Archive for CBS News
CBS News Travel: 9 February 2009
February 20th, 2009 • 1 comment CBS News, Travel
- Want A Pillow? JetBlue To Charge $7
JetBlue Airways Corp. said it will begin charging customers for pillows and blankets by offering an “eco-friendly” travel blanket and pillow that can be purchased for $7 on flights longer than two hours. - Community Tourism In Peru
As travel to Peru booms, an increasing number of intrepid travelers, eager to get away from the tour bus circuit of Peru’s top tourist destinations are participating in so-called community-based tourism. - Minor Leagues Face Major Costs
The price of oil is wreaking havoc on athletic travel budgets, particularly for minor league teams and smaller schools. - Economic Woes Hit European Vacations
With economies stagnating and inflation in the euro zone at about 4 percent, people are cutting the length of their holiday stay, vacationing close by, and in some cases, just staying home. - Atlanta Airport Warns Of Shoe Accidents
The hustle of the world’s busiest airport is now regularly interrupted by an announcement warning travelers of the dangers of “shoe entrapment” on escalators. - Giza Pyramids Go Tourist Friendly
The monuments may be glorious, but visiting Egypt’s famed Giza Pyramids has long been a nightmare, with hawkers peddling camel rides and pharaonic trinkets hustling tourists relentlessly at every turn. - Rock On! Museum Annex Coming To NYC
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is going on the road to New York - the city that spawned hip-hop and gave Bob Dylan and the Ramones their start. - Leaf Peep Season Is Longer Than You Think
New England’s fall foliage typically peaks in late September and early October. But the leaves start changing in August in Alaska and don’t typically peak until November at the shore. - A Treasure Off The Beaten Track
Maine’s Bold Coast, a little-known treasure east of Acadia National Park where the tourist hordes thin out, the tall spruce and fir reach the shore and the coast assumes a wildness that beachgoers at the southern end of the state can hardly imagine. - American Offers In-Flight Internet
American Airlines passengers will now have Wi-Fi access on some flights. - Airline Group Eyes Dip In Labor Day Travel
An airline trade group expects Labor Day travel to drop by 5.7 percent this year, as rising airfares and schedule cuts keep travelers home. - Paris Tourism Up Despite Economic Woes
Paris tourism officials said they expect visits to hold up this year despite a huge drop in the number of U.S. visitors - many pinched by an expensive euro, fuel-inflated prices for airline tickets and economic woes at home. - FAA Slammed For Software Glitch Delays
Flight delays caused by a communication failure at a Federal Aviation Administration facility drew criticism for an agency that has been scrutinized over air traffic controller staffing and inspection standards. - Airliners Miss Colliding By 1 Minute
Two planes came within 60 seconds of colliding over the Atlantic this week, sending off cockpit alarms and forcing at least one of the planes to change course. - As Summer Ends, Flyers Brace For Changes
Airlines plan to trim their domestic schedules as fuel costs soar. Executives also acknowledge that despite the economic downturn, fares will rise and discounts will be scarce. - Big Apple On A Budget
Here are some strategies for paring costs while tasting all that New York has to offer. - London On A Budget
London may have a deserved reputation for being royally expensive, but by taking advantage of the free museums and sights in the historic capital, tourists won’t necessarily leave town feeling like paupers. - JetBlue Auctions Flights On eBay
JetBlue Airways Corp. is auctioning off more than 300 roundtrip flights and six vacation packages this week on eBay, with opening bids set between 5 and 10 cents. The flights are to more than 20 destinations. - Barcelona On A Budget
Spain’s northeastern city of Barcelona, set between verdant mountains and the Mediterranean sea, basks in a well-earned reputation as one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. - Spas On A Budget
With the economy slumping and fuel prices soaring, facials and massages may not be a top priority for consumers on a budget. But America’s top spas are trying to make it as easy as possible for visitors to indulge without breaking the bank. - Sex Packets Becoming Popular Hotel Amenity
It’s definitely an edgier trend in the hotel business, but one that’s catching on. A few hotels in Manhattan offer free condoms as part of their bathroom array, along with the toothpaste, shampoo and soap. - The Coolest Small Towns In America
Budget Travel magazine’s Justin Bergman highlighted several, on The Early Show. - Political Chaos Chills Thailand’s Tourism
Tourism has been hit hard by Thailand’s political crisis, which has seen the prime minister removed from office, a state of emergency imposed and lifted, key airports shut down by demonstrators. - Airlines Grapple With Low Grades By Fliers
With the slow travel season now upon them, airlines face the dual challenges of increasing revenue to cover heavy fuel costs while also improving their product to give air travelers a return on their added investment. - Dubai Rolls Dice On Sprawling $1.5B Resort
It’s the latest word in Gulf excess — a sprawling $1.5 billion resort boasting a $25,000-a-night suite and dolphins flown in from the South Pacific, all atop a palm tree-shaped island. - Day In Plymouth: Pilgrims & Cranberries
In this storied harbor town where the Mayflower landed nearly 400 years ago, generations of Americans have claimed and reinterpreted the Pilgrim story. Part of the fun for 21st century visitors is sampling the various layers of history. - Wine Tourism Goes Retro
A number of wineries are showcasing the retro charms of grape stomping in a development that builds on the recent trend of culinary tourism. - Venice On A Budget
For centuries, Venice has captivated travelers with an array of romantic images: gondola rides through glistening canals at sunset, homes painted in vibrant hues of periwinkle and plum. - Union Station Celebrates 100 Years
Union Station — a thriving transportation hub, a shopping mall and one of Washington’s most visited sites == celebrates its centennial Oct. 4 - 5 with a display of historic locomotives and rail cars rarely seen in one place. - Chicago On The Cheap
Chicago has a reputation as a working-class city for a reason. Sure, there are fancy Gold Coast shops and $500-a-night hotel suites, but it’s also possible to see its famous lakefront, eat its famous food and enjoy distinctive cultures on a budget. - Miami On A Budget
It might be notorious for its late-night party scene, swanky beach hotels with steeply priced drinks and the beachgoers who wear barely-there $300 swimsuits, but vacationing Miami-style doesn’t have to cost a fortune. - Southern Biscuits And Gravy Like No Others
Nashville’s famous Loveless Cafe’s head chef, Carol Fay, shared pointers and recipes, on The Early Show. - Notorious Prisons Offer Halloween Thrills
