Articles

Trends & Hacks

Article / Hotels

When in Rome, Live Like the Romans Do: Vacation Apartments in the Eternal City

More so than other major European cities, Rome has a glut of centrally located, affordable short-term rentals. Here are three great agencies to help you find yours.

Article / Hotels

Travel Troubleshooter: A Rate Reversal at the Residence Inn

When he calls the Residence Inn, Michael Tushan is offered a rate of $116 a night. Oops. Turns out the representative wasn't 'authorized' to negotiate -- and now the price is $149 a…

Article / Hotels

When and How to Book Your Next Park Trip

This summer is shaping up to be the best in recent years for finding your spot in a national park: the sour economy and the wait-until-the-last-minute attitude of more and more…

Article / Money and Fees

Travel Troubleshooter: Half a Room or Twice the Price

Our reader uses Hotwire.com to get a room in London, but she only gets half -- literally -- of what she's promised. Can the hotel do that?

Article / Miscellaneous

Destination-Specific Tips for Travelers with Pets

Many travelers wouldn't dream of going on vacation without their pet. Here's a roundup of our coverage in destinations around the world.

Article / Packages

The Early Bird Catches the Euro: 3 Ways to Book Now for New Year's Eve in Europe

Travel packagers want you to start thinking about New Year's in Europe, and a number of them are running competitively priced deals for days that typically top winter travel prices.

Article / Hotels

Walking Down: 5 Tips for Avoiding the Latest Hotel Scam

It's understandable why a hotel walks guests 'down' when it's overbooked: it saves a few bucks by sending you to a lesser property. What should you do when it happens to you?

Article / Miscellaneous

Learn Travel Writing in New York's Hudson River Valley

Following up on the success of the Travel Writing Workshops he has presented in Key West since 1991, our own Bob Fisher is holding a similar seminar just two hours up the Hudson River…

Article / Health, Insurance, Security

Cancun Grapples with the Swine Flu Effect

What happens to a destination like Cancun when many visitors choose to stay away? Hotels slash costs or shut down, while intrepid travelers take advantage of lower costs and un-crowded…

Article / Hotels

Historic Bed and Breakfast Interludes Across the U.S.

Step back in time for a weekend or a mid-week interlude at a historic Bed and Breakfast property. Here are a few of our favorites located in some of the country's most historic…

Article / Cruise

The Able Traveler: European Cruises Now More Accessible

European itineraries have gained a new-found popularity in the past few years. And with this popularity comes improved access; including more shore excursions and the increased…

Article / Cruise

Cruising for a Brew-sing: Sailing from America's Beer Capital

Portland, Oregon is a city known for rain, fleece clothing, strong coffee, sustainability initiatives, a remarkably advanced restaurant scene, and, most of all, beer.

Article / Health, Insurance, Security

Travel Troubleshooter: Where's My Travel Insurance Check?

It's been a year since our reader's illness-packed cruise, but the insurance claim she made through a company that offered traveler 'protection' is apparently lost at sea. Will she…

Article / Air Travel

How to Get the Best Seat on the Plane

Even if you're an infrequent flier who doesn't get access to the choice seats, there are some ways to get a slightly better seat than everyone else's.

Article / Money and Fees

Travel Troubleshooter: A Not-So-Magical Disney Vacation

Our reader has a disastrous Disney vacation, but his complaints are being ignored. What's he doing wrong that he can't get Mickey's attention?

Article / Money and Fees

Broadsided! 5 New Car Rental Fees to Avoid

Beleaguered auto rental firms are quietly adding new surcharges designed to lift revenues in a recessionary economy. Here are five charges that could sideswipe you on your next trip.

Article / Money and Fees

Travel Troubleshooter: Still Waiting for My Refund

A death in the family leads our traveler to cancel her trip. She may be entitled to a refund, but Lufthansa won't say 'yes' or 'no.' What can she do?

Article / Miscellaneous

Tips for Making Your Next Trip Greener -- No Matter Where You Go

It makes sense that travelers often feel an urge to protect the planet they're so intent on seeing. Here are tips for being more environmentally conscious while traveling.

Article / Hotels

7 Spring Hotel Specials: Deal or No Deal?

It seems that hotels are giving away rooms to keep their occupancy levels up in this down economy. Here is a handful of specials at popular chain hotels and what you need to know about…

Article / Cruise

River Boat Cruising: The Slowest Ride You'll Ever Love

The un-cruise of cruising has an allure all it's own. Here's what you need to know before you decide if a river boat trip is right for you.

Article / Cruise

Revenge at Sea: 5 Ways Passengers Are Getting Even with Cruise Lines

Cruises may be cheaper, but fees are rising, and the on-board hard sell has become the standard. Here are five ways their customers are channeling the Captain and getting even with the…

Article / Cruise

Ports of Call: A Foodie Day in Vancouver

If you stop long enough to smell the coffee, you'll find this bayside city to be one of the most beautiful, friendly, and modern in North America -- and one of the tastiest, too.

Article / Money and Fees

Travel Troubleshooter: Uh-Oh! When Optional Car Rental Insurance Isn't

When our reader checks in at the Hertz counter in Zagreb, she's told more insurance is mandatory even though she was fully covered before her trip. Should Hertz provide a refund?

Article / Hotels

How to Book a Suite: Top Tips from Chain Hotels

Finding an affordable suite can be harder than it seems. We called around to major hotel chains to discover suites under $200 across the U.S. Here's what you need to know.

Article / Money and Fees

Our Own Worst Enemy: 5 Types of Travelers That Are Killing Tourism

Are lousy tourists sinking an entire industry? Here are five ways bad travelers can ruin the fun for everyone.