Hallstatt, Austria

Communing with Nature in Austria's Hallstatt
Rick Steves

It's rare that a town's charm will get me out of bed early. The postcard-pretty, lake-cuddling town of Hallstatt, two hours south of Salzburg, is one of those places. Hallstatt is located in Austria's Salzkammergut lake district, a scenic wonder that has enthralled nature lovers for centuries.

 

Pastel Houses

Barefoot in Venice Italy
Rick Steves

When you know where to look, there's so much to see in Venice. I spent my first two days avoiding St. Mark's Square. It's the back lanes where this enchanting city is most intriguing. I noticed everything seemed particularly vivid in this beautifully decrepit cityscape

5 Beach Safety Tips
Gail Belsky

While beach outings are one of the highlights of summer, they also present serious hazards -- from sunburn and jellyfish stings to riptides and lightning. Here's how to protect you and your family

How Much Should We Tip These Days?
Ed Perkins

Over the years I've been traveling, tipping has become a lot more confusing -- and a lot more expensive. Moreover, long established customs around the world have changed, mostly for the worse. Here are some highlights from the most recent worldwide tipping guide

Advance Baggage Shipment: Does it Make Any Sense
Ed Perkins

You travelers tell us that 'Baggage Fees' have risen near the top of your lists of airline annoyances. Certainly, the fees are getting ever more widespread. And UPS just got into the act with a new 'luggage box' it would love to ship for you. But does this development mean shipping your stuff ahead makes any sense?

Airline Passengers Get Chance to Be Heard on Proposed Regulations
Christopher Elliott

If you've ever complained about air travel -- and who hasn't? -- then here's your best chance in a generation to do something about it. Tell the government what you think of its proposed new passenger rights rules. You can do it right now, thanks to a new project called Regulation Room

Best 'Value' Destination Cities
Ed Perkins

Which major world destination city offers the best 'value' in hotel accommodations? Prague, says a recent survey; not a great surprise, given the almost universal reputation that worthy city has earned in the last decades. And other Eastern European cities also fare well

One-Sided Cruise Contracts
Ed Perkins

If you really want scary reading on your next cruise, check out the cruise line's contract. That's the document that establishes the legal framework for what you get -- and don't get -- from the cruise line. Lots of supplier contracts are stacked against consumers, but cruise line contracts are among the worst offenders I've ever seen. Here are some typical catches

4 Things You Should Take -- and Leave -- When You Travel
Christopher Elliott

It's normal for travelers to pocket a 'physical representation' of their vacation. But before they snatch up that porcelain figurine or sombrero, she advises that they remember the acronym CUTE, which stands for 'Can't Use This Ever.'

Outwitting Hotels' Maximum Occupancy Rules
Christopher Elliott

Too-many-guest scenarios such as his are repeating themselves with greater frequency this year, as vacation-starved Americans are looking for any way to save money. Tempted to squeeze your party of five into a room meant for two? Hotels are on to you

Taking the Kids to Theme Parks This Summer
Eileen Ogintz

Some 400 U.S. theme parks have spent millions of dollars to wow us -- and tempt us to visit -- at a time when a day at a theme park can cost hundreds of dollars, not to mention untold frustration navigating crowds in the heat with kids in tow.) (And in case you're wondering, about 300 million people, presumably many families, visit theme parks each year

Taking the Kids to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Eileen Ogintz

Thousands of vacationing tweens, teens and young adults who, in an effort to beat the crowds, have rousted their parents out of bed before 7 a.m. since 'The Wizarding World of Harry Potter' at Universal Orlando Resort. Suddenly, young people, who wouldn't spend much vacation time with their folks, much less get out of bed this early if they didn't have to, think family vacations are fun again

Another Kind of Travel Plastic
Ed Perkins

Still confused about the best way to pay your expenses and get cash while you're traveling? Although conventional credit and debit cards get the most attention, they're not your only options. You can also use stored value cards both for cash access and to make purchases

Airline Tickets: How Much Will They Really Cost?
Ed Perkins

'How much will it really cost?' is the question everyone is asking these days about buying an air ticket. With the proliferation of fees and charges -- and lack of any consistent policies among various lines -- a simple search through Expedia, Kayak, Orbitz, or Travelocity doesn't answer that question any more. A new online site aims to rectify that problem

Traveling Light: Healthy Eating for Business Junketeers
Lisa Tsakos

Every year, thousands of us travel for business to attend conferences, presentations and meetings. While these journeys are necessary, they involve a great deal of sitting and eating. Meals are often eaten in planes, hotels and automobiles and may lead to weight gain. Here are a few suggestions that will help you make better eating choices on your next business trip

Planning Family Summer Vacations on a Budget
Julie Smart

Preparing well in advance of all your family summer events spares you the money and the stress usually associated with traveling (and ironically, vacations in general). Here are my favorite tips for saving money on family vacations

 

Caribbean in Summer

Taking the Kids To the Caribbean in Summer
Eileen Ogintz

Finally, Caribbean beaches that are everything a Caribbean beach should be -- quaint, with hammocks strung from palm trees, crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling, white sand, a first-rate beach bar and enough water toys to keep the kids happy

 

Lake Placid, New York

Taking the Kids To Lake Placid
Eileen Ogintz

Lake Placid, New York -- home to two Winter Olympics -- is that iconic old-fashioned summer vacation spot that works as well for 21st-century families as it did a century ago for families and millionaires who came here to the Adirondacks with their family and friends

 

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon: Portugal's Salty Capital
Rick Steves

If San Francisco had a sister, it would be Lisbon. Both cities have twin bridges and famously foggy weather. Both are situated on the best natural harbors on the west coast of their respective continents. Both have trolleys rattling up and down their steep hills past characteristic buildings.

 

Irish Soul Music

Irish Soul Music
Rick Steves

The Irish seem born with a love of music. That love is especially strong for traditional Irish music. You can hear it at cultural heritage centers and concert halls, but it sounds best in a pub. Live music is a weekly -- and sometimes nightly -- draw at many town pubs worth their salt. Trad music is especially popular in Dingle, Doolin, Galway, and Dublin.

More Than Ever Gulf Needs Tourists to Swim Against the Tide
Christopher Elliott

As tens of thousands of travelers cancel their beach vacations in the wake of the massive oil spill, a small number of tourists will swim against the tide. Too bad it's just a small number. If ever there were a time to visit the Gulf Coast, it is now.

Airline Alliances: Benefit or Plague?
Ed Perkins

You hear a lot about alliances among the world's giant airlines these days. Many industry financial analysts claim that they're necessary for the older 'legacy' lines to survive in a world increasingly driven by low-cost competitors. And consumer advocates say they're thinly disguised attempts to stifle competition and hike prices. Who's right? In my view, all of them are partly right

Travelers Be Wary of 'Data Passing' Online
Christopher Elliott

'Data passing' refers to a shady practice of sending credit card information along to a third party at the end of a transaction without the buyer's explicit approval. In years past, travelers often found themselves unwittingly enrolled in clubs that automatically charged a monthly enrollment fee while travel companies raked in millions in profits, according to investigators and consumers

Car Rental Craziness: 6 Odd Rules and How to Steer Clear of Them
Christopher Elliott

Like airlines, car rental companies don't think twice about changing your rate. It seems that just about the only thing car rental companies don't have in common with airlines is -- well, cars don't fly. As a service to you, here are six of the most absurd car rental practices you're likely to encounter today

Flying to Europe? It Pays to Know EU 261
Christopher Elliott

EU 261 is a five-year-old law that establishes common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights.

Airport Shuttles: Update 2010
Ed Perkins

Even after you've locked in airfares and hotel rates for your summer trip, you still have to get from the airport to your hotel. And unless you're being met, you have to decide among several options

When Finding the 'Best' Airport Matters
Ed Perkins

I've sometimes scoffed at those surveys that rank the 'best' airports -- after all, if I'm headed to Portland, what do I care if the Portland airport scores below Hong Kong? There are times, however, when choosing an airport matters

Airline Round-up: Re-Bundling Satisfaction
Ed Perkins

American Airlines is the latest convert to the airlines' current gimmick du jour: new 'bundles' of formerly 'free' features that it thinks it can sell you. Similar deals are available from two other big lines

 

Biking in Europe

Biking in Europe: A Bridge Over Cultural Barriers
Rick Steves

Some travelers are surprised when I tell them to consider biking in Europe. I explain that it's not only a cheap way to travel, but it gets you close to the ground and close to the people. Whether you rent a bicycle for a day in a bike-friendly city like Copenhagen, or decide to pedal across France for a month, you'll experience a more local side of Europe that many travelers rarely see

 

Verona, Italy

Verona Italy: City of Romance
Rick Steves

About two hours from bustling Milan and touristy Venice is Verona -- a welcome sip of pure, easygoing Italy. Made famous by Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, Verona is Italy's fourth-most-visited city and second in the Veneto region only to Venice in population and artistic importance. If you don't need world-class sights, this town is a joy

 

California Wine Country

Taking the Kids To California Wine Country
Eileen Ogintz

We're in California's famous Wine Country. We're tooling around Healdsburg, Calif., the small picturesque town in the heart of Sonoma County, taking in the tasting rooms, restaurants and antique shops scattered around the Plaza Park Square. If you think Wine Country -- especially Sonoma County -- is just for grown-ups (at least those over 21) think again.

Travel in Hurricane Season
Ed Perkins

This year's hurricane season is shaping up as extremely active. Hurricane season extends through November in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, so many vacations could be at risk. I don't want to discourage you from traveling for the rest of the year, but I do suggest you assess the possible risks when you make your travel plans. Here are some factors to consider

Beware Hidden Traps in Your Travel Contract
Ed Perkins

Unfortunately, the fine print in many travel contracts -- airline, cruise, tour, and such -- contains traps that make it almost impossible for you to claim your legal rights in the event of a serious problem. The net result is a significant barrier to your ability to take action

Crazy Cruise: 7 Absurdities of the Sea
Christopher Elliott

There's something for everyone on a cruise. And I don't mean that the same way your travel agent or cruise line does. Whether it's a silly upsell, like asking you to pay extra for fine dining on your 'all-inclusive' vacation, or dumb laws that prevent you from boarding or disembarking your vessel, you won't fail to find something absurd at sea

Lost Luggage in London Phishing Travel Scam
Christopher Elliott

A stolen bag. Lost cash. A missing passport. It had all the hallmarks of a trip from hell. And the e-mail seemed equally genuine. Only it wasn't real. As it turns out, the 'Lost Luggage in London' scam is a derivative of a so-called phishing fraud. When it comes to travelers, cybercrime and scamming opportunities abound

What You Can Do About New Hotel Lodging Fees
Christopher Elliott

If you think hotels will never stoop to the level of airlines -- charging extra for anything that isn't bolted down -- maybe you've never heard of easyHotel. American hotels, long envious of the so-called 'ancillary' revenues that they extract from guests by quoting a deceptively low base rate and then piling on mandatory extras, are watching easyHotel carefully

 

Clean Beaches

Taking the Kids To Clean Beaches and Avoiding the Oil
Eileen Ogintz

As vacation season gets into high gear -- with officials yet to figure out how to stem the flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico in the worst oil spill in U.S history -- families who planned to head to the Gulf Coast are worried too about clean beach waters -- as are those who count on their business

Airline Fees: The $7.8 Billion Question
Christopher Elliott

It's a wildly successful scheme: Domestic airlines collected an astounding $7.8 billion in ancillary fees last year, up 42 percent from 2008, while keeping their base fares artificially low. (Legacy airlines still managed to lose $2.8 billion, somehow.) But passengers are confused and angry about being nickel-and-dimed. Finally, help is on the way

New Airline Bumping Rules Less Than What They Seem
Ed Perkins

'Bumping' is the popular name for what airlines call 'denied boarding' or inability to honor a firm reservation. Airlines bump travelers for several reasons, most often 'overbooking' to offset inevitable no-shows. About the only time you'll benefit from the new limits is on a long intercontinental flight. Other proposed changes will help you more in the real world

Air Travel: Disabled or Need Help?
Ed Perkins

Unless you're in a premium class, air travel is a struggle no matter what your age, and the older you get, the tougher the struggle becomes. With all the current press coverage of new 'travelers' rights' proposals, a quick look at specific rights for travelers who may need a bit of extra help is timely.

Have a Healthy Vacation
Cynthia Ramnarace

You've packed the bags. You've dog-eared and highlighted the travel guides. With everyone excited for the family vacation, someone getting sick is the last thing you want. Here's how to keep the family healthy while you're away -- plus what to do if sickness does strike.

 

Dordogne River, France

France: Basking in France's Dordogne River Valley
Rick Steves

Visitors to Dordogne are easily charmed by its unforgettable blend of man-made and natural beauty. Its highlights include rock-sculpted villages, prehistoric artwork, fertile farms surrounding I-should-retire-here cottages, floats along the lazy river, and a local cuisine worth loosening your belt for

How to Rent a Car in Europe
Rick Steves

Renting a car in Europe is generally more expensive and more complicated than in the United States, but worth it for the freedom to explore Europe at your own speed.

Avoiding Cruise Port Rip-offs
Ed Perkins

Find out as much as possible about the ports you'll be visiting -- boning up on the culture, sightseeing attractions, shopping opportunities, and local transportation. That way, you can not only increase your enjoyment of each port but also decrease your chance of wasting time and being gouged. I have two specific recommendations

Promotions and Features -- a Summer Grab Bag
Ed Perkins

As usual, travel suppliers continue to float various offers and promotions designed to attract you -- and your money. And especially in this lousy economy, many of them try to keep their posted prices low and try to make it on the extras. Here's a rundown of some current ones that came to my attention.

Where the Summer Discounts Are and Are Not
Ed Perkins

Senior travel discounts are still around -- neither as plentiful nor as big as they once were -- but still worth pursuing. Here's my overview of the senior travel picture for this summer.

World's 'Best' Airlines -- Do You Care?
Ed Perkins

This year's 'Airline of the Year' is Asiana, says the latest award list from Skytrax. And no line based in either North America or Europe made the top 10, a list again dominated by lines based in Asia, the Middle East, or the Pacific. These awards always generate a lot of ink and pixels, but I'm not sure they help you much in your real travel world.

Taking the Kids To the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Eileen Ogintz

The National Museum of Natural History boasts more than 126 million objects in its collection, though less than 1 percent is on display at any one time. There's everything from an ancient Neanderthal bone that you can touch to a fossil shark jaw, as well as the famous T-Rex and the glittering Hope Diamond

TSA's Liquid Rules: So Long, 3-1-1?
Christopher Elliott

The Transportation Security Administration's unpopular restrictions on liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on luggage -- better known as the 3-1-1 rule -- are history.

Rejected? Enjoy the Art, But Appeal
Christopher Elliott

If you've recently been the unlucky recipient of a rejection letter from your airline, hotel or car rental company, you're in good company. The travel industry appears to be sending out more form letters than ever.

Right Hotel, Wrong Room
Christopher Elliott

When you make a reservation -- even when you do it online, you've paid for it, and you have a confirmation -- it never hurts to contact the hotel directly. A hotel employee can make a notation in your reservation to ensure you get the right room

Vacation Rentals: 9 Things to Know
Christopher Elliott

Renting a reliable vacation home isn't easy. And not just because there are a seemingly endless number of rental resources to turn to -- everything from local sites that list a few condos to big listing services like HomeAway.com or VRBO.com. I asked experts to identify the biggest challenges when renting a home. Here's what they told me

 

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg: An Austrian Symphony
Rick Steves

Thanks to its charming old town, splendid Baroque churches, and one of Europe's largest medieval fortresses, Salzburg feels designed to keep its visitors happy. With around eight million sightseers prowling its cobbled lanes each year, the city can feel pretty touristy. You don't go to Salzburg to avoid the tourists. You go to experience a town that is thoroughly enjoyable.

