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City Walk: Luang Prabang

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:12:20 EDT

Fifteen years ago Luang Prabang was off the beaten path to all but the most intrepid travelers. Today this northern Laotian city receives hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.

Difficulty in Improving Airline Safety

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:28:40 EDT

This year may end up being the worst of the past five years for airline crashes worldwide, and that doesn't count some high-profile military and private-plane fatal accidents that killed major political figures.

Stimulus Projects Worsen Holiday Traffic Woes

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:08:39 EDT

This year, the normal hassles of dodging construction delays have been exacerbated by some 12,000 or more highway projects funded by the federal stimulus program.

A Smackdown in Shanghai

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:25:24 EDT

World Wrestling Entertainment brought its spandex-clad, muscle-bound behemoths to perform in China for the first time.

China's Alibaba Expands Travel Unit

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:26:54 EDT

Alibaba Group, which operates China's biggest e-commerce site, said it is expanding its travel business to include international airline-ticket sales and plans to undercut rivals' prices.

Roadside Attractions Face Tough Market

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:03:36 EDT

Mom-and-Pop roadside attractions are struggling for their share of the tourist dollar. They suffer from a weak economy, changes in travel habits and kids unlikely to be wowed by stationary dinos and miniature golf.

Treats in Vietnam's Imperial Capital

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:20:36 EDT

Hue, Vietnam's old capital city, serves up banh beo, a popular between-meals pastry stuffed with pork and shrimp.

The Allure of Karpathos

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:30:06 EDT

Among the southernmost islands in the Dodecanese chain, Greece's Karpathos offers crystalline waters and endless bays.

Tracking Planes on Ground

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:19:30 EDT

New technology helps airports manage their ground traffic and enables airlines to beat hefty fines for long stays on the tarmac.

Japanese Men Vacation With Virtual Girls

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:46:58 EDT

More than 1,500 male fans of the Japanese dating-simulation game LovePlus+ have flocked to resort town Atami for a date with their videogame character girlfriends.

Hendrix and Handel's London Home

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:54:23 EDT

One of London's best-kept secrets is Handel House, a tiny museum commemorating the 18th-century composer. An even better-kept secret is that Jimi Hendrix lived there.

New Baggage Screening Tested in San Jose

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:56:09 EDT

San Jose airport recently installed an expensive new baggage screening system that officials are calling "the most advanced in the world." But the airport has experienced several hiccups in service and technology.

Puglia's Fiery Pizzica

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 23:37:09 EDT

As Salento draws crowds, so too does a music born in the fields of Italy's heel.

Berlin Broods Over Glitz Invasion

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:57:11 EDT

In a city proud of its underground scene, a trendy new social club feeds angst about elitism.

Fiji Becomes a Volatile Paradise

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:06:10 EDT

The outlook for Fiji appears increasingly grim as the international community bickers with its military leader and its economy falters.

Trowulan: Indonesia's Ancient Empire

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:59:02 EDT

Escape the frenzy of Indonesia's second-largest city with a drive from Surabaya to the peaceful remains of a centuries-old imperial capital.

Are Frequent-Flier Deals Worth It?

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:56:26 EDT

Buying frequent-flier miles rarely makes sense. It can be hard to find the award tickets or upgrades you want, and they're often cashed in for cheap tickets, resulting in a low return on their value.

A Red-Light District Off the Beaten Path

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 02:48:46 EDT

Way off the beaten track in an impoverished corner of Osaka lies western Japan's largest brothel zone -- a place that says much about Japan's attitude toward urban decay, architectural preservation and prostitution.

Ranking the Airlines by Fuel Efficiency

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:47:43 EDT

Just as some cars are more fuel efficient than others, there's a big spread in fuel economy among airlines. Find out which three major airlines are the biggest gas guzzlers.

Hotels Get Facelifts

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:08:35 EDT

In Travel Watch, Courtney Banks reports on the renovation of 5-star hotels in London and Paris and on tourism in New Orleans.

Magazine Shows the Real Afghanistan

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:22:53 EDT

Safi Airways, a start-up Afghan airline, ventures where few air carriers dare to go: Its in-flight magazine tells the ugly truth about the place where you're about to land.

Extended-Stay Looks Up

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:47:23 EDT

The recession and business cost-cutting has hurt the hotel industry over the past two years—with one exception: extended-stay hotels. Plus, a San Andrés island airport reopens, and more.

Bulgaria Wants More Tourists

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 22:10:24 EDT

Tourists come to Bulgaria for the beaches and the historic cities—and for the low prices. But the country's tourism sector is struggling to take a step up the quality ladder.

In Flight, More Dust-Ups

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:38:34 EDT

In Travel Watch, Jonnelle Marte reports on altercations between passengers and flight attendants; Labor Day getaways; a website that aggregates news for states affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and an iPhone travel app.

Decoding Airline Ticket Costs

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:55:51 EDT

The price you pay for an airline ticket is driven by a number of variables: competition, passengers, the route and operating costs. The biggest factor, by far, is whether discount airlines fly in a market.

After Hours: Delhi

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:00:50 EDT

What to do when the sun goes down in this northern Indian city: A club in a garden, and other charms.

Soul Food à la Française

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:31:33 EDT

Savoring fouée, the puffy, delicacy-stuffed bread, is a mouthwatering trip into France's distant past.

Big Buses May Require Seat Belts

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:57:48 EDT

A proposed rule by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would make seat belts a requirement on all new motor coaches.

Luxury Meets Tradition in Guatemala

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:19:14 EDT

Aldous Huxley once called Lake Atitlán, deep in the Mayan highlands and surrounded by three volcanoes, "the most beautiful lake in the world." Today, visitors can boat from fancy hotels to villages that honor ancient gods.

Mexican Tourism's Struggle

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:52:29 EDT

In Travel Watch, Willa Plank reports on travel to Mexico, online tracking of skiers' activities, a lodging-industry forecast, and travel deals.