Author: Christopher Elliott
Don’t Make These Common Car Rental Mistakes
Christopher Elliott on September 11, 2023
Failing to take these few extra steps could cost you big when it comes to renting a car.
How To Avoid Travel Fees
Christopher Elliott on August 2, 2023
Fees are everywhere again when it comes to travel — here’s what you must know before you book.
4 Tips for Setting (and Sticking to) a Vacation Budget
Christopher Elliott on September 19, 2022
Track every bit of your spending so that you don’t go overboard.
How to Change Travel Plans Without Paying Extra
Christopher Elliott on July 13, 2022
You shouldn’t have to pay a fee for flexibility.
Hackers Are Trying to Steal Your Vacation — Here’s How to Stop Them
Christopher Elliott on May 1, 2019
They’re coming after your personal data, your credit card information and your loyalty points.
These Are the Most Ridiculous Fees in Travel
Christopher Elliott on April 12, 2019
The good news is that you may be able to get these fees reversed or refunded — if you know how to ask.
Avoid These Mistakes When You Travel With Family
Christopher Elliott on April 11, 2019
Whether you’re traveling with children or grandparents, taking a few extra steps before leaving can make all the difference in your comfort and sanity on the trip.
First Class for Free? Try These Innovative Tactics to Get an Airline Upgrade
Christopher Elliott on February 22, 2019
There are ways to get into a better seat without having to sell your soul to the airline or take out a second mortgage.
Here’s How to Get a Travel Insurance Policy That Makes Sense
Christopher Elliott on May 10, 2018
If you take more than two trips in 2018, you could save money by choosing an annual travel policy instead of insuring each trip separately.
How to Avoid Crazy Cellphone Fees When Traveling Abroad
Christopher Elliott on January 8, 2017
The cost of calls and data from foreign soil can be astronomical costs unless you have a plan in place. Don’t be caught by surprise.
Three Powerful Companies That Make Consumers Hopping Mad
Christopher Elliott on November 30, 2016
These influential and little-regulated institutions operate in seemingly mysterious ways, prompting a steady flow of consumer complaints.
Why You Should Stop and Think Before Buying Holiday Gift Cards
Christopher Elliott on November 15, 2016
Giving plastic cards is convenient, but is it really better than just writing a check? (Retailers hope you think so.)
What the AT&T-Time Warner Mega-Merger Means for Consumers
Christopher Elliott on November 3, 2016
The proposed deal — for a whopping $84.5 billion — raises fears of monopolistic behavior, which usually means the customer will pay.
What Samsung Owes Customers Over Smartphone Fiasco
Christopher Elliott on October 18, 2016
After the company recalled its high-end Galaxy Note 7 because the device had a tendency to burst into flame, here’s what Samsung is doing for aggrieved customers (and why it should do more).
Bill Targets Hotel Booking Scams — but Ignores Travelers’ Real Problems
Christopher Elliott on October 10, 2016
Proposed bill goes after deceptive third-party hotel booking practices, but where is legislation to address the real problems, like resort fees?
Renting a Car? Beware of This Unpleasant Surprise Cost
Christopher Elliott on October 3, 2016
Motorists are astonished at how much rental companies are adding on to their bills for this “convenience.” Here’s what you need to know.
Hitting the Road? Answers to Your Most Pressing Travel Questions
Christopher Elliott on August 24, 2016
Whether you’re scrambling to pull together a Labor Day road trip, pondering a winter getaway or a European journey, here are useful pieces of wisdom.
Prepare for More Catastrophic Airline Computer Outages Like Delta’s
Christopher Elliott on August 18, 2016
What the airlines and passengers can learn from airline system meltdowns like this one — because more are likely.
Time to Speak Up If You Want Better Travel Rewards
Christopher Elliott on August 11, 2016
You have your rewards programs, but do you understand them? Can you redeem your rewards easily? If not, this is your moment to help make a change.
How Online Travel Agencies Influence Your Hotel Bookings
Christopher Elliott on August 2, 2016
A practice called “dimming” — which stems from conflicts between hotels and booking sites — may prevent you from seeing the best deals.
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