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Seventy-five years later, the innovation and courage of those who designed and built the Golden Gate Bridge shine as brightly as the span's orange towers.

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Airplane door falls onto golf courseupdated Thu May 24 2012 17:41:43

The FAA is investigating what caused a private jet to lose its door as it flew over a Florida golf course.

Charlotte v. Tampa: Convention city smackdownupdated Thu May 24 2012 07:35:51

Why wait for the election in November? The political convention host cities are already going head-to-head as part of our Destination USA project pitting rival cities against each other. Tampa, Florida, will host the Republican National Convention August 27-30, while Charlotte, North Carolina, will host the Democratic National Convention September 3-6.

Study: Traffic congestion is down nationwide, but at a costupdated Wed May 23 2012 18:58:27

If you commute using one of the 10 most clogged highways in the United States, you could ride a bicycle to work faster than you could drive, according to a new study that evaluates the countless hours drivers waste in gridlock on roadways each year.

United Airlines ends coach preboarding for childrenupdated Wed May 23 2012 12:21:36

As families prepare for air travel this coming Memorial Day weekend, United Airlines won't be offering early boarding to families in coach with small children.

Secret hotels of Florida's Gulf Coastupdated Wed May 23 2012 07:02:29

Quiet, sand dune-sheltered shorelines, busy spring break towns, offbeat fishing villages and sunsets like you won't see anywhere else in the state: Florida's Gulf Coast has them all. It also has plenty of soulless, high-rise, time-share condos and bland chain hotels.

Mystery object in the air investigated after pilot report updated Tue May 22 2012 19:31:39

A US Airways Express flight crew reported seeing what looked like a flare with a smoke trail in the vicinity of their aircraft while on approach to Philadelphia International Airport on Tuesday.

Poverty tours: A learning experience or simply gawking?updated Tue May 22 2012 08:04:05

On a recent trip home to India, I heard a German man on my flight remark to another passenger that he'd taken his son on a tour of a Kolkata slum.

Seven great Memorial Day getawaysupdated Mon May 21 2012 08:42:07

Taking a break for Memorial Day? To point you in the right direction, we looked for celebrations across America that offered something special in honor of the Memorial Day holiday, be it a unique patriotic tribute, a celeb-worthy pool party, an epic blues festival or a vineyard tour.

In-flight phone calls to become standard, say expertsupdated Fri May 18 2012 13:25:10

Switching off your cellphone during a flight will soon be a thing of the past, according to aviation experts, who are tipping in-flight mobile connectivity to become a standard feature of air travel.

Romancing the dune in Namibiaupdated Fri May 18 2012 09:34:14

Step by step, in the soft sweet light just before dawn, we climb a knife edge of Namibian sand. We are walking up one of what are said to be the world's tallest dunes.

Euro crisis: Should I cancel my vacation?updated Thu May 17 2012 11:24:50

In the last decade of the 20th century, the Turkish lira fell in value 1,000 times against the U.S. dollar, meaning that tourists returning to that country after several years found that any old money they still possessed since their last visit had become almost worthless.

Smackdown: Tampa Bay area boasts sandy shores, surrealismupdated Thu May 17 2012 08:28:25

Florida has become known for the weird. Highly charged court cases, nudist colonies and a bounty of tanning salons seem to arise in the Sunshine State. And unfortunately, cut-off jeans and flip-flops are not in short supply here.

New Delhi: Shop till you dropupdated Thu May 17 2012 06:58:36

New Delhi strains under the weight of its own UNESCO World Heritage sites. What with the towering minaret of Qutb Minar, the glorious Humayun's tomb and the imposing Red Fort Mughal palace, visitors can feel swamped by the sheer abundance of history on display.

Report: TSA security breaches mishandled updated Wed May 16 2012 16:15:46

The Transportation Security Administration is failing to adequately report, track and fix airport security breaches, according to the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general.

Fed probes allegation airbag cut driver's ear in halfupdated Wed May 16 2012 12:28:14

Federal authorities say they've launched an investigation into the 2012 Hyundai Elantra after a vehicle owner claimed the driver-side airbag improperly deployed during a traffic accident, resulting in a severe cut to his ear.

