Before I get into the terrific content I have lined up for this issue, a few words about money. Consumer advocacy doesn’t come cheap. Your support is critical to making this site run, and now more than ever, I need your help.
And as a way of saying “thank you” I’m offering my new ebook, 0-60 Travel Insurance to anyone who signs up as an individual underwriter. It’s the definitive guide to buying and using travel insurance, and if you’re taking a trip anywhere, you’ll want to read it first.
I hope you’ll consider becoming an underwriter. Without you, none of this would be possible.
This week I examine the three levels of scam over on Mint.com. I solve real-world problems, including a lost camera and a missing ticket refund. We have debates — oh, do we ever have debates! — on everything from stealing vouchers to hotel fees. And our On Your Side researchers have added new wiki categories so you can help yourself when you run into trouble. Plus, if you’ve ever wanted to be a travel blogger, you absolutely must catch my series on the subject.
Please visit our underwriter, TripInsurance.com, a travel insurance comparison website that provides savings of 40% or more on similar plans from other comparison sites. TripInsurance.com provides one of the easiest ways to buy travel insurance. With quotes sorted into good better and best coverage categories it is simple to compare travel insurance plans to find the right policy for your needs. Customer support is available 24/7 and claims can be filed online – right there on the site.
Question of the week: When you compare airline tickets online, do you find that some of the airlines that charge high fees are still cheaper than the “bags fly free” airlines — even after you’ve done all the math? I’m working on a story about the true cost of air travel, and I’d love to get your feedback.
Travel
Case dismissed: Airlines “steal” from us — why can’t we steal from them?
You don’t have to be a regular reader of this site to know that airlines are trying wring more ancillary fees from their customers. Or that customers are fighting back.
Ridiculous or not? Hotels eye airline-like rebooking fees
I’m always on the lookout for new fees, so when Katherine Walton emailed me about her recent stay at the Chateau Timberline, a hotel in Packwood, Wash., she had my attention.
Is this enough compensation? Rescued from Spirit’s fare club, but still unhappy
Spirit Airlines’ “$9 Fare Club” is probably one of the most controversial legal travel clubs in the country. Scratch that. It is the most controversial travel club in the country.
Please visit our underwriter, Cheapflights.com — Lets you search the best travel deals, then book your cheap airline tickets with one of its many partners. Check out Cheapflights.com.
How to be a travel blogger
Note: The last two installments of this series will appear this afternoon and tomorrow morning on Elliott.org. Please be sure to tune in!
So you wanna be a travel blogger? You can do it — here’s how
You can launch a travel blog right now, in the time it takes to read this post.
Be a travel blogger now: Here are the tools of the trade
Now that you have found your topic, let’s get your blog up and running.
Here are the reporting resources you’ll need to become a successful travel blogger
OK, you have your topic and some of the basic tools. Now it’s time to find the content for your incredibly successful travel blog.
How to be a travel blogger: And now, a few words about money
Let’s talk about money.
Please visit our underwriter, Travel Insurance Review — Where you can get articles, reviews, and guides to help you find an insurance policy that will fit your individual travel needs. You can buy directly or use its comparison site to find a trusted and reputable travel insurance provider. Get more information..
Customer Service
The Three Levels of Scam — and How to Avoid Them
How quickly we are to invoke the “S” word when things don’t go our way. “S” — as in “scam.”
The Travel Troubleshooter: Airline won’t refund my ticket after my husband dies
After Ursula Maul’s husband passes away suddenly, she tries to get a refund for his nonrefundable ticket. But neither her online agency, nor her airline, will help her. Does she have any other options?
New on On Your Side: more appliance contacts!
We can’t leave well enough alone. Our researches have been hard at work adding to the appliance category. I’m happy to share the results today.
Got a problem with your electronics? These contacts might be helpful
Our subversive researchers have been at it. Today, they’ve wrapped up a new category: electronics.
The smarter consumer: How to find a manager’s email address
If you’re not getting the service you want, maybe you’re asking the wrong person.
What’s your problem? A black mark against Sony for losing my camera
Thomas Hill’s camera is lost in the mail. Not our fault, says Sony — take this up with Federal Express. Is Sony really off the hook?
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Also
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Our underwriters
These businesses have given their financial support to consumer journalism by underwriting this site. Please support them with your business.
Travel Insurance Services, which has been protecting travelers since 1973 by providing coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage insurance, and more. Choose the right option for your next trip. Visit Travel Insurance Services.
FirstClassFlyer.com — Which helps you fly first class for the price of coach. Get more information.
Travel Hacking Cartel – Earn hundreds of thousands of Frequent Flyer Miles without getting on a plane. Find out more.
TripInsuranceStore.com — Steve, Deanna, Becky, Mary give you one-on-one advice at 1-888-407-3854 or visit us online. Contact them now.
International Airline Tickets — Find discount airfares to many destinations worldwide at AirlineConsolidator.com.
Skooba — Which offers award-winning tech/travel carrying cases and accessories. Discount code ELLIOTT20 gets you 20% off and free shipping on orders of $50 or more. Visit Skooba.
Chinatours.com — Offers affordable, private and fully customizable tours to China. If you are traveling to China with family members and friends, you should give them a try. Get details here.
Squaremouth.com — Voted the best travel insurance comparison site. Squaremouth is easy to use with powerful sort & research tools. 250+ travel insurance plans. Click here for more.
Luggage Pros – Buy luggage, bags, briefcases, travel accessories and more. Use coupon code ELLIOTT for free shipping on any order. Get more information here.
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