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Your 11 Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions—Answered

The Editors

We are the editors of SmarterTravel! Together we have appeared in countless travel publications including ABC News, Huffington Post, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and more. We dedicate our days to creating and producing expert travel content, including packing tips, general travel advice, destination inspiration, and helpful videos. Follow us across social media on YouTube , Pinterest , Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter or drop us a line to say hi at [email protected]!

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As experts and media spokespeople, the editors at SmarterTravel get asked a lot of travel questions. How early should you book? Which booking sites have the cheapest fares? What’s the best way to avoid bag fees?

The good news is that we have answers. From pinpointing the best day of the week for booking airfare to selecting the best destination for your next trip, here are solutions to some of your most common travel questions.

How Far in Advance Should I Book?

man typing on laptop with a coffee in hand

Truth be told, airfare prices—which fluctuate constantly—are impossible to predict. However, there are a few strategies that will guide you to a good deal and minimize your risk of overpaying.

For domestic travel, you’ll typically find the best fares one to two months before your trip. For international itineraries, you’ll often want to start searching for fares a bit further in advance, especially if your dates are firm or you’re traveling at a busy time of year. Add an extra month or two for peak travel times like holidays or major events. Some destinations, such as Disney World during spring break or popular beach spots in August, require even more advance planning, so do your homework.

To help you figure out when to jump on a fare, set up airfare alerts through sites like Airfarewatchdog (SmarterTravel’s sister site) or smartphone apps like Hopper ( iOS | Android ). You can put in your targeted trip dates and itinerary, and you’ll be notified when the fare drops.

How Can I Find the Best Travel Deal?

We’d love to point you definitively to a single booking site that always has the lowest possible airfares and hotel rates, but, unfortunately, that site doesn’t exist—and shopping around is always required. It’s best to check multiple types of sites before you book, including the provider’s own website as well as online travel agencies (think Expedia and Orbitz ) and metasearch sites (like Kayak and SmarterTravel’s parent company, TripAdvisor ).

To help you find the best sites to check, see the following lists:

The 12 Best Flight Search Sites for Booking Cheap Airfare
The 10 Best Hotel Booking Sites
The 14 Best Car Rental Booking Sites
The 10 Best Sites to Book a Cruise
The 8 Best Travel Package Sites for Booking a Cheap Vacation
The 9 Best Vacation Rental Sites for Travelers

One tip to keep in mind: The more flexible you are, the better the deals will be. Moving your trip a few months from a destination’s peak season to its shoulder season, for example, often means lower prices and smaller crowds. Flying out on a Tuesday or Wednesday rather than a Friday or Sunday can also save you money. For more information, see The Best and Worst Days to Fly .

How Can I Avoid Fees?

Yes, travel fees are pervasive and have wormed their way into every facet of travel, including flights, hotels, and rental cars. The good news is that many can be avoided. When it comes to flying, look for airlines that don’t charge fees for common services like baggage: For example, Southwest allows two checked bags for free, and some airlines will waive bag fees for frequent flyers or travelers who carry their branded credit cards. For more ideas, see 7 Smart Ways to Bypass Baggage Fees .

Many hotel fees can be avoided if you simply say no to certain services. In other words, don’t touch the minibar or make in-room calls (buy your own snacks and use your cell phone instead). Other charges, such as resort fees , are trickier. It’s best to find out about the charge in advance and book with another hotel, or ask the hotel manager to remove it—he or she might say no, but it never hurts to ask.

When renting a car, read the fine print. Look for easily avoidable fees like early-return and fuel charges. Also, most agents will pressure you into buying a collision damage waiver (CDW), but you might already have collision coverage through your credit card or your own auto insurance policy. Always check in advance.

What Are My Rights When Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled?

When you find yourself faced with a flight delay or cancellation, know that your rights vary depending on whether the situation is the airline’s fault (such as a mechanical delay) or due to some uncontrollable outside force (like a hurricane or winter storm ). Every airline’s policy varies, but most state that for delays or cancellations within the airline’s control, passengers are entitled to be rebooked on the next available flight, possibly transferred to another carrier, or to receive a refund for the unused portion of the trip. Some lines will also provide meal vouchers, hotel stays, and ground transportation at their discretion.

