http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/index.html en-us Copyright 2013 The Seattle Times Company Fri, 24 May 2013 18:10:07 PDT Fri, 24 May 2013 18:10:07 PDT MattBase 1 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/art/ui/stlogo_231.gif http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2021049141_apusatlantaairportshuttlecrash.html?syndication=rss Eighteen people were taken to the hospital Friday, at least two in serious condition, after they were hurt in a crash between a hotel shuttle bus and a tractor-trailer near Atlanta's airport, officials said. Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2021049141_apusatlantaairportshuttlecrash.html?syndication=rss Fri, 24 May 2013 17:46:03 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/24/how-to-avoid-the-travel-snarls-after-i-5-bridge-collapse/?syndication=rss If you’re trying to get from the Seattle area to the San Juan Islands or other places  in Northwest Washington or British Columbia, you’ll need to find a way to get around the closure of Interstate-5 in both directions at Mount Vernon because of the bridge collapse.   &nbs Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/24/how-to-avoid-the-travel-snarls-after-i-5-bridge-collapse/?syndication=rss Fri, 24 May 2013 14:46:07 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/24/despite-bridge-collapse-san-juan-islands-say-come-anyway/?syndication=rss If you have a hotel booking in the San Juan Islands for this weekend, the word from the islands is: Please try to come anyway. But if you need to cancel, call and you might get a sympathetic ear. For the tourism-dependent San Juans, the Interstate 5 bridge collapse could hardly have happened at a Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/24/despite-bridge-collapse-san-juan-islands-say-come-anyway/?syndication=rss Fri, 24 May 2013 13:31:08 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/pacificnw/2020984994_pacificpdestinations26.html?syndication=rss Once a colony of Britain and now a self-governing territory, Bermuda retains some British traditions, although most tourists now come from the U.S. and its currency is pegged to the U.S. dollar. Pacific NW http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/pacificnw/2020984994_pacificpdestinations26.html?syndication=rss Fri, 17 May 2013 10:02:29 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021049304_lacaliforniaxml.html?syndication=rss Sightseeing — for free — in Los Angeles. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021049304_lacaliforniaxml.html?syndication=rss Fri, 24 May 2013 13:31:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2021045847_bridgedisruptxml.html?syndication=rss The collapse of the bridge on Interstate 5 across the Skagit River is sure to snarl traffic, upset plans and disrupt commerce this Memorial Day weekend. Local News http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2021045847_bridgedisruptxml.html?syndication=rss Fri, 24 May 2013 09:31:41 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2021046300_apeubritainheathrowclosed.html?syndication=rss A British Airways jet made an emergency landing at London's Heathrow Airport Friday after developing a technical problem after takeoff. TV footage showed smoke streaming from one of the engines. Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2021046300_apeubritainheathrowclosed.html?syndication=rss Fri, 24 May 2013 06:57:46 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/23/get-ready-for-memorial-day-travel-crush/?syndication=rss You will have lots of company if you’re driving somewhere this Memorial Day weekend, in Washington and beyond. And thanks to the bridge collapse on Interstate-5 at Mount Vernon on Thursday, travel from the Seattle area to the San Juan Islands or Vancouver, B.C., just got much more complic Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/23/get-ready-for-memorial-day-travel-crush/?syndication=rss Fri, 24 May 2013 11:01:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021041710_carrentalxml.html?syndication=rss When the clutch on his car fails, Hadley Roeltgen is sent an 850 euro bill. But his credit card company says he shouldn’t be responsible, and reverses the charge. Now, a collection agency is after him. What should he do? Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021041710_carrentalxml.html?syndication=rss Thu, 23 May 2013 13:31:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021041588_cruiseoverboardxml.html?syndication=rss Memorial service held for man who went overboard with his girlfriend from Carnival cruise ship, Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021041588_cruiseoverboardxml.html?syndication=rss Thu, 23 May 2013 12:31:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2021041482_apusgooglegalapagosstreetview.html?syndication=rss Few have explored the remote volcanic islands of the Galapagos archipelago, an otherworldly landscape inhabited by the world's largest tortoises and other fantastical creatures that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2021041482_apusgooglegalapagosstreetview.html?syndication=rss Thu, 23 May 2013 14:16:05 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/23/get-outta-town-3-ideas-for-your-memorial-day-weekend/?syndication=rss Chances are you’re already booked for this Memorial Day weekend. But who knows, maybe your next-door neighbor is having his annual Memorial Day Accordion Flash Mob party and you really need to get out of town. Here are three reasons to go. GO SOUTH For wine-lovers, it’s one of the bigges Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/23/get-outta-town-3-ideas-for-your-memorial-day-weekend/?syndication=rss Fri, 24 May 2013 11:25:18 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2021037986_oldeverestxml.html?syndication=rss Yuichiro Miura, who also conquered the 29,035-foot peak when he was 70 and 75, reached the summit Thursday morning. