All Travel Advice

Frontier and Midwest Will Be Frequent Flyer Partners

Republic’s plan to buy Frontier and Midwest creates new frequent flyer opportunities for travelers, and gives Midwest a new lease on life.

AirTran’s New Routes, Southwest’s New Pad in NYC

Rounding up some low-cost carrier news, including AirTran’s new routes and Southwest’s first flights from the Big Apple.

Taxes and Fees on Air Travel: How Big a Bite?
Travelers seem to be a favorite target for taxing authorities, and each time we fly we pay a laundry list of various fees and taxes. Ed Perkins highlights the worst of the worst.

Where in the World? – Photo Guessing Game
Can you guess where this destination is?

Group Travel, Vacation Rentals Leads to Cheap Trips
Maybe it’s the economy. Maybe it’s the need to reconnect. At beach houses and on sailboats, in city condos and mountain cabins, families and friends are joining forces on vacation.

Heading to the Airport? Use This Checklist Before You Go
New fees to keep track of, security protocols that may be overwhelming … Our handy to-do list will help you get to the airport, through security, and to your gate with ease.

Virgin America Expands Its Mileage Program

With the addition of Avis and Budget, Virgin America has begun addressing its loyalty program’s woeful lack of earning partners.

Airlines Beginning to Hike Fares

With two fare hikes in two weeks, the airlines appear ready to start pushing fares upward to see how much customers are willing to spend.

Cheap Flights to Latin America on Low-Cost Carriers
With a growing list of routes from low-cost carriers such as Frontier, JetBlue, and Spirit, it’s more affordable than ever to explore Central and South America.

Have Airline Ticket Prices Finally Hit Bottom?

Ticket prices could, finally, be on the rise. Which means the time is right to book without fear of buyer’s remorse.

Where to Cruise This Summer and Fall
Deciding where to cruise? Most considerations revolve around four main factors: climate, port activities, en-route sightseeing, and price. Let’s break down those variables.

The Truth About ‘Guaranteed’ Dollar Rates
With the dollar slowly losing ground to the euro and pound, you can expect to see more “guaranteed dollar rate” deals. But are they any good? Ed Perkins tells you what to look for.

Jamaica Vacations From $395, Plus Aruba, Costa Rica, More*
The Deal Detective helps a reader plan a worry-free vacation to Jamaica and other beach-friendly destinations where deals abound.

Carry-On Bags: The Ultimate Guide

While Congress considers a bill that would regulate your carry-on bag, we decided to put together a chart detailing which airlines allow what.

Will a Hurricane Ruin Your Summer Vacation?

Two annual hurricane season reports offer a look at storm activity this summer and fall in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.

Celebrate Last-Minute Fourth of July Discounts

It’s not too late to make Fourth of July travel plans. In fact, you can find last-minute specials that offer substantial savings for holiday travel.

United Postpones Upgrade Surcharges

United’s new cash surcharges for frequent flyer upgrades will take effect next year instead of next month.

Best Family-Friendly Staterooms
A cramped stateroom has the potential be a pot built for boiling. But with plenty of space, cruising with the family will lead to precious memories, bonding experiences, and a desire to return to the seas.

Not Just the Airlines: Hotel Fees Also on the Rise

As the recession continues to choke the tourism industry, hotels are increasing fees and sneaking extra charges onto guests’ invoices. More than ever, it pays to read your bill.

Southwest Joins Battle for Denver Frequent Flyers

With the addition of the latest promotion from Southwest, travelers to and from Colorado can choose among several competing bonus mile offers.

Should the Government Regulate Carry-On Bag Size?

A bill in Congress would establish carry-on restrictions to be enforced industry-wide. While this may win back some space in the overheads, it could also create a nightmare at security lines.

Summer Poll Results: Bring on the Beach

Our summer vacation poll results are in. The winning destination features sun, surf, and sand. Outdoor escape and European vacations also proved popular.

Skate with the Pros on Grand Cayman
What could be better than your kids getting to test their latest tricks at a huge skate park, while also sharing an island vacation with the family?

The Ins and Outs of Air Travel for Minors
Ed Perkins examines each airline’s rules for flying with minors, and finds that not all airlines have the same policy. More importantly, the extra fees airlines charge can vary wildly.

Search the Web to Win Free Virgin America Flights

Participate in the “Day In the Cloud” online scavenger hunt for a chance to win free Virgin America tickets and a netbook computer.

What Happens When a Pilot Dies Mid-Flight?

The story of a Continental pilot passing away mid-flight is tragic, but were passengers on the flight ever in danger? The simple answer is: Not at all.

Keeping Hubbing Hassles to a Minimum
Long custom lines, wild weather, and notoriously delayed planes make some gateway airports a disadvantage to connect through. Which hubs are on the list and how can you avoid them?

Ten New Routes That May Make International Travel Easier
Traveling this summer or fall? You have some new options. Many airlines will soon be offering fights to destinations you may have overlooked in the past.

Frequent Flyer Bonuses Make Summer Car Rentals a Mileage Bonanza

While the normal earning rates for car rentals are discouragingly meager, this summer’s special mileage bonuses are plentiful and generous.

