Archive: In the News
Snakes in a Hotel Room
Carol's recent blog about the low numbers of visitors to the United States suggested some reasons why foreigners are staying away, but she neglected to mention one possibility: deadly snakes in our hotels. As an animal lover, I'm saddened by the wanton disregard for these creatures, but I also cringe...
By Christina Talcott | July 16, 2008; 07:16 AM ET | Comments (1)
Let's Talk Turkey: Is It Safe?
Yesterday's attack on the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul was tragic and scary, and immediately people started wondering: Is Turkey safe for travelers? The State Department posted a response on its Web site's page about visiting Turkey, and the advice offered is inconclusive at best: Essentially, travelers are warned to maintain...
By Christina Talcott | July 10, 2008; 03:12 PM ET | Comments (1)
Net Gains? American Adding Internet, for a Price
Starting today, some American Airlines passengers can test out the airline's new internet service on flights from New York to L.A. The broadband service, provided by Aircell, will offer free access to AA.com and a few other sites. American says it plans to install Aircell in 15 of its Boeing...
By Christina Talcott | June 25, 2008; 06:12 AM ET | Comments (7)
The Monday Rant: Detaining Foreign Visitors
So now America is trying to keep European tourists out. In a shocking story, the New York Times revealed on Wednesday that an Italian man who frequently came to the States to visit his Alexandria girlfriend was denied entry to the U.S. by a customs official at Dulles airport. Customs...
By Christina Talcott | May 19, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (17)
World Heritage Sites: Tasty?
When the World Heritage committee designates a man-made structure like the Taj Mahal or a natural creation like the Grand Canyon as a World Heritage site, the place draws tourists and creates national pride, among other things. Currently, the list has 851 sites natural and cultural worldwide that have "universal...
By Cindy Loose | May 15, 2008; 06:19 AM ET | Comments (6)
Nature Calls: Beetle Mania Hits Western Parks
The beetles have arrived, but it's nothing to yeah-yeah-yeah about. An invasion of the destructive bark beetle has caused a number of parks and forests in Colorado and Wyoming to close or delay openings of several camp and picnic sites. It's hard to imagine that a bug the size of...
By Andrea Sachs | May 8, 2008; 11:52 AM ET | Comments (1)
When in Venice: Feed the Birds, Tuppence (and 1,000 Bucks) a Bag
In pigeon advocacy circles, these are perilous times indeed. For one thing, the birds have been targeted by local governments around the world, many of them tourist hot spots like New York, London, Los Angeles and now ... Venice. Buying a bag of bread crumbs and feeding the winged residents...
By Scott Vogel | May 7, 2008; 09:28 AM ET | Comments (5)
Insta-CoGo: What's in the Cards for Tropicana?
I recently wrote about the state of Atlantic City in this space (it ain't pretty), but now comes word that an entire chain of casinos is in trouble: Tropicana Entertainment LLC has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company says it will keep its properties open and staffing will...
By John Deiner | May 6, 2008; 01:49 PM ET | Comments (2)
Travel Alert: Heading to Reagan National?
Garage construction at Reagan National will likely cause traffic backups, especially during peak times, as of Monday. The left lane of the airport entrance road will be closed for the duration of the two-year, $54 million project. Motorists coming from Washington on the southbound George Washington Parkway are advised to...
By Cindy Loose | May 2, 2008; 12:12 PM ET | Email a Comment
Insta-CoGo: Funding the FAA
America's air traffic control system might finally get a much-needed update. A bill expected to pass the Senate as early as tonight would -- in its current incarnation -- devote $400 million to modernizing the air traffic control system. The bill in question reauthorizes spending for the FAA and has...
By Cindy Loose | May 1, 2008; 06:20 AM ET | Comments (1)
Insta-CoGo: The Dulles Rail Extension and You
In an unexpected reverse move, the Feds announced today that they're funding the Dulles rail extension, which we all but left for dead a few months back. Now that things are back on track (so to speak), it's looking up for Dulles, which is considered Washington's international hub (never mind...
By Christina Talcott | April 30, 2008; 01:30 PM ET | Comments (28)
San Diego Shark Attack: Is It Safe to Go Back in the Water?
Last Friday, the Pacific waters off San Diego County were roiled after a shark attacked and killed a retired veterinarian and triathlete. An online report from the San Diego Union-Tribune says experts have confirmed that the predator was a great white shark. (During an autopsy, great white teeth were recovered...
By Andrea Sachs | April 30, 2008; 06:31 AM ET | Comments (2)
In the News: Checking In on the Mayflower
So you've probably read about Eliot Spitzer and the prostitution ring by now -- and the Mayflower Hotel, where the dalliance allegedly took place. The Post's Dana Milbank gives an intriguing overview of the case this morning in his Washington Sketch, including some historical info on the place (JFK apparently...
By John Deiner | March 11, 2008; 03:20 PM ET | Comments (3)
