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Archive: December 2008
dec 31

Video: The all-time top safari video on YouTube

The water buffalo move into the path of trouble. And then there's a surprise. And another.
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0 by Sean O'Neill Safaris
dec 30

Where are you going in 2009?

Let us know the places on your radar.
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613 by Budget Travel Questions and Opinions
dec 30

Sheraton makes it easier to stay fit while traveling

Sheraton is rolling out new fitness centers nationwide, along with easier ways to keep fit on the road.
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3 by Alison Rohrs Hotels
dec 29

Know of any great subway art?

See a sample of interesting subway art, and suggest your own favorite underground art.
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18 by Thomas Berger Questions and Opinions
dec 24

In case you missed it...

Happy holidays!
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0 by Sean O'Neill
dec 23

How rock bands save on lodging

More than 900 bands used Couchsurfing.com to find free places to stay last year. One band says it saved $5,000 on lodging costs for its 109 nights on the road in 2008.
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3 by Sean O'Neill Helpful Websites, Hotels
dec 23

Celebrating haggis and Robert Burns

Last-minute discount packages for Burns Night in Scotland and festivities in honor of the national poet's 250th birthday.
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4 by Laura MacNeil United Kingdom
dec 22

Frontier debuts new a la carte pricing model

Passengers willing to forgo all the extras can actually save money on their flights.
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6 by Justin Bergman Airlines
dec 22

This weekend: Puerto Rico's annual holiday mask festival

Stephen Keeling, author of the Rough Guide to Puerto Rico, recommends this exuberant celebration.
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3 by JD Rinne Puerto Rico
dec 22

A few good links: Is your travel agent crooked?

Tours of Versace's mansion, holidays at amusement parks, white noise in the air, and crazy Asian hotels
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2 by John Rambow Pop Culture and Travel, Florida, Miami, Technology
dec 22

A rare peek at Homeland Security's files on travelers

The government tracks all international passenger activity. I requested a copy of my travel dossier, citing the Freedom of Information Act. I'm posting sample pages here.
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398 by Sean O'Neill Safety and Security
dec 19

Readers' Photos: A slide show of our fave shots

Check out a slide show of some of the best photos submitted to myBudgetTravel.
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4 by Budget Travel Travel Photography
dec 18

Airfares: Powerful new e-mail alerts are on the way

FareCompare will soon offer free e-mail alerts to when airlines are holding unofficial, unadvertised fare sales before everyone else--even on Southwest Airlines.
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5 by Sean O'Neill Airfares & Flying
dec 18

Do men have better travel experiences than women?

"When faced with a risky choice," one woman traveler says, "women are more likely to err on the side of caution." What do you think?
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24 by Sean O'Neill Pop Culture and Travel, Questions and Opinions
dec 18

In time for the holidays, "Scared of Santa" photos

At Christmas, parents line up with their fidgety kids for adorable photos on Santa's lap. Only it doesn't always work out that way...
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7 by Laura MacNeil Pop Culture and Travel, Shopping
dec 17

This weekend: Festive yachts parade in Newport Beach's bay, a 100-year tradition

From tiny kayaks to huge yachts, decorated boats will parade around 14 miles of Newport Beach's bay and channels.
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1 by JD Rinne Beaches, California
dec 17

New York City: Hertz starts "pay as you go" car rentals

The company has just launched a car-sharing service in New York City, London, and Paris.
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10 by JD Rinne New York City, Rental Cars
dec 17

Evoking Hong Kong: Q&A with the author of 'The Piano Teacher'

In her first novel, Janice Y.K. Lee keenly describes the expat social whirl and everyday flavor of Hong Kong, shifting between 1952 and the tumultuous Japanese invasion in late 1941.
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3 by Kate Appleton Literary Travel, Pop Culture and Travel, China, Hong Kong
dec 16

Atlantic City gets a high-speed weekend train link to New York City

From $50 one-way, a new direct train with upscale amenities will connect New York City and Atlantic City, beginning on weekends in February.
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7 by Sean O'Neill Train Travel, New Jersey, Atlantic City
dec 16

2009 outlook for U.S. hotel rates

Vacancies at U.S. hotels will hit their highest level since 1971, say forecasters. Deals will abound for budget-conscious travelers.
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2 by Alison Rohrs Hotels
dec 16

Follow that story: The TSA and baggage theft

465 TSA officers have been fired for theft since 2003.
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6 by Sean O'Neill Airport Check-in, Safety and Security
dec 15

A few good links: Italy's holiday witch

A Vegemite museum, biking around Manhattan, cheap bets in Vegas, and Christmas in Bethlehem, Pa.
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0 by John Rambow Nevada, Las Vegas, New York City, Pennsylvania
dec 12

Our monster list of travel gifts (a work in progress)

Our attempt at corralling all those "great travel gifts" lists.
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5 by John Rambow Shopping
dec 12

First Venice, now Rome drenched by floods

Rescue teams set out on rafts and Romans prepared for the swollen Tiber River to overflow after days of severe weather throughout Italy.
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0 by Kate Appleton Italy, Rome, Venice
dec 12

Exclusive: New York's holiday windows as festive as ever

There may not be any snow in New York yet, but the department store windows are in full holiday mode.
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24 by John Rambow Shopping, New York City
dec 11

How to see a space shuttle launch live

Only 10 more shuttle launches left before the spacecraft are retired. Here's a guide to planning your trip to see one roar into the sky.
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6 by Budget Travel Florida
dec 10

This weekend: Model trains take over Traverse City, Mich.

