http://www.smartertravel.com/advice/?source=rss_advice From airfare savings secrets to frequent flyer insider tips, SmarterTravel.com is your source for comprehensive travel advice you can use. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:39:05 -0500 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:39:05 -0500 For many travelers, winter means finding a way to pack bulky clothes, puffy jackets, and all the necessary cold-weather accessories into a bag. Instead of stomping on your luggage, follow these basic tips for hassle-free packing. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/six-simple-tricks-for-winter-packing.html?id=3816989&source=rss_advice advice Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 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. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/top-five-off-peak-destinations-for-winter-2009-2010.html?id=3842709&source=rss_advice advice Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 Have you ever had your credit card rejected overseas? It's probably not due to bad credit, but the different validation systems used. Ed Perkins explains how to handle the situation. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/versus-european-credit-card-validation-systems.html?id=3865325&source=rss_advice advice Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:54:00 -0500 If you have any flexibility in your schedule, you'll want to consider planning a trip immediately after the holidays to take advantage of low travel periods and great bargains. The weeks after Thanksgiving and New Year's are especially affordable. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/travel-right-after-the-holidays-for-great-deal.html?id=3846326&source=rss_advice advice Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 Lower taxi costs to and from the airport, as well as automated, lifetime check-in can make air travel easier. But who charges $60 to print your boarding pass at the airport? http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/two-great-new-airline-initiatives-and-one-horrible-idea.html?id=3856075&source=rss_advice advice Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 Knowing what your activity options are at the nation's most delay-prone airports can turn a frustrating wait into bona fide leisure time. Almost. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/america-worst-airports-for-delays-how-to-cope.html?id=3844370&source=rss_advice advice Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 If the new airline reality is full flights throughout the year, flyers should expect more congestion and frustration. And higher ticket prices. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/full-flights-will-cost-flyers-not-just-money.html?id=3843713&source=rss_advice advice Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:26:59 -0500 The Deal Detective helps a reader plan a homecoming vacation for her husband returning from Afghanistan. Destinations include Berlin, Prague, and Venice. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/three-affordable-european-vacations-for-spring.html?id=3850128&source=rss_advice advice Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 As the holidays approach, there's no better time to re-acquaint yourself with what fees are in effect, especially if you're planning on traveling with gifts and extra winter gear. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/best-ways-to-avoid-baggage-fees-holiday-travel-primer.html?id=3842329&source=rss_advice advice Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 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. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/holiday-tips-for-safe-and-fun-family-travel.html?id=3846610&source=rss_advice advice Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 Airline fine print can sometimes land you in unexpected trouble. Ed Perkins digs into the tiny but extremely important jargon many folks don't read. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/the-fine-print-what-you-don-know-can-hurt-you.html?id=3845943&source=rss_advice advice Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:25:25 -0500 Forming or joining a tour group may sound appealing and appear like an economically good idea, but there are several things to consider before committing your time and money. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/weighing-the-risks-and-rewards-of-joining-tour-group.html?id=3843296&source=rss_advice advice Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 Whether winter calls for sun or snow in your book, the deals are out there to put a vacation on your horizon. Destinations fighting the recession funk are offering plenty of winter deals. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/top-five-bargain-destinations-for-winter-2009-2010.html?id=3826729&source=rss_advice advice Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 For international travel, a round-trip ticket is usually the cheapest option. However, buying a one-way ticket and purchasing a return ticket at your destination is sometimes more economical. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/buying-tickets-offshore-can-save-you-money.html?id=3829583&source=rss_advice advice Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 Waiting in line at the airport can be a frustrating experience, but with these 10 simple tips, you'll be on your way in no time (unless your flight is delayed, that is). http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/ten-smart-ways-to-simplify-security.html?id=3807269&source=rss_advice advice Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 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. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/cruises-go-all-out-during-the-holidays.html?id=3798848&source=rss_advice advice Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 The Deal Detective weighs the pluses and minuses of an escorted tour versus an independent vacation. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/ireland-by-bus-or-car.html?id=3814561&source=rss_advice advice Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 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. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/celebrate-your-next-family-milestone-on-cruise.html?id=3810162&source=rss_advice advice Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 A good tour operator is important, and hard to find. Ed Perkins offers tips for sifting through the options and choosing the one that's best for you. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/how-can-find-the-right-tour-operator.html?id=3810934&source=rss_advice advice Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:25:27 -0500 For seniors, all-year travel insurance may be a good investment, especially if you travel overseas where Medicare doesn't cover you. Ed Perkins discusses several options. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/all-year-travel-insurance-keeps-frequent-travelers-covered.html?id=3787774&source=rss_advice advice Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 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. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/early-birds-will-get-the-best-family-vacation-deals-next-year.html?id=3805391&source=rss_advice advice Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 Air France's Premium Voyager offers 40 percent more room, but you pay 100 percent more for your seat. Ed Perkins explains why shelling out the cash may be better than the alternative. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/air-france-offers-class-between-economy-and-business.html?id=3787482&source=rss_advice advice Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 The Deal Detective helps a reader see the City of Light for less this winter by helping her determine when to go and where to stay. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/paris-on-the-cheap.html?id=3783686&source=rss_advice advice Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 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. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/five-bright-spots-for-travelers-in-2009.html?id=3755243&source=rss_advice advice Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 With live sharks, bats, butterflies, and 1.7 million native plants, Cal Academy is a museum your kids won't want to leave. Discover what else the greenest museum in the country has to offer. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/california-academy-of-sciences-is-far-from-boring.html?id=3777795&source=rss_advice advice Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500