Will Atlanta's new international terminal measure up?updated Wed May 16 2012 08:01:38

International travelers, rejoice! The world's busiest airport is debuting a billion-dollar solution to the much-griped-about entry procedure for Atlanta-bound passengers.

The journey that inspired youupdated Wed May 16 2012 06:17:13

Memorial Day road trip? You're not aloneupdated Tue May 15 2012 10:46:40

Drivers are expected to encounter jam-packed highways during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend, according to a survey released Tuesday by AAA.

Charlotte vs. Tampa: Charlotte, 'you have arrived,' says former residentupdated Tue May 15 2012 10:05:55

Listen carefully at the corner of Trade and Tryon streets in uptown Charlotte, and you'll hear the sounds that make the Queen City one of the country's best-kept secrets.

Five of the world's most opulent villasupdated Mon May 14 2012 09:18:36

What kind of holiday rental home costs $10,000 a day? Perhaps one set on a private Caribbean beach, with a personal fleet of boats?

New fashions inspired by New Delhiupdated Mon May 14 2012 06:25:58

With a star-studded client list that includes Catherine Zeta-Jones, Lindsay Lohan, Julia Roberts and Michelle Pfeiffer, Trelise Cooper is an internationally known fashion designer.

Couch surfing a cave in southern Jordanupdated Fri May 11 2012 09:41:06

In front of a cave deep in the monochromatic sandstone canyons of Petra, in southern Jordan, sits a bright pink 1982 Jeep Wrangler.

Zurich in a hurry: Make the most of your stopoverupdated Fri May 11 2012 05:26:47

Facing a stopover of a few hours in Zurich? Don't waste it in the airport lounge. Check in your suitcase, and zip into the city for a brief encounter with a European cultural capital set amidst idyllic natural surroundings.

Plane passenger tries to open door during flightupdated Thu May 10 2012 20:45:13

Authorities detained a man who tried to open the door of a commercial jet midair on Thursday, officials said.

No-fly 'glitch' has toddler removed from planeupdated Thu May 10 2012 19:57:22

JetBlue Airways is apologizing for a "computer glitch" it blames for a family being told their 18-month-old daughter was on a government no-fly list.

Drunken driving charge against ex-FAA chief droppedupdated Thu May 10 2012 13:44:47

A Virginia judge Thursday dismissed a drunken driving charge against former Federal Aviation Administrator Randy Babbitt, saying police should not have pulled him over.

New York vs. Los Angeles: And the winner is ...updated Thu May 10 2012 10:31:34

Who takes the cake: New York or L.A.?

Dancing to the music of love in Buenos Airesupdated Thu May 10 2012 06:44:24

You can't escape tango in Buenos Aires. It is danced on the trains and in the streets. Restaurants in the bohemian neighborhoods of San Telmo and La Boca try to lure tourists inside with exhibition dancing outside their doors. Taxi drivers play tango music on their radios, and giant billboards promote choreographed tango shows.

Summer flights expected to be fullupdated Wed May 09 2012 15:50:58

Passengers on U.S. airlines this summer will stand a good chance of finding the seat next to them occupied.

A worthy wreck for divers: USS Kittiwakeupdated Wed May 09 2012 15:44:57

The water is so clear you can see it from the surface. It's the Cayman Islands' newest tourist attraction, the USS Kittiwake.

Body scanning 'woefully inadequate' abroad, experts sayupdated Tue May 08 2012 18:24:43

A foiled plot to sneak a bomb through airport checkpoints and onto a plane bound for the United States calls attention to gaps in screening measures that are supposed to detect threats airport metal detectors miss.

Gun parts found in boy's stuffed animals at Rhode Island airportupdated Tue May 08 2012 17:28:30

A man traveling with his 4-year-old son claims he didn't know that the three stuffed animals his little boy put on a conveyor belt at T. F. Green International Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, contained parts that could be assembled into a loaded handgun, the Transportation Security Administration says.

