SmarterTravel

4 days ago | smartertravel.com | Carol McPherson

What would you do if you were suddenly asked to disembark your luxurious river cruise for the bumpy upholstered seats of a motorcoach? It may sound like a travel nightmare, but it's a reality for some unlucky cruisers. Read on to find out what could cause your river cruise to turn into a bus tour and what to expect if it happens to you. • Why Do Some River Cruises Become Bus Tours? Whether or not your cruise becomes landlocked depends on Mother Nature.

1 week ago | smartertravel.com | Janeen Christoff

By Caroline Morse Teel Packing for an active trip is a balancing act: you want to be ready for anything, from sunrise yoga to multi-day hikes, but you don’t want to overpack and lug around gear you’ll never use. The key is smart, versatile essentials that pull double (or triple) duty and keep up with every part of your itinerary. Whether you're planning trail runs in the mountains or simply a hotel gym workout, these travel-friendly picks will keep your bag light and your adventures well-equipped.

1 week ago | smartertravel.com | Caroline Morse Teel

Do you get annoyed with flyers who immediately jump out of their seats once the plane lands, blocking the aisle and impeding the passengers in the rows in front of them trying to deplane? Or are you so desperate to leave your seat after a long flight that you must stand up right away? Whichever side of the debate you’re on, the rules around post-landing behavior are about to change—at least in one country.

2 weeks ago | smartertravel.com | Megan Johnson

Tariffs have been in the news lately, and the cost of products has been a hot topic. And while we know that goods coming in from countries worldwide will be tariffed before they can be put on the shelves and sold in stores and online, the question remains- what about personal items you buy while visiting one of these tariffed countries ? Will the cuckoo clock you pick up in Germany also be subject to them upon arrival in the U.S.? And what about duty-free shopping? Is that a thing of the past?

2 weeks ago | smartertravel.com | Carol McPherson

As the weather warms, it's time to start planning summer travel. This year, the 4th of July falls on a Friday, making it a proper holiday weekend—no PTO required. Take advantage of the extra long weekend with a trip that won’t break the bank. These destinations won't max out your holiday budget, with gorgeous public spaces, affordable activities, and free 4th of July events to pack the itinerary. Orlando, the theme park capital of the world, is a popular and affordable family stop any time of year.