European Budget Motels: The Low-Low End
You’ll have more options for budget accommodations if you’re heading to Europe this year. Ed Perkins pounds the pavement, lays his head on several low-end pillows, and reports back.

Should You Worry About Your Kids Flying Alone?

With two unaccompanied kids recently misdirected to the wrong destination, parents might think twice before putting their kids on a plane alone. But should they stop doing so altogether?

Summer Savings in America’s Top National Parks
There’s never been a better time rediscover America’s national parks.

Ten Great Theme Parks and How to Save
Plan a thrilling summer vacation without going broke.

Ten Amazing Adventures Under $1,000 (2009 Edition)
Adventure travel on a recession budget. What’s not to love?

Ten Cheap Spring Europe Vacations
Our picks for the top Europe vacations of the year include old standbys such as Paris, Rome, and London, plus unique trips to the Greek Isles, castles in Scotland, and a rail trip through Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague.

New International Routes Translate Into Big Savings
Many airlines are launching new international service in 2009 to capitalize on new markets. Flying on introductory routes is a great way to save on overseas travel.

Virgin America (and Richard Branson) Arrives in Boston
Virgin America celebrated its new service from Boston, and our blogger was invited to the festivities. Take a peek inside the carrier’s swank plane, plus see Sir Richard Branson in drag. Yes, in drag.

Six Secret Mexican Gems for the Budget Traveler
Forget Cancun. Mexico’s cheaper, under-the-radar beaches, colonial towns, and adventure destinations offer the best value in these rocky economic times.

Which Mexico Destination Is Right for You?
Choosing the best location for your ideal Mexico vacation may seem overwhelming. We’ve done the research for you, and compiled the best locales for all types of travelers.

New Cruise Ships in 2009
These ships have more excitement than most big cities.

Cheap, Exotic Beach Resorts Around the World
Make an exotic escape a reality with these seven super-affordable resorts in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

Seven Affordable, Under-the-Radar Beach Destinations
Even in rough economic times, it’s important to treat yourself to some relaxation. Preferably, it’s nice to do so on a nice warm beach. I’ve found seven great, lesser-known beach destinations in the Caribbean and Atlantic that also go easy on your wallet.

Our Favorite Places of 2008
From the mountains of Rwanda to the hiking trails of Oregon, find out where we visited in 2008 and how we saved money doing it.

Twelve Adventures for Twelve Months
Discover the perfect adventure for every month of 2009. Our possibilities will take you all over the globe, plus show you the best ways to get outdoors in every season.

Ten (Almost) Free Travel Deals
While you’re unlikely to get an all-expenses-paid trip unless you win a game show, you can still get portions your trip for free if you book certain promotions or take advantage of some alternative modes of travel.

Affordable Spas at Home and Abroad
Not all spa vacations mean you have to drain your stress and your wallet. From New Orleans to Bali, Quebec to Indonesia, here are 10 possibilities that promise bliss for less.

Avoid Fees and Hassles With a Well-Packed Bag
Our visual guide shows you what to do and not to do when packing.

Our Readers’ Best Adventure Travel Photos
Earlier this summer we asked readers to submit their favorite adventure travel photos. Here is the cream of the crop. Congrats to the eight selected photographers!

See the Icons of America for Less
It’s a testament to “free”dom that many of the country’s most iconic attractions cost little or absolutely nothing to visit.

Find ‘La Dolce Vita’ in Lesser-Known Italy
Leave the cities behind, and check out these places off the well-trodden path—you may find you’ll have Italy all to yourself.

Ten of America’s Favorite Theme Parks and Ways to Save
With summer right around the corner, now is the time to plan a trip the whole family can enjoy. Here are 10 theme parks that will make the long days of summer melt into your memory forever.

Top 10 Green Destinations
Find out which places make the grade and why.

Classic Treks Around the World
Learn about 10 great treks featured in Classic Hikes of the World, a new book by outdoor adventure writer Peter Potterfield.

Alternative Beach Accommodations For Extraordinary Trips
Here are several different ways to be close to the water without sacrificing your overall needs. From camping to sleeping under the sea, there’s something for everyone who loves the water.

Women Travel Writers’ Favorite Destinations
Where do the women you love to read love to go? We asked some of our favorite women travel writers about their top destinations, and their recommendations may inspire your next trip.

SmarterTravel Editors’ Favorite Places of 2007
Come with us as we revisit our favorite places from 2007. From Woodstock to Dubai, we’ve traveled around the globe, and here’s what we discovered along the way.

First Night Celebrations Around the World
From Sydney, Australia, to Las Vegas, you can enjoy New Years traditions around the world. Find out which cities are hosting the best parties.

Stay Warm in Style at Luxury Resorts This Winter
With the increasing chill in the air, it’s only natural to start contemplating an escape to a tropical paradise. Here are some recommendations for warm-weather resorts around the globe.

Shopping Extravaganza: Black Friday Across the U.S.
Gargantuan malls, cozy Christmas markets, and holiday bazaars—all will be open for business this Friday, November 23, the biggest shopping day of the year. Check out these possibilities around the country to start your holiday shopping.

Top Places to Indulge in Winter Pastimes
Whether you love to get outdoors or stay nice and cozy inside to pursue more relaxing pastimes, the winter offers enough fun seasonal activities to keep you busy throughout cold months ahead.