Can you really trust online traveler reviews?

Recently, TripAdvisor.com started placing warning labels next to reviews they thought were "suspicious." Several months ago, there was a flap at TripAdvisor's sister site CruiseCritic -- both of which are owned by Expedia -- when readers learned that a number of "unbiased reviewers" were actually receiving free cruises from Royal Caribbean.

The benefits of a good ranking on these sites are tremendous -- especially when occupancy rates are at record lows. And with consumers paying less attention to conventional advertising and more attention to blogs, user forums, and other social media, marketers are doing everything they can to exploit it.

Cruise Tips for Non-Cruisers -- Part 4.

Cruising isn't for everyone. And as cruise lines cut their fares - and consequently their costs - having a positive experience is hardly a given.

But with a little preparation and the right attitude, a well-chosen cruise can be a great vacation value and an excellent way to visit a variety of destinations in a relatively short time. Because of the glut of ships in the Mediterranean, that area is a particularly good buy this year.

Although cruise fares really aren't "all-inclusive," they do cover the cost of accommodations, transportation, and at the very least, breakfast.

Sometimes it's best to jump ship.

When you're on vacation, time is your most valuable commodity. And you hate to waste a minute of it on something that‘s not enjoyable. Over the years, we've learned that sometimes, you're better off cutting your losses.

Like the time we asked our concierge to arrange tickets for a flamenco show, only to find ourselves near the train station, in a bad part of Seville, crammed seat to seat next to 500 other tourists who arrived by tour bus.

We looked at each other, said, "We don't have to do this," and grabbed the next taxi which took us to El Arenal, an intimate little Flamenco club a short walk from our hotel.