When the situation is beyond the airline’s control, a refund is all that most airlines promise. However, for major storms, airlines have set a precedent for preemptively canceling flights in advance so you’re not stranded at the airport, and they will allow you to rebook within a specific time frame without penalty.

To learn more, see Flight-Cancellation Rights: The Ultimate Guide and Flight Delays: What to Do and How to Prevent Them .

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

To buy or not to buy: That is the question when it comes to travel insurance . It all depends on risk and your tolerance for it. In general, if you’re taking a relatively short trip and haven’t paid a fortune for it, you probably don’t need it. Plus, most airlines—and hotels, for that matter—will give you a refund or allow you to rebook when there’s a widespread storm or incident.

However, if you have put down significant nonrefundable deposits, are traveling at a risky time of year (such as hurricane season ), have a potential medical condition, or are traveling to remote places where hospitals are scarce, travel insurance could be a good idea.

If you do opt insurance, make sure you know what’s included in your policy; most are very specific and won’t allow coverage to kick in once a storm is predicted or if you have a preexisting medical condition. You can also buy a policy that will allow you to cancel for any reason, but those usually come with a higher premium.

How Do I Know When a Deal Is Really a Deal?

Sadly, not all travel deals are created equal. And while some are bona fide, others are nothing more than gimmicks, if not downright scams. Your best defense is to take the time to fully research a deal before handing over your credit card number.

First, make sure you’re dealing with a reputable supplier, especially when it comes to tour operators and promoters. If you haven’t heard of the company, check with the Better Business Bureau or United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) to make sure it is sound. Look for online reviews of the company on sites such as TripAdvisor or TrustPilot . Also, always compare prices across multiple suppliers. A deal might look good at first glance, but you may be able to beat the price elsewhere.

When it comes to hotel packages, price out inclusions like gift baskets or spa services separately to determine whether it’s cheaper to go a la carte. For example, many hotels offer individual room rates that are way cheaper than what you’d pay for the room plus the extras in a package. Remember: You can bring your own Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries (likely higher-quality ones, too).

Lastly, always read the fine print, with a particular eye on blackout dates and other restrictions. You don’t want to get a deal that you can’t even use.

How Do I Score an Upgrade?

man sitting next to empty comfort seat on the plane.

Everyone wants to vault to the front of the airplane cabin or that penthouse suite in the hotel, but most of us feel that an upgrade is out of reach. Not necessarily so. The best way to get upgraded is to join a loyalty program. While it’s hard for many leisure travelers to accrue enough miles for a free first- or business-class ticket, basic upgrades usually require fewer miles. For hotels and rental cars, points generally add up more quickly and you can get additional free perks just for being a member.

Another way to land a better seat is to look for deals; some airlines will launch short-term sales on premium seats. For more information, see First Class for Free: How to Get an Airline Upgrade .

With hotels, arriving late in the day can increase your chances of a better room, since the hotel might have vacant rooms to fill (and can subsequently open up a cheaper room for another paying customer). Also, at check-in, mention if you are celebrating a special occasion like a honeymoon or an anniversary. Check out How to Get a Hotel Upgrade for Free to learn more.

At the rental car desk, asking for an upgrade might work, but make sure you’ve weighed your options: A larger car could mean higher gas costs, which can quickly negate any benefit. In any situation, even with the airlines, it never hurts to ask; when you do, dress nicely, be specific with your request, and above all, be polite.

What Can I Bring on the Plane?

This is such a complicated topic that SmarterTravel has a whole airport security FAQ to cover it. But here are the basics: In your carry-on, you can bring a single clear, quart-size plastic bag of liquid and gel items (such as shampoo, insect repellent, and sunscreen) in bottles of 3.4 ounces or less. If you need to bring larger quantities, you can put them in your checked bag—just make sure they’re well sealed to prevent messy spills. Exceptions to this rule include prescription medications, breast milk, and baby formula, which you can carry on in larger amounts.

The TSA has strict rules for items such as scissors, razors, sharp objects, and even wrapped gifts. To learn more, see the FAQ above or visit the TSA’s website .

