Tagged: laws

Government Says Airlines Must Refund Canceled Flights—Eventually

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued an "enforcement notice" reminding airlines and the "traveling public" that passengers whose flights are canceled or significantly…

It's Literally Illegal for Visitors to Eat in Parts of Italy Now: A Roundup of the New Tourist Laws

You may not have heard, but Italy has been busy passing some new laws recently, and they may end up changing your behavior the next time you go. The laws ban everything from how you…

Arthur Frommer: It's Smart to Make Sure Your Airbnb Host is at Home

A massive battle is being waged in courtrooms all over the world between supporters of short-term apartment rentals and cities wanting to put an end to those uses. The cities claim…

Thanks a Lot, Instagram. Horseshoe Bend Now Has an Entry Fee

Many of the world's most beautiful places have become victims of their own Instagrammability, with hordes of selfie snappers causing congestion, safety concerns, and strains on…

Unruly Drinking on This Spanish Island Could Cost You Thousands

Tourists who break public drinking laws on the Spanish island of Majorca—long known for its beaches and raucous party scene—will face fines of up to €3,000 (US$3,400) this summer, as…

When Is a Home Rental Legal in New York City? Ask Arthur Frommer, a Former Lawyer

There is perhaps nowhere in America that more needs the services of Airbnb than New York City.  Its hotels are frequently sold out, and even when available are sky-high in price. So…

Hugely Popular European Destination Bans Apartment Rentals

Between 2015 and 2017, illegal vacation rentals, fueled by services such as Airbnb, shot up 50%. As a consequence, rent for locals skyrocketed 40%.For a small Mediterranean island…

$7,500 Fine for Using a Phone on a Plane, Transgender Tourist Detained in Dubai, and More: Today's Travel Briefing

USING A MOBILE PHONE IN FLIGHT? THAT'LL BE $7,500 (Shanghai Daily)China's not putting up with any more monkey business, do you hear? A draft amendment to the country's Civil Aviation…

Using a Mobile Phone in Flight? That'll Be $7,500

China's not putting up with any more monkey business, do you hear?A draft amendment to the country's Civil Aviation Law calls for fines of up to 50,000 yuan (USD $7,535) for…

7 Frequent-Flier Tricks Worth Learning

I honestly don't know how some frequent fliers manage. Travel can be so discombobulating and disruptive, yet some road warriors spend half their lives on planes (sometimes just to…

Travel Troubleshooter: Four Stars For That Resort? Says Who?

Q: I recently booked a four-star hotel in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, through Hotwire (www.hotwire.com). Hotwire claims its four-star hotels are prestigious, respected properties. Not…

Genealogy Tourism: Tracing Your Ancestors in Germany

While England may be our "mother country," there are more people here of German extraction than of English -- about 50 million of them, in fact. For a while, German had a chance of…

Four Secrets for Upgrading Your Next Vacation

Think this is bad? It could get worse. Much worse. Travel is still at the beginning of its long descent into mediocrity. Airlines seem to invent new surcharges and passenger-hostile…

Travel Troubleshooter: An Australia Tour That Wasn't Meant to Be

First her flight is canceled. Then she misses another flight after her bus breaks down. Finally, Rebecca Canter decides to cancel her Australia tour. But her tour operator refuses…

What's New: An Online Update for Frommer's Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard

The Upper Cape Despite the challenging economy, the Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich (at Grove and Pine streets, Sandwich; tel. 508/888-3300;…

What's New: An Online Update for Frommer's Arizona

Phoenix, Scottsdale & The Valley of the Sun With a sushi bar, spa, and second-story swimming pool that has windows above the hotel's entry, the W Scottsdale, 7277 E. Camelback…

What's New: An Online Update for Frommer's Northern Italy

Venice A cloud of controversy hangs over the new, fourth bridge being built over Venice's Grand Canal. Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava's curving structure has been bashed by…

Five Fine Flyaways: New Air-Inclusive Packages at Penny-Wise Prices

Destination: Sydney and TahitiProvider: Air Tahiti Nui (tel. 877/4846; www.airtahitinui-usa.com)Base Price: $1,278Additional Fees and Taxes: $110Duration: Airfare to Sydney gets you a…