Travel

A small city in New York state offers special travel deals just for teachers and their families, but there are plenty of ways for educators to travel frugally.

The deadly 1982 crash of an Air Florida plane into a Washington, D.C., bridge changed the way pilots perform their jobs, and imparted lessons used by the crew of US Airways Flight 1549 when landing in N.Y.’s Hudson river on Jan. 15 of last year.

Some consider mountain climbing or hiking as hobbies. But there are others—highpointers—who are into something a little more specific: reaching the highest peak in every state, from the 345-foot Britton Hill in Florida to Alaska’s 20,320-foot Mount McKinley.

During peak travel seasons, vacationers have their work cut out for them. Though navigating airport lines and packing your luggage will be a hassle, planning a trip should be quick and easy, not expensive and complicated—even when booking at the last minute. The five Web sites below have the easiest, most innovative tools to help last-minute travelers get the best deals on flights, hotels and vacation packages.

Experts love telling travelers where to experience the next big thing, but most of us would rather choose for ourselves. Certain travel magazines, Web sites, blogs and tour companies stand out from the pack, equipping travelers with the inspiration and insight to seek adventure in 2010.

Bethlehem is an intriguing destination any time of year, but especially during the Christmas season. The city’s historic churches and squares enchant visitors, while its ancient architecture and meandering footpaths lend a truly old-world atmosphere. Learn about Bethlehem’s most revered spots, and get insight into modern life in Bethlehem.

"Everybody’s Fine” is a new Robert De Niro film that highlights the joys and challenges of train travel, particularly during the holiday season.

The American Southwest bursts with potential for exploration, and offers opportunities to learn about Native American groups, particularly the Hopi and Anasazi. Discover what it’s like to drive the Trail of the Ancients scenic byway, plan a day trip to New Mexico’s Chaco Culture National Historical Park or create an itinerary for the Four Corners, a hotbed of Native American history and culture.

Looking for a journey more organic than the slide down Splash Mountain? More exciting than the grounded contemplation of California redwoods? You might want to capture one of nature’s fleeting—but spectacular—thrills.

Lately it seems as if every tour operator and destination is touting some type of eco-tour. But how can travelers determine whether a claim of greenness is authentic or just capitalizing on a trend? The concept of ecotourism is actually quite simple, but not so easy to fulfill.

There are thousands of strange and unique micronations around the world whose founders stand up for their beliefs, regardless of whether anyone else does.

Gettysburg is famous for its Civil War history, its 20,000-acre battlefield, dramatic stone monuments and affecting cemetery. A popular destination for schools and families with children, Gettysburg presents a wealth of educational opportunities, but is surrounded by a quaint town that allows for parental relaxation as well. Take a virtual visit to Gettysburg using the Web sites in this article, and get a pre-trip history lesson that will enhance your visit.

A new Tom Hanks film marks the unveiling of elaborate additions to New Orleans’ National World War II Museum, underscoring the city’s reemergence.

Boasting charming historic scenery with modern flair and an artistic sensibility, Providence, Rhode Island, is a fine choice for a weekend getaway. Sleeping in a cozy bed and breakfast can make a few days of dining, strolling and museum hopping in Providence all the more appealing.

From coast to coast, the U.S. is strewn with haunted hideaways and tales of terror that have yet to fade away. We've rounded up ten of the scariest, in prisons, historical American buildings, and seemingly quaint locales - even a bed and breakfast. The spooky selections are counted down, culminating with the number one most haunted place in the country, an unexpected sunny city.

Theater season has hit, bringing a variety of options to New York City. Discover some of the most hyped productions, including dramatic tales of marriage, strained work relationships and an unusual 1800s medical treatment. Hollywood stars have also flooded Broadway, performing in both classic and modern plays.

The heroic efforts of Captain Sullenberger in saving flight 1549 in January is in stark contrast to the behavior of the crew aboard a recent Air India flight, and the extreme danger posed by those who behave badly in the air.

Autumn in New York City brings a full and varied cultural calendar with, perhaps most notably, a jam-packed theater season. Broadway and Off-Broadway productions run the gamut from musicals with star-studded casts, to stirring dramas written by renowned playwrights, while unique venues lend excitement to the scene. 

Most recently in the spotlight for its enviable restaurants and superb local seafood, Portland presents an attractive range of possibilities for travelers. Few cities can claim to offer Portland's combination of small town atmosphere and fine culture, along with a lively arts district flanked by North Atlantic Ocean scenery.

Paris needs no embellishment, particularly the Paris of Coco Chanel, who rose from rags to the riches of her luxurious suite at the Ritz. The iconic designer is the subject of the new film “Coco Before Chanel.” Learn where Coco slept, strolled and shopped, and create a Paris itinerary recalling her fashionable taste.

Atop a hill in North London sits leafy Hampstead, an elegant neighborhood teeming with open spaces, historic architecture and the former home of John Keats. The poet's love affair with Fanny Brawne is the subject of "Bright Star," a new film serving as inspiration for travelers to the British city. 

New Hampshire offers that coveted mix of nature and culture, with the towering White Mountains and artsy city of Portsmouth drawing travelers from up and down the Eastern Seaboard.

Ancient Egyptian tombs have deteriorated due to tourism, but with heightened awareness of the issue, promising solutions and alternatives are being developed.

Lighthouses have the romantic appeal of keepers at home on the sea and cut off from the rest of the world. Visiting or sleeping in lighthouses offers travelers a unique escape, and a chance to experience the ultimate in seclusion. 

On Thailand’s Railay peninsula remote tropical beaches are hidden from the mainland by limestone cliffs, and favored by adventurous travelers. Four getaways are possible in this haven in South Thailand, where the legacy of bohemian backpackers lingers among locals, foreign vacationers, day-trippers and rock climbers longing for jungle escapades.

A Los Angeles commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall lends an artful touch to the historic event. Other cities also have unique remembrances planned.

Disease-ridden mosquitoes are threatening diversity in the Galapagos Islands, another indicator of the negative consequences of increased tourism there.

Costa Vicentina sits pretty in Portugal’s Algarve region, with several soothing beaches preferred by surfers and nature lovers.

Three American journalists hiking in Iraqi Kurdistan were taken into custody by Iranian authorities. Their release—and tourism in the region—are now in question.

Exploring the surf-worthy waves and wild natural features of Puerto Escondido’s unspoiled beaches offers a rejuvenating sojourn for adventurers and sun-seekers alike.