September 17, 2002
Elite Flying Status
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In recent weeks, we've reported on how airlines are trying to save money by cutting back on the perks, and by strictly enforcing ticket rules. In these belt-tightening times for the air industry, it pays to know how to squeeze the most out of the frequent-flyer game. The Savvy Traveler's Rudy Maxa has been reading the fine print.

August 20, 2002
Road Trips
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Since last Sept. 11th, many people have returned to taking trips by car, instead of a plane. But with traffic congestion and look-alike interstate exits, is there any romance left in taking a good old-fashioned road trip? You know, the kind where you let the wind blow back your hair as you pass through spectacular scenery. We asked The Savvy Traveler's Rudy Maxa if we've come to the end of an era.

August 7, 2002
9/11 and Flying
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We thought now might be a good time to revisit some of the flying issues that have cropped up since 9/11. Are security changes making flying safer, or only more difficult? What can an anxious flyer to do relieve worries about taking to the air? And, will the country's major airlines ever return to profitability? We asked The Savvy Traveler's Rudy Maxa for some help.

July 31, 2002
Passports: The Rules Are Changing
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Whether you've never applied for a passport, or whether you've had one for years, the rules are changing. And, if you're planning any travel abroad, The Savvy Traveler's Rudy Maxa says there are a few important things you should know.

July 10, 2002
Terrorism and Travel Insurance
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If you planned a trip recently, the issue of terrorism probably crossed your mind. More and more people are buying travel insurance to protect their down payment on a tour, cruise or vacation home rental, should something go wrong. But what about an act of terrorism? We asked The Savvy Traveler's Rudy Maxa whether you're covered if you cancel.

June 25, 2002
Amtrak: America's Train
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Once again, Amtrak is on the brink, requiring a big cash infusion to stay in operation. We asked our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, to tell us why that, unlike other countries, the United States can't seem to field fast trains that run on time.

June 11, 2002
Single Travel
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There's a downside to vacationing as a solo traveler—you can't take advantage of lower rates given to people traveling in pairs. Our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, says the scene has changed a bit since he last examined it a couple of years ago, and he has some ideas on how you can beat the singles' penalty.

June 11, 2002
Single Travel
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There's a downside to vacationing as a solo traveler—you can't take advantage of lower rates given to people traveling in pairs. Our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, says the scene has changed a bit since he last examined it a couple of years ago, and he has some ideas on how you can beat the singles' penalty.

May 28, 2002
More Ways to Save
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Now that we have Memorial Day weekend out of the way, it's time to get serious: Where will you be taking your REAL vacation this summer? We asked our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, to give us some well-priced choices.

May 21, 2002
Sorting out Travel Insurance
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Is there any more dull question than, "Have you considered your insurance needs lately?" But if you're traveling this summer, you might want to take that question seriously. There's a long menu of travel insurance available, and The Savvy Traveler's Rudy Maxa helps us sort everything out.

April 30, 2002
Fly Europe on the Cheap
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It used to cost a pretty penny to fly around Europe. But if you're headed overseas this summer, you can save money by flying many airlines you may not have heard of. Even the "big boys" have a special deal for Americans. Our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, fills us in.

April 5, 2002
Security and Stuff Gone Missing
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Along with the new security procedures travelers encounter at airports has come an increase in the number of lost computers, cellphones, car keys, and other items, by passengers concentrating more on taking off their shoes, than tracking their possessions. Our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, has some advice.

March 19, 2002
Gems and Junk on eBay's Travel Section
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If you've never browsed the travel section of America's most popular online buying site, eBay, you're missing one of the country's great travel bazaars. As our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, tells us, there's a lot of junk, as well as a few gems available there -- but buyer beware.

February 19, 2002
United Mess
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On Monday, United Airlines and its mechanics announced a tentative labor settlement. But it's subject to ratification by the union membership who two weeks ago rejected a settlement that would have awarded raises of more than 30 percent. We asked our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, if United ticket holders should be taking steps to protect themselves.

February 5, 2002
Mileage Upheaval
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When air travel declined in September, airlines began offering extra frequent flyer miles to encourage business. And last week, some airlines liberalized the rules for claiming award tickets. But is it all good news? Not necessarily, says our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa.

January 22, 2002
Home-Swapping Tips
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How would you like to move into a home in some quaint European country town, and not pay anything for your lodging? You can do it. But, says our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, there's a catch.

January 8, 2002
Frequent-Flier Miles
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Being a frequent flier can result in perks you can only dream about now. But it can happen to you! Rudy Maxa explains how to attain the elite status of a frequent flier -- and reap the benefits.

