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New From AmEx: Frequent Flyer Fees
by Tim Winship
Pay your credit card bill late and American Express will withhold your points in the programs of Delta, JetBlue, Hilton, and Starwood. Miles can be reinstated for a $29 fee.
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Top Five Off-Peak Destinations for Winter 2009/2010
by Jaclyn Liechti, SmarterTravel.com Staff
While many winter travelers head to the beach or to popular ski resorts, savvy tourists can take advantage of fewer crowds and off-peak deals for fabulous vacations.
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The Top Five Frequent Flyer Deals for November 2009
by Tim Winship
This month, we feature frequent traveler promotions from American, British Airways, Continental, Delta, Spirit, United, and six hotel chains.
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Holiday Tips for Safe and Fun Family Travel
by Eileen Ogintz
With many factors to consider this holiday season, such as airline fees, the flu, and crowds, it may seem impossible to actually enjoy your trip. Keep all in good spirits by following these tips.
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JetBlue Revises, Relaunches TrueBlue
by Tim Winship
JetBlue has completely overhauled its TrueBlue program. The new scheme awards points for dollars spent and scraps blackouts. While improved, it remains a work in progress.
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Early Birds Will Get the Best Family Vacation Deals Next Year
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Not sure if a vacation is within your budget for next year? A host of possibilities are available on the cheap, and you may be pleasantly surprised with what's affordable in early 2010.
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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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Marriott Mileage Mall Bonus: Let the Shopping Begin
by Tim Winship
Marriott opens the season for earning bonuses at the mileage malls with double and triple points at 19 online retailers.
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Five Bright Spots for Travelers in 2009
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Sure, there were enough new fees and delayed planes to fill a book this year. But the squeeze brought on by the recession yielded some traveler-friendly trends, too.
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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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Travelocity Offers Refund If You Find a Cheaper Room
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Travelocity customers can now get a refund when they find a lower price on competing websites up until the day before check-in.
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Red Lion Promotion Offers Less Than Meets the Eye
by Tim Winship
Earn 25,000 frequent flyer miles (which might or might not be enough for a free ticket) after staying six nights with Red Lion hotels at a premium room rate. Deal or no deal?
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Coming From Hilton: Higher Award Prices
by Tim Winship
Beginning next year, members of Hilton's HHonors program will pay more points for award nights that are worth less.
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Holiday Hotel Deals in New York City
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Planning on a fall or holiday getaway to New York City? Discounts at hotels around the city can made the trip more affordable.
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Delta Bulks Up With Acquisition of Northwest's Mileage Program
by Tim Winship
After 23 years, Northwest's loyalty program issued its last mile. Members' miles will be transferred to Delta's program, now the world's largest.
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The Top Five Frequent Flyer Deals for October 2009
by Tim Winship
This month, we feature promotions from American, Continental, Southwest, United, US Airways, and 10 hotel chains. Among the offers: more miles and points, and faster elite perks.
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Thanksgiving Travel Deals Aplenty
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Discounts and travel packages in places like Mexico, Prague, and Florida make Thanksgiving travel a tasty alternative to heading home for the holidays.
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Stay at 100 Hotels for Just 5,000 Priority Club Points a Night
by Tim Winship
InterContinental Priority Club Rewards members can redeem just 5,000 points for stays at 100 participating hotels.
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Spooktacular Halloween Hotel Packages
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Halloween falls on a weekend this year, and hotels around the country are offering themed specials and packages to entice travelers. Here are some of the spooky deals.
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United Offers Hotels and Rental Cars in Exchange for Miles
by Ed Perkins
You can now use United frequent flyer miles on hotel stays or rental cars. The catch? Each mile is worth a cent or less. Ed Perkins explains your options.
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Forget Senior Discounts: Book With an Opaque Travel Site
by Ed Perkins
Booking hotels with sites like Hotwire and Priceline can save you more money than using your AAA membership or senior discount. Find the best deals with tips from Ed Perkins.
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New Hilton Promotion Rewards Frequent and Infrequent Travelers
by Tim Winship
Unlike many current hotel promotions, which require multiple stays, Hilton is now offering a bonus after just a single stay.
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Northwest's WorldPerks -- R.I.P.
by Tim Winship
Yesterday, Northwest's mileage program was folded into Delta's. Former WorldPerks members should monitor the merger process, to confirm all their miles transferred.
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Columbus Day Air and Hotel Deals
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Columbus Day is just around the corner, and the sales are here now. October 12 marks the holiday, and you'll find plenty of ways to save if you're looking to get away..
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United Adds Hotels, Rental Cars as Mileage Awards
by Tim Winship
Beginning today, Mileage Plus members can redeem their United miles for hotel stays and car rentals. The new option raises the question of award value: How much are miles worth?
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Orbitz Waives Hotel Change and Cancellation Fees
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Orbitz' move now makes three online travel agencies that no longer penalize customers for changing hotel bookings. Individual properties, however, may have their own fees.
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New Marriott Members Get Free Night After Second Stay
by Tim Winship
New Marriott Rewards members can partake of two promotions, earning both a free night and bonus points after two stays.
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Comparison Shopping Still Critical When Booking a Hotel
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Does one travel company offer better prices on hotel rooms than all the others? Are you better off booking with an online travel agency or directly with the hotel itself? Read on for the surprising results of our recent price-comparison tests.
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National Parks: 'America's Best Idea' Specials
by Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Excited about the new National Parks documentary? Many lodges near national parks are coming out with "America's Best Idea" specials to celebrate the spotlight.
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Get Your Free Frequent Flyer Miles Here!
by Tim Winship
Not all offers are headliners. Here are five modest frequent flyer promotions to get you closer to free travel.
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Westin Resort in Aruba Offers Conception Credit
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Yes, conception. As in babies. Couples who conceive at the Westin Resort in Aruba can receive a $300 credit toward their next stay.
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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.
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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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Affordable Spas at Home and Abroad
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Not all spa vacations mean you have to drain your stress and your wallet. From New Orleans to Bali, Quebec to Indonesia, here are 10 possibilities that promise bliss for less.
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Alternative Beach Accommodations For Extraordinary Trips
by Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Here are several different ways to be close to the water without sacrificing your overall needs. From camping to sleeping under the sea, there's something for everyone who loves the water.
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Stay Warm in Style at Luxury Resorts This Winter
by Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
With the increasing chill in the air, it's only natural to start contemplating an escape to a tropical paradise. Here are some recommendations for warm-weather resorts around the globe.
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Ten Cozy New England Inns for Fall
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Nothing says autumn like a weekend away at a New England inn. Many consider this time of year to be the region's best, with colorful foliage, harvest cuisine, and roaring fireplaces among the season's perks.
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Road-tripping on California's Pacific Coast Highway
by Kate Hamman and Zak Patten, SmarterTravel.com Staff
With spring temperatures, blooming landscapes, and less traffic, April is the perfect time to explore the Pacific Coast Highway.
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Living it up for less in Belize
by Christine Sarkis and Zak Patten, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Belize is among the most expensive destinations in Central America, but it's also one of the most beautiful, accessible, and visitor friendly. And best of all, you can still visit on a reasonable budget.
