The Penny Pincher's Passport to Luxury Travel (Travelers' Tales Guides)

I found it extremely helpful as I began to plan for an upcoming trip; I avoided many hassles and got a great hotel upgrade. I knew exactly what to ask for and who to ask. It's clear from his extensive research and wide range of knowledge that Widzer is obviously the authority on travel-he knows his stuff.

I'll definitely turn to this book again and again, and have already referred it to a number of friends.


Save a Tree   May 5, 2004
 10 out of 13 found this review helpful

Amazon says to focus on the content of the book when writing a review. Unfortunately, there is no content to focus on. Be nice to people, ask for upgrades, frequent the same airline, hotel chain, etc? How many miles did the author have to fly to figure that one out? It took me about 2 trips to realize the benefit of loyalty. What exactly do they teach at Pepperdine?

I only wish Amazon would have some way to verify where the reviews are coming from. I am confident that the only thing left would be 1 star comments. Most of the positive reviews look quite similar, even where there are writing errors.

The good news is, publishers must be desperate, so if you want to write a book on pretty much anything, I am confident you will get published. I was thinking about writing a book on how to properly dispose of this so-called "book". It will be 2 pages long, then repeat itself for 148 more pages...


Thought Provoking   March 17, 2004
 2 out of 8 found this review helpful

This is a thought provoking book.

The basic premise of this book is that through the creation of mutually beneficial relationship, both travel providers and travel consumers can benefit. The author takes a decidedly different approach from most travel writers who preach that consumers should in a Machiavellian style base purchasing decisions solely on price. Rather, the author contends that consumers and providers should seek a methodology of understanding each others needs and interest-seeking long term benefits-not short term opportunistic behavior.

To me this is a book for the new world of travel.

It has also yielded me a few upgrades.


Indispensable Travel Advice   February 12, 2004
 1 out of 7 found this review helpful

This book is an indispensable resource for getting more luxury for less when you travel. Buy it, study it, and implement the strategies and you will save thousands of dollars while you travel in the lap of luxury.


The Reviewer of 10-31-02 Must be Jealous   November 4, 2002
 5 out of 10 found this review helpful

I purchased this book over two years ago and have found it to be very useful. What puzzles me about the review on 10-31-02 is that the author teaches you how to save money not spend money. So I am not sure why it says "how to waste money before you travel." From my participation in travel discussion groups it seems that readers either think that the author is full of something or right on the point. I do not know the author nor do I receive any remunerated for this post, but I must say that those who think the author is nuts are just plain jealous. If one reads this book earnestly, they would discover how his principles do have validity. For example, when the book was released it was the height of the airline industries profits and ignorance; however, he said that markets are cyclical and described what is referred to as the contrarian theory chapter 4. This piece of advice is worth 10 platinum memberships. Moreover, the way the author approaches the travel industry in a non-adversarial role is in my opinion much more beneficial than trying to show travel industry insiders how much smarter you are than them. To those who criticize this guy keep on-doing so-it leaves those with insight more upgrades and first class opportunities.