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Brad Tuttle
Brad Tuttle In this photo, I was…Being goofy with my sons William and Owen at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Our rule on vacations: When there's a place to stick your head and take a silly photo, you don't hesitate. You stick your head through the hole.

I won't leave home without…A photo of my kids
My favorite travel-inspiring book is…Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck
My best road trip was…Seattle to Glacier National Park with my four closest college buddies before any of us were married
Brad's Posts
May 3, 2012, 4:22 PM
With few exceptions, it is not necessary nowadays to pay a travel agent to book your trip. Should you be paying for help anyway?
May 2, 2012, 4:28 PM
As far as ideas go, there have probably been better ones than a cruise with a slasher-movie theme.
April 25, 2012, 2:20 PM
When hotels use daily deal sites like Groupon, they're not necessarily trying to make profits.
April 20, 2012, 2:29 PM
Each spring, hotel companies roll out promotions with big rewards to get travelers into the summertime vacation mentality a bit early.
April 19, 2012, 1:48 PM
Here's a look back at some odd, ugly, infamous, occasionally nude face-offs between airline passengers and TSA security officials.
April 11, 2012, 12:16 PM
Since the end of 2009, there's been no working hotel inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the Big Island. That's about to change.
April 2, 2012, 5:28 PM
Most airline tickets are nonrefundable. But would you buy an airline ticket knowing that you couldn't change the date or flight time, even with a fee?
March 30, 2012, 2:34 PM
What if you could get discounts similar to Priceline's opaque hotel-bidding option, only you weren't totally in the dark about where you'd stay?
March 21, 2012, 2:23 PM
It may feel like summer in much of the country. But the time is ripe for spring skiing (and springtime deals) at North American resorts.
March 16, 2012, 2:00 PM
Come on, be honest: The all-you-can-eat buffets and huge selection of on-board restaurants and cafes are among the top reasons to head to sea.
March 14, 2012, 4:51 PM
Normally, you can become a member of Hertz's loyalty club only by paying an annual fee of $60.
March 7, 2012, 3:32 PM
Travelers are charged when they reserve a hotel room and don't show up. Same thing with flights, of course. For car rentals, though, there's usually no fee for being a no-show. That could change, though.
March 6, 2012, 10:41 AM
Last week, InterContinental introduced an interesting new health-and-fitness-minded brand of hotels called EVEN. But it's hardly the only niche hotel brand out there.
March 2, 2012, 1:45 PM
"Habit Heroes," an interactive exhibit at EPCOT that features overweight villains with names like "Snacker" and "Lead Bottom," was supposed to open on March 5.
February 27, 2012, 4:04 PM
Airbnb.com is encouraging more people to "Live a Richer Life." How so? Naturally, by inviting strangers to crash on your couch or spare bedroom.
February 24, 2012, 1:15 PM
Will Jennifer Aniston's new film "Wanderlust" do for nudist vacations what "The Lord of the Rings" did for New Zealand?
February 24, 2012, 10:23 AM
At HotelHaiku.com, everything you need to know about a hotel is described in 17 syllables.
February 17, 2012, 1:49 PM
For one weekend this spring, when you pay for campsite or cabin on Friday night, Saturday night is tossed in for free.
January 30, 2012, 3:43 PM
Skiing has a reputation as a pricey, perhaps even snobby sport. But even if some skiers seem to have their noses raised in the air, there's no reason to pay through the nose to ski.
January 25, 2012, 4:59 PM
For nearly 60 years, Disney employees haven't been allowed to grow beards or goatees. Soon, though, "Cast Members" won't have to be clean-shaven.
January 19, 2012, 12:31 PM
Most Americans can find the money to go camping. The problem, though, appears to be that we can't find the time.
January 12, 2012, 4:53 PM
Soon, you won't have to ask that question, because airfare ads will have to include all mandatory taxes and fees.
January 10, 2012, 2:59 PM
Here's more proof that there's no such thing as a free lunch, let alone free airfare.
January 6, 2012, 1:18 PM
Among the latest revelations from TSA confrontations: You can't bring a tub of cream cheese through a checkpoint. Spread it on bagels, though, and there's no problem.
January 4, 2012, 11:29 AM
If you've ever dreamed of riding Space Mountain or Pirates of the Caribbean at 3 in the morning, here's your chance.
December 26, 2011, 3:27 PM
Vacation rentals are often more memorable, and have way more character, than a cookie-cutter motel. That may or may not be a good thing.
December 21, 2011, 3:58 PM
By charging passengers fees for carry-on bags, Spirit Airlines rakes in a whopping $50 million annually.
December 20, 2011, 3:56 PM
Often, snagging a major discount is as simple as avoiding peak travel times. Case in point: Try an all-inclusive resort just after (rather than during) the Christmas-New Year's period.
