Articles

Article / Car, Bus, Rail

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

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

Article / Car, Bus, Rail

Travel Troubleshooter: Is Car Rental Insurance a Scam?

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

Article / Beach & Water Sports

Three Nights in Los Cabos, from $739 with Air

Escape cold and snowy January to warm and sunny Los Cabos and save $278 per person.

Article / Air Travel

That's Ridiculous! Why Did My Ticket Refund Take Forever and a Day?

Gripes about lengthy refunds are not unique to the travel industry, or even to airlines. But if you want your money back for a ticket, you should probably be prepared for a long wait.

Article / Local Experiences

The Able Traveler: Factory Tours for Everyone

In these days of rising prices and shrinking budgets, factory tours are still are a great travel value. Besides being easy on the wallet, they're also very educational. As an added…

Article / Air Travel

Travel Troubleshooter: Help, My Canceled Hotel Room is Un-Canceled

After discovering the star-rating for the hotel one reader reserved didn't bear out, he called to get a confirmed cancellation from Expedia. Or, did he?

Article / Car, Bus, Rail

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

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

Article / Air Travel

Six Nights in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest from $1,219 with Rail and Air

Visit Central Europe's ancient cities in late fall and save $199 per person.

Article / Air Travel

Travel Troubleshooter: A Runaround for an Airline Ticket Refund

When John King's mother dies, he asks American Airlines to refund her ticket. Instead of sending the money, it emails him a series of form letters. What should he do?

Article / Air Travel

Family Travel: The New Rules of Holiday Flying

Spending the holidays with loved ones is a time-honored tradition, but it's become much harder in recent years to get to Grandma's house without going broke. We give you the tools to…

Article / Air Travel

That's Ridiculous! Can Breastfeeding Activists Have It Both Ways on a Plane?

Does refusing to cover up while breastfeeding also waive a mother's right to privacy?

Article / Air Travel

Is it Safe to Fly American Airlines?

Given the uncertain future of American Airlines, here's what travelers should know about upcoming flights and their frequent-flier miles.

Article / Family & Kids

Travel Troubleshooter: But No One Told Me the Pool Was Closed

Is it up to the traveler to find out about seasonal closures, or should hotel booking sites clearly specify when a certain amenity isn't available?

Article / Air Travel

Three Nights in Sonoma Wine Country, from $620 with Air

Relax on this three-night getaway to wine country, which saves you more than $100 per person.

Article / Air Travel

That's Ridiculous! How Passengers Exact Revenge on Fee-Happy Airlines

When disputes regarding airline fees go unresolved, some resourceful passengers take up matters with the credit card company or in the court of public opinion.

Article / Air Travel

Travel Troubleshooter: Should a European Law Protect American Air Travelers?

A lawsuit seeks broader compensation from American carriers for passengers who are delayed on U.S.-bound flights from Europe. Will airlines find a loophole, or will passengers get more…

Article / Cruise

Cruise Travel Tips: Why All Cruisers Should Carry Valid Passports

First-time cruisers are left behind when one of the passengers lacks official travel documents. Find out why having a valid passport might protect you from getting stranded on the dock.

Article / Hotels

Travel Troubleshooter: What Should I Do About This $50 Hotel Phone Bill?

A traveler turns to his hotel's landline to make long-distance calls and is shocked when the so-called complimentary service doesn't cover the bill. What's the deal with the misleading…

Article / Air Travel

That's Ridiculous! Whatever Happened to the Journey?

If you find yourself dreading the journey before you're able to enjoy the destination, perhaps it's time for travelers to stop accepting inadequate service from airlines, hotels,…

Article / Local Experiences

The Able Traveler: Wheelchair-Accessible Ballooning and Wine Tasting in Northern California

Clever design makes ballooning -- a once off-limits activity -- available to wheelchair travelers and slow walkers. After you land, fill your day with a picnic and wine tasting in…

Article / Air Travel

Travel Troubleshooter: Hey, Where's the Rest of my Refund?

A traveler is forced to miss her brother's wedding after the airline cancels her flight. To make matters worse, why is it taking months for the online travel agency to cough up the…

Article / Air Travel

Beijing, Xian & Shanghai, from $1,499 with Air

Save nearly $500 per person with this three-city tour, plus receive another $500 in value for included tours, meals, and more.

Article / Hotels

That's Ridiculous! When a Confirmation Isn't Really a Confirmation

Do travelers really need to call the online travel agency or check the website to confirm a booking, or should e-mails (or the lack of an e-mail) be enough?

Article / Car, Bus, Rail

Money Matters: Those Car Rental Tolls Can Really Add Up

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

Article / Health, Insurance, Security

Travel Troubleshooter: Charged an Extra $400 for a Vacation I Can't Take

An illness forces a traveler to cancel her trip to Costa Rica. Was the retreat center right to charge her a cancellation fee that wasn't disclosed at the time of booking?