Author: Christopher Elliott, Special to USA TODAY

Hotels are collecting more cancellation penalties than ever. Here are some insider strategies for canceling your reservation without getting dinged.

You don’t want to cut corners on some medical procedures. Here are some tips on figuring out when to go and when to stay closer to home.

Hackers are coming after your personal data, your credit card information and your loyalty points.

No matter what your airline or travel agent tells you, minimum connection times are no guarantee that your connecting flight won’t leave without you.

This is the year to consider a travel insurance policy, given global insecurities and the increasingly restrictive policies of travel companies.

Travel companies are coming up with all kinds of new charges these days, which is hardly a surprise. The real shocker is the way they justify the fees.

Turn off your cellphone. Downsize your luggage. And remember that your standards aren’t necessarily their standards.

What can a volcano in the middle of the Pacific teach you about being a better traveler? Plenty.

Hotels are trying to snag more vacation rental guests. Here’s what to know before you try it.

How do you get along with these revelers? It’s as simple as setting expectations and stepping outside your comfort zone.