Christopher Elliott

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can't. He's the author of numerous books on consumer advocacy and writes three nationally syndicated columns. He also publishes the Elliott Report, a news site for consumers, and Elliott Confidential, a critically acclaimed newsletter about customer service. If you have a consumer problem you can't solve, contact him directly through his advocacy website. You can also follow him on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or sign up for his daily newsletter.
The truth about a spiritual vacation.

The divine truth about a spiritual vacation

If you’re searching for transcendence, connection or meaning in your life, maybe you’ve contemplated a spiritual vacation. You know, getting away to discover a greater truth. And maybe you’ve also wondered if your family is comfortable with that kind of inner journey.

What can you take from your hotel room?

Can you take that from your hotel room?

When Lynn Culver stays at a hotel, she helps herself to the soaps and shampoos in her room. If housekeeping replaces the items, she takes the new ones, too.

Culver, a retired attorney from Lumberton, N.J., believes her room rate covers the amenities.

“But some of my fellow travelers consider this stealing,” she says. “Can you please settle a dispute among friends?”

Family vacations are so boring -- and that's awesome!

Family vacations are boring — and that’s awesome!

Family vacations are boring. If you don’t believe me, just ask your kids, and they’ll tell you how boring they are. They’re very boring. (At least that’s what mine tell me when we travel.)

But let’s explore that truth. Kids say “very boring” as if it’s a bad thing, but maybe it isn’t.