Smart Tips for Budget Travelers

I could talk forever about budget travel, so I was happy to oblige when the Chicago Tribune's Josh Noel contacted me for some quick tips. (Yes, I'm that person who was annoyed to see that a tourist shop in Venice charged me €2 for a bottle of water when I could get it for under €0.50 at a grocery store a few minutes away.)

Read the article here.

What can I say? It's flattering to have my money-saving tips included next to smart strategies from George Hobica (founder of Airfarewatchdog.com) and Marc Peyser (editor of Budget Travel magazine).

Photo by Amy Chen

How to Score a Free Travel Upgrade

If you’re not a business traveler with elite status, getting upgraded can seem like a long shot. Want a better seat on the plane? These days, extra legroom or an aisle seat will cost you extra. Want a nicer hotel room? You can pay a bit more at check-in for a room on a higher floor.

So how exactly do you ask for a complimentary upgrade without coming across as a demanding customer or a complete cheapskate?

I asked travel experts with the power to grant or deny an upgrade -- including a front-desk manager, a car-rental agent, and airline experts -- for tips on how to score that coveted upgrade and other perks even if you’re an infrequent traveler.

Check out my "How to Score an Upgrade" story on CNN.com or pick up a copy of the October issue of Money magazine.

UPDATE: "How to Score an Upgrade" has been picked up by Yahoo! for the homepage carousel. Thanks to everyone who noticed and let me know about it!

Photo by Amy Chen: An ocean-view room at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Oahu.