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2021037986_oldeverestxml.html?syndication=rss Thu, 23 May 2013 14:46:04 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2021036980_cdatebook24xml.html?syndication=rss Entertainment http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2021036980_cdatebook24xml.html?syndication=rss Thu, 23 May 2013 10:46:04 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2021037053_bikingbridgesxml.html?syndication=rss The watery Northwest is a land of many bridges, and biking across them can be an adventure in itself. Outdoors http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2021037053_bikingbridgesxml.html?syndication=rss Fri, 24 May 2013 09:09:00 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2021037352_highlight24xml.html?syndication=rss Kitsap Harbor Festival, Bremerton and Port Orchard, Saturday and Sunday Entertainment http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2021037352_highlight24xml.html?syndication=rss Thu, 23 May 2013 10:46:04 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021037179_passengerwoesxml.html?syndication=rss One passenger’s many mishaps show an airline system stretched impossibly thin, just as a peak summer travel season approaches. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021037179_passengerwoesxml.html?syndication=rss Thu, 23 May 2013 12:10:46 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021037019_cruisepassengerrightsxml.html?syndication=rss After the Carnival Triumph debacle, the Cruise Lines International Association puts some guarantees in writing on refunds in case of ships’ mechanical failure. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021037019_cruisepassengerrightsxml.html?syndication=rss Wed, 22 May 2013 17:31:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2021037039_readerslensmay26xml.html?syndication=rss Seattle Times reader Molly Todd’s photo of a sunset at Golden Gardens. Outdoors http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2021037039_readerslensmay26xml.html?syndication=rss Fri, 24 May 2013 11:21:44 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021036983_creditcardfeexml.html?syndication=rss “Dynamic currency conversion” — paying for an overseas credit-card purchase in your home currency — ends up costing travelers extra. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021036983_creditcardfeexml.html?syndication=rss Wed, 22 May 2013 18:31:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2021030176_apeuitalyshipaground.html?syndication=rss An Italian judge has ordered the captain of the Costa Concordia cruise ship to stand trial for manslaughter in the vessel's shipwreck off the coast of Tuscany, which killed 32 people. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2021030176_apeuitalyshipaground.html?syndication=rss Wed, 22 May 2013 15:18:20 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/22/getting-to-the-san-juan-islands-car-free/?syndication=rss If you’ve taken a car to the San Juan Islands in summer, you’ve probably sat and fumed in the long ferry line, especially on weekends. Here are some ways to avoid the crush by going to, and getting around, the bucolic Washington islands car-free for the summer season. (Or for those who n Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/22/getting-to-the-san-juan-islands-car-free/?syndication=rss Wed, 22 May 2013 09:10:36 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2021032795_apwacruiseshipvandalism1stld.html?syndication=rss Lighting and security are being improved at a cruise ship dock at Port Townsend where vandals cut mooring lines last week. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2021032795_apwacruiseshipvandalism1stld.html?syndication=rss Wed, 22 May 2013 15:35:15 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021029201_travelappsgoodxml.html?syndication=rss Get helpful info, online and offline, with these free apps. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021029201_travelappsgoodxml.html?syndication=rss Wed, 22 May 2013 08:31:04 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2021030203_apusillegalsublets.html?syndication=rss A judge has ruled that a New Yorker who rented his apartment on a popular traveler site broke the law. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2021030203_apusillegalsublets.html?syndication=rss Wed, 22 May 2013 08:01:04 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021029161_summertravelxml.html?syndication=rss Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021029161_summertravelxml.html?syndication=rss Tue, 21 May 2013 17:46:04 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2021026712_apeufrancenotredame.html?syndication=rss Some 1,500 visitors were cleared out of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after a man put a letter on the altar of the 850-year-old monument Tuesday, pulled out a gun and shot himself in the head. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2021026712_apeufrancenotredame.html?syndication=rss Tue, 21 May 2013 17:01:06 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021028947_riverboatcruisesnorthwestxml.html?syndication=rss American Queen Steamboat Company will offer 7-night cruises on Columba, Snake rivers starting again next year. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021028947_riverboatcruisesnorthwestxml.html?syndication=rss Tue, 21 May 2013 16:01:09 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021027232_rickstevesxmlxml.html?syndication=rss A cathedral, stunning El Greco paintings and 2,500 years of tangled history make it a compelling destination, writes European travel specialist Rick Steves. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021027232_rickstevesxmlxml.html?syndication=rss Thu, 23 May 2013 07:48:29 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021026943_planesphonesxml.html?syndication=rss The debate over using personal electronic devices during flights has become a seething nest of Angry Birds, with some scientists continuing to fear interference with pilots’ communications/navigation systems. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021026943_planesphonesxml.html?syndication=rss Tue, 21 May 2013 12:31:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021026847_militarymuseumsxml.html?syndication=rss Active-duty military and their families get free admission from Memorial Day to Labor Day at museums across the U.S., including many in Washington state. