5 travel icons who should have a blog
The surprise news that the Transportation Security Administration started its own blog, which the travel blogosphere seems to still be recovering from, got me to thinking. Who else is out there who should be blogging — but isn’t?
Can I get a refund for my flight to Kenya?
If you’re into the world’s most dangerous places, chances are Kenya’s at the top of your “must visit” list. The State Department has advised Americans to stay away from the violence-plagued East African country. So where does that leave people with nonrefundable airline tickets to Nairobi?
“Look at this list. Are you insane?”
Did your last car rental bill include a surcharge for vehicle registration, contracts or a security fee? Bob Baker’s did when he rented from Avis recently. So he asked.
‘Top off’ fee explained: “Everyone drives a little after filling the tank”
The travel community was outraged last week when my MSNBC.com colleague Bob Sullivan reported that Dollar had begun charging a $2 “top off” fee at certain locations. But why? No one has gotten a straight answer from the car rental agency, except a claim that the new fee was “not a widespread practice.”
Seasick! Cruise line quotes fare, refuses to honor it, then changes its mind
When it comes to cruising, the only back and forth that passengers expect is the motion under their feet when they’re at high sea. But Bernie Brocklehurst didn’t have to board Regent’s Paul Gauguin in order to get seasick — he just had to book the cruise. His experience is a cautionary tale for anyone booking a cruise, and for this ombudsman.
Elliott’s E-Mail/January 29, 2008
Can we talk politics? This week’s MSNBC column talks about the dying passenger rights movement, and what you can do to revive it. There’s a “burning question” about the 2008 election and travel that you’ll want to answer. And there’s plenty more about corporate politics, blogging politics and the politics of the global reservation system. Safe travels!
Stay home! 4 days when you shouldn’t travel
You probably already know about Spring Break, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. That is, you know enough not to travel around those days. Scoring a frequent flier award ticket is pretty much impossible, hotels aren’t discounting their rooms, and you’ll probably pay full price for your rental car. Plus, it’s usually a tragic mess out there — long lines at the airport, dense traffic and frayed tempers.
Help! I’m stuck in London’s congestion pricing trap
Planning to rent a car during your next visit to the U.K.? Beware of big-time congestion charges. If you’re driving into London between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., your vehicle will be docked £8 for the privilege of using the road. But Graham Morris ended up paying much more when his Alamo rental car passed through the congestion zone recently. Even after he asked his car rental company how to pay the fee.
Sliiiiiiiide!
Erysse goes down the indoor slide with her friend Emily. Today was Iden’s birthday party. He’s three years old!
Hey, where’s my icing?
Iden likes his birthday cake, but there’s not enough icing on his slice. Icing is an important source of sugar for hyperactive three-year-olds.
You’re it!
Aren is little more than a blur as he tries to tag Dad inside the bounce house at his brother’s third birthday party. Good thing these balls are made of foam.
Ask the Armchair Traveler: how do I not lose my luggage?
The Armchair Traveler reveals three secrets that will keep you from losing your checked luggage. This is the first episode of my new podcast. Any comments or suggestions? Please send them along.
A mystery charge on a Madrid rental
What is “Super CDW” — and why is it on Richard Murai’s credit card bill after he rents a car from Alamo in Madrid? The car rental company’s Web site is less than clear about the fee, and Murai’s credit card company refuses to get involved. Is he stuck with the bill?
And the award for best travel blog goes to …
Travel blogs are a lot like animated feature films before 2001, or for that matter, mathematics today. When it comes to the most prestigious awards, they get no respect.
Is Expedia censoring negative comments about its resorts?
Posting customer reviews on a travel site is often a double-edged sword. The information can help other travelers make a more informed decision — but it could also upset the airlines, cruise lines and hotels the online travel agency works with. At least one customer thinks agencies have quietly decided that if a review could potentially damage the relationship with a supplier, it gets zapped (a belief that many other travelers share).