Weekly Travel Roundup

Here are some articles and links from around the travel world that came across my desk this week. If you have any questions or suggestions, leave them in the comments, post them on our Facebook page or send them my way on Twitter.

10 worst cities for travel taxes

Do you budget for taxes in your travel expenses? Most of us don’t. Fox News takes a look at the cities who charge visitors the most. Sadly, my hometown of Chicago leads the pack. Don’t get my mother (who lives in Chicagoland) started on this topic – she’ll talk your ear off over Chicago politics and taxes.

Airlines that offer free stopovers

Looking to add a few extra days to your next vacation? Consider a free stopover. IcelandAir is well known for letting travelers spend a few extra nights in Reykjavík, but other airlines offer similar deals with stays in Japan, Singapore, Dubai, and more.

Can’t get a hotel room? Blame your boss

Are rising hotel costs this year downgrading your hotel choices? I’ve been shocked by both the way higher rates and the unavailability of rooms in major cities I routinely visit. My clients’ corporate rates have also been going up, up, up. How are these 2014 hotel rates affecting you?

Southwest Airlines Fined $200K for Misleading Fare Ads

Two years ago, the Department of Transportation told airlines to advertise the full fare (with all fees and taxes included). Repeat offender Southwest is now out $200,000 for not following the rules and advertising $59 ATL flights last year. The DoT is also working on some new rules to make sure that consumers are fully aware of the true cost of flying before buying a ticket.

Flying Female Executives Seek Privacy on Overnight Trips

For females traveling for business, more female-friendly offerings are becoming available according to this article by Bloomberg. I do like Hyatt Hotels trying to have room service delivery be made by a woman.