Coves, cliffs and lighthouses on Canada's epic east coastupdated Tue May 08 2012 09:12:14

The world's second-largest country has a massive Atlantic coastline, and the best way to tackle its awesomeness is by car or campervan.

Costa Cruises announces new safety initiativesupdated Mon May 07 2012 17:20:22

Costa Cruises introduced seven new safety measures over the weekend during a ceremony celebrating the delivery of the company's new $665 million flagship.

An insider's guide to driving in Italyupdated Mon May 07 2012 14:52:03

So you're ready to go. You've booked your flight, arranged your accommodation and booked a rental car.

To luau or not to luau? Your Hawaii tipsupdated Mon May 07 2012 09:51:02

Pricey tourist trap, cultural experience, or both? A handful of readers took issue with a recent suggestion that Hawaii visitors skip the luau in a list of Hawaii do's and don'ts.

Musician's passionate journey through Buenos Airesupdated Mon May 07 2012 06:31:18

Since her debut with the New York Philharmonic at the age of eight, Sarah Chang has grown through the weight of expectation to become one of the world's great violinists.

Survey: U.S. gasoline prices drop 7 centsupdated Sun May 06 2012 17:21:36

The average price for a gallon of regular U.S. gasoline slipped almost 7 cents over the past two weeks, chasing a drop in crude oil prices, according to a nationwide survey published Sunday.

Amazing first-class air cabinsupdated Fri May 04 2012 12:50:28

When San Francisco law firm operations director Jeffrey Lais was due for a well-earned vacation, he booked himself a first-class ticket to Munich on Lufthansa.

Socotra: Unspoiled island sanctuary caught on cameraupdated Fri May 04 2012 07:24:49

Most people would struggle to place it on a map, but Socotra is one of the world's last unspoiled island chains -- an archipelago off the coast of Yemen that has wildlife so diverse it has been described as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean.

A very indulgent guide to Louisvilleupdated Thu May 03 2012 10:33:10

For about two minutes on Saturday, millions of eyes will focus on Louisville, home of Kentucky's most feted affair, that blissfully short sporting event that comes with its own cocktail.

Summer in Lapland, land of the midnight sunupdated Thu May 03 2012 05:58:27

You'd be forgiven for not knowing, but the end of April marks a very important date in the Swedish calendar.

Philippines' tourism campaign hopes for boost from social mediaupdated Wed May 02 2012 22:10:25

The Philippines Department of Tourism has a lot to boast about. The country has beautiful beaches, great scuba diving and a culture that is known for its hospitality. What it doesn't have is a lot of money for a global tourism campaign.

FAA issues warning to passenger who filmed bird strikeupdated Wed May 02 2012 13:12:10

A Delta Air Lines passenger who admitted using an electronic device last month to videotape a bird strike minutes after takeoff has been warned by the Federal Aviation Administration to follow the rules or face a penalty the next time.

New York vs. Los Angeles: For all its grit, NYC 'sparkles'updated Wed May 02 2012 11:23:34

New York City is crowded, cramped, expensive and dirty. In summertime, the walk down subway stairs often feels like a descent into a Gila monster's mouth. In the winter, exhaust and dog-stained snow piles turn the streets to grim, dim, narrow canyons. There are rats with the size and agility of house cats, the transit system is often thwarted by mild rainstorms, and Donald Trump is allowed to roam about as he pleases.

Airport cheerleaders an added perk?updated Wed May 02 2012 11:18:44

While some Chinese travelers storm the tarmac when flights get delayed, others might wish their flights never take off -- assuming they're flying from the northeast China city of Dalian.

On Cinco de Mayo, find Mexico in the U.S.updated Wed May 02 2012 09:02:29

When celebrating the Cinco de Mayo holiday, consider a more authentic Mexican experience than simply ordering a margarita and chips and salsa at the local sports bar. Not ready for a trip to Mexico right now? There is plenty of Mexico to explore and celebrate in the United States since much of the Southwest was once part of our neighbor to the south.

