oct
30
Disney announces its "dream" ship
Any assessment of the Dream stops and ends with one word: AquaDuck.
| 8 | by Anthony Falcone | Cruises, Disney, Family Travel |
Budget Travel's Blog
The latest travel news, vacation tips & advice, travel apps, and more
Archive: October 2009
oct
30
Amtrak loses $32 per rider
If you paid taxes last year, it was your money that made up the $32 per passenger loss. Even the Northeast Regional was unprofitable.
| 54 | by Sean O'Neill | Train Travel |
oct
30
United loses the "United Breaks Guitars" Song Guy's bags
Dave Carroll became an Internet sensation thanks to his music video about how a few United employees broke his guitar. Now, United lost his luggage. Sigh.
| 11 | by Sean O'Neill | Pop Culture and Travel, Luggage |
oct
29
Thanks for your Ask Trip Coach ski questions
Why is it impossible to find a cheap flight into Jackson Hole? I'll tell you why, and address a bunch of other issues too.
| 18 | by Brad Tuttle | Adventure, Skiing, California, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Jackson Hole, Trip Coach |
oct
29
Worst hotel deals
The website Dealbase is listing packages that are actually more expensive than the cost of buying their individual parts.
| 0 | by Sean O'Neill | Helpful Websites, Hotels |
oct
28
iPhone: Priceline's new app is best for last-minute hotel bids
What's so neat about the app is that it finally makes it practical to use Priceline's bidding service at the 11th-hour. We break down why this smartphone application is worth it.
| 2 | by Sean O'Neill | Hotels, Innovations, Travel Gear |
oct
28
Gear: A shoulder strap for your laptop
When you simply must have your laptop on a flight, here's the handy solution.
| 3 | by Sean O'Neill | Travel Gear |
oct
27
Hiking: A protective eye in the sky
We asked Kurt Repanshek, founder and editor in chief of National Parks Traveler, for his favorite tech gadget while hiking.
| 6 | by Sean O'Neill | Adventure, Travel Gear |
oct
26
What's new in smoking bans
Talking smoking bans and other trends with Peter Greenberg.
| 3 | by Sean O'Neill |
oct
26
Tour news: New 2010 trip from REI Adventures is very superstitious
The tour operator just launched new trips for 2010, including a four-day hike through the Superstition Mountains.
| 0 | by JD Rinne | Adventure, Arizona |
oct
25
Video: Thanksgiving travel forecast
Nearly 20 percent of people who traveled last year plan to stay home this year, says a new survey. Expect shorter lines at the airport, and fewer flight delays, according to this MSNBC interview.
| 0 | by Sean O'Neill | Airfares & Flying |
oct
23
Naples: Ex-cons hired to help tourists
Former petty criminals have been stationed around Naples to steer tourists clear of danger. But will the successful pilot program get the necessary funding to continue?
| 10 | by Kate Appleton | Italy, Naples, Innovations, Safety and Security |
oct
23
Where to eat and sleep in New Orleans?
We're adding brand-new pages on New Orleans and need your help to build them. Share your favorite hotels and restaurants!
| 76 | by Budget Travel | New Orleans |
oct
22
Paris: Loo-la-la! Toilets are hard to come by
There are 400 public restrooms around town, but how do you find them? We point you to several, plus offer tips on where and how to find bathrooms.
| 68 | by Meg Zimbeck | Europe, France, Paris |
oct
21
Video: Wacky hotels worldwide
Budget Travel's editor in chief Nina Willdorf has appeared again on the Today Show, this time talking about the world's wackiest hotels.
| 0 | by Budget Travel | Pop Culture and Travel, Hotels |
oct
21
Travel-inspiring art
Hosang Park’s aerial photographs of Korean parks and public spaces may remind you of the joys of having a window seat on a flight.
| 0 | by Valerie Rains | Kansas, Helpful Websites, Travel Photography |
oct
21
Ask Trip Coach: Round-the-world trips
The round-the-world trip is a dream for many travelers, but it's intimidating on many levels. Fire away your questions, and we'll answer them in an upcoming issue.
| 57 | by Brad Tuttle | Questions and Opinions |
oct
20
Belize travel tips from a pro
Joshua Berman, author of the guidebook Moon Belize, spills his secrets on the best place to hang your hammock, and more.
| 9 | by JD Rinne | Mexico and Central America, Belize |
oct
19
iPhone: Travel apps picked by an iPhone expert
Josh Clark wrote the book, literally, on iPhone apps, for leading tech publisher O'Reilly. We caught up with him for some iPhone travel tips.
| 12 | by Sean O'Neill | Innovations, Travel Gear |
oct
16
Where to eat and sleep in Rio?
