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Is Hyatt's New Credit Card a Game-Changer?
by Tim Winship
Members of Hyatt's Gold Passport finally have a credit card linked to the program. It's a step in the right direction, but hardly the category-killer many were expecting.
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Amsterdam Symphony Plays While Flight is Delayed
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
With its flight from Shanghai to Amsterdam delayed by bad weather, the Amsterdam Sinfonietta decided to pass the time as best they could: Standing in the aisles, playing music.
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Is Virgin America Ready to be Relevant?
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Virgin America has a lot going for it: Great in-flight product, awards up the wazoo, and instant brand recognition. What it doesn't have is reach, but that is beginning to change.
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Making the Most of the Fall Travel Season
by Ed Perkins
If you're fortunate enough that you can travel when you want, instead of when your employer or school wants, fall is a great time to get going. Ed Perkins offers up ideas.
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Australia: Travel Down Under From $1,399*
by The Deal Detective, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Book by September 15, and save big on visits to Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, and more.
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United Extends Short-Haul Award Discount
by Tim Winship
If you missed United's 30 percent discount on short-haul award flights, you can stop fretting and start planning: United has extended the offer through the end of September.
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JetBlue Adds Early Boarding to Extra Legroom Seats
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Does the new feature make JetBlue's premium coach perk the first to present genuine value, or is it just another case of airline gouging? The answer likely depends on how much you pay.
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Where to Search for the Best Airfare
by Ed Perkins
You've probably already used one of the big online airfare search systems, but you may be searching in the wrong place for your specific needs. Ed Perkins explains.
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Tell Us About Your Top Destinations
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Are you looking for a deal today? Which destinations are you drawn to? The flash of Vegas or NYC? The peace of the Rockies or a secluded coastal town? Santa Fe? Kyoto? Paris? Rome?
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Cruise to Places Around the World From $169
by The Deal Detective, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Say bon voyage to summer by setting sail on the open seas with this deal. Destiantions include the Bahamas, the Mediterranean, and Europe.
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Airlines Waive Change Fees As Earl Approaches U.S.
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
With Hurricane Earl bearing down on the U.S. mainland, airlines are waiving change fees for affected travelers. Here's what you need to know.
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Yemeni Men Freed After No Proof of Terrorism Found
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Suspicious but coincidental events led to the improper arrest of two Yemeni men. Does this incident validate our airport security or expose the fallacy of security theater?
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Major Bridge in Puerto Vallarta Collapses
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Ground transportation to Puerto Vallarta from the north has been cut off following the collapse of a major bridge, and many airlines are waiving change fees as a result.
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American Adding Seats, Carry-on Space
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
American is giving its fleet of Boeing 737s a significant overhaul, adding seats and increasing overhead storage space. Imagine fitting five or six bags up there!
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JetBlue Introduces Boston-Newark Route
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
JetBlue announced it will add a Boston-Newark route ... just days after Southwest announced it will soon be moving in at Newark. Something's heating up in Jersey.
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Earn Miles for Rent Payments? Possible, but Pricey
by Tim Winship
The website WilliamPaid.com is in the business of facilitating monthly rent payments using mileage-earning credit cards. Nice, but the price is a problem.
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Virgin America Adds Los Cabos, Cancun
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Virgin America will launch service to Los Cabos and Cancun this winter, with flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco. This is just the latest in an increasingly rapid expansion for the airline.
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DOT Hits AirTran with $500K Fine for Disability Issues
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has levied a $500,000 fine against AirTran for violating procedures regarding disabled passengers.
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$699 Paris and London Vacation Packages
by The Deal Detective, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Visit two European cities for less than the price of seeing one. Deal includes airfare and hotel.
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The Week in Weird: Flight Scare and Checked Tigers
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
We catch up on two strange stories from the past few days, including a woman who tried to smuggle a tiger, and a false alarm aboard British Airways.
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$1 Breakfast or Cocktail at Kimpton Hotels
by The Deal Detective, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Start your day—or night—off right for less than a cup of coffee.
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This Fall, Earn Up to Two Free Nights From Marriott
by Tim Winship
Marriott has reprised its MegaBonus promotion for fall. The offer: a free night after two stays, between September 15, 2010, and January 15, 2011.
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U.S. Gov't Approves United-Continental Merger
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
The U.S. Department of Justice approved the merger of United and Continental, allowing the two sides to move forward and complete the deal, which should close sometimes this fall.
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Mexicana Ceases Operations Indefinitely
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
The troubled airline grounded operations this weekend, having run out of cash. The company says it will continue seeking ways to resume service, but is this really the end of the line?
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Faster Flights: Be a Better Boarder
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Boarding a flight ranks high on the list of frustrating travel experiences. But little improvements in the way we board can go a long way. What are your top tips?
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Visiting the Cliff Dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park
by Eileen Ogintz
Imagine what family life was like for the Ancient Puebloans as you explore the cliff dwellings in southwest Colorado's Mesa Verde National Park.
