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Archive for September, 2009

USA’s Hot Air Balloon Festival Season Kicks Off This Weekend

USA’s Hot Air Balloon Festival Season Kicks Off This Weekend

Autumn is a time to enjoy spectacular fall foliage, but the turning leaves won’t be the only brilliant colors adorning the skies in upcoming weekends as hot-air balloon festivals lift spirits across the horizons. Want to know where you can see balloons in your area? Here’s a round-up of great balloon festivals around the country, [...]

Are Seasonal Flights Worth It?

At certain times of the year many airlines offer non-stop flights from their hubs to popular recreational locations that aren’t available in the off-season. But are they worth it?

Eco-Travel: Rainforest Foraging in Costa Rica

Eco-Travel: Rainforest Foraging in Costa Rica

Outside of the jungle, eating a handful of squirming insects might not sound appealing, but inside the dense rainforest, it just feels right. Protein-rich food can be hard to come by, and in an environment that saps minerals and nutrients from the body through sweat, it’s crucial to replenish by whatever means available. Memo, the [...]

September 19, 2009: Paris, France

September 19, 2009: Paris, France

This Saturday Peter is broadcasting his radio show live from onboard a TGV train (that’s train à grande vitesse, or high-speed train) in Paris, France. Frequent rail traveler Brian Cobb chatting with Peter about the joys of train travel, specifically commuting in France; Meg Zimbeck, editor for Budget Travel telling us how to save big [...]

Not-So-Free “Free” Activities

Of course most of us are watching our budget these days, so free and low-cost activities are more attractive these days. But always remember to read the fine print or you may end up paying more than you expected in hidden costs.

Free the Hikers: Detained Travelers’ Families Send Plea for Release

Free the Hikers: Detained Travelers’ Families Send Plea for Release

The families of the three American hikers who have been detained in Iran since July are taking action to free their relatives. Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal, all students ages 27 to 36, were arrested by Iranian border guards after they reportedly wandered across an unmarked border while touring a remote mountainous region [...]

Off the Brochure Travel Guide: Salt Lake City, Utah

Off the Brochure Travel Guide: Salt Lake City, Utah

Think Salt Lake City is destination reserved for Mormons and skiers? Well, that’s certainly a part of it, but Ann Cochran uncovers some unexpected gems in the “Crossroads of the West.” Join her as she explores everything from funky neighborhoods to … craft brew pubs?

Vetting Vacation Home Rentals

Sure, there can be benefits to renting a vacation home in terms of cost and convenience. But how do you make sure you’re renting a dream home, not a total nightmare?