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Essential Reading

Tipping is dead. At least tipping, as you and I understand it. A mandatory 20 percent gratuity on every restaurant meal? Obligatory tips for housekeepers, concierges and tour guides? Kiss them goodbye.

Some Americans have stopped tipping. Should you, too?

Air travelers often exhibit "exit envy," a phenomenon where passengers rush to disembark the moment the plane lands, leading to chaos and frustration. Whether driven by the need to make a tight connection or simply a desire to leave the plane as soon as possible, this behavior disrupts the usual deplaning process. However, there are courteous ways to ensure you can exit early without inconveniencing others, including enlisting the help of flight attendants or securing a seat near the front. Learn the art of exiting a plane early without stepping on toes.

Why does everyone want to get off the plane first? It’s exit envy!

When it comes to hotel amenities, the lodging industry is trying something new: It's giving you what you want.

Which hotel amenities do you really want? You won’t believe it!

Ling Lu Yamaki navigated a $28,000 timeshare entanglement with Hilton Grand Vacations after feeling misled. Her journey uncovers the intricacies of timeshare agreements, the importance of consumer rights, and the unexpected twists in resolving such disputes. This tale serves as a cautionary lesson for anyone considering or trying to exit a timeshare.

How do you get out of a $28,000 timeshare mistake? Definitely not like this

Robert Zuercher and his fiancee were flying from Cancun, Mexico, to Cleveland for a somber occasion. His grandmother had died, and they were attending her funeral. But they say Frontier Airlines added to their grief when they were kicked off their flight without explanation -- or compensation.

Kicked off my flight for being disruptive — does Frontier Airlines owe me anything?

Tracy Joselson and her husband booked a Windstar cruise with a promised all-inclusive package, only to find that Windstar later denied the package due to a missing signature from the onboard consultant. Despite months of back-and-forth communication, the issue remained unresolved until Windstar finally reviewed the reservation. With persistence and a little help, the cruise line not only honored the original promise but also added extra shipboard credits as an apology. This story highlights the challenges and rewards of booking directly onboard with Windstar.

Windstar promised an all-inclusive package on my Central America cruise. Now it’s refusing!

Tracy Joselson and her husband book a Windstar cruise with a promised all-inclusive package. But then the cruise line takes away the package. Can they cancel their cruise?

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Latest Stories

Tracy Joselson and her husband booked a Windstar cruise with a promised all-inclusive package, only to find that Windstar later denied the package due to a missing signature from the onboard consultant. Despite months of back-and-forth communication, the issue remained unresolved until Windstar finally reviewed the reservation. With persistence and a little help, the cruise line not only honored the original promise but also added extra shipboard credits as an apology. This story highlights the challenges and rewards of booking directly onboard with Windstar.

Windstar promised an all-inclusive package on my Central America cruise. Now it’s refusing!

Darrell Eldridge faced a $3,000 charge from Turo for a blown tire during his rental of a 2021 Dodge Durango. Despite providing evidence of poor tire maintenance, Turo initially upheld the charge. Eldridge took detailed photos, proving negligence in tire upkeep by the vehicle owner. After appeals and advocacy intervention, Turo rescinded the charge. This case highlights the importance of thorough documentation, especially of tire condition, when renting from platforms like Turo.

Turo repair problem: Do I have to pay $3,000 for this blown tire?

Summer 2024 left many travelers regretting their vacation choices. From booking the wrong airlines to overstuffing itineraries, the mistakes were costly. I learned the hard way—overpaying for an airfare that drained my budget. And what about that missed opportunity to visit an iconic spot? With the new iPhone in hand, these regrets could have been avoided with better planning and advice from a travel pro. Don’t let these mistakes ruin your next vacation. Plan smarter for the upcoming seasons.

Summer’s over. What are your top vacation regrets?

In northern Sweden, sustainability isn't just a goal; it's a reality being shaped by groundbreaking projects like the Green Flight Academy, the Wood Hotel, and Northvolt's gigafactory. With a focus on sustainable tourism, Skellefteå has transformed into a hub of innovation, where fossil-free airports, electric planes, and eco-friendly construction lead the way. These initiatives reflect a community-wide commitment to sustainability, offering visitors a glimpse into a future where green living isn't just possible—it's already happening.

