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How Can I Make My Complaint Work Better?
by Ed Perkins
Too often our complaints fall on deaf ears. Ed Perkins offers tips for making yourself heard and your complaint noticed, and, most importantly, getting your problem fixed.
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Cruises Go All-Out During the Holidays
by Dan Askin, Cruise Critic Associate Editor, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's means special food, decorations, and festivities on cruises. No matter what you're celebrating, cruise lines will make it memorable. Read on to find what each ship offers.
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Celebrate Your Next Family Milestone on a Cruise
by Eileen Ogintz
When life hands you lemons, plan a family cruise trip! A cruise may be the perfect alternative for celebrating a family occasion if other vacation plans are foiled.
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Expedia Eliminates Phone Booking Fees
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Customers can now book with a real person, for free! Will Expedia's competitors in the online travel agency business follow suit?
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Top Five Baby-Friendly Cruise Lines
by Christine Koubek, Cruise Critic Contributor
Look no further for all you need to know about cruising with your wee-ones. From what to bring to what kid-friendly amenities to expect from each cruise line, this guide will have your family ditching the land and sailing the seas in no time.
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Best Small Cruise Ships
by Dan Askin, Cruise Critic Associate Editor, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Beyond offering a cozier atmosphere, these ships' size creates a whole different experience, onboard and onshore.
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Which Travel Insurance Policies Protect Against Hurricanes?
by Ed Perkins
Every year, hurricanes disrupt numerous cruises and land resorts, leaving passengers wondering which, if any, travel insurance policies cover hurricanes. Ed Perkins investigates.
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Take a Fall Foliage Road Trip on the Cheap
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
With the leaves putting on their own (free) show, why not hit the road? Read on to discover tried-and-true tips for putting together your own fall foliage getaway.
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Best Enrichment Cruises
by Erica Silverstein, Cruise Critic
If the idea of going back to class while cruising appeals, check out these top picks for onboard enrichment.
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Opt Out to Avoid Extra Fees and Unwanted Services
by Ed Perkins
Do you notice those pre-checked boxes that sell you additional services? Ed Perkins explains what you might be wasting money on with these opt-out scams.
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Forecasting Fall and Winter Travel Prices
by Ed Perkins
Will travel prices rise or fall this fall and winter? Ed Perkins has a prediction on the seasons' outlook.
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What Cruise Ship Butlers Will Do for You
by Dan Askin, Cruise Critic Associate Editor, SmarterTravel.com Staff
What is it, exactly, that makes that single word so magical? "Butler." The word alone conjures notions of pampering, swanky accommodations, and service fit for royalty.
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At Your Service: Online Cruise Reservations
by Dan Askin, Cruise Critic Associate Editor, SmarterTravel.com Staff
As cruise lines expand options for online reservations, cruise travelers can spend less time queuing up onboard and more time enjoying their vacations.
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All-Inclusive Resort Accommodations on Sale
by Ed Perkins
There are many vacation offers out there right now but consider an all-inclusive resort. They may be some of the best deals around.
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Top 10 Europe Cruise Ports
by Carolyn Spencer Brown, Cruise Critic
Europe's top cruise ports have the ability to amaze and astound with their treasures. From Barcelona to Brugge, Paris to Rome, sail away in splendor after a ramble at one of these majestic cities.
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Six Questions to Ask Before Booking a Cruise
by Ed Perkins
When considering a cruise deal, identify the deal's worth by asking yourself and the cruise agent the following six questions.
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What to Expect From an Alaska Cruise
by Melissa Baldwin Paloti, Cruise Critic, SmarterTravel.com Staff
What to do, which cabin to book, even what to wear are very important questions when planning an Alaska cruise. We've got the answers.
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Where to Cruise This Summer and Fall
by Ed Perkins
Deciding where to cruise? Most considerations revolve around four main factors: climate, port activities, en-route sightseeing, and price. Let's break down those variables.