What Should I Pack?

man packing suitcase for upcoming trip with gear spread out

Speaking of complicated topics … where do we begin? Of course, the answer depends on where you’re going and for how long, but you’ll want to start with SmarterTravel’s Ultimate Packing List , which has you covered with the basics you’ll need for just about any type of trip. If you want more specific advice, consider these lists:

The Essential Beach Packing List
The Essential Carry-on Bag Packing List
The Ultimate Holiday Packing List
The Ultimate Cruise Packing List
The Essential International Packing List
How to Pack for an African Safari
The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List

You’ll also want to check out Ingenious Packing Tips Every Traveler Should Know , which includes information on how to pack for the TSA’s requirements, tips on saving space, a discussion of whether you should roll or fold your clothes, and clever tips from SmarterTravel readers. Trying to avoid overpacking? See A Traveler’s Guide to Minimalist Packing .

I’m Unhappy with My Seatmate(s) on the Plane. What Can I Do?

SmarterTravel readers often write in with travel questions about airplane seating dilemmas. “I have severe allergies to animals. What are my rights if I am sitting by someone with an animal?” asks one reader.

“I was recently seated next to a large person whose body overhung the armrest and crowded me,” writes another. “What can be done in this situation?”

Generally speaking, your best bet is to approach a flight attendant discreetly and ask if there are any available seats to which you could be moved. In the case of animal allergies, even if no seats are free, the airline staff might be able to find a non-allergic passenger who’s willing to switch with you. Bring up your concerns early—because once the plane has taken off, the flight attendants will have much less flexibility.

For more information, see the following resources:

What You Need to Know About Flying with a Service or Emotional Support Animal
Airline Passenger of Size Policies

What Are the Best Travel Destinations, and How Do I Know If They’re Safe?

There’s no single right answer to the first part of this question. It really depends on factors like your personal travel style and when you plan to travel. But there are a few tricks to identifying a great hot spot.

If affordability is a priority, look for destinations with new airline routes or hotels; providers will often release introductory rates at a discount, and you can be among the first to check things out. Additionally, keep an eye out for destinations making a comeback from natural disasters or political unrest; it can take time for tourists to return, even after the place is safe and open for business again, and the low demand can mean great deals for those who are willing to visit.

If you want to go where the excitement is, look for locales with big events, such as major sporting competitions, festivals, and museum openings. Check with the local tourism bureau to see what’s on; you might even stumble upon corresponding deals and packages.

SmarterTravel frequently publishes inspirational lists of places to travel for just about every interest. Check out Top Travel Destinations for 2020 or browse the site’s Destinations section to learn more.

As for safety, your first step is to research your destination on the U.S. State Department’s website . Here you’ll find important travel advisories and information about crime, health concerns, and other safety issues for every country around the world. Pay attention to the details before writing off an entire destination; it may be perfectly safe as long as you steer clear of certain problem areas. Keep an eye on news headlines in the lead-up to your trip so you’re aware of any last-minute issues.

If you have specific concerns, consider posting questions on travel forums such as TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet . Destination experts and locals can often offer up-to-the-minute updates from the ground.

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Travel Scams

These days, travel planning starts on the internet. But as you research destinations online and comb travel sites for savings on lodging and flights, keep a sharp eye out for deceptive offers and outright scams that could cost you a bundle.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received more than 53,891 reports of travel-related scams (including timeshare scams) in 2021, costing consumers $95 million — though the real numbers are likely far higher. Experts believe scams of all sorts are grossly underreported.

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Be especially wary when using third-party hotel booking sites. According to a 2019 survey conducted for the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), nearly a quarter of consumers reported being misled by travel resellers on the phone or online, affecting $5.7 billion in transactions in 2018.

Unscrupulous resellers draw consumers through search engine ads and send them, via links or posted phone numbers, to booking websites or call centers that appear to be affiliated with a hotel. The look-alike site will feature detailed descriptions of rooms and amenities; it might even have the hotel’s name in its URL. But you are not actually dealing with the hotel. This can have consequences ranging from inconvenient (the reseller doesn’t transmit special requests, such as a wheelchair-accessible room) to expensive (higher rates than the hotel actually charges or hidden fees tacked on to your bill) to potentially trip ruining (you arrive and discover the booking was never made).