December 15, 2011, 2:44 PM
At certain U.S. ski resorts, you could pay over $100 for a single day's lift ticket. Do you really have to pay that much to ski? No way.
December 9, 2011, 1:19 PM
By the end of 2011, car rental agencies will have collected record revenues of $22.4 billion, nearly $2 more than the year before.
December 7, 2011, 1:13 PM
Here's proof that when there's little competition at an airport, travelers pay a hefty price.
November 30, 2011, 3:54 PM
A new bill would guarantee that each airline passenger could check one bag for free, and never have to pay for a carry-on.
November 23, 2011, 9:16 AM
If you think the sales over the coming weekend are limited to toys, clothes, and electronics, think again.
November 18, 2011, 1:40 PM
It's not Hertz, Avis, Alamo, or Enterprise. Actually, there's a good chance you've never even heard of the company.
November 17, 2011, 4:07 PM
Hawaiian Airlines kicks off a new, seriously long-haul route with a seriously good deal.
November 14, 2011, 4:11 PM
When it comes to skiing, the early bird gets the deal.
November 11, 2011, 1:48 PM
The biggest-ever expansion at SeaWorld Orlando includes an entire new section devoted to penguins and Antarctica.
October 28, 2011, 2:52 PM
Or can you deal with them if the tradeoff is cheaper prices?
October 25, 2011, 3:02 PM
Walt Disney World guests will have to pay a fee if they make restaurant reservations and fail to show up.
October 21, 2011, 3:19 PM
When was the last time you returned from a vacation raving about a public bathroom?
October 14, 2011, 2:17 PM
It makes less sense than ever for guests to be charged hefty fees for Wi-Fi access in their hotels.
October 5, 2011, 4:02 PM
Timing is everything. When trying to score the best deals, when you travel is just as important as where you're traveling.
October 4, 2011, 4:18 PM
Are some theme park guests too big to ride rollercoasters safely?
September 22, 2011, 4:02 PM
The world's largest hotel company says no one can beat the prices on its website: Find a cheaper rate elsewhere, and your first night is free.
September 21, 2011, 2:23 PM
And you thought $25 checked luggage fees and charges for carry-ons were bad.
September 16, 2011, 1:52 PM
In 18 major U.S. cities, the average visitor coughs up more than $30 per day in taxes related to their trip.
September 14, 2011, 2:33 PM
The latest car rental deal from Enterprise is a doozy, with daily rates of just $9.99 at more than 6,000 U.S. locations.
September 9, 2011, 2:40 PM
Meet the man who swears almost anyone can travel all over the world "on the other guy's dime."
September 7, 2011, 3:43 PM
A new study does the math on the value of points for major travel loyalty programs. Long story short: You'll be especially happy if you've been amassing points with Starwood or Southwest.
September 2, 2011, 8:26 AM
African safaris don't come cheap. But if you think paying more guarantees a more enjoyable trip, think again.
August 25, 2011, 12:57 PM
The number of places where it's OK to smoke on a cruise ship is shrinking: Increasingly, passengers aren't even allowed to smoke inside their cabins.
August 24, 2011, 11:57 AM
Finding an affordable rental car is a common problem faced by travelers today. Here's one uncommon solution.
August 12, 2011, 12:56 PM
A new network of stainless steel mesh tunnels allows adorable monkeys to stray far from their usual cages.
August 11, 2011, 1:33 PM
Come to think of it, since smaller gateways typically come with cheaper fares, smaller lines, fewer delays, and less stress, what's not to love?
August 4, 2011, 3:40 PM
Crowne Plaza is testing out a new program that aims to give weary travelers a way to deal with snoring guests -- without resorting to earplugs.
August 2, 2011, 3:07 PM
Some carriers are far more generous than others when it comes to giving passengers money back if the fare on their flight decreases.
July 29, 2011, 12:28 PM
Police arrested 14 people and recovered more than $1 million of merchandise in an undercover investigation involving illegally resold theme park tickets.
July 28, 2011, 11:51 AM
The treasure hunt is on at enormous yard sales scheduled for upcoming summer and fall weekends across the country.
July 26, 2011, 4:00 PM
When cruise ships change locations, like many will in the coming months, passengers going along for the ride often score remarkable deals.
July 22, 2011, 2:40 PM
Whereas drivers under age 25 pay extra to rent cars, those under age 21 often can't rent at all. Now it's easier for 20-year-olds to rent just like the grownups.
July 13, 2011, 4:04 PM
For that matter, either option is better than using a currency conversion service at the airport or train station.
July 11, 2011, 3:15 PM
Airlines are soon supposed to list all of their fees on a single web page. But some carriers are trying to get the new regulations postponed or dropped.
July 8, 2011, 3:08 PM
"Wanderlust is not a passion for travel, exactly; it's something more animal and more fickle -- something more like lust."
July 5, 2011, 3:50 PM
Make the wrong move at the campground and your crew will be seriously un-happy campers. We're here to help.
