Amazing Race for Regular People – Competitours is a team travel competition as your vacation! 17 teams accomplish fun, quirky challenges on a mystery European itinerary with $9,000 in prizes at stake. No auditions, no extreme stunts, no eliminations, so anyone can play! Check out Competitours now.
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Looking for terrific luggage? Please visit our underwriter, Skoobadesign.com, where you can find innovative, award-winning tech/travel carrying cases and accessories. Have a look.
Join me on Google Buzz! Have you signed up for Google Buzz, the latest social network, yet? If you have, please join me for a conversation about travel and customer advocacy — or anything else you want to talk about. I’m right here.
Burning question: Car rental absurdity? I’m looking for real-world examples of rental car practices that make no sense, like paying extra for a child safety seat, buying a full tank of gas, having to purchase extra insurance and paying all of those annoying fees and surcharges. How do you keep these things from ruining your next trip? Please send me a note and please don’t forget your full name, city and occupation.
Now more than ever, I need your help! If you consider yourself politically active, and want to help the cause of consumer advocacy, please send me an email. Bonus points if you live in Florida.
In this issue. A ruined Las Vegas wedding. Plus, Budget blows a damage claim, Hotwire’s room confusion and the DOT opens up.
New posts
• “This ruined what was to be a joyous day”
• Budget blows damage claim, sends bill to collection agency
• “When the confirmation came for one king bed I began to freak out”
• Is the Transportation Department really “open”? No, but it’s getting there
Our underwriters
Cheapflights.com — Lets you search the best travel deals, then book your cheap airline tickets with one of its many partners. Check out Cheapflights.com.
Where I’ve Been — Which helps you find out where you want to go from where your friends have been. Ask travel questions from local experts or become an expert yourself. Get the details.
TripInsuranceStore.com — Offers detailed trip cancellation travel insurance information. Call Steve, Deanna, Becky, Mary or Teresa directly at 1-888-407-3854 for personalized advice or visit it online.
Travel Insurance Review — Where you can get articles, reviews, and guides to help you find an insurance policy that will fit your individual travel needs. You can buy directly or use its comparison site to find a trusted and reputable travel insurance provider. Get more information.
FirstClassFlyer.com — Helps you fly first class for the price of coach. Get more information.
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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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WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM? If you're having trouble with a travel business - any business - and you've reached a dead end, maybe I can help. Send me an