http://www.smartertravel.com/all/?content_type=column&column_type=seniors_on_the_go&source=rss Ed Perkins: Seniors on the Go Mon, 20 May 2013 05:13:14 -0400 Mon, 20 May 2013 05:13:14 -0400 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. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/vip-airport-lounge-an-oasis-at-the-airport.html?id=9641882&source=rss edsenior Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:25:51 -0500 Tip for this service and not for that. In this country and not there. Ed Perkins irons out the tipping-etiquette wrinkles. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/to-tip-or-not-to-tip-and-how-much.html?id=9597930&source=rss edsenior Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:09:24 -0500 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. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/the-game-changing-plane-the-new-787.html?id=9506705&source=rss edsenior Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:19:53 -0400 Ed Perkins on the carriers most likely to be the target of a merger. Is your favorite airline atop the list? http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/what-to-expect-when-american-files-for-bankruptcy.html?id=9257289&source=rss edsenior Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:44:57 -0400 Ed Perkins dons his TV critic hat for ABC's new "Pan Am" series. Plus: Was travel really better in the good old days? http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/pan-am-blast-from-the-past.html?id=9156904&source=rss edsenior Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:54:26 -0400 An entirely new way to pay for your travel purchases has arrived in a big way. But is it worth the hype? http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/the-latest-buying-gimmick-google-wallet.html?id=9106842&source=rss edsenior Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:10:45 -0400 Rental car ripoffs are almost as rampant as airline fees. Ed Perkins suggests five ways to make sure you don't get taken for a ride on your next rental. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/reduce-costs-at-the-car-rental-agency.html?id=9028128&source=rss edsenior Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:50:01 -0400 Planning a fall Europe trip? Go where the deals are! Ed Perkins outlines which popular European destinations are the least expensive this fall. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/ed-perkins-europe-this-fall-provides-best-hotels-best-prices.html?id=8950582&source=rss edsenior Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:01:04 -0400 With air travel becoming such a hassle, with so many annoying fees, and Amtrak barely holding its own, the only mode of public transit left to innovate is the bus system. Just in time, several operators are adding interesting new services. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/the-big-bus-comeback.html?id=8866027&source=rss edsenior Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:57:06 -0400 If you regularly use your ATM card to make purchases, or if your card earns miles or other rewards, get ready for fewer (or no) benefits and much higher fees. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/warning-debit-card-woes-ahead.html?id=8800350&source=rss edsenior Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:29:34 -0400 Travel agents can be good information sources, save time, provide skills not found online, and will even solve your travel problems. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/travel-agencies-vs-online-bookings.html?id=8755570&source=rss edsenior Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:43:44 -0400 There are many cost-saving reasons to explore alternate airports: parking costs, less-stressful security, and especially to scout fare deal opportunities. But when you consider an alternative airport, factor in the access. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/alternative-airports-check-always-use-sometimes.html?id=8690902&source=rss edsenior Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:08:32 -0400 Which is the better value: booking city center accommodations or staying right outside of town and paying for transport back in? Ed Perkins weighs in. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/city-center-accommodations-vs-staying-right-outside-of-town.html?id=8635378&source=rss edsenior Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:49:46 -0400 Looking for a vacation that stretches your buck into a bucketful of savings? Expert columnist Ed Perkins reveals which must-see destinations around the world deliver the best value for your travel dollars. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/best-value-destinations.html?id=8564437&source=rss edsenior Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:55:48 -0400 The All-Asia Pass allows travelers to fly to Hong Kong and visit up to four more Asian destinations, all on a single ticket and for a fixed price. But is it a good deal? Ed Perkins prices out the answer. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/all-asia-pass-good-deal-or-not.html?id=8431417&source=rss edsenior Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:31:16 -0400 Ed Perkins reviews an up-and-coming website vying to be a 'go-to' resource for seniors seeking discounts on just about anything. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/finding-senior-discounts.html?id=8384989&source=rss edsenior Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:05:19 -0400 This summer and early fall could be a tough season in Europe. The problem isn't an ash cloud or lousy weather, it's a political cloud. Because of that, you may face occasional disruptions and delays. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/europe-this-summer-go-but-carefully.html?id=8332533&source=rss edsenior Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:34:30 -0400 Airlines earn lousy grades for customer service. Even with its low scores, customers are happier with McDonald's service than the industry's 'big five' airlines. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/customers-hate-airlines--who-knew.html?id=8249964&source=rss edsenior Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:44:09 -0400 Reduce travel stress by parking and staying at an airport or cruise port hotel. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/port-accommodations-and-parking-options.html?id=8205649&source=rss edsenior Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:20:22 -0400 Whether flying, sailing, railing, or driving, travel expert Ed Perkins has many suggestions for planning an autumn trip. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/time-to-plan-for-fall.html?id=8118179&source=rss edsenior Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:17:11 -0400 Keep the energy up and the costs low when visiting the summer's festivals. Here are tips on planning an economical festival trip. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/enjoy-summer-festival-without-paying-too-much.html?id=8052154&source=rss edsenior Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:57:13 -0400 In addition to extra legroom, the semi-premium seats provide a greater recline than ordinary economy seats, and travelers in this cabin also enjoy early boarding and complimentary alcoholic drinks. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/delta-adds-semi-premium-economy.html?id=7974727&source=rss edsenior Thu, 02 Jun 2011 10:33:30 -0400 Travel expert Ed Perkins explains the true difference between a saving and a good price. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/saving-money-and-really-saving-money.html?id=7916023&source=rss edsenior Fri, 27 May 2011 00:06:37 -0400 Travel expert Ed Perkins suggests buying railpasses here in the United States before you leave, and several online agencies specialize in such bookings. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/european-railpasses-2011.html?id=7828779&source=rss edsenior Fri, 20 May 2011 00:46:10 -0400 Enjoy cruising on our vast and unique lake system, where you don't have to worry about foreign currencies, languages, long overseas flights. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/great-lakes-cruising.html?id=7758960&source=rss edsenior Fri, 13 May 2011 00:52:42 -0400