Feature Details
- Frequency: 1/wk
- Release date: Tuesdays
- Moves with art: No
- Moves with multimedia: No
- Available: International, U.S. & Canada
The Travel Troubleshooter
Christopher Elliott, National Geographic Traveler's ombudsman, NPR commentator, consumer advocate and travel industry critic, writes "The Travel Troubleshooter," a straight-talking, reader-friendly advice column for travelers. His weekly Q&A takes a reader problem and follows it through to the industry officials. He also offers advice on navigating the ins and outs of questionable hotel deals, airline come-ons and mystery cruise-ship surcharges.
The Travel Troubleshooter Samples
Don't Fly High: 7 Reasons to Lose the Booze
Don't drink and fly. Words to live by, not just if you're a pilot, but also if you're a passenger. Sandra Langer explains why: On a recent trip from Amsterdam to New York, she watched a good number of her fellow passengers get hammered.
'Keystroke Error' Turns $289 Rate Into $28
XXXXX. Terry Capps finds a $28 a night room rate at a Westin hotel in Orlando. XXXXX. Q: I recently found a $28 per night rate at the Westin Imagine in Orlando.
Whoever Wins in the Tax War, Guests Still Pay the Bill
Next time you book a hotel room online, consider what happens to the taxes you've paid. Occupancy taxes can take a big bite out of your vacation budget. Where does all the money go?
The Travel Troubleshooter-Advisory
We have moved a TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER BONUS column entitled "Whoever Wins in the Tax War, Guests Still Pay the Bill."
7 Ways to Find Excellent Customer Service on the Road
When I think of great customer service, I remember Alamo. Alamo Rent A Car, that is. I think about it because the company had almost no reason to be nice to me when I rented a car a few years ago.
Help! My Car Rental Company is Taking Me to Court
XXXXX. Tracey Brown Osborne finds a mysterious charge on her American Express bill that turns out to be a repair bill for a rental car tire -- a tire she says she never damaged. XXXXX. Q: We recently rented a car through Hertz in Scotland.
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