It’s another year. Are you ready?
Well, I kept my promise to not post anything to my blog during the holidays. My family had threatened to chain me to the tree and play that annoying Christmas Chipmunk CD repeatedly if I failed to comply. That can be very persuasive.
Here’s hoping that you had a restful (chipmunk-free) holiday, too.
The new year is already off to a running start. I have a story this morning about a plan by Avis to begin offering wireless hotspots in rental cars, which I find absolutely fascinating. Last week, I also took a hard look at airline loyalty programs and their value, and the results may surprise you.
I also put my commentary hat on again and did a piece on a-la-carte pricing for my friends over at Marketplace.
Over the holidays, I managed to sneak into my studio to tape a few sample podcasts that will accompany the Travel Troubleshooter column. I’d love to get your feedback on them. You can download the first sample here and the second one here.
These links will expire on Jan. 9, so don’t wait too long. Please email your comments to me at this address or shoot me an IM . My AIM screen name is celliottlive.
Happy New Year!
Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.
Elliott is consumer advocate 
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