They're on a Hip Trip

Travel is the purest expression of freedom. Hop a plane or a train or get behind the wheel and in a few hours you can escape from the routine, the familiar, to something new, exotic, liberating. But for years the travel industry has managed (or mismanaged) to drain much of the freedom and spontaneity out of travel. Planning a big summer trip with the kids?

Better make your reservations now. Want to take a flight that doesn't set you back a month's salary? Better buy your ticket weeks ahead of time....