Northern Sweden is pushing the limits of sustainability. Here’s how.

Leah Davidson faced a frustrating situation when she returned her iPhone 11 to a third-party seller on Amazon. Despite having a receipt proving her package was delivered, the seller claimed the box was empty and refused to refund her $319. Amazon's AI-driven customer service only complicated the matter, bouncing her between departments without resolution. It wasn't until a human finally reviewed her case that she got her money back, leaving the mystery of the missing phone unsolved.

I returned my iPhone, but Amazon is charging me for it. Is that fair?

Leigh Roberts and her wife purchased an extra seat on a flight from Orlando to Venice, only to find out that United Airlines resold it to another passenger. Despite multiple attempts to get a refund, United initially refused, citing nonrefundable ticket policies. However, a missed boarding pass scan and a lack of proper follow-up led to this costly mistake. After escalating the issue and persistence, United finally agreed to process a refund for the extra seat. This story highlights the importance of ensuring your extra seat is properly scanned.

If you reserve an extra seat on United Airlines, don’t forget to do this

When Jane Huang transferred $1,264 to her brother through PayPal, it never reached his account. Despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue, including contacting PayPal and Xoom, and filing complaints with financial protection agencies, her money remained missing for six months. After persistent efforts and seeking help from a consumer advocacy site, PayPal finally refunded her the full amount plus $100. Her experience highlights the importance of verifying recipient details, monitoring transaction statuses, and the challenges of resolving lost money transfers with online payment services.

PayPal money transfer problem: What should I do if the money never gets there?

When traveling, saying the wrong thing can quickly lead to poor service. Businesses claim to offer excellent customer care, but their employees, being human, may react negatively if you disrespect them. Say something like "Do you know who I am?" or "I'll sue," and you might find yourself with the worst seat or service available. To avoid this, it’s crucial to say things calmly, stick to the facts, and treat employees with respect. A friendly word can go a long way in ensuring a better travel experience.

Traveling? Here’s what to say if you want to get the worst treatment — guaranteed!

Ultimate Guides

When traveling, the last thing anyone wants is to face the hassle of lost luggage. This comprehensive guide offers vital information on what to do if your luggage goes missing during air travel, cruises, train journeys, or hotel stays. From understanding the rules of lost luggage claims to tips on preventing your bags from getting lost, this article is an essential resource for travelers. It covers everything from filing claims to avoiding luggage fees, ensuring your travel remains stress-free.

The ultimate guide to finding your lost luggage

Discover essential tips for your 2024 spring break vacation. From snagging the best travel deals to navigating crowds and handling lively spring breakers, our guide offers insider strategies for a seamless holiday. Learn how to choose destinations, book smart, and enjoy a stress-free break in this comprehensive spring break manual.

Here’s your insider guide to spring break travel in 2024

The busy 2023 holiday travel season, which runs from the end of November until early January, will be one for the record books. Here's how to survive it.

Here’s your ultimate guide to holiday travel in 2023

Here's the ultimate guide to travel food, which includes advice on where to eat and how to avoid unwanted weight gain.

Eat this! The ultimate guide to travel food

If you're going somewhere, chances are you need a reliable carry-on or rollaboard. But how do you buy the best luggage for your next trip?

Here’s how to buy the best luggage for your 2024 trip

Travel prices are falling like leaves on a late October afternoon in Martha's Vineyard. No question about it, autumn will be a great time to travel -- it always has been.

Here’s your ultimate guide to fall travel in 2023

Sitting in a pressurized aluminum tube for hours at a time takes a heavy toll on your body. So how do the pros survive a long flight in economy class? And how do they avoid jet lag?

Expert tips for surviving a long flight in economy class and avoiding jet lag

Learn how a travel advisor can enhance your trip planning experience and find out when their expertise is essential.

The ultimate guide to finding a travel advisor

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