July 5, 2011, 3:24 PM
For one thing, the police issue a warrant for your arrest, as one man with an overdue rental car in Pennsylvania recently found out.
June 24, 2011, 2:55 PM
Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando both raised their single-day multi-park passes to a whopping $120 a day.
June 9, 2011, 2:10 PM
If you can hit the road soon, rental rates start for as little as $1 a day.
June 8, 2011, 2:56 PM
Nothing. But that hasn't stopped an airline from announcing a special "Weiner Sale," with fares starting at $9.
May 31, 2011, 2:52 PM
Actually, there are those who would argue that it's pretty much ended already.
May 26, 2011, 1:16 PM
A showdown looms in Texas, where a law was approved banning pat-downs at airport checkpoints. Now the TSA is threatening to cancel all flights departing from the state.
May 24, 2011, 2:00 PM
Some travelers are born to shop. Others seem to have been born to do little else than lie on the beach. And then there are travelers who are born to be wild.
May 19, 2011, 3:18 PM
Contiki, the group tour specialist for travelers ages 18 to 35, just announced its first-ever tours in South America.
May 12, 2011, 3:23 PM
Down the line, renting a vehicle will probably be a lot more like car sharing than the typical experience at the car rental counter today.
May 6, 2011, 3:37 PM
Gas costs more for everybody nowadays. But travelers with rental cars might have to pay $5, $6, even $9 a gallon.
May 2, 2011, 4:11 PM
Yes, it is possible. Ticket change fees and baggage fees are now cheaper on one U.S. carrier.
April 27, 2011, 2:47 PM
New research says that travelers put a higher value on hotel loyalty program points.
April 20, 2011, 2:50 PM
Battle reenactments are scheduled throughout the spring, summer, and fall, and Gettysburg hosts a 150-cannon salute at the end of April.
April 18, 2011, 3:28 PM
Online sellers are asking as much as $150 for campsite reservations that normally cost $20.
April 8, 2011, 4:05 PM
The author of a new book exploring California's upscale pet travel scene offers advice to help travelers on any budget, no matter where they're going.
April 1, 2011, 2:34 PM
Less than half of all travelers have positive feelings about flying -- and wealthier travelers are especially likely to view air travel in a negative light.
March 25, 2011, 12:33 PM
Can you say road trip? Rent a car in Arizona, drop it off in one of nine states in the West, and the rental rate will be just $5 daily.
March 18, 2011, 1:13 PM
Royal Caribbean is selling unlimited alcoholic beverage packages starting at $29 a day.
March 17, 2011, 1:14 PM
A panel led by former Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge suggests ways to transform airport security and streamline passenger check-in procedures.
March 16, 2011, 2:37 PM
There are more ways than ever to tour Europe. The trip just might be more complicated and more expensive than ever too.
March 9, 2011, 1:33 PM
It's a classic travel tip: When searching for a great restaurant, cool bar, scenic park, boutique shop, or anything else, get the input of a local. Is this an awful approach?
March 7, 2011, 12:33 PM
For a chance to be featured in Budget Travel, tell us about your experiences traveling with grandparents, grandkids, and everybody in between.
March 4, 2011, 2:18 PM
In the future, it'll be possible for a Disney-bound family to reserve specific ride times long before arriving in central Florida.
March 2, 2011, 4:33 PM
If one small no-frills airline has its way, the answer will be yes.
February 9, 2011, 2:50 PM
How do you keep toddlers and teens, grandparents and in-laws, and everyone in between happy on a big group vacation?
January 28, 2011, 2:12 PM
Yes, this can happen to somebody who is in the business, and who travels all the time.
January 21, 2011, 10:10 AM
New plans will nearly double the size of the Orlando theme park's Fantasyland section.
January 19, 2011, 4:04 PM
Sick of winter already? Well, you're in luck: Flights to Mexico are on sale.
January 14, 2011, 2:36 PM
The number of passengers boarding short-haul flights has been on a steep, steady decline in the U.S. Now why might that be?
January 12, 2011, 3:25 PM
Mark your calendar: Entrance fees are being waived at all national parks on 17 days in 2011.
January 7, 2011, 1:37 PM
It's time to get your hands dirty: In an upcoming Trip Coach column, we're digging into farmstay vacations.
December 30, 2010, 12:29 PM
Fees. Delays. Long lines. Awful customer service. Invasive, humiliating, seemingly random security procedures. The list of annoyances and aggravations related to airline travel just grows and grows.
December 29, 2010, 3:36 PM
The number of rides enjoyed by the average Disney park visitor may seem surprisingly low.
December 23, 2010, 1:41 PM
A new service hooks renters up with local car owners willing to loan their wheels out for as little as $6 an hour -- gas and insurance included.
December 22, 2010, 11:37 AM
Ski-crazed states like Colorado and Vermont host programs in which middle-school skiers and boarders ride for free -- often for the entire season.
