It appears as if the number of cruise-ship passengers who jump, fall or otherwise end up in the ocean is regularly underreported. Perhaps four times as many passengers as official reports would lead the public to believe actually …
Travel
The Incredibly Simple Guide to Getting Totally Free Flights and Hotels
There is a way to book flights and hotels all over the world without spending your own money. It’s called travel hacking, and it’s something that hardcore travelers around the world do with almost religious like fervor.
How $1.99 All-You-Can-Eat Buffets Went Extinct
Traditionally, cheap buffets in Las Vegas have served as loss leaders: Their purpose wasn’t to be profitable but instead to draw in diners—who hopefully would stick around to gamble. Lately, the idea of a $1.99 all-you-can-eat …
The Fee-Crazed Airline Travelers Love to Hate Keeps Piling Up Profits
You Have No Prayer of Getting a Cheap Flight for the Holidays
Everyone knows that booking early is the only hope travelers have to avoid paying through the nose for holiday flights. This year, the price of booking at the last minute may be higher than ever.
Too Many Casinos: Looks Like We’ve Reached Gambling Saturation
Even as more casinos open around the country, there are indications that gambling revenues are leveling off—that we’re reaching a saturation point, with too many casinos for everybody to win.
How to Make Airline Tickets Less … Awful
A consumer group is calling for more reasonable airline ticket policies, including eliminating standby fees and allowing passengers to transfer unused tickets to other travelers — neither of which would cost airlines a dime. But don’t hold your breath waiting for airlines to suddenly start caring about being fair and reasonable.
Don’t Be Afraid to Share: Ridesharing Companies Lyft, Sidecar, UberX Get Official OK in California
It’s often been difficult for “sharing economy” participants to confirm what they’re doing is legal. But now we have a little clarity—at least in terms of the sharing of car rides, at least in California.
Guess Who’s Getting Some Pretty Awful Reviews: User Review Sites
The trustworthiness of Yelp, Angie’s List, and other “unbiased” ratings services is called into question in a new study by Consumer Reports. And the consumer advocacy publication is hardly the only one taking issue with …
To Woo Uneasy First-Time Cruisers, Carnival Launches Post–‘Poop Cruise’ Guarantee
Eager to convince the public that its ships are up to snuff, Carnival Cruise Lines is introducing a guarantee promising unsatisfied customers a 110% refund and a free (and speedy) trip back home.
36 Years After Elvis Presley’s Death, Could the King’s Popularity Be Dying?
Long live the King? By some indication, tourist interest in Elvis Presley is on the decline—which would make sense given that fewer and fewer people with firsthand memories of the King of Rock ‘n Roll in action are around. Yet …
Cheap Flights to Europe Take Off: Flights Under $500 Round Trip, Fees Included
Travelers who recall the ’90s heyday of sub-$300 round trips to Europe (taxes included) haven’t been happy in recent years, when a $1,000 flight began looking like a decent price. Their moods may improve now that one of Europe’s largest low-cost carriers is expanding in a big way, with new routes and inexpensive prices that could upend …