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Elliott Report

Elliott Report

  • Home
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INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

That seemingly harmless drink could lead to days of illness! Discover the top beverages to avoid on vacation to protect your health and trip.

The one drink that can ruin your next trip (and how to avoid it)

August 17, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

The water in Slovenia’s Lake Bled looked so crystal-clear that you could drink it. Which is exactly what one of Alyson Chadwick’s travel companions did. It was the drink that ruined her trip.

Categories On Travel
If you feel unwelcome on vacation due to overcrowding or local resentment, learn practical tips to be a more respectful tourist and foster positive interactions.

What should you do if you’re not welcome on vacation?

June 29, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Chloe Bennet says she felt unwelcome when she visited Venice recently. And she had a decision to make.

Categories On Travel
ouple cancels Mexican rental, promised refund delayed for months. Learn about cancellation policies and how to pursue overdue refunds. rental refund

Where’s the refund for our Mexican vacation rental? I’ve been waiting for months.

June 27, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

After Betsy Webster cancels her stay at an apartment in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, she’s offered a partial refund. But the money never came. What should she do?

Categories Problem Solved
Tourists are increasingly breaking laws and exhibiting poor behavior while on vacation, from cultural faux pas to criminal acts. Experts attribute this to entitlement and post-pandemic recklessness. Learn how to avoid legal trouble and cultural missteps, and why a sincere apology can go a long way.

What’s the worst thing you’ve done on vacation?

June 1, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Confession time! What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done on vacation?

Categories On Travel
Travel insurance is essential for summer vacations, safeguarding against unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. It typically covers trip cancellation, medical expenses, travel delays, and emergency assistance, ensuring peace of mind while traveling. Without it, travelers risk significant financial losses and stress during their trips. Travel insurance is crucial for summer vacations, protecting against unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. It generally covers trip cancellation, medical expenses, travel delays, and emergency assistance, providing peace of mind. Without it, travelers face potential financial losses and added stress during their journeys.

Do I need travel insurance for my summer vacation?

May 4, 2025May 3, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

With vacation season just around the corner, many travelers are asking themselves: Do I need travel insurance for my summer vacation?

Categories Safe Travels
When traveling, saying the wrong thing can quickly lead to poor service. Businesses claim to offer excellent customer care, but their employees, being human, may react negatively if you disrespect them. Say something like "Do you know who I am?" or "I'll sue," and you might find yourself with the worst seat or service available. To avoid this, it’s crucial to say things calmly, stick to the facts, and treat employees with respect. A friendly word can go a long way in ensuring a better travel experience.

Traveling? Here’s what to say if you want to get the worst treatment — guaranteed!

December 2, 2024September 8, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

It’s easy to get treated like a second-class citizen when you travel: Just say the wrong thing. That’s an undeniable fact that people are rediscovering during the busiest year in the history of modern travel.

Categories On Travel
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?

Categories Safe Travels
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

May 18, 2025August 4, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

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

Categories On Travel
Shirley Barchi doesn't want anyone to know she's American when she travels abroad.

These tourists don’t want anyone to know they’re American. Here’s why.

September 14, 2024July 6, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Shirley Barchi doesn’t want anyone to know she’s American when she travels abroad.

Categories On Travel
Travel insurance can be crucial for summer vacations, but it’s not always necessary. Kingsley Hopkins, traveling to Portugal and Iceland, seeks coverage for medical emergencies and trip disruptions. With high travel demand and potential risks like natural disasters and health issues, older travelers especially should consider insurance. However, you might skip it if you already have coverage or if your trip is low-risk. Evaluate your prepaid expenses and international travel plans to decide. Hopkins opts for refundable bookings and a Medjet Horizon plan for peace of mind, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Do I need travel insurance for my summer vacation? It’s complicated

May 3, 2025June 22, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re planning to travel somewhere this summer, you’re probably thinking of buying travel insurance.

Categories On Travel
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