A Q&A for Cheapflights.com

I'm flattered -- Cheapflights.com was nice enough to ask me to be part of the company's "Waiting to Board With..." blog series.

In the Q&A, I talk about my quirky packing habits/obsession ... and my worst trip ever.

Gift Guide for Travelers

You won't find frivolous luggage tags or passport covers in this Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers.

For Money magazine's December issue, I interviewed travel experts about what they'd like to give (and receive) this year.

The panel of travel experts included:

Meredith Hanrahan, Chief Travel Officer of Cheapflights Media (www.cheapflights.com) and a million-mile frequent flier who has logged more than 175,000 miles in the past 9 months

Marybeth Bond, author of 50 Best Girlfriends Getaways in North America

Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor of CruiseCritic.com

John DiScala, founder of JohnnyJet.com

From a lightweight Delsey suitcase to a TSA-friendly Samsonite laptop bag, it's hard not to add these great gift ideas to your holiday wish list.

Photo: Courtesy Delsey

Holiday Travel Deals for Christmas & New Year's

Scared off by high prices and holiday-travel crowds?

Here are some affordable alternatives for holiday travel, as I wrote for Money magazine's November issue.

Where to Find Holiday Travel Bargains

Rather than ski in Breckenridge, head to Crested Butte, Colorado. I found a five-night Ski.com package that includes lift tickets and an airfare credit up to $400.

Everyone goes to San Juan, Puerto Rico, but you can find white-sand beaches and savings in Nassau, Bahamas.

New York City is one of the world's biggest New Year's Eve parties, but Washington, D.C. has the museums -- and the National Christmas tree.

Photo by Amy Chen: The view of the Washington Monument from the rooftop bar at the W Hotel.

Rally to Restore Sanity, Washington, D.C.

Like a trail of ants, thousands of people from all corners of Washington, D.C., head toward the National Mall for the Jon Stewart/Stephen Colbert rally.

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.