Looking for ghostly thrills this Halloween? Why not head straight to prison! - Lower Stress Of Holiday Flying With Kids
Travel + Leisure magazine’s Laura Begley told how to, on The Saturday Early Show. - See Venice, Before It Sinks
In the winter, tourists in Italy’s famed city of canals have to walk on raised platforms, because the waters surrounding Venice take over many streets. Mimi Spillane explains the effort to save the city, and why it’s worth it. - Hi-Tech Ways To Stay Close To Home On Road
CNET’s Natali Del Conte pointed out solutions, on The Early Show. - “Gladiator” Tomb Discovered In Rome
The tomb of a rich Roman general, believed to be the inspiration for the main character of the Oscar-winning movie “Gladiator,” has been found on the outskirts of Rome. - Tricks And Treats: Boo At The Zoo
Ghosts and ghouls - friendly ones at that - are about to take over America’s zoos. - Buenos Aires On A Budget
Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city best experienced through its monumental passions rather than its monuments. - Peak Time For Peek At Autumn Wildlife
Leaf-peeping season may be coming to a brown, crunchy close, but there’s still plenty to do and see outdoors during the last gasp of autumn into early winter. - One Man’s Plan To Save A Natural Treasure
American Greg Carr is using his great wealth to try to help some of the poorest people in Africa by attracting more tourists to their neighborhood - the beautiful national park of Gorongosa in Mozambique. Scott Pelley reports. - Boston On A Budget
The combination of old and new, historic and trendy, gives Boston its unique personality - and provides limitless opportunities for a visit that doesn’t require help from one of the city’s leaders in venture capital. - Texas Hill Country Has Lots To Offer
The Texas Hill Country, where tiny towns dot a landscape of wildflowers and cedar trees, is the kind of place where cowboys and sommeliers meet. Sometimes literally. - Snapshot From Gorongosa
You may have seen our report on Gorongosa, and how one man is trying to do his part to help revive the park and the villages around it. 60 Minutes’ Rebecca Peterson gives a personal account of what it was like visiting Gorongosa. - Feds Approve Delta-Northwest Merger
Delta and Northwest airlines won antitrust approval on Wednesday, with the Justice Department saying the creation of what will be the world’s largest airline will help consumers without hurting competition. - Hotel Rewards Points Key To Budget Trips?
The troubled economy has hit the travel industry hard as strapped consumers postpone trips or vacation closer to home. For those still hoping to get away while keeping an eye on their wallets, hotel rewards programs are increasingly popular. - Holiday Airfares Hardly Festive
They’re higher than last year, despite some recent slight declines. Capacity is down, too. Travelocity’s Amy Ziff offered advice, on The Early Show. - Julie Chen In Paris
The Early Show co-anchor headed to the City of Lights as part of the series, “Destination Unkown,” then shared her incredible trip with viewers. - A Transatlantic Flight For Twelve Bucks?
Budget airline Ryanair is drawing up plans to offer trans-Atlantic flights as cheap as 10 euros ($12.70) before taxes to several U.S. cities from Britain and Ireland. - Atlanta On A Budget
Home to the world’s most famous soda and largest aquarium, Atlanta is also known for its rich Southern history. - Go Where Democracy Began
Athens was the Early Show news anchor’s “Destination Unknown,” as that series continued. - Travel Tour: Obama’s Haunts
Places that presidents call home often become major tourist attractions, from estates at Mount Vernon and Monticello, to Bill Clinton’s boyhood home in Hope, Ark. The president-elect is no exception. - Low-Cost Airlines Top Quality Rankings
Hawaiian, AirTran, Southwest and JetBlue topped the rankings of U.S. airlines for being on-time, uniting bags with passengers, and were lowest in customer complaints, while big carriers brought up the rear, according to a new study. - Rockettes Take Holiday Show On The Road
The Rockettes - the world-famous precision dance troupe that has entertained audiences at New York’s Radio City Music Hall for 76 years - are bringing their flashy high kicks and precision tapping to arenas for the first time. - Near-Tragedy At Scenic Overlook
Her parents are calling for better safety precautions at such spots after a little girl fell through a fence and almost over the edge of a 150-foot cliff. She described how scared she was, on The Early Show. - American Offers Mobile Boarding Passes
Passengers on American Airlines will be able to get boarding passes electronically on their mobile phones or PDAs at some airports beginning Thursday, avoiding the need for printed passes. - Dubai Adventure, From Sky To Sand To Snow
Maggie Rodriguez had a whirlwind stay in the booming Arab emirate — her “Destination Unknown,” as the Early Show series continued. - Berlin On A Budget
If you show up in Berlin strapped for cash, you’re in good company. - New Mindset For Fliers: Pay As You Go
Travelocity’s Amy Ziff says “a la carte” pricing is the wave of the future — and present — as airline fees multiply in number and increase in amount. - AAA Predicts Decline In Holiday Travel
Travel over the Thanksgiving holiday will drop for the first time in six years due to the economic slowdown and fewer airline flights, the auto club AAA forecast. - “21st Century Version Of Noah’s Ark”
Dave Price visited a game reserve in his “Destination Unknown”: South Africa. He got acquainted with a region dedicating itself to conserving its wildlife and natural beauty — and to fighting AIDS, which is rampant in the area. - Bush Tackles Holiday Travel Woes
Anticipating another holiday travel crunch, President Bush said on Tuesday that his administration was taking steps to prevent frustrating flight delays during the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. - Australia Hopes Kidman Film Spurs Tourism
The World War II-era romantic epic “Australia” is being hailed for its cinematography and its pairing of Aussie stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. But tourism promoters claim the real star of the movie is the country itself. - Serving The Nation On “The Big Stick”
Harry Smith gave Early Show viewers a look at life on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt while it was on active duty in the north Arabian Sea. - Tough Times For Thanksgiving Travel
Americans will be heading out today, over the rivers and through the woods, to homes of relatives from coast to coast. But thanks to a struggling economy, not as many people will be traveling this year. - De-Icing Fluid Shortage Worries FAA
U.S. airplanes face a cold reality this winter as a potential shortage of the chemical used to de-ice planes looms, according to a Federal Aviation Administration memo. - Bon Voyage, QE2
