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News Stories by Doug Stallings

Douglas Stallings has been in travel publishing since 1993, and at Fodor's since 2000, where he's primarily responsible for guides covering the Caribbean and Cruising; he's also the series editor for Fodor's In Focus Guides. Doug has also worked for Berlitz and Frommer's. He has appeared on radio stations around the country, national and local television networks including CNNfn, CNBC, Business Week TV, WABC-TV and WCBS-TV (New York, NY), and online news sites such as CNN, CBSMarketwatch, and USAToday.

A Short Guide to Caribbean Summer Weather

May 27, 2009
Posted in Practical Travel Tips

Summer is fast approaching, and for many people, it's already started. For hurricane-watchers, the season officially starts on June 1 and continues a full six months, until November 30. (More)

10 Simple Ways to Survive a Summer Trip To Europe

May 20, 2009
Posted in Practical Travel Tips

The No-Nonsense Traveler provides his tips and tricks for saving money, avoiding the heat, and staying sane on your next European summer vacation.... (More)

No-Nonsense Traveler: 10 Simple Truths about Travel

May 13, 2009
Posted in Practical Travel Tips

"I'm by no means the final voice on travel, but I've been traveling (and enjoying it) since I was young. Over the years, I've learned several important lessons."... (More)

No-Nonsense Traveler's Tips for Tipping

May 06, 2009
Posted in Practical Travel Tips

The first (and most important) piece of advice that I can give anyone about tipping is that you absolutely have to do your homework. So many people just set off on a trip without learning anything about the place. Why would you not want to know what people expect in terms of tipping? Just remember to do your homework and it will all become less stressful.... (More)

Swine Flu Update: What Do We Know?

April 29, 2009
Posted in Deals & Discoveries

Doug Stallings takes a quick look at what we know, what we don't, and how the outbreak could affect future travel plans to Mexico.... (More)

No-Nonsense Traveler: Be Wary of European Budget Airlines

April 22, 2009
Posted in Practical Travel Tips | Tagged: No-Nonsense Traveler, Air Travel

If you can find a cheap airfare to, say, London, it's tempting to then want to switch over to Ryanair or Easyjet for the shorter (and significantly cheaper) hop to your actual European destination. Before you do that, I'd like to throw in a word of caution for the uninitiated and give you five simple tips for deciding if this is really worth your time and trouble.... (More)

No-Nonsense Traveler: Is Mexico Safe?

April 14, 2009
Posted in Practical Travel Tips | Tagged: Mexico

This week Doug Stallings weighs in on how the current situation in border areas of Mexico should (or should not) affect travelers' plans to visit that area, and shares his simple rules for staying safe in a foreign country.... (More)

No-Nonsense Traveler Tackles Reader Questions

April 08, 2009
Posted in Practical Travel Tips

This week Doug Stallings tackles the tough questions submitted by several readers: What's the real price on those bottom-dollar cruise deals? What's the best way to spend a 4-hour post-cruise layover in New Orleans? And finally, what's a good warm-weather getaway close to Portland, Oregon? Do you have your own burning question about travel? Need some advice on your next vacation? Email us for the chance to have your own question answered here in the coming weeks....... The True Cost of a Cruise I am a Master Cruise Counselor with 14 years in the industry. My experience is that one of the first things people ask is "How much does a cruise cost?" Usually the smaller the ship, the most it costs per diem. Was this true for you? Did you investigate the... (More)

No-Nonsense Traveler's Inbox: Four Nights in Puerto Rico

April 01, 2009
Posted in Practical Travel Tips

This week Doug Stallings answers a request, submitted by our readers Dennis and Sarah, for help planning some good-old-fashioned R&R in San Juan, Puerto Rico.... (More)

No-Nonsense Traveler: Choose the Cruise That's Right for You

March 25, 2009
Posted in Practical Travel Tips

The cruise experience, while a great vacation, is simply not for everyone. Some people are very prone to seasickness, some would prefer to spend their days lazing on the same beach, some want a true all-inclusive vacation (something most cruises are definitely not). But even if you love the sea, the most basic question you have to ask is not really whether cruising is right for you but what kind of cruising is right for you.... (More)

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