Articles

Trends & Hacks

Article / Entry Requirements & Customs

Arthur Frommer's Reaction to the President's Announcement Regarding the Travel Embargo Against Cuba

"Although it will make headlines, the announcement of these embargo modifications is of far less substance than meets the eye."

Article / Cruise

Cruise Ships of the Future

Fifty years ago, no one thought cruise ships would evolve into 1,200-foot behemoths capable of carrying 5,000 passengers. And while we’re excited by the innovations on new ships…

Article / Road Trips

Gas, Food, Lodging, Payola: Why You Can't Trust Those Highway Signs

Signs along the Interstate tell you which restaurants and hotels are nearby—but how did those signs get there?

Article / Cruise

12 Fun Things on Quantum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, has a bevy of never-before-seen twists that are pleasing devotées of mass cruising. 

Article / Food and Drink

Eating Cheap in Paris: Great meals for less than €10

Paris has a reputation for being romantic, fashionable, and as most are quick to add, expensive. While the food is almost always quite good, a nice dinner in the City of Lights can run…

Article / Cruise

How Does Hurricane Season Affect Cruises?

For a full six months of the year, the Caribbean is hit by an average of six hurricanes. Cruising during hurricane season means great deals from the cruise lines, but there are…

Article / Cruise

9 Tips for Cruising With Small Children

Cruises are great family vacations because kids are catered to as well as adults. Most ships offer supervised activities, and the biggest vessels have several spacious playrooms geared…

Article / Cruise

Mix and Match Cruise Vacations: That Include Both Land or River Cruise Add-Ons

One week hopping ports in the Caribbean? That's old hat. To lure more customers, the major cruise lines are offering a slew of new land and river cruise options to their itineraries.

Article / Money and Fees

Using Contactless Credit Cards When You Travel

The new twist in credit card purchases is contactless payment—how does it work, and can you use your credit card on vacation?

Article / Cruise

The 5 Best Cruise Lines for Kids

No matter how old your kids are, few family vacations are easier than hopping aboard a cruise ship — you unpack once, and you don’t have to juggle plane and train schedules…

Article / Cruise

7 Rookie Mistakes First-Time Cruisers Make

If you’re new to cruising, don’t fall prey to these potential pitfalls. Here are the top nine mistakes cruise newbies make and how to avoid them for smooth sailing, from…

Article / Cruise

The 5 Best Restaurants on Carnival Ships

Just how far has Carnival come from the days of bland buffets and wan salad bars? Well, if you book a cruise on one of the line’s newer ships, you’re bound to be pleasantly…

Article / Air Travel

Hurricane Travel Tips: What You Need to Know About Travel Insurance, Hotel Guarantees & More

Tempted by all those Caribbean travel deals during hurricane season? Go ahead and book -- if you understand what travel insurance covers, and if you know what to do if an oncoming…

Article / Cruise

7 Popular Tourist Traps — and Where to Go Instead

Ever wonder why tourist traps are so popular? Sometimes, it’s as simple as name recognition, created by effective marketing, and a lack of knowledge about other choices.

Article / Money and Fees

The Ins and Outs of Package Vacation Deals

When does it pay to bundle together airfare and hotel costs and when should you try other methods of saving money?

Article / Timing Your Trip

7 Tips for Getting Over Jet Lag

No matter how much you travel, jet lag can be a challenge. Your internal clock is thrown off, so instead of wanting to explore a new port, you may feel sluggish, lethargic, and ready…

Article / Timing Your Trip

5 Tips for Booking a Cruise at the Right Time

When is the best time to buy your cruise? There are a number of factors to consider — from time of year you want to travel to the region you’re sailing — before…

Article / Cruise

Everything You Need to Know About American Queen Steamboat Co.

This small-ship line has two paddle wheelers plying U.S. rivers. Are either right for your next vacation? Read on to find out.

Article / Cruise

How to Make Your Tiny Cabin Feel Like a Castle

While cruise ships are lauded for their activities, entertainment, and food options aplenty, they aren’t exactly known for spacious accommodations. Just because you’ve…

Article / Cruise

How to Choose a Caribbean Itinerary

Cruise itineraries in the Caribbean are divided by eastern, southern, and western options. For cruisers who haven't sailed these warm waters, the designations — which…

Article / Cruise

5 Cruise Cabin Locations You Really Don’t Want

I’m a light sleeper — a very light sleeper. If you’re like me, choosing a hotel room’s location is extremely important … and cruise ship cabin real…

Article / Cruise

4 Things You Need to Know About Getting a Bargain on Your Next Cruise

Booking a cruise is complicated — prices change based on cabin availability, and determining whether you’re getting the best deal is tough. Here, our best advice for…

Article / Cruise

Which Cruise Line Charges the Most for Drinks? Which One's Cheapest?

When we grab a sensational cruise fare, most of us assume we've saved a bundle. But you may be surprised to learn that often, the least expensive cruise lines get some of that money…

Article / Arthur Frommer Online

The Meanest Roads in America: More Public Highways Bleeding Tourists with Cashless Tolls

They're the meanest roads in America.If you haven't taken a road trip vacation in the last few years, you're in for a rude shock. More states are implementing what's called "cashless…

Article / Air Travel

That's Ridiculous! A Fond Farewell to the Jerks that Make Travel Intolerable

It's all I really want to say in my final 'That's Ridiculous!' column. Don't. Be. A. Jerk.