Britain’s most famous luxury cruise ship, the Queen Elizabeth 2, arrived to Dubai to begin a new life as a floating hotel moored off an artificial island. - Cuba Banking On Record Tourism Year
Cuba’s vacation industry has remained as hot as the tropical sun here, even as the world economic crisis sparks cancellations and layoffs elsewhere in the Caribbean. - More Slopes Out West Go Green
A group that grades the environmental friendliness of ski areas in the West says 53 of the 83 resorts it reviewed this year boosted their scores, but seven received failing grades. - N.H. Mysteries Entertain, Teach Tourism
Elegant resorts long for glowing accounts of their sumptuous meals, breathtaking views and meticulous service - but how about a shady employee, a missing guest, a murder? - Michigan Home To Thriving Ski Industry
No one will mistake its hills for the Rockies or the Smokies, but Michigan has more downhill areas than any state except New York. - U.S. Bicycle Route System In The Works
State officials and bicycle enthusiasts are stitching together more than 50,000 miles of pedal-friendly pavement to form a vast network of bicycle routes like the one created for cars and trucks over half a century ago. - Old Is New (Deal) Again
The election of Barack Obama in hard times is evoking comparisons with President Franklin Roosevelt and historic preservationists and tourism officials are hoping for increased tourism in places associated with FDR’s New Deal. - Versace Mansion Begins Tours
The iconic South Beach mansion where Gianni Versace lived and died is opening its doors to the public. - Snowstorms Sock U.S., Snarling Travel
Snowstorms blanketed much of the Midwest and Northeast, stranding thousands at airports around the country. - Holiday Delays For Trains, Planes, Buses
Americans face a one-two punch this season: Severe weather is forcing stranded travelers to cool their heels at airports and terminals as countless flights are canceled or delayed, while others are homebound due to the lousy economy. - Airlines Still Charging Bag Fees
When airlines started charging some passengers $15 or more earlier this year to check their bags, they blamed soaring fuel costs. Since then, oil has plummeted. Yet the industry hasn’t stowed away the bag fees. - Better, But Still Bad, For Holiday Travel
Hundreds of holiday travelers spent the night in the nation’s second busiest airport and some of them faced the prospect of doing it again on Christmas Eve as airports across the country recovered from a barrage of snow and ice storms. - Weather Still Causing Travel Woes For Some
More than 100 flights were canceled Wednesday at O’Hare Airport in Chicago, the nation’s second busiest airport, as airports across the country recovered from winter storms. - Top Travel Web Sites
Every year, Travel + Leisure magazine editors pour over thousands of Web sites to come up with an incredible “short list” of the best sites. They are literally the cr me de la cr me of the online travel world. - Pleasure Cruisers Wind Up Cuban Castaways
Robert Vassallo and Angellette Smith were forced to wade ashore in the communist nation shortly before Christmas when the boat they were sailing around the Caribbean crashed into a reef off the country’s western coast. - History Attractions Prep For Inaugural
With Barack Obama moving into the White House and the ongoing celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s life, the nation’s capital and its many tourism sites have been thrust into the spotlight. - Steals Of Travel Deals For ‘09
The “Saturday Bargainista” and a travel wiz pointed Early Show Saturday Edition viewers in the direction of deep discounts. It seems the troubled economy has at least that one silver lining. - Big Apple Seeking Vegas’ Nuptials Crown
It’s giving Sin City a run for its tourist dollars in a bid to overtake it as the world’s weddings capital. - New Orleans Kicks Off Carnival
Roll out the king cakes, plastic beads and Mardi Gras masks. Carnival season has begun in New Orleans. - Get Your Hands Dirty At Grammy Museum
The $34 million Grammy Museum is more than just a glorified Hard Rock Cafe-style collection of music memorabilia. - Airlines’ On-Time Performance Sags In Dec.
U.S. airlines’ on-time performance declined dramatically in December compared to the previous month, but improved slightly over a year earlier, the Transportation Department said. - Mardi Gras: Let The Good Times Roll!
Parade floats are being built, costumes are being fitted and krewes are practicing. Let the good times roll! It’s almost time for Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
CBS News Travel: 9 February 2009
February 19th, 2009 • CBS News, Travel
- Want A Pillow? JetBlue To Charge $7
JetBlue Airways Corp. said it will begin charging customers for pillows and blankets by offering an “eco-friendly” travel blanket and pillow that can be purchased for $7 on flights longer than two hours. - Community Tourism In Peru
As travel to Peru booms, an increasing number of intrepid travelers, eager to get away from the tour bus circuit of Peru’s top tourist destinations are participating in so-called community-based tourism. - Minor Leagues Face Major Costs
The price of oil is wreaking havoc on athletic travel budgets, particularly for minor league teams and smaller schools. - Economic Woes Hit European Vacations
With economies stagnating and inflation in the euro zone at about 4 percent, people are cutting the length of their holiday stay, vacationing close by, and in some cases, just staying home. - Atlanta Airport Warns Of Shoe Accidents
The hustle of the world’s busiest airport is now regularly interrupted by an announcement warning travelers of the dangers of “shoe entrapment” on escalators. - Giza Pyramids Go Tourist Friendly
The monuments may be glorious, but visiting Egypt’s famed Giza Pyramids has long been a nightmare, with hawkers peddling camel rides and pharaonic trinkets hustling tourists relentlessly at every turn. - Rock On! Museum Annex Coming To NYC
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is going on the road to New York - the city that spawned hip-hop and gave Bob Dylan and the Ramones their start. - Leaf Peep Season Is Longer Than You Think
New England’s fall foliage typically peaks in late September and early October. But the leaves start changing in August in Alaska and don’t typically peak until November at the shore. - A Treasure Off The Beaten Track
Maine’s Bold Coast, a little-known treasure east of Acadia National Park where the tourist hordes thin out, the tall spruce and fir reach the shore and the coast assumes a wildness that beachgoers at the southern end of the state can hardly imagine. - American Offers In-Flight Internet
American Airlines passengers will now have Wi-Fi access on some flights. - Airline Group Eyes Dip In Labor Day Travel
An airline trade group expects Labor Day travel to drop by 5.7 percent this year, as rising airfares and schedule cuts keep travelers home. - Paris Tourism Up Despite Economic Woes
