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
6 SECRETS FOR GETTING A TRAVEL COMPANY TO SEE THINGS YOUR WAY
I admit, I have an unfair advantage. When I ask a travel company to reconsider its decision to deny a refund or impose a surcharge, my e-mail signature pretty much says it all: If you don't do the right thing, this might make an interesting story.
THE TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER-ADVISORY
We have moved a TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER BONUS column entitled "9 Reasons '09 Will Be the Year of the 'Naycation."
NO RENTAL CAR, BUT THEY STILL HAVE MY MONEY
XXXXX. Kay Rihn reserves a nonrefundable rental car through Hotwire and uses a payment system that allows her to send a check. XXXXX. Q: I'm having trouble with a car rental reservation that never went through.
THE TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER-ADVISORY
We have moved a TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER BONUS column entitled "6 Secrets For Getting a Travel Company to See Things Your Way."
PAID FOR A PERMIT THAT'S NO GOOD
XXXXX. His travel agent sells him an International Driving Permit, but when Michael Elliott arrives in Grenada, he's told he needs to buy a local permit. XXXXX. Q: I paid $15 for an International Driving Permit from AAA for a recent trip to Grenada.
9 REASONS '09 WILL BE THE YEAR OF THE 'NAYCATION'
If 2008 was the year of the staycation, then '09 is bound to be the year of the naycation. As in, nay -- we're not vacationing. The conventional wisdom about travel is that it will slip by just a few percentage points next year.
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