The AHLA includes a warning about these scams on its website, encouraging consumers “to book directly through the hotel website or mobile app, or through a trusted travel agent.”

There’s plenty more to look out for. For example:

Criminals operate look-alike websites for airlines, popular travel companies, tourist visa procurement, and federal Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck to harvest personal data from people who believe they're booking tickets or signing up for smoother airport screening.
Scam emails offer promotions such as free flights to get you to give up credit card information or click links that download malware.
Bogus insurance brokers sell travel policies they falsely claim will cover coronavirus-related cancellations.
Scammers make up vacation-rental listings , or duplicate real ones, to collect payments for nonexistent bookings.

Have you seen this scam?

Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 or report it with the AARP Scam Tracking Map .
Get Watchdog Alerts for tips on avoiding such scams.

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Warning Signs

A cut-rate hotel or airline offer that seems too good to be true.
A hotel, airline or travel website has odd spelling or grammatical errors, suggesting it may have been created by a scammer in a foreign country.
A third-party website offering to expedite your tourist visa for a fee.

How to protect yourself from this scam

Book on the official website of a hotel, airline or other travel business, or use a reputable third-party booking site.
Carefully check a travel website’s URL. Scam sites may use “domain spoofing” tricks, such as an extra letter in the address, while mimicking major travel companies’ branding.
Use the official government website to sign up for TSA PreCheck. Online searches for the program can turn up scam sites.
Get your tourist visa directly from the website of your destination country, to avoid scam sites that offer expedited visas (that you may never receive) for a fee. You’ll find links at travel.state.gov .
Look for written policies on canceling or modifying reservations, and confirm them before booking
Call the hotel or airline and confirm your reservation after booking on a travel website. If they don’t have a record of your booking, that may signal a problem that it’s best to solve well before you travel.
If you land on an unfamiliar travel site, check it out before booking. Search for the company’s name plus words like “review,” “complaint” or “scam” to see if other consumers have had bad experiences with the site, and look it up in the Better Business Bureau's database .
Avoid clicking on links in emails with travel promotions like free airline tickets or warnings that your hotel loyalty points are about to expire. Mouse over the link to check whether it goes to a legitimate travel site.
Use credit cards, which offer better fraud protection than debit cards, to pay for travel.

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If you suspect a travel scam, file a complaint with the FTC online or at 877-382-4357.
If it’s an online fraud, you can also report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) .

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Tips for scam-free travel

Planning a summer vacation? You may be looking for deals on cheap flights or discounts at hotels and resorts – but some promotions may come with strings attached, and others can be downright scams . Before you pack your bags, keep these travel tips in mind.

Avoid “free” trips that require you to pay . A company that offers you a free vacation – but then pressures you to buy extras or add-ons, or to verify your identity with a credit card number – is probably trying to scam you.
Say no to robocalls . If you get a cold call trying to sell you something, ignore it. Robocalls are usually illegal. If you get an unwanted call, report it to the FTC . Also, avoid offers that come through text or an unexpected email.
Know the cancellation policies . Ask about the refund policies for flight reservations , car rentals , and rental properties , and get them in writing.
Pay by credit card . When it’s time to buy, paying by credit card gives you more protection than paying with a debit card, cash or check. There are laws to protect you if your credit card information is lost or stolen. And, in case you don’t get what you paid for, you may be able to dispute the charges with your credit card company.

For more information, visit ftc.gov/travelscams . And if you’ve spotted a travel scam, report it to the FTC .

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It is your choice whether to submit a comment. If you do, you must create a user name, or we will not post your comment. The Federal Trade Commission Act authorizes this information collection for purposes of managing online comments. Comments and user names are part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) public records system, and user names also are part of the FTC’s computer user records system. We may routinely use these records as described in the FTC’s Privacy Act system notices . For more information on how the FTC handles information that we collect, please read our privacy policy .