Paris tourism officials said they expect visits to hold up this year despite a huge drop in the number of U.S. visitors - many pinched by an expensive euro, fuel-inflated prices for airline tickets and economic woes at home. - FAA Slammed For Software Glitch Delays
Flight delays caused by a communication failure at a Federal Aviation Administration facility drew criticism for an agency that has been scrutinized over air traffic controller staffing and inspection standards. - Airliners Miss Colliding By 1 Minute
Two planes came within 60 seconds of colliding over the Atlantic this week, sending off cockpit alarms and forcing at least one of the planes to change course. - As Summer Ends, Flyers Brace For Changes
Airlines plan to trim their domestic schedules as fuel costs soar. Executives also acknowledge that despite the economic downturn, fares will rise and discounts will be scarce. - Big Apple On A Budget
Here are some strategies for paring costs while tasting all that New York has to offer. - London On A Budget
London may have a deserved reputation for being royally expensive, but by taking advantage of the free museums and sights in the historic capital, tourists won’t necessarily leave town feeling like paupers. - JetBlue Auctions Flights On eBay
JetBlue Airways Corp. is auctioning off more than 300 roundtrip flights and six vacation packages this week on eBay, with opening bids set between 5 and 10 cents. The flights are to more than 20 destinations. - Barcelona On A Budget
Spain’s northeastern city of Barcelona, set between verdant mountains and the Mediterranean sea, basks in a well-earned reputation as one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. - Spas On A Budget
With the economy slumping and fuel prices soaring, facials and massages may not be a top priority for consumers on a budget. But America’s top spas are trying to make it as easy as possible for visitors to indulge without breaking the bank. - Sex Packets Becoming Popular Hotel Amenity
It’s definitely an edgier trend in the hotel business, but one that’s catching on. A few hotels in Manhattan offer free condoms as part of their bathroom array, along with the toothpaste, shampoo and soap. - The Coolest Small Towns In America
Budget Travel magazine’s Justin Bergman highlighted several, on The Early Show. - Political Chaos Chills Thailand’s Tourism
Tourism has been hit hard by Thailand’s political crisis, which has seen the prime minister removed from office, a state of emergency imposed and lifted, key airports shut down by demonstrators. - Airlines Grapple With Low Grades By Fliers
With the slow travel season now upon them, airlines face the dual challenges of increasing revenue to cover heavy fuel costs while also improving their product to give air travelers a return on their added investment. - Dubai Rolls Dice On Sprawling $1.5B Resort
It’s the latest word in Gulf excess — a sprawling $1.5 billion resort boasting a $25,000-a-night suite and dolphins flown in from the South Pacific, all atop a palm tree-shaped island. - Day In Plymouth: Pilgrims & Cranberries
In this storied harbor town where the Mayflower landed nearly 400 years ago, generations of Americans have claimed and reinterpreted the Pilgrim story. Part of the fun for 21st century visitors is sampling the various layers of history. - Wine Tourism Goes Retro
A number of wineries are showcasing the retro charms of grape stomping in a development that builds on the recent trend of culinary tourism. - Venice On A Budget
For centuries, Venice has captivated travelers with an array of romantic images: gondola rides through glistening canals at sunset, homes painted in vibrant hues of periwinkle and plum. - Union Station Celebrates 100 Years
Union Station — a thriving transportation hub, a shopping mall and one of Washington’s most visited sites == celebrates its centennial Oct. 4 - 5 with a display of historic locomotives and rail cars rarely seen in one place. - Chicago On The Cheap
Chicago has a reputation as a working-class city for a reason. Sure, there are fancy Gold Coast shops and $500-a-night hotel suites, but it’s also possible to see its famous lakefront, eat its famous food and enjoy distinctive cultures on a budget. - Miami On A Budget
It might be notorious for its late-night party scene, swanky beach hotels with steeply priced drinks and the beachgoers who wear barely-there $300 swimsuits, but vacationing Miami-style doesn’t have to cost a fortune. - Southern Biscuits And Gravy Like No Others
Nashville’s famous Loveless Cafe’s head chef, Carol Fay, shared pointers and recipes, on The Early Show. - Notorious Prisons Offer Halloween Thrills
Looking for ghostly thrills this Halloween? Why not head straight to prison! - Lower Stress Of Holiday Flying With Kids
Travel + Leisure magazine’s Laura Begley told how to, on The Saturday Early Show. - See Venice, Before It Sinks
In the winter, tourists in Italy’s famed city of canals have to walk on raised platforms, because the waters surrounding Venice take over many streets. Mimi Spillane explains the effort to save the city, and why it’s worth it. - Hi-Tech Ways To Stay Close To Home On Road
CNET’s Natali Del Conte pointed out solutions, on The Early Show. - “Gladiator” Tomb Discovered In Rome
The tomb of a rich Roman general, believed to be the inspiration for the main character of the Oscar-winning movie “Gladiator,” has been found on the outskirts of Rome. - Tricks And Treats: Boo At The Zoo
Ghosts and ghouls - friendly ones at that - are about to take over America’s zoos. - Buenos Aires On A Budget
Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city best experienced through its monumental passions rather than its monuments. - Peak Time For Peek At Autumn Wildlife
Leaf-peeping season may be coming to a brown, crunchy close, but there’s still plenty to do and see outdoors during the last gasp of autumn into early winter. - One Man’s Plan To Save A Natural Treasure
American Greg Carr is using his great wealth to try to help some of the poorest people in Africa by attracting more tourists to their neighborhood - the beautiful national park of Gorongosa in Mozambique. Scott Pelley reports. - Boston On A Budget
The combination of old and new, historic and trendy, gives Boston its unique personality - and provides limitless opportunities for a visit that doesn’t require help from one of the city’s leaders in venture capital. - Texas Hill Country Has Lots To Offer
The Texas Hill Country, where tiny towns dot a landscape of wildflowers and cedar trees, is the kind of place where cowboys and sommeliers meet. Sometimes literally. - Snapshot From Gorongosa
You may have seen our report on Gorongosa, and how one man is trying to do his part to help revive the park and the villages around it. 60 Minutes’ Rebecca Peterson gives a personal account of what it was like visiting Gorongosa. - Feds Approve Delta-Northwest Merger
Delta and Northwest airlines won antitrust approval on Wednesday, with the Justice Department saying the creation of what will be the world’s largest airline will help consumers without hurting competition. - Hotel Rewards Points Key To Budget Trips?