Christmas has come early for those hoping for a model train under the tree this year.
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3 by JD Rinne Michigan
dec 09

Cruisegoing: A scientist talks about "freaque" waves

An interview with a longtime oceanographer about rogue, or freak, waves, which are sea waves with a fury, velocity, and fantastic size.
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1 by Sean O'Neill Cruises
dec 09

Picking on Paris and other "overrated" cities

Paris, Dubai, Prague, Moscow, and Athens: Can they all be overrated?
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115 by John Rambow Pop Culture and Travel, Czech Republic, Prague, France, Paris, Greece, Athens, Dubai
dec 09

Cruise ships under threat by pirates

Pirates have attempted to board two cruise ships in the Gulf of Aden in the past couple of weeks.
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4 by Sean O'Neill Cruises
dec 08

Which cover do you like best?

The latest issue of Budget Travel was published in two batches, each with its own cover. Tell us which one you like better.
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47 by Budget Travel Questions and Opinions
dec 08

Gear: A new wheelie bag arrives

Save $14 on shipping if you book Timbuk2's new wheelie bag.
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0 by Amy Chen Travel Gear
dec 08

A few good links: Amsterdam cleaning up its act

Personalized in-flight magazines, Europe's Christmas markets, a travel blogger raffle, and airport hate.
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0 by John Rambow Art + Culture, Pop Culture and Travel, Airfares & Flying, Innovations
dec 08

Flights to Israel get cheaper

Buy one ticket at advertised prices from El Al, and pay a lower price for a companion ticket.
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1 by Sean O'Neill Israel, Airfares & Flying
dec 08

Council names the best tall buildings of '08. And the winner is...

Drum roll, please.
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2 by JD Rinne China, Shanghai
dec 08

Airports: Here comes à la carte pricing

A fancy lounge is available to anyone for $25 at LAX's terminal for international passengers.
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3 by Justin Bergman California, Los Angeles, Airfares & Flying
dec 05

Budget travel tips from a man who visited 16 countries for free

Advice from someone who has been doing budget travel for 156 days this year in 16 countries. Why you should spend less, stay longer, and meet more locals when you take your next trip.
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6 by Sean O'Neill Pop Culture and Travel
dec 05

Paris: Restaurants and bars to visit pre- or post-Louvre

Getting through the Louvre can be a slog. Here are some nearby restaurants and bars to either get ready or to get a second wind.
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17 by Meg Zimbeck Food + Drink, Landmarks and Monuments, Museums, Wine, France, Paris
dec 05

Are hotel price matches a bad idea?

The guarantees may discourage hotels from cutting their rates.
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5 by Sean O'Neill Hotels
dec 04

New York City: Ride in a vintage subway car this December

Subway cars from the 1930s will be in service on Sundays.
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10 by JD Rinne New York City
dec 04

Houston airport now a hotbed of karaoke

Getting through security will be the least of your worries now that karaoke's come to Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport.
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1 by John Rambow Pop Culture and Travel, Texas, Houston, Airport Check-in
dec 04

Staying with the 'rents

With a source for alternative lodging in case you need it.
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2 by Liz Ozaist Hotels
dec 03

Video: Make a wine carrier for a plane ride

Southwest sells a handy padded carrier for a wine bottle for $5. Any other sources for wine carriers?
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12 by Sean O'Neill
dec 02

"American Airlines Now Charging Fees To Non-Passengers"

That's the joking headline from "The Onion," which describes itself as America's Finest News Source.
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3 by Thomas Berger Pop Culture and Travel
dec 02

This weekend: Colonial Williamsburg kicks off the holiday season

The Grand Illumination event this Sunday will feature the Fifes and Drums corp, celebrating its 50th anniversary.
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1 by JD Rinne Virginia, Williamsburg
dec 02

D.C.: The Capitol gets a new visitor center

Today, the Capitol Visitor Center opens in Washington, D.C.
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3 by Sean O'Neill Landmarks and Monuments, Washington, D.C.
dec 01

A few good links: Stay healthy while traveling

Philly's Italian market, Obama's Hawaii, buying tunnels in London, and razing Tokyo's Kabuki theater.
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1 by John Rambow Pop Culture and Travel, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Health and Hygiene
dec 01

Video: If Australia doesn't cut it, try Tasmania

Tasmania spoofs the movie Australia.
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1 by Sean O'Neill Australia & South Pacific, Tasmania
dec 01

Pop Quiz: What's the largest airline in Russia? (Hint: It's not Aeroflot)

A new airline overtakes the famous, state-owned carrier.
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1 by Sean O'Neill Russia, Airlines
dec 01

Solo travel: Deals from Overseas Adventure Travel

Save up to a third off this tour company's packages because it is waiving its surcharge for singles.
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2 by Sean O'Neill China, Solo