Read Our Comment Policy

The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

Well Traveled June 12, 2018 Be careful of vacation packages with change restrictions, even those offered by big name companies like AA Vacations. Review your itinerary very carefully, particularly if your international flights arrive after midnight. You might be left without a hotel for that night because you arrive after midnight, technically the next day. This happened to me in May, 2018 from Phx, AZ to Singapore. So, be careful, try to get a email with full itinerary before you pay. What you might save in a package can be lost with just one gap in the travel plans.

Traveler June 12, 2018 Use a reputable travel tour group company if traveling abroad or even domestically. They know the ins and outs of traveling the country, speak the language, and add another level of protection against ripoffs and thugs. Buy trip and medical travel insurance -it's cheap compared to the alternative.

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View your vacation package booking confirmation

How will I receive a vacation package booking confirmation from American Express Travel?

After booking, you'll receive a confirmation email from American Express Travel Online that contains your Trip ID and trip details.

How do I view a vacation package booking confirmation?

Go to Manage My Trips to view your booking.

Do Fine Hotels + Resorts® and/or The Hotel Collection properties qualify for package bookings with American Express Travel?

Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection programs don't qualify for package bookings.

What if I have multiple booking itineraries for the same trip?

If you have multiple bookings (flight, hotel, car, etc.) for the same trip, you can merge them into one itinerary within My Trips (up to 5 trips). To link your bookings, follow these steps:

Select “…” in the upper right-hand corner above the booking.
Then, select “Link Trips Together”. Choose the trips you’d like to merge, press “Continue”, and then “Link”.
Next, to save your preferred linked trip name, ensure to first click “Update”, followed by “Continue”.
The newly linked trips will then be available in My Trips as one itinerary.

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How do I review a vacation package itinerary?

Before you check in online for your flight, verify your flight schedule and travel details through the Manage My Trip s page.

How do I check-in online for a vacation package?

Get your airline confirmation code (example: L84RTL) from your itinerary.
Within 24 hours of your flight, select your airline below to check in on their site.

What else should I know before checking in online for a vacation package?

Depending on your airline, after checking in online you may be able to print your boarding pass, save it to your mobile phone, or pick it up from a kiosk at the airport.
You will need your boarding pass to go through airport security. Check with your airline for any other required documents.
Arrive at the airport at least 1-2 hours before your flight for domestic flights, and at least 2-3 hours before international flights.

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Hotel check-in and check-out for vacation packages

How do I check-in to my hotel booked as part of a vacation package?

You will need a government-issued ID to check in.
You can check in to most hotels any time between their earliest check-in time and midnight.
To request an earlier check-in time, call the hotel directly.
Rooms booked on American Express Travel Online are guaranteed for late arrival.
If you will arrive after midnight, please contact the hotel directly to ensure they hold your room.

How do I check-out of my hotel booked as part of a vacation package?

You can check out any time before the hotel's check-out time on the last day of your booking.
To request a late check-out time, call your hotel directly. If approved, additional charges may apply.

What happens if I need to check-out early?

If you need to end your stay early, contact us for assistance.
Changes made to your booking during your stay could result in additional charges. To read your hotel's Cancellation Policy , check your confirmation email.

What else should I know when checking in and out at a hotel booked as part of a vacation package?

Although a printed copy of your itinerary is not needed to check in, you may want to bring it with you.
For details such as accepted forms of payment, minimum check-in age, and luggage storage, check the Policies & Fees section of the hotel details page. If the information you are looking for is not listed, please contact the hotel directly.

Baggage fees and allowances for vacation packages

Are there any baggage fees or allowances when I book a vacation package through American Express Travel?

Your baggage fees and allowances depend on your airline and the type of fare you booked.

Please contact your airline directly for more information about:

Checked baggage inclusions
Carry-on allowances
Additional baggage fees
Prohibited items
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Select your airline below to access their baggage details. You may need to log in with your airline confirmation code from your itinerary .

Change & Cancel

Change or cancel your vacation package booking

To change or cancel your vacation package, call us.

What should I know if I want to change or cancel a vacation package booking?