The troubled economy has hit the travel industry hard as strapped consumers postpone trips or vacation closer to home. For those still hoping to get away while keeping an eye on their wallets, hotel rewards programs are increasingly popular. - Holiday Airfares Hardly Festive
They’re higher than last year, despite some recent slight declines. Capacity is down, too. Travelocity’s Amy Ziff offered advice, on The Early Show. - Julie Chen In Paris
The Early Show co-anchor headed to the City of Lights as part of the series, “Destination Unkown,” then shared her incredible trip with viewers. - A Transatlantic Flight For Twelve Bucks?
Budget airline Ryanair is drawing up plans to offer trans-Atlantic flights as cheap as 10 euros ($12.70) before taxes to several U.S. cities from Britain and Ireland. - Atlanta On A Budget
Home to the world’s most famous soda and largest aquarium, Atlanta is also known for its rich Southern history. - Go Where Democracy Began
Athens was the Early Show news anchor’s “Destination Unknown,” as that series continued. - Travel Tour: Obama’s Haunts
Places that presidents call home often become major tourist attractions, from estates at Mount Vernon and Monticello, to Bill Clinton’s boyhood home in Hope, Ark. The president-elect is no exception. - Low-Cost Airlines Top Quality Rankings
Hawaiian, AirTran, Southwest and JetBlue topped the rankings of U.S. airlines for being on-time, uniting bags with passengers, and were lowest in customer complaints, while big carriers brought up the rear, according to a new study. - Rockettes Take Holiday Show On The Road
The Rockettes - the world-famous precision dance troupe that has entertained audiences at New York’s Radio City Music Hall for 76 years - are bringing their flashy high kicks and precision tapping to arenas for the first time. - Near-Tragedy At Scenic Overlook
Her parents are calling for better safety precautions at such spots after a little girl fell through a fence and almost over the edge of a 150-foot cliff. She described how scared she was, on The Early Show. - American Offers Mobile Boarding Passes
Passengers on American Airlines will be able to get boarding passes electronically on their mobile phones or PDAs at some airports beginning Thursday, avoiding the need for printed passes. - Dubai Adventure, From Sky To Sand To Snow
Maggie Rodriguez had a whirlwind stay in the booming Arab emirate — her “Destination Unknown,” as the Early Show series continued. - Berlin On A Budget
If you show up in Berlin strapped for cash, you’re in good company. - New Mindset For Fliers: Pay As You Go
Travelocity’s Amy Ziff says “a la carte” pricing is the wave of the future — and present — as airline fees multiply in number and increase in amount. - AAA Predicts Decline In Holiday Travel
Travel over the Thanksgiving holiday will drop for the first time in six years due to the economic slowdown and fewer airline flights, the auto club AAA forecast. - “21st Century Version Of Noah’s Ark”
Dave Price visited a game reserve in his “Destination Unknown”: South Africa. He got acquainted with a region dedicating itself to conserving its wildlife and natural beauty — and to fighting AIDS, which is rampant in the area. - Bush Tackles Holiday Travel Woes
Anticipating another holiday travel crunch, President Bush said on Tuesday that his administration was taking steps to prevent frustrating flight delays during the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. - Australia Hopes Kidman Film Spurs Tourism
The World War II-era romantic epic “Australia” is being hailed for its cinematography and its pairing of Aussie stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. But tourism promoters claim the real star of the movie is the country itself. - Serving The Nation On “The Big Stick”
Harry Smith gave Early Show viewers a look at life on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt while it was on active duty in the north Arabian Sea. - Tough Times For Thanksgiving Travel
Americans will be heading out today, over the rivers and through the woods, to homes of relatives from coast to coast. But thanks to a struggling economy, not as many people will be traveling this year. - De-Icing Fluid Shortage Worries FAA
U.S. airplanes face a cold reality this winter as a potential shortage of the chemical used to de-ice planes looms, according to a Federal Aviation Administration memo. - Bon Voyage, QE2
Britain’s most famous luxury cruise ship, the Queen Elizabeth 2, arrived to Dubai to begin a new life as a floating hotel moored off an artificial island. - Cuba Banking On Record Tourism Year
Cuba’s vacation industry has remained as hot as the tropical sun here, even as the world economic crisis sparks cancellations and layoffs elsewhere in the Caribbean. - More Slopes Out West Go Green
A group that grades the environmental friendliness of ski areas in the West says 53 of the 83 resorts it reviewed this year boosted their scores, but seven received failing grades. - N.H. Mysteries Entertain, Teach Tourism
Elegant resorts long for glowing accounts of their sumptuous meals, breathtaking views and meticulous service - but how about a shady employee, a missing guest, a murder? - Michigan Home To Thriving Ski Industry
No one will mistake its hills for the Rockies or the Smokies, but Michigan has more downhill areas than any state except New York. - U.S. Bicycle Route System In The Works
State officials and bicycle enthusiasts are stitching together more than 50,000 miles of pedal-friendly pavement to form a vast network of bicycle routes like the one created for cars and trucks over half a century ago. - Old Is New (Deal) Again
The election of Barack Obama in hard times is evoking comparisons with President Franklin Roosevelt and historic preservationists and tourism officials are hoping for increased tourism in places associated with FDR’s New Deal. - Versace Mansion Begins Tours
The iconic South Beach mansion where Gianni Versace lived and died is opening its doors to the public. - Snowstorms Sock U.S., Snarling Travel
Snowstorms blanketed much of the Midwest and Northeast, stranding thousands at airports around the country. - Holiday Delays For Trains, Planes, Buses
Americans face a one-two punch this season: Severe weather is forcing stranded travelers to cool their heels at airports and terminals as countless flights are canceled or delayed, while others are homebound due to the lousy economy. - Airlines Still Charging Bag Fees
When airlines started charging some passengers $15 or more earlier this year to check their bags, they blamed soaring fuel costs. Since then, oil has plummeted. Yet the industry hasn’t stowed away the bag fees. - Better, But Still Bad, For Holiday Travel
Hundreds of holiday travelers spent the night in the nation’s second busiest airport and some of them faced the prospect of doing it again on Christmas Eve as airports across the country recovered from a barrage of snow and ice storms. - Weather Still Causing Travel Woes For Some
More than 100 flights were canceled Wednesday at O’Hare Airport in Chicago, the nation’s second busiest airport, as airports across the country recovered from winter storms. - Top Travel Web Sites
Every year, Travel + Leisure magazine editors pour over thousands of Web sites to come up with an incredible “short list” of the best sites. They are literally the cr me de la cr me of the online travel world. - Pleasure Cruisers Wind Up Cuban Castaways
Robert Vassallo and Angellette Smith were forced to wade ashore in the communist nation shortly before Christmas when the boat they were sailing around the Caribbean crashed into a reef off the country’s western coast. - History Attractions Prep For Inaugural
With Barack Obama moving into the White House and the ongoing celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s life, the nation’s capital and its many tourism sites have been thrust into the spotlight. - Steals Of Travel Deals For ‘09
The “Saturday Bargainista” and a travel wiz pointed Early Show Saturday Edition viewers in the direction of deep discounts. It seems the troubled economy has at least that one silver lining. - Big Apple Seeking Vegas’ Nuptials Crown
It’s giving Sin City a run for its tourist dollars in a bid to overtake it as the world’s weddings capital. - New Orleans Kicks Off Carnival
Roll out the king cakes, plastic beads and Mardi Gras masks. Carnival season has begun in New Orleans. - Get Your Hands Dirty At Grammy Museum
The $34 million Grammy Museum is more than just a glorified Hard Rock Cafe-style collection of music memorabilia. - Airlines’ On-Time Performance Sags In Dec.
