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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Burning question: Hotel absurdity? I’m looking for real-world examples of hotel practices that make no sense, like “confirming” a night with your credit card, paying extra for housekeeping or shelling out extra for a wireless Internet connection. 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.
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In this issue. Grounding clear airfares. Plus, Hotwire saves the day and Palm Coast Travel’s next move.
New posts
• Clear Airfares Act left sitting on the tarmac (The Washington Post)
• Hotwire saves the day for snowed-in customer
• What’s next for Palm Coast Travel? Here’s what happened to agencies that settled with regulators
• Good customer service from Spirit Airlines? “I must say, I was really shocked”
• A canceled room, but no refund
Our underwriters
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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.
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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.

Elliott is consumer advocate
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