Author: Christopher Elliott, Special to USA TODAY

Whether it’s a cabin in the woods or a cruise ship cabin, Americans are dreaming of their next trip. And not just dreaming, but booking.

On your next trip, you’ll pay less and have more flexibility than ever. But offerings like breakfast buffets and crammed flights may be history.

Is the travel industry having a fire sale – or a going-out-of-business sale? And should you buy coronavirus travel deals or wait?

The travel industry can’t just pick up where it left off when the outbreak started. Customers deserve to be treated with respect, now more than ever.

If you want to be sure it’s safe to travel, wait for the State Department to lift its Level 4 advisory and the WHO and CDC to give the all-clear.

France is roughly two weeks ahead of the U.S. in the fight against the virus. What’s happening there could happen to us next.

The coronavirus outbreak was a golden opportunity for airlines, hotels and rental car agencies to help their best customers. They blew it.

If your vacation is still a ways off, there are ways to save it like changing destinations. But remember to follow protocols and buy travel insurance.

Pay attention to the behavior of companies as you seek refunds during the coronavirus crisis. Remember who treated you well and who didn’t.

There are three flavors of “free” in travel. There’s dangerous, there’s benign – and there’s truly free. Here’s how to tell the difference.