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021026847_militarymuseumsxml.html?syndication=rss Tue, 21 May 2013 11:46:06 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2021023673_apusalaskavolcano.html?syndication=rss An Alaska volcano eruption is prompting regional airlines to cancel flights to nearby communities, including a town that reported traces of fallen ash. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2021023673_apusalaskavolcano.html?syndication=rss Mon, 20 May 2013 18:46:05 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/20/alaska-cruise-do-i-still-hate-cruising-lets-go-out-for-a-beer/?syndication=rss So, do I still hate cruising? If I were sitting with you in a favorite watering hole over beers, the answer might be easier, though probably not shorter. (Some people tend toward glib in the influence of alcohol; I tend to wax philosophical.) I might do that anyway, but for the record I’m drin Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/20/alaska-cruise-do-i-still-hate-cruising-lets-go-out-for-a-beer/?syndication=rss Mon, 20 May 2013 16:31:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021021716_foreignairlinesxml.html?syndication=rss U.S. carriers have fallen behind their foreign competitors who offer better service, better food and better in-flight amenities. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021021716_foreignairlinesxml.html?syndication=rss Mon, 20 May 2013 13:16:04 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021005927_backcountryescapesxml.html?syndication=rss Getting away from it all in Arizona, Alaska and beyond on adventure tours. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021005927_backcountryescapesxml.html?syndication=rss Mon, 20 May 2013 08:31:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021001110_hawaiipigsxml.html?syndication=rss Hawaii’s hospitable habitat has long been overrun by opportunistic outsiders, including feral pigs. So upon returning to Hawaii, a writer goes hunting. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021001110_hawaiipigsxml.html?syndication=rss Sun, 19 May 2013 10:01:04 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/19/an-alaska-cruise-photo-gallery/?syndication=rss Here are some more of my favorites of the hundreds of photos I shot during my week aboard Star Princess. I’ll make a final blog posting Monday to sum up my thoughts about the cruise — will I do it again? — and respond to some reader questions I didn’t get to. Thanks for all Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/19/an-alaska-cruise-photo-gallery/?syndication=rss Mon, 20 May 2013 13:31:08 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020993103_columbiahillsstateparkxml.html?syndication=rss ‘Gems of Our Washington State Parks’ series profiles a park with history, artifacts and eye-popping scenery in the Columbia River Gorge. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020993103_columbiahillsstateparkxml.html?syndication=rss Mon, 20 May 2013 09:26:41 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020993230_travelwisedealsxml.html?syndication=rss Always check the fine print on travel packages — and comparison-shop. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020993230_travelwisedealsxml.html?syndication=rss Sat, 18 May 2013 21:01:06 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020993089_thaipartyescapesxml.html?syndication=rss The monthly full-moon party on Ko Phangan draws tens of thousands of tourists, but there’s much more to the Thai island than hard partying — and a new airport may bring far-reaching change. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020993089_thaipartyescapesxml.html?syndication=rss Sat, 18 May 2013 21:01:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020993220_geoquiz19xml.html?syndication=rss Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020993220_geoquiz19xml.html?syndication=rss Sat, 18 May 2013 21:01:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2020932750_readers-best-washington-state-parks.html?syndication=rss Outdoors http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2020932750_readers-best-washington-state-parks.html?syndication=rss Sun, 19 May 2013 09:29:51 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/18/alaska-cruise-faqs-internet-seasickness-tipping-and-smoking/?syndication=rss Here’s a roundup of cruise FAQs, with my answers alongside some of the standard info from Princess: Q: How does Internet work onboard? A: Pretty badly, in my experience. Princess clearly cautions that the ship’s satellite internet is slower than what you’re accustomed to in the cit Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/18/alaska-cruise-faqs-internet-seasickness-tipping-and-smoking/?syndication=rss Sat, 18 May 2013 14:46:05 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/18/alaska-cruise-if-sourdough-country-isnt-entertaining-enough-heres-whats-onboard/?syndication=rss Onboard entertainment varies from cruise to cruise, ranging from Vegas-style shows in a large theater to piano-bar crooners, comedians and all the way down to passenger talent shows. On the booking circuit, this looks to be about the next notch down from tribal casinos, but hey, it’s all inclu Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/18/alaska-cruise-if-sourdough-country-isnt-entertaining-enough-heres-whats-onboard/?syndication=rss Sat, 18 May 2013 14:46:05 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/17/alaska-cruise-shore-excursions-are-key-and-they-can-cost-you/?syndication=rss If, like me, you’re a cruising skeptic, time on shore in Alaska will be an important component of any cruise you might end up taking (to please your significant other, or because you have no other way to see Glacier Bay, or whatever). Shore excursions are also a major moneymaker for cruise lin Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/17/alaska-cruise-shore-excursions-are-key-and-they-can-cost-you/?syndication=rss Sat, 18 May 2013 14:46:06 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2020993129_comingupcalendar19xml.html?syndication=rss A long-range calendar of festivals and fun beyond Seattle Outdoors http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2020993129_comingupcalendar19xml.html?syndication=rss Fri, 17 May 2013 21:01:04 PDT