Even with an e-ticket, don’t forget this…

There’s one thing besides your identification you should never leave home. It’s your electronic ticket number.

Electronic or e-tickets as they are called, are getting to be standard. Most U.S and European carriers won’t issue paper tickets anymore, and if they do, they generally charge extra. And IATA – the International Air Transport Association – is close to their goal of…

Oyster.com – a new entrant in the hotel review wars

Whether you are a do-it-yourself, or book through a travel agent, hotel reviews are often an important part of the booking procress. Except they are also often the most controversial part of the process.

Tripadvisor, for example, uses as its motto – “Get the truth, then go.” And they allow “real” travellers to post reviews.

But one of the problems with…

True questions tourists have asked about Hawaii.

Today’s post is a collection of questions I have been asked or heard asked in and about the state of Hawaii. And I promise I have not made any of them up.

The inspiration came from a manager from the Four Seasons Lanai, who told me that when he talked to a guest about spear-fishing, was asked

“Can you swim all the…

Why use a travel agent for a “simple trip?”

Over and over again, I read travel writers saying that travelers should use travel agents for complicated or exotic trips, but that generally they can just book “simple trips” on their own online.

And as a travel agent, I can say honestly, that the service fees most agents get from domestic trips are often not what’s keeping us in business, so…

Disney parks in the U.S. now allow visitors to bare more than arms

The current economy has caused all sorts of changes in the travel industry. Depending on your age, gender — and perhaps how twisted your sense of humor is — you may or may not be pleased with Disney’s latest cost-cutting move.

The change has to do with what some guests have referred to as “Flash Mountain.” At certain attractions, Disney cameras…

If shoes were sold like airline tickets….

Between the swine flu and the economy, I figured we all could use a laugh. Though this might be funnier if it weren’t likely to be so accurate:

Customer: “I’d like to buy a pair of the “Supercool Superfast” running shoes you have advertised for $39.99, size 8 medium.”

Clerk: “Certainly ma’am, that will be $159.99.”

Customer: “Wait a minute,the advertised price said…

Early birds get the worm, but maybe not the best hotel rate.

Savvy travellers have known for a while that when you book an airline ticket in advance, that it’s worth checking back later to see if the fare has gone down. While not all airlines will refund the difference, some will give you the difference in a voucher, and still others will give you a refund or a voucher less a…

While you’re spring cleaning, check your passport!

Spring cleaning is a rite around the world, and it feels good to have your life at least seem more in order. And while you’re cleaning, how about a quick passport check?

Two for one? Airline offers you probably should refuse.

The difference between business class and economy is often not that great on flights within the U.S. or Europe. But on longer flights the difference between the back of the plane and business class may make the difference between arriving fresh and ready to go, and being a complete zombie for a few days.

Which makes offers like American Express’s Platinum…

One time you should never believe an airport customer service agent

Many frequent travelers go by the maxim, “there are lies, damn lies, and airline speak.” Though in reality most airline employees do the best they can.” But there is one situation especially where ignoring what the airline tells you can save you a lot of time and stress — when they say a delay or cancellation means you can’t get to your destination.