New York vs. Los Angeles: L.A. is a 'heavenly place'updated Tue May 01 2012 09:19:48

If you told me eight years ago I'd end up writing an article extolling the virtues of Los Angeles, I would have laughed.

That's amore! Alternatives to Italy's romance hotspotsupdated Mon Apr 30 2012 15:31:49

Romance runs rich through Italy's veins, with icons of amore to melt the hardest heart. But the most famous sight isn't always the most swoon-worthy; find the real romance of Italy with a hot date at one of these alternative picks.

Private tour guide can be a business traveler's best friendupdated Mon Apr 30 2012 10:40:06

While planning a trip to London in 2010, I worked with a travel planner for the first time. And she suggested something odd. Or at least I thought it was odd at the time.

Photographer's Lapland journey highlights global warmingupdated Mon Apr 30 2012 06:10:49

If Roger Moukarzel's camera could talk, it would have some colorful stories to tell. From the front line of the Lebanese wars, to the bewitching fashion houses of Italy and France, the Beirut-born photographer has crossed every continent in search of the perfect picture.

Australian billionaire to build Titanic replicaupdated Mon Apr 30 2012 02:44:38

An Australian mining magnate has commissioned a Chinese shipyard to build a replica of the ill-fated Titanic, complete in every detail but equipped with modern technology to prevent a repeat of the original's fateful maiden voyage 100 years ago.

Heavenly Hawaii: Dos and don'tsupdated Fri Apr 27 2012 08:56:23

Looking to get to Hawaii without blowing your son's college fund? Want to experience the islands but not sure when to go?

Eat your way around Copenhagen, Europe's new culinary capitalupdated Thu Apr 26 2012 06:19:07

Stereotypes of Danish cuisine inevitably feature visions of streaky bacon and swirly pastries. But trail-blazing restaurants like the two Michelin-starred "Noma" have ushered in a fashion for so-called "New Nordic Cuisine" that has seen bon vivants straining their vocal chords in songs of praise.

New site promises hot people a free rideupdated Wed Apr 25 2012 17:14:45

There's a hot new travel site -- but it doesn't really arrange any travel.

TSA screeners at LAX arrested on narcotics trafficking chargesupdated Wed Apr 25 2012 16:33:58

Two current and two former TSA employees have been arrested in an alleged drug and bribery scheme by screeners who allowed large shipments of narcotics to pass through security at Los Angeles International Airport in exchange for cash, federal prosecutors said.

Cruise ship industry adopts new safety policiesupdated Wed Apr 25 2012 14:41:11

In the wake of the deadly Costa Concordia cruise ship accident off the coast of Italy in January, the cruise industry is implementing new safety standards.

Looking for low airfares? You'll need some luckupdated Wed Apr 25 2012 13:11:55

Douglas Quinby was shocked at the price. Traveling from Atlanta to New Orleans in two weeks for work, the travel industry analyst found an airline ticket for $130 a week ago and grabbed it.

Bon appétit! Amazing hotel room serviceupdated Wed Apr 25 2012 09:10:15

Sumptuous restaurant meals are one of the decadent pleasures of traveling. But there are times -- say, after a long day of exploring or business meetings -- when the idea of eating dinner in a bathrobe seems equally compelling.

High-tech hotels a hit with geeky guestsupdated Wed Apr 25 2012 05:43:58

While technology has become inextricably fused into our daily lives in recent years, hotels have not always kept pace.

HoJo is just mad for Don Draperupdated Tue Apr 24 2012 18:01:07

No one wants to disappoint Don Draper.

Dark tourism bears witness to tragedy updated Tue Apr 24 2012 08:27:14

The crowds continue to visit the dead.

Hate dining solo? Site offers a solutionupdated Mon Apr 23 2012 09:36:00

Rochelle Peachey, the founder of the dating site I Love Your Accent, is sitting alone in a restaurant, gabbing away on her cellphone, when a few minutes into the conversation, the phone she's talking into starts to ring. Busted!

Indian master chef gets fresh at 'world's best restaurant'updated Mon Apr 23 2012 07:02:51

As a multi award-winning chef, bestselling author, TV channel proprietor and hugely successful syndicated show host, Sanjeev Kapoor is arguably the world's most revered exponent of Indian cuisine.

