vacation

Expert Tips for Racking Up Free Airline Miles

Now that summer is nearly over, you can start planning for next year's big vacation by racking up airline miles. We spoke with one expert who scored 250,000 miles in a 12-month period by opening just three cards. But his strategy isn't for everyone.

Is Travel Insurance a Smart Bet for Your Vacation?

Hurricane Irene's swath through the Caribbean this week probably left many of the no-longer paradise-bound wondering: Should I have taken out travel insurance? At the peak of hurricane season, even experts who usually shun the coverage say you should consider the policies.

How to Trade Retirement for More Time Off

Houston tax attorney David Shoemaker doesn't want to wait around for retirement. Instead, he has opted for a job that gives him three months off each year so he can enjoy life now. Here's how he traded his future retirement for quality of life today.

New Travel Agent Partnership Gives Expedia an Edge

By the end of 2012, one-third of the world's travel sales will be booked online. But the majority of bookings still happen through the traditional brick-and-mortar travel agents, which is why Expedia's new Travel Agent Affiliate Program is a smart growth move for the OTA.

Vacations at Risk for 45% of Americans

A growing inclination among Americans to change their vacation plans shows that the slowing economy is taking a toll on consumer confidence. A new survey found that 45% of workers who have taken or plan to take a vacation this summer "would reduce or cancel their plans to save money if the economy continues its volatility."

Summer Travel on a Budget: Readers' Road Trip Tips

Summer is nearly here, but high gas prices and high unemployment are making the idea of the traditional vacation seem a bit scary. Luckily, DailyFinance's readers have ridden to the rescue with their best advice on inexpensive places to go, the best ways to get there, and how to make the most of you limited resources.

Six Reasons the Economy Needs Memorial Day

The origins of Memorial Day date to the aftermath of the Civil War, when people would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers to honor their service. The holiday still retains its reverential and patriotic spirit, but its economic consequences, though smaller than those of other holidays, cannot be overlooked.

Getting the Best Memorial Day Shopping Deals

On Memorial Day weekend, retailers pull out all the stops to move fresh merchandise, and if you play your cards right, you can get some great deals. But even though it's the semi-official start of summer, you'll want to do your homework first. (Don't worry, you can cheat off of DailyFinance's personal finance columnist, Regina Lewis.)

Expedia's AirAsia Partnership Is Just the Ticket

Expedia, the world's largest online travel agency, soon will be selling flights, hotel bookings and holiday packages in the world's fastest growing aviation and tourism market, thanks to an exclusive deal with AirAsia. Trefis takes a look at what the deal will mean for both companies.

Airfare Bargains: How You Can Land One This Summer

Airfares are still on the rise, and the experts don't expect them to descend any time soon. But if you're flexible, sociable and Web-savvy, you could still land a bargain deal on a flight this summer.

The Secret to a Successful Staycation

The sluggish economy and high unemployment rate mean that many of us won't be splurging on exotic vacations this year. But a staycation doesn't have to mean a boring bout with cabin fever. The key to being a successful local tourist lies in looking at your region the way an outsider would.

Flyers, Get Ready to Pay More to Take Off

The price of a plane ticket is heading sharply higher. That's because airlines face steeper fuel costs and continue to cut capacity to keep profits from falling. You can still find some relative bargains, but it's going to take a lot more planning ahead.