Going ”˜green’ is more than a mere fad in the hotel industry. The San Francisco based Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants began implementing environmental initiatives in 1985. Twenty years later Kimpton created EarthCare, which has over 40 eco-friendly practices, including energy and water conservation. In 2006 Kimpton earned the National GeoTourism Award given by National Geographic Traveler and the Travel Industry Association of America. The state of California acknowledged Kimpton’s efforts. Read the rest of this entry »

Local fireworks canceled this year? Then pack the car and head for the nearest city

NORWALK, Conn. — Here’s some good news for fireworks fans whose towns have canceled their July 4th pyrotechnics displays for budgetary reasons. Priceline.com (Nasdaq: PCLN) www.priceline.com says it is seeing plenty of hotel availability at budget-friendly prices in major cities still planning huge Independence Day weekend celebrations. Read the rest of this entry »

By Adam Behsudi

Unexpected travel expenses caused the City of Frederick to spend $11,700 more than budgeted during fiscal year 2008.

Mayor Jeff Holtzinger defended the increase in his travel budget, which was caused in part by rising transportation costs and unbudgeted trips, including one to Colorado to learn about recycling. Read the rest of this entry »

Once you visit the island, you will surprise with the hospitality of Samui people, they will always give you smile and warm welcome.

Like me, having been here for well over 11 years, I still did not understand the depth of Thai hospitality. Read the rest of this entry »

LARRY COPELAND and ALAN LEVIN
USA TODAY
Fewer Americans than last year will be driving and flying during next week’s Fourth of July holiday, travel experts say.
The number of people driving 50 or more miles from home will drop 1.2 percent to about 34.2 million, reflecting the continued impact of high gasoline prices, auto club AAA says.

The drop follows a similar decline over the Memorial Day holiday and is the first time this decade that AAA has forecast smaller numbers of people taking driving vacations on consecutive holidays. Read the rest of this entry »