 

Cooking School for Kids

Taking the Kids To Cooking School
Eileen Ogintz

As kids become more sophisticated eaters there are more opportunities to learn about cooking and local cuisine on vacation, whether visiting local restaurants or farmer's markets. In fact Kids can even learn to cook while on vacation. Here's how

Lessons Learned From Your Worst Travel Gaffes
Christopher Elliott

If I could generalize about the types of screw-ups most common to travelers, I'd say they're not errors of commission as much as they are errors of omission: leaving something out, forgetting to verify a reservation, or just making an incorrect assumption. Here are some of my favorite travel mistakes

Help! My Refund is Missing in Action
Christopher Elliott

Dara Chuang's flights are rescheduled, and eventually canceled. But her airline can't refund the money back to her credit card because she closed her account. It's been months, and there's still no sign of the money. Can this refund be saved?

Confessions of a Frequent-Flier Program Skeptic
Christopher Elliott

Call me a frequent-flier program skeptic. I take a dim view of any scheme that promises you the world in exchange for all your business. Not that I don't like sitting in first class, staying in a suite or being treated like a movie star. I mean, who doesn't? Having covered the travel industry for most of my career, I just don't believe in 'win-win' propositions. Here's why

Airlines Annoyances -- Can You Avoid Them?
Ed Perkins

The biggest gripe among airline travelers today is luggage charges. An interesting take is to see who is responsible for the various gripes. Out of the top 12 tabulated annoyances, nine are fully or partially the direct result of airline policies and practices

Frequent Flyer Payout -- Great to Lousy
Ed Perkins

How likely are you to find a 'free' seat with your miles when and where you want to go? That depends, says a recent study, on the airline you fly. Among the 22 programs in the study, the range of success rates runs from 'almost every time' to 'hardly ever.' The following results provide some useful conclusions and guidance

Mary Poppins

Taking the Kids to a Broadway Musical
Eileen Ogintz

I can see why the first lady Michelle Obama brought her girls and her mom to see a Broadway Musical. It's terrific when you can be entertained and teach the kids an important lesson about history at the same time. The performances are first rate as are the sets, costumes and, of course, the music

 

Solo Travel Tips

Tips for Traveling Solo
Rick Steves

Solo travel gives you complete freedom and independence. You never have to wait for your partner to pack up. You decide where to go, how far to travel, how much to spend, or when to call it a day. If ad-libbing, it's easier for one to slip between the cracks than two. Of course, there are downsides to traveling alone

How to Save on Summer Vacation Travel
Kimberly Palmer

It's time to start making summer vacation plans. Unlike last year, when deals were plentiful and the best ones often went to those who waited, this year rewards the early bird. Since there are fewer vacation discounts to be had, those who plan ahead -- and choose their destinations and modes of travel strategically -- are snagging the limited offers.

What You Can Learn From First-Time Air Travelers
Christopher Elliott

It isn't just fear that's keeping many of us away from a plane, but common sense. Flying has become such an unbelievably humiliating experience, it's no wonder there are still people out there who haven't flown. If anything, I'm amazed there aren't more of them out there

Hotels Connect the Dots Between Guests and Online Reviews
Christopher Elliott

Hotels want to know who you are, especially if you're reviewing them anonymously. An increasing number of image-conscious hotels have begun connecting the dots between unbylined write-ups that appear on such popular travel sites as TripAdvisor or Yelp, and your personal information, such as your loyalty program preferences

Sunscreen Facts You Need to Know
Stephanie Tweito Jacob

You know sunscreen is a must whenever you're outside, but sunburn has probably still caught you by surprise at some point. By slathering on sunscreen, you may have thought you were playing it safe, but there's actually more to it than that. Check out these commonly held sunscreen myths, then the facts that will keep your fun in the sun safe.

Putting on the Ritz in Orlando
Eileen Ogintz

Families who visit Orlando, Florida can now easily escape in the evening to upscale hotels that welcome kids and won't bust the budget

Airlines Unbundle then Repackage: What's the Deal?
Ed Perkins

Airline 'unbundling' of formerly 'free' features and services has been big lately. You've all heard about new and separate fees for so many services that were once part of the base price. Now, you suddenly see some new repackaging. The big difference is that what was once 'free' in the old bundled fares now costs extra as a package

New Tarmac Rule: Fewer Airline Flight Delays
Ed Perkins

The U.S. government's rule on extended tarmac delays is now fully in effect. The idea is to prevent airlines from keeping passengers 'hostage' for more than three hours on planes waiting to take off or park at a gate. The rule requires that airlines allow travelers to deplane after three hours of going nowhere. But what then?

Germany's Mix of Perfume Chocolate and God
Rick Steves

On the banks of the Rhine, Cologne is an urban Jacuzzi that keeps the Rhine churning. The city that the residents call 'Koln' is home to Germany's greatest Gothic cathedral, its best collection of Roman artifacts, a world-class art museum, and a healthy dose of urban playfulness.

Giving Mom Best Mother's Day Present She's Ever Had
Eileen Ogintz

We moms all know the dirty little secret of family vacations. I'm talking about how moms whisper on the beach, around the pool and on line at theme parks that family vacations are really no vacations at all for them, especially when young kids are part of the equation. Enjoy seeing the trip through the kids eyes and then plan a Mom-only trip as a reward for all of your hard work

Amtrak 2010: Sightseeing Ideas
Ed Perkins

Although environmental concerns and the stimulus package focused attention on rail travel, the country doesn't have much to show for it yet. Still, if you're interested in an all-day sightseeing ride or two- or three-day land cruise: this summer, Amtrak has something for you

I Didn't Mean to Buy Travel Insurance
Christopher Elliott

When Gary Kawesch books airline tickets through Orbitz, he finds a $24 charge for travel insurance that he never bought. Or thought he never bought. Can he get a refund, or is he stuck with something he never meant to order?

Continental - United Airlines Merger: the Consumer View
Ed Perkins

By now you've seen the news that Continental and United airlines have agreed to merge. This isn't a done deal yet as this merger will get a close look by the Departments of Justice and Transportation, and anti-trust concerns could derail it. But most industry mavens believe the climate is right for this merger. And, I'd bet that the fallout for consumers will be more negative than positive

Krakow: Poland's Historic and Cultural Gem
Rick Steves

Krakow is the Boston of Poland -- a charming and vital city buzzing with history, college students, and tourists. Though not the capital, Krakow is the cultural and intellectual center of the country -- and easily Poland's best destination.

Europe this Summer: Mixed Bag of News
Ed Perkins

If you're one of millions of Americans considering a visit to Europe this summer, the outlook has some bright and dim sides. Here's a rundown of some developments you should know, plus a few ideas for getting the most for your money

'Qualify' for a Fleecing?
Ed Perkins

Buy a 'qualifying' ticket and get a huge discount, or some 'free' deal, or something extra -- that's a common come-on in the travel marketplace. And although those deals can sometimes be really good, the fine print often results in your paying more than you should, not less

Forget Your Travel Agent: 4 Trips You Should Book Yourself
Christopher Elliott

Want to go somewhere? Book the trip yourself. There are a lot of vacations you're better off booking by yourself, despite a recent story in which I outlined some trips where you should consult a travel professional

I Had to Pay Twice For My Flights to Mexico
Christopher Elliott

Colleen Farmer's flight to Mexico is rescheduled multiple times before she leaves on her vacation, but when she finally shows up at the airport, her airline demands an additional $948 for two one-way tickets. Now her online travel agency is balking at a refund for the second ticket. What can she do?

What's Next For Airlines Paying by the Pound?
Christopher Elliott

Now that Spirit Airlines has done the unthinkable, announcing plans to begin charging for carry-on bags this summer -- that's right, carry-on bags -- the question everyone seems to be asking is: What's next? The next big idea could be paying by the pound. Seriously

What Parents Say About Family Vacations
Eileen Ogintz

You need a vacation now more than ever, and you shouldn't feel the least bit guilty. In fact, you've got lots of company, according to a new family-travel poll for which I partnered with Travelocity.com

Low Cost Travel Accommodations: Home Exchanges
Ed Perkins

When it comes to low-cost accommodations, you can't beat free. Specifically, if you can arrange to swap your house with someone who lives where you want to go, your vacation accommodations cost nothing up front. And the miscellaneous costs are far less than you'd find at any other place. Here's a guide for considering the plusses and minuses of home exchanges

Low Cost Travel Accommodations: Hospitality Exchanges
Ed Perkins

Previously, I covered home exchange: You stay in someone else's home while they stay in yours. The experience is much like a vacation rental, with payment being in kind rather than cash. This time, I'm looking at hospitality exchange: You arrange to visit remote hosts while they're in residence, and you arrange to accommodate visitors while you're at home. Here's the advantages and disadvantages

Parents Who Shouldn't Be Allowed on a Plane
Christopher Elliott

The problem is as old as air travel itself: Adults seated next to misbehaving kids while confined to a pressurized aluminum tube. But it seemed like until now, at least, we knew whose side the parents were on. Today, you can't be so sure.

Traveling with Pets
Christopher Elliott

Many airlines have raised their pet fees so high that they're often more than the price of the owner's ticket. And more hotels are adding nonrefundable pet deposits to the quarters they allow dog and cat owners to occupy, and they are often the worst rooms in the house. In other words, pets and their owners are in the doghouse.

The Best Airlines in the United States
Ed Perkins

Hawaiian is the highest-quality airline in the United States. At least that's what the just-announced annual Airline Quality Rating (AQR) scores indicate. And the combined quality score for the country's 18 largest airlines rose a bit this year, reaching its best level since 2003. But, at least to me, those AQR scores measure less than half of the real quality story. Here's my quality take

Spirit Airlines Hits Two New Lows
Ed Perkins

Spirit Airlines, never known for a consumer-friendly posture, just scored two new lows. It announced an impending charge for carry-on baggage, and it trumpeted some new -- and false -- one-cent fares that, at least to me, flout Department of Transportation fare advertising rules.

Online Airfare Booking Conspiracy
Christopher Elliott

Airlines and online travel agencies surreptitiously use computer 'cookies' they've implanted on your Web browser to track your activity on their sites and then raise prices when it appears that you're interested in a fare. That's the rumor, at least. So what's really going on?

Four Times You Should Just Say 'No' to a Airfare Travel Deal
Christopher Elliott

If you found a bargain airfare, you'd book it, right? But what if you knew the price was a mistake? Would you still do it? In an era of too-good-to-be-true prices, gimmicky discounts and even an occasional zero fare, travelers have to make that call every day. Sometimes they get it right. Sometimes not.

 

St. Peter's Basilica

Touring Rome When All Doesn't Go as Planned
Eileen Ogintz

Some families prefer to have someone else sweat all the details when traveling to Italy, planning the entire trip with the kids and grandkids in mind, albeit paying for the privilege. Certainly such trips are easier, but there is also something to be said for discovering a foreign city on your own with your kids. But does this make sense for a visit to Rome?

 

Sea Turtle - Marco Island

Traveling Greener as We Celebrate Earth Day
Eileen Ogintz

Little things really make a difference. That's why on vacation, just like at home, we should all do our part to protect the environment. It's as simple as turning off the lights and AC when you leave a hotel room or using fewer paper napkins. Here are a few suggestions

 

Tapas Bar

Eating Tapas in Spain
Rick Steves

I never tire of tapas. Sure, you can find them in some American cities, but for the true tapas experience, you must go to Spain. When I'm there, I can't resist stopping in local bars to munch on these small portions of seafood, salads, meat-filled pastries, deep-fried tasties, and on and on.

 

Delphi

Exploring Greece's Ancient Past: Delphi, Epidavros & Mycenae
Rick Steves

When traveling in a country as old as Greece, ancient ruins can quickly go from magnificent to mind numbing. However, three of my favorite ruins are Delphi, Epidavros and Mycenae. All are within three hours of Athens -- and all are well worth the trek.

Entertaining Edinburgh
Rick Steves

Edinburgh is the cultural heart of Scotland. Once a medieval powerhouse stretching below its mighty castle, today it's one of Europe's most lively and festive cities. Scotland's capital has two distinct halves: a medieval old town and an 18th-century new town.

Honest Guest's Guide to Free Hotel Amenities
Christopher Elliott

Where's the line? When you're staying at a hotel, is it OK to pocket the bottles of shampoo and lotion? How about the magazines? Bathrobes? Furniture? It depends on the traveler.

By Unbundling Airlines Make a Bundle
Christopher Elliott

Airline executives seem to think that a ticket is a seat on a plane, and that's all. The industry has been busy unbundling services that traditionally came with a seat, such as baggage checking, seat reservations and even the ability to pay by credit card. The benefits to the carrier are clear: An airline can quote a low base fare and then add extras, dramatically boosting its profits

Value Destination: Go Back to College
Ed Perkins

If you're looking for some low-cost place to go this spring or fall, consider a college town. Chances are you'll find lots to do and plenty of reasonably priced accommodations, restaurants, and activities. I'm referring here to those many small- to medium-size cities around the country that are home to good-size colleges and universities.

Budget Hotels in Europe
Ed Perkins

Europe's hotel landscape is quite a bit different from ours: some of the players are the same, but with very different positions. And knowing the hotel landscape is increasingly important as big chains slowly but surely edge out the funky independent 'mom and pop' hotels and bed & breakfasts to which budget travelers formerly gravitated as a matter of course.

Healthy Eating at Disney World is Possible
Andrea Donsky

Whenever I told someone we were going to Disney World, the immediate reaction was: 'You'll have nothing to eat. All they have there is fast food, and lots of it.' Luckily, we stayed at a suite about 10 minutes away from the parks, rented a car, and went to Whole Foods Market at least three times during our one-week stay. However, Disney World is not without healthy options ...

New-Style Vacation Trips Trip with the Grandparents
Eileen Ogintz

Multigenerational family vacations provide unfettered time together to laugh and play and eat. Recently, what's changed is the kind of multigenerational vacationtrips available. As baby boomers become grandparents and seniors become more active, families are opting for more far-flung and active adventures

Princess for a Day at Disney World
Eileen Ogintz

There's the curtsying and the waving and even the proper way to ask for a piece of cake, which a group of young princesses-in-training -- their tiaras perfectly in place -- quickly found out during princess lessons at the Perfectly Princess Tea at Disney World's Grand Floridian Resort

Easter in Europe
Rick Steves

Throughout Europe, Easter-related festivities fill streets, squares, and stores. For the religious, it's a time of church services, prayers, and rituals. For the secular world, it means feasting, candy, games, and yes -- the Easter Bunny. But even though most of Europe celebrates, each diverse culture pays homage in its own way.

Where Are Cheap Round-the-World Airfares
Ed Perkins

A reader who had read about 'cheap round-the-world airfares' asked me how to find a series of cheap one-way tickets for a one-month round-the-world (RTW) trip. On each route, the reader found that one-way segments cost almost as much as round-trips. And the reader was uninterested in any packages -- just the airfares, please. Fortunately, this reader has several options.

