TRAVEL ADVICE Archives

David Aronstein's Alaskan cruise took an unexpected turn when he contracted Covid-19. While the onboard medical team provided excellent care, he faced a new challenge upon returning home: a $750 bill for Paxlovid treatment. His insurance company required medical records to process the claim, but despite multiple attempts to obtain these from Holland America, David received no response. The cruise line directed him to fill out a release form and send it to their parent company, Carnival, but this yielded no results. David's perseverance highlights the importance of securing medical records immediately after treatment.

How do I get Holland America to send me my medical records? I keep asking.

January 6, 2026July 31, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

David Aronstein needs his medical records from Holland America. Without them, he can’t file an insurance claim for the treatment he received on a cruise. What’s the holdup?

Susan Thompson booked a fully refundable car rental through Priceline with Sixt but was denied a refund after canceling due to her travel companion's medical emergency. Despite having written confirmation of the refund policy, Sixt and Priceline initially refused to return her money. After persistent efforts and assistance from consumer advocacy, Priceline reviewed her case, leading to a full refund. This situation highlights the importance of understanding car rental cancellation policies, taking proactive steps to secure refunds, and seeking help when companies are uncooperative.

My car rental is fully refundable. Why is Priceline keeping my money?

January 15, 2026July 22, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Can a car rental company just change its refund rules whenever it wants to?

Shirley Barchi doesn't want anyone to know she's American when she travels abroad.

These tourists don’t want anyone to know they’re American. Here’s why.

December 27, 2025July 6, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Shirley Barchi doesn’t want anyone to know she’s American when she travels abroad.

Travel insurance can be crucial for summer vacations, but it’s not always necessary. Kingsley Hopkins, traveling to Portugal and Iceland, seeks coverage for medical emergencies and trip disruptions. With high travel demand and potential risks like natural disasters and health issues, older travelers especially should consider insurance. However, you might skip it if you already have coverage or if your trip is low-risk. Evaluate your prepaid expenses and international travel plans to decide. Hopkins opts for refundable bookings and a Medjet Horizon plan for peace of mind, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Do I need travel insurance for my summer vacation? It’s complicated

May 21, 2025June 22, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re planning to travel somewhere this summer, you’re probably thinking of buying travel insurance.

If it feels like you have a target on your back when you're traveling, you might be right. American tourists are being profiled like never before, often in harmless ways, but sometimes with serious consequences. For example, in Colombia, being identified as an American tourist could lead to drugging, robbery, or worse. The State Department warns of escalating dangers, emphasizing caution. While most profiling is just annoying, some can be hazardous to your health. Learn how to avoid being targeted and stay safe abroad.

Warning: American tourists are being profiled. Don’t be one of them!

July 10, 2024June 15, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If it feels like you have a target on your back when you’re traveling, you might be right. Tourists are being profiled like never before.

Traveling this summer means packed flights, jammed roads, and full hotels. Flexibility is key: fly to nearby cities, explore less popular destinations, and consider stopover programs. Use tools like Airbnb's flexible dates search and Google Flights' flexible schedule options to save money and enhance your travel experience. Bend, but don’t break.

Try this pro trick for an affordable and stress-free summer vacation

June 15, 2024June 8, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Life is full of compromises, and that will never be more true than when you’re traveling this summer.

Keith Dawe has been waiting since 2020 for Expedia to refund his airline tickets. But neither the online agency nor his airline can find the missing money. Where is it?

Expedia said it refunded my airline tickets, but it didn’t. What should I do?

September 25, 2024April 24, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Keith Dawe has been waiting since 2020 for Expedia to refund his airline tickets. But neither the online agency nor his airline can find the missing money. Where is it?

Hotels have finally gone too far when it comes to parking fees.

Outrageous! Hotels are charging for parking — whether you have a car or not

September 7, 2025February 3, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Hotels have finally gone too far when it comes to parking fees.

Dollar doesn't have the rental car Beth Bonness reserved in Atlanta, but that's not stopping it from charging her $82. Can it do that? And how does she get a refund?

Dollar didn’t have my rental car — but it still charged me $82!

June 5, 2025January 31, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Dollar doesn’t have the rental car Beth Bonness reserved in Atlanta, but that’s not stopping it from charging her $82. Can it do that? And how does she get a refund?

In this intriguing case, Evonne Hopkins faces a dilemma after booking a room without a private bathroom through SuperTravel. Despite their no-refund policy, she challenges the lack of disclosure. Find out how this situation unfolds and if SuperTravel adjusts its stance in this captivating travel troubleshooter story.

Help! My bed & breakfast doesn’t have a bathroom!

February 5, 2024January 24, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Evonne Hopkins books a room at a bed & breakfast that doesn’t have a bathroom. Can she get her money back?

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