December 17, 2010, 4:18 PM
Many hotels offer discounts of 10 or 15 percent for guests reserving two or more weeks in advance. Here are some deals that do way better than that.
December 16, 2010, 1:20 PM
Two European carriers offer the rare opportunity to fly to Europe for under $500—round trip, with all taxes and fees included.
December 7, 2010, 2:26 PM
Going it alone offers a sense of freedom and accomplishment you'd never get hitting the road with a travel companion.
November 29, 2010, 1:57 PM
Once the weather turns cold, river cruises aren't exactly top of mind among travelers. That's why it's smart to think about river cruises right now.
November 23, 2010, 1:23 PM
One of the cheapest road trips imaginable is possible during the slow travel period after Thanksgiving and before Christmas.
November 16, 2010, 2:35 PM
The next Trip Coach topic is a biggie -- big in terms of complications and expense, and big in terms of an amazing experience like none other.
November 12, 2010, 2:08 PM
A self-operated roller coaster that zips through the forest sounds pretty cool to us.
November 9, 2010, 12:33 PM
Bring your laptop: From November 20 to January 2, all passengers flying domestically on AirTran, Delta, and Virgin America get free in-flight Wi-Fi.
November 8, 2010, 2:43 PM
Check out these off-season hotel promos to snag a bonus night free.
November 4, 2010, 1:42 PM
Cities love tourists for the money they bring to the local economy, and yet the locals often hate how visitors clog the streets and sidewalks. One city wants to do something about it.
October 29, 2010, 3:12 PM
Accor, the hotel company that runs chains like Ibis, Mercure, and Novotel, just announced a big sale.
October 29, 2010, 11:53 AM
Could this spur on an in-flight Internet price war?
October 26, 2010, 2:36 PM
Have you ever wondered if pilots actually sleep in the cockpit? Or whether airlines have adjusted their flight times strictly for the sake of a better record of on-time arrivals?
October 21, 2010, 2:00 PM
Federal investigators arrested a TSA staffer who allegedly regularly stole hundreds of dollars out of travelers' baggage at his security checkpoint.
October 18, 2010, 2:17 PM
Here's your chance to let British Airways pick up the tab for a couple of nights -- in a three- or four-star hotel no less.
October 13, 2010, 4:00 PM
A new photo exhibit in New York City shows exactly what gets confiscated: Cuban cigars, pirated DVDs, heroin, animal parts, hand grenades, bongs, and more.
October 12, 2010, 3:19 PM
On Wednesday, November 10, more than 600 B&Bs around the country are offering free rooms for active or retired military personnel.
October 6, 2010, 10:25 AM
Tell us about a recent experience you had traveling with your pet.
September 27, 2010, 1:39 PM
Last-minute ultra-cheap road trip, here you come.
September 24, 2010, 2:28 PM
Yes, it is possible to get around certain cities -- or at least certain parts of certain cities -- on buses, trains, and ferries without paying a dime.
September 22, 2010, 1:53 PM
With summer barely over, few people are thinking about skiing. But here's why you should.
September 21, 2010, 10:27 AM
For those only familiar with the rules of big ships, here are three reasons riverboat fanatics come back, time and again, for more.
September 16, 2010, 1:07 PM
People love their pets -- so much so that they want to take them everywhere they go. But what are the smartest, most fun and headache-free, and all-in-all best ways to travel with your pet?
September 9, 2010, 3:41 PM
Gogo Inflight Internet, available on routes flown by American, Delta, United, and Virgin America among other airlines, was recently installed on the 1,000th plane in North America.
September 8, 2010, 2:33 PM
If so, a coalition of travel organizations wants to hear from you now, so that it can force airlines and booking sites to get better at disclosing fees.
September 1, 2010, 4:45 PM
We're aiming to tackle a biggie in the travel industry, so send us all the questions you have about cruising now.
August 25, 2010, 12:48 PM
Two major hotel companies have promotions in which they'll cover the costs of guests' airline checked baggage fees.
August 13, 2010, 12:30 PM
The National Transportation Safety Board is recommending that all passengers -- kids under the age of 2 included -- have their own seats on planes. That'd mean infants would no longer be allowed to sit in their parents laps, and they would no longer fly for free.
August 9, 2010, 3:33 PM
There's nothing wrong with a company offering travel insurance when you're booking a trip. But what about when it's automatically added to your bill?
August 6, 2010, 3:22 PM
There's no better way to chill out in Chicago than by checking out the city's newest public art exhibit.
August 5, 2010, 4:30 PM
We all know that the American worker's two weeks of annual paid vacation pales in comparison with the months of vacation time granted to Europeans. But is the vacation gap really as big as you think?
July 30, 2010, 3:43 PM
The global brand leader of St. Regis Hotels, who stays at hotels 150 nights a year, tells how to get the most out of a stay at any hotel.