U.S. airlines’ on-time performance declined dramatically in December compared to the previous month, but improved slightly over a year earlier, the Transportation Department said. - Mardi Gras: Let The Good Times Roll!
Parade floats are being built, costumes are being fitted and krewes are practicing. Let the good times roll! It’s almost time for Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
CBS News Travel: 9 February 2009
February 18th, 2009 • CBS News, Travel
- Want A Pillow? JetBlue To Charge $7
JetBlue Airways Corp. said it will begin charging customers for pillows and blankets by offering an “eco-friendly” travel blanket and pillow that can be purchased for $7 on flights longer than two hours. - Community Tourism In Peru
As travel to Peru booms, an increasing number of intrepid travelers, eager to get away from the tour bus circuit of Peru’s top tourist destinations are participating in so-called community-based tourism. - Minor Leagues Face Major Costs
The price of oil is wreaking havoc on athletic travel budgets, particularly for minor league teams and smaller schools. - Economic Woes Hit European Vacations
With economies stagnating and inflation in the euro zone at about 4 percent, people are cutting the length of their holiday stay, vacationing close by, and in some cases, just staying home. - Atlanta Airport Warns Of Shoe Accidents
The hustle of the world’s busiest airport is now regularly interrupted by an announcement warning travelers of the dangers of “shoe entrapment” on escalators. - Giza Pyramids Go Tourist Friendly
The monuments may be glorious, but visiting Egypt’s famed Giza Pyramids has long been a nightmare, with hawkers peddling camel rides and pharaonic trinkets hustling tourists relentlessly at every turn. - Rock On! Museum Annex Coming To NYC
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is going on the road to New York - the city that spawned hip-hop and gave Bob Dylan and the Ramones their start. - Leaf Peep Season Is Longer Than You Think
New England’s fall foliage typically peaks in late September and early October. But the leaves start changing in August in Alaska and don’t typically peak until November at the shore. - A Treasure Off The Beaten Track
Maine’s Bold Coast, a little-known treasure east of Acadia National Park where the tourist hordes thin out, the tall spruce and fir reach the shore and the coast assumes a wildness that beachgoers at the southern end of the state can hardly imagine. - American Offers In-Flight Internet
American Airlines passengers will now have Wi-Fi access on some flights. - Airline Group Eyes Dip In Labor Day Travel
An airline trade group expects Labor Day travel to drop by 5.7 percent this year, as rising airfares and schedule cuts keep travelers home. - Paris Tourism Up Despite Economic Woes
Paris tourism officials said they expect visits to hold up this year despite a huge drop in the number of U.S. visitors - many pinched by an expensive euro, fuel-inflated prices for airline tickets and economic woes at home. - FAA Slammed For Software Glitch Delays
Flight delays caused by a communication failure at a Federal Aviation Administration facility drew criticism for an agency that has been scrutinized over air traffic controller staffing and inspection standards. - Airliners Miss Colliding By 1 Minute
Two planes came within 60 seconds of colliding over the Atlantic this week, sending off cockpit alarms and forcing at least one of the planes to change course. - As Summer Ends, Flyers Brace For Changes
Airlines plan to trim their domestic schedules as fuel costs soar. Executives also acknowledge that despite the economic downturn, fares will rise and discounts will be scarce. - Big Apple On A Budget
Here are some strategies for paring costs while tasting all that New York has to offer. - London On A Budget
London may have a deserved reputation for being royally expensive, but by taking advantage of the free museums and sights in the historic capital, tourists won’t necessarily leave town feeling like paupers. - JetBlue Auctions Flights On eBay
JetBlue Airways Corp. is auctioning off more than 300 roundtrip flights and six vacation packages this week on eBay, with opening bids set between 5 and 10 cents. The flights are to more than 20 destinations. - Barcelona On A Budget
Spain’s northeastern city of Barcelona, set between verdant mountains and the Mediterranean sea, basks in a well-earned reputation as one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. - Spas On A Budget
With the economy slumping and fuel prices soaring, facials and massages may not be a top priority for consumers on a budget. But America’s top spas are trying to make it as easy as possible for visitors to indulge without breaking the bank. - Sex Packets Becoming Popular Hotel Amenity
It’s definitely an edgier trend in the hotel business, but one that’s catching on. A few hotels in Manhattan offer free condoms as part of their bathroom array, along with the toothpaste, shampoo and soap. - The Coolest Small Towns In America
Budget Travel magazine’s Justin Bergman highlighted several, on The Early Show. - Political Chaos Chills Thailand’s Tourism
Tourism has been hit hard by Thailand’s political crisis, which has seen the prime minister removed from office, a state of emergency imposed and lifted, key airports shut down by demonstrators. - Airlines Grapple With Low Grades By Fliers
