Budget Travel's Blog

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Archive: April 2012
apr 30

Strikes Threaten Turbulence for Travelers

Travelers on Tuesday—and throughout the year—should be aware of upcoming strikes and take actions to avoid trouble. Here are some tips.
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6 by Sean O'Neill Train Travel, Airport Check-in
apr 27

Should Rome Open a Romaland Theme Park?

A rich Arab investor and an ambitious mayor of Rome are working to see if they can build a $700 million theme park based on ancient Rome right in the city itself.
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13 by Sean O'Neill Amusement and Theme Parks, Italy, Rome, Questions and Opinions
apr 27

Another Day, Another Airline Merger

Reports have come out that US Airways and American Airlines are circling a merger and preparing for landing. What will this mean for your rewards?
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6 by Danielle Contray Airlines, Loyalty Programs
apr 27

7 Best (And Worst) Museums To Visit On An Empty Stomach

In honor of our food–themed May/June issue (find it on newsstands now!), we’ve rounded up the most mouthwatering exhibitions currently on display at—or coming soon to—museums across the country.
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1 by Valerie Rains Food + Drink, Museums, Trip Ideas, Food + Drink
apr 26

How to Swap Miles Between Southwest and AirTran Reward Programs

This week, Southwest and AirTran announced that members of the airlines’ respective frequent flier programs can convert points back and forth.
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0 by Sean O'Neill Airlines, Frequent Flier Miles
apr 25

Why Hotels Use (or Don't Use) Daily Deal Sites

When hotels use daily deal sites like Groupon, they're not necessarily trying to make profits.
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3 by Brad Tuttle Hotels
apr 25

Airlines Suspected of Fibbing About Seat Availability for Families

The airlines' latest now-you-see-it-now-you-don't sleight of hand—the Seat Assignment Shell Game—has prompted dozens of passengers to cry foul.
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20 by Sean O'Neill Airfares & Flying, Airlines, Airport Check-in, Online Travel Agencies
apr 23

Looking To Save Money On Books? Read And Return Them At The Airport

The Read and Return program at most U.S. airports lets you buy a book, return it at another store location, and get half your money back.
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1 by Kaeli Conforti Literary Travel, Airfares & Flying, Airport Check-in
apr 20

More Smartphone Owners Using Their Devices For Travel

A recent survey reported that 51 percent of smartphone owners are using their devices to access travel content, and nearly one in five use their devices to book travel.
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2 by Michelle Baran
apr 20

Hotel Bonuses! 3 Deals That'll Each Earn You $50

Each spring, hotel companies roll out promotions with big rewards to get travelers into the summertime vacation mentality a bit early.
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1 by Brad Tuttle Real Deals, Hotels
apr 20

If Tourists Can't Buy Pot, Will Amsterdam Tourism Suffer?

A government plan to prohibit foreigners from buying marijuana in the Netherlands could put a damper on tourists' high.
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2 by Michelle Baran Netherlands, Amsterdam
apr 20

Like Everyone Else, Airlines Are Feeling Pain At The Pump

Rising fuel costs take their toll on the airline industry.
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1 by Danielle Contray Road Trips, Airfares & Flying, Airlines
apr 19

Top 10 TSA Checkpoint Freakouts, Humiliations, and Confrontations

Here's a look back at some odd, ugly, infamous, occasionally nude face-offs between airline passengers and TSA security officials.
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8 by Brad Tuttle Airport Check-in
apr 18

Are You Traveling Carbon Neutral?

Hotels and airlines are joining the carbon neutral travel trend. Is it important to you to offset your travels?
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2 by Danielle Contray Nature Appreciation, Wildlife Appreciation, Airfares & Flying, Airlines, Eco-Green
apr 17

E-book vs. Print: Which Do You Prefer on Vacation?

How do you take your reading material—in print or on a digital device?
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16 by Laura Michonski Technology
apr 16

Do You Embrace Technology When You Travel?

With all these new travel websites and apps coming out, are we over-complicating things, or making the travel process easier?
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4 by Kaeli Conforti Venice, Helpful Websites, Technology, Trip Ideas
apr 16

Google Glasses: What Can They Do For Travelers?

Last week, Google released a video of their new prototype “augmented reality” glasses. But will they be useful for real travelers?
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1 by Nicholas DeRenzo Technology, Travel Gear, Trip Ideas
apr 13

An Affordable Private Plane Tour Of The Caribbean?

