unpopular former CEO of the Walt Disney Company, had the misfortune of presiding over the entertainment giant throughout the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Under his…

Article / Passportable

2023 Will See the Best Whitewater Rafting in Years in California

Sierra South Mountain Sports, which has operated whitewater rafting tours since 1985 in Kern County, California, used to be able to take visitors out onto the rivers each summer season…

Article / Slideshows

Near Los Angeles, Visit the Ranches of Classic Movie Stars, from McCrea to Stanwyck

Once upon a time, Southern California was a promised land of wide-open spaces where farming, agriculture, and horse riding were essential pursuits. For the first 50 years of the 20th…

Article / Passportable

If You Use the Public Phone Chargers at the Airport, the FBI Has a Warning for You

It's awfully easy to run out of mobile phone power when you travel. The travel industry has offloaded lots of activity and paperwork to the smartphone in your pocket: Flight check-in,…

Article / Passportable

Where to Catch the Total Solar Eclipse in North America in April 2024

They don't come along very often. Have you seen one?No, we're not talking about Star Wars sequels that will stand the test of time. We mean a total solar eclipse—one trip to the Dark…

Article / Passportable

Airlines to Cut New York City Flights This Summer to Combat Labor Shortage

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and United Airlines have all signaled they intend to cut flights to New York City this summer as the United States faces an ongoing…

Article / Arthur Frommer Online

Biden Names Two More National Monuments, Expands Marine Reserve

President Joe Biden has designated two more national monuments that are precious to the history, culture, and natural resources of the United States. Combined, the newly protected…

Article / Passportable

The Queen Mary Lives! Tours and Overnight Stays on the Liner Are Back

For fans of cultural preservation and maritime history, the news is royally good.The world-famous Queen Mary, which has been closed for years, is lowering the gangway for visitors once…

Article / Passportable

Passport Wait Times Go Up Again: Here's Where They Stand Now

The U.S. State Department seems to be having a crisis of sorts—the wait for passport renewals and applications rises by the week.Two weeks ago, we warned you about a processing…

Article / Arthur Frommer Online

Introducing a New London Guide for a New Era—Now on Sale!

Frommer's first guide to London came out in 1957. This week, a long tradition continues as our newest guidebook on the city is released. Out now in paperback and e-book and on sale at…

Article / Arthur Frommer Online

Need a Cheap Hotel? This Year, Hostels Have More Private Rooms Than Usual

Hostels, as every nomadic youth knows, are the tentpoles of budget travel, and Covid-19 failed to take them down. The coronavirus did, however, shake up how hostels apportion space—and…

Article / Passportable

New Starlux Airlines to Fly from the U.S. to Asia from $464 Each Way

Americans are about to enjoy the price competition that results when a new challenger enters a market. Starlux Airlines is coming to Los Angeles, and its arrival on the scene should…

Article / Passportable

Brazil Is About to Become More Difficult to Visit Because of a Backward Move

Petty diplomatic squabbling is about to end a travel perk that we barely had time to enjoy. On October 1, 2023, Brazil will bring back mandatory visas for tourists from the United…

Article / Arthur Frommer Online

Can a Hotel Front Desk or Cruise Hold Onto Your Passport?

The answer, in many places, is yes. Sometimes hotels may legally demand that you hand over your passport when you check in. "In some countries, hotels may be required under local law…

Article / Arthur Frommer Online

If You Have Old Traveler's Checks Lying Around, Here's Why You Should Cash Them ASAP

For a long time, the standard advice about traveler's checks has been conditional: You can still buy them, but be prepared for them to be refused at many places. Traveler's checks hail…

Article / Slideshows

Eat Like a Local: The Best Cheap Food in Honolulu, Oahu

Want to impress Hawaiian locals? Tell them you went to one of these places on your own. Waikiki is full of crummy tourist grub and chain restaurants, but don't waste your time on…

Article / Arts and Culture

Where Iconic Designer Bob Mackie Travels for Inspiration

Bob Mackie has been hailed as the greatest costume designer who ever lived. But away from the stage, he travels to unplug and to find inspiring fabrics and works of art. Where does he…

Article / Passportable

The World's Busiest Cruise Port Has Been Dethroned

What cruise port would you say is the busiest in the world? Last Friday, a new winner claimed the heavyweight belt based on 2022 passenger data. It's not New York City. It's not…

Article / Air Travel

Economy Classic vs. Economy Delight: What Virgin Atlantic's Cryptic Seat Categories Mean

What do Virgin Atlantic's economy seat categories mean? Economy Classic or Economy Light or Economy Delight (Delight?!). The booking process is confusing about what you get, but we can…

Article / Slideshows

Universal's Super Nintendo World Changes the Game—In Both Delightful and Tricky Ways

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood, which opened on February 17, 2023, is the most exquisitely designed section of a theme park in the United States. It's a clear leap…