The Deal Detective helps a reader get started on her Aruba trip-planning, with tips on driving, activities, and more.

With hotel rates dropping, and enticing promotions such as Restaurant Week, free nights, and attraction discounts, you won't need Donald Trump's salary. Just $500.

Your policy could fail you when you need it most if you don't read all the fine print carefully.

SmarterTravel.com asked readers whether they'd prefer to pay higher base airfares if it meant they wouldn't have pay all of the extra airline fees. Read the survey results.

We are all familiar with the U.S. 911 help number, but who do you call when you're in a foreign country?

Is it worth the risk to cruise during hurricane season? Absolutely! Our friends at Cruise Critic tell you where to look and what to expect.

Given the difficulty of finding award seats, it's not surprising lots of you would like to kick the frequent flyer habit. Ed Perkins outlines the risks of selling, as well as your other options.

We all know traveling with kids, especially young ones, is never easy. This situation is only exacerbated with children who suffer from an autism spectrum disorder.

Hawaii airfare is $100 higher than in the spring. However, declining Hawaii hotel bookings have caused many properties to reduce rates and offer specials.

A rational U.S. rail program could help ease dependence on foreign oil. But a truly rational program would require a substantial refocusing from the current Amtrak model.

Our super sleuth helps a reader ditch the crowds, and save money while doing it, at four affordable beach destinations.

Beaches. Forests. Mountain villages. Casinos. Lake Tahoe has it all. And if you go this summer, you can have it all for under $500.

In part one, we showed you which fees to compare before you book your flight. Now find out how to avoid being caught by fees at the airport and in the sky.

Our columnist heard from readers who had updates on fees and other hassles. Here are some of the more important developments in the fast-changing field of unhappy surprises.

It seems like a no-brainer to rent a hybrid car—you'll use less gas and get more for your buck, right? Actually, choosing an economy car over a hybrid is often smarter.

Issuers of frequent flyer credit cards have a stake in the viability of the airlines' loyalty schemes. Can they prevent the airlines from killing the programs?

Rules and fees for camping vary by location and popular sites can fill up early. To avoid disappointment, you'll need to do some advance research.

Americans worried about the high costs of medical and dental services at home are looking to other countries for less expensive alternatives. Ed Perkins outlines the pros and cons.

With airlines in crisis mode, many are wondering what might happen to their frequent flyer credit. Ed Perkins argues that some travelers will do better than others.

For couples who already have children and don't necessarily want the hoopla or expense of a big wedding at home, destination weddings prove to be an appealing option.

A reader plans to wait before cashing in her Northwest miles for an overseas trip and wonders if it's safe to do so.

The U.S. is a hodge-podge of regions, each with a unique personality. Thus, even in difficult economic times like these, you can still find a world-class destination at home.

If you're planning to drive a rental car in Europe this summer, you might run into some age bans or surcharges, especially if you're 70 or older.

With airlines adding new fees nearly every day, booking a flight is no longer a straightforward process. These days, navigating the airline landscape requires more legwork than ever before. We're here to help.

Contrary to what many might think, there's a lot to do in Hawaii that doesn't require you to break a sweat.