We're adding brand-new pages on Rio de Janeiro and need your help! Post your recommendations now.
| 26 | by Budget Travel | Rio de Janeiro |
oct
16
Deal: New urban adventures from Intrepid Travel
Today, Intrepid Travel adds eight Urban Adventures in three new cities: Istanbul, New York, and San Francisco
| 0 | by Amy Chen | Adventure, India, Thailand, Bangkok, Vietnam |
oct
16
Readers' best rainbow photos
Your stunning shots of rainbows from travels through Hawaii, Europe, Brazil, the Caribbean, even the Serengeti.
| 9 | by Kate Appleton | Nature Appreciation |
oct
16
Food & Travel: New Orleans gets its bite back
A new cookbook offers a way to travel vicariously through some tasty meals.
| 2 | by Beth Collins | Food + Drink, New Orleans |
oct
15
Florence's main piazza bans traffic
Good news! The crowded area around the Duomo and the Baptistry is becoming the exclusive turf of pedestrians.
| 5 | by Kate Appleton | Italy, Florence |
oct
15
Family travel: Podcast about a year-long, round-the-world trip
John Higham is literally a rocket scientist who had a dream of traveling the world with his wife and kids. The Highams recently did it.
| 1 | by Sean O'Neill | Adventure |
oct
15
Amazing Iceland package: Flights, lodging, and a tour starting under $500
The package comes with two nights' hotel, a full-day tour that takes in geothermal areas, waterfalls, and national parks, and airfare from as far away as Seattle.
| 7 | by Brad Tuttle | Europe, Iceland |
oct
15
Black Atlas aims to be the Facebook of black travelers
Today, American Airlines launched a new website called Black Atlas, dedicated to connecting African-American travelers with each other.
| 21 | by Sean O'Neill | Pop Culture and Travel, Helpful Websites, Innovations |
oct
15
Are we ready for another Titanic?
True, today's cruise lines stockpile enough lifeboats for every passenger. But in an emergency, passengers may have to wait in row boats for hours in icy weather before being rescued.
| 11 | by Sean O'Neill | Cruises, Antarctica |
oct
15
Cruise news: Bookings on the humongous Oasis of the Seas
The ship is set to debut in December, with prices starting at $699 for an interior cabin.
| 6 | by JD Rinne | Cruises |
oct
14
Tip: Bring a power cord to share
A family travel expert has a $7 solution for staying plugged in while traveling--and on making friends at the same time.
| 2 | by Sean O'Neill | Travel Gear |
oct
14
Best and worst tourism slogans: Reader edition
More than 60 readers have written in with their picks for most notable tourism slogans.
| 13 | by Sean O'Neill | Pop Culture and Travel, Questions and Opinions |
oct
13
Swine flu: Are fever scanners at airports worthwhile?
Airports worldwide are rushing to install fever scanners to slow the spread of swine flu.
But experts are raising doubts about the machines' ability to spot infections.
| 4 | by Sean O'Neill | Airfares & Flying, Health and Hygiene, Safety and Security |
oct
13
Travel gear: Use a universal charger like the Travel Insider's
Self-described "Travel Insider" David Rowell offers us a tip on how he stays "wired" on the road.
| 0 | by Sean O'Neill | Travel Gear |
oct
12
Cruises: Tech tips from a pro
Should you bring your laptop or use an Internet café? How can you avoid fees? Cruise expert Paul Motter gives us the skinny.
| 2 | by Budget Travel | Cruises |
oct
12
Hiking: Tips from pro Andrew Skurka
Even though he likes to hike 30 miles a day, Andrew Skurka has some excellent tips for those of us who just want to get out and enjoy our national parks and other wilderness areas.
| 6 | by Thomas Berger | National Parks |
oct
09
U.S. Virgin Islands' hotels on sale for 25 cents
Launched today, the Cent-sational Promotion honors a newly minted quarter featuring the USVI.
| 11 | by Kate Appleton | Caribbean, United States Virgin Islands |
oct
09
Mexico to debut the largest underwater museum in the world
Off the coast of Cancun, the first four sculptures will be submerged next month. Eventually there will be 400 figures in human shapes by artist Jason de Caires Taylor.
| 5 | by Sean O'Neill | Mexico and Central America, Cancun, Eco-Green |
oct
09
An old-school weekend in Maine
Is Chebeague Island in Maine new and exciting? Not even close. And that's exactly what makes it so cool.
| 1 | by Beth Collins | Maine |
oct
08
Peter, Paul, and Mary: "Leaving on a jet plane"
Is there a more popular American folk song about travel than Peter Paul and Mary's "Leaving on a Jet Plane?"
| 4 | by Sean O'Neill | Pop Culture and Travel |
oct
08
Elderhostel changes its name to appeal to the under-50 crowd
Now called Exploritas, the company hopes to attract younger travelers by dropping the age requirement, launching more tours, and adding a social networking tool to its website.
| 1 | by JD Rinne | Art + Culture, Innovations |
oct
08
Top alternatives to famous attractions
In the past few months, we've spoken to the top guidebook writers to ask a simple question: What's your top alternative to a famous attraction at your destination?
| 1 | by Sean O'Neill | Questions and Opinions |
oct
08
Our 18,100th blog comment!
