Which laws drive you crazy overseas?

 IT'S HERE! How To Be The World's Smartest Traveler is now available. Get your own copy of the book that will change the way you travel. 

Foreign traffic rules crank up chaos. In this week's USA Today column, I talk about the hazards of driving overseas. You'll want to read this provocative story before you cross the border. 

Thank you, Keep Your Cooler. We're grateful to our sponsors at Keep Your Cooler, which sell the best insulated cooler bags -- the ideal travel accessory. You can find many exclusive styles and sizes on its site. They make perfect carry-ons. 

Seen any airline-like hotel fees? In your recent travels, have you ever encountered a hotel fee looks like something an airline would have come up with? For example, one Las Vegas hotel has a fee for booking by phone. Many other properties have completely nonrefundable rooms. Do tell! Please email me. As always, don't forget to include your full name, city and occupation. Your answer may appear in a story. 

This week's highlights. Over on Souvenirist, check out our slide show on the riveting Italian Dolomites. The must-read story on Elliott is about a hotel refund that never materialized. There's quite a discussion about this one. Oh, and you absolutely have to watch my new USA Today TV ad -- it's hilarious! If you're interested in following along as my European road trip winds down this week, please follow me onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Save the world. Please volunteer. Are you tired of just reading about the latest consumer problems? Do you want to do something about it? Well, now you can. We need volunteers to help build the content for a next-generation consumer organization. It's gonna be big, and it launches soon. Here's how to get involved. 

What's up on Souvenirist? Our new destination site is producing more top-flight content. We feature ways to bring New York City home to you. Get up close with the whales in Juneau, Alaska. And find out abouta castle that's at the heart of an ancient conflict. 

What's new on Elliott? Which airlines have the worst service? Our research director, Nancy Marine, has a few candidates. Is the American-US Airways merger delivering on its promises? I take an early look at this controversial deal. Also, what do you do when your vacation package is missing a component? And one word: Comcast. Did I get your attention? 

What's the latest on Consumer Traveler? Charlie Leocha talks about one of his favorite German destinations, Heidelberg. Also, we take a hard look at the TSA, CBP and ask: Who is profiting from the current arrangement? Ned Levi wonders what the demise of Windows XP means for travelers. 

Let's talk! The stories you see in this newsletter are just a starting point. I hope you'll take a minute to leave a comment, whether you agree or disagree with something I've written. Let's continue the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or Google. I'm listening. And of course, I'm also here if you need me. Here's my email address. 

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