Tipping Around The World

Gratuities are certainly an important part of the hospitality industry, especially in popular traveler destinations. Here is a view on what is appropriate tipping etiquette in the United States as well as abroad.

Protecting Your Travel Investment

Travelers are not always aware of how purchasing travel insurance will protect their investment. It can definitely be beneficial, particularly for more elaborate or international trips. Here is an article that explains the benefits of protecting your travel investment.

How To Get The Flight Attendant On Your Side

Here is a funny take on how (not) to treat your flight attendant.

Another tip, if applicable, would be to ask one of the flight attendants for a seat belt extender as you boarding the plane. The attendant should discreetly bring you an extender as they continue to prepare for the flight.

Revving It Up In The Motor City

OK...so Detroit is not the first place to be thought of as a tourist destination. However, visitors are often surprised to find out what the Motor City has to offer. Here is a quick overview of some of Detroit's most entertaining highlights. As Detroit certainly loves its cars, city parking is relatively convenient and inexpensive compared to other larger cities. A more in-depth look into entertainment options in Detroit can be found here.

Southwest Airlines Back In The News

Southwest Airlines has returned to the news with another situation involving Customers of Size. This latest situation involves a mother and daughter who were on a layover during a return flight home. A more detailed perspective from the daughter can be found on her own blog.

Granted in an “ideal” world, airlines would either offer more spacious seats or, in the case of Canada, be required to charge only one fare per passenger, regardless of size. Until airlines in the US become enlightened (or compelled) enough to offer more accommodating seating, there is the possible reality of purchasing more than one seat.

I personally have mixed feelings about Southwest’s policy. On the one hand, while many other airlines require customers of size to purchase additional seating, Southwest’s rules are theoretically the most stringent. On the other hand, Southwest does fully refund the charge for a second seat if the plane is not full. Some airlines will offer a refund less an attached service charge while other airlines will not offer refunds at all.

The issue I have with the situation addressed in the article is that the Southwest front-line employee appears to have been uninformed and unprofessional with how he handled the two Customers of Size.

What is your opinion of this incident?

Have you been thinking about going to Europe this year? Besides exploring all the culture and history, shopping is just as important to many travelers. However, it literally comes at the price of a value-added tax (or VAT) that citizens and visitors alike must pay. The good news for tourists is that it is possible to apply for a refund of the VAT. The article below discusses when it is worth pursuing a VAT refund and when it may not be worth it.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42577340/ns/travel-travel_tips/