It's just like a cruise, except that you're flying from one destination to the next on a turbo-prop plane that seats between 30 and 70 passengers.
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0 by Michelle Baran Cruises, Caribbean, Cancun, Airfares & Flying, Airlines
apr 12

Free Admission to National Parks Starting April 21

All 396 of America's National Parks will be free to enter from April 21 to April 29, 2012.
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4 by Danielle Contray National Parks, Trip Ideas, Family Travel
apr 11

Would You Take A Cocktail Class At Your Hotel?

More and more properties are offering them; would you belly up to the bar to learn some new skills?
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1 by Valerie Rains Food + Drink, Wine, Hotels
apr 11

Hawaii's Historic Volcano House Hotel Will Reopen This Year

Since the end of 2009, there's been no working hotel inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the Big Island. That's about to change.
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1 by Brad Tuttle National Parks, Hawaii
apr 10

Are You Okay With Allegiant’s New Carry-On Fees?

Two years after Spirit Airlines started charging for carry-on bags, low-cost carrier Allegiant Air follows suit.
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47 by Michelle Baran Airfares & Flying, Airlines, Local and Public Transportation, Luggage
apr 10

London to Celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 60 Years on the Throne with a Weekend Festival

The Diamond Jubilee is the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's coronation. On June 4, a 1,000-boat flotilla will sail down the Thames.
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3 by Sean O'Neill Europe, United Kingdom, London
apr 10

READERS' CHOICE: Last Chance! Tell Us Your Picks!

Our nomination period ends on Monday, April 16, so don't wait to send us your picks.
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0 by Budget Travel
apr 09

READERS' CHOICE: What Is The Best Hotel Chain For Families?

We get to share our travel picks with you all year long. Now it’s your turn.
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1 by Budget Travel
apr 06

United Passengers: How Long Have You Been On Hold?

Customers are still experiencing long wait times weeks after United Airlines started to convert its reservation system.
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37 by Michelle Baran Airlines, Frequent Flier Miles
apr 06

Your Film Questions—Answered by an Expert!

You had questions on how to shoot great home video; documentary filmmaker Roger Sherman had answers.
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0 by Laura Michonski Photography, Technology, Travel Video
apr 05

READERS' CHOICE: Who's Got Architecture Worth Traveling For?

We get to share our travel picks with you all year long. Now it’s your turn.
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5 by Budget Travel Architecture
apr 05

Millions In Refunds In Limbo After Direct Air Collapse

When Direct Air filed for bankruptcy last month it left its customers scrambling for millions of dollars in refunds.
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1 by Michelle Baran Airfares & Flying, Local and Public Transportation
apr 05

How is Disney Cruise Line Catering to Budget Travelers?

Disney Fantasy, with new features including a high tech adventure game themed on The Muppets, is commanding premium prices. But that doesn't mean there aren't savings on other vessels in the four-ship fleet.
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6 by Fran Golden Cruises, Disney, Family Travel
apr 04

READERS' CHOICE: What Wildlife Experience Is Most Worth Traveling For?

We get to share our travel picks with you all year long. Now it’s your turn.
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9 by Budget Travel Nature Appreciation, Wildlife Appreciation
apr 03

Forget Basketball—Who Won the Battle of the Breakfasts?

The Kentucky Wildcats may have won the 2012 NCAA Championship, but who was the victor in the battle of the breakfasts?
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2 by Danielle Contray Food + Drink, Questions and Opinions, Food + Drink
apr 03

READERS' CHOICE: Which Airline Is The Most Reliable?

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4 by Budget Travel Airlines
apr 02

Delta's 'Basic' New Fare: Cheaper Price, No Changes or Seat Assignments Allowed

Most airline tickets are nonrefundable. But would you buy an airline ticket knowing that you couldn't change the date or flight time, even with a fee?
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7 by Brad Tuttle Florida, Airfares & Flying, Airlines
apr 02

READERS' CHOICE: What's Your Favorite Travel–Deals Website?

We get to share our travel picks with you all year long. Now it’s your turn.
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3 by Budget Travel Real Deals
apr 02

Viator's New Website Offers Cheaper Shore Excursions Than Cruise Lines Offer

Viator's new website pledges upwards of 60 percent off the price of more than 500 comparable ship-arranged excursions at more than 80 ports.
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0 by Sean O'Neill Cruises, Caribbean, Helpful Websites