July 30, 2010, 12:09 PM
Just how much extra do you pay for the convenience of drinks and snacks in a hotel minibar?
July 29, 2010, 2:15 PM
A reality show star travels with no money in his pockets, and a pair of writers drive across the country.
July 28, 2010, 1:20 PM
The upside to a house swap is huge: free lodging in an apartment or home almost anywhere in the world. But that doesn't mean house swapping is for everybody.
July 27, 2010, 2:14 PM
Frontier Airlines is selling special "Whole Enchilada" fares that are fully refundable, include complimentary checked baggage, and don't require any advance purchase.
July 20, 2010, 1:12 PM
Authorities say the man appeared nervous during questioning. Uh, no wonder!
July 19, 2010, 11:30 AM
Ask The Trip Coach your questions about spa vacations!
July 15, 2010, 3:10 PM
Including advice on why some loop trails should be hiked counter-clockwise, and why, even though it seems more exhausting, if you've got a choice you really should hike uphill on the steepest sections of trails.
July 8, 2010, 4:55 PM
And if either is forced to pay more, how and when might the added costs trickle down to travelers?
July 7, 2010, 1:40 PM
Yosemite is one of our country's most popular national parks, and 90 percent of visitors see little beyond Yosemite Valley, which, while spectacular, represents just 5 percent of the park.
June 28, 2010, 2:38 PM
Perhaps even better news is the fact that a subscription hooks fliers up with Wi-Fi on lots of different airlines....
June 21, 2010, 2:58 PM
To enjoy your travels the most, research indicates that you should take lots of brief, exciting getaways rather than one long, relaxing vacation.
June 17, 2010, 1:57 PM
Even if the airline knocked $50 off the ticket?
June 16, 2010, 12:50 PM
By purchasing the carrier's "Boarding and Flexibility Package," you're entitled to perks that, not long ago, there was no need to pay for.
June 15, 2010, 1:08 PM
Some people experience flu-like symptoms when they're away from the office and are supposed to be enjoying themselves on vacation. And that's, well, sick.
June 10, 2010, 10:30 AM
Hotel giant Accor calls this a "Crazy Prices" promotion, and crazy it is -- crazy good.
June 8, 2010, 4:29 PM
When flights are oversold, why don't the airlines hold open auctions, allowing passengers to decide what level of compensation they're willing to accept in exchange for missing the flight?
June 4, 2010, 2:59 PM
Frequent fliers will no longer have to pay fees of $75 to $150 to trade in miles for a flight that's departing in less than three weeks. But the news isn't entirely positive.
May 28, 2010, 10:05 AM
For a charming, laid-back, no-hassles tour of Europe, river cruising is hard to beat. If you've ever had questions about this elegant mode of travel, send them in to us now.
May 26, 2010, 12:31 PM
With hotels and flights, travelers are charged when they fail to show up on the date of a reservation. With car rentals, there's no fee for no-shows. But that may soon change.
May 25, 2010, 11:56 AM
Talk about a snake on a plane! A 63-year-old man flying from Hong Kong to the U.S. is facing federal charges for allegedly molesting the woman sitting next to him on the plane while she slept.
May 19, 2010, 2:24 PM
But guess what? You'll probably still pay less by renting from another agency, even if it does charge fees because you're under 25.
May 12, 2010, 4:01 PM
Highly anticipated exhibits in New York, Philadelphia, and Denver give visitors a glimpse of how ancient Egyptian royalty lived -- and died.
May 10, 2010, 3:36 PM
Here's a round-up of rides and entire theme parks that have just opened, will open soon, or are expected in the years to come.
May 6, 2010, 11:02 AM
We're here to help you do good and have a good time -- all at the same time.
May 4, 2010, 12:54 PM
You knew the figure was going to be big. But $7.8 billion!?!
April 30, 2010, 4:23 PM
Have a great ride, but don't get too close to the rim!
April 29, 2010, 11:31 AM
New Department of Transportation rules take effect today, and the gist is that when a flight is delayed on tarmac, passengers are no longer subject to inhumane treatment. Finally!
April 27, 2010, 3:42 PM
In one state, campground guests are looking at the first-ever summer with a prohibition on booze.
April 20, 2010, 11:13 AM
To help out stranded travelers, Lonely Planet announced a Volcano Relief Sale: 13 City Guide apps, which normally cost up to $16 apiece, can be downloaded for free to your iPhone.
April 14, 2010, 11:31 AM
Buy-one-get-one-free scenic cruises and promotions granting a second night free at hotels are among the many discounts offered at national park and recreation areas next week.
April 9, 2010, 11:59 AM
Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has some strong opinions regarding Spirit's decision to start charging passengers for carry-on bags.
April 6, 2010, 3:09 PM
The good news is that airlines are less likely to oversell flights nowadays. The bad news is that when a flight is overbooked, passengers are more likely to be denied boarding involuntarily.
