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Elliott Report

Elliott Report

  • Home
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Safe Travels

A biweekly column about travel safety and how to protect yourself when you’re on the road. Safe Travels is sponsored by Travel Guard, which offers broad coverage, including travel medical expense, trip cancellation, and more. Whether across the country or the globe, Travel Guard has you covered.

Car rental companies now use AI-powered imaging systems to scan vehicles before and after rentals—but don’t put your phone away just yet. Experts say renters should still take their own time-stamped photos of the car’s condition to avoid false damage charges. Here’s what to photograph and why manual proof still matters.

Do I still need to take photos of my rental car?

November 29, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Matt Murray wants to know if he should still take pictures of his rental car before he drives it off the lot. The answer is complicated.

Categories Safe Travels
Holiday travel in 2025 is more unpredictable than ever. From flight delays and border confusion to cybersecurity threats and lost bags, this season demands extra vigilance. Learn what steps travelers are taking—from smart planning to expanded travel insurance—to stay safe and protect their investment.

Holiday travel safety: Here’s what could go wrong — and how you can avoid it

November 15, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

What are you afraid of this holiday travel season? Missing your flight? Losing your luggage? Getting stuck in bad weather?

Categories Safe Travels
from leaving the tv on to packing door alarms, travelers are getting innovative about hotel room security. learn how to enhance your safety on the road.

New ways to make your hotel room safe

October 18, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Walter Meyer is so concerned about hotel safety that he always brings “Dave” along.

Categories Safe Travels
Travel insurance is evolving! Learn about surprising post-departure benefits that can save your trip (and your wallet) when things go wrong abroad.

Travel insurance companies are adding new post-departure benefits. Here’s what you can expect.

October 4, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When Alexandra Lauren developed an ear infection while scuba diving in Hoi An, Vietnam, the diagnosis was unexpectedly serious: Her hospital recommended a two-week stay connected to an IV drip.

Categories Safe Travels
Travelers focus on plane safety but often overlook dangers within the airport itself. Learn about the unexpected risks and how to stay safe.

What’s the most dangerous thing at the airport?

September 20, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

An airport can be a dangerous place.

Just ask Brandon Barron, who recently flew from Charlotte to Orlando with his wife, four young kids and his mother, who has Alzheimer’s.

Categories Safe Travels
ravelers are increasingly concerned about car rental safety. Here's how to ensure your rental car is safe before you hit the road.

Travelers are worried about car rental safety. Here’s how to avoid a problem

September 6, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Everything seemed fine when Josie Daigle rented a car in Boston from a national chain. A cursory glance at the vehicle before she drove off with her two young kids suggested the car was safe.

Categories Safe Travels
Worried about travel safety? See how travel insurance is evolving with new features to help you avoid trouble and stay protected on your next vacation.

New ways travel insurance can keep you safe when you’re traveling

August 23, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Travel insurance may cover you if you get into trouble on your next vacation. But what if travel insurance could help you avoid trouble?

Categories Safe Travels
Forget the back of the plane! Experts reveal the surprisingly dangerous and uncomfortable seats you should avoid on your next flight.

This is the worst seats on the plane — and it’s not what you think

August 9, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Every time I board a flight, I think about safety. But am I worrying about the wrong thing?

Categories Safe Travels
Experts reveal the most dangerous hotel room and offer crucial advice on how to choose a safer room and protect yourself from theft.

This is the most dangerous room in a hotel

July 26, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When you check into your hotel, you might want to ask where your room is located. Chahanler Marks wishes he had when he stayed in a hotel in St. Louis recently.

Categories Safe Travels
Don't get caught off guard! Discover common travel insurance exclusions and how to ensure you're protected on your summer trip.

Warning: Travel insurance may not cover this

July 12, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

As summer travel heats up, so does the demand for travel insurance. But before you click “buy” on a policy, take a minute to read the fine print. 

Categories Safe Travels
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  • Home
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