A special series of posts delivering money-saving travel tips.
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Entries tagged as innovations…
November 18, 2009, 9:37 AM
If someone else finds a better rate at Orbitz on a hotel stay you've booked, the company will automatically reimburse you for the difference and send you a $50 code good toward a future booking.
If someone else finds a better rate at Orbitz on a hotel stay you've booked, the company will automatically reimburse you for the difference and send you a $50 code good toward a future booking.
Comments (8)
November 7, 2009, 12:17 PM
Get a true birds-eye view of the world via a high-definition camera mounted on a remote-controlled helicopter.
Get a true birds-eye view of the world via a high-definition camera mounted on a remote-controlled helicopter.
November 6, 2009, 10:33 AM
If you're going to Paris soon, or you're just back, you can comment, ask questions, or leave recommendations and tips for other travelers—and you may hear back directly from our editors in real time.
If you're going to Paris soon, or you're just back, you can comment, ask questions, or leave recommendations and tips for other travelers—and you may hear back directly from our editors in real time.
November 4, 2009, 3:22 PM
The free app can recognize the name of a bottle of wine on a menu or of a church on a sign. Never forget the details of your trip again.
The free app can recognize the name of a bottle of wine on a menu or of a church on a sign. Never forget the details of your trip again.
November 3, 2009, 11:35 AM
The popular bike-sharing program in Montreal is going global.
The popular bike-sharing program in Montreal is going global.
October 28, 2009, 11:42 AM
What's so neat about the app is that it finally makes it practical to use Priceline's bidding service at the 11th-hour. We break down why this smartphone application is worth it.
What's so neat about the app is that it finally makes it practical to use Priceline's bidding service at the 11th-hour. We break down why this smartphone application is worth it.
October 23, 2009, 3:44 PM
Former petty criminals have been stationed around Naples to steer tourists clear of danger. But will the successful pilot program get the necessary funding to continue?
Former petty criminals have been stationed around Naples to steer tourists clear of danger. But will the successful pilot program get the necessary funding to continue?
October 19, 2009, 11:32 AM
Josh Clark wrote the book, literally, on iPhone apps, for leading tech publisher O'Reilly. We caught up with him for some iPhone travel tips.
Josh Clark wrote the book, literally, on iPhone apps, for leading tech publisher O'Reilly. We caught up with him for some iPhone travel tips.
October 15, 2009, 1:18 PM
Today, American Airlines launched a new website called Black Atlas, dedicated to connecting African-American travelers with each other.
Today, American Airlines launched a new website called Black Atlas, dedicated to connecting African-American travelers with each other.
October 8, 2009, 4:34 PM
Now called Exploritas, the company hopes to attract younger travelers by dropping the age requirement, launching more tours, and adding a social networking tool to its website.
Now called Exploritas, the company hopes to attract younger travelers by dropping the age requirement, launching more tours, and adding a social networking tool to its website.
October 6, 2009, 10:53 AM
TripAdvisor's new site estimates the fees you'll shell out for flights from the U.K. and throughout Europe.
TripAdvisor's new site estimates the fees you'll shell out for flights from the U.K. and throughout Europe.
September 24, 2009, 3:39 PM
Meet the man who rethought everything from in-cabin lighting to the design of boarding passes.
Meet the man who rethought everything from in-cabin lighting to the design of boarding passes.
September 18, 2009, 5:36 PM
Three new kiosks with touch screens let travelers punch in an itinerary and purchase the appropriate offset on the spot.
Three new kiosks with touch screens let travelers punch in an itinerary and purchase the appropriate offset on the spot.
August 28, 2009, 11:20 AM
Some of the info that most surprised me while reading and Twittering this week
Some of the info that most surprised me while reading and Twittering this week
August 13, 2009, 3:03 PM
Samsung's new 12.2-megapixel "smart" camera has two LCDs: a 3-inch touch-screen on the back and a 1.5-inch front display.
Samsung's new 12.2-megapixel "smart" camera has two LCDs: a 3-inch touch-screen on the back and a 1.5-inch front display.