If you booked your travel with American Express Travel and you need to change/cancel a booking, we will be honoring the policies of your travel provider. As an additional measure, we will waive the American Express Travel fee on flight modifications and new flight bookings that you make by phone and online.
The hotel or airline may charge penalty fees that we must pass on to you.
If you wish to cancel, you must cancel the entire trip.
If you booked today, you might be able to change your hotel booking without penalty or cancel for a full refund. You could incur additional charges, however, if you change or cancel your booking too close to your check-in date.
Changes to flight and hotel must be for the same dates and apply to all passengers on the same reservation
For refund information, read Refund timelines .

Will there be additional charges for changes or cancellations to a vacation package booking?

Airline change fee, ranging from USD 150 (domestic) to USD 300 (international)
Difference in airfare, if the cost of your new flight exceeds your flight credit
Increase in hotel costs, if the cost of your new booking exceeds your hotel credit
Hotel cancellation penalty, ranging from 1 night’s stay to the full cost of your booking

The total cost of your change will depend on your airfare, your ticket details, and any penalties or fees that may apply. Review any airline and hotel change fees in your vacation package rules and regulations, then compare today's prices to determine the overall cost increase.

Vacation package booking mistakes

What if I have multiple itineraries for the same vacation package booking?

If you have multiple itineraries for the same booking, call us.

What do I need to do to change a name on my vacation package itinerary?

If you need to make a correction to your name, contact the airline directly. Keep the following in mind:

The name on your flight booking must match the name on your government-issued photo ID.
Most airlines allow for corrections to misspellings, nicknames (e.g. William/Bill, Elizabeth/Liz), but do not allow name changes to another person.
Changing the name on your flight booking may incur airline change fees and require payment of any difference in fare.

Payment & Receipt

Vacation package payment options

When you book your vacation package, you'll always make a single payment online. All package bookings must be paid in full at the time of booking.

Good to know

You must purchase now to guarantee the price, no holds are available for any type of vacation booking.
For cancellation fees and refund information, read Refund timelines .
If your payment did not go through, please read Troubleshoot declined payments for more information and options.
Your American Express statement may reflect a separate charge for each item in your package booking, but the receipt will show the total amount paid for the entire package.

Book a vacation package

How do vacation package bookings work with American Express Travel?

You can combine flight and hotel bookings with American Express Travel Online either online or over the phone. These trips will show up in your American Express Membership Rewards account under Manage My Trips .

For more more help with vacation package bookings, please contact us by calling the number on the back of your Card.

Accessibility on vacation package flights

Is special assistance available to me when I book a vacation package with American Express Travel?

You can request special assistance on your flight, such as help boarding and deplaning, use of a wheelchair, or accommodations for a service animal.

How do I request special assistance for my vacation package made with American Express Travel?

Select your vacation package and start the booking process.
Choose your flight and select CONTINUE BOOKING.
In the Who's traveling? section, expand the This guest has special requests (optional) section for each traveler who requires assistance.
From the Accessibility requests drop-down menu, select the type of assistance you would like to request.

Contact your airline to confirm your requests for each segment of your trip, right after booking and again just prior to travel.

What should I know before making a request for special assistance?

American Express Travel will pass your requests to the airline but cannot guarantee that all requests will be honored.
Availability may depend on the aircraft, the airline's policies, or the specific needs of the traveler.

Make special requests when booking a vacation package

You can make special requests (such as a late check-in time or a rollaway bed) when you book your hotel room as part of your vacation package. American Express Travel Online will pass your requests along to the hotel, but we cannot guarantee availability for the room type and rate you requested. You may wish to call the hotel directly prior to your stay to confirm availability.

How do I make a special accessibility request when booking a vacation package with American Express Travel?

Select your vacation package and start the booking process.
In the Traveler information section, select There are hotel special requests (optional) .
Checkmark your requests (such as rollaway beds or late check-in).
Complete your booking.

If the Special/Accessibility Request s section is not available on the booking page, contact the hotel directly to confirm they have the required accessibility features.

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When is a travel promotion too good to be true?

Travel promotions may promise the sun and the moon. It helps to know when a deal may be fake. CONTRIBUTED

Summer allows many people the opportunity to get away for a little rest and relaxation. Whether you’re driving, flying or cruising, it’s important to steer clear of bogus travel offers promoting too-good-to-be-true deals.