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Best Family-Friendly Staterooms
by Christine Koubek, Cruise Critic Contributor
A cramped stateroom has the potential be a pot built for boiling. But with plenty of space, cruising with the family will lead to precious memories, bonding experiences, and a desire to return to the seas.
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Tour Operators Bring On the Discounts
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Like tours? This is a good time to get a great deal on one. Tour operators around the world are offering discounts and running promotions to make booking more affordable.
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Travel Insurance Offers Limited Hurricane Benefits
by Ed Perkins
What type of travel insurance provides coverage during hurricane season? What is covered under typical policies? Ed Perkins answers these and other trip insurance-related questions.
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Ask the Editor: Top Hurricane Season Questions
by Erica Silverstein, Cruise Critic
Which destinations get hit hardest, and when? Will you be reimbursed for missed shore excursions? Get your questions answered here.
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The Pros and Cons of Booking With a Travel Agent
by Ed Perkins
There are advantages and disadvantages to booking with a travel agent. Know when to consider going that route.
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How to Beat the Heat on a Summer Cruise
by Erica Silverstein, Cruise Critic
If you're going to survive the summer on a hot-weather cruise, you'll need our Zen-like approach to the heat. We list eight expert tips for beating the heat while cruising.
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American Announces One-Way Frequent Flyer Trips
by Ed Perkins
With American's new program, frequent flyers can book one-way awards. Find out how many miles will be required, who else offers this option, and who can take advantage of the program.
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How to Find a Good Cruise Travel Agent
by Kelly Ranson and Erica Silverstein, Cruise Critic
You might be a pro at buying airfare online, but booking cruises is another game altogether. With access to exclusive discounts and perks, it pays to find a good agent.
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Swine Flu Travel Information
by Ed Perkins
You've heard plenty on how to prevent the spread of flu but how do you avert rebooking fees for your Mexico trip? Ed Perkins tells you how.
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Lies, Scams, and What You Can Do About Them
by Ed Perkins
Travelers are faced with a lot of outright scams, and getting help can be difficult or nearly impossible. Ed Perkins examines the tricks and traps that can get people in trouble.
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Top 10 Common Cruise Questions
by Erica Silverstein, Cruise Critic
Is cruising really all-inclusive? Is it expensive? Are all ships alike? How can I stay in touch with those on land? Your cruising-related questions are answered here.
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Is That Cruise Deal Too Good to be True?
by Ed Perkins
Whether you get them by email, see them online, or see them in the newspaper, cruise deals these days are pretty enticing. But are they for real? Ed Perkins says they are ... with some caveats.
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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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Twelve Adventures for Twelve Months
by Sarah Pascarella and Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Discover the perfect adventure for every month of 2009. Our possibilities will take you all over the globe, plus show you the best ways to get outdoors in every season.
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Ten (Almost) Free Travel Deals
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
While you're unlikely to get an all-expenses-paid trip unless you win a game show, you can still get portions your trip for free if you book certain promotions or take advantage of some alternative modes of travel.
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The Best End-of-Summer Destinations
by Zak Patten, SmarterTravel.com Staff
This gallery showcases readers' photos of sun-soaked canyons, icy glacial waters, a unique view of the Eiffel Tower, and much more.
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Cool Summer Getaways
by Sarah Pascarella and Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Not everyone thrives in warm summer weather. If the cool temperatures of spring and fall are more your speed, check out these top destinations for summer locales that really beat the heat.
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The Best of Mediterranean Cruises
by Erica Silverstein, SmarterTravel.com Staff
A Mediterranean cruise can be an exhausting blur of tour buses, museums, and historic attractions. You can save energy and money by slowing down your pace and skipping ship excursions in favor of exploring on your own.
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10 things to wow you on today's ships
by Erica Silverstein and Zak Patten, SmarterTravel.com Staff
New vessels offer everything from huge spas to onboard surfing.
