Many travelers like the comfort of a big chain hotel when traveling overseas, others prefer something local with more character. While I personally like character, as a travel agent I've learned to appreciate things about the chains, especially in terms of having a backup for problems. With a problem in Dakar, Starwood came through big time.

US Airways to raise ticket prices by 600 percent on some routes, USH to get Harry Potter, 737 MAX to stay in Pacific Northwest plantsUS Airways to raise ticket prices by 600 percent on some routes, USH to get Harry Potter, 737 MAX to stay in Pacific Northwest plants