Weekly International Travel News Roundup

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Tune into The Early Show on CBS this Monday where Peter will be talking about frequent-flier miles, and how airlines are actually making them easier to redeem lately.

Missed Peter’s last segment on The Early Show? Last Monday he talked about the growing trend of volunteer vacations. Whether it’s saving sea turtles in Costa Rica or working with orphans in Cambodia, these programs offer travelers a great way to make a difference and use their unique skills while exploring the world. Click here to read a transcript of the segment.

Want to learn a few of Peter’s favorite—and least favorite—things about hotels? In this recent USA Today article, Peter shares everything from his favorite hotel in the world to his favorite hotel lobby bar, plus the four pet peeves that really irk him on the road.

Peter broadcast his radio show from the new Terranea Resort on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. If you’ve never heard of this spectacular Southern California destination, you’re missing out. We rounded up some locals to tell us the coolest places to spot migrating whales, where to experience dramatic beach hikes, and how to explore the region’s eclectic architecture in Ask the Locals: Palos Verdes, California.

And this weekend is the World’s Longest Yardsale, which stretches a whopping 654 miles across five states, from Gadsden, Alabama to West Unity, Ohio. Read more about this all-American tradition that keeps growing and growing, and how you can participate Inside the World’s Longest Yard Sale.

It may be illegal for ordinary leisure tourists to go to Cuba, but hundreds do it anyway. In Americans Openly Flouting Cuba Travel Ban in Attempt to Change Law we tell you about some travelers who are daring authorities to cite them, in the hope that they can challenge the travel embargo in court.

Iran and Iraq may be two of the least-visited countries in the world, but they have both seen a small surge in tourism over the last few years. In Will Arrest of American Hikers Affect Iran, Iraq Tourism? we evaluate whether or not the recent incident involving three American students will threaten this already shaky industry.

Are you dying to get out of Dodge, but sick of the high price of airline tickets and gasoline? Then get on the bus! One company is making it really easy—and ultra affordable—to take that vacation. Get all the details in Megabus Stimulus Promotion Offers 50,000 Seats for $1 Each.

More than two dozen passengers and crew were injured Monday morning after their Houston-bound jet hit violent turbulence over the Caribbean Sea. In Severe Turbulence on Continental Flight Injures 28 we give you the details of the incident, plus some statistics on how often passengers are injured from turbulence.

Some Cancun sunbathers hoping for a little beachside relaxation got a big shock last week when they found crime scene tape and soldiers instead. In Sand-Snatching Scandal Leads to Shutdown of Gran Caribe Real Beach we tell you who’s been stealing the sand and why Mexico’s beaches are in peril.

Still looking for a place to take a summer vacation? Instead of the usual time-honored favorites, why not make a beeline to somewhere a little less predictable?

In Unexpected Summer Destinations: Death Valley, Aspen, Florida, Palm Springs we’ve got a round-up of some unconventional places where you can have fun and find great late-summer deals.

Whatever your agenda, Sydney, Australia is a city that’s got it going on—on many different levels. In Off the Brochure Travel Guide: Sydney, Australia Karl I. Muller suggests some new ways to see Sydney’s unique landmarks, and delves into the culture, nightlife and dining of this urban mecca.

Traveling when you have a food allergy, eating intolerance or other unique dietary issue can be difficult. In 5 Tips for Dealing with Special Dietary Needs When Traveling Internationally Jacqueline Rosokoff tells you how proper planning and knowing the right resources can open up options when you’re headed overseas.

Our own Loretta Copeland recently embarked on a family vacation to Canada with her 7-year-old daughter. In Planning Family-Friendly Experiences in Canada, Niagara and Beyond, part one of her series of blogs about the trip, she describes the trials and triumphs of traveling internationally with a child.

In part two of Loretta’s travelogue, she describes the forests, farms, small towns where day trippers from Toronto can get a dose of both local flair and natural history.

Read the whole story in Traveling to Canada: Niagara Falls, Medieval Times, Unionville, Family Farms and More.

In Beyond Niagara: Family-Friendly Travel in Toronto, Canada, part three of her four-part series, Loretta explores downtown Toronto’s family-oriented (as well as some not-so-kid-friendly) offerings, and conquers a lifelong fear.

And in the final installment of her travel series, Loretta and her daughter finally get to see the stunning beauty of Niagara Falls, and reflect on the family-oriented (and some not-so-kid-friendly) experiences in Canada.

A few weeks ago, a Canadian musician became an Internet celebrity after posting a video on YouTube about his troubles with a certain major airline. In The Travel Detective on United Airlines and Guitars, Plus Dave Carroll on Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio Peter blogs about the incident, the video, and the PR nightmare it created for United.