Thinking of cashing in some of those frequent-flier points?  You better hurry up.

Citing rising operating costs, Air Miles, Canada's biggest customer loyalty program, is increasing the number of miles required for flights and may cut back on other program benefits.

Starting Feb. 12th, the number of miles required to get onboard will jump by an average of 8 per cent with high-demand regions increasing by as much as 14 per cent. Trips that are already booked, however, remain unscathed.

Before you flop into that bed after a long trip, you might want to take a closer look at just what you might be jumping into. 

Based on traveler reviews, TripAdvisor has just released its annual list of the world's dirtiest hotels, highlighting the horrors – from bed bugs to mould in the bathroom – found in 10 hotels each for seven countries around the globe, including Canada.

With the economy leaving many feeling financially squeezed, it’s tough to find the cash to support your favourite charity. How about donating some of those air miles instead?

Websites such as MileDonor have detailed lists of airlines and their charity organizations. Donating your AIR MILES allows non-profit organizations like Kids Help Phone or Special Olympics Canada to access airline seats to fly people in need, or book them into a hotel room. 

A stronger Canadian dollar has many people thinking about relocating in retirement, in hopes of enjoying milder weather and generally lower expenses. 

If you’re only going for a winter break, even one that lasts a couple of months, then U.S. taxes aren’t a great concern. But, if you see yourself staying longer than that, then you better start paying attention, particularly when you consider that states with low income taxes often have higher sales or property taxes, and vice versa.

By Jason Buckland, Sympatico / MSN Finance

If you’ve ever bummed it in Europe, your Visa takes some incredible hits.

My own recent trip provided some noteworthy examples of misspending, like staying in Venice for more than 45 minutes and splurging for undercooked Santorini swordfish that would later evacuate my entire body faster than a fire drill at Usain Bolt’s house.

But of all the unnecessary charges I levied upon myself, few compared to the bucks I was laying down for airport Wi-Fi.

By Gordon Powers, Sympatico / MSN Finance

Looking for a cheap travel option? Then why not see what's happening down on the farm.

Last summer, one of my son’s friends spent a few weeks working on a couple of farms in Australia with WWOOF – World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms.

Aside from it being a really cheap way to travel, he wanted to learn firsthand how to cultivate a more sustainable lifestyle. By all accounts, he struck it rich on both fronts.

By Jason Buckland, Sympatico / MSN Finance

For years we’ve been told to buy early when it comes to air travel. The sooner you get your tickets, the lighter the hit on your Visa. Book late, and you’re sure to land on a mid-week, overnight flight crammed between two guys who look like Dom DeLuise.

But in 2009, what are the actual rules when it comes to pricing flights? Most travel agents say the adage of booking 20 days in advance doesn’t apply nearly as much as it used to. And with major airlines hemorrhaging jobs and struggling to keep flight crews employed – let alone cover their own fuel costs – who knows when seat sales, if any, are set to pop up?