Premium Economy for Overseas Trips
Ed Perkins

If you're planning a trip across the Atlantic or Pacific, you know how unpleasant those long flights can be in the confines of an economy seat. A few airlines offer relief from that sardine-can crowding, but at prices that might give you pause. Here's a current rundown of premium economy and regular economy fares from all the airlines that offer genuine premium economy

Healthy Hiking With Your Dog
Kim Boatman

Hiking with dogs takes some planning and thought. The following checklist will help keep your hike from turning into a misadventure.

Four Secrets for Upgrading Your Next Vacation
Christopher Elliott

While the travel industry seems hell-bent on downgrading your next trip, (and I have to be careful here not to single out my friends in the travel agency community -- you're the victims here, too) there are a few things you can do to make sure it doesn't happen. You can upgrade your trip. How? Here are a few tips I've picked up as a consumer advocate

What's New in Eastern Europe in 2010
Rick Steves

Eastern Europe continues to work hard to build its growing tourist industry. From Prague to Poland to Turkey, there are plenty of changes in the works for 2010.

Low Fare Airline to Europe? Sort Of
Ed Perkins

With peak season airfares to Europe hitting the stratosphere, many of you are asking if any low-fare airlines offer some real price competition. The answer is that, at least so far, offerings are meager -- limited routes and underwhelming fare breaks. Only four low-fare airlines have planned transatlantic flights from the U.S. this summer. I found the following

Europe: Rental Car Age Limits
Ed Perkins

Before you commit to a driving trip in Europe, make sure all the drivers in your party conform to local requirements. Although those requirements are generally similar to what you find at home, a few -- especially maximum age limits in a some cases -- may surprise you.

What's New in Scandinavia in 2010
Rick Steves

In the coming year, travelers to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Scandinavian's Baltic neighbor, Estonia, will find fun new innovations that many have come to expect from these creative Nordic countries. And most of the action is taking place in their capital cities, where new sights and exciting events are sure to keep visitors entertained.

Taking the Kids to Bermuda
Eileen Ogintz

Just 66,000 inhabit pristine Bermuda, which is a territory made up of about 138 small coral islands. Yes, we see businessmen on their way to work wearing Bermuda shorts, knee-high socks, and shirts and ties. Hedges are manicured and lawns are mowed. Houses are painted rainbow colors -- bright orange, green and blue, pastel pinks and yellows. It makes you happy just to look at them.

Taking the Kids to Chile
Eileen Ogintz

I can't think of a better spot for an adventure with teens or grown children. Chile, after all, is a stable, safe country that is attracting many American students studying abroad and the weather here is pleasant all year. Plus, The atmosphere is conducive to making new friends, whatever your age.

Too Sick to Fly? When to Put Yourself on the 'No Fly' List
Christopher Elliott

A recent poll by TripAdvisor suggests 51 percent of air travelers say they'd rather fly while infected with the flu than pay a $150 airline change fee. A similar survey by msnbc.com found nearly 60 percent of travelers would fly infected instead of taking the hit to their pocketbook. That's something worth considering as we approach the peak of the flu season.

Lowest Airfare? You May Have to Connect
Ed Perkins

An airline can fly you between two points nonstop at a lower cost than flying you on two connecting flights, right? Yes. Obviously, then, nonstop fares should be lower than connecting fares, right again? Sorry, not this time. All too often, the lowest fares on any itinerary require you take connecting flights.

Europe 2010: Pricey, But with Some Good Deals
Ed Perkins

Lots of you are thinking about heading to Europe this year. If so, you're likely to find steady hotel prices, but future airfares are iffy. Over the years, I've cautioned you to look at total trip costs, including hotels and internal transportation. That's still a valid rule, but airfares look like they will become more critical this year than last

 

Spree River, Berlin

What's New in Germany and Switzerland for 2010
Rick Steves

From a traveler's point of view, the business at hand seems to be to keep the economy going and visitors entertained. Things are changing in Switzerland as well. Germany's southern neighbor continues to impress me with the creative, constructive, and democratic ways it grapples with various challenges. Here are a few changes you'll encounter in both countries in 2010.

What's New in Great Britain and Ireland in 2010
Rick Steves

A key to experiencing Great Britain and Ireland smartly in 2010 is to embrace them not as 'ye olde' destinations but as modern ones.

 

Kidcentric Skiing

Totally Kidcentric and Affordable Ski Resorts
Eileen Ogintz

If your kids were mesmerized by Shaun White's amazing tricks, Lindsey Vonn's speed, as well as the other athletes' grace and athleticism on ice and on snow at the Winter Olympics and are clamoring for a trip to a snow resort, it's not too late, or too expensive. There are deals, packages and special events like Keystone's Kidtopia from now until the end of the ski season

How to Ensure Your Luggage Survives a Trip
Christopher Elliott

There are no statistics on luggage failures of the type I encountered -- broken handles, busted wheels, screwed-up zippers -- but plenty of stories. Here are four luggage horror stories, and some tips on how to cope with them.

What Hotels Will Resort to For a Good Review
Christopher Elliott

Oh, the things hotels will do for a good review. It's not enough to ask guests for a write-up on a popular site such as TripAdvisor or Yelp after they've checked out. Lately, some innkeepers have been pressuring their customers to say positive things online -- in extreme cases, even before they've checked in.

Accidental Tourist? Tips for Maximizing Happy Coincidences and Avoiding Bad Ones
Christopher Elliott

Accidents -- good and bad -- happen when we're away. More so, maybe, because there's a certain randomness about travel -- a sense that the unexpected can happen. For better or worse. No one has tried to quantify the happy coincidences

Low Airfares That Vanish in a Click
Christopher Elliott

When you find a fare online, it isn't actually there -- it's cached on the site. Caching, or storing a copy of the fare information, is cheaper and makes everything run faster. But there's a price to be paid for the speed and convenience: A small number of fares -- usually less than 5 percent -- may no longer be available when you try to book them.

Air Travel: Buying Extra Legroom
Ed Perkins

If you don't want to pay the exorbitant price for a first-class ticket, your only chance to avoid the bone-crunching crowding of the airlines' coach/economy cabins is to wangle a coach seat with extra legroom. Rather than dole out those choice seats first come, first served, more and more airlines have taken to selling access to them.

Priceline Opens Up; Quikbook Goes Opaque
Ed Perkins

For a short time, Priceline -- one of the two major 'opaque' booking sites -- is posting current and recent successful bids. A formerly 'transparent' site, Quikbook, has added 'opaque' booking features. Opaque means you don't know the name of the hotel or airline until after you've made a nonrefundable payment.

Another Argument For Travel Insurance
Ed Perkins

You should consider trip-cancellation insurance (TCI) any time you make a big upfront deposit or prepayment, on any travel service, that is either nonrefundable or carries a big cancellation penalty. Whenever your exposure is larger than you can afford to ignore should you have to cancel, you probably need insurance. Here are my rules for travel insurance

Travel Apps for Your Smart Phone
Ed Perkins

Priceline just announced its compilation of the 10 most popular free travel apps for the industry-leading iPhone (some of which are also available in other phone systems)

6 Ways to Save: Family Vacations
Peg Rosen - Ideas That Spark

You may have to forgo your big vacation plans this year, but a tighter budget doesn't have to doom your summer getaway altogether. You just have to be more creative, more flexible and willing to spend a little extra time finding deals. And without a doubt, great deals are out there. These out-of-the-box ideas may just make that postponed summer vacation downright doable

Taking the Kids Fishing in Alaska
Eileen Ogintz

We are on the world-famous Kenai River in Alaska with one of the river's best guides, Steve Fickes, who jokes that he's been guiding 'ever since I got my accounting degree' -- more than two decades ago.

Anatomy of a Travel Scam
Rob Silverblatt

In a jumbled mess of phony invoices, misappropriated trademarks, and concocted credentials, New York businessman Joseph Ehrenreich's elaborate scam has come crashing down over the course of the past year. Like most intricate travel-related frauds, Ehrenreich's scheme began with a simple premise: heavily discounted vacations

Florence, Italy

What's New in Italy for 2010
Rick Steves

One reason why Italy is so much fun is that it just keeps changing. Here are a few new developments that are handy for you to know if you'll be visiting the land of 'la dolce vita.'

What's New in France for 2010
Rick Steves

Mixing an abundance of cultural treasures and national pride, France is spiffing up its sights and museums from the Rhine to the Pyrenees. Of course, the biggest news is in Paris, where 2010 brings important changes that smart travelers will want to know about.

Taking the Kids On Spring Break
Eileen Ogintz

If you think spring break is only for college kids, think again. While more college students opt to do volunteer work on their breaks families have discovered that it is easier -- and often cheaper -- to get away in the spring than in the summer when camps and summer jobs -- not to mention work schedules and peak travel season perils -- wreak havoc with family vacation planning.

My Hotel Lost a Star -- What Now?
Christopher Elliott

When Stephanie Farrow books a nonrefundable hotel room through Priceline, she's promised a four-star property. She ends up with a three-star and when she complains, she's given the runaround. Is her lost star a lost cause?

When Travelers Experience Discrimination
Christopher Elliott

As self-described 'adventurous grandparents,' Trevor and Jean Broome had been looking forward to their upcoming trip to Costa Rica, which included diving, hiking, snorkeling and whitewater rafting. Until they got some bad news from their tour operator: They were too old for the tour they had selected.

Good Airline Fees? Some Are Worth the Money
Christopher Elliott

This isn't another story about airlines and their misguided fees. It's about the surcharges that are worth paying -- and why you should consider saying, 'yes' to them. That's right, I said 'worth it.' While many fees are outrageous, some aren't entirely out of line.

Clear Airfares Act Left Sitting on the Tarmac
Christopher Elliott

The Clear Airfares Act is a Senate bill that would require airlines and online travel agencies to disclose any additional fees before you buy a ticket. And the End Discriminatory State Taxes for Automobile Renters Act would prohibit states or localities from collecting a discriminatory tax on motor vehicle rentals. Just one problem: Neither of these bills have been passed.

Expedia Goes Accessible; Travelocity Goes Opaque
Ed Perkins

The big online travel websites keep improving their utility, constantly adding new features and improving old ones. Latest tweaks involve rooms for travelers who need special access features, plus a new 'opaque' option.

Rental Car 'Gotchas' That Can Cost You Real Money
Ed Perkins

Many rental car contracts, supposedly with 'unlimited' mileage, limit areas where you can drive. If you drive outside these areas, you could face some very unpleasant consequences.

London Suits Everyone to a Tea
Margaret M. Johnson

Whoever suggested that teatime in London was a crotchety affair enjoyed by middle-aged ladies in hats and gloves obviously has not paid a visit to the British capital in decades.

Glasgow: Scotland With Style and More
Margaret M. Johnson

Glasgow was named 'European City of Culture' in 1990 and 'UK City of Architecture and Design' in 1999. More recently, it was voted as one of the UK's top shopping destinations (second only to London); tagged 'Scotland with Style' by fashionistas, artists and designers; and on Nov. 9, won its bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games

 

The Royal Scotsman

Touring Scotland On Board the Royal Scotsman
Margaret M. Johnson

There are trains, and then there are trains -- classic, old-fashioned, romantic and luxurious -- like The Royal Scotsman, a nine-car rolling hotel that takes guests to the heart of the Highlands through landscapes of pine-clad mountains and lochs. If you think you'd like to see Scotland from the comfort of a classic Pullman train, then this is an adventure worth waiting for.

 

Gallyhead Lighthouse

Ireland: Lighthouses, Lodges, Mews Offer Unique Accommodations
Margaret M. Johnson

Next time you visit Ireland, you might want to live like a king, try being a lighthouse keeper, or even fantasize about protecting your master's estate from your tiny gate lodge. Thanks to the Irish Landmark Trust visitors can live out a dream while enjoying self-catering accommodations in unique, beautifully restored properties.

 

Vatican Musuem

What's New in Rome and Venice in 2010
Rick Steves

Rome and Venice are two of my favorite cities. But to enjoy these classic destinations fully, you need to be prepared for changes in 2010. Knowing about a few recent developments will make your visit smoother this year.

Venice Beyond St. Mark's
Margaret M. Johnson

Venice is today more noted for its constant throng of tourists -- more than 12 million annually -- who come to see its spectacular churches, elaborate-but-faded palazzos, incomparable art, and of course, the maze of alleys, canals, and bridges that link the little islands that make up the city as a whole.

 

Abruzzo, Italy

Abruzzo Italy's Forgotten Region
Marguerite Thomas

Tired of lounging under the Tuscan sun? Are you sick of the crowds in Rome and the tourists in Venice? Bored by the dolce vita rampant in Capri? For a change of pace, go to Abruzzo, Italy's forgotten region.

 

Fishing Port of Cefalu

Digging Up Roots In Sicily
Cindy Ross

Sicily is distinct from the rest of Europe and far, far away from mainland Italy in appearance, feel and culture. Sicily is exotic, rich in culture and contains some of the most stunning scenery found anywhere on the planet. The coast alternates between a panorama of rugged cliffs and mountains to sandy shores. You'll find a mix of Italian, Arabic, Greek, French and Spanish cultures

 

Telluride, Colorado

Mountain Magic In Telluride
Anne Z. Cooke

Any time of year is a good time to stay at the Mountain Lodge in Telluride, which is located in southwest Colorado's San Juan Range. The 14,000-thousand foot giants looming over Telluride, rocky hunks tracing a ragged barrier above the village, are surely Colorado's most spectacular.

Winter Park Ski Resort: It's Almost Famous
Anne Z. Cooke

From the top of Winter Park Ski Resort's Parsenn Bowl, 12,060 feet, you can see forever. On an icy February morning, with the thermometer hovering at 10 degrees above zero, Colorado's mighty Front Range glimmered across the valley, a ghostly image mantled with snow.

Happy Trails: When The Family Skis Together
Anne Z. Cooke

Parents who learned to ski when they were young, want their kids to learn, too, hoping they'll soon be able to ski together. With demand up, especially during Winter Break and Spring Vacation weeks, most ski resorts have revamped their ski schools to make lessons more fun and more effective.

 

Silverton Mountain, Colorado

Taking the Kids to Silverton Colorado
Eileen Ogintz

Silverton Mountain Resort isn't just any ski resort. For one thing, there is only one lift and no bathrooms, just an outhouse. Only expert skiers need come and be prepared to work for your turns. You might have to hike 45 minutes -- uphill in 10,000-foot-plus elevation. The payoff is skiing down in pristine backcountry.

White Days, White Nights Mark St. Petersburg's Seasons
Anne Z. Cooke

Russia's northern capital, St. Petersburg, sprang up in the early 18th century by the will of Tsar Peter I, also known as Peter the Great. Without question, the markings of continental Europe are everywhere in the city, which is often called the 'Venice of the North' or the 'Paris of the East.' Both monikers are justified

Life in Alaska's Arctic Villages
Diana Korte

The Alaskan wilderness is home to hundreds of miles of lakes and rivers, mountains and forests, but few people. Our travels took us to Anaktuvuk Pass, the last remaining Nunamiut settlement, and Bettles in search of the Northern Lights and the wilderness experience of Alaska's far north

 

Alaska's Glaciers

Small Ships, Big Views, Sailing Alaska's Wild Coast
Anne Z. Cooke

On a bright June day last year, the 62-passenger Sea Bird glided through a narrow passage on the eastern fringe of the Inside Passage and anchored in an isolated inlet. Here, far from the main channel, in a corner of Alaska's northern wilderness, six passengers climbed into an inflatable dinghy and went ashore for a walk in the woods.

