Elliott’s E-Mail/November 4, 2008

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In this issue …

• 6 reasons we love to travel now
• The right backpack for your digital camera
• Editors note: Don’t like our politics? Then write for us
• How to reach yours truly
• Support this site

This issue of Elliott’s E-mail is underwritten by Skooba Design, designers of top-rated, award-winning cases and accessories for laptops and other tech/travel gear. Named “best buy” by a major independent consumer magazine, as well as leading technology, travel and general interest publications. Elliot’s E-Mail Subscribers get 20 percent off, plus free shipping (UPS Ground/48 States) on all Skooba Design orders of $50 or more. Just enter coupon code ELLIOTT20 at checkout. Some restrictions apply. Here are the details.

FIRST | Random thoughts about the week in travel

Thanks for reading Elliott’s E-Mail. Every week, I try to inform and enlighten travelers with the content on my blog and in my columns. Got any suggestions? Send me a note.

Burning question: Should we reregulate airlines? They’re reregulating financial services — why not airlines? What do you think … should they? Send me a note and please don’t forget to include your full name, city and occupation.

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Elliott’s E-Mail is also underwritten by Cheapflights.com, which lets you search and compare flights to find the lowest-priced airfare for your next trip. Get the details at Cheapflights.com.

SIGHTINGS | Noted Elliott appearances online and offline

Uh-oh, my anniversary cruise is sunk — Steve Azadian’s 25th anniversary cruise is already booked using his Marriott award points. But now the hotel won’t let him take his vacation because it isn’t renewing its agreement with Carnival. Can it do that? The rules say, “yes,” but Azadian thinks Marriott is wrong. Who’s right? (From The Troubleshooter)

6 reasons we love to travel now — Just a few months ago, customers were widely regarded as walking dollar bills, but now they are just grateful to have them at the counter. (From MSNBC.com)

Elliott’s E-Mail is also underwritten by Carrentals.co.uk, which provides the easiest and quickest way to search for car hire on the web. Our car rental search engine will compare the market in seconds and provide you with prices from up to 40 car hire suppliers. Cheap car hire is one search away!

BLOGGED | New posts on Elliott’s Blog

The right backpack for your digital camera — You wouldn’t go anywhere without your camera. Here are two new backpacks that will protect your SLR: Lowepro’s Flipside and Camera Armor’s Seattle Sling. (From Elliott Videocast)

Presidential candidates don’t care about you? Vote anyway — To say that the major presidential candidates are indifferent to the needs of travelers may be something of an understatement. No matter what your political views may be, it should be clear to you by now that Barack Obama and John McCain take the jet set for granted. (From Elliott Blog)

Waaaa! Baby gets socked with surprise $320 fuel surcharge on Delta flight — Oh, baby! Your domestic flights are free as long as you sit on a parent’s lap. But travel internationally, and Daddy must pay. Factor in the recent fuel surcharges, and taking junior on vacation can be prohibitively expensive. (From Elliott Blog)

Ramada insider: the customer isn’t always right — The customer isn’t always right. That’s the message from a Ramada hotel employee who read my recent recommendations about how to complain more effectively. So what’s going on behind the scenes when a complaint comes in? And is it true that Ramada has a quota for customer grievances? (From Elliott Blog)

Elliott’s E-Mail is also underwritten by FirstClassFlyer.com, the only tool you need to fly first class for the price of coach — or close to it. Looking for free and purchased upgrades, two-for-ones and a fast-track to elite status strategies? Look no further than FirstClassFlyer.com

ON TRIPSO | Blog postings from the last honest travel site

Editors note: Don’t like our politics? Then write for us — It’s the same thing every four years at Tripso: We post a story or two with a political angle just before the presidential election, and just as predictably, the fireworks go off. (From Tripso)

Reregulate U.S airlines? Hell, yeah — and here’s how — It’s difficult to find a credible airline expert who doesn’t favor common-sense reregulation of the domestic airline industry. No surprise, considering that the tide is turning against a laissez-fare government. (From Tripso)

Elliott’s E-Mail is also underwritten by MagicalMousePlans.com which provides complete travel planning for all Disney vacations – Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Lines and Adventures by Disney. Free Concierge Service. We beat Disney prices! Check us out at MagicalMousePlans.com

TALKBACK | How to sound off about this site

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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.

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