August 3, 2009, 10:10 AM
After visiting an estimated 200 stops throughout the city, the Wegeners shared some tips about the Big Apple's underbelly—as well as great places for dining and sightseeing above ground.
After visiting an estimated 200 stops throughout the city, the Wegeners shared some tips about the Big Apple's underbelly—as well as great places for dining and sightseeing above ground.
July 30, 2009, 11:13 AM
Mexico City is covering tourists in case of swine flu or other health problems. It's a world first.
Mexico City is covering tourists in case of swine flu or other health problems. It's a world first.
April 27, 2009, 5:35 PM
Channel your inner Indiana Jones at the interactive Museo Archeologico Virtuale, whose multimedia installations bring Pompeii and Herculaneum back to life.
Channel your inner Indiana Jones at the interactive Museo Archeologico Virtuale, whose multimedia installations bring Pompeii and Herculaneum back to life.
April 15, 2009, 1:10 PM
A new website allows you to reserve, and pay-in-advance for, bicycles at shops in 37 states and 144 U.S. cities. Reserve a bike to your own specification, such as cruiser or racer.
A new website allows you to reserve, and pay-in-advance for, bicycles at shops in 37 states and 144 U.S. cities. Reserve a bike to your own specification, such as cruiser or racer.
April 13, 2009, 11:36 AM
E-mail all of your electronic airline itineraries, hotel confirmations, restaurant reviews, and other trip-planning info to TripIt and you can retrieve all of the info in one place: your iPhone.
E-mail all of your electronic airline itineraries, hotel confirmations, restaurant reviews, and other trip-planning info to TripIt and you can retrieve all of the info in one place: your iPhone.
April 3, 2009, 10:19 AM
A reader asks, "Before you walk through the scanner, airports require that you put your cell phone in the bin. So how do you show your boarding pass to the TSA agent when it is on the x-ray machine belt?"
A reader asks, "Before you walk through the scanner, airports require that you put your cell phone in the bin. So how do you show your boarding pass to the TSA agent when it is on the x-ray machine belt?"
March 24, 2009, 9:11 AM
Kayak recently bought TravelPost and gave it a more powerful search engine. Its goal is to replace TripAdvisor as the most visited site for hotel reviews and rates.
Kayak recently bought TravelPost and gave it a more powerful search engine. Its goal is to replace TripAdvisor as the most visited site for hotel reviews and rates.
March 19, 2009, 4:24 PM
Fly.com's the new kid on the block when it comes to airfare metasearch. The site hasn't started advertising yet, but you'll be soon hearing a lot more about it.
Fly.com's the new kid on the block when it comes to airfare metasearch. The site hasn't started advertising yet, but you'll be soon hearing a lot more about it.
March 11, 2009, 11:57 AM
A Madrid-based adventure travel company now invites past customers to go on in-the-making expeditions and help shape the itinerary.
A Madrid-based adventure travel company now invites past customers to go on in-the-making expeditions and help shape the itinerary.
March 9, 2009, 3:06 PM
Kayak.com CEO Steve Hafner dishes about the travel industry, copycat designs, and his company's plans to take on TripAdvisor in the hotel-reviewing game.
Kayak.com CEO Steve Hafner dishes about the travel industry, copycat designs, and his company's plans to take on TripAdvisor in the hotel-reviewing game.
March 6, 2009, 1:32 PM
Having the fee info included in fare quotes makes it easier for travelers to make apples-to-apples comparisons.
Having the fee info included in fare quotes makes it easier for travelers to make apples-to-apples comparisons.
March 6, 2009, 10:58 AM
Google's Street View now shows you user-generated photos for richer views of landmarks, while Flickr's new Clock feature creatively presents user-generated videos worldwide.
Google's Street View now shows you user-generated photos for richer views of landmarks, while Flickr's new Clock feature creatively presents user-generated videos worldwide.
February 24, 2009, 2:10 PM
Kayak has now made it easier to see daily rates for hotels, and also to share great flights with others.
Kayak has now made it easier to see daily rates for hotels, and also to share great flights with others.
December 8, 2008, 3:16 PM
Personalized in-flight magazines, Europe's Christmas markets, a travel blogger raffle, and airport hate.
