Includes index.

Before you go. How to-- Find the most reliable travel advice ; Book your next trip ; Make sure your papers are in order ; Stay healthy and safe ; Find the best travel insurance policy ; Buy the right luggage for your trip ; Manage your travel loyalty program -- Getting there. How to-- Rent a car ; Take a road trip ; Make sense of the world of air travel ; Make the most of a terminal visit ; Plan a cruise ; Handle the TSA and travel security -- On the ground. How to-- Resolve travel complains ; Have the best hotel stay possible ; Choose your ideal lodging arrangements ; Find the right vacation rentals ; Keep connected ; Troubleshoot your travel tour ; Manage your vacation cash ; Find the best places to eat on the road ; Survive a timeshare and travel club presentation.

"Consumer travel advocate Christopher Elliott gives you the inside scoop on how to travel smart in this new guide from National Geographic. Calling on practical advice accumulated from more than 20 years of experience in the field, Elliott guides you through the complexities of travel--from cruises to car rentals, travel insurance to time shares, restaurants to resorts, and airlines to agents--and arms you with all the information you need for a successful trip. Full of actionable advice and the answers to the most common--and perplexing--questions, Elliott guides readers through the new rules of travel and breaks through the virtual confusion of pricing, offers, discounts, packages, and every imaginable aspect of a trip, every step of the way. For beginning and seasoned travelers, for business and pleasure trips, this is the ultimate consumer guide to yourjourneys domestically or around the world"-- Provided by publisher.