» Phony contractors

According to Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker, consumers nationwide reported nearly 2,300 complaints relating to online travel agencies in 2016. Complaints included issues with guarantees, problems with refunds or exchanges and poor customer service.

Phony travel promotions show up in the newspaper, by fax, online and in your mailbox. They offer dream getaways worth thousands of dollars for next to nothing. But, be careful of ads that sound too good to be true. Some travel scams lure you in with claims of lavish getaways, but fall short on their promises.

Bogus promoters:

• Promise luxurious airfare and hotel accommodations, but deliver far less than expected.

• Advertise rock-bottom prices, but hide certain fees until the deal is sealed.

• Take your money without providing the travel or trip promised.

• Don’t reveal the deal includes an obligation to sit through a timeshare pitch at the destination.

• Guarantee a full refund if the trip is canceled, but fail to make good on the promise.

So, how can you help ensure your dream vacation doesn't turn into a nightmare? Check out companies promoting offers, as well as hotels, airlines and cruise ships advertised, with BBB. Visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301. Here are some more tips to help:

• Beware of unbelievable deals and extremely low-priced offers.

• Get all details in writing, including total cost, date and length of stay, airline and hotel accommodations and the refund and cancellation policy.

• Consider purchasing travel insurance. It’s designed to cover such things as trip cancellations or medical emergencies.

• Verify your reservations directly with the airline, cruise line and hotel prior to your trip.

• Make sure you understand everything before signing anything.

• Reconsider if you’re pressured to make a commitment immediately. A good offer today usually will be a good offer tomorrow. Legitimate businesses don’t expect you to make snap decisions.

• Don’t send cash or check by courier or overnight mail.

• Pay by credit card, if possible. This will give you rights to dispute charges if promised services aren’t rendered.

• Say “no.” If you’re in doubt, it’s less risky to turn down the offer.

» Home energy savings

Don’t get burned by a bogus vacation promotion. Make sure you’re dealing with a trustworthy company and know the facts before you commit.

John North is president of the Dayton Better Business Bureau.

About the Author

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You’re not an average traveler—and Hotwire knows it. Your wanderlust takes you off the beaten path to discover unique adventures and every travel destination’s lesser-known tourist scenes. Hotwire has the hookup! Book your Elektrostal hotel with Hotwire to complete your one-of-a-kind travel checklist.

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" DIR: West; bigger nice evening sun but louder due to main street DIR:East; Quiter, very bright in the morning if sun rises "

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Elektrostal Hotel & Travel Guide

Travelocity's Russia hotels database doesn't list any place to sleep in Elektrostal.

When you and your family plan to book Travelocity-listed hotels near this region of Russia, Moscow could be an ideal alternative. It can be located 35 miles (54 kilometers) from Elektrostal. Moscow hotels and apartments include he The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow and Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow .

Once you and your family have got to know Elektrostal, why not explore a little more of the area? The Central Russia district has myriad things to offer visitors. Discover Central Russia's old towns and don't forget to see the region's forests, rivers, canals and mountains. In this corner of Russia adventurous travelers might partake in ice skating and four-wheel driving.

35 miles (59 kilometers) to the west of Elektrostal you will find Garden Ring, where you can spend a little time at the Arena CSKA. Khoroshevskiy rooms include the Kutuzovsky prospekt II and Hotel Bega . If you're looking for an alternative, you can visit Garden Ring, 35 miles (53 kilometers) west of Elektrostal. While you are in Garden Ring, take the time to explore the State Literary Museum. The Hotel Savoy Moscow and Hotel Metropol Moscow are great places to retire for the night.

While in town, don't miss out on enjoying thrills and spills in the company of fellow supporters at an engaging game. Luzhniki Stadium can be found 35 miles (58 kilometers) to the west of Elektrostal. Book a Travelocity-listed hotel right in the thick of the sporting action at the Moscow Suites Noviy Arbat or the LikeHome Apartments Arbat .

Before you and your traveling partner journey to Elektrostal, make sure you browse Travelocity's Elektrostal city guide where you can hear local secrets about the numerous attractions on offer.

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow. Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?