Christopher Elliott

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can't. He's the author of numerous books on consumer advocacy and writes three nationally syndicated columns. He also publishes the Elliott Report, a news site for consumers, and Elliott Confidential, a critically acclaimed newsletter about customer service. If you have a consumer problem you can't solve, contact him directly through his advocacy website. You can also follow him on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or sign up for his daily newsletter.

Berlin is leading the charge in sustainable tourism, exemplified by the Lulu Guldsmeden Hotel's focus on reducing food waste and eco-friendly practices. The city's commitment to green initiatives is evident in its thriving urban gardens and the innovative Futurium museum, making Berlin a model of sustainable travel.

Germany’s green vacations: How Berlin is making tourism more sustainable

October 2, 2024August 17, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

You can talk all you want about sustainability and tourism, but at the Lulu Guldsmeden Hotel in Berlin, you can do something about it.

Deirdre Stewart ordered six bras online and paid with PayPal, but received only two bras in the wrong size and a hideous shower curtain. Despite providing all required documentation, she has been waiting six weeks for a refund through PayPal’s Purchase Protection plan. After numerous frustrating interactions with PayPal’s customer service, including a disturbing call with a supposed supervisor, Deirdre reached out for help. With assistance, PayPal finally resolved her case, refunding her purchase. This bizarre experience highlights potential flaws in PayPal’s protection plan and the importance of documented communication.

I ordered bras, but they sent me a hideous shower curtain

August 20, 2024August 16, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Deirdre Stewart orders six bras online but receives only two — plus a “hideous” shower curtain. Will PayPal’s protection plan help her?

Josephine Donatelli was charged $515 by Enterprise for a missing head restraint and hat shelf from her rental car. However, she insists she returned the vehicle exactly as she rented it. Enterprise sent the claim more than a month after the return, with insufficient evidence to prove it was her rental car, including no photos with identifying details like a license plate. After disputing the charge with her credit card company and contacting Enterprise, a representative apologized for the error and refunded the money, acknowledging the confusion and promising future rental credits.

Billed $515 for a missing head restraint on my rental car. But is this the right vehicle?

August 19, 2024August 14, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Enterprise charges Josephine Donatelli $515 after it discovers a missing head restraint in a rental vehicle. But was it her rental vehicle?

When James Cottrell bought travel medical insurance for his North Atlantic cruise, he never expected to need it. But when his wife fell ill and ended up with a $6,914 medical bill, he found himself relying on GeoBlue. Despite promises of a 30-day payout, six months passed with no reimbursement. Cottrell's persistent follow-ups led him to file a complaint with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance. His case highlights the differences between travel insurance and travel medical insurance and provides crucial tips for expediting claims. Will GeoBlue finally pay? Find out how he resolved it.

Their North Atlantic cruise ended in the hospital. Why won’t travel medical insurance pay their $6,914 claim

September 5, 2024August 12, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When James Cottrell bought travel medical insurance for himself and his wife for their North Atlantic cruise last summer, he never expected to use it. But if he had to, he was confident his GeoBlue travel medical plan would be there for him — and that it would pay his claim promptly.

Richard Campbell experienced a nightmarish encounter with bedbugs at a small hotel in Italy's Cinque Terre. Awaking to bites on his arms and legs, he discovered bugs on the headboard and wall. The hotel owners, horrified, immediately took action by moving him to another room, laundering his clothes, and fumigating the room. They even refunded his stay and compensated him. Insect encounters, from bedbugs to ants and mosquitoes, are on the rise due to increased travel and climate change. Travelers should be prepared and know their rights when dealing with these pesky intruders.

Insects on vacation: How to spot them and how to avoid them

August 31, 2024August 11, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Insects are coming for your next vacation.

Travel safety this fall is uncertain, with experts highlighting key concerns. Popular destinations are reacting against overtourism, while rising instability in regions like the Middle East and Ukraine poses risks. The contentious U.S. presidential election could also impact Americans abroad. As a frequent traveler, I share my itinerary and safety strategies for Dublin, Istanbul, and Doha. Expert tips emphasize researching destinations, having an emergency plan, and avoiding political discussions to stay safe. Take common-sense precautions to travel safely this fall.

Is it safe to travel this fall? Maybe not

October 24, 2024August 10, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Like many Americans, I’m traveling this fall. And like many Americans, I’m wondering: Is it safe to travel this fall?

Carolyn Allen's home in Saint Cloud, Fla., faced unexpected issues when the seals on her hurricane-resistant window blinds started melting and the door handles began to corrode. Despite multiple calls and emails to FAS Windows & Doors, only some handles were replaced, leaving the rest back-ordered for over a year. Carolyn's polite persistence yielded no response until she sought help from a consumer advocacy team. With their intervention, FAS Windows & Doors finally replaced the remaining door handles, highlighting the importance of persistence and the challenges of dealing with warranty issues and unique hardware replacements.

Help! The seals on my window blinds are melting

August 31, 2024August 9, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Carolyn Allen’s window seals are melting. And now her door handles are corroded too. Can she get them replaced? And if so, how long should it take?

Rocco De Mella's recent journey with ITA Airways from Miami to Rome turned into a frustrating ordeal when a plane change resulted in the loss of his $160 seat upgrade. Despite promises of a prompt refund from multiple airline representatives, six months have passed with no resolution. Rocco's attempts to contact ITA Airways through various channels yielded no results, leaving him in limbo. However, a breakthrough came when a consumer advocacy site intervened, leading to the long-awaited refund. This case highlights the challenges passengers face with airline service changes and refund processes.

Downgraded on my ITA Airways flight. Why can’t I get a refund?

December 2, 2024August 7, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When ITA Airways changes Rocco De Mella’s plane from Miami to Rome, he loses the seat upgrade he bought. An airline representative promises him a prompt refund. But six months later, the airline still has his money.

When Priya Engel checked into her San Diego vacation rental, she was met with cold water and no heat. Despite numerous calls to Vrbo and the property owner, the issues remained unresolved, forcing her to vacate early. Vrbo initially denied her refund claim, stating she didn't qualify under their Book With Confidence guarantee. Engel's persistence and documentation finally led to a full refund, raising questions about the necessity of explicit guarantees for basic amenities like heat and hot water in rental agreements.

No hot water and no heat in my Vrbo rental. Why can’t I get a refund?

August 31, 2024August 5, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When Priya Engel turned on the shower in her San Diego vacation rental, the water ran cold and there was no heat. Repeated calls to the owner changed nothing, and now she wants her money back.

John Smaistrla, a civil engineer from Houston, had a close call with a pickpocket on the Paris Métro Line 3. He felt a bump but thought nothing of it until he noticed his pants pocket zippers partially open. Thankfully, his wallet was still there, thanks to his secure travel shorts with triple-secure pockets. Pickpocketing is a growing issue for travelers, with thousands of Americans reporting stolen passports yearly. Experts advise using zippered pockets, crossbody bags, and being vigilant in crowded areas to prevent falling victim to these skilled thieves.

Traveling somewhere? Here’s how not to be a pickpocket victim

August 31, 2024August 4, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

On a recent trip to Paris, John Smaistrla was just a bump away from becoming a pickpocket victim.

Christopher Elliott

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