Hacienda Living at The Four Seasons Biltmore
Anne Z. Cooke

This is the historic Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel, evoking the nostalgia of yesteryear, a reminder of the Golden State's power to turn myth into reality. The hotel, built in 1927, when the revival of early California's colonial architecture was in its heyday, was a landmark from the day it opened.

 

Sonoma

Sonoma California with Wine Glass and Hiking Boots
Margaret M. Johnson

I am in northern California on a Sonoma County Vineyards tour with Zephyr Adventures for the past dozen years, been leading expeditions for people who want to stay active rather than sedentary while they travel. Zephyr offers a range of activities such as hiking and biking

 

Kayaking Kauai Hawaii

Kayaking Kauai Hawaii
Anne Z. Cooke

On the official tourist map, Hawaii's Hanalei River looks like a big river, a thick blue line that snakes down the slopes of 5,148-foot Mount Wai'ale'ale and turns north for 14 miles. It looks perfect for paddling. In reality, the upper nine or 10 miles of the river are too shallow for navigation.

 

Kalaupapa

Kalaupapa National Historic Park
Cindy Ross

Kalaupapa, almost an island, sits like an afterthought on a two square mile peninsula. Long after the main island of Molokai was formed, a small shield volcano erupted and spread out this perfect triangle of land, perfect for sending exiles. Besides the formidable sea cliff, the peninsula is surrounded on all sides by a tumultuous sea.

Hiking in Switzerland with Untours
Cindy Ross

First morning in Switzerland, something very special. I sit up in bed and look out the window of our Swiss chalet and gasp. Across the valley, the snow-covered peak of the Wetterhorn is bathed in rosy morning light, its hulking shape chiseled, clear and brilliant against the deep blue sky. It looks like a stellar day and I want to be hiking in the Alps, where my head can scrape heaven.

 

Bern's Zytglogge

Switzerland: Heavenly Heart of Europe
Margaret Johnson

I just spent eight glorious days sampling Zurich, Bern, Lucerne and Interlaken. Forget the staid images and get ready to be dazzled by bustling cities oozing with great shopping, fabulous food, exciting events, and some of the most hospitable people you'll meet anywhere. And if you really want some of the world's most beautiful scenery, Switzerland's the right place for that, too.

 

Crystal Symphony

Scandinavia's Seaside Capitals - Baltic Sea Cruises
Margaret M. Johnson

One of the world's fastest-growing cruise destinations is the Baltic region, an area around the Baltic Sea that stretches from southern Denmark to near the Arctic Circle. Along its shore are some of the world's most fabled cities -- Copenhagen, Helsinki and Stockholm, to name a few -- and lands once inhabited by kings, czars and Viking warriors.

 

Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls Hotel: See The Falls Stay At The Hotel
Anne Z. Cooke

It doesn't take much to provoke a debate about the Victoria Falls Hotel, legendary queen of the Zambezi River and the pride of the former British Empire. Travelers with a soul and a sense of history glow with delight. A newer generation of travelers, the same people who demand armchairs made yesterday and 800-thread-count linens, aren't so sure.

 

The Grace Hotel

First Class and Then Some:
Grace Hotel Rosebank South Africa
Anne Z. Cooke

If you're flying into Johannesburg, South Africa, the trailhead for wildlife adventure safaris here and in Botswana, there's a good reason to start and end your travels at the GRACE HOTEL in Rosebank.

 

Heidelberg

Heidelberg: The Very Image of Romantic Germany
Bo Zaunders

Heidelberg is the very image of romantic Germany. To begin with, the setting is just perfect, especially as seen from the Philosophenweg on the opposite bank of the River Neckar. From there, after a steep climb, you turn around and see below the old bridge spanned by two spitzhelm towers, and beyond it the Old Town, embraced by high forested mountains.

Salzburg Austria: Stage Of The World
Margaret M. Johnson

You really don't need to be a Mozart fan to enjoy a visit to Salzburg, Austria's second city, and the place where the great composer was born. But keep in mind, they don't bill it 'the stage of the world' for nothing. Since 1920, the Salzburg Festival has honored its native son with productions of his works by some of the world's greatest musicians

 

Himeji Castle

Japan's Appeal: Safe, Scenic And Sociable
Diana Korte

In many parts of the world, travelers are warned to beware of thieves, muggers, even terrorists, but not in Japan. Japan is a traveler's safe haven. Though crowded, especially in the cities, Japan is home to a polite people, colorful food and historic sites. There are countless sights and wonders in Japan, but here's our top 10 list of things to see, do and eat in the land of the rising sun.

Naughty No More: New York's 42nd Street
Marguerite Thomas

One could easily spend an entire day in New York without ever venturing off 42nd Street, Manhattan's most famous cross-town road has everything a visitor could want including shops, theaters, hotels, restaurants, and some of the world's best sightseeing.

 

Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary

Balmy Barbados
Diana Korte

You can imagine, of course, that the beaches are fabulous on Barbados. You even get to choose between the pounding surf of the Atlantic on one side of the island and the gentle waters of the Caribbean on the other. The prosperous 14-by-20-mile island of Barbados hosts plenty of sunbathers, but that's not all.

Charleston Proof That South Has Risen Again
Diana Korte

Friendly in that Southern way, Charleston, S.C., the city by the sea, keeps the welcome mat out for travelers. More than 300 years old, Charleston began as a flourishing seaport. Because of that centuries-old history, this place is filled with hundreds of historic homes. And among the attractions of the countryside are grand old plantations full of sweeping movie-scene vistas.

 

Camel Trekking

Morocco: Land Of 'A Thousand Welcomes'
Cindy Ross

The best introduction a traveler could possibly have to Morocco at night is Marrakech's gigantic square, Djemaa el Fna -- in the heart of the city. Nothing else can compare.

 

Houseboating

Houseboating on the Mississippi River
Cindy Ross

Mark Twain said, in 'Life on the Mississippi,' the autobiographical account of his years as a riverboat captain, 'Mississippi steamboats were floating palaces. They were finer than anything on shore. They tallied with the citizen's dream of what magnificence was, and satisfied it.' Watching this spectacle, we'd have to agree.

Barcelona Spain: Cutting Edge Catalonia
Margaret M. Johnson

Enjoying a privileged position in the northeast triangle of the Iberian Peninsula, Barcelona has sometimes been called a northern European city in a southern Mediterranean country. Great climate, beautiful beaches, and a zest for outdoor life, the Barcelonese know how to combine the best of these worlds with a reasonable dose of seny (common sense) and a hefty spirit of sabor (flavor).

Improved DOT 'Air Consumer' Website
Ed Perkins

The U.S. Department of Transportation's recently updated 'Aviation Consumer Protection and Enforcement' Website provides easy access to information available on your 'rights' as an air passenger. And although the content is generally the same as before, it's more accessible. Of the six main options in the opening menu, three are of greatest use to most travelers.

Airfare Deals: Look for the 'Secret' Code
Ed Perkins

In an ongoing effort to keep you tied to their own booking sites, some of the big airlines give out special promotional codes for fare deals they don't advertise openly. These deals aren't available at all to the general public, and especially not to those 'aggregator' sites that are supposed to search everywhere for the lowest fares.

Hotel Fees That Must Die and How to Kill Them
Ed Perkins

Resort fees. Mandatory tips. Concierge surcharges. If you've stayed at a hotel in the last few years, you've become accustomed -- if not anesthetized -- to these annoying extras. You expect them. You're indifferent to them when they appear on your bill. You shouldn't be.

10 Questions Most Frequently Asked By Travelers
Christopher Elliott

At a time like this, with governments imposing new security rules, airlines teetering on the brink of bankruptcy and many hotels facing foreclosure, travelers often have more questions than answers. Which is why I thought I'd devote a column answering the most common travel questions

 

The Ring of Kerry

Ireland's Iveragh Peninsula: Ring Around the Ring of Kerry
Rick Steves

One of Ireland's most popular destinations is the Iveragh Peninsula -- commonly known as 'The Ring of Kerry.' The Ring, lassoed by a winding coastal road through a mountainous, lake-splattered region, is undeniably scenic. Visitors since Victorian times have been drawn to this evocative chunk of the Emerald Isle, where mysterious ancient ring forts stand sentinel on mossy hillsides.

 

Clair Bidez

Getting Up-close & Personal with Olympians
Eileen Ogintz

It's cold, dark and the snow is dumping, but that doesn't stop thousands from turning out at Park City Mountain Resort to cheer on snowboarding superstars Shaun White and Hannah Teter, as well as other world-class athletes as they strut their stuff in their competition before the 2010 Olympics.

 

Norwegian Epic Studio

New Cruise Cabins for Singles
Ed Perkins

At least one big cruise line has decided to court the solo travel market. Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Epic has 128 'Epic Studios' designed for single occupancy. Although a few other big cruise ships have a few single cabins, Norwegian Epic's studios are unlike anything else in the major-line cruise inventory

Should Airlines Honor Fares That Are Obvious Mistakes
Christopher Elliott

I've run across travelers who feel that a company should honor any fare error, no matter how outrageous, and who don't think twice about booking blocks of rooms or several tickets at a wrong price. Not only do I find that ethically problematic, but it also makes matters more difficult for passengers

'People Movers' Ease Airport Hassles
Ed Perkins

Dulles inaugurated its new billion-dollar 'people mover,' and it should make life a lot easier for you whether you live in the area, visit the area, or have to change planes there. Dulles joins a number of other airports around the United States -- and the world -- that offer an easier and more convenient alternative to trekking through endless corridors or schlepping on and off buses

'Couches' in Economy Class -- For Real
Ed Perkins

Air New Zealand generated a lot of ink (and pixels) with the announcement that it was installing 'Skycouches' in a few rows of seats in the economy cabins of its long-haul 777s. Couches -- really? Yes, starting later this year, the line really will be offering a sort of flat seating option, but it will be a far cry from what most of us would consider lie-down seating.

Some New Worries for 2010
Ed Perkins

As if the lousy economy and security hassles weren't enough, the travel industry keeps cooking up some new ways to squeeze a few more dollars out of you or squeeze you into fewer inches. Last year's decline in tourism has inflicted a big hit on the economies of many destination areas. So what do those destinations do?

Getting Up-close & Personal with Olympians
Eileen Ogintz

It's cold, dark and the snow is dumping, but that doesn't stop thousands from turning out at Park City Mountain Resort to cheer on snowboarding superstars Shaun White and Hannah Teter, as well as other world-class athletes as they strut their stuff in their competition before the 2010 Olympics.

Find Cheaper Car Rental Rates Away From the Airport
Christopher Elliott

The best rate Darren Popik could find on a car rental at the airport recently was $114. So he widened his search to off-airport car rental locations and found a better deal. At a time when rental rates are climbing, many travelers cast a wide net when looking for affordable auto rental rates. Why such a dramatic price difference between on-airport and off-airport locations?

Canceled Flight ... So Where's My Refund
Christopher Elliott

I recently booked a flight through Expedia from Orlando to Hyderabad, India. The flights were on Continental Airlines and Jet Airways. After I made the reservation and received a confirmation, I got an e-mail from Expedia that one leg of my flight had been canceled. I have been trying to get a refund for that canceled flight since then

 

Patagonia, Chile

Taking the Kids to Patagonia
Eileen Ogintz

Chile's famous Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia is the most beautiful in South America and it is heart-stoppingly gorgeous -- turquoise-blue lakes, soaring snow-covered peaks, glaciers, fields dotted with red grasses and green-and-yellow shrubs.

 

Mont Blanc

From France to Italy Over Mont Blanc
Rick Steves

Imagine dangling in your own private little gondola, gliding silently for 40 minutes as you cross the Mer de Glace or 'sea of ice.' You just left the last stop in France. On your right is the pillowy summit of Mont Blanc -- Europe's tallest mountain. Ahead of you, the next stop is Italy.

 

Le Mont Saint-Michel

France's Mont St. Michel: Magnificence On A Mudflat
Rick Steves

I love to scamper, at low tide, shoes in my hands, far from shore, across the mud flat in the vast Bay of Mont St. Michel. Splashing across black sand and through little puddles, I head for a dramatic abbey reaching to heaven from a rock surrounded by a vast and muddy solitude.

Paris: City of Cozy Neighborhoods
Rick Steves

Paris is endlessly entertaining is because of its neighborhoods. On streets such as rue des Martyrs, real people make cozy communities in the midst of this vast, high-powered city. You find a warm and human vibrancy you miss when just visit Paris' main attractions and museums. And Rue des Martyrs is the perfect example

 

Positano, Amalfi Coast

Positano Italy: Stroll Behind the Chic Facades
Rick Steves

For most, Positano is simply the most romantic and chic stop on Italy's Amalfi Coast. South of Naples, the famous coast is blessed with beaches, sunshine, and picturesque towns spilling down steep hillsides. Many who visit Positano want only to shop and lay on the beach. But the tour guide in me simply must put a little historic and cultural meat on your visit.

 

The Scene in Naples

Naples: Italy in the Extreme
Rick Steves

All my life, Naples has been the symbol of chaos, stress, and culture shock for European travel. However, the pulse of Italy throbs in Naples. Like Cairo or Bombay, it's appalling and captivating at the same time, the closest thing to 'reality travel' that you'll find in Western Europe. This tangled mess still somehow manages to breathe, laugh, and sing with a captivating Italian accent.

 

Nazare's Golden Beach

Portugal's Nazare: Beach Town with Traditions
Rick Steves

Nazare is simply a fine way to enjoy the endearing charms of Portugal. The energetic applause of the surf, widows with rooms to rent, and big plates of steamed shrimp will greet you. You can relax in this sunny land of cork groves and eucalyptus trees. Even with its summer crowds, Nazare is a fun stop that offers a surprisingly good look at old Portugal.

 

Mosel Valley Germany

Slowing Down in Germany's Mosel Valley
Rick Steves

During a frantically busy trip to Europe, I hopped on a train and slipped off into Germany's dreamy Mosel Valley, figuring that a dose of quaint, cobbled towns and storybook castles was just what I needed. The Mosel, located near Germany's western border, is the Rhine's peaceful little sister.

5 Easy Ways to Avoid a la Carte Anarchy When You Fly
Christopher Elliott

It used to be so simple: The price you were quoted for an airline ticket, rental car or cruise used to be the price you actually paid. Ah, the good old days. Today, the rate you're given is almost never the final price. It's considerably more.

Transportation Department Steps Up Efforts in Aviation Consumer Protection
Christopher Elliott

Aviation consumer protection is a top priority for Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. And air travelers are impressed with the 'new' Department of Transportation, which, if you listen to the buzz, appears to be protecting consumers for the first time in years.

Small-Ship Cruises: Intimate Unusual and Expensive
Ed Perkins

Cruising in a small ship -- typically accommodating fewer than 500 travelers, with many carrying only 50 to150 -- can take you places those behemoths couldn't get near. On a small-ship cruise, you typically get to know everyone else traveling along with you. The downside, however, is a big one: Small-ship cruises cost far more than megaship mass-market cruises.

Whose Hotel Reviews Do You Trust
Ed Perkins

A recent ad directed to the industry -- and maybe consumers, as well -- asks whether travelers are better off trusting hotel reviews compiled by 'expert travel writers' or by ordinary travelers who may not have a clue about evaluating hotels. The ad was sponsored by one of the professional services, so you can guess the answer. But is that also the right answer for you?

