http://www.smartertravel.com/all/?content_type=column&column_type=perkins_on_travel&source=rss_ed Ed Perkins: Ed Perkins on Travel Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:30:53 -0500 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:30:53 -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_ed ed Thu, 19 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_ed ed Thu, 12 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_ed ed Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 We love certain airlines and avoid others at all costs. Ed Perkins investigates one survey's results to explain why Southwest wins top honors and why US Airways has some work to do. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/why-is-southwest-travelers-favorite-airline.html?id=3751208&source=rss_ed ed Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400 Ed Perkins provides a substantial list of travel-focused blogs, covering everything from finding great airfare deals to seat upgrades to getting more frequent flyer miles. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/travel-blogs-offer-plethora-of-information.html?id=3720022&source=rss_ed ed Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:46:09 -0400 Food, drinks, baggage, and now seat assignments. Ed Perkins debates whether the onslaught of airline fees will ever end and explains what you can do in the meantime. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/can-airlines-possibly-charge-for-anything-else.html?id=3693056&source=rss_ed ed Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:11:31 -0400 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. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/united-offers-hotels-and-rental-cars-in-exchange-for-miles.html?id=3677993&source=rss_ed ed Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:10:15 -0400 Ed Perkins answers this frequently asked question by comparing bank-issued credit cards with offered by the airlines. Find the credit card that best suits your traveling needs. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/want-more-miles-which-credit-card-do-get.html?id=3654715&source=rss_ed ed Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:42:33 -0400 Do United's mini-upgrade deals offer coach passengers a better flight? Ed Perkins weighs the pros and cons of packages that feature special seats and check-in, among other perks. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/united-premier-packages-aim-to-increase-coach-comforts.html?id=3637254&source=rss_ed ed Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:46:53 -0400 One woman unknowingly spent more than $5,000 using her phone overseas—without ever making a call. Ed Perkins explains how to avoid these charges when you travel abroad. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/phone-features-can-cause-unexpected-charges.html?id=3606099&source=rss_ed ed Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400 A reader's question prompts columnist Ed Perkins to list amenities in all-suites hotel chains. You are sure to find a suite that meets your needs. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/here-what-makes-hotel-suite-so-sweet.html?id=3585755&source=rss_ed ed Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:56:08 -0400 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. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/opt-out-to-avoid-extra-fees-and-unwanted-services.html?id=3552478&source=rss_ed ed Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:40:51 -0400 American Express and Diners Club have recently changed their rewards programs. Are the changes a bonus or a bust? Ed Perkins has the answer. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/american-express-diners-cards-change-reward-programs.html?id=3523927&source=rss_ed ed Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400 Fall is typicaly the slowest travel season of the year, and savvy travelers can take advantage of lower prices. Ed Perkins lists tips for finding hotel deals to popular destinations. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/finding-great-fall-hotel-deals.html?id=3495345&source=rss_ed ed Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400 United has three new credit cards that offer extra mileage and extra benefits for frequent travelers. But are the high annual fees worth the bonuses? http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/united-new-credit-cards-offer-unique-benefits.html?id=3481986&source=rss_ed ed Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400 United and JetBlue tweet special deals for Twitter users. But will United's precedent spell out the beginning of the end for frequent flier miles on cheap-ticket flights? http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/united-jetblue-tweet-sweet-deals.html?id=3460350&source=rss_ed ed Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:41:52 -0400 Settle into your seat, check your email, update your Facebook account, or watch a silly YouTube video. Whatever it is you do online, it can now be had while inflight. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/wi-fi-the-next-big-thing-in-air-travel.html?id=3429246&source=rss_ed ed Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:05:43 -0400 Fifi and Fido can now fly in style and comfort in pet-specific planes. And unlike most of us, they'll be receiving inflight food and drinks. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/flying-with-fido-and-fifi.html?id=3412565&source=rss_ed ed Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:40:29 -0400 New sites and upgrades come along almost too fast to see. Here's a rundown on some current offers. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/airfare-hotel-and-vacation-rental-sales-abound.html?id=3389848&source=rss_ed ed Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:19:22 -0400 The combination of a lousy economy, increasing fuel prices, and intense competition is creating unprecedented turmoil in the airline marketplace. Here are a few. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/air-industry-news-sardine-seating-new-low-cost-carrier-cuba-tourism-more.html?id=3351491&source=rss_ed ed Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:12:02 -0400 With so many available mobile options, you're still able to phone home and keep tabs on your friends. Or, call them to gloat about all the sights you're taking in. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/keeping-in-touch-while-in-europe.html?id=3332006&source=rss_ed ed Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:13:41 -0400 With the dollar slowly losing ground to the euro and pound, you can expect to see more "guaranteed dollar rate" deals. But are they any good? Ed Perkins tells you what to look for. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/the-truth-about-guaranteed-dollar-rates.html?id=3309883&source=rss_ed ed Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:53:56 -0400 You'll have more options for budget accommodations if you're heading to Europe this year. Ed Perkins pounds the pavement, lays his head on several low-end pillows, and reports back. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/european-budget-motels-the-low-low-end.html?id=3295416&source=rss_ed ed Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:38:11 -0400 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. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/travel-insurance-offers-limited-hurricane-benefits.html?id=3265301&source=rss_ed ed Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:33:58 -0400 Ed Perkins breaks down car rental fees and identifies which extras you can safely waive in order to save money. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/out-of-control-rental-car-fees.html?id=3247755&source=rss_ed ed Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:06:42 -0400