Airport lounge access for $17.50?

Éirinn go brágh! Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, we're featuring your best pictures from around the Emerald Isle. Discover all the shades of green among lush landscapes, majestic castles and even experience a unique "Irish roadblock" (see photo #6). Feeling inspired? Find out how to explore the real castles of Ireland and why now is the best time to start planning your trip. Check out this great deal to Ireland and keep that camera handy. See all 26 photos in our slide show. RECENT READER SLIDE SHOWS Cherry Blossoms | Coastlines | Funny Signs NOW IN SEARCH OF... We're collecting your photos of glaciers and gardens. Upload them through myBudgetTravel, tag them, and check back in the coming weeks for a slide show of the best submissions.

The debate rages on—should the government invest in high-speed rail? As plans move forward in China to cover the country with nearly 16,000 miles of new tracks in the next few years, just the opposite is happening stateside. Last month, Florida Governor Rick Scott rejected $2.4 billion in federal funds for a high-speed line that would have connected Tampa and Orlando. He follows in the footsteps of Ohio’s John Kasich and Wisconsin’s Scott Walker, who similarly turned down money. Politics aside, one fact remains clear: Americans are far behind other countries when it comes to train technology, new track construction, and green rail initiatives. Actors Rich Sommer and Vincent Kartheiser from the hit AMC series Mad Men have teamed up with public-interest advocacy group U.S. PIRG to release a humorous look at the benefits of train travel. The two characters discuss ways to sell the idea of high-speed rail to a car-loving country. Among the many ideas: “No parking, no mechanics, no traffic jams!” The implications are clear. Little, if anything, has changed in American train travel since this scene takes place—in 1965. Watch the video below and let us know if you find their ideas convincing. Weigh in on the high-speed rail debate. Mad Men On Trains from Rich Sommer More from Budget Travel: Will trains replace planes in the next century? China to build high-speed rail link to Europe America's Most Scenic Train Rides

An 8.9 magnitude earthquake off the northeast coast of Japan on Friday triggered a massive tsunami, which was threatening to hit Hawaii and numerous regions around the Pacific Ocean, including the west coast of the U.S. The hardest hit by far has been Japan, where hundreds died in the aftermath of the devastating quake, according to news reports, as water surged across northeastern Japan. Other regions and countries along the Pacific Ocean, from Australia to Russia and Alaska to Chile, waited to assess the possible threat, but it appeared by Friday afternoon that the impact of the tsunami beyond Japan was relatively minor. Those who are in Japan or planning to travel there soon, the U.S. State Department cautions, should be aware that strong aftershocks are likely for weeks following a quake as large as this one. The State Department has issued a travel alert for Japan, advising American citizens to avoid tourism and nonessential travel there for the time being. Tokyo airports are currently closed, and other airports across the country might shut down or limit access to flights, the State Department reported. Several airlines have posted notices about canceled or changed flights into and out of Japan; travelers should check with their airline for flight details. American Airlines stated on its website that due to the earthquake, the airline will waive a one-time change fee for flights into and out of Tokyo for the next week. Delta Air Lines also advised customers that the cancellation or significant delay of any flight entitles them to a refund, or affected customers can make a one-time change to their ticket without a fee. American citizens in Japan or elsewhere who need information or assistance regarding the earthquake and tsunami can contact the State Department at JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov, or at 888/407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or at 202/501-4444 from outside the country. Google has launched a Person Finder tool to help people who are looking for someone or who have information about someone possibly affected by the quake. Travel insurance provider Access America advises travelers who sustain an injury on their journey to call their provider’s assistance department immediately to learn about their emergency medical coverage and to obtain a referral to a local doctor or hospital, as well as to find out about medical air-evacuation options. In the aftermath of the political uprising in Egypt, insurance providers advised that travelers with "cancel anytime" coverage had the best options for assistance. And just last month, travelers faced with the 6.3 magnitude earthquake in New Zealand were also left scrambling to figure out whether to continue with their trip. More from Budget Travel: Is Egypt ready for tourists? Rebuilding Sri Lanka one house at a time Australia goes on sale, Oprah tries to help