When subtropical storm Andrea became the first named storm of the hurricane season–about three weeks before the official hurricane season begins June 1–it raised concerns among many in hurricane-prone areas that this might be a particularly dangerous hurricane season.

Indeed, most climate scientists say that global warming could greatly increase the number and intensity of hurricanes. But after the high-profile devastation wrought by Katrina in 2005, many hurricane-prone destinations began offering what is generally known as a “Hurricane Guarantee.”

With most hurricane guarantees, the hotel, resort, or travel provider either gives guests full refunds, or allows guests to rebook their lost vacations within one year. But the policy usually only applies if an actual …

Looking for a family bonding experience that’s more than just board game night? Here’s an idea you probably haven’t heard…prison hotels.

May 17, 2007

If you believe current predictions, 10 million Americans are expected to take a foreign vacation this summer. However, it’s now the end of May, and if you don’t yet have a passport, your options for international travel this summer may have just about evaporated.

There’s usually a backlog at this time of year when it comes to applying for a new passport (or renewing an expired one), but this year, that backlog has gotten out of control. On average, the delay in getting a new passport is up to 17 weeks!

That’s more than FOUR months!

August is usually the busiest travel month in much of the world. But here’s where it’s not, and thus where you might score some great deals. While the off seasons can often yield deals, remember, there’s usually a reason…it’s the off season. And it’s usually a weather-related reason.

On the Gulf Coast and the Caribbean, it’s hurricane season, so be sure to get travel insurance that covers this possibility. If you want to make a cheap destination even cheaper, try India in August. Prices at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai drop by more than a third in August compared to April. Just beware of monsoon season, which varies a bit depending on the part of India you’re in, but is …

Looking for a vacation that could get the whole family working together? Why not go on a sailing adventure at one of these sailing schools? Annapolis Sailing School has a popular Family Sailing Package. Located in Annapolis, Maryland, prices at this sailing school range from $375 for a one-weekend course to $1,425 for a three-weekend course for the whole family.

Orca Yacht Charters has private family lessons, where families of all sizes can learn how to sail on their own. Orca has ships in the Pacific Northwest, Mexico, the Bahamas, and New England, and the price depends on the location. And at the Offshore Sailing School, you can learn to sail, cruise, or race. They are located in Fort …

Forget about overpriced hotels or crowed backpacker hostels.

For today’s growing number of budget-minded solo travelers, there is a growing online presence of something called “hospitality exchange” websites, which are helping to bring the global traveling community even closer.

When we say close, we’re not kidding.

So close, in fact, that you may find yourself spending a night or two on someone else’s couch… which means that you’ve scored the cheapest accommodations possible.

Hospitality exchange sites are usually free — travelers and hosts simply connect through the site, and then chat over email or the phone to make necessary arrangements. The level of contact between the traveler and host is up to the individuals: Some hosts …