Winter is shaping up to be the new summer when it comes to Mediterranean cruises. Instead of deploying all of their ships to the Caribbean and other balmy destinations when the weather in Europe gets colder, more cruise lines are opting to ply the Med’s waters year-round. And as ships are added, more passengers are…
Formula 1, the high-speed, unapologetically glamorous global motor racing series, is now one of the world’s most popular sporting events for travelers thanks not only to the presence of 24 GP races in 21 countries (including, in the U.S., Miami, Las Vegas and Texas) but also to the hype around the documentary series Formula 1: Drive…
Elite status at hotel and car rental companies can bring a host of benefits, from complimentary breakfast to upgraded vehicles. But achieving these lofty tiers are a stretch for the average traveler. Or are they? Upgraded loyalty status and other travel benefits come with some credit cards, and many of these perks are touted by…
When airlines began charging to check bags, they also ushered in the era of "gate lice." That's modern slang for people who jockey for early boarding to their flights in order to score valuable storage space on the plane and save a buck. Regular flyers know that carry-on size limits can vary wildly, especially on…
To my mind, the U.S. National Park System (NPS) is invaluable. Its 85 million acres span all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and every U.S. territory. In these parks are geothermal and geological wonders; billions of mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish; and landscapes that are among the most majestic on Earth. Just as importantly,…
Every year, millions of dollars in credit card rewards go unclaimed — money that could be covering travel, everyday expenses, or even cash back in your pocket. If you're not redeeming those rewards, you're leaving money on the table. As someone who leverages credit card rewards, I was somewhat surprised by the recent Bankrate survey…
The app-based Lightning Lane service, which was introduced as Genie+ at Disney's American theme parks in late 2021 and revised in July 2024, evokes dread in casual visitors to the self-billed Happiest Place on Earth. People who choose to vacation at a Disney park already struggle to navigate high costs and crowds. Lightning Lane Multi Pass, which…
It’s common knowledge that safaris can be eye-wateringly expensive, but taking a walk on the wild side doesn’t have to cost the world. Here’s how to make a quality safari in Africa more affordable.
Bigger isn’t always better. When it comes to safaris, certain destinations have an…
The controversial airfare trick known as "skiplagging" will soon go on trial in federal court. The purportedly money-saving hack involves booking a flight with a connection, but then getting off the plane in the layover city and not continuing on to the final destination on the trip itinerary. So, for instance, if you wanted…
Ever since the pandemic, one of the biggest annoyances at Disney theme parks has been the monetization of lines for rides. A few years ago, Disney invented a way to trick customers into paying extra for something that was previously bestowed for free as a mark of Disney's fabled quality. The standard lines, the ones…