On Travel Archives

This fall, travelers are making some huge mistakes. Whether it's misjudging crowds, forgetting to budget, or packing for the wrong weather, these errors can turn a relaxing trip into a stressful one. Experts say fall travel is unpredictable, with busy weekends, rising prices, and unexpected weather. Even seasoned travelers like Kevin Mercier, who found himself stranded in the French countryside, aren't immune. But with a little planning, you can avoid these pitfalls and have a great fall trip. Just don’t forget your jacket!

5 really stupid travel mistakes you have to avoid this fall

December 15, 2025October 13, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Traveling somewhere this fall? Better check your assumptions along with your baggage.

Vacation rentals may seem like the perfect solution, but don’t be fooled by glossy photos and cheap listings. From artificially enhanced pictures to sneaky extra fees, the vacation rental game has plenty of hidden traps. With prices on the rise, how can you find a deal? The key is in negotiating directly, using the right tools, and asking the right questions. But even then, are you really getting what you paid for? Before you book, arm yourself with these insights and strategies to avoid the biggest vacation rental gotchas.

New strategies for avoiding vacation rental “gotchas”

November 25, 2024October 6, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re looking for a vacation rental this holiday season, you already know about the biggest gotcha: the high price.

With airlines cracking down on luggage, travelers are facing rising fees and stricter enforcement, leading to a new phenomenon: luggage rage. From lost bags to exorbitant fees, passengers are increasingly frustrated. Incidents of rage are on the rise, with some travelers going as far as mutilating their luggage to avoid penalties. As airlines continue to tighten their policies, the situation is only expected to worsen. Will you keep your cool, or will luggage rage get the best of you?

Do you have luggage rage? Here’s how to know — and what to do about it

May 12, 2025September 29, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’ve ever struggled to squeeze your carry-on luggage into a ridiculously tiny overhead bin, or had to repack your bag because it was too heavy, or just lost your luggage, then you may already know luggage rage.

Ever heard of destination dupes? They're like knockoff designer bags—convincing from afar, but disappointing up close. From Atlantic City being pitched as Las Vegas to Buenos Aires as Paris, it’s all a gimmick. Every place is unique, and Windstar travelers know the real joy of travel is exploring authentic experiences, not imitations. So instead of following a TikTok trend, take control of your travel narrative and discover something truly special. In the world of travel, there’s no substitute for the real deal. Don’t get duped.

Planning a trip? Don’t get destination-duped

October 19, 2024September 22, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you see a lot of long faces in places like Atlantic City, Buenos Aires or Disney World in Orlando, then you have a good eye. Some of these poor travelers have been destination-duped.

Summer 2024 left many travelers regretting their vacation choices. From booking the wrong airlines to overstuffing itineraries, the mistakes were costly. I learned the hard way—overpaying for an airfare that drained my budget. And what about that missed opportunity to visit an iconic spot? With the new iPhone in hand, these regrets could have been avoided with better planning and advice from a travel pro. Don’t let these mistakes ruin your next vacation. Plan smarter for the upcoming seasons.

Summer’s over. What are your top vacation regrets?

October 10, 2024September 15, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Flying a budget airline. Staying at a bad hotel. Traveling with the wrong people.
Vacation regrets, you may have a few for the summer of 2024. More than a few, actually.

It's easy to get treated like a second-class citizen when you travel: Just say the wrong thing.

Traveling? Here’s what to say if you want to get the worst treatment — guaranteed!

June 1, 2025September 8, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

It’s easy to get treated like a second-class citizen when you travel: Just say the wrong thing. That’s an undeniable fact that people are rediscovering during the busiest year in the history of modern travel.