msnbc.com: Travel

Recalibrating the calculus of holiday travel

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:20:27 GMT

More Americans are hitting the road for Thanksgiving this year, but fewer than ever are heading to the airport. While that’s certainly a sign of the times, it may also be an indicator of long-term changes ahead.

Thanksgiving - Holidays - Children and Youth - Classroom - History

World’s scariest ski slopes

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:59:59 GMT

Icy crevasses, monster moguls, soaring cliffs, and avalanche risks: for some skiers, these are all part of the fun.

Avalanche - Ski - Sport - Winter sport - Recreation

Slide show: Images: Oasis of the Seas

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:43:22 GMT

The world’s largest cruise ship offers adventures galore on the high seas.

CruiseShip - MS Oasis of the Seas - cruise - Travel - Royal Caribbean International

Video: Best travel deals for a winter escape

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:50:19 GMT

Nov. 30: From Mexico to Jamaica, Conde Nast Traveler magazine's Kate Maxwell has tips for finding the best winter travel deals. (Today Show)

Jamaica - Condé Nast Traveler - Travel - Mexico - Recreation

Video: What to expect for holiday travel

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:33:32 GMT

Nov. 25: From the airports to the roads NBC’s Tom Costello and Mike Taibbi take a look at how the Thanksgiving travel rush is holding up. TODAY’s Al Roker also has the holiday weather forecast. (Today Show)

Al Roker - NBC - Today - Mike Taibbi - Weather forecasting

Gallery: Your snapshots of winter's arrival

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:35:42 GMT

The season hasn't officially changed, but it looks like winter in many parts of the country and across the world. Readers share their pictures showing the cold signs that winter is here.

Country music - Shopping - Events - Sports - Vehicles

Tokyo crowned gourmet capital of the world

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:46:36 GMT

The Epicurean king who oversees the Michelin Guide fears he may be banished from France. His shocking crime? Awarding Tokyo the new gastronomic capital of the world.

Michelin Guide - Tokyo - Japan - Asia - Prefectures

Video: On-the-go gadgets to make travel easier

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:55:52 GMT

Nov. 20: VirtualTourist.com’s Giampiero Ambrosi shows the TODAY hosts some high-tech gadgets that can make traveling easier and more enjoyable. (Today Show)

Today - High tech - Home - Electronics - Consumer Information

Video: Stay sane while traveling with kids

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:53:52 GMT

Nov. 19: TODAY’s Natalie Morales talks to travel journalist Valarie D’Elia about how to be prepared when traveling with kids. (Today Show)

Today - Kids and Teens - United States - School Time - Social Studies

Top budget resorts in the U.S.

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:57:23 GMT

Forget everything you thought you knew about resorts. These 10 escapes deliver thrilling activities, plush amenities, and sweeping views, from $119 a night.

Caribbean - Travel and Tourism - Lodging - resort - U.S. Forget

A holiday travel survival guide

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:40:05 GMT

The upcoming travel season will be different than past ones in several ways. You need more than promises of warm fuzzies. Here’s 5 things you absolutely must know before you travel.
Travel - Recreation - Publications - Travel and Tourism - Guides and Directories

Dad to baby: Happy 1st birthday, world traveler

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:09:25 GMT

Traveling with an infant is a bit like a troop movement. Detailed strategy, support crew, heavy machinery and contingency planning is vital.

Organizations - Scouting - Troops - Boy Scouts of America - Recreation

Family travel isn't always kid stuff

Drillers seek Scotch lost in Antarctica in 1909

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:02:32 GMT

“On the rocks” has a whole new meaning: A beverage company has asked a team to drill through Antarctica's ice for two crates of Scotch whiskey that were shipped there by British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton as part of his abandoned 1909 expedition.

Ernest Shackleton - Antarctica - Exploration - Polar Regions - Antarctic

Top 10 tips for booking holiday flights

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 20:05:28 GMT

The holidays are just around the corner, and if you're anything like us, you’re probably hoping you won’t have to pay an arm and a turkey leg to get home to celebrate.

Turkey - Travel and Tourism - Middle East - Travel Services - tour operator

Best and worst airlines for lost luggage

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:27:56 GMT

Worried about your luggage being mishandled or going MIA during plane travel? Read on for the list of the 10 best — and 10 worst — airlines for baggage handling.

LostLuggage - Luggage - Baggage handling system - Travel - Airline

World’s most unique places to visit

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:29:49 GMT

Some travelers are trading beach vacations for unforgettable experiences in faraway lands like Bhutan, Socotra, and beyond.

Bhutan - Asia - Thimphu - Society and Culture - Travel and Tourism

World’s best affordable hotels

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:45:26 GMT

We scoured the globe until we found the 31 best new hotels for under $150.

Hotel - Travel and Tourism - Accommodation - Lodging - Hotels and Motels

Best hotel kids’ programs

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:36:05 GMT

From skiing in Vancouver to snorkeling in Florida, these North American hotels offer great child-friendly activities.

Florida - Vancouver - Travel and Tourism - United States - Hotel

Top 10 fun fall foliage adventures

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:18:28 GMT

These alternative leaf-peeping adventures offer a one-of-a-kind perspective on fall.

Autumn leaf color - Leaf peeping - Ecotourism - Recreation - Travel

You ate what? True travel tales

Wed, 4 Jun 2008 14:00:46 GMT

Check out these tasty stories from real travelers

Fairy Tales - Tales - Folklore - Humor - Literature

World’s scariest foods

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 19:14:28 GMT

Welcome to our international culinary chamber of horrors, where succulent spiders, gleaming sheep guts, and deadly seafood await your delectation.
Business - Sheep - Livestock - Agriculture and Forestry - Lend money

Video: Tourists invade ‘Twilight’ town

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:10:51 GMT

Nov. 10: Fans of the book and movie series “Twilight” are flocking to the tiny Washington town where the story is set. NBC’s Lee Cowan reports. (Today Show)

NBC - Today - Washington - Lee Cowan - United States

America’s favorite cities

Sun, 1 Nov 2009 05:19:00 GMT

What city do you think of when you think great coffee shops? Where do travelers go for a wild weekend? What if you’re in search of the perfect winter getaway? The results are in.

