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TRAVEL TIPS

When James Cottrell bought travel medical insurance for his North Atlantic cruise, he never expected to need it. But when his wife fell ill and ended up with a $6,914 medical bill, he found himself relying on GeoBlue. Despite promises of a 30-day payout, six months passed with no reimbursement. Cottrell's persistent follow-ups led him to file a complaint with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance. His case highlights the differences between travel insurance and travel medical insurance and provides crucial tips for expediting claims. Will GeoBlue finally pay? Find out how he resolved it.

Their North Atlantic cruise ended in the hospital. Why won’t travel medical insurance pay their $6,914 claim

November 9, 2025August 12, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When James Cottrell bought travel medical insurance for himself and his wife for their North Atlantic cruise last summer, he never expected to use it. But if he had to, he was confident his GeoBlue travel medical plan would be there for him — and that it would pay his claim promptly.

Categories Advocacy
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.

Categories On Travel
Travel safety this fall is uncertain, with experts highlighting key concerns. Popular destinations are reacting against overtourism, while rising instability in regions like the Middle East and Ukraine poses risks. The contentious U.S. presidential election could also impact Americans abroad. As a frequent traveler, I share my itinerary and safety strategies for Dublin, Istanbul, and Doha. Expert tips emphasize researching destinations, having an emergency plan, and avoiding political discussions to stay safe. Take common-sense precautions to travel safely this fall.

Is it safe to travel this fall? Maybe not

October 24, 2024August 10, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Like many Americans, I’m traveling this fall. And like many Americans, I’m wondering: Is it safe to travel this fall?

Categories Safe Travels
Rocco De Mella's recent journey with ITA Airways from Miami to Rome turned into a frustrating ordeal when a plane change resulted in the loss of his $160 seat upgrade. Despite promises of a prompt refund from multiple airline representatives, six months have passed with no resolution. Rocco's attempts to contact ITA Airways through various channels yielded no results, leaving him in limbo. However, a breakthrough came when a consumer advocacy site intervened, leading to the long-awaited refund. This case highlights the challenges passengers face with airline service changes and refund processes.

Downgraded on my ITA Airways flight. Why can’t I get a refund?

April 2, 2025August 7, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When ITA Airways changes Rocco De Mella’s plane from Miami to Rome, he loses the seat upgrade he bought. An airline representative promises him a prompt refund. But six months later, the airline still has his money. 

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
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. 

Categories On Travel
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?

Categories Problem Solved
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?

Categories Advocacy, Travel Problems
A fragile medical device. An overstuffed rollaboard. A large cooler filled with snacks. You'd be shocked by what passengers are trying to fit under their economy class seats these days.

Why the space shortage is squeezing airline passengers

June 8, 2025July 20, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

A fragile medical device. An overstuffed rollaboard. A large cooler filled with snacks.You’d be shocked by what passengers are trying to fit under their economy class seats these days. 

Categories On Travel
Glen Hartness faced an unexpected challenge after mistakenly booking the wrong night at a La Quinta hotel through the Priceline app. Despite promptly notifying both Priceline and the hotel, and receiving a cancellation confirmation from the hotel's front desk, Priceline refused to issue a refund. This frustrating situation highlights the strict enforcement of nonrefundable rates, even for honest mistakes. However, after escalating the issue, Priceline eventually agreed to process the refund, though the ordeal underscored the need for improved booking safeguards.

A Priceline booking problem leads to a nonrefundable hotel room — or does it?

July 29, 2025July 17, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Glen Hartness books the wrong night at a La Quinta hotel through the Priceline app. Why won’t Priceline refund the erroneous booking?

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
Airlines are surprising customers with unexpected kindness, such as shedding fees and offering free perks. This shift, influenced by government regulations and a surge in passenger complaints, aims to improve customer satisfaction and retain loyalty. While low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier lead this change, even legacy airlines are stepping up. However, experts warn that this newfound niceness might be short-lived and could eventually result in higher fares. Real, lasting change will only occur when passengers value service quality over cost, pushing airlines to consistently prioritize customer care.

Why are airlines being so nice to you?

July 15, 2024July 13, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Airlines are shedding fees, giving away free stuff, and being extra nice to their customers. Has the world gone mad?

Categories On Travel
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