March 31, 2010, 12:14 PM
A USA Today blog was nice enough to feature some of the great tips in Budget Travel's new book The Smart Family's Passport, which in turn has led to an exchange of even more travel tips.
March 30, 2010, 3:30 PM
Every spring, car rental agencies need to move automobiles around the country to prepare for the summer season. You can score ultra-cheap rental rates, starting at a mere buck per day.
March 29, 2010, 9:55 AM
Send us all of your questions related to national parks. We'll answer the most representative questions in an upcoming issue of Budget Travel.
March 19, 2010, 12:36 PM
Coupons aren't only for the supermarket. They're handy for snagging discounts on hotels, flights, car rentals, and more.
March 17, 2010, 1:12 PM
For instance, Minneapolis to London's Stansted, from $415 each way, midsummer.
March 16, 2010, 2:50 PM
It might have something to do with the fact that the little tyke is wailing away on a crowded plane, and that you're doing nothing about it.
March 1, 2010, 3:08 PM
If you've ever been interested in attending a cooking school while on a vacation, now's your chance to ask any simmering questions.
February 26, 2010, 11:36 AM
It's probably wise to buy or renew your passport soon: The price for either service may be going up by $35.
February 24, 2010, 1:55 PM
Direct Air, a lesser-known carrier based in Myrtle Beach, S.C., is celebrating its fourth birthday with a sale knocking 50 percent off all flights.
February 23, 2010, 2:33 PM
Baggage fees and other nickel-and-dime strategies may net airlines some short-term revenues. But at what cost? There's no doubt that such practices are annoying the heck out of customers.
February 19, 2010, 2:23 PM
Scam alert: If you get a phone call saying that you'll get a free Caribbean cruise just for taking part in a brief survey, it's probably best to hang up.
February 19, 2010, 9:56 AM
Guidebooks are obviously good for helping you plan a trip. But what do you do with the book when your trip is over?
February 12, 2010, 11:25 AM
The product made a splash a while back when it came on the market. But I can't recall ever seeing anyone using one on a plane.
February 9, 2010, 10:33 AM
Most people love the idea of getting together with loads of family members and friends, especially if you're gathering in a fun spot. Do you have questions about how to pull it off successfully? Ask away.
February 4, 2010, 1:14 PM
For every day you opt out of housekeeping at a Starwood hotel, you'll get 500 bonus loyalty points or a $5 credit at the hotel restaurant.
February 3, 2010, 3:07 PM
Lift tickets are discounted at 44 ski resorts around the country this Sunday.
February 2, 2010, 12:20 PM
TripAdvisor dished some serious dirt last week with the release of a list of the Dirtiest Hotels around the world, based on traveler reviews. Some hotels are threatening to sue.
February 1, 2010, 11:49 AM
Air New Zealand has introduced a new couch-style seating arrangement, with cushions that flip up to make for comfortable and easy lounging. Most innovative of all: The Skycouch is in economy class.
January 25, 2010, 12:47 PM
A last-minute round of ticket sales just began, and while scouting things out we found availability to a bunch of events, including hockey, skiing, speed skating, and more.
January 22, 2010, 2:22 PM
A new service in New Zealand allows you to park an RV in dozens of locations at no charge other than a reasonable membership fee.
January 21, 2010, 4:30 PM
Everybody knows that at TSA checkpoints, you're not supposed to joke about drugs, bombs, or pretty much anything, right? Well, everybody except for one TSA agent, that is.
January 15, 2010, 12:20 PM
Seeing as the TSA hasn't been able to come up solutions, Slate asked readers to offer their suggestions for how to fix airport security. Of the hundreds of ideas submitted, a few were singled out as winners.
January 13, 2010, 11:56 AM
As Continental and Delta jack up their fees for checked luggage, Southwest, the lone two-bags-free airline still out there, is asking customers how they'd respond if they too had to pay to check bags.
January 11, 2010, 12:06 PM
If you've ever had questions for any part of the vacation rental process, from figuring out what sources to consult to ensuring you get your deposit returned, now's your chance to ask them.
January 5, 2010, 12:33 PM
Lately, a lot of the car rental specials don't seem all that special.
December 17, 2009, 2:55 PM
We're talking about epic, sabbatical-type trips, in which you take a serious break from your usual existence and leave home for a month or longer. Send us your questions!
December 15, 2009, 9:52 AM
Several hotel companies have recently reported a significant rise in the number of loyalty members redeeming points for things like iPods, pearl earrings, binoculars, and Wii videogame consoles.
December 10, 2009, 12:23 PM
The writer, editor, and lead contributor of a new book called Off the Tourist Trail: 1,000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives allows us to pick his brain.
December 9, 2009, 2:01 PM
You asked for it, so here's an easy way to find out if a cruise line automatically adds gratuities onto passengers' bills, and if so, by how much.