 

Skiing

Taking the Kids - Skiing this Winter without Busting the Budget
Eileen Ogintz

Let's not let the dire economic news deter us from having some fun in the snow this winter. Sure mountain sports can be pricy, but they can also prove to be wonderfully memorable family times. If we plan smart -- and in advance -- we can hit the slopes with the kids without busting the budget. In fact, there are more deals than ever to choose from

Taking the Kids - How Snow Sports Can Transform a Child's Life
Eileen Ogintz

They look like any group of young snowboarders decked out in the latest Burton gear, but looks, as we know, can be deceiving. These kids can't afford snow sports or the gear, much less bus fare to the mountain. They are here thanks to Jake Burton Carpenter, the founder of Burton Snowboards.

 

Mohonk Mountain House

Taking the Kids to Mohonk Mountain House
Eileen Ogintz

We miss the turn on the dark, winding road, a road that seems to go on forever. But, then, there it is, right in front of us, the sprawling Victorian castle at Mohonk Mountain House. Not exactly what you'd expect just north of New York City. The 265-room Mohonk Mountain House resort, located in the Hudson River Valley, is a rarity.

 

Grand Canyon Train

Taking the Kids - Old-Fashioned Train Ride to the Grand Canyon
Eileen Ogintz

It's that rare vacation moment when everyone is happy at the same time. And all it took was an old-fashioned train in a remote Arizona town and a singing cowboy leading the kids. We're on our way to the Grand Canyon the way tourists came more than a century ago, before the Grand Canyon was designated a national park in 1919, via the Grand Canyon Railway

 

Tango Buenos Aires

Bound For Buenos Aires Argentina
Diana Korte

Tourism is up in Buenos Aires, Argentina. And why not? It's more affordable than most exotic destinations, it's big city fun, and it's home to the tango and all that this dance brings to visitors who come to this city known as the Paris of the South.

 

Grand Hotel

Michigan's Mackinac Island
Cindy Ross

Mackinac Island sits in the Straits of Mackinac, which divides Lake Huron from Lake Michigan. Modern-day visitors arrive either by small plane or by ferry. Bicycles, horses, and your feet are the only modes of transportation around the tiny island. Many of the island's most popular sites are located within walking distance

 

Marquesas Islands

Polynesian Odyssey Voyage to the Marquesas Islands
Bo Zaunders

The Marquesas Islands. This is the most northerly archipelago in French Polynesia, just south of the equator, and farther from a continental landfall than any other group of islands on earth -- as far as you can get from so-called civilization

 

Bora Bora

The Magic Of Bora Bora
Diana Korte

Greetings from Bora Bora -- that tiny piece of heaven in the South Pacific. The water is impossibly blue, except for those improbable shades of green, and everywhere you turn, it is -- snap, snap, snap -- picture postcard perfect. James Michener, author of 'Tales of the South Pacific,' thought Bora Bora was the most beautiful island of all. No wonder.

 

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta Family Fun Down Mexico Way
Anne Z. Cooke

It's an artist's haven, and an international playground. But beyond Puerto Vallarta's cruise port and its two-mile-long row of multi-story hotels, the spirit of Mexico lives on

 

Yosemite

Yosemite National Park in Winter
Anne Z. Cooke

As winter steals over Yosemite National Park, in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, a hush fills the valley. Walking along the snowy banks of the Merced River as it winds its way below towering cliffs, it's obvious to a group of visitors why Yosemite Valley is such an inspired place for a winter vacation

 

Squaw Creek

Resort at Squaw Creek: Mountain Luxury in Any Season
Anne Z. Cooke

So near and yet so far is how I'd describe the Resort at Squaw Creek, a four-season luxury lodge and hotel near Lake Tahoe, in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. Dedicated equally to golfing, downhill skiing, hiking, romantic getaways and spa pampering, this award-winning mountain inn is one of my favorite retreats

 

Spectacular Sunset: St. Lucia

Taking the Kids to Saint Lucia
Eileen Ogintz

Boiling mud pots, rain forests, and a drive-in Volcano. All that and spectacular beaches, too, on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, which promises a lot more than your typical resort getaway. Saint Lucia lies midway between Martinique and St. Vincent

 

Kew Gardens

Family Friendly Day Trips From London
Anna Marie Roos

London is a wonderful, exciting lollapalooza of a place, but sometimes you and your family want to leave the city behind. All the destinations featured in this article are a short train or car ride away from central London, offering delights for all ages and interests.

 

Cruise Myths Debunked
Jamie Pearson

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that most of my impressions of life at sea were formed watching The Love Boat or reading scary accounts of shipboard viral outbreaks. Then I sailed aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Gem with my kids. My maiden voyage was a fun and eye-opening experience, not at all what I expected. Here are common misconceptions I no longer labor under

Family Vacation Savings Tips
John Frenaye

After almost 10 years of treks to four continents with kids in tow, I've come up with a few ways to save a buck and still have fun. Here are my top five money-saving, family-travel tips

7 Trips You Should Never Book Online
Christopher Elliott

Some vacations should never be booked through anyone but a travel agent, and a honeymoon is arguably one of them. But there are others, too, as travelers are discovering. So when should you not book on the Internet? Here are seven kinds of trips not to book over the Internet

Flying Under the Influence of the TSA
Christopher Elliott

I won't insult you by repeating the obvious advice being dispensed by the so-called experts, such as arriving at the airport early or packing light. Instead, I'd like to take a longer view on traveling while under the influence of the TSA. Assuming that only half of the awful things people are saying about the agency are true, how do you fly?

5 Common Travel Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Christopher Elliott

I'm dedicating this column to travel mistakes, a topic that will be familiar to anyone who reads this feature or follows my misadventures. So here it is, mistakes you should avoid when you travel and how to fix them

Poof! There Go My SkyMiles
Christopher Elliott

Kenneth Miller's Delta SkyMiles are gone -- all 101,000 of them, and without so much as a warning. They were never supposed to expire, but the airline changed its rules without telling him. Does he have any chance of getting them back?

Post-Holiday Travel Bargains Abound But Are They Worth It
Christopher Elliott

Dead Week, for those of you who aren't dyed-in-the-wool bargain hunters, takes place the first week of every year. Actually, Dead Week isn't the only dead week. The week after Thanksgiving and the one after spring break tend to be exceptionally quiet. Are vacations at these times worth it?

Taking the Kids - Skiing in Telluride
Eileen Ogintz

If you thought a trip to a resort like Telluride was too pricey or too hard to reach, think again. Yes, skiing is an expensive sport ($175 a day here at ski school, including gear, lunch and lifts at Telluride) but worth the investment, snow-loving parents believe.

Staying Connected Gets Smarter, Faster and Cheaper
Rick Steves

Over the last few years, there's been a revolution in long-distance communication that makes it easier and cheaper than ever for travelers to stay in touch. Take your laptop or netbook to Europe, hook up to a fast Internet connection, and you can talk to people around the world -- for free.

Travel Entertainment Books For 2010
Ed Perkins

Entertainment discount books for 2010 are now on sale, with coupons and other discount deals valid through fall. Although most list prices are $35 and a few go to $45, discounts are available.

What Do Those New Year Forecasts Really Tell Us
Ed Perkins

You've probably seen a handful of those 'what will happen in 2010' stories. Many of them provide useful information, but all too many others present information that is of no practical use to a typical traveler. The best are those that inform you of good deals, explore interesting things to do, and warn about scams and deceptions. Here are a few that caught my eye.

AARP Travel Deals 2010: Still Underwhelming
Ed Perkins

AARP's travel discounts -- once an important resource for travelers age 50 or over -- continue to decline in their appeal and utility. As I noted last year, you should now view a mass-group discount (AARP, AAA, and such) as a fallback position to be used only when you can't find a better deal some other way. Here's a review

What's in Store for Credit Cards in 2010
Ed Perkins

Chances are you use your credit card heavily -- to buy tickets, accommodations, rent cars, and other trip expenses. For the most part, credit cards probably serve you reasonably well, as long as you don't run up huge interest payments. But a few of you have reported problems. Here's my take on what might happen with credit cards in 2010.

 

Winter in Paris

Winter in Paris: A Cool Time to Go Local
Rick Steves

The City of Light shines year-round, but Paris has a special appeal in winter. Sure, the weather can be cold and rainy, but if you dress in layers, you'll keep warm and easily deal with temperature changes as you go from cold streets to heated museums and cafes.

 

Luzern: Chapel Bridge

Switzerland's Urban Charms
Rick Steves

Don't neglect Switzerland's pristine urban offerings in Zurich, Luzern, and Lausanne. With interesting art, colorful old towns, and serene waterfront settings, these cities are worthy stops as you head for the hills.

 

The Unofficial Guide to Traveling in 2010
Christopher Elliott

There's good news for travelers in 2010. Several new laws and policies are scheduled to take effect that might upgrade the quality of your trip. Among them are Secure Flight, with its lofty promise to "improve the travel experience for all passengers," a new credit card bill and stricter disability rules for airlines.

Travel Deals for 2010
Ed Perkins

Overall, I expect 2010 to be another year of good travel deals of all kinds -- at least for those of us who can still afford to travel. Although the economy seems to be showing some signs of recovery, travel suppliers will keep hurting for customers, and their traditional approach will be to offer deals.

Flying in the Snow: 6 Lessons for Coping With Winter-Weather Delays
Christopher Elliott

Winter is only starting, and when bad weather moves in, your flight schedule isn't worth the paper it's printed on. What to do when your flight is delayed or cancelled due to winter weather

Gifts From Above: 7 Presents We Wish Airlines Would Give Us
Christopher Elliott

The airline industry is a popular target. The University of Michigan's authoritative American Customer Satisfaction Index gives the overall industry a failing grade of 64. Here's seven ways airlines can improve service and their image

Holiday Lights

Taking the Kids - Seeing Some Holiday Lights
Eileen Ogintz

Sometimes all it takes is some ingenuity -- and the desire. To get you started, here is a sampling of places around the country with plenty of lights and holiday cheer.

 

Camping Under the Stars

Camping Vacations: Sleeping Under the Stars
Ben Keene

While I've camped in the western United States and in Europe as well, most of my experience is on the East Coast, and I firmly believe going on a camping trip an activity every city slicker should try at least once. Regardless, here's some wonderful campsites in the United States plus Camping tips

 

La Posada

Taking it Easy in Winslow Arizona
Grace Lichtenstein

Say Winslow, Arizona to Eagles fans, and many of us can, recite the verse from the group's song 'Take It Easy': 'Standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona/ Such a fine sight to see/ it's a girl, my lord in a flatbed Ford/ slowin' down to take a look at me.' Since the song hit the charts in 1972, fans have made a detour while driving along Interstate 40 to see what Winslow, Arizona is all about.

 

Rock of Cashel

Ireland Hiking Adventure: 10 Days From Dublin to Dingle
Jan Swoope

Ireland, the land of leprechauns, Guinness and lush green landscapes, hadn't been on my list of must-see places until friends asked my husband, Jeff, and me if we wanted to go on a hiking vacation across Ireland. The trip was a 10-day expedition from the east coast in Dublin to the country's westernmost shores at Dingle.

 

Surfing Costa Rica

Costa Rica Surf Trip in Playa Guiones
Adam Castaldo

Costa Rica is home to some of the best and most consistent surf in the world, and lessons are available at a fraction of the cost compared to a stay in Hawaii or the hassle of getting to Indonesia, two other renowned surfing destinations. There are plenty of surfing beaches along the Pacific Coast in this Central American country, but we decided on Playa Guiones

 

Certifiably Green: Hotels That Love the Earth
Nicole Fancher

If you're environmentally conscious in your everyday life, you won't give up your eco-values when you travel. The hotel industry -- spurred by green guests who demand eco-friendly services -- is increasingly understanding the benefits of going green.

Renovation Regrets: Questions to Ask Before Staying at New Hotel
Christopher Elliott

Hotel upgrades don't always go as planned and needless to say, newly refurbished rooms sometimes don't meet guest expectations. So, what should you ask before you stay in a remodeled hotel? Here's what the experts told me

 

Oasis of the Seas

Taking the Kids - Aboard the Biggest Cruise Ship Afloat
Eileen Ogintz

As family friendly as imaginable and ocean breezes too, as you cruise from Florida to the Caribbean and back on the world's largest cruise ship afloat -- Royal Caribbean's spanking new Oasis of the Seas

 

Skating in London

Winter in London: Chilly Weather, Warm Memories
Rick Steves

London dazzles year-round, but for a true 'back door' experience, consider visiting in winter, when airfares and hotel rates are generally cheaper -- and there are fewer tourists.

 

Christmas in Norway

Christmas in Europe: Not a Day But a Season
Rick Steves

In Europe, Christmas lasts much longer than a day. The season stretches well over a month -- not to extend the shopping season, but to fit in the many holy days and festivities. First comes Advent, beginning four Sundays before Christmas Eve, thru to January 6, which is Epiphany. While there are many great European Christmas traditions, here are a few of my favorites

High Speed Rail: More Openings But Not in the U.S.
Ed Perkins

The United States forms committees and does studies; Europe and Asia build and operate. That's been the recent picture for high-speed rail, and it continued through 2009

The Good and Bad in Travel for 2009
Ed Perkins

Those of you who could afford to travel in 2009 found some good deals, across the spectrum of travel activities. As usual, some companies and governments made life easier for travelers; others made things worse. Here's my list for 2009

Avoiding Airport Parking Hassles
Ed Perkins

Airport parking for holiday trips needn't be a big hassle. Even if you can't snag a ride from friends or family, you can avoid heavy airport traffic and any unexpected full signs at parking lots. Here's an update of my annual check

Small-Airline Frequent Flyer Programs
Ed Perkins

Just about all of my reports on frequent flyer matters have centered on the main U.S. airlines that have been around for a long time. But the smaller, innovative airlines are gaining ground every day in the marketplace. Today, I'm covering three of the larger recent startup lines

Holiday Survival Guide: 5 Things You Absolutely Must Know
Christopher Elliott

The upcoming travel season will be different than past ones in several important ways. You need more than promises of warm fuzzies. You need a survival guide. Here's 5 things you need to know

 

Beaches Resort - Turks and Caicos

Taking the Kids - Rare Caribbean Resort That Works for the Littlest Vacationers Parents and Grandparents
Eileen Ogintz

Welcome to Beaches Resort in Turks and Caicos -- the family resort of the Sandals brand -- where kids, tweens and teens rule. Plus it's a great resort for parents and grandparents as well.

 

Tallinn, Estonia

Singing for Freedom in Estonia
Rick Steves

The country of Estonia sits across the Baltic Sea from Sweden and Finland. Yet the struggles of the last couple of generations couldn't be more different on opposite sides of the sea. Traveling to this former Soviet republic spices up any visit to this region -- especially if you connect with the people and tune into their story about their struggle for freedom.

What's Ahead in Travel: A Roundup
Ed Perkins

You'll still find lots of good travel deals for travel this winter, and some promotions are still available for the holiday season. For example ...

Frequent Flyer Miles: Currency, not Loyalty
Ed Perkins

Frequent flyer miles no longer have much if anything to do with loyalty: Instead, they've become a strange sort of currency that you don't really own and has value that is at the whim of the airline. Unless you fly a lot, it's time to re-think your frequent flyer plans.

