Travel Guide

Vacations are great for spending time with the family, but sometimes it's good for your kids to bring along their friends. But there's a fine line you have to walk when you're responsible for another little one during a lengthy trip.

By Susan Sherwood, Ph.D.

Most travelers think their own auto insurance will cover rental car accidents, too. But do you honestly know the details of your coverage, how long your coverage will last or how well you're really protected?

By Christopher Neiger

Nothing saps the fun from a road trip like being pulled over by a cop. Besides simply obeying traffic laws, how can you avoid a ticket on your next trip?

By Nicholas Gerbis

It probably wasn't too long ago when the only person you worried about trashing a hotel room was you. All that changed when you had kids (or started using your own credit card to secure rooms). When's the right time to book them a separate suite?

By Tom Scheve

If your motto for this getaway is "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas," then you might want to leave the impressionable dependents at home. But if you're in the area and you're looking for some family friendly fun, Sin City does provide some options.

By Nicholas Gerbis

If you pack the car in a thoughtful way, your passengers (read: children) will be entertained, well fed and happy while they travel. How do you pack right?

By Meredith Bower

Rest areas are supposed to be safe havens for drivers who need some shut eye. But they're not nearly as secure you'd think. How can you play it safe at rest stops?

By Clint Pumphrey

Flying with your children can be one of the most stressful things you have to do as a parent. But it doesn't have to be a nightmare. What's the trick to keeping your kids comfortable during a flight?

By Lawrence Schumacher

The best time to get on the road may depend on a lot of factors, including how far you're going, the weather, traffic and other conditions. What factors should you keep in mind when scheduling a road trip?

By Jonathan Strickland

Sometimes you may not have any control over the type of car you get when you walk up to the rental counter to pick up your keys. If you have a choice, what factors should influence your rental-car decisions?

By Jonathan Strickland

Is it safe for parents to travel without their kids? There's a lot of planning and preparation involved in leaving the little ones at home, but just what do you need to do before you go?

By Linda C. Brinson

It's the sentence sure to fill even the most confident parent with fear: "Mom, Dad, I want to go with the other kids on spring break." How should you respond?

By Patrick J. Kiger

Child-care duties can make a family holiday feel more like a working vacation. Should you hire or bring along your nanny to take some of those duties off your plate?

By Nicholas Gerbis

Not every hotel is built for your boisterous little ones. How can you find lodging where your kids can run free and enjoy their time away from home?

By Clint Pumphrey

Some things prevent flying from being fun -- small seats, crowded legroom and snoring seatmates top the list. But we've found 10 ways to stay healthy, rested and entertained during your flight.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

You used to call your travel agent when you wanted to plan a trip. Thanks to the Internet, you can now book everything with just a few clicks of your computer keyboard. However, when it comes to booking online, a little research can go a long way.

By Stephanie Watson

Everyone deserves the VIP treatment -- yes, even you. So why not try to score a few hotel and airline upgrades for yourself? It's easier than you think, as long as you're discreet.

By Dave Roos

In the movies, when the leading man wants a table at a fancy restaurant, he slips the host a bill. Does that work in real life?

By Clint Pumphrey

Conventional wisdom says booking your trip two weeks out will help keep your costs down. But is there a better way to determine the best time to make your travel plans?

By Josh Briggs

Your travel time is precious -- there's a lot to see and do, and very little time to do it in. The relaxing trip you planned may turn hectic. What should you do to experience a city on a weekend trip?

By Jonathan Strickland

Airline e-tickets have replaced traditional paper tickets, saving consumers time and money. Learn how e-tickets work.

By Tim Crosby

Frequent flyer programs are part of most airlines and provide rewards to travelers. Learn how to choose a frequent flyer program and about airline alliances.

By Connie O'Donnell

Flying takes kids out of their comfort zones and normal routines, so a trip can go from exciting and fun to torturous in a matter of minutes. Parents look for the tiniest advantage when booking flights. When's a better time to take to the skies -- morning or evening?

By Jessica Brown

Vacation can mean spending a week -- an entire week! -- having the best time with your best bud. Sometimes, however, the novelty wears off. What do you need to keep in mind when sending out vacation invitations to your inner circle?

By Tom Scheve

Love 'em or hate 'em, you will inevitably have to spend time with your spouse's parents during a few holidays or special events throughout the year. But what about vacations? Are they an in-law do or an in-law don't?

By Jessica Willis