You spend lots of money taking your family on vacation miles from home. You want your photos to be perfect. Nothing is more disappointing than vacation photos that miss the mark. Why not spend a few minutes learning techniques that can make your photos winners?Ed Szczepanski, a St. Louis, … [Read more...] about Quick and easy ways to take better photos
Travel
Ready to travel again? What you need to know
If you're ready to travel again, the travel industry is ready for you. More than ready. But there are a few things you need to know about tourism's grand opening that might surprise you.After the COVID-19 outbreak shut down virtually the entire travel industry, the reopenings have been uneven … [Read more...] about Ready to travel again? What you need to know
How to insure future trips in case of a crisis
What if it happens again? What if coronavirus resurges this summer, just as you’re leaving for a well-deserved vacation? Or during the winter holidays?Many travelers are looking for ways to protect their next trip from another wave of the virus. One of them is Baron Hanson, who takes frequent … [Read more...] about How to insure future trips in case of a crisis
Try these expert negotiation strategies for refunding or rescheduling your vacation
Refund or reschedule? As the current crisis deepens, that’s the difficult choice many travelers face. And either way, they may need a few expert negotiation strategies to recoup the value of their canceled vacations.“At this point, everything is negotiable,” says Casey Halloran, chief executive … [Read more...] about Try these expert negotiation strategies for refunding or rescheduling your vacation
Travel deals: It’s a buyer’s market, but should you buy?
The travel deal was too good to pass up. For just $500, Danielle Tedrowe could enjoy a week at the five-star Live Aqua Beach Resort in Cancún, Mexico, this fall. "It was a phenomenal rate," says Tedrowe, a property manager and travel agent from Austin, Texas. An 80% discount for an ocean … [Read more...] about Travel deals: It’s a buyer’s market, but should you buy?
How to file a credit card dispute for your canceled vacation – and win
It’s time to talk about the nuclear option.If a travel company isn’t refunding payment for your canceled vacation, maybe it’s time for a credit card dispute. Asking a bank to force a merchant to return your money is typically a last resort. But that’s where we are now. Some travel companies have … [Read more...] about How to file a credit card dispute for your canceled vacation – and win
Great ways to save on summer travel
Summer is a great time to travel. Not only are the kids out of school, you don't have to worry about bad weather getting in the way of your carefully laid plans. Smart travelers know to follow their favorite airlines, hotel chains and vacation spots on Facebook and Twitter, where spur-of-the-moment … [Read more...] about Great ways to save on summer travel
Free or low-cost things to do in national parks
National parks – “America’s Best Idea” – offer a wealth of free entertainment options. Spending vacation time in a U.S. national park is a rewarding and memorable family experience, and accommodations within parks are less expensive than you might think, especially in spring and fall. Admission is … [Read more...] about Free or low-cost things to do in national parks
Free or cheap summer fun activities with kids
Involving children with cheap activities this summer will help to not only keep your kids entertained, but will also ensure they’re tired come the end of the day. But coming up with ideas that don’t cost a fortune can sometimes be a problem. Maybe this list of free/cheap summer fun … [Read more...] about Free or cheap summer fun activities with kids
Spring into summer vacation savings now
When it comes to planning a summer vacation, there are usually two types of people: Those who plan and book more than a year in advance, and those who decide to wing it and find themselves at the mercy of not being able to shop around. While last-minute travel deals are sometimes great finds, you … [Read more...] about Spring into summer vacation savings now
Bike sharing for health & economy
Bicycles are ideal for trips that are too far to walk but too short to drive. They are are an environmentally friendly, economical and healthy way to get around town -- either your own town or a place you are visiting. Bike sharing is a way to reap the benefits without buying or maintaining a bike, … [Read more...] about Bike sharing for health & economy
Is that bargain cruise really a bargain?
Cruises offer some of the best bargain vacations on the market today. But to make sure your cruise remains a true bargain, you have to be smart about “the spend.” Cruise lines, particularly those on the lower end of the market, can offer promotional prices that seem almost like giveaways. That’s … [Read more...] about Is that bargain cruise really a bargain?
Five tips for a frugal French adventure
You may be under the impression that a two or three-week French getaway is only a possibility for the much (and appropriately) maligned One Percent.But what if it isn’t? What if you could affordably live la bonne vie for a fortnight or more for, say, $2,000 per person? Or less?Doable, … [Read more...] about Five tips for a frugal French adventure
Are Basic Economy airfares worth the savings?
All three of the legacy airlines (American, Delta and United) are now selling Basic Economy fares. As a fairly frequent traveler I decided I needed to understand these fares. Here's what I've learned.We all strive to save money but sometimes the savings aren't worth it. Buying a Basic … [Read more...] about Are Basic Economy airfares worth the savings?
13 ways to save money on hotel rooms
What everyone wants to hear is that there are one or two apps or websites that will always find you the best deal on hotel rooms.Sorry. It’s just not that easy.What worked for last month’s business trip to Chicago may not work for this summer’s family vacation to Disney World – or even … [Read more...] about 13 ways to save money on hotel rooms
