Today’s newsletter is filled with surprises.
Elliott’s E-Mail
It isn’t your imagination. We’ve been talking about scams a lot.
Alright, that didn’t go as planned. Last week’s switchover of my email newsletter wasn’t without a few glitches. We sent one or two messages out by mistake, and if you received more than one email from me, I’m really sorry!
We’ve just returned from Palm Coast, Fla., the latest stop on our Away is Home adventure, and there’s so much going on, I hardly have room for it.
We’ve had quite a discussion this week, whether it’s about the minivan totaled by a Disney valet or the hotel review that was alleged to have been censored. I’m happy you’ve decided to join us! I’m in Anna Maria Island, Fla., exploring the beaches, museums and many other attractions for our Away is Home project. [...]
A few interesting numbers here from our friends at Smith Travel Research. These are average daily room rates for all U.S. hotels through September (green) and for the year (blue). Notice anything?
What are the qualities of a highly successful consumer? In this week’s newsletter, I tell you what they are. I also explore Florida’s newest theme park and examine the “false choice” you’re presented with at the car rental counter. I’m so grateful to all of you who became individual underwriters in my fall fundraiser. You [...]
Marcel Meth’s wife and daughter had plans to visit his recently widowed sister-in-law in Minnesota. As a precaution, they bought a travel insurance policy through Access America.
This week’s newsletter marks the beginning — and the ending — of two important events. Let’s start with beginnings. That cross-country trip I’ve talked about for so long? Starts right now. I hope you’ll join us! And this is the last day of my fall fundraiser, and the last opportunity to get your copy of [...]
This week’s issue of Elliott’s E-Mail is brought to you by you. That’s right, without your support, none of this would be possible. And as a way of saying “thank you” I’m offering my new ebook, 0-60 Travel Insurance to anyone who signs up as an individual underwriter. It’s the definitive guide to buying and [...]
Before I get into the terrific content I have lined up for this issue, a few words about money. Consumer advocacy doesn’t come cheap. Your support is critical to making this site run, and now more than ever, I need your help. And as a way of saying “thank you” I’m offering my new ebook, [...]
If you’re a regular reader of my site, then you know that consumer journalism is a tough sell. That’s why I rely on you to keep this site running.
This very special double issue of Elliott’s E-Mail kicks off the fall season for the #1 site for consumer advocacy. And I promise lots of unexpected twists, turns and surprises. Thanks for joining me!
After a marathon 15-hour drive from the Washington, DC-area to Orlando yesterday, we made it back home at 1:30 a.m. But there’s no time to sleep: this week’s newsletter is filled with fascinating cases that you’ll want to read, from one customer’s Wal-Mart refund that went awry to a car rental insurance screw-up. Also, find out how to avoid the spam scam and read about our adventure in Quebec City on National Geographic Traveler’s Intelligent Travel blog.
Greetings from Quebec City! This week’s newsletter is more than your fix of fascinating travel cases; it’s a tour of the East Coast, from Florida to Canada and points between.

Elliott is consumer advocate
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