SmarterTravel.com: Travel Advice

VIP Airport Lounge: An Oasis at the Airport

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:25:51 -0500

For most of us, big airports are among the world's most hostile environments. Crowds, noise, long lines, inadequate seating, and garbled announcements are the norm. Fortunately, even occasional travelers can avail themselves of the road warriors' refuges: VIP airline lounges. Mostly, you'll have to pay, but an oasis of calm can be worth a few bucks.

15 Ways to See Europe on the Cheap

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:02:33 -0500

Tight budget? No problem! European travel expert Rick Steves shares 15 tried-and-true ways to shave hundreds of dollars off your next trip—and have an even better experience while doing it.

11 Ways to Celebrate 11/11/11

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:34:16 -0500

You may not have an activity planned for the day, but here are 11 ways to celebrate the spirit of 11/11/11 in the coming months.

Winter Rail: Half-Price Canada and Chunnel Discount

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:26:15 -0500

You have two new rail promotions to consider. VIA Rail Canada extends its systemwide sale, while Eurostar combines a 20 percent discount with a gift card.

To Tip or Not to Tip (and How Much?)

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:09:24 -0500

Tip for this service and not for that. In this country and not there. Ed Perkins irons out the tipping-etiquette wrinkles.

How to Find the Best Airfare ... Any Time, Any Place

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:37:32 -0500

Finding a cheap flight? That's easy when you follow guest blogger (and Airfarewatchdog founder) George Hobica's 15 ways to get the upper hand in your search for the lowest fare.

Porno on Planes? Ryanair Says Yes

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:55:15 -0500

Patricia Magana has all the salacious details, and six pointed questions for the airline—and passengers—interested in adult videos at 30,000 feet.

The Truth About Consolidator Fares

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:15:14 -0500

Travel expert Ed Perkins dispels common myths and misconceptions about consolidator fares, and provides guidelines for buying such tickets.

America's 10 Worst Airports

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:18:43 -0500

Got better things to do than wait out a flight delay? Then avoid these airports at all costs! Plus: The 10 best airports for on-time flights.

Rick Steves: 'Back-Door' Strategies for London Trips

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0500

London dazzles year-round, but for a true "back door" experience, follow Rick Steves' expert tips for making the most of (and spending a lot less on) your trip.

Whoa! Stuck at the Airport for 80 Days?

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:05:13 -0400

And you thought your last trip to the airport was bad? These three tales of people (and animals) are legit contenders for worst layover ever.

The New 787: The Game-Changing Plane

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:19:53 -0400

It uses the latest, most fuel-efficient engines, featuring less noise and fewer emissions than current engines. The 787 has an extremely long range. And for the passenger, Boeing claims some important innovations in comfort.

Put the Phone Camera to Use and Avoid Headaches

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:34:33 -0400

These days, when so many wireless phones have cameras, documenting a potential problem is easy. Yes, that phone can sometimes save you real money: When in doubt, take a picture.

Readers' Creepiest Travel Haunts

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

From sunny beaches with dark secrets to farm houses full of strange noises, hear about readers' most unnerving travel experiences.

Major Airlines Gear Up for Cuba Flights

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:54:42 -0400

American, Delta, JetBlue, and United-Continental are among the carriers now connecting Americans to Cuba on a charter basis.

Paris: A City of Cozy Neighborhoods

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:11:36 -0400

Rick Steves offers readers a delicious slice of local living, Paris-style.

Major Airlines Hike Fares, but Will it Stick?

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:30:43 -0400

Two fare hikes in one week? That doesn't bode well for holiday travelers. But there's a real chance that, at least this time, the price increase won't stick.

Holiday Flights: Will Prices Drop?

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:15:08 -0400

Waiting until the last-minute might just save you money this year. Find out why—and how to take advantage.

REVIEW: Disney's First Hawaii Resort a 'Game-Changer'

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:11:55 -0400

Eileen Ogintz raves about Aulani, Disney's newest resort and its first in Hawaii. What's to love? Just about everything, says Ogintz.

Top Tips for Bargaining at Europe's Markets

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:31:53 -0400

Become the ultimate bargain hunter on your next trip! These tried and true tactics will have you haggling like a local—and saving a bundle on that must-have souvenir.

Priceline Made Easy? New Tool Helps Secure Best Price

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:28:41 -0400

Ed Perkins on a new website, and a few new tools, that make "blind buying" a piece of cake.

The Enchanting Cinque Terre: Fiat-Free Italy

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Rick Steves returns to the Italian villages he helped make famous, and still finds plenty to love in this haven of natural and cultural wonders.

New Security Initiative Raises Many Questions

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:45:44 -0400

Big changes are in the offing at the TSA. But will a new initiative fix the problems ... or just add to them? Ed Perkins takes a serious look at the future of airport security.

American: Bankruptcy ... Then Merger?

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:44:57 -0400

Ed Perkins on the carriers most likely to be the target of a merger. Is your favorite airline atop the list?

Eight Important Tips for Healthy Travel

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:17:11 -0400

After 30 years of travel, Rick Steves knows what it takes to stay healthy when on the go. He shares his top tips here.