Personalized in-flight magazines, Europe's Christmas markets, a travel blogger raffle, and airport hate.
November 24, 2008, 3:32 PM
Passengers in Canada who require extra seats soon won't have to pay for them.
Passengers in Canada who require extra seats soon won't have to pay for them.
October 31, 2008, 2:25 PM
A new hotel is helping you include sustainable and volunteer travel during your stay, with rates from $89.
A new hotel is helping you include sustainable and volunteer travel during your stay, with rates from $89.
October 31, 2008, 11:10 AM
Haunted prisons and inns, Frankenstein's castle, travel horror movies, and "No trick or treat" posters.
Haunted prisons and inns, Frankenstein's castle, travel horror movies, and "No trick or treat" posters.
October 31, 2008, 9:40 AM
The booking agency shares data on which flight routes are yielding the most refund checks through its Price Assurance program.
The booking agency shares data on which flight routes are yielding the most refund checks through its Price Assurance program.
October 23, 2008, 3:40 PM
Your iPhone replaces "all those little buttons you see on the in-room telephones" at many hotels for ordering room service, setting a wake up call, or requesting missing toiletries.
Your iPhone replaces "all those little buttons you see on the in-room telephones" at many hotels for ordering room service, setting a wake up call, or requesting missing toiletries.
October 1, 2008, 12:10 PM
A new website makes it easier to book a car rental without feeling guilty about your environmental impact by offering free carbon-offset credits plus tips on driving efficiently.
A new website makes it easier to book a car rental without feeling guilty about your environmental impact by offering free carbon-offset credits plus tips on driving efficiently.
September 30, 2008, 9:30 AM
Some websites are giving a personalized (and much safer) spin to the ancient art of hitchhiking.
Some websites are giving a personalized (and much safer) spin to the ancient art of hitchhiking.
September 26, 2008, 11:49 AM
Nearly half of the London Tube's cars will have air-conditioning. Whew!
Nearly half of the London Tube's cars will have air-conditioning. Whew!
September 26, 2008, 11:42 AM
Our Extra Mile Award winner for 2008 makes yet another improvement!
Our Extra Mile Award winner for 2008 makes yet another improvement!
September 26, 2008, 10:35 AM
Once you've messaged a photo from your cell phone to an assigned address, your friends can see your pics from their computers or their cell-phone's Web browser.
Once you've messaged a photo from your cell phone to an assigned address, your friends can see your pics from their computers or their cell-phone's Web browser.
September 11, 2008, 2:54 PM
Take a GPS-guided tour in San Francisco, Miami, San Diego, Barcelona, or Lisbon, in these cute cars that "talk" to you about the sites you're passing.
Take a GPS-guided tour in San Francisco, Miami, San Diego, Barcelona, or Lisbon, in these cute cars that "talk" to you about the sites you're passing.
August 28, 2008, 12:09 PM
It's a street map. No, it's a subway map. No, it's a neighborhood map. Whoa!
It's a street map. No, it's a subway map. No, it's a neighborhood map. Whoa!
August 21, 2008, 12:26 AM
Photo-stitching software offers three-dimensional images.
Photo-stitching software offers three-dimensional images.
August 13, 2008, 10:14 AM
"Earn extra cash: Rent your airbed."
"Earn extra cash: Rent your airbed."
August 12, 2008, 11:21 AM
In an industry first, a major hotel chain will set aside 10 percent of its rooms as allergy-free zones by the end of next year.
In an industry first, a major hotel chain will set aside 10 percent of its rooms as allergy-free zones by the end of next year.
July 25, 2008, 9:06 AM
New passport cards can be used for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. They cost roughly half as much as traditional passports.
New passport cards can be used for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. They cost roughly half as much as traditional passports.
July 22, 2008, 9:20 AM
Not only can Rand McNally's microfiber maps help you find your way in more than 20 U.S. cities, they also double as cloths for cleaning your glasses. They're washable and wrinkle-resistant. $6
Not only can Rand McNally's microfiber maps help you find your way in more than 20 U.S. cities, they also double as cloths for cleaning your glasses. They're washable and wrinkle-resistant. $6
July 10, 2008, 10:06 PM
For every 10 reservations you book via Hotels.com, you'll get a free night at a location of your choice. No blackout dates for stays at about 45,000 properties.
