Articles

Trends & Hacks

Article / Cruise

Sailing Under the Radar, Pt. 4: Baja California, the Mexican Riviera & Pacific Central America

Another look at the lesser-known, family-owned, mom-and-pop, historic, adventurous, and otherwise niche segments of the otherwise monolithic cruise industry. Move over, Carnival and…

Article / Health, Insurance, Security

Travel Troubleshooter: Claim Denied on a Terrorism Technicality

Our reader cancels her vacation to India after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. But her insurance company won't honor her claim because she wasn't visiting Mumbai. Is the $7,300 she…

Article / Hotels

Travel Troubleshooter: Billed Twice For One Night

When Best Western double bills our reader she waits months for a refund, and all she has to show for her efforts is a claim number. Is there anything she could have done to prevent…

Article / Air Travel

Is Upgrading Using Miles Just a Wild Fare Chase?

It's not easy to snag an upgradeable seat at a reasonable fare, as major U.S.-based airlines have tinkered with their upgrade policies and changed mileage requirements and the eligible…

Article / Hotels

5 Insider Tips for Knowing Your Hotel Is in Foreclosure

There are a record number of hotel and motel foreclosures either here or headed our way. Here's how to spot a troubled property and what to do if you find yourself checking into one.

Article / Cruise

Sailing Under the Radar, Pt. 3: Small Ships to New England and Canada's Atlantic Provinces

Fall colors along Canada's Atlantic coast and New England are best seen aboard small ships, which hug the craggy coast and explore small bays and inland waterways up close and personal.

Article / Car, Bus, Rail

Travel Troubleshooter: When One Day Less Costs Three Times More

Our reader prepays for a rental car through Alamo's website. But when her flight is canceled, and she arrives a day late, the company charges her three times the original rate. Can it…

Article / Money and Fees

Travel Troubleshooter: A Hurricane Hit My Hotel, So Where's My Refund?

Our reader's hotel promises a refund for a nonrefundable hotel room after a hurricane strikes. But it's months later now and the hotel has gone into radio silence. Is the money gone…

Article / Air Travel

Air Chapter 11: 5 Tips for Surviving the Bankrupt Skies

One day -- maybe soon -- you could be flying the bankrupt skies. How will that affect your trip? Here's how you can prepare.

Article / Hotels

5 Insider Strategies for Avoiding a Hotel Billing Error

Billing snafus have been happening since there have been hotels, but in this awful economy, hotels are far more reluctant to fix the mistake unless they can find the guilty party.…

Article / Cruise

He Said/She Said on the Best Cruises for Everyone

What are the best cruises? It's not easy to answer in a snappy one-liner, but our two in-house cruise experts give it a shot anyway.

Article / Packages

Discounted European Airfares and Getaways this Fall

This fall, prices seem even lower than last year and, even with currency exchange, you're still going to be doing pretty well. Here are a few deals to get you started.

Article / Health, Insurance, Security

Travel Troubleshooter: No Refund for Canceled Vegas Vacation

Our reader's husband falls ill before a trip to Las Vegas, and the couple cancels their vacation. Now US Airways wants to keep their money. Why can't it offer them a refund?

Article / Hotels

Seeing the Splendor of Fall From Within a National Park

Fall is on its way, painting its rich, vibrant hues across the national park landscapes of the U.S. What could be better than viewing these kaleidoscopic shows in person?

Article / Money and Fees

How the Travel Industry Can Win You Back

We've become convinced that the travel industry is largely comprised of money-grubbing opportunists, and no fire sale is going to fix that. But here are a few things that might.

Article / Money and Fees

Travel Troubleshooter: My Ticket Price Fell -- How About a Refund?

Our reader buys a package to Hawaii through United Vacations. But when the price of her ticket falls, United refuses to offer her a voucher for the fare difference. Why not?

Article / Money and Fees

Travel Troubleshooter: Socked for My Friend's Single Supplement

Our reader cancels her vacation and her friend is squeezed for a single supplement. If she doesn't pay immediately, the tour operator threatens to cancel her vacation. Can it do that?

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…