Washington Trade Groups Want Their Piece of Pie in the Sky
Christopher Elliott

No one would claim that any of the new travel-related laws scheduled to take effect in 2010 are game-changers for travelers. They're relatively minor. An overwhelming majority of the organizations I spoke with said that reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration would be in our best interests.

TSA to Conduct Full Review After Sensitive Information Leak
Alex Kingsbury

TSA officials say that a full review is underway to determine how a 2008 copy of its standard operating procedures for all airport security checkpoints was released in its entirety on the Internet.

Costa Brava, Spain

Parador Paradise in Spain
Maria T. Olia

Paradors (paradores, in Spanish) are a diverse collection of more than 90 luxury hotels run by the Spanish government. Spain's parador system was created in the 1920s to promote tourism in the provinces and preserve the country's historical buildings. As a quasi-government/public enterprise, parador hotels enjoy privileged locations throughout Spain

 

Singapore

Best Singapore Dining Experiences
Laura Dannen

Dining out couldn't be easier -- or more enjoyable -- than it is in Singapore. Practically every neighborhood on the island has at least one 'hawker center' -- an open-air food court featuring dishes from around the region

 

With Air Security Travelers Are Flying Blind
Christopher Elliott

The Transportation Security Administration likes to keep terrorists guessing. Apparently, it likes to keep travelers guessing, too. And we do. Shoes on -- or off? Laptop computer in the bag -- or on the conveyor belt? And tickets: middle name, middle initial or just first and last? Oh, and are they going to pull you over at the gate for additional screening?

Can't-Miss Holiday Gifts For the Traveler in Your Life
Christopher Elliott

Shopping for someone who's on the go isn't easy. Travelers -- especially frequent travelers -- can be particular about their likes and dislikes. They wouldn't be caught dead with a certain headset, phone, or piece of luggage. Here are options the traveler in your life might like ...

It's Holiday Travel Time. You Heard It Here First
Christopher Elliott

When it comes to the travel tips you see just before every major holiday, you can count on paint-by-numbers expert advice, dispensed in easy-to-read bullet points. But which tips are cliches that should be ignored, and which are bona fide, you-must-do-this advice? If you've been reading these stories as long as I have, you must be wondering.

Top Tips for Smart Shopping in Europe
Rick Steves

Shopping in Europe can be fun, but not if you let it overwhelm your trip. I like to shop smart, spending my time -- and money -- efficiently. Based on three decades of travel, here are my top tips for shopping in Europe

Take the Long Way Home
Rick Steves

Many savvy travelers tunnel their way through Europe's big cities by subway, popping up from below like gophers on a golf course. True -- subways are a cheap and efficient way to get around. But by staying street level on public buses and trams, you get amazing views and the chance to really cozy up to a city.

Frequent Flyers Need a Government Bailout
Ed Perkins

Do you need government protection for your frequent flyer mileage? Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) thinks you do; he called on the U.S. Department of Transportation to take a look into whether the government should require more transparency and more equitable treatment for accrued miles. And, as you might expect, the interested parties are already trotting out the expected arguments

Is This the Future for Frequent Flyers
Ed Perkins

US Airways' recently announced frequent-flyer program might well represent the future direction for all the big airlines. Following Delta's move to a three-tier program, US Airways will go to four award levels. As usual, the airline touts its move as a 'benefit,' but most of you will probably have to use more miles for your award trips than before

Taking the Kids - Scoring a Holiday Deal That Won't Bust the Budget
Eileen Ogintz

If you're thinking holiday trips are guaranteed budget busters, think again. In this economy, hotels, resorts, adventure outfitters and ski areas need our business as much as we need a break and they understand that if they don't offer families great value for their vacation dollar, we'll stay home

Taking the Kids - Traveling Smart and Healthy This Holiday Season
Eileen Ogintz

As if traveling with the kids over the holidays weren't tough enough, this year we must contend with airline surcharges and swine flu, as well as all the usual annoyances and delays that go along with traveling. My 'Taking the Kids 2009 Holiday Rules for the Skies' will hopefully keep you healthy and make your travel cheaper and easier ...

The Nature of Norway
Rick Steves

Whether or not your grandparents came from Norway, nature is the real draw here. It's a land of intense beauty, with famously steep mountains and deep fjords carved out and shaped by an ancient ice age.

 

National Building Museum

The World's Top Architecture Museums
Jonathan Lerner

Spending so much of our lives inside them, and surrounded by them, we often take buildings for granted. But architecture can help us understand history and grapple with the future. The following fascinating museums are dedicated to buildings, cities and landscapes

Pizza, Pesci and Produce in Naples
Giovanna Dunmall

Naples is still a deeply traditional place in terms of eating, drinking and making merry. But don't let that put you off, traditional is not code for boring; in Naples it means excellent quality, authentic local and regional produce and flavors, and, usually, a convivial ambiance.

Falconry

Where the Wild Things Are
Robin Cherry

No need to settle for a gaggle of geese. Your family can visit a congregation of alligators, a coterie of prairie dogs and a cast of falcons at these wildlife locations around the United States.

Canals of Venice

Venice: Italian Magic on the Adriatic
Barbara Radcliffe Rogers

To discover your own personal Venice, head for the less trammeled streets of Dorsoduro, San Polo or Cannaregio. Instead of other tourists, you'll meet craftsmen in their studios, Venetians shopping for their dinner, nannies and nonnas watching children play and couples drinking Prosecco in canal-side cafes

Volcanic Mud Baths of El Totumo
Donna M. Airoldi

When I travel, I'm up for just about anything. So when I found out about an opportunity to jump into a volcano and get covered in mud during a vacation to Cartagena, Colombia I immediately signed on

Puerto Vallarta

Three Days in Puerto Vallarta
Jill K. Robinson

Right on the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta has it all: coastal waters, lush jungle, deluxe resorts, relaxing spas -- and it's the base for a variety of adventures. Even if you can't spend an entire week in this Mexican seaside destination, here's how to enjoy your vacation in a town where it's almost impossible to have a bad day.

Tortola, BVI

The Sea Seduces at Tortola
Anne Kazel-Wilcox

Tortola, the capital of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), is all about enjoying the Caribbean Sea. The island is hugely popular as a base for chartering sailboats, is renowned for pristine scuba-diving reefs and draws surfers from all over the world to visit its north shore's perfect waves

Corvette Diner, San Diego

10 Hip and Kid-Friendly Restaurants in San Diego
Debbie K. Hardin

Fresh, high-quality ingredients are a passion with San Diego chefs, which makes finding superior dining in the city a cinch. And for those of us who travel with our families, the city offers hundreds of kid-friendly dining experiences that will keep children happy and satisfy discerning parents. Here's a list of my family's favorites

Taking the Kids To San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences
Eileen Ogintz

We're at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, which in the year since it has re-opened has emerged as the city's top cultural tourist attraction, drawing more visitors than Alcatraz

Taking the Kids To Yosemite National Park
Eileen Ogintz

Fall, we agree, is a spectacular time to visit Yosemite National Park -- fewer people (some 3.5 million visit each year) and significantly cheaper rates. There's a lot to do in winter too -- tubing, ice skating snowshoeing with a Ranger, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding

Taking the Kids Learning About African-American History at Colonial Williamsburg
Eileen Ogintz

As Colonial Williamsburg reaches out to families with a growing array of interactive programming throughout the year, there are many more opportunities for visitors to learn and experience African-American history

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Tuscan Treats: Pisa and Lucca
Rick Steves

As everyone knows, Pisa has the famous tilted tower you can climb, but an unspoiled Renaissance wall you can bike encircles the lesser-known Lucca. These two Tuscan towns, near Florence and each other, make for an easy day-trip from Florence.

Brandenburg Gate - Berlin, Germany

Berlin Germany Then and Now
Rick Steves

As Germany celebrated the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, I can't help remembering my spooky 1971 visit during the Cold War. Back then, life was bleak, gray, and demoralizing because of ongoing political repression and their unresponsive Soviet-style command economy. Today, Berlin is so vibrant with youth, energy, and an anything-goes-and-anything's-possible buzz

Tips for Healthy, Happy Travels
Rick Steves

After 30 years of travel, I've figured out what I need to do to stay healthy when traveling. For me, wellness starts at home

Ronda, Spain: Land of Bridges, Bandits and Bullfights
Rick Steves

Ronda Spain, 60 miles southeast of Sevilla, is one of the largest white hill towns. It's also one of the most spectacular, thanks to its gorge-straddling setting. Ronda is easy to visit because it's one of the few hill towns with a train station. The real joy for travelers lies in exploring the winding back streets and taking in the panoramic views, whitewashed houses, and exuberant flowerpots.

Brighton England: Fun, Sun and Candy Floss
Rick Steves

Brighton is South England's fun city and the destination for students, bohemians and blue-collar Londoners looking to go 'on holiday.' In 1840, a train connected the city to London, making the beach accessible to the masses for the first time. Since then, Brighton has become 'London by the Sea.'

Frankfurt Romerberg Square

Frankfurt Germany - No Longer Bankfurt
Rick Steves

In the 1980s, Frankfurt decided that it wanted to buck its "Bankfurt" image. It went on a culture kick and devoted 11 percent of the city budget to the arts and culture. The result: Frankfurt has become a city of art. Nine museums in striking buildings line the Main River -- including museums on architecture, film, world cultures, and the great European masters.

Riding the Eurostar Train: Your Ears Won't Even Pop
Rick Steves

Eurostar, a joint service of the Belgian, British and French railways, is the speedy passenger train that zips you (and up to 800 others in 18 sleek cars) from downtown Paris to downtown London more easily than flying. Direct Eurostar service from London to Brussels also takes 2.5 hours.

Flights of Fancy - Airline Blogs
Ed Perkins on Travel

If big-name Websites, travel magazines, and guidebooks can't satisfy your appetite for travel information, hundreds of online blogs are happy to oblige you with still more. There's no way I can cover the wide world of blogging in a comprehensive way -- there are far too many of them, and they come and go like the tides -- but I can at least sort out some of those you might especially like

Southwest Airlines - Your Favorite Airline and Why
Ed Perkins on Travel

Southwest is the country's favorite airline, says a recently released survey, nominated by 26 percent of the respondents. That's good news for Southwest, of course, but the results from the 'Consumer Travel Alliance' raise the question of just how to measure a 'favorite' airline

6 Tips for Traveling With Your Grandchildren
Emily Brandon

Here are some tips for successful vacation trips with your grandchildren

How to Travel on a Budget
Kimberly Palmer

Recent declines in the stock market have many baby boomers wondering if their visions of exotic travels in retirement need to be scaled back, perhaps involving more of their living rooms and less of the world. But travel experts and retirees themselves say that not only is traveling on a budget possible, it can lead to even bigger and better adventures.

Lake Tahoe

Affordable Lake Tahoe: Truckee Vacation Rentals
Sue Douglass Fliess

It was my turn to organize an extended family vacation. The destination -- Lake Tahoe, Calif., -- already agreed upon by everyone. Now, we just had to find a great place. How hard could it be to find a house that met our needs

Tybee Island, Georgia

The Idyllic Islands of Georgia
Jonathan Lerner

The Atlantic seaboard's long inward curve between North Carolina and south Florida -- makes coastal Georgia a watery paradise. Beaches and coastal islands are shaped by high tides. All this water pushes inland, creating a vast, low panorama of swamp, salt marsh, tidal creeks and barrier islands. This is a stunningly pristine region; most of the islands aren't even inhabited. Those that are offer a range of vacation styles, all within a day-trip from Savannah.

Battle of Gettysburg Re-enactment

Gettysburg Family Vacation
Laurie Bain Wilson

Gettysburg is the real thing -- you will actually stand at the spot where President Lincoln gave his 'Gettysburg Address' and roam the battlefields by foot, bike or car where 51,000 soldiers lost their lives during the three-day battle that took place here. When visiting, you can't help but be moved by the significance of events that took place here in 1863. And yet there's more to Gettysburg than 1863 history, soldiers and war

Gary Player Golf Course

Golf: A Spot of Tee in Palm Springs
Edward Schmidt Jr.

When golf vacationers say, 'We're playing Palm Springs,' what they really mean is they're teeing up in the Coachella Valley, which encompasses Palm Springs and other golf-crazy communities such as Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and Indio.

Dublin's famous nightlife.

Dublin's Pubs, Grub and Nightlife
Candace Driskell

Dublin's most captivating feature may very well be its nightlife. With hundreds of bars, a thriving nightclub scene and constantly evolving restaurants, the nation's capital is the very best place to spend an Irish evening.

 

Ruins of Copan Mayan Kingdom

Copan Ruinas: Easy Indiana Jones Adventure
Jill K. Robinson

I'd seen the Mayan ruins of Copan, Honduras, in pictures, but they didn't prepare me for the Indiana Jones-esque mystique. As the cool mist tickled my skin, I felt like the first person to encounter the monuments, even though thousands had preceded me.

Legoland, California

Taking the Kids: When Everyone Else is Back in School
Eileen Ogintz

The best part -- besides the great deals everywhere -- there's no lines, whether you are heading to a theme park or a new museum exhibit, according to Sugar Jones, who is homeschooling her 7-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son this year so that they can continue to travel, learning as they go at butterfly gardens, museums and mountaintops.

Panda

Taking the Kids: Up-close & Personal with Animals at Zoos & Aquariums
Eileen Ogintz

An African Safari isn't in the cards this year. Neither is a trip to an exotic island where your gang can snorkel with every variety of tropical fish. So, do the next best thing. Take the kids to a zoo or aquarium.

Four Seasons Bora Bora

Taking the Kids: Bora Bora an Exotic Place That Loves Kids
Eileen Ogintz

Who says kids and romance don't go together? Even in a place as famous for honeymoons as Bora Bora, families' rule, especially as Air Tahiti Nui continues to offer kids free deals on flights. There are also great hotel deals.

Austria's Oetzal Valley

Taking the Kids: Skiing in Austria
Eileen Ogintz

I've never seen such wide open slopes -- no trees, no houses, just field after field of newly fallen snow. And I've never seen my 18-year-old daughter Mel, an avid and expert skier, as happy to ski with mom. Just goes to show what a postcard-perfect ski day -- blue skies, sunshine, spectacular mountain vistas and first tracks on a glacier -- can do!

Rick Steves Travel: Historic Gdansk
Rick Steves

Many people imagine this northern-Poland city to be a wasteland of rusted, smoke-belching shipyards. But that's just one view of this multifaceted place. Gdansk boasts an illustrious history and one of the most picturesque old quarters in Eastern Europe.

Montenegro's Bay of Kotor

Rick Steves Travel: Intriguing Montenegro
Rick Steves

There's a buzz among travelers that humble little Montenegro is becoming a new Mediterranean hotspot. Once part of Yugoslavia and then part of Serbia, this tiny mountainous nation on the Adriatic achieved independence only recently, in 2006.

Suite and Not So Suite Hotels
Ed Perkins

All of the major U.S. multi-tier hotel chains have at least two all-suite brands -- typically, one transient, for short-term guests, and one extended stay, for travelers staying more than a day or tw

United's New Premier Travel Bundles
Ed Perkins

If you're looking for a coach flight that's a bit better than usual, consider buying one of United's new Premier Travel options. Both options bundle features that would cost more if you bought them separately. And although neither will give you a truly first-class experience, they can make a coach trip more bearable.