December 4, 2001
Hotel Deals
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With airfare sales all the rage, the highest cost of traveling these days may be your lodging costs. But since business travel is off sharply in many American cities, our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, says there's now an unprecedented sale at the country's urban hotels.

November 19 & 20, 2001
Thanksgiving Travel
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If you're flying this week, you probably already know you should get to the airport earlier than usual due to more stringent security-two hours at major airports, says our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa. But Rudy says there are some other items you should keep in mind.

November 6, 2001
Travel Refunds
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If you're a skittish traveler these days, you may be reluctant to commit to a trip that requires you to pay in advance. If something causes a change of mind, what are your options for refunds? We asked our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa.

October 23, 2001
Where to Save Now
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As we approach the holiday season-traditionally the busiest travel season of the year-the question of whether to travel is giving way to when. Should you book now or wait for better deals later? We asked our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa.

October 9 & 10, 2001
Traveling Without Fear
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Our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, just returned from three weeks in Italy with a weekend stay in London - that should tell you how he personally feels about the safety of travel today. We asked him if there were some steps we might take to minimize our risk on the road in these uncertain times.

September 4 & 5, 2001
Bartering Your Miles
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Little short of cash? Well, how are you set for . . . airline miles? Our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, tells us that in these dicey economic times, some frequent flyers find using the ancient system of barter is just the ticket for saving money.

August 21 & 22, 2001
Dance for Your Vacation
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Wanted: Attractive, single men, 45 years or older, to see the world by cruise ship for free. Must be accomplished conversationalists, charming, and great dancers. Our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, has more details.

August 7 & 8, 2001
Orbitz
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Travelers spend a billion dollars a month on line booking airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and cruises - that's about a third of all on-line spending according to Time magazine. The newest travel web site is called Orbitz, and our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, has been following its controversial debut. Here's the question now: Is it really the cheapest place to buy an airline ticket?

July 24, 2001
Biz Class Deals
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For the first time in the memory of our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, the world's airlines are offering prime-time discounts on business class tickets. If you've always wanted to move to the front of the plane, this could be your summer.

July 10 & 11, 2001
Forgotten Countries
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The dollar is pretty strong in Europe, but you might still be shocked at hotel prices in big cities. There are, however, a couple of places where news events have hurt tourism unfairly. Our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, tells us that means less crowds and more bargains.

June 27 & July 3, 2001
TV Tapings
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Visiting New York City or Los Angeles on your summer vacation? Why not catch a show for free? Rudy Maxa, our Savvy Traveler, tells you how.

May 29 & 30, 2001
Europe on Sale
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Considering visiting the Continent this summer? Our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, tells us that not even the usually higher summer airfares should stop you — Europe is on sale.

May 8 & 9, 2001
Odd Lots & the Most Useful Airline Websites
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It's spring, and naturally a young man's mind turns to . . . travel. Rudy Maxa, our Savvy Traveler, isn't exactly a young man - except in HIS mind - but he does have a few suggestions and a couple of bargains that you might want to consider as you plan your next getaway.

April 3 & 4, 2001
Hotels that Fit You
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The last few years have been pretty good for airlines and hotels that cater to business travelers, but the word on the street — and not just Wall Street — is that things are going to get tougher before they get better. Our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, tells us that even high-end hotels, for example, are trying to find ways to go on the offensive by attracting and keeping customers. Here’s how...

March 20 & 21, 2001
Agritourism
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If you visit Great Britain, you probably WON’T be spending much time in the countryside. Foot and mouth disease has put rural areas of England, Scotland and Ireland off limits. But despite the current crisis, our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, says farms elsewhere have become a destination for many travelers looking for an unusual kind of vacation.

March 6 & 7, 2001
Airline Strikes
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Four of the country's seven major airlines are facing labor problems. This Sunday, mechanics at Northwest are threatening to walk of the job, which would shut down the airline. Delta pilots have asked to be permitted to strike by April first. We asked our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, for the story behind the story as well as for some tips on we should do about the continuing mess in the skies.

February 20 & 21, 2001
Luxury Rental Cars
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Let’s say you’re a little tired of the ole’ family mini-van. Or that Honda Accord with 140,000 miles on it. Our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, tells us you can rent your dream car – for a price. Oh, by the way – that Accord with all the miles on it? That’s what he drives.

February 6 & 7, 2001
Look Ma! - No Hands!
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Rudy Maxa, The Savvy Traveler, gives us a little taste of voice recognition software for drivers, travelers, or anyone who wants information even closer than at your fingertips .

You can read - and hear - more from Rudy and company at SavvyTraveler.org!