Do your homework before traveling overseas to get the best currency exchange rates and avoid add-on fees and commissions.

For those fearful of the effects of the oil spill on summer or fall travel plans, look no further.  Some travel websites are finding ways to keep you updated on the spill and how it might affect your vacation plans.

What can be better than spending a summer night outdoors, away from Chicago with your favorite friends and enjoying the live music of your favorite bands? How about doing all that and saving money?

Sure you know the run-of-the-mill tips for saving money on travel, such as looking for coupons or getting your plane tickets far in advance. But this year, there are strategies you might not have considered.

Photo courtesy of UAL and Continental Airlines.

A merger with Continental Airlines Inc. and Chicago-based UAL Corp. could create the world’s largest airline—as well as a solid investment opportunity with an undervalued company. But don’t act so fast, Morningstar Inc. analyst Basili Alukos explains.

Chicago hotels see more demand for rooms, but so far aren’t able to raise daily room rates.