We've published 18,100 comments on our blog in the past two-and-half years. To celebrate, we're awarding a free, one-year subscription (or renewal) to our magazine to the 18,100th commenter.
| 104 | by Sean O'Neill | Questions and Opinions |
oct
08
Why do we "deplane"?
Where do flight attendants come up with these words? We don't de-car. (Maybe it's because we en-planed in the first place?)
| 4 | by Sean O'Neill | Pop Culture and Travel, Questions and Opinions |
oct
07
Readers' best Hawaii photos
Check out images of a dramatic waterfall on Kauai, a sunrise over Haleakala on Maui, surfers on Oahu's famed North Shore, and carved weather-beaten statues on the Big Island.
| 10 | by Kate Appleton | Hawaii |
oct
07
Where to eat and sleep in Hawaii?
We're adding brand-new pages on Hawaii and want to hear about your favorite restaurants and hotels.
| 48 | by Budget Travel | Hawaii |
oct
07
Video: How to bike in Paris
The latest in our new series of online videos: We show you how to rent and ride one of the Velib' bikes in Paris.
| 9 | by Laura MacNeil | Europe, France, Paris, Travel Video, Eco-Green |
oct
06
Nevermore, nevermore…well, maybe once more
During his 200th birthday celebration, the master of the macabre (Edgar Allan Poe) will rise again.
| 3 | by A. Christine Maxfield | Landmarks and Monuments, Pop Culture and Travel, Maryland, Baltimore |
oct
06
The least liked airline in America?
An effort to poll thousands of people about which airline they like the least.
| 46 | by Sean O'Neill | Airlines, Questions and Opinions |
oct
06
New York City pours on the discounts
Get discounts to attractions in New York City during the next few weeks at this special website.
| 4 | by Sean O'Neill | New York City, Helpful Websites |
oct
06
Cheap flights between London and European cities now easier to book
TripAdvisor's new site estimates the fees you'll shell out for flights from the U.K. and throughout Europe.
| 1 | by Sean O'Neill | Europe, United Kingdom, London, Airfares & Flying, Airport Check-in, Helpful Websites, Innovations |
oct
06
This hotel offers free yoga even to non-guests
W Scottsdale lets you sign up for free yoga classes even if you haven't booked a room. That even covers "doga," or yoga for dogs.
| 0 | by Amy Chen | Hotels |
oct
05
Meet a "travel ninja"
Chris Guillebeau has visited 119 countries, and plans to visit every country in the world within the next several years. We asked him for some travel tips.
| 4 | by Sean O'Neill |
oct
05
Video: Tour the Chicago of 1948
In Technicolor! See all of the Windy City's major landmarks—as they looked in 1948—in this 10-minute long clip.
| 1 | by Sean O'Neill | Pop Culture and Travel, Illinois, Chicago |
oct
05
Rental car rates have more than doubled in the past year
If you reserved last Monday for a rental starting today, the average is $348. That's an increase of 121 percent from a year ago.
| 6 | by Brad Tuttle | Rental Cars |
oct
05
Video: Watch an airplane's anti-missile laser in action
Boeing has created two new types of lasers to defend planes against missile attacks. What do you think: Should airplanes become armed?
| 0 | by Sean O'Neill | Questions and Opinions |
oct
05
London: Eat breakfast like a local
We asked London's top reviewers of breakfast food for their picks on where to eat the most important meal of the day in Britain's capital.
| 5 | by Sean O'Neill | Food + Drink, United Kingdom, London |
oct
05
Introducing the Cranky Concierge
For $30 for all the passengers traveling on an itinerary, you can get your own personal airline dork to watch over and guide your trip. It's like a guardian angel.
| 0 | by Sean O'Neill | Helpful Websites |
oct
02
Russia's new high-speed trains cause a commotion
Moscow and St. Petersburg are about to join the ranks of major cities linked by high-speed rail service. Will Siemens sell its cutting-edge trains to the U.S. next?
| 5 | by Kate Appleton | Train Travel, Russia, St. Petersburg |
oct
02
Up All Night in Paris: The Nuit Blanche art party
The 8th annual celebration of contemporary art, nuit blanche means sleepless night and—naturally enough—takes place in the wee hours of Oct. 3.
| 0 | by Meg Zimbeck | Museums, France, Paris |
oct
02
Three new ways to snag a free hotel room
At least one night of your lodging bill could be covered thanks to special fall promotions from Choice Hotels, Country Inns & Suites, and Sheraton.
| 4 | by Brad Tuttle | Hotels |
oct
01
This Weekend: The world's longest pedestrian bridge opens in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Opening weekend events begin with Friday night's Grand Illumination, in which 1,000 volunteers will carry paper sky lanterns in a promenade across the bridge.
| 16 | by Danielle Lipp | New York City |
