"Unlike the oil industry, which is scrutinized at all levels, travel writing has become an extension of the industry. With few exceptions, travel writing and travel sections share the singular goal of helping consumers spend their money pursuing the dream of a perfect trip. They seldom write critical reviews; only articles about what to do...

Independent travelers often have a love/hate relationship with the travel industry. The love: Transportation networks make things easy. Beds of all calibers are usually easy to find. Information about places we've never been to has been collected and bound into books. The hate: The industry's ability to funnel large numbers of people into a single...

Who draws the line between "corporate travel" and "leisure travel"? (My answer: The travel industry.) Is this a good thing or a bad thing for travelers? Why? Discuss.

It's a question based on the "walk a mile in someone else's moccasins" premise: To fully understand and experience travel, do you have to spend time on the hospitality side as well? Some might argue that not all travelers are customers of the hospitality industry. True, not too many vagabonds will be booking Club Med...