For every 10 reservations you book via Hotels.com, you'll get a free night at a location of your choice. No blackout dates for stays at about 45,000 properties.
June 18, 2008, 10:19 AM
This summer, Southwest, American, Alaska, JetBlue, and Lufthansa all plan on testing WiFi services that will allow laptop- and Blackberry-toting passengers to stay plugged in.
This summer, Southwest, American, Alaska, JetBlue, and Lufthansa all plan on testing WiFi services that will allow laptop- and Blackberry-toting passengers to stay plugged in.
June 13, 2008, 3:46 PM
If you book a flight on Orbitz and another customer subsequently books the same class seat on the same flight for a lower fare, Orbitz will reimburse you for the difference up to $250.
If you book a flight on Orbitz and another customer subsequently books the same class seat on the same flight for a lower fare, Orbitz will reimburse you for the difference up to $250.
June 9, 2008, 4:23 PM
Apple is making its iPhones more affordable to budget travelers. Here are tips on how to use this cell phone on the road without getting slapped with enormous charges.
Apple is making its iPhones more affordable to budget travelers. Here are tips on how to use this cell phone on the road without getting slapped with enormous charges.
June 6, 2008, 9:50 AM
Priceline is offering a full refund of its 3- to 8-day vacation packages if it rains at least a half an inch a day on the majority of your vacation days.
Priceline is offering a full refund of its 3- to 8-day vacation packages if it rains at least a half an inch a day on the majority of your vacation days.
June 3, 2008, 3:42 PM
Paris is buzzing about the decision to build the Signal Tower, a skyscraper resembling four stacked cubes, in the central La Defense district.
Paris is buzzing about the decision to build the Signal Tower, a skyscraper resembling four stacked cubes, in the central La Defense district.
May 30, 2008, 10:59 AM
An amazing optical device dubbed the Telectroscope has been installed at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge and by London City Hall. Wave at a Londoner, live.
An amazing optical device dubbed the Telectroscope has been installed at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge and by London City Hall. Wave at a Londoner, live.
May 14, 2008, 10:58 AM
Ever search for hotel and activity ideas by "theme" and "location"? Now you can. Uptake.com scours more than 1,000 travel sites and produces edited lists of travel recommendations.
Ever search for hotel and activity ideas by "theme" and "location"? Now you can. Uptake.com scours more than 1,000 travel sites and produces edited lists of travel recommendations.
May 12, 2008, 2:53 PM
Signspotting.com features a new sign daily. Travelers who submit photos can earn $50 if their photo is picked as a winner by other users--thanks to a redesigned format.
Signspotting.com features a new sign daily. Travelers who submit photos can earn $50 if their photo is picked as a winner by other users--thanks to a redesigned format.
May 5, 2008, 2:29 PM
Virgin America has big plans for its in-flight instant messaging service. But a recent test drive suggests passengers aren’t ready for it.
Virgin America has big plans for its in-flight instant messaging service. But a recent test drive suggests passengers aren’t ready for it.
April 29, 2008, 11:03 AM
The TSA is scheduled to expand its Black Diamond security checkpoint program to Milwaukee today, making it the 13th airport so far to offer self-select lanes based on ski icons (green for beginners, blue for intermediate, and black for expert).
The TSA is scheduled to expand its Black Diamond security checkpoint program to Milwaukee today, making it the 13th airport so far to offer self-select lanes based on ski icons (green for beginners, blue for intermediate, and black for expert).
April 24, 2008, 10:23 AM
The Power of Travel is a new website that lets you quickly look up your state or congressional district and see how much spending is done by tourists, with the estimated effect on tax revenues and job creation.
The Power of Travel is a new website that lets you quickly look up your state or congressional district and see how much spending is done by tourists, with the estimated effect on tax revenues and job creation.
April 15, 2008, 3:47 PM
Royal Caribbean's new ship is designed to have a cool interior courtyard open to the sky.
Royal Caribbean's new ship is designed to have a cool interior courtyard open to the sky.
