President Obama made a splash in the travel industry this week, putting his stamp on a few projects that could greatly effect travelers.

Keep reading for a round-up of the top travel news stories of the week, plus a look at some great alternative spring break ideas.

Smart phones are changing the way people travel. Peter stopped by The Early Show on CBS to talk technology and travel with CNET's Natali Del Conte. Click here to find out what hotels, airlines and other travel companies are doing to incorporate technology that makes the travel process easier.

March is Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness month, a condition that is especially hazardous for travelers. Risk factors for the potentially deadly condition include long airplane flights, dehydration and restricted mobility. Click here to learn more about the signs, symptoms and what you can do to reduce your risk for developing DVT.

Another 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Chile rattled the audience at the inauguration of the country's new president, Sebastian Pinera. At the end of February, an 8.8-magnitude earthquake killed more than 500 people and destroyed buildings and roads throughout the country. Now that Pinera has been sworn in, click here to find out how he plans to rebuild Chile.

President Obama has announced that he intends to nominate retired Major General Robert A. Harding to be the new leader of the Transportation Security Administration. Click here to find out more about the man who could head up the TSA.

The Department of Transportation's new rules protecting passengers against tarmac delays will go into effect next month, and airlines are already starting to hear the clock ticking. Some are threatening to cancel more flights, while others are asking for exemptions. In Airlines Balk at New Fines for Flight Delays, we explore what the new "passenger bill of rights" will really mean for travelers.

President Obama has signed the Travel Promotion Act, a bill designed to turn around the United States' slumping foreign tourism numbers. But the bill also includes a controversial $10 "entry fee" for visitors. Will the Travel Promotion Act attract or deter tourists? Click here for more analysis.

If following the crowds isn't your thing, booking a cruise-ship shore excursion may seem like an exercise in futility. Click here to get advice from Lynn Langway on how to break away from the masses and arrange an independent shore excursion.

In Rhode Island Renaissance: Lobster Rolls, Clams, Oysters, and More on the Rhode Island Shore, David Latt shares his advice on where you can find the best seafood and scenic digs outside the big city.

The new generation of Bluetooth headsets are becoming smaller, sleeker and more affordable. Click here to get the lowdown on two of the hottest new Bluetooth headsets from our gadget guy Phil Baker.

Spring break isn't just a week for strident students and licentious louts. It's also a prime time for families and other travelers to get away. In our guide to Spring Break 2010, Jessica Kate Soberman round up some family-friendly vacations and alternative destinations where you can dodge the crowds, but not the fun.

March is here, which means that the season of change is tantalizingly close. It's also a time to get out and enjoy some special events that you can only do this month. In Travel Events Only in March, Katie Stevens gives you the scoop on everything from maple sugaring in the Northeast to rattlesnake roundups in the Lone Star State.

Want to know how to make your travel pictures from the big city come to life? In our latest featured slideshow, Urban Photography: Shooting in the City, photographer Rick Sammon shares his tips for shooting outdoors in difficult light with examples from his own photos taken in Old Havana, Cuba.

Peter broadcast his radio show last weekend from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. There's more to the Dominican Republic than just sun, sand and plantains. Check out Ask the Locals Travel Guide: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to get some tips from the locals themselves on the area's best hidden gems.

Check out Travel News Roundups from previous weeks here.