Seniors on the Go: Amtraking This Fall
Ed Perkins

The current push for high-speed service refocuses national attention on rail travel. Unfortunately, we'll all be a lot older and grayer before any of the proposed new high-speed services actually leaves any station. Still, low-speed Amtrak is a pleasant, if not high-speed, way to make a fall trip. Amtrak continues to offer several enticements

'Best' Credit Card for Frequent Flyers
Ed Perkins

Like so many such broad questions, there is no one-answer-fits-all response. The most critical point of departure is that credit cards targeting frequent flyers come in two basic flavors -- Cards that earn miles in airline programs and Cards that earn credit in an issuing bank's program.

Branson Landing Trolley

Not Your Grandfather's Branson
Suzi Parker

I have found the most unlikely of vacation spots: Branson, Missouri A town of 6,000 inhabitants nestled in the rolling Ozark Mountains, Branson has grown into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Hard to believe, though, for people who like myself journeyed to this hamlet back in the 1970s to visit Silver Dollar City, then an old-time amusement park that peddled corn husk dolls and homemade candles made while you watched

 

Rome's Spanish Steps

5 Family Hotels in Rome
Amie O'Shaughnessy

The biggest challenge in finding a family-friendly hotel in Rome (or any major European city) is figuring out which properties have separate areas for sleeping and/or rooms that can accommodate four or more people.

 

Basha Kill Vineyards

Basha Kill Vineyards, Sullivan County New York
Leo Jakobson

Wine aficionados planning a vineyard tour in New York will generally turn to the Hudson River Valley, Long Island or the Finger Lakes regions, where most of the state's grapes are grown -- excluding, of course, the huge Concord ...

 

Chewton Glen Hotel

Top 10 English Country Manor Hotels
Jonathan Lerner

The English landscape is dotted with grand old houses in picturesque settings. Staying in one of these country house hotels on your England vacation puts you right in the glorious green countryside.

 

Matheran, India

Unwind, Vehicle Free in Matheran, India
Jonathan Lerner

Mumbai's heat and blaring traffic can be wearing. When I went to Matheran, instead of horns and motors I heard drums and chants from distant villages, and the howls of monkeys

 

How to Choose and Book Your Ideal Cruise Vacation
Kim Michele

Choosing and booking a cruise can be overwhelming if you're not familiar with the industry and the destinations served. However, it doesn't have to be. Here are a few tips to help you decide what you want from a cruise vacation, how to pick the best cruise line for you, and how to go about making your booking.

 

Grand Canyon

5 National Park Treasures to Visit Before You Die
Debbie K. Hardin

National parks exert a primeval pull on visitors from around the world, who come by the millions to drink in their natural wonders. There are 391 national parks in the United States. 5 National Parks to See Before You Die.

 

Alaskan Bear Watching

Taking the Kids to Alaska and Meeting Some Bears
Eileen Ogintz - Taking the Kids

Welcome to 'bear camp,' an outpost of the Kenai Peninsula fishing lodge Great Alaska International Adventure Vacations, where families come to hike, fish, raft and, of course, check out the bears.

 

Hawks Cay Spa

Taking the Kids and Myself to a Spa
Eileen Ogintz - Taking the Kids

Of course, my mom never took me to a spa -- I don't think she's ever been to one herself -- but I've taken my daughters to spas from the Caribbean to Colorado, from Arizona to Austria from the time they were young teens, and like others their age, they are perfectly at home getting facials and massages. It turns out they've got plenty of company

 

Ceiba Del Mar

Taking the Kids To Mexico Where You'll Find Adventure, Culture, Beaches and Great Deals
Eileen Ogintz - Taking the Kids

We're just an hour or so from Cancun, a few miles from Playa del Carmen, five miles off the highway along a bumpy road in Rio Secreto, a unique cave just opened to the public last year, after the owner of the land, Don Cleo, inadvertently discovered it while chasing one of his animals

 

Santiago Spain

Binging on Barnacles in Spain
Rick Steves

I'm tucked away in Santiago de Compostela, in the northwest corner of Spain. I have a three-part agenda: see pilgrims reach their goal in front of the cathedral, explore the market, and buy some barnacles in the seafood section -- then have them cooked for me, on the spot, in a cafe.

 

Tasty Tuscan Cuisine

Tuning in to Tasty Italy
Rick Steves

Recently when I was in Tuscany, a region fiercely proud of its beef, I sunk my teeth into a carnivore's dream come true. In a stony cellar, under one long, tough vault, I joined a local crowd for dinner.

 

Provence Markets

To Market, to Market in Provence
Rick Steves

Market days are an especially big deal throughout France especially in Provence. You can find an endless array of products at Provencal markets, from clothing to crafts, art to antiques, pates to picnic fare. Arles stands out among Provencal market towns

 

Seniors on the Go: Factory Tours -- Still the Best Free Shows
Ed Perkins On Travel

If you're a senior on a budget, you can't beat free for admission to a visitor attraction. Despite the lousy economy you can still find factories that allow you to see how the stuff you buy is actually made. Admission to most is free and the fees are nominal at the few that do charge.

A Tale of Two Cards and Their Reward Programs
Ed Perkins On Travel

American Express and Diners Club have changed their "rewards" programs. By adding British Airways to its list of partner airlines, AmEx has clearly improved its already strong position. On the other hand, by devaluing its points, Diners seems to be headed in some other direction.

Fall & Winter Travel - What's It Going to Be
Ed Perkins On Travel

A reporter recently asked me about the fall and winter travel outlook, and I suspect that question is on your mind, too. I see two main forces driving the current and future travel marketplace: The economy.

Websites for Traveling Women
Ed Perkins On Travel

Although most of the travel industry still thinks of travelers as traditional couples, an increasing number of women are traveling alone or with other women. Here's a brief overview of web sites tailored toward women travellers ...

Finding Those Great Fall Hotel Deals
Ed Perkins On Travel

Fall is traditionally the slowest travel season of the year. Despite good weather and lots of interesting activities in many popular destinations, people seem to have other things on their minds. Low occupancies are the norm for vacation centers. And, of course, this year's dismal economic picture makes things worse than usual. Clearly, these factors mean lots of opportunities for travelers able to take advantage.

AARP Travel Program Not Much New for 2009
Ed Perkins On Travel

Some suppliers still offer discounts to AARP members - mainly for hotels and rental cars. The details have changed a bit since my last summer update, but the basic conclusions remains: Many of AARP's discounts are also available to travelers of any age through AAA, credit cards, or other organizations. Still, if you're 50 or over, AARP is useful as a fallback position to be used when you can't find a better deal.

3 Ways to Avoid the Newest Travel 'Gotcha'
Christopher Elliott

Kenneth Miller thought he had squirreled away more than 100,000 Delta Air Lines frequent flier miles, which he planned to use for a special 20th anniversary trip. He thought wrong. When he checked with the airline, it claimed he had no miles.

5 Secrets for Avoiding Sky-High Phone Bills on the Road
Christopher Elliott - The Travel Troubleshooter

When it comes to "gotcha" fees, the cellular phone industry makes travel companies look like rank amateurs. Take what happened to P. Morgan Brown when his wife decided to take a spur-of-the-moment vacation to Indonesia.

Charge This: 7 Tips for a Successful Credit Card Dispute
Christopher Elliott - The Travel Troubleshooter

Credit cards are not exactly what you'd call reliable. That's because disputing a card charge is more of an art than a science. Here's what you need to know in order to file a successful dispute.

'No Waivers, No Favors' Reaches New Highs
Christopher Elliott - The Travel Troubleshooter

The travel industry, hammered by the worst economic downturn in more than a generation, is taking a hard line in an effort to contain costs and preserve profits.

Tree House - Hapuku Lodge, New Zealand

Treetop Dreams: Top Places to Sleep Among the Trees
Lisa Rogak

If you're not afraid of heights and want to spend the night in a place where it's a good bet that few of your friends have stayed, try a tree house hotel for your next vacation. They're located all over the world and offer travelers a chance to enjoy a stay high up in the air, often with all the comfort of modern amenities. Here's some of the World's Best

 

Ono Hawaiian Foods

Ono Grinds: Where Oahu's Top Chefs Eat
Dana Young

On a recent visit to Oahu, I met up with some of the island's famed foodies to find out where they go for grinds. Not surprisingly, they served up a luau full of insight and addresses!

 

It goes without saying that I highly recommend all of these chefs' restaurants.

 

Crafty Vacations

Getting Crafty While on Vacation
Jonathan Lerner

It seems paradoxical that staying up late working, night after night, can be restful.

However, when you're in an art studio among similarly engaged students and gorgeous natural surroundings, that's the result. Craft schools in many beautiful places offer short summer classes in just about any medium you've ever longed to try.

 

French Barge Cruise

Barge Voyage in France's Champagne Region
Lisa Rogak

On a luxury barge trip in the Champagne region of France with French Country Waterways, you'll find bubbles both in your glass and as you cruise along the rivers and extensive French canal system.

There are several barge companies operating European river cruises in France

 

Aerial view of Necker Island

Caribbean Private Island Paradises
Anne Kazel-Wilcox

There are Caribbean resorts and then there are 'private island resorts,' where you can have a slice of some of the most secluded and exclusive pieces of paradise almost entirely to yourself. These havens can ironically be more authentic than your typical island getaway.

 

My Airline's Giving Me the Cold Shoulder
Christopher Elliott, The Travel Troubleshooter

Applying pressure to Icelandair was a good idea, but you might have also leaned on your credit card company. You should have been able to forward the cancellation letter to your credit card company to secure a prompt credit for the tickets.

7 Ways to Avoid Checked Luggage Fees
Christopher Elliott, The Travel Troubleshooter

Like just about every other airline passenger this summer, Elizabeth Rodgers wants to avoid any unnecessary fees. She didn't get far. As Rodgers boarded the cramped regional jet, passengers were being asked to gate-check most of their carry-ons.

Broadsided By a Car Rental Bill
Christopher Elliott, The Travel Troubleshooter

More car rental companies giving returned vehicles meticulous once-over, car rental companies slapping customers repair and loss-of-use charges

6 Ways to Leverage Social Media for a Better Vacation
Christopher Elliott, The Travel Troubleshooter

Social media is revolutionizing the way Americans travel. Social media sites that allow people to interact in the moment are changing how travel companies talk to their customers -- and how their customers talk back. The net result? Travel could improve for everyone.

 

New York's Time Square

Taking the Kids: Grandparents and Kids Take on the Big Apple with Elderhostel
Eileen Ogintz

Elderhostel is known for their affordable educational programs for senior citizens. But what many don't realize is that there are 200 different grandparent - grandchild programs with almost 400 departures -- everything from a summer camp at an iconic Adirondacks resort on Lake George, N.Y., to a tour of Oxford, England, from the perspective of 'Harry Potter' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia,' to a rafting excursion out West.

 

Intimate Alaskan Cruise on the Sea Wolf

Taking the Kids: An Un-cruise Alaskan Sea Adventure
Eileen Ogintz

Unlike the big cruise ships, we can take our time in Glacier Bay, which offers 3.3 million acres of glaciers that calve right in front of us, wildlife -- humpback whales that jump right in front of our boat, dozens of harbor seals sprawled on rocks -- and an amazing marine ecosystem exposed by the dramatic tide swings. We're even given a chance to follow a bear's trail, explore an ice cave and skip rocks through giant chunks of glacial ice.

 

The Disney Character Breakfast

Taking the Kids: Trip Down Memory Lane at Disneyland
Eileen Ogintz

Forget about the economy and for an afternoon focus instead on what's really important, especially on vacation -- making memories with the kids. Judging by the crowds on a recent sunny day at Disneyland and it's sister California Adventure Park in Anaheim, a lot of families have decided to do just that, getting every dollar's worth out of the day and ending triumphantly with the nighttime fireworks show 'Magical.'

 

Budapest, Hungary

Rick Steves' Europe: Taking the Plunge in Budapest
Rick Steves

Budapest has its fair share of museums and monuments: The opulent interior of the Hungarian Parliament, The gloomy Hungarian psyche at the National Gallery, quirky old communist statues at Memento Park. But for me, splashing and relaxing in Budapest's thermal baths is the city's top attraction.

 

Stockholm, Sweden

Rick Steves' Europe: Stockholm's Noble Past and Present
Rick Steves

Stockholm, with 1.8 million people, is built on an archipelago of 14 islands woven together by 50 bridges. Gamla Stan, the city's historic island core, is an Old Town of winding, lantern-lit streets, antiques shops, and classy cafes clustered around the Royal Palace. The palace hosts a fun, spirited Changing of the Guard ceremony, and contains the Royal Armory, with Europe's most spectacular collection of medieval royal armor.

 

Airfares via Twitter

United, JetBlue Offer Twitter Airfare Deals
Ed Perkins

Airfares by Twitter - the latest gimmick. As if you didn't already have enough different places to look for airfare deals, United and Jet Blue have added yet another base to touch. And their new Twitter products - United's 'Tware' and JetBlue's 'Cheeps' airfares - offer another way to find good deals.

 

WiFi - The 'Next Big Thing' in Air Travel
Ed Perkins

Onboard WiFi is the new 'hot' feature. Settle into your seat, open your laptop, notebook computer or high-tech phone, and spend the remaining flight hours sorting your email, keeping up with the news and most of the other things you do online. That's an increasingly likely scenario as the domestic airlines scramble to find 'value added' features for their dreary and uncomfortable coach product -- especially features that bring in more revenue

 

Pet Airways

Pet Airways - Flying with Fido and Fifi
Ed Perkins

All the recent publicity about the start of Pet Airways raises the question of exactly how to transport pets when you're flying. My basic advice -- as a dog owner for nearly 40 years -- is, 'Unless you can't avoid it, don't.' But you sometimes can't avoid it, so here are your options.

Sunset through the palms
Waikiki Beach, Oahu

In Search of the Aloha Smile on Oahu
Anne Z. Cooke - Travel Muse

As a frequent visitor to Hawaii, it's the islands' physical beauty that captures my attention: the impossibly steep green peaks, brilliant sunsets and roving trade winds. Intoxicating, yes, they are. But my lasting memories are of people, of the strangers who greet you with a smile and friendly families who offer hospitality.

 

Amador County, California: Gold From Mines & Vines
Marguerite Thomas - Travel Muse

Precious metal is not the only valuable commodity in Amador County, a bucolic region nestling in the foothills of California's Sierra Madre Mountains 45 miles (72 kms) southeast of Sacramento, the state's capital. Today's treasure, which thrives in sunlight and fresh air and yields what might be considered liquid gold, is wine.

Swiss Food -- From Haute to Wholesome
Margaret M. Johnson - Travel Muse

Nestled between France, Italy, Austria, Germany and tiny Liechtenstein, Switzerland has a reputation in the European foodie world for being as conversant with cuisines as it is with languages. With four distinct regions, each with its own culture and language, Swiss chefs move freely from ravioli to spatzle and saucisson to foie gras.

L'Auberge De Sedona, Into the Woods in Arizona's Red Rock Country
Anne Z. Cooke - Travel Muse

For L'Auberge de Sedona, a luxury lodge with secluded guest cabins on the banks of Oak Creek, L'Auberge de Sedona -- once a top-ranked resort -- a luxury lodge with secluded guest cabins on the banks of Oak Creek rooms has looked dated of late which has been noted on several Internet sites by more than one irate guest. However, The current project, is going far beyond mere renovations. Thirty-one more cottages are going up on the site, along with a brand-new, ultra-deluxe spa, an event and meetings center and a parking structure. A new approach road and check-in area will solve the problem of the present driveway, a steep, narrow, poorly-marked road on what looks like an easement.

