Archive for March, 2007

As I was reading through the endless emails of the morning I came upon my daily fix of DailyCandy and thought this might interest would-be travelers around the world. Although today is not officially the longest day of the year (it is June 21 in the northern hemisphere and December 21 in the southern hemisphere) below is the excerpt from the Daily Candy.

Today is the longest day of the year, so you’ve got time to kill. Hey, why not stand in an airport security line?

That’ll chew up four hours.

Or you could enroll with Clear, a new U.S. airport service that prescreens travelers and gives them access to a special speedy security line. Register for $99.95 per year, and the next time you fly, present your Clear card along with boarding pass and ID to whiz through all that X-ray unpleasantness.

And you thought the supermarket express lane was exciting.

What’s the catch? Clear has just taken off and is available only in a few (somewhat random) places: Orlando, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, San Jose, New York JFK Terminal 7, and Newark Terminal B. But other U.S. airports are coming soon.

So how will you fill all this extra time? You could sample every Lancome age-defying moisturizer in the duty-free shop.

That’s at least 45 minutes.

Available online at flyclear.com.

–Liz P

Bootee-clad Skywalkers on opening day

On the Grand Canyon Skywalk, everyone wears bootees, and for the $25 you’ll pay to enjoy this horseshoe walkway that’s been clipped onto the side of the Grand Canyon, that’s a good deal, because the Skywalk experience is priceless…

It’s sort of counter-intuitive that the new must-see attraction in the Grand Canyon is man-made. After all this is one of the great natural wonders of the world, so does it really need $30 million worth of metal and glass to make it more attractive?

Well, yes. That’s the brilliance of the Skywalk: it’s not an attraction in its own right — in fact it blends in so well you could miss seeing it from some angles if you weren’t on the lookout for it — but a sort of magnifying glass for the Canyon itself. Once you’re out there, walking on top of the glass and looking down 4,000 feet to the canyon floor, you’ll forget about the Skywalk and focus on the Canyon itself, which is the whole point. You’re attracted to the Skywalk, but once you’re on it, it’s the Canyon that takes your breath away!

The world’s press couldn’t stay away

Yesterday’s Opening Ceremony was a big event that drew the entire Hualapai Nation, everyone who’s anyone in Nevada Tourism, big-lens toting photographers from the global media, former and current astronauts, enough security to manage a Rolling Stones show, and a strange and wonderful assortment of Las Vegas locals, some of whom seemed shocked to find themselves out in the daylight, let alone away from the Strip. And we all enjoyed ourselves, especially when we were allowed out to play on the new equipment. (Note that the Skywalk doesn’t open to the general public until March 28; find out more about Grand Canyon Skywalk Tours.)

My take on the Skywalk? It’s brilliant. Despite the concerns of many, it takes absolutely nothing away from the Canyon, but instead adds a subtle yet powerful new dimension to the Canyon experience that every visitor willing to buy a pair of throw-away bootees for $25 will certainly enjoy. Actually, enjoy doesn’t quite seem like the right word, it’s maybe a little understated, but after the Skywalk experience, I’m at something of a loss for words…

By the way: I wondered if the Skywalk would induce vertigo. It’s a long sheer drop to the bottom, and the glass walkway is the only thing between you and the distant but no doubt merciless rock below. But no, I asked around and it doesn’t seem so. It’s about the most solid structure you can imagine. In fact, after the uneven dirt and gravel of the West Rim, it feels strangely more solid out there than it does on land. Check it out if you doubt me.

One thing to keep in mind — the Skywalk has already (and predictably) become a hugely popular attraction. And with popularity come some challenges. Have a look at our Update on the Skywalk blog post for more information on making the most of a visit to the Skywalk.

-Rod Cuthbert

You can view more of Rod’s photos of the Grand Canyon Skywalk by clicking the link. Rod flew to the Grand Canyon as a guest of Sundance Helicopters. The Grand Canyon is a 30-minute helicopter ride or a 2 1/2-hour drive from Las Vegas. Read Rod’s other blog posts about the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.

Viator has recently added some extended cycling tours from Barcelona. And in a busy city like Barcelona, it’s nice to find something to do on the outskirts of the city, away from the noise and congestion. These trips look like a great addition for anyone spending more than a few days in the city.

I had the pleasure of joining the owners of this company on a hiking tour in Monserrat on a recent trip to Barcelona, two of the nicest, most genuine people you could ever hope to meet. A multiculture couple (Nora an Argentinian and Angel a local Catalonian), the pair have traveled extensively throughout the world and are full of funny stories to entertain you during the tour. Their knowledge of the local landscape is fantastic and their insight into daily life in Spain fascinating. As is often the case in Europe, their English was good, not perfect, and their accents strong. Despite these two barriers, they were very concerned that we understood them and were continuously asking - do you understand what I mean? It was fantastic to have the time to chat with them and learn about their adventures throughout the world.

Hiking through the mountains to the peak was not easy, but not hard. The few steep inclines were more than worth the effort for the incredible views at the top which sweep from the Pyrenees to the coast. The view down the mountain to the famous monastery was equally impressive, and something missed by those who travel to the area by coach. Of course you can always get the cog wheel train halfway up the mountain for a similar view, but its not quite the same as hiking there yourself!

It’s difficult to say what was harder, the trip to the top or the descent back to the monastery. The walk back down involves many steps and some tricky passages, and coupled with fatigue, it seems like a long way down. None the less, the route for the return is spectacular and you will barely see another person. On reaching the monastery at the end of the hike, you have missed the crowds and can visit in relative peace as the large busloads of day-trippers have already left for the day. Take the time to visit the makeshift food stalls outside where locals sell fresh produce such as cheese and ham.