December 7, 2009, 1:28 PM
Through a "coins for miles" scheme that is apparently perfectly legal, several hundred travelers have been snagging free flights and hotels.
December 4, 2009, 1:26 PM
Nearly all big cruise lines automatically add a gratuity onto passengers' bills. Some passengers don't like it one bit.
December 3, 2009, 1:09 PM
Follow a flow chart's prompts such as "Are you high?", "Are you a ninja?" and "Can you stand Guy Fieri?" to find the restaurant chain that's right for you.
November 25, 2009, 12:56 PM
Black Friday isn't just about door busters and discounted TVs at the mall. Airlines, hotels, and resorts are getting in on the action with deals of their own.
November 23, 2009, 2:17 PM
The North Pole is a lot closer than you might think, thanks to these magical holiday train rides based on the popular movie and book.
November 20, 2009, 12:01 PM
Airport delays can certainly dampen the festive mood. By dorking out with some airport data, you can play the numbers to decrease your chances of delays and cancellations.
November 19, 2009, 2:28 PM
Here's a roundup of 12 cool new exhibits at family-friendly, very interactive museums around the country.
November 18, 2009, 2:23 PM
USA3000, the quasi-charter flight operation that sells directly to the public, offers a sale to warm destinations for travel during winter's coldest days.
November 16, 2009, 2:44 PM
The author of the popular blog DeliciousBaby.com, where the motto is "Making Travel with Kids Fun," reveals tips for surviving airports and picking sightseeing ideas your kids will like.
November 3, 2009, 12:45 PM
Here's an exception to the widespread trend of car rentals getting more and more expensive.
October 29, 2009, 4:31 PM
Why is it impossible to find a cheap flight into Jackson Hole? I'll tell you why, and address a bunch of other issues too.
October 21, 2009, 12:05 PM
The round-the-world trip is a dream for many travelers, but it's intimidating on many levels. Fire away your questions, and we'll answer them in an upcoming issue.
October 15, 2009, 3:08 PM
The package comes with two nights' hotel, a full-day tour that takes in geothermal areas, waterfalls, and national parks, and airfare from as far away as Seattle.
October 5, 2009, 2:27 PM
If you reserved last Monday for a rental starting today, the average is $348. That's an increase of 121 percent from a year ago.
October 2, 2009, 9:01 AM
At least one night of your lodging bill could be covered thanks to special fall promotions from Choice Hotels, Country Inns & Suites, and Sheraton.
September 30, 2009, 2:00 PM
Give us your questions! We'll do our best to answer them and to supply our most sensible tips and suggestions.
September 30, 2009, 12:26 PM
A new museum opens its doors on October 1 to celebrate Walt Disney as an artist, visionary, and man, not Walt Disney the theme park or brand.
September 29, 2009, 12:01 PM
There's an upside to what was a drearily wet summer in much of the Northeast: Thanks to all the rain, this autumn is shaping up as a particularly spectacular season for foliage.
September 28, 2009, 10:54 AM
Autumn is arguably the best season for visiting national parks. The weather is crisp and beautiful, and summer's crowds and peak-season prices have both disappeared.
September 22, 2009, 3:02 PM
A special sale from Direct Air allow you to buy round trip tickets for $149, all taxes and fees included, and you can decide later who is going to use them and when they're going to travel.
September 18, 2009, 12:04 PM
Thanks to everybody who submitted questions, and special thanks to folks who chimed in with resort reviews and insights about their all-inclusive experiences.
September 14, 2009, 1:09 PM
Former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne offers his take on what constitutes the perfect city in the Wall Street Journal.
September 10, 2009, 2:35 PM
Museum Day is coming. Smithsonian magazine is sponsoring a day of free admission to hundreds of museums and cultural centers on Saturday, September 26.
September 10, 2009, 9:44 AM
Budget Travel asked etiquette experts to weigh in with tips on how to be the perfect houseguest—you know, the kind that hosts invite back.
September 4, 2009, 11:24 AM
A woman buys an iPhone, goes to Europe, and unknowingly amasses a $500 bill after four days overseas. By the time she reaches AT&T, the total is around $5,000.
September 2, 2009, 12:40 PM
It's funny how technology works in the travel business. Hotel discounter getaroom.com is obviously a website. But the way to get the company's best room rates is by making a phone call.
August 27, 2009, 3:49 PM
The airline seatback pocket may not be spacious, but it has at least traditionally been a place to stash your magazine or water bottle while you snooze. Not anymore.
August 26, 2009, 8:25 AM
Using a special discount booking code this week, you can fly north or south at 50 percent off on Direct Air this autumn and winter.
August 21, 2009, 12:23 PM
The all-inclusive can be the ultimate no-hassle vacation. But even if there are no hassles, travelers may have plenty of questions. Trip Coach is here to help.