With the slow travel season now upon them, airlines face the dual challenges of increasing revenue to cover heavy fuel costs while also improving their product to give air travelers a return on their added investment. - Dubai Rolls Dice On Sprawling $1.5B Resort
It’s the latest word in Gulf excess — a sprawling $1.5 billion resort boasting a $25,000-a-night suite and dolphins flown in from the South Pacific, all atop a palm tree-shaped island. - Day In Plymouth: Pilgrims & Cranberries
In this storied harbor town where the Mayflower landed nearly 400 years ago, generations of Americans have claimed and reinterpreted the Pilgrim story. Part of the fun for 21st century visitors is sampling the various layers of history. - Wine Tourism Goes Retro
A number of wineries are showcasing the retro charms of grape stomping in a development that builds on the recent trend of culinary tourism. - Venice On A Budget
For centuries, Venice has captivated travelers with an array of romantic images: gondola rides through glistening canals at sunset, homes painted in vibrant hues of periwinkle and plum. - Union Station Celebrates 100 Years
Union Station — a thriving transportation hub, a shopping mall and one of Washington’s most visited sites == celebrates its centennial Oct. 4 - 5 with a display of historic locomotives and rail cars rarely seen in one place. - Chicago On The Cheap
Chicago has a reputation as a working-class city for a reason. Sure, there are fancy Gold Coast shops and $500-a-night hotel suites, but it’s also possible to see its famous lakefront, eat its famous food and enjoy distinctive cultures on a budget. - Miami On A Budget
It might be notorious for its late-night party scene, swanky beach hotels with steeply priced drinks and the beachgoers who wear barely-there $300 swimsuits, but vacationing Miami-style doesn’t have to cost a fortune. - Southern Biscuits And Gravy Like No Others
Nashville’s famous Loveless Cafe’s head chef, Carol Fay, shared pointers and recipes, on The Early Show. - Notorious Prisons Offer Halloween Thrills
Looking for ghostly thrills this Halloween? Why not head straight to prison! - Lower Stress Of Holiday Flying With Kids
Travel + Leisure magazine’s Laura Begley told how to, on The Saturday Early Show. - See Venice, Before It Sinks
In the winter, tourists in Italy’s famed city of canals have to walk on raised platforms, because the waters surrounding Venice take over many streets. Mimi Spillane explains the effort to save the city, and why it’s worth it. - Hi-Tech Ways To Stay Close To Home On Road
CNET’s Natali Del Conte pointed out solutions, on The Early Show. - “Gladiator” Tomb Discovered In Rome
The tomb of a rich Roman general, believed to be the inspiration for the main character of the Oscar-winning movie “Gladiator,” has been found on the outskirts of Rome. - Tricks And Treats: Boo At The Zoo
Ghosts and ghouls - friendly ones at that - are about to take over America’s zoos. - Buenos Aires On A Budget
Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city best experienced through its monumental passions rather than its monuments. - Peak Time For Peek At Autumn Wildlife
Leaf-peeping season may be coming to a brown, crunchy close, but there’s still plenty to do and see outdoors during the last gasp of autumn into early winter. - One Man’s Plan To Save A Natural Treasure
American Greg Carr is using his great wealth to try to help some of the poorest people in Africa by attracting more tourists to their neighborhood - the beautiful national park of Gorongosa in Mozambique. Scott Pelley reports. - Boston On A Budget
The combination of old and new, historic and trendy, gives Boston its unique personality - and provides limitless opportunities for a visit that doesn’t require help from one of the city’s leaders in venture capital. - Texas Hill Country Has Lots To Offer
The Texas Hill Country, where tiny towns dot a landscape of wildflowers and cedar trees, is the kind of place where cowboys and sommeliers meet. Sometimes literally. - Snapshot From Gorongosa
You may have seen our report on Gorongosa, and how one man is trying to do his part to help revive the park and the villages around it. 60 Minutes’ Rebecca Peterson gives a personal account of what it was like visiting Gorongosa. - Feds Approve Delta-Northwest Merger
Delta and Northwest airlines won antitrust approval on Wednesday, with the Justice Department saying the creation of what will be the world’s largest airline will help consumers without hurting competition. - Hotel Rewards Points Key To Budget Trips?
The troubled economy has hit the travel industry hard as strapped consumers postpone trips or vacation closer to home. For those still hoping to get away while keeping an eye on their wallets, hotel rewards programs are increasingly popular. - Holiday Airfares Hardly Festive
They’re higher than last year, despite some recent slight declines. Capacity is down, too. Travelocity’s Amy Ziff offered advice, on The Early Show. - Julie Chen In Paris
The Early Show co-anchor headed to the City of Lights as part of the series, “Destination Unkown,” then shared her incredible trip with viewers. - A Transatlantic Flight For Twelve Bucks?
