September 2006

Whether it’s lost luggage, a noisy hotel room or a rental car snafu, travelers have an awful lot to complain about these days. Take the airlines, whose mishaps are tracked by The Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT receives thousands of complaints every year, about everything from mishandled baggage and

When I was in Budapest in 1989, the mood was dour, the city’s Art Nouveau treasures were crumbling, and there was nothing for anyone to buy except little souvenir bags of paprika. But fast forward 17 years. Not only is the Communist government history but I have to discard my

WHY IT’S A CONTENDER: The hotel opened in 2004 in the restored 1906 Gresham Palace in Pest, one of the grandest and most important Art Nouveau buildings in Europe. With its dramatic setting at the foot of the Chain Bridge and views across the Danube to Buda, the hotel is

The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac overlooks Quebec City. Americans will soon need a passport to visit this and other Canadian cites. (Photo courtesy of Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac) Planning a ski trip to the Canada or a spring break trip to Mexico? You’ll soon need a US passport to travel

WHY IT’S A CONTENDER: The words "deal" and "The Little Nell" rarely share the same billing, but this is the time of year when the leaves turn, the rates fall, and even the locals are known to check in for a romantic night or two. Luxury hotels don’t come much

     I was standing on a bed of quivering mud, the Irish Sea lapping away at my brand new Gore Tex hiking boots, at a point where the River Leven meets Morecambe Bay. Six other people in shorts and fleece and silly smiles stood there with me, engaged in