August 20, 2009, 2:49 PM
Starting on August 29, Liberty University, in Lynchburg, Va., will give skiers and snowboarders the freedom to ride in the great outdoors year-round.
August 13, 2009, 2:34 PM
Quiz time: When is a $20 daily car rental rate promotion a rip-off? Answer: When you could just as easily be paying $10 a day.
August 7, 2009, 1:42 PM
We'll offer tons of honest advice and specific answers in an upcoming issue of the magazine. And here are some quick tips right now.
August 4, 2009, 3:24 PM
Every airline traveler should know that it's unwise to put valuables or fragile items inside a checked bag. What I saw last week at LaGuardia Airport will make you think twice about putting such items in your carry-on too.
July 29, 2009, 12:39 PM
You can now pass the time on board by surfing the web with a laptop or personal device. Is this a good idea, or the most annoying thing since the restrictions on liquids at TSA checkpoints?
July 28, 2009, 5:14 PM
Trip Coach is here to help. While certain hassles are unavoidable, a little planning and smart strategizing can go a long way toward making traveling during the holidays more pleasant.
July 28, 2009, 1:04 PM
I recently booked a flight on Northwest Airlines, and let me tell you, the carrier has really cut back on perks—even seat assignments, apparently.
July 17, 2009, 1:54 PM
Starting on July 25, kids can read Curious George books, watch Curious George cartoons, and try to draw (yep) Curious George in a new visitor center for the Curious George Cottage, where the beloved monkey's creators, Margret and H.A. Rey, once lived.
July 15, 2009, 3:50 PM
The recession in wreaking havoc in the hotel industry, especially in California, where no fewer than 32 hotels are in foreclosure, and 174 more are in default of loans. But what does it mean for guests?
July 14, 2009, 5:25 PM
As temperatures in the U.S. rise, demand for steamy tropical getaways goes down. That's why summer is the season for deals at all-inclusives in the Caribbean and Mexico.
July 10, 2009, 4:11 PM
Thank you to everyone who sent us photography questions for Ask Trip Coach. Thanks especially to the folks who chimed in with solutions and advice. Good stuff!
July 2, 2009, 3:11 PM
The new Disney statue moves and talks, with words that President Obama himself recorded at the White House earlier this year.
June 30, 2009, 9:54 AM
When you visit an American city, look for an online version of the alternative weekly newspaper's annual "Best Of" edition, in which locals vote for their favorite places to eat, drink, and hang out.
June 24, 2009, 8:37 AM
Who doesn't love a little Free Willy? The bard, we mean, not the whale. We've rounded up a dozen theater companies putting on plays around the U.S. this summer.
June 19, 2009, 3:11 PM
We can help. Send us your questions, and we'll answer them in an upcoming issue of the magazine.
June 15, 2009, 3:21 PM
Every Tuesday, Hotels.com runs a 24-hour sale with rates that can be up to 40 percent lower than normal. You don't have to stay in the hotel on a Tuesday; it's just the only day you can get the discount.
June 9, 2009, 12:29 PM
Direct Air, an upstart carrier we've profiled is running a half-off special for flights. We found flights such as Worcester, Mass. to Myrtle Beach and Kalamazoo to Orlando for under $130 (incl. taxes and fees).
June 3, 2009, 1:51 PM
A new site is challenging Kayak and other metasearch sites. But in our tests, the site isn't yet doing a good enough job at finding the lowest fares in an quick, intuitive way.
June 1, 2009, 2:43 PM
Following Expedia's lead, Travelocity and Orbitz drop most of their booking fees.
May 27, 2009, 5:10 PM
Marriott, Best Western, and InterContinental are among the big hotel companies rolling out the discounts to entice travelers to stay at their properties this summer.
May 27, 2009, 12:57 PM
JetAmerica, an upstart airline modeled after Europe's Ryanair, is selling tickets to the Florida for $9 apiece.
May 22, 2009, 8:51 AM
Several readers give the impression that they'd be happier with the Happiest Place on Earth if there were fewer kids.
May 20, 2009, 11:53 AM
We're putting together a story that's all about travel emergencies. Share one of your own stories, and it may be published in Budget Travel!
May 14, 2009, 5:05 PM
Kayak.com is making it easier to find out the grand total you'd pay for a flight with a checked bag or two. Select the number of bags you're planning on checking, and updated flight prices with baggage charges included appear.
May 14, 2009, 1:48 PM
American Airlines' now lets you cash in your miles for one-way tickets, lowering the bar you need to put your miles to use. It's the first major airline to change its frequent flier program in this way.
May 12, 2009, 10:41 AM
This travel package with air and extras bundled together is cheaper than booking the flight by itself. Valid for travel in late autumn, includes a flight to Dublin and a week-long car rental starting at $249 per person.
May 11, 2009, 4:07 PM
We're putting together a story that's all about travel emergencies—how to avoid them, but also how to be best prepared in case something unfortunate happens. Please post your questions.
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