TRAVEL TIPS – Page 3 – Elliott Report

As airlines tighten carry-on luggage rules, travelers face new challenges. Eddie Cannon's experience with Delta highlights the growing scrutiny. Discover essential tips for packing smarter, complying with regulations, and avoiding extra fees. Learn how to navigate the changing landscape of airline carry-on policies for a smoother travel experience.

Airlines are getting stricter about carry-on luggage. Here’s what to do about it.

May 12, 2025May 11, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Are airlines tightening their carry-on luggage rules? Passengers like Eddie Cannon believe the answer is “yes.”

Corwin Simmonds encountered a frustrating $457 overcharge from Budget after renting a car in France. Despite multiple unauthorized charges and poor customer service, he persisted in seeking a resolution. Learn how he navigated the process and ultimately secured a refund for the erroneous charges.

Budget overcharge: I paid an extra $457 for my car rental in France!

May 6, 2025May 5, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When Corwin Simmonds rented a car from Budget in Marseille, France, he never expected a simple transaction to become a frustrating ordeal with multiple overcharges and a bewildering lack of customer service.

Paying extra for an airline seat assignment can feel like a money grab, yet it may be necessary for comfort. While many travelers opt to skip the fees, understanding when to pay for a preferred seat can enhance your travel experience and save you from unnecessary stress during flights.

Should you pay extra for an airline seat assignment?

May 5, 2025May 4, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Is it worth paying extra for a seat assignment on a flight?

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?

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

March 29, 2025October 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

January 19, 2025October 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

May 12, 2025September 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?

May 1, 2025September 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.