Gas survey reports its first price drop of the yearupdated Sun Apr 22 2012 15:05:36

Average U.S. gasoline prices have dropped more than a nickel over the past two weeks, marking their first dip since December, according to a nationwide survey published Sunday.

With environmental spotlight on Greenland, more tourists want closer lookupdated Sun Apr 22 2012 09:51:46

There's a good chance you've seen more of Greenland in magazines or on TV recently.

Suspect fatally shot after California carjackingsupdated Fri Apr 20 2012 15:54:51

The intense search for an armed carjacking suspect, which involved the closure of a busy California interstate, ended Friday night with authorities shooting and killing the suspect.

Cruise line regrets failure to help stranded Panama fishermenupdated Fri Apr 20 2012 08:49:49

An American cruise line has said it "deeply regrets" the deaths of two Panamanian fishermen amid claims that one of its cruise ships failed to help their stranded boat.

Hidden treasures in our national parksupdated Fri Apr 20 2012 07:41:57

Perhaps you've been to the Everglades, toured Yosemite or visited Point Reyes National Seashore and discovered the glorious nature and historical events celebrated and protected by our national parks.

A journey through South Africa's stunning Zulu Kingdomupdated Thu Apr 19 2012 06:32:14

Spread across a 600-kilometer stretch of South Africa's east coast, the former Zulu Kingdom boasts one of sub-Saharan Africa's most eclectic blends of wildlife, history and culture.

Oregon man says naked airport protest was about free speechupdated Thu Apr 19 2012 03:10:28

John Brennan says he did not go to the Portland International Airport intending to get naked.

JetBlue pilot to use insanity defenseupdated Wed Apr 18 2012 18:19:01

Clayton Osbon, the JetBlue pilot who was restrained by passengers after he left the cockpit and acted erratically during a flight last month, will use an insanity defense, according to court documents filed Wednesday by his attorney Dean Roper.

8 mistakes weekend travelers makeupdated Wed Apr 18 2012 09:49:05

Not that long ago Budget Travel asked readers if it would be worth flying six hours to a destination if you only had four nights to spend there. And surprisingly, the majority said yes! So the next question is: how do you make the most of a short break?

Oregon man says naked airport protest was about free speechupdated Wed Apr 18 2012 02:42:54

John Brennan says he did not go to the Portland International Airport intending to get naked.

Pilot sends plane into dive after mistaking Venus for oncoming planeupdated Tue Apr 17 2012 08:12:43

It's happened to most of us. We suddenly wake up and find ourselves disoriented, wondering where we are, and possibly mistaking a light in the distance for something completely different. Usually it's no big deal -- you shake it off, wake up and move on.

5 great spots for dropping off the gridupdated Tue Apr 17 2012 07:55:47

Tax day got you down?

Hot new things to do in Puerto Ricoupdated Mon Apr 16 2012 09:20:03

Melvin Martínez, a burly, soft-spoken 35-year-old painter, stands in the center of his studio in San Juan's Santurce neighborhood. A fleck of silver glitter is stuck to his neck, another twinkles from his brow.

All aboard! Respect, remembrance mix with the macabreupdated Fri Apr 13 2012 18:36:32

Morgan Mullinix was laughed at when she'd tell friends where she was headed.

TSA testing electronic document checkers at select airports updated Fri Apr 13 2012 17:25:35

The Transportation Security Administration is unveiling new technology this month at several airports aimed at verifying boarding passes and IDs of passengers.

Proposed pavilions and pools would spruce up D.C.'s National Mallupdated Fri Apr 13 2012 11:12:55

How about an ice skating rink on the National Mall, just a stone's throw from the Lincoln Memorial? Or a new, expanded outdoor amphitheater next to the Washington Monument, where people sit on the grass and watch a performance?

'Disruptive' JetBlue pilot indicted, accused of interfering with flight crewupdated Thu Apr 12 2012 14:41:38

A JetBlue pilot has been indicted, accused of interfering with a flight crew just over two weeks after several passengers wrestled him to the floor after he exhibited what authorities described as erratic behavior.

