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Car, Bus, Rail

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The Able Traveler: Through Redwoods on a Wheelchair-Accessible Train

This historic Santa Cruz County railway offers a nicely accessible day excursion -- appropriate for wheelchair-users and slow walkers alike -- through the majestic California redwoods.

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That's Ridiculous! What's Your Hurry?

Every now and then you'll see signs that say, 'What's your hurry?' which are nothing more than oblique warnings of an approaching speed trap. But after last week's road trip, I read…

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Travel Troubleshooter: Is Car Rental Insurance a Scam?

After declining the optional insurance on a rental car, the renter is surprised to see an extra $215 for insurance and $53 for 'roadside assistance' added to his bill.

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That's Ridiculous! Is There a Car Rental Toll Conspiracy?

A customer pays a toll twice on a highway, once going each way in her rental car over a six day trip. However, the rental company charges her a toll for each day of rental period. How…

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Money Matters: Those Car Rental Tolls Can Really Add Up

Are electronic tolling payment services meant to help consumers, or are rental car customers just getting taken for a ride?

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In Travel, Age Makes a Difference

Travelers under 25 are often subjected to age-related surcharges when renting cars, while senior citizens may be denied a rental due to age limits. Is this practice fair or foul?

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Travel Troubleshooter: Hertz Charges $93 to Top Off My Rental

A traveler refills the gas tank of his rental car and is shocked to later receive a bill for refueling costs. What went wrong, and how can you protect yourself against similar…

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Travel Troubleshooter: Why Am I Being Charged for Someone Else's Rental Damage?

A traveler returns her rental car and is charged for pre-existing damage. Shouldn't there be an easy way to report existing scratches, dents, and dings so no one has to pay for someone…

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GPS Directions Get a Summer Upgrade

Improve your summer road trip experience by learning from these travelers' mistakes.

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Travel Troubleshooter: A Burned-Out Clutch and a Surprise Repair Bill

After only a few miles, our reader's rental car stops running. Now Hertz is demanding £1,233 for a replacement clutch. Doesn't insurance cover the damage? Apparently not.

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Travel Troubleshooter: Insurance Wasn't Required -- How About a Refund?

If a rental agent insisted that insurance is required to rent a car, would you cave in and buy it? That's what some travelers suggest is happening in tourist locations like Orlando and…

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Travel Troubleshooter: Hey, That's Not My Chipped Windshield!

Can a rental company get away with charging you a month later for a damaged windshield? This traveler finds out the hard way.

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That's Ridiculous! Do Taxi Drivers Prey on Tourists?

Have you ever gotten ripped off by a cab driver in an unfamiliar city? Here's how to avoid some common scams.

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London Day Trips: Train Tips for Rail Escapes

You may be surprised to discover just how much of England you can explore using London as a base. The following rail planning tips will help you on your way.

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That's Ridiculous! Car Rental Companies Double My Rate Because I'm Not American

Is it fair if a car rental company charges you more money based on your nationality?

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Who's Afraid to Drive on the Left-hand Side?

U.S. travelers need to be especially cautious if they plan to rent a car in Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.

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That's Ridiculous! The Tricks They Play at the Car Rental Counter

A traveler feels ripped off after he proactively declines the car insurance option and then discovers that he unwittingly signed a form to accept the insurance. Did the agent deceive…

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Navigating the Bewildering New World of Car Rentals

As vehicles become more sophisticated, travelers who rent cars should be able to cover the basics -- such as turning on the ignition -- before leaving the lot.

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Travel Troubleshooter: "Maybe I Should've Taken a Picture of My Rental"

A traveler is shocked when a rental-car agency comes after her with a bill for nearly $500 in damages. How can this traveler prove that she didn't dent the car?

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Travel Troubleshooter: The Additional Driver Fee That Won't Get Lost

A traveler is surprised to learn that he'll have to pay extra for his wife to drive the rental car. Should this sneaky fee be refunded?

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Are Cashless Toll Roads a Hazard for Car Renters?

Some rental-car agencies charge pricey administrative fees to cover processing small traffic violations. Here's what to look out for.

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Travel Troubleshooter: A $481 Bill for Rental-Car Damage I Didn't Do

How could this claim for nearly $500 in rental-car damages have been avoided? Plus, find out how readers helped this traveler win her case against the car rental company.

Article / Car, Bus, Rail

Car Rental Fees: When the Price Isn't the Price

When a car rental company gives you a price quote it's never even near what you're going to end up paying. Isn't it time customers demanded more clarity?

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Amtrak Discounts: How to Book Cheap Train Tickets

Use these updated Amtrak discount codes, train ticket promotions, and links to save up to 25% off regular train ticket prices.

Article / Car, Bus, Rail

Travel Troubleshooter: Broadsided By Mandatory Car Rental Insurance

A traveler feels duped after an online travel agency did not disclose mandatory charges for a car rental. What went wrong with this reservation?