TRAVEL ADVICE Archives

Unconventional Thanksgiving travel advice.

I never thought I’d give this Thanksgiving travel advice

November 29, 2024November 26, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

I’ve covered every Thanksgiving for the last three decades as a travel journalist. But this holiday is different — and it’s made me offer Thanksgiving travel advice I never expected.

Airport terminals are getting bigger, and for many travelers, that means longer walks to the gate. From navigating massive hubs like Dallas and Istanbul to finding shortcuts and avoiding heavy luggage, there are ways to make the journey easier. Comfortable shoes, extra time, and even booking a nonstop flight can help minimize stress. But for some, like frequent traveler Dave Dzurick, these extended hikes are a travel nightmare. This guide will help you prepare for long treks through the terminal, whether you're up for the challenge or need a little extra help.

It’s a long, long walk through the airport. Here’s your survival guide.

April 13, 2025October 27, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Don’t forget to pack your hiking shoes this holiday travel season, because you’re going to need them more than ever.

This fall, travelers are making some huge mistakes. Whether it's misjudging crowds, forgetting to budget, or packing for the wrong weather, these errors can turn a relaxing trip into a stressful one. Experts say fall travel is unpredictable, with busy weekends, rising prices, and unexpected weather. Even seasoned travelers like Kevin Mercier, who found himself stranded in the French countryside, aren't immune. But with a little planning, you can avoid these pitfalls and have a great fall trip. Just don’t forget your jacket!

5 really stupid travel mistakes you have to avoid this fall

December 15, 2025October 13, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Traveling somewhere this fall? Better check your assumptions along with your baggage.

Ever heard of destination dupes? They're like knockoff designer bags—convincing from afar, but disappointing up close. From Atlantic City being pitched as Las Vegas to Buenos Aires as Paris, it’s all a gimmick. Every place is unique, and Windstar travelers know the real joy of travel is exploring authentic experiences, not imitations. So instead of following a TikTok trend, take control of your travel narrative and discover something truly special. In the world of travel, there’s no substitute for the real deal. Don’t get duped.

Planning a trip? Don’t get destination-duped

October 19, 2024September 22, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you see a lot of long faces in places like Atlantic City, Buenos Aires or Disney World in Orlando, then you have a good eye. Some of these poor travelers have been destination-duped.

It's easy to get treated like a second-class citizen when you travel: Just say the wrong thing.

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

June 1, 2025September 8, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

It’s easy to get treated like a second-class citizen when you travel: Just say the wrong thing. That’s an undeniable fact that people are rediscovering during the busiest year in the history of modern travel.

Catriona Garry misses her flight from Edinburgh to Boston because there's only one ticket agent at the airport. Can she get $1,200 in rebooking fees refunded?

Aer Lingus made me miss my flight. Then it charged me these booking fees!

July 11, 2025August 21, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Catriona Garry misses her flight from Edinburgh to Boston because there’s only one ticket agent at the airport. Can she get $1,200 in rebooking fees refunded?

When Lesle Collins flew from Dallas to Denver, her luggage didn’t make the trip. Despite promptly reporting it to Frontier Airlines, she faced repeated delays and ultimately a denial of her claim due to a missed deadline. Collins insists she never received the necessary forms from Frontier, highlighting the importance of immediately filing a claim at the airport and keeping thorough documentation. While airlines like Frontier have strict timelines, they can make exceptions. After advocacy, Frontier reopened Collins' case, underscoring the need for persistence in resolving lost luggage issues.

Problem with luggage: I waited too long to file a claim with my airline!

May 12, 2025August 19, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When Lesle Collins flew from Dallas to Denver last summer, her baggage did not. She tried to file a luggage claim — but she could not.

Richard Campbell experienced a nightmarish encounter with bedbugs at a small hotel in Italy's Cinque Terre. Awaking to bites on his arms and legs, he discovered bugs on the headboard and wall. The hotel owners, horrified, immediately took action by moving him to another room, laundering his clothes, and fumigating the room. They even refunded his stay and compensated him. Insect encounters, from bedbugs to ants and mosquitoes, are on the rise due to increased travel and climate change. Travelers should be prepared and know their rights when dealing with these pesky intruders.

Insects on vacation: How to spot them and how to avoid them

August 31, 2024August 11, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Insects are coming for your next vacation.

John Smaistrla, a civil engineer from Houston, had a close call with a pickpocket on the Paris Métro Line 3. He felt a bump but thought nothing of it until he noticed his pants pocket zippers partially open. Thankfully, his wallet was still there, thanks to his secure travel shorts with triple-secure pockets. Pickpocketing is a growing issue for travelers, with thousands of Americans reporting stolen passports yearly. Experts advise using zippered pockets, crossbody bags, and being vigilant in crowded areas to prevent falling victim to these skilled thieves.

Traveling somewhere? Here’s how not to be a pickpocket victim

May 18, 2025August 4, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

On a recent trip to Paris, John Smaistrla was just a bump away from becoming a pickpocket victim.

Vicky Cordes faces a frustrating battle to use her $3,157 airline ticket credit from a canceled Virgin Atlantic flight during the pandemic. Despite booking through GBV Travel Services and payment via Expedia, she's caught in a cycle of finger-pointing between her travel advisor, the wholesaler, and the airline. With her credit set to expire soon, Vicky has spent countless hours on the phone with no resolution. The crux of the problem appears to be her unpaid membership fee with GBV, complicating the situation further. Will Vicky manage to reclaim her flight credit in time?

What happened to my $3,157 flight credit? And how do I use it?

November 24, 2024August 2, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Vicky Cordes is trying to use a $3,157 airline ticket credit from the pandemic. But her travel advisor, wholesaler and airline are all pointing fingers at each other. Who’s got her money?

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