High Seas Vacation Cruise with Eve
Diana Korte - Travel Muse

We've sailed on many small ships, but had never cruised on a big oceanliner like Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas with its capacity of more than 3,000 passengers. We had no clue about what we'd been missing

Taking the Kids - Sailing Around the Tahitian Islands
Eileen Ogintz

We are in paradise -- really. The fish literally eat out of our hands, the water is so clear I can see seashells in the sand six feet below us and the island nearby is ringed by lush, green trees, some dripping with exotic fruits.

Taking the Kids - Surviving (Maybe Even Enjoying!) a Road Trip
Eileen Ogintz

No matter how snazzy the car -- from a kids' perspective anyway -- and how short (or long) the trip, the biggest challenge, of course, is keeping the kids amused along the way. And that's clearly a challenge a lot of us will be facing this summer. AAA says well over 80 percent of summer vacations will be road trips, with families traveling more than 600 miles round trip.

Taking the Kids - Joining Forces on Vacation
Eileen Ogintz

Maybe it's the economy. Maybe it's the need to reconnect with friends and family. At beach houses and on sailboats, city condos and mountain cabins, families and friends are joining forces on vacation. According to a new survey from TripAdvisor of people with children, nearly a third report they will vacation with another family this year to save money -- a significant jump from 2008.

Brussels: One of Europe's Great Travel Secrets
Rick Steves

Six hundred years ago, Brussels was just a nice place to stop and buy a waffle on the way to France. Today, it's a city of 1.8 million, the capital of Belgium, the headquarters of NATO, and the political center of the European Union. It may be easy to skip as you zip from Amsterdam to Paris by train, but its rich brew of food and culture pleasantly surprise those who stop.

Tourist Beware: Europe's Latest Travel Scams
Rick Steves

I don't mean to paint Europe as a dangerous place. In fact, it's safer than America. Thieves want to separate you from your money painlessly. Scams are easy to avoid if you recognize them. But remember: Even the most vigilant traveler can get conned. If this happens, don't let it ruin your trip. With the right attitude and lighter bags, you can still have a wonderful time.

Some New Internet Doings - Internet Travel Deals
Ed Perkins On Travel

If you thought you knew about online travel information, just wait a minute. New sites and upgrades come along almost too fast to see. Here's a rundown on some of them.

What's Going on with the Airlines
Ed Perkins on Travel

The combination of a lousy economy, increasing fuel prices, and intense competition is creating unprecedented turmoil in the airline marketplace. Although no single event warrants a full column, several are important enough to cover

Keeping in Touch When You're in Europe
Ed Perkins on Travel

If you're heading to Europe, remember to arrange how you'll stay in touch with family and friends at home. Your usual practice for domestic travel -- using your regular wireless phone -- may not work in Europe, and even if it does, it may not be your best option.

Five-Star Luxury at Family Prices in Sedona
Enchantment Resort (Sedona, Arizona)

Enchantment Resort
(Sedona, Arizona)

For as long as it's been open, Enchantment Resort, in Arizona's Red Rock Country, has earned dozens of stars and diamonds, climbed onto most "top ten best" lists and generated thousands of adjectives, many of them, rather oddly, starting with the letter M.

Magical, mystical, mythical, magnetic, magnificent and monumental head the deluge, at high tide since 1987 when the Enchantment Resort opened at the end of secluded Boynton Canyon, five miles from central Sedona, Arizona.

 

Guaranteed Dollar Rates: Some Good, Some Not
Ed Perkins - On Travel

Now that the dollar is slowly losing against the euro and the pound you can expect to see more "guaranteed dollar rate" hotel, tour, and rental car promotions. They're sometimes a good deal, and sometimes not.

Taking the Kids: Seeing More Than the Typical Sites in New York City
Eileen Ogintz

Visitors to New York have their pick of world-class iconic sites -- Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art, two new Major League baseball stadiums, Empire State Building and Central Park. But there is a lot more to New York especially for the kids

Taking the Kids: Shaun White at Skateboard Camp in the Cayman Islands
Eileen Ogintz

It's vacation and the teens are awake and ready to roll before 8 a.m.! The 22-year-old White has come down to Grand Cayman, his parents and sister in tow, to inaugurate Skate Cayman an 11-week summer program

Taking the Kids Camping & the Great Outdoors
Eileen Ogintz

Just being in a tent is an adventure for young kids, says Nancy Ritger, an Appalachian Mountain Club naturalist who has camped with her three teens since they were bab

Taking the Kids and Learning New Tricks at Caribbean Resorts This Summer
Eileen Ogintz

Whether you want to learn to dive with your tween or snorkel with your kindergartner, teach your grade-schooler to sail or fly on a trapeze, you'll find plenty of opportunities at Caribbean resorts -- at prices that are surprisingly affordable.

Kids on a Plane! 5 Fixes for Unruly Junior Passengers
Christopher Elliott

Kids on a plane. No four words incite more acrimonious debate among air travelers. On one side, you have childless customers who just want a little civility while they're locked inside a pressurized aluminum tube. Talk about oil and water.

Children in First Class: 3 Suggestions for the Kids 'Up Front'
Christopher Elliott

The overwhelming number of travelers I spoke with said kids should be able to fly in first class if their parents could afford to pay the freight. But they were quick to add that they expected the children to behave.

Travel the World's Luxury Trains at a Discount
Diana Korte - World's Fare

Many regard riding the rails on fabled trains as one of the world's great travel experiences. These great trains, which hark back to the golden age of rail travel when every moment of a journey was to be savored and enjoyed, are located on most continents and offer the highest level of service, posh surroundings and all-inclusive fine dining.

Feel the Spirit
Rick Steves

For years, I've believed that anyone who enjoys getting close to God should pack their spirituality along with them in their travels. Here are some experiences in Europe that spiritual people -- from conservative Catholics to Buddhists to tree-huggers to Methodists to curious European bus drivers who've never thought about this while on a tour before -- would enjoy.

Beyond Prague
Rick Steves

From its colorful Old Town square to sumptuous Art Nouveau facades, Prague offers plenty to see and do. Thirty miles south of Prague is Konopiste Castle, the lavish residence of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Travel to Holland where Old Amsterdam is Always New
Margaret M. Johnson - World's Fare

I decided to head to the Netherlands and spent five glorious days exploring Amsterdam, a place that boasts the largest historical city center in Europe.

Wining & Dining in Vienna
Rick Steves

If any European capital knows how to enjoy the good life, it's Vienna, Austria. ocals linger over pastry and coffee at cafes. Concerts and classical music abound. And chatting with friends at a wine garden is not a special event but a way of life.

Anchorage, Alaska - Jumping Off Point to the Last Frontier
Cindy Ross - World's Fare

The first problem you have to deal with when you finally decide on your "Trip of a Lifetime" -- is where to go in Alaska and what to see and do. Alaska is enormous: 663,267 square miles -- one-fifth the size of the entire continental United States.

Anchorage is the perfect jumping off point for some of the best adventures in the entire state. As your base, you can head north to Denali National Park on the scenic Alaskan Railroad, then south to the Kenai Peninsula and the charming town of Seward. But first begin in Anchorage's museums, where you can get a background on who the real Alaskans are and what the Last Frontier is all about.

Taking Your Taste Buds on a European Tour
Rick Steves

Eating and drinking in Europe is sightseeing for your taste buds. Every country has local specialties that are good, memorable, or both. Here are many of the fun experiences that stick in my mind after 30 years of travel. Seek out any of these on your next trip.

Athens: A New Look for an Old City
by Rick Steves

My advice has long been to see the big sights, then get out. But visiting it recently to research a new guidebook, I've seen a dramatic change. The city has made a concerted effort to curb pollution, clean up and pedestrianize the streets, spiff up the museums, build a new airport, and invest in one of Europe's better public-transit systems.

Ancient Olympics Meet Wild West
by Rick Steves

If you want to get away from it all when traveling in Greece, head for the Peloponnesian Peninsula. When I visited ancient Olympia recently for a new TV show and guidebook, it was worth the four-hour drive from Athens.

 

Italy's Cinque Terre & Vernazza
Rick Steves' Europe

Italy's Cinque Terre is a quintet of villages clinging to a bit of rugged coastline between Genoa and Pisa. You can choose any village for a home base, but Vernazza is my favorite.

At the top end of town a little road hits a post, effectively a dead end for drivers. Like the breakwater keeps out the waves at the bottom of town, the post keeps out the modern storm at the top. No cars enter this village of 600 people.

 

Siena's Palio Sets Stage for Touring Tuscany
by Margaret M. Johnson

Siena is best known as the city of the Palio. One of Italy's most famous festivals, the Palio is a frenetic, bareback horse race involving 10 contending contrade (various districts of the city). The July 2 race (Palio di Provenzano), held since 1656, celebrates the Feast of the Visitation. The second race (Palio dell'Assunta), added on Aug. 16, 1701, the day after the Feast of the Assumption, is also dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

From Switzerland to Germany's Baltic Sea Coast
Romantik Tours

This itinerary starts in Switzerland and takes you to the German North and Baltic Sea coast. Starting point is the Swiss city of Zurich. The tour finishes at the Island of Usedom, shortly before the Polish border. ...

 

10 Best Bargains in Salzburg
by Karen Brown

Karen Brown -- traveling to Europe for over 30 years and best known as the author of Karen Brown's travel guides -- shares her 10 Best Bargains in Salzburg, Austria, a favorite tourist destination in Europe.

 

Safari in Botswana
by Anne Z. Cooke

Guests who've traveled with Sanctuary Lodges, Abercrombie & Kent's group of African safari lodges, tend to agree: Chief's Camp, in the Okavango Delta, comes as close to the classic safari lodge as you can find in Botswana.

 

Norway's Ultimate Natural Thrill
Rick Steves' Europe

Frankly, if you go to Oslo and don't get out to the fjords, you should have your passport revoked.

Norway's greatest claim to scenic fame is its deep and lush saltwater inlets.

Sognefjord, Norway's longest (120 miles) and deepest (more than a mile), is tops. Sognefjord offers Norway's best combination of scenic wonder and accessibility.

 

Ventures in Western Norway
Bo Zaunders World's Fare

Our Norwegian venture began when we took the train from Oslo to Bergen. Choosing rail proved auspicious.

I've always liked trains. They are (in Europe anyway) comfortable and relaxing, even luxurious. And you can enjoy the scenery with not the slightest concern about oncoming traffic.

Speaking of scenery, we had heard that the views would be spectacular during this six and a half hour journey across Norway's mountainous midriff.

Suffice it to say, they were.

One of the many waterfalls -- with or without rainbows -- that we encountered as we wound our way to Stavanger.

 

Mediterranean Enchantment Cruise
World's Fare By Margaret M. Johnson

After several years of shouting "no cruise for me," I'm happy to report that I'm now a seasoned veteran and have just returned from yet another delightful maritime experience -- this time aboard a floating palace called MS Noordam, one of 14 ships in the Holland America fleet.

With tastes of Italian, Spanish, and Tunisian cultures, I found cruising round the Med both enchanting and delicious.

 

An Unforgettable Mediterranean Wedding

You are planning your marriage and you want to be sure that is a sunny, unforgettable day?

How about celebrating this special day in a Mediterranean environment?

We would like to suggest three very different, but sunny destinations from the portfolio of 200 Romantik Hotels & Restaurants.

 

Dublin's Irrepressible Spirit
Rick Steves

Ireland is still vibrant as can be for travelers. And Dublin offers the best urban thrills in the Republic of Ireland. Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Dublin -- Ireland's capital

The Dingle Peninsula Escape to Pure Ireland
Rick Steves' Europe

Be forewarned, Ireland is seductive.

Gaeltachts are national parks for the traditional culture, where the government protects the old Irish ways. The Dingle Peninsula -- green, rugged, and untouched -- is my favorite Gaeltacht.

As you explore the lush Dingle Peninsula, you'll see why the Emerald Isle got its name.

 

Five-Star Ireland: Luxury, Golf & Spas Await
World's Fare Margeret M. Johnson

It's been 25 years since my first visit to Ireland.

Our budget then hovered around Frommer's original "Ireland on $10 a Day," so accommodations were strictly bed and breakfast -- some nights all of us sharing one room -- with an "ensuite" bathroom available only at certain locations.

Thinking back, nearly everyone I knew who went to Ireland then stayed at B&B's.

Fifty visits later, I'm happy to report that B&B's are a thing of the past for hubby and me. We recently had the pleasure -- make that distinct pleasure -- of visiting three five-star properties where the "ensuite" bathrooms are marble, the breakfasts are top-notch, the spas and golf courses world-class.

 

London's May Fair Hotel Rocks
World's Fare By Anne Z. Cooke

I wish I'd stayed in the penthouse suite, at the five-star May Fair Hotel in London, but my budget refused to stretch. I did get a leisurely tour and a glass of cabernet, however, long enough to admire the very large bed and marvel at the pink and gold clouds that framed the city's skyline at sunset.

Taller than its neighbors here in the Mayfair district, the nine-story May Fair Hotel's terrace actually enjoys 360-degree views, a rare highlight of any stay in this posh retreat.

 

Plan Ahead for a Memorable Roman Holiday
World's Fare By Margaret M. Johnson

Rome, Italy's capital, and largest city, has nearly 3 million inhabitants in an area of 580 square miles.

With more churches than there are days in the year; monuments dating back to the 1st century; ancient, medieval, renaissance, and baroque art and architecture; some of the richest museums and galleries in the world; breathtaking fountains and obelisks; and Vatican City, the center of Christianity. Rome is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.

 

Tutka Bay Lodge Luxury Alaskan Style
Anne Z. Cooke World's Fare

It's hard to put a label on Tutka Bay Lodge, in the southwestern corner of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. Some might call it a bed-and-breakfast.

Tutka Bay Lodge, at the foot of the glacier-capped Kenai Mountains, is surrounded by wilderness. Kachemak Bay State Park, on its border, is a vibrant ecosystem, its finger-like fiords harboring a thriving population of birds, whales, sea lions, porpoises, seals and sea otters. The combination offers no better and certainly no more stellar introduction to Alaska.

 

Exploring the Pacific Northwest
World's Fare By Cindy Ross

Tucked away in the far northwestern reaches of the Continental United States is the Pacific Northwest.

The Pacific Northwest forms a land of endless diversity and unparalleled beauty, from looming volcanoes to wave-battered coastline, from rainforests to glacial peaks.

And on the edge of it all, an expanse of glimmering skyscrapers in the city of Seattle.

 

Cycling Maine's Acadia National Park
World's Fare Cindy Ross

Acadia National Park is America's first national park east of the Mississippi.

The park provides an amazing cornucopia of recreation with more than 100 miles of hiking trails, many of which were laid out by Native Americans, and 57 miles of the most unique system of stone carriage roads on the planet. John D. Rockefeller Jr. had the foresight and wisdom way back in 1913 when the automobile was first invented to see it as a menacing threat.

 

San Francisco Weekend
Diana Korte World's Fare

It's walkable and loveable and according to many travelers, boasts some of the best food and wines anywhere.

Dine, wine, shop and get around on cable cars and buses when it's too far to walk.

If you're yearning for a big-city vacation and have a weekend to spare, why not come to San Francisco, the city on the bay.