Budget airline Ryanair is drawing up plans to offer trans-Atlantic flights as cheap as 10 euros ($12.70) before taxes to several U.S. cities from Britain and Ireland. - Atlanta On A Budget
Home to the world’s most famous soda and largest aquarium, Atlanta is also known for its rich Southern history. - Go Where Democracy Began
Athens was the Early Show news anchor’s “Destination Unknown,” as that series continued. - Travel Tour: Obama’s Haunts
Places that presidents call home often become major tourist attractions, from estates at Mount Vernon and Monticello, to Bill Clinton’s boyhood home in Hope, Ark. The president-elect is no exception. - Low-Cost Airlines Top Quality Rankings
Hawaiian, AirTran, Southwest and JetBlue topped the rankings of U.S. airlines for being on-time, uniting bags with passengers, and were lowest in customer complaints, while big carriers brought up the rear, according to a new study. - Rockettes Take Holiday Show On The Road
The Rockettes - the world-famous precision dance troupe that has entertained audiences at New York’s Radio City Music Hall for 76 years - are bringing their flashy high kicks and precision tapping to arenas for the first time. - Near-Tragedy At Scenic Overlook
Her parents are calling for better safety precautions at such spots after a little girl fell through a fence and almost over the edge of a 150-foot cliff. She described how scared she was, on The Early Show. - American Offers Mobile Boarding Passes
Passengers on American Airlines will be able to get boarding passes electronically on their mobile phones or PDAs at some airports beginning Thursday, avoiding the need for printed passes. - Dubai Adventure, From Sky To Sand To Snow
Maggie Rodriguez had a whirlwind stay in the booming Arab emirate — her “Destination Unknown,” as the Early Show series continued. - Berlin On A Budget
If you show up in Berlin strapped for cash, you’re in good company. - New Mindset For Fliers: Pay As You Go
Travelocity’s Amy Ziff says “a la carte” pricing is the wave of the future — and present — as airline fees multiply in number and increase in amount. - AAA Predicts Decline In Holiday Travel
Travel over the Thanksgiving holiday will drop for the first time in six years due to the economic slowdown and fewer airline flights, the auto club AAA forecast. - “21st Century Version Of Noah’s Ark”
Dave Price visited a game reserve in his “Destination Unknown”: South Africa. He got acquainted with a region dedicating itself to conserving its wildlife and natural beauty — and to fighting AIDS, which is rampant in the area. - Bush Tackles Holiday Travel Woes
Anticipating another holiday travel crunch, President Bush said on Tuesday that his administration was taking steps to prevent frustrating flight delays during the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. - Australia Hopes Kidman Film Spurs Tourism
The World War II-era romantic epic “Australia” is being hailed for its cinematography and its pairing of Aussie stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. But tourism promoters claim the real star of the movie is the country itself. - Serving The Nation On “The Big Stick”
Harry Smith gave Early Show viewers a look at life on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt while it was on active duty in the north Arabian Sea. - Tough Times For Thanksgiving Travel
Americans will be heading out today, over the rivers and through the woods, to homes of relatives from coast to coast. But thanks to a struggling economy, not as many people will be traveling this year. - De-Icing Fluid Shortage Worries FAA
U.S. airplanes face a cold reality this winter as a potential shortage of the chemical used to de-ice planes looms, according to a Federal Aviation Administration memo. - Bon Voyage, QE2
Britain’s most famous luxury cruise ship, the Queen Elizabeth 2, arrived to Dubai to begin a new life as a floating hotel moored off an artificial island. - Cuba Banking On Record Tourism Year
Cuba’s vacation industry has remained as hot as the tropical sun here, even as the world economic crisis sparks cancellations and layoffs elsewhere in the Caribbean. - More Slopes Out West Go Green
A group that grades the environmental friendliness of ski areas in the West says 53 of the 83 resorts it reviewed this year boosted their scores, but seven received failing grades. - N.H. Mysteries Entertain, Teach Tourism
Elegant resorts long for glowing accounts of their sumptuous meals, breathtaking views and meticulous service - but how about a shady employee, a missing guest, a murder? - Michigan Home To Thriving Ski Industry
No one will mistake its hills for the Rockies or the Smokies, but Michigan has more downhill areas than any state except New York. - U.S. Bicycle Route System In The Works
State officials and bicycle enthusiasts are stitching together more than 50,000 miles of pedal-friendly pavement to form a vast network of bicycle routes like the one created for cars and trucks over half a century ago. - Old Is New (Deal) Again
The election of Barack Obama in hard times is evoking comparisons with President Franklin Roosevelt and historic preservationists and tourism officials are hoping for increased tourism in places associated with FDR’s New Deal. - Versace Mansion Begins Tours
The iconic South Beach mansion where Gianni Versace lived and died is opening its doors to the public. - Snowstorms Sock U.S., Snarling Travel
Snowstorms blanketed much of the Midwest and Northeast, stranding thousands at airports around the country. - Holiday Delays For Trains, Planes, Buses
Americans face a one-two punch this season: Severe weather is forcing stranded travelers to cool their heels at airports and terminals as countless flights are canceled or delayed, while others are homebound due to the lousy economy. - Airlines Still Charging Bag Fees
When airlines started charging some passengers $15 or more earlier this year to check their bags, they blamed soaring fuel costs. Since then, oil has plummeted. Yet the industry hasn’t stowed away the bag fees. - Better, But Still Bad, For Holiday Travel
Hundreds of holiday travelers spent the night in the nation’s second busiest airport and some of them faced the prospect of doing it again on Christmas Eve as airports across the country recovered from a barrage of snow and ice storms. - Weather Still Causing Travel Woes For Some
More than 100 flights were canceled Wednesday at O’Hare Airport in Chicago, the nation’s second busiest airport, as airports across the country recovered from winter storms. - Top Travel Web Sites
Every year, Travel + Leisure magazine editors pour over thousands of Web sites to come up with an incredible “short list” of the best sites. They are literally the cr me de la cr me of the online travel world. - Pleasure Cruisers Wind Up Cuban Castaways
Robert Vassallo and Angellette Smith were forced to wade ashore in the communist nation shortly before Christmas when the boat they were sailing around the Caribbean crashed into a reef off the country’s western coast. - History Attractions Prep For Inaugural
With Barack Obama moving into the White House and the ongoing celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s life, the nation’s capital and its many tourism sites have been thrust into the spotlight. - Steals Of Travel Deals For ‘09
The “Saturday Bargainista” and a travel wiz pointed Early Show Saturday Edition viewers in the direction of deep discounts. It seems the troubled economy has at least that one silver lining. - Big Apple Seeking Vegas’ Nuptials Crown
It’s giving Sin City a run for its tourist dollars in a bid to overtake it as the world’s weddings capital. - New Orleans Kicks Off Carnival
Roll out the king cakes, plastic beads and Mardi Gras masks. Carnival season has begun in New Orleans. - Get Your Hands Dirty At Grammy Museum
The $34 million Grammy Museum is more than just a glorified Hard Rock Cafe-style collection of music memorabilia. - Airlines’ On-Time Performance Sags In Dec.
U.S. airlines’ on-time performance declined dramatically in December compared to the previous month, but improved slightly over a year earlier, the Transportation Department said. - Mardi Gras: Let The Good Times Roll!
Parade floats are being built, costumes are being fitted and krewes are practicing. Let the good times roll! It’s almost time for Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