I don’t think the place would be quite the same if we had been forced to share it with hundreds of other people. Monserrat in general has a mysterious and mystical feel about it, which is magnified when you have nothing but the sounds of daily life in the monastery around you.

-Kerrie O’Mahony

Thinking about a trip to Catalonia? Browse Viator’s complete list of things to do in Barcelona and Spain.

Here are my wishes for you on this morning after St Patrick’s day. May you have spent the evening at an Irish pub enjoying a creamy pint of Guinness. May you have been locked in after last call, curtains drawn, doors locked, surrounded by good friends and a sympathetic bar man. And may your hangover today be as gentle and soft as a baby’s bottom.

Speaking of babies, I have one. Which is why I myself did not spend the evening locked inside a bar drinking pints of glorious Guinness into the wee hours.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not accusing my 11-month son, Emmett, of standing (crawling, actually) between me and my pint of plain. All I’m saying is that when you have a little one to mind, the time available for carousing at your local pub is constrained. Much constrained.

What’s that you say? You have a hangover? You’re feeling wobbly and need a plate of rashers, beans and fried tomatoes before you can confront the day? Ho hum, I say. Too bad. Forgive my lack of sympathy. I, too, was awake at 4am. I am a dad now, and my wee hours are more like wee-wee hours complete with dirty diapers.

As you can tell, I woke up on the wrong side of the shamrock this morning. I took my usual 7am walk with Emmett to Philz Coffee and it was strangely quiet. Hardly a soul on the streets. And then I remembered — of course, St Patrick’s Day. At 7am on a Sunday the city of San Francisco was tucked snugly under the covers, sleeping in late, sleeping off last night’s Guinness, having a blissful slow start to a late-winter Sunday.

But not me.

And that got me thinking. What could I do to salvage some part of St Patrick’s Day for people who, like me, are unable to consume copious quantities of stout? If my all-night drinking days are indeed behind me, sob, what can I do to still celebrate St Patrick’s Day? What can I do to celebrate Ireland without falling ineluctably into a pint glass? So that my lifelong ardor for Ireland never falters, I made a list of “5 Reasons to Love Ireland Even if You Can’t/Don’t/Won’t Drink the Guinness.”

1. Ireland has great dirt. I’m talking about the peat mainly, which is so coal-like you can actually burn it in a fireplace. And lest you think I’m kidding, the New York Times had an article yesterday about a company that actually sells the glorious sod of Ireland to Americans at $15 per 12 ounces. Have a look: officialirishdirt.com.
2. Ireland has great accents, from the fast and furiously inflected Cork accent to the more gentle sounds of County Clare to the crazy how-now-brown-cow lilt of Belfast (if you don’t know what I mean, ask a Belfast native to say that string of words, hours of laughter will ensue). It may sound silly, but one of the joys of traveling across Ireland is comparing the accents. For Americans it’s hard to fathom how a small country packs such a diversity.
3. Ireland has great music. OK, I’m legally required to mention U2. Beyond that there’s Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor, Stiff Little Fingers, Thin Lizzy, The Cranberries, Hothouse Flowers, The Undertones, Boomtown Rats, Blood or Whiskey and my all-time favorites, The Pogues. Not to mention the Celtic / traditional Irish category. If you like music, go to Ireland.
4. Ireland has great sport. Beyond the inevitable rugby, soccer and cricket (news flash: Ireland just knocked out Pakistan from the 2007 Cricket World Cup!), Ireland has blessed the world with two essentially homegrown sports, Gaelic football and hurling. I won’t even try to explain them. Suffice to say if you love sport, plan a trip to Ireland to catch a live Gaelic football or hurling match.
5. Ireland has great scenery. I’m a huge fan of Ireland’s capital, Dublin. I also think Galway and Cork (and Belfast up north) are well worth a visit. Rural Ireland also has its charms. Connemara, the Dingle Peninsula, Donegal, Clare, the Aran Islands, Mizen Head and on and on.

No doubt people will quibble with my list. What about great Irish pubs, they’ll ask. (Remember, this is a Guinness-free post about Ireland.) What about Irish food? (Sorry, Abrekabra and Tayto crisps do not a cuisine make.) I’m not letting it bother me. Instead I’m going to try my hardest to fall back asleep next to my napping son, and pretend I’m recovering from a St Patrick’s Day hangover.

–Scott McNeely

Planning a trip to the Emerald Isle? Browse Viator’s complete list of things to do in Dublin, Belfast and Ireland.

Rosy H and the rubbery octopi

Congratulations to the winners of Viator’s Travel & Food photo contest.

The theme this time ’round was food. From elegant meals to humble roadside stalls, we asked for photos that captured the idea of eating and drinking on the road.

Have a look at our gallery of photo winners (or browse all the winners and notable entries in hi-res glory on Flickr). If you’re feeling photographically inspired, submit a photo to our new contest. The theme? Sign spotting. We’re looking for pictures of road signs and billboards that have caught your fancy while traveling.

Travel & Food Photos

Our 1st place photo was submitted by Rosy H from Australia. The story behind the image: “This photo was taken in Palermo, Sicily whilst we were visiting in October. We asked the waiter for a surprise dish - he didn’t disappoint with 2 very rubbery large octopuses which were tasty but difficult to eat.” Rosy what we loved about this photo - beside the octopi themselves - is your smile. Very Mona Lisa-esque.

The 2nd place