Southwest apologizes to mom kicked off flight

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:17:56 GMT

A spokesman for Southwest Airlines says the carrier has apologized to a mother who was kicked off a plane along with her unruly 2-year-old earlier this week.

5 reasons to bare it all on your next vacation

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 14:33:13 GMT

Ready to strip down on your next vacation? On a nakation, you’ll save on baggage fees and hotel rates — and it will definitely broaden your horizons. But it isn’t for everyone.

Hotel - Travel and Tourism - Lodging - Greece - Prefectures

Can’t-miss holiday gifts for the traveler in your life

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:55:30 GMT

Shopping for a traveler? Forget the wheeled luggage and inflatable pillow — that’s so cliché. Instead get the traveler in your life something they’ll really appreciate.

Video: Couple accused of stealing tons of luggage

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 13:04:40 GMT

Nov. 5: Police arrest an Arizona couple for allegedly stealing more than 1,000 pieces of luggage from Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport. NBC’s Miguel Almaguer reports. (Today Show)

NBC - Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport - Today - Business - Aviation

Video: What your travel agent isn't telling you

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 16:09:52 GMT

Nov. 3: From hotel perks to rental car fees, there are hidden secrets everywhere. Budget Travel magazine's Nina Willdorf has tips to get the most bang for your buck on your next vacation. (Today Show)

Travel agency - Hotel - Car rental - Travel - Recreation

Video: Ex-cons guide tourists through Naples

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 14:10:10 GMT

Nov. 3: NBC’s Keith Miller reports on an unusual program in Italy where people previously in prison are guiding visitors through Naples’ hot spots. (Today Show)

Italy - Naples - Keith Miller - NBC - Organized crime

World’s largest cruise ship clears crucial obstacle

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 14:46:24 GMT

The world's largest cruise ship cleared a crucial obstacle Sunday, lowering its smokestacks to squeeze under a bridge in Denmark.

Tips for traveling safely during flu season

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:08:11 GMT

Here are some questions and answers about travel insurance, basic hygiene, and other aspects of traveling during the swine flu outbreak.

From L.A. to Auckland, love is in the air

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:00:30 GMT

Lured by love and a great roundtrip fare, more than 100 Americans boarded Air New Zealand’s Matchmaking Flight dressed to impress and ready for serious in-flight mingling.

Pack smarter — pack like a professional

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:46:42 GMT

You know you won't need half the stuff in your suitcase. The next time you travel, pack lighter and pack smarter. Here's how.

World’s scariest runways

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:32:48 GMT

Nail-biting landings and harrowing takeoffs — buckle up when you fly into these airports.

Stress-free Thanksgiving getaways

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:57:38 GMT

With the kids out of school, Thanksgiving can be a wonderful opportunity for a long, unstressed weekend getaway at a resort or a on a cruise before the hectic holiday season hits.

Great coastal drives

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:44:23 GMT

From cliff-hugging towns to dramatic waterfalls, some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes are best seen from the road.

Video: Did pilots fall asleep in the cockpit?

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:36:01 GMT

Oct. 23: There are new questions about the crew of a passenger jet that overshot the Minneapolis airport by 150 miles before the crew turned it around. NBC’s Tom Costello reports. (Today Show)

Screams on a plane: How to quell tantrums

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:05:03 GMT

Small children and airplane flights: The mere mention of those two concepts in the same sentence is enough to make many parents — and many airline passengers — cringe. These tactics can help you steer small children away from meltdowns in confined public places.

The best (of the worst) travel horror stories

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:49:36 GMT

Doing business usually means frequent travel, and every executive has had her share of travel mishaps and crises. Here, the best of the worst.

America’s prettiest towns

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:44:57 GMT

As the sun casts its autumnal glow on thousands of picturesque U.S. cities and towns, it's the perfect time to recognize the proverbial winners of the country's civic-beauty contest.

25-cent hotel stays and other fall travel deals

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:31:48 GMT

If you’re hankering for another vacation before winter sets in, now’s a great time to take a few days off. Nilou Motamed, Travel + Leisure’s features editor, shares some of the amazing deals the magazine has found.

Video: Wacky hotels around the world

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:43:24 GMT

Oct. 21: Budget Travel magazine’s Nina Willdorf suggests nontraditional hotels and has tips for where to book if you’re looking for an unusual stay. (Today Show)

Video: Airlines tack on the extra fees

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:01:23 GMT

Oct. 20: To make up for fewer passengers, airlines continue to add extra fees. NBC’s Tom Costello looks at whether the fees are here to stay. (Today Show)

Best Disney World money-saving tips

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:42:27 GMT

How to pinch pennies and still live the Disney dream in Orlando’s Magic Kingdom.

Video: Travelers pick favorite spots

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:11:28 GMT

Oct. 19: TODAY’s Matt Lauer talks to Conde Nast Traveler’s Kate Maxwell about the magazine’s annual Readers' Choice Awards. (Today Show)

Flight innovations you’ll love

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:24:09 GMT

It's all the rage to criticize the airlines. But we found some smart, practical initiatives that point the way to a better future.

Slide show: Images: The Big Apple

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:16:04 GMT

Long referred to as the center of American business, New York is a melting pot of cultures and landscapes. Take a visual tour of some of the Big Apple’s most famous attractions.