'American Stories' from Ben Franklin to Kermit the Frogupdated Thu Apr 12 2012 13:22:09

Reinforcing identity and learning more about who we are: That's the theme of "American Stories," a new exhibit now open at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington.

Malaysia Airlines launches kid-free economy zoneupdated Thu Apr 12 2012 12:17:53

If you want to stir up a fiery debate -- or maybe even a fist fight -- start talking about air travel and children. Inevitably, someone will declare that airlines should offer "kid-free flights."

Getting away, celebrity styleupdated Thu Apr 12 2012 09:53:28

Do you find yourself enviously clicking through pictures of celebrity homes on your lunch hour? Instead of turning green over the multibillion-dollar estates of George Clooney or Brad and Angelina, why not follow their lead? Plan your own getaway in a place where the stars have found solace, far from the fray.

New sites cater to canine couch surfersupdated Wed Apr 11 2012 13:05:40

Does your dog object to vacationing in a cage? Can't count on your brother-in-law to commit to dog-sitting for two weeks? Now there are home stay websites for four-legged creatures.

Medical emergency diverts Titanic memorial cruiseupdated Tue Apr 10 2012 13:53:38

A medical emergency Tuesday diverted the cruise ship retracing the path of the ill-fated Titanic 100 years after its sinking.

Six new spots for architecture loversupdated Tue Apr 10 2012 11:33:04

The Eiffel Tower. The Colosseum. The Taj Majal. The Pyramids.

End of an era for tourist trips to ghostly wreck of Titanic updated Tue Apr 10 2012 07:23:26

For Titanic enthusiasts, it's a last chance to glimpse the famous cruise liner in its final resting place, a full 100 years after the vessel's tragic demise.

World's most outrageous hotel amenities updated Mon Apr 09 2012 14:37:08

Now that ultra-plush bathrobes, high-thread-count linens and designer toiletries are de rigueur at upscale hotels, top properties are offering innovative and extravagant perks to ensure a distinctive experience.

Survey: Gas prices may peak, depending on crude oil costupdated Sun Apr 08 2012 15:08:08

U.S. gas prices showed their smallest increase since early January -- and may be nearing or past their peak if the price of crude oil holds steady, according to a national survey published Sunday.

Cruise ship rescues 23 Cubans at seaupdated Fri Apr 06 2012 18:26:14

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas cruise ship has rescued 23 Cubans found floating in a boat, the cruise line said. The cruise ship was on a seven-night voyage from Port Everglades, Florida, to Cozumel, Mexico.

100 years later, Titanic's allure still strongupdated Fri Apr 06 2012 07:26:17

Tom and Sheila Byron are packed and ready to go.

Judge orders psychiatric exam for JetBlue pilotupdated Wed Apr 04 2012 19:17:09

A JetBlue pilot who had an apparent meltdown aboard a flight last week will undergo a psychiatric evaluation to see whether he was sane during the incident and whether he is competent to stand trial.

U.S. airlines: Safer than ever? updated Wed Apr 04 2012 14:03:34

These days, stories about airline crew-member meltdowns and traffic controllers asleep on the job are enough to make even the bravest fliers clutch their armrests a little tighter. But despite these unusual incidents, the U.S. airline industry is enjoying one of the safest periods in its history.

12 injured when airliner hits turbulence updated Wed Apr 04 2012 09:27:43

Twelve people suffered minor injuries aboard a United Airlines flight when it encountered turbulence while flying over Louisiana on Wednesday, officials said.

Allegiant Air adds carry-on feeupdated Tue Apr 03 2012 15:28:34

Keep your carry-ons small on Allegiant Air flights. Starting Wednesday, if your bag doesn't fit under the seat, you're going to pay for it.

Report says top U.S. airlines performed very well in 2011updated Mon Apr 02 2012 15:42:40

Despite widespread perceptions that airline service is deteriorating, 2011 was the "best year ever" for airline performance, according to independent experts who have been studying data for the past 21 years.

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