April 8, 2008, 6:00 PM
Today, the photo-sharing website Flickr began to offer video uploads from cameraphones, digital cameras, and videocameras.
Today, the photo-sharing website Flickr began to offer video uploads from cameraphones, digital cameras, and videocameras.
February 22, 2008, 8:51 AM
The TSA is trying something novel at Denver International Airport: When you reach the security checkpoint, you can choose which line to enter.
The TSA is trying something novel at Denver International Airport: When you reach the security checkpoint, you can choose which line to enter.
February 21, 2008, 5:50 PM
February 2008 poll: What travel-related innovation from the past 10 years or so has made your trips more enjoyable?
February 2008 poll: What travel-related innovation from the past 10 years or so has made your trips more enjoyable?
January 15, 2008, 11:07 AM
hate having to find a place to put all the stuff. This new park has a solution for that, and it's very smart.
hate having to find a place to put all the stuff. This new park has a solution for that, and it's very smart.
January 9, 2008, 12:50 PM
A new virtual tour of ancient Rome is the latest exhibition at the Baths of Diocletian, a majestic collection of saunas and gymnasiums that are roughly 1,700 years old.
A new virtual tour of ancient Rome is the latest exhibition at the Baths of Diocletian, a majestic collection of saunas and gymnasiums that are roughly 1,700 years old.
December 19, 2007, 10:32 AM
In a new feature, Google invites you to type your airline name and flight number into its search box, and it will fetch the latest flight stats, such as whether your flight is delayed.
In a new feature, Google invites you to type your airline name and flight number into its search box, and it will fetch the latest flight stats, such as whether your flight is delayed.
December 12, 2007, 4:25 PM
Unlike airplanes, airships are lighter-than-air vehicles—similar to blimps but faster.
Unlike airplanes, airships are lighter-than-air vehicles—similar to blimps but faster.
November 8, 2007, 3:10 PM
You can now see updated info on cloud cover, Doppler radar, temperatures, and weather forecasts for major cities worldwide—get all the goods here.
You can now see updated info on cloud cover, Doppler radar, temperatures, and weather forecasts for major cities worldwide—get all the goods here.
November 2, 2007, 11:49 AM
The social-networking site of the hour begats the NewsTracker.
The social-networking site of the hour begats the NewsTracker.
October 30, 2007, 8:54 AM
Want to know where in the world you're going? Flickr's new feature, World Map, can help.
Want to know where in the world you're going? Flickr's new feature, World Map, can help.
October 18, 2007, 9:01 AM
TripAdvisor is trying to prove that you can be smart and sexy with their site facelift.
TripAdvisor is trying to prove that you can be smart and sexy with their site facelift.
October 12, 2007, 10:56 AM
Within a few years, you might no longer be using paper boarding passes to go through airport security checkpoints.
Within a few years, you might no longer be using paper boarding passes to go through airport security checkpoints.
September 18, 2007, 7:59 AM
TripIt, debuting today, will save you from the endless mountain of reservations, receipts, and confirmation numbers.
TripIt, debuting today, will save you from the endless mountain of reservations, receipts, and confirmation numbers.
July 24, 2007, 7:46 AM
The success of Eurocheapo, a hotel review website, isn't exactly the world's greatest mystery.
The success of Eurocheapo, a hotel review website, isn't exactly the world's greatest mystery.
July 13, 2007, 5:02 PM
The wonders of technology will get you wherever you need to go (even the closest Starbucks) via text message.
The wonders of technology will get you wherever you need to go (even the closest Starbucks) via text message.
June 14, 2007, 9:58 AM
Now, you can take a videoguide of the next hotel you'll be staying in, before you book.
Now, you can take a videoguide of the next hotel you'll be staying in, before you book.
May 15, 2007, 9:01 AM
It's the crystal ball of airfare prices; Farecast came out of beta-testing today and added new features.
It's the crystal ball of airfare prices; Farecast came out of beta-testing today and added new features.
April 23, 2007, 2:16 PM
Until now, there's been a common flaw with most Web travel agencies and fare-searching sites: They've been created by geeks.
Until now, there's been a common flaw with most Web travel agencies and fare-searching sites: They've been created by geeks.
