Articles

Trends & Hacks

Article / Health, Insurance, Security

How to Fight Travel Companies That Fudge the Numbers

Travel companies are redefining everything from 'hour' to 'year' -- all with the apparent intent of getting more of your money. How do you stay safe from these time bandits?

Article / Cruise

Will Royal Caribbean's "Oasis of the Seas" Change the (Cruise) World?

'Oasis' may very well change ship design for the better, but an analysis of the current shipbuilding market gives us reason to believe that paradigm shift may take a while to manifest.

Article / Cruise

Las Vegas of the Seas: The Very Best Onboard Nightlife

Tired clichés are very true: Many cruise ships are indeed floating cities with discos, nightclubs, casinos, and lounges aplenty. Here are some of the best night spots.

Article / Money and Fees

3 Ways to Avoid the Newest Travel Gotchas

One of the travel industry's favorite new tricks is waiting to tell you about onerous new terms until it's too late -- whether they're trying to modify a reservation or redeem their…

Article / Hotels

3 Autumn Escapes in California's High Sierras

A definite sign that fall is here is the number of lodging offers coming your way from parks in California's High Sierra. Take a look, and start planning where you'll get away this…

Article / Cruise

Exploring the Ports of Call: Shore Excursions vs. Going It on Your Own

How you spend your time in port can make the difference between a great cruise experience and a big fat disappointment. Here's what you need to consider when choosing an excursion.

Article / Cruise

Cabin Clues: How To Choose the Right Room at Sea

Finding the best room on a cruise ship starts with money, but it doesn't always end there. Find out how to pick the best beds on all the major cruise lines.

Article / Cruise

Different Boats for Different Folks: Choosing the Right Size Ship

Different cruise lines present different kinds of experiences, but physical factors such as the size and age of the ship also play a part when choosing your ideal cruise. What kind of…

Article / Money and Fees

Travel Troubleshooter: A Refund for My Downgraded Airline Seat?

Our reader thinks she buys a first-class ticket to Peru on TACA. But it's actually economy class, and Cheaptickets.com only offers her a $400 voucher. Isn't she entitled to more?

Article / Air Travel

How to Find Trip Security When You're Insecure About Your Job

Worried about forfeiting your airfare and vacation if you get canned? Insurance policies offer protection.

Article / Cruise

Cruising Slowly Down the Mekong from Cambodia to Vietnam

Our Asia-based cruise expert steps off the big boats to take a slow river cruise through the heart of southeast Asia.

Article / Cruise

Sailing Under the Radar in Alaska: The Small-Ship Option

When it comes to cruising in Alaska, the nation's largest state, the best ships are actually the smallest -- those little 10- to 100-passenger vessels that can get you places the big…

Article / Miscellaneous

5 Secrets for Avoiding Sky-High Phone Bills on the Road

Sending text messages or phoning from your cell phone abroad can cost you thousands. Here are a few strategies you can use to make sure you aren't hammered by ridiculous fees.

Article / Air Travel

8 Tips for Getting a Better Airplane Seat

Now, more than ever, upgrading can be a trip-saver. Here are eight ways to help make your next flight more comfortable without paying -- or cramping -- an arm and a leg.

Article / Hotels

Travel Troubleshooter: Double Trouble with My Hotel Points

Our reader books four Hilton hotel stays through a double points promotion. But now Hilton is offering him only a fraction of the promised award. Can it do that?

Article / Money and Fees

Charge This: 7 Tips for a Successful Credit Card Dispute

A lot of unwanted charges are popping up on credit card bills -- fees that, if not removed, will end up being contested. Here's what you need to know in order to file a successful…

Article / Hotels

Last Minute Labor Day Getaways from $17 -- Yes, That's Right -- Per Night

It's time to say goodbye to summer. It's OK. It'll be back next year. In the meantime, a quick last minute getaway over Labor Day weekend might ease the pain.

Article / Hotels

Late-Season Special Offers to Parks Across the U.S.

Though summer's winding down more quickly than any of us would prefer, there's still at least a month of great weather to be enjoyed before fall or winter make their presence known.

Article / Hotels

Act Early to Catch Fall in U.S. National Parks

Labor Day hasn't arrived, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't plan a fall trek to enjoy the season's richest colors. Actually, in some parts of the country it might even be too late to…

Article / Air Travel

Travel Troubleshooter: A Bankrupt Airline Ruined My Honeymoon

Our reader's airline goes out of business, but Travelocity assures her the Hawaii honeymoon flight is still a go -- but that doesn't happen. She's forced to buy new tickets and now the…

Article / Hotels

Rent an Apartment and Save on New York City Lodging

Hotels in New York charge more and give less than their counterparts in other U.S. cities. So look instead to private apartments, which go for far less and offer much more.

Article / Air Travel

Airfarewatchdog's 11 Ticket Buying Tips

You may know the basics to getting lower fares on your flights, but Airfarewatchdog.com has gathered some additional advice that will save you money next time you're shopping for a…

Article / Cruise

Heading North: Making the Most of Cruising Scandinavia and the Baltics

Just back from my first Norwegian fjords cruise, and I'm still blown away by the scenery and sights of Scandinavia, the Baltics, and Russia. But don't take my word for it: Here's what…

Article / Cruise

What Are People Really Paying for a Cruise This Year and Next? You'll Be Surprised

More big ships and lots of shallow wallets means fewer paying passengers, and that means all manner of deals as cruise lines struggle to keep their berths full. If you can afford to…

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…