Home > News & Advice > Blogs
See All
Bloggers Carl Unger, Christine Sarkis, and other SmarterTravel.com editors report every weekday with airline news and travel commentary that matters to the budget-minded among us. Whether it's the latest baggage fee or new route, Today in Travel is your source for news that affects how you travel, where you go, and, most importantly, how much it costs. Have a tip or comment you'd like to share? Email us at editor@smartertravel.com.
Air: Baggage: Racing through Airport (Photo: iStockphoto/Chad McDermott)
United Offers Door-to-Door Bag Shipping for $25
March 18, 2010 11:27 am by Carl Unger

For a limited time, United will ship your bag door to door for the same price as checking it. That's right, no hauling it to the airport and crossing your fingers that it arrives. ... read more »

Virgin America plane parked at the gate (Photo: Clark County Department of Aviation)
Virgin America Adds Orlando, Toronto
March 18, 2010 8:32 am by Carl Unger
Read post »
Airport security check sign (Photo: iStockPhoto.com/Stephen Finn)
3-1-1 Tip: How to Carry on More Than Three Ounces
March 18, 2010 12:00 am by Patricia Magaña
Read post »
See All
Every weekday, travel expert Tim Winship offers his take on the latest news from the frequent flyer world, and weighs in on the newest airline and hotel award promotions. From the best deals to offers to avoid, Tim brings his three decades of expertise to the Up Front blog. Email him at ff@smartertravel.com.
Virgin America tail (Photo: Virgin America)
Virgin America Adds Morgans Hotels to Mileage Program
March 18, 2010 2:20 pm by Tim Winship

With the addition of Morgans hotels, members of Virgin America's Elevate program can earn points with two rental car companies, two hotel groups, a mileage mall, and a credit card. ... read more »

Traveler walking in the rain (Photo: IndexOpen)
What Happens When "Up in the Air" Becomes "Down on Your Luck"?
March 16, 2010 5:49 pm by Tim Winship
Read post »
<h2>Fernando de Noronha, Brazil</h2> While most Americans have never heard of it, <a href="http://www.noronha.pe.gov.br/eng/ctudo-tourism.asp" target="_blank">Fernando de Noronha</a> is regarded by many Brazilians as having the most beautiful beaches in the country&mdash;and that's saying a lot coming from a nation full of sand and sun connoisseurs. With its steep bunny-ear hills that soar up from undeveloped white and gold beaches, Fernando de Noronha might look more at home alongside Bora Bora and the other islands of French Polynesia than it does hundreds of miles from mainland Brazil. But unlike those Pacific islands, Fernando de Noronha is cheaper and easier to get to, at least from the East Coast. At only seven square miles, the island is easily explored by dune buggy. Pack some snorkel gear and head to beaches like Baia do Sancho and Baia dos Porcos, where you'll see sting rays, sea turtles, and a wide variety of colorful fish just feet from the shore. Without a doubt, the water surrounding the island&mdash; a national marine park&mdash;is Fernando de Noronha's top attraction. Besides snorkeling, you can experience Brazil's best scuba diving with <a href="http://www.atlantisdivers.com.br/english/default.asp" target="_blank">Atlantis Divers</a> (from about $75 for two dives) and go boating (about $25) to spot spinner dolphins and see the island's unusual rock formations up close. In the evenings, head to Vila dos Remedios, the island's historic heart, where you'll dance the night away to traditional Brazilian music and eat seafood al fresco at the popular and cheap Bar do Cachorro. For affordable accommodations, stay at the simple but comfortable <a href="http://www.pousadaparaisodoatlantico.com.br/i_index.htm" target="_blank">Pousada Paraiso do Atlantico</a>, where prices for double rooms start around $78 a night. (Photo: iStockPhoto/Mihir Panchal)
American Air Frequent Flyers Have New Brazil Award Options
March 16, 2010 9:44 am by Tim Winship
Read post »
ALERT!
Your pop-up blocker security
setting is too high.
close


To view this page and still use your pop-up blocker, please make the following adjustment to Internet Explorer.

- Click on "Tools"
- Click on "Pop-up Blocker"
- Click on "Always Allow Pop-ups from This Site..."
- Try the link again

If you are not using Internet Explorer or are still having issues, please email feedback@smartertravel.com with details
Please enable JavaScript to properly view and use this web site.