Articles

Trends & Hacks

Article / Money and Fees

Travel Troubleshooter: Remember My Alamo Rate

When our reader's car rental company runs out of the vehicle he reserved, it sends him to an agency next door. How nice, right? Then the bill arrives.

Article / Timing Your Trip

4 Things You Need to Know About Off-Season Bookings

If you've seen one tourism brochure that refers to itself as a 'year-round' destination, you've probably seen them all. They lie, of course.

Article / Cruise

First Look: NCL's Norwegian Gem

Step aboard one the most fun megaships at sea today, offering a super-social atmosphere, bright and creative decor, a mix of classy and fun spaces, awesome kids' facilities, and truly…

Article / Cruise

First Love: Bermuda's Beaches, Shopping, and More

The place has everything going for it. From beautiful beaches framed by dramatic rock formations to good roads and friendly locals, Bermuda's a top cruise destination.

Article / Entry Requirements & Customs

Travel Troubleshooter: AirTran, Where's My Refund?

Our traveler accepts an unorthodox offer from AirTran, but now they won't process a refund as promised. What can he do?

Article / Miscellaneous

Long Wait Between Flights? Get Outta Town

With the sad condition of our nation's airways, people are getting stuck in airports more often. But with a bit of caution, a little jaunt can turn a dreaded layover into a destination.

Article / Health, Insurance, Security

Travel Health & Safety: Buying Insurance

Can insurance keep a Caribbean hurricane, an English flood, or a Colorado mudslide from ruining your next vacation?

Article / Air Travel

5 Things Airlines Won't Tell You About Weather Delays

We're in the middle of a season that traditionally brings blizzards, ice storms and cold winter rains with it, offering more opportunities for airlines to play the weather card.

Article / Air Travel

Visiting National Parks: The Essential Gear and Packing List

When heading out with your family to visit any of our national parks for an extended stay, it's good to have everything you need -- not too much, and not too little.

Article / Miscellaneous

Travel Troubleshooter: Mystery of the Canceled Mexicana Ticket

Our reader's ticket from Chicago to Acapulco is canceled, but no one can tell her why. Shouldn't the carrier honor its promise?

Article / Health, Insurance, Security

4 Secrets for the Perfectly Timed Vacation

If you've seen one tourism brochure that refers to itself as a 'year-round' destination, you've probably seen them all. They lie, of course.

Article / Cruise

11 Tips for First-Time Cruisers

How to save money, get room service, relax, and make the best of your first time at sea -- without looking like a newbie.

Article / Cruise

Trouble for NCL Hawaii: "Aloha" Means Both Hello and Goodbye

Just one year ago, it seemed like Norwegian Cruise Line had Hawaii by the coconuts, with three U.S.-flagged ships operating in the islands full-time Now comes the question: Is it all…

Article / Health, Insurance, Security

Travel Troubleshooter: No Refunds for the Dead

A couple plans a 50th anniversary trip to Europe, but one spouse dies unexpectedly. Shouldn't the airline give the survivor a refund rather than vouchers?

Article / Money and Fees

Travel Troubleshooter: Hey Marriott, Where Are My Miles?

Our reader books a vacation where she's promised a 25,000-mile bonus, but the loyalty points fail to show up. How can she get Marriott to make good?

Article / Entry Requirements & Customs

The Longest Airport Security Waits -- And How to Skip Them

Learn new ways to predict how long airport checkpoint lines are going to be, and find out free and paid ways to dodge them.

Article / Health, Insurance, Security

Travel Troubleshooter: Hey, Where's My Airline Seat?

Half of our reader's airline seat is missing. An extra-large passenger is sitting in it, forcing her to lean into the aisle or sit on the passenger's lap. What can she do?

Article / Health, Insurance, Security

Travel Health & Safety: Decoding Airlines' Special Meals

Don't make enemies with your stomach when you fly: Find out how to get a better meal before you take off again.

Article / Hotels

Single and Loving It: Valentine's Day Travel for One

Treat yourself to a getaway where the words 'single supplement' can be accepted as a badge of honor.

Article / Cruise

The Best of European Port Excursions

Cruise lines are racking their collective brains these days to offer more exciting, hands-on options that break the tired tour mold and inject some fresh air into the port experience.

Article / Health, Insurance, Security

Travel Insurance: When You Need it and What You Need to Ask

It may be a good time to be in the travel insurance business, but is it a good time to buy travel insurance?

Article / Air Travel

Travel Troubleshooter: Not An Ice Vacation, JetBlue

A vacation to Puerto Rico is put on ice, thanks to winter weather. Months later, the airline has refunded the tickets, but the hotel is holding onto the money.

Article / Health, Insurance, Security

The Travel Insurance Question: Do I Really Need It?

It may be a good time to be in the travel insurance business, but is it a good time to buy travel insurance?

Article / Car, Bus, Rail

Travel Troubleshooter: Mystery Rental Charge in Madrid

What is 'Super CDW' and why is it on our reader's credit card bill? The car rental company's website isn't clear and the credit card company won't help -- is all hope lost?

Article / Air Travel

13 Lessons Learned on a Flight from Hell

What's a mother of two to do when airline staff decides that help is a four-letter word?