The Consumer Federation of America does an exhaustive survey every year of the top complaints registered with various state and local consumer protection agencies. This year, 40 agencies in 23 states across America responded to the survey. The survey fills out a picture of the Gotcha world that is often [Keep reading]
One of my favorite parts of traveling is finding small towns I enjoy so much I can’t stop going back. Missoula, Monta,na is on top of that list for me. It’s a charming, thriving mountain town about one perfect day’s drive away from Seattle. It has everything, including an excellent [Keep reading]
Russian hackers who hijacked 1,600 StubHub user accounts and stole $1 million worth of tickets were indicted by the Manhattan District Attorney Wednesday, a case that brings to light another frontier in fraud fighting — and another systematic weakness exposed by cyber criminals. The hackers’ scheme was ingenious. They impersonated [Keep reading]
When you check into a hotel, don’t set let scam artists or misbehaving companies check into your wallet. It’s summer travel season, and that means vacations, road trips and hotel stays. It also means you’ll be facing a minefield of gotchas. So don’t let your healthy skepticism go on vacation when you [Keep reading]
How much does it cost to drive across country? I have the answer! Today, I’ll be talking about gas prices only. There’s lodging costs, too. They will vary based on your appetite for Motel 6 mattresses and the goodwill you have built up with friends’ couches. Gas is a sort [Keep reading]
I hear from so many people when I make these road trips. They all say the same thing. “I’m jealous!” Well, don’t be. Just get in your car! Later this week, I will write with some things you should know if you are thinking about setting out on a coast-to-coast [Keep reading]
There’s something about Tuesday of a vacation week. I love the feeling of being somewhere new, away from work, having a great time, and realizing it’s only Tuesday. “Wow! It feels like this will last forever!” Call it the Tuesday effect. Click here to sign up for my free email [Keep reading]
The breathtaking ride up, around, and over Independence Pass was worth it. As are the amazing miles of bike trails, or really, simply the parks (ok, that was Rusty talking). The folks at Explore Booksellers hosted a lovely night for me, thanks to Jen Marcum. But even in this Eden-like [Keep reading]
OGDEN, Utah — So here I sit, eyes watering, in a smoking hotel room very much not of my own choice. That’s ok. Stuff happens. But it’s how it happened that has me angry. It’s the toxic mixture of Internet-age consumer screwing and crappy customer service that has me really [Keep reading]
You look at a map, makes your plans to drive across country, and they stare at you right in the face. The Dakotas. Nebraska. Kansas. Head anywhere west and north in America, and you’ve got to cross them. They are flat. They are long. They are slow. And they are [Keep reading]
Bob Sullivan