Articles

Money and Fees

Article / Money and Fees

Though the Unusual Current Strength of the U.S. Dollar Is Harmful to the U.S. Economy, It Greatly Benefits the U.S. Traveler: A Moral Issue

Across the globe—in Central America, Asia, Europe, and beyond—a dollar goes awfully far these days.

Article / Money and Fees

For Americans, the Conditions for International Travel Are Better Now Than They Have Been for Years

From plunging airfares to a strong dollar, things couldn't get much better for Americans abroad.

Article / Slideshows

Travel 101: How to Get the Most Out of Hotel Loyalty Programs

Like labradoodles, travelers are expected to be loyal to earn "treats". But not all travel loyalty programs are the same. In fact, those offered by the airlines are extremely different…

Article / Slideshows

Save on Hotel Rooms: How to Use Loyalty Rates

When it comes to booking a hotel room, it's no longer enough to search an online travel agency (OTA) like Travelocity or Expedia. Now the big hotel chains claim they offer the lowest…

Article / Slideshows

How to Save in Expensive Cities

Just because a location is expensive doesn’t mean you should have to skip out on experiencing the place in full. You’ll be amazed to see what just $1.99 can get you in a city like Las…

Article / Money and Fees

How to Beat the High Prices of Best Buy's Airport Kiosks

When you learn how easy it is to slash the high prices of Best Buy's electronics vending machines at airports, you may not be afraid to use them anymore.

Article / Cruise

How to Tip on a Cruise Ship

A standout cabin steward, attentive waiter, or superior bartender can make a big impact on your cruise. But how should you compensate them for their hard work? Tipping on a cruise ship…

Article / Cruise

Is it Worth it to Buy a Cruise Line Drink Package?

You may have noticed that cruise lines offer drink packages and wondered whether they're a good deal. The answer is simple but requires some math on your part: It depends on how many…

Article / Cruise

When is the Best Time to Cruise?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for when to sail: It depends on your own personal priorities. Whether you’re looking to avoid the rough seas or score a bargain deal,…

Article / Hotels

Tips for Booking a Hotel in Amsterdam

Navigating all of the accommodation choices can be a bit confusing. Which neighborhood? How many stars? What’s in the rooms? What’s a good deal? We're here to help.

Article / Food and Drink

Eating Cheap in Paris: Great meals for less than €10

Paris has a reputation for being romantic, fashionable, and as most are quick to add, expensive. While the food is almost always quite good, a nice dinner in the City of Lights can run…

Article / Money and Fees

Using Contactless Credit Cards When You Travel

The new twist in credit card purchases is contactless payment—how does it work, and can you use your credit card on vacation?

Article / Cruise

The 5 Best Restaurants on Carnival Ships

Just how far has Carnival come from the days of bland buffets and wan salad bars? Well, if you book a cruise on one of the line’s newer ships, you’re bound to be pleasantly…

Article / Cruise

7 Popular Tourist Traps — and Where to Go Instead

Ever wonder why tourist traps are so popular? Sometimes, it’s as simple as name recognition, created by effective marketing, and a lack of knowledge about other choices.

Article / Money and Fees

The Ins and Outs of Package Vacation Deals

When does it pay to bundle together airfare and hotel costs and when should you try other methods of saving money?

Article / Arthur Frommer Online

The Meanest Roads in America: More Public Highways Bleeding Tourists with Cashless Tolls

They're the meanest roads in America.If you haven't taken a road trip vacation in the last few years, you're in for a rude shock. More states are implementing what's called "cashless…

Article / Money and Fees

Staying Online Abroad: 5 Tips for Saving Money On Global Roaming

Staying connected when traveling overseas can result in big bills. Check out these tips to save on data when you're using your phone in a foreign land.

Article / Money and Fees

That's Ridiculous! New Tipping Traps To Watch For

Travelers are often criticized for under-tipping, but what happens when travelers inadvertently over-tip? Beware of restaurants and businesses that include gratuities on bills 'for…

Article / Money and Fees

That's Ridiculous! Exchange Rate Rip-offs & How to Avoid Them

Inflated fees for exchanging currency abroad may not be new, but the rise in electronic transactions means those fees may be harder to detect. Here's how to avoid costly surprises when…

Article / Money and Fees

How to Use Public Computers Safely While Traveling

Before you hit the Internet café on your next trip, learn what you need to do to protect your personal information.

Article / Money and Fees

Travel Troubleshooter: A One-Night Penalty that Sticks

Our reader cancels his hotel more than a day before he checks in, but the property charges a one-night penalty, anyway. Can't Hotels.com help him get a refund?

Article / Money and Fees

Travel Troubleshooter: No Refund for Derailed Train Trip

Does this traveler's substandard train experience warrant a full refund from Amtrak?

Article / Money and Fees

Travel Troubleshooter: Priceline Promised to Refund My Package

A traveler notices a typo on a booking, calls customer service, and gets the OK by phone to get a refund if he rebooks everything. Will trying to fix the typo end up being an expensive…

Article / Money and Fees

SIM Card Basics for Travelers

What you need to know about using your cellphone or smartphone on the road.

Article / Air Travel

How to Find Travel Bargains Using Coupon Sites

Always read the fine print -- and know the blackout dates -- before booking discounted travel deals on coupon sites like Groupon or LivingSocial.