TRAVEL TIPS Archives

In Gothenburg, Sweden, sustainability is woven into the fabric of the city. From eco-friendly museums to Volvo’s green initiatives, Gothenburg has emerged as one of the most sustainable tourism destinations globally. Katarina Thorstensson, a local sustainability strategist, says they don’t even talk about it—it’s just part of life. But what exactly makes Gothenburg so sustainable? It’s a mix of economic viability, environmental protection, and cultural preservation. So, is Gothenburg setting the gold standard for sustainable travel, and how can other destinations learn from it?

How do you define sustainability? In Gothenburg, Sweden, it’s everywhere

October 26, 2024October 12, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

The City Museum in Gothenburg, Sweden, is one of several museums with an aggressive sustainability program.

Vacation rentals may seem like the perfect solution, but don’t be fooled by glossy photos and cheap listings. From artificially enhanced pictures to sneaky extra fees, the vacation rental game has plenty of hidden traps. With prices on the rise, how can you find a deal? The key is in negotiating directly, using the right tools, and asking the right questions. But even then, are you really getting what you paid for? Before you book, arm yourself with these insights and strategies to avoid the biggest vacation rental gotchas.

New strategies for avoiding vacation rental “gotchas”

November 25, 2024October 6, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re looking for a vacation rental this holiday season, you already know about the biggest gotcha: the high price.

Edd Staton, an expat in Ecuador for 14 years, challenges the U.S. government's travel advisories that warn of crime and danger. He insists the violence is confined to areas tourists rarely visit and that most travelers are safe. As safety concerns grow, should travelers rely on government travel advisories or consider the insights of locals like Staton? Government warnings often highlight broad risks but may miss the nuances of everyday life in the country. So, what's the real story about safety in Ecuador?

Can you trust those government travel advisories? Maybe not — and here’s why

October 26, 2024October 5, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When it comes to government travel advisories, Edd Staton doesn’t believe everything he reads.

With airlines cracking down on luggage, travelers are facing rising fees and stricter enforcement, leading to a new phenomenon: luggage rage. From lost bags to exorbitant fees, passengers are increasingly frustrated. Incidents of rage are on the rise, with some travelers going as far as mutilating their luggage to avoid penalties. As airlines continue to tighten their policies, the situation is only expected to worsen. Will you keep your cool, or will luggage rage get the best of you?

Do you have luggage rage? Here’s how to know — and what to do about it

October 19, 2024September 29, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’ve ever struggled to squeeze your carry-on luggage into a ridiculously tiny overhead bin, or had to repack your bag because it was too heavy, or just lost your luggage, then you may already know luggage rage.

Satrupa Kagel, an American Airlines frequent flier, booked an award ticket from Tokyo to San Francisco only to discover the day before her flight that American Airlines had canceled her reservation without notice. After spending $3,548 on a last-minute ticket, she sought a refund from American Airlines. Despite months of waiting and no response, she finally got the airline to acknowledge their mistake and issue a full refund, including her miles. This case highlights the challenges of dealing with American Airlines and the importance of confirming your flight reservation.

American Airlines canceled my business class ticket by accident. Can you fix it?

October 27, 2024September 25, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

A day before Satrupa Kagel’s flight from Tokyo to San Francisco, she finds out American Airlines canceled her ticket. Is she on the hook for the $3,548 she had to spend for a last-minute ticket?

Barbara Glavish thought her valuables were secure on a trip to Kuala Lumpur, thanks to a slash-proof handbag. When two thieves tried to snatch her purse, they were in for a surprise—the bag didn't budge. With pickpocketing on the rise in popular tourist destinations, experts recommend being vigilant and taking extra precautions to protect your belongings. Whether it's using a money belt, specialized travel clothing, or other secure options, keeping your valuables safe is more important than ever when you travel. Don't become a target—take action now.

Pro tips for keeping your valuables safe when you travel

October 19, 2024September 21, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Barbara Glavish didn’t worry about keeping her belongings safe on a recent trip to Kuala Lumpur. That’s because she was carrying a slash-proof handbag, “so I could worry less about getting robbed,” she says.

Tracy Joselson and her husband booked a Windstar cruise with a promised all-inclusive package, only to find that Windstar later denied the package due to a missing signature from the onboard consultant. Despite months of back-and-forth communication, the issue remained unresolved until Windstar finally reviewed the reservation. With persistence and a little help, the cruise line not only honored the original promise but also added extra shipboard credits as an apology. This story highlights the challenges and rewards of booking directly onboard with Windstar.

Windstar promised an all-inclusive package on my Central America cruise. Now it’s refusing!

October 10, 2024September 18, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Tracy Joselson and her husband book a Windstar cruise with a promised all-inclusive package. But then the cruise line takes away the package. Can they cancel their cruise?

Summer 2024 left many travelers regretting their vacation choices. From booking the wrong airlines to overstuffing itineraries, the mistakes were costly. I learned the hard way—overpaying for an airfare that drained my budget. And what about that missed opportunity to visit an iconic spot? With the new iPhone in hand, these regrets could have been avoided with better planning and advice from a travel pro. Don’t let these mistakes ruin your next vacation. Plan smarter for the upcoming seasons.

Summer’s over. What are your top vacation regrets?

October 10, 2024September 15, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Flying a budget airline. Staying at a bad hotel. Traveling with the wrong people.
Vacation regrets, you may have a few for the summer of 2024. More than a few, actually.

Leigh Roberts and her wife purchased an extra seat on a flight from Orlando to Venice, only to find out that United Airlines resold it to another passenger. Despite multiple attempts to get a refund, United initially refused, citing nonrefundable ticket policies. However, a missed boarding pass scan and a lack of proper follow-up led to this costly mistake. After escalating the issue and persistence, United finally agreed to process a refund for the extra seat. This story highlights the importance of ensuring your extra seat is properly scanned.

If you reserve an extra seat on United Airlines, don’t forget to do this

September 25, 2024September 11, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Leigh Roberts and her wife book an extra seat on a trip from Orlando, Fla., to Venice, Italy. But United resells the seat to another passenger. Can Roberts get a refund?

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.

Don't Miss a Story!