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Airfare 401: Want a Comfortable Flight? Read This!
by Ed Perkins
When booking your flight, price is an important factor. But on some flights, you may want to fork over a little extra cash for a more comfortable experience. Ed Perkins explains your options.
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Shhh! Five Hidden Hotel Values in Las Vegas
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
More than just sensibly priced, these hotels offer a little something extra to make them stand out from the crowd!
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Southwest to Launch Service From Newark in 2011
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Southwest announced it will lease enough slots from Continental to operate up to 18 daily round-trips. The new routes will solidify the low-cost carrier's New York-area presence.
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AAA Predicts Increase in Labor Day Travel
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
AAA says there will be a 10 percent increase in travel this Labor Day holiday, but numbers are still below 2008 levels. So where are you going?
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The World's Worst Tourist Traps
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Here are our picks for the 10 most overrated destinations.
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The 10 Funniest Small Town Names in America
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Hell, Cool, Carefree, Intercourse. What?
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Our Readers' Hidden Europe
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Here are your top 10 picks for under-the-radar Europe.
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Weirdest Things Found in an Airplane Seatback Pocket
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Our readers share discoveries made from 30,000 feet in the air.
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Hidden Europe: 10 Secret Treasures
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Dreaming of a trip to Europe, but want to avoid the crowds?
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Our Readers' 15 Favorite Places in Ireland
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
From Doolin to Dublin, and many surprising destinations in between, here are your fellow readers' top picks.
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Ireland's Best (and Best Kept Secrets)
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Plus, tell us about your favorite places to visit.
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The 10 Best Budget Islands in the Caribbean
by Kate Sitarz, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Where to go for a value-packed getaway.
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The 10 Best Places to Go in Mexico
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
See why Mexico is one hot tamale of a vacation destination!
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Hidden Florida: The 10 Best-Kept Secrets
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Discover the Sunshine State's best under-the-radar spots!
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Our Readers' 15 Favorite Beaches
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Here are your top picks for the best places to soak up the sun.
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Most Romantic Prison Hotels to Unchain Your Love
by Jaclyn Liechti, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Escape to these prisons of love for Valentine's Day.
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SmarterTravel Editors' Travel Bucket Lists
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Find out what they hope to see and do before that fateful day.
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Our Readers' Best Travel Photos
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
The votes are in, and here are your best travel photos!
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World's Scariest Haunted Hotels
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Meet the spirited guests of the world's most haunted hotels.
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Top 10 Fall Foliage Drives Around the U.S.
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Buckle up for the greatest colorful drives around the country. Here are our top picks for routes that not only highlight fall colors, but also emphasize the season's bounty.
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The 10 Best Bargains in Adventure Travel (2009 Edition)
by Jaclyn Liechti, SmarterTravel.com Staff
This year's best adventure bargains are unique trips at the right price.
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Is This the Year You Travel to ...
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Have you always wanted to travel to an exotic locale, but couldn't justify the cost or long flights? Well, with the travel industry slumping, it may be time to finally visit that far-flung destination. Here are five places to consider.
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Five Ways to Celebrate Your Independence in Style
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Go solo this summer by taking a class, a tour, or a hike.
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Summer Savings in America's Top National Parks
by Josh Roberts, SmarterTravel.com Staff
There's never been a better time rediscover America's national parks.
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Ten Great Theme Parks and How to Save
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Plan a thrilling summer vacation without going broke.
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Ten Amazing Adventures Under $1,000 (2009 Edition)
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Adventure travel on a recession budget. What's not to love?
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Ten Cheap Spring Europe Vacations
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Our picks for the top Europe vacations of the year include old standbys such as Paris, Rome, and London, plus unique trips to the Greek Isles, castles in Scotland, and a rail trip through Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague.
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New International Routes Translate Into Big Savings
Many airlines are launching new international service in 2009 to capitalize on new markets. Flying on introductory routes is a great way to save on overseas travel.
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Virgin America (and Richard Branson) Arrives in Boston
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Virgin America celebrated its new service from Boston, and our blogger was invited to the festivities. Take a peek inside the carrier's swank plane, plus see Sir Richard Branson in drag. Yes, in drag.
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Six Secret Mexican Gems for the Budget Traveler
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Forget Cancun. Mexico's cheaper, under-the-radar beaches, colonial towns, and adventure destinations offer the best value in these rocky economic times.
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Which Mexico Destination Is Right for You?
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Choosing the best location for your ideal Mexico vacation may seem overwhelming. We've done the research for you, and compiled the best locales for all types of travelers.
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New Cruise Ships in 2009
by Erica Silverstein and Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
These ships have more excitement than most big cities.
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Cheap, Exotic Beach Resorts Around the World
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Make an exotic escape a reality with these seven super-affordable resorts in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
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Seven Affordable, Under-the-Radar Beach Destinations
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Even in rough economic times, it's important to treat yourself to some relaxation. Preferably, it's nice to do so on a nice warm beach. I've found seven great, lesser-known beach destinations in the Caribbean and Atlantic that also go easy on your wallet.
