Travel Tips

By Lisa McLaughlin

In the wake of the foiled London terrorism plot, air-travel regulations have become even more restrictive. The rules are in flux, so before leaving, check for updates from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration tsa.gov and any country where you are making connecting flights. Meanwhile, some tips to make traveling a bit less daunting. Fly Baggage Free

Passengers who want to avoid long waits at the luggage carousel can ship their suitcases ahead. Companies such as Virtual Bellhop, Sports Express and the Luggage Co. will pick up your bags from your home and have them waiting at your hotel. Expect to spend $50 to $150 for the convenience. Willing to wait? For a bit less, you can ship your bags via FedEx or UPS ground.

Leave the Driving to Them

Travel by bus has long been the least glamorous transit option. But with no advance check-in times, no baggage check and reasonable walk-up fares, bus travel could be just the ticket for short-hop trips. Hip new lines, budget carriers and luxury services offer riders looking to avoid airport hassles an alternative at several price points.

Chinatown Bus These buses, created to carry Asians from one ethnic enclave to another, offer no frills and irregular schedules. But the price is hard to beat: fares start at $15 from Boston to New York City and $20 from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

Megabus This U.S. version of a popular British bus line models itself after low-fare airlines, with colorful vehicles and hip styling. Eight Midwestern cities are linked to its Chicago hub with ticket prices as low as $1. More typical fares are $5 to Milwaukee, Wis., and $20 to St. Louis, Mo.

Luxury Lines Travelers who prefer a deluxe ride may be more comfortable on buses like the LimoLiner, with its 28 roomy recliners, free wi-fi and meal service between New York City and Boston for $79.

What You CAN and CANNOT Carry On Confused? Here's the latest on what's safe to take onboard and what's better off checked in.

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