You’ve probably read one or two travel stories that advise you to become a vacation contrarian. By zigging when everyone else zags, you can save money and avoid crowds, they claim. But that could be a serious vacation mistake.I know because I’ve taken that advice.
Turn off your cellphone. Downsize your luggage. And remember that your standards aren’t necessarily their standards.Ask the most experienced travelers for their advice, and that’s what they’ll tell you. And who are the world’s most experienced travelers? They are hard-working business travelers, including expatriates and foreign service workers, who live outside the U.S. for weeks, months, even years at a time.
After Carol McLaughlin cancels her stay at a hotel in Segovia, Spain, she’s sure Expedia will refund her money. But when the hotel claims it never received her cancellation request, who will Expedia believe?
Sungwoo Park made a currency conversion mistake. A big currency conversion mistake. By the time the dust had settled on Park’s purchase of a flight from New York to Mexico City, he says he lost $1,437.
When Lufthansa lost Arpine Arabatlian’s luggage after a flight from Houston to Frankfurt, the airline promised her $399 in compensation. That was five months ago. So where’s the refund?
If you’re looking for a reason to toss your rewards cards, talk to Patricia Newman. She contacted me after signing up for a United MileagePlus credit card, paying an annual fee and spending money like a sailor in the hopes that she could earn a “free” trip to Italy.
If you’ve ever lost someone on vacation, you probably know it’s disruptive, if not disappointing. And by “lost” I don’t mean you can’t find junior at the beach. I’m talking about losing a member of your party for days — or longer — to sickness or injury.
Here’s a little mystery: Why was Scott Cady’s American Airlines refund request rejected? He booked a flight, changed his mind about the trip, and asked for his money back. All within 2 hours. Isn’t there a 24-hour rule that requires an airline to refund his ticket?
If the fans on your Electrolux oven are noisy, can you ask for a refund? And does the company have to give you one? That’s what Anne Chiapetta wants to know. So do I.
My kids are pet magnets when we’re on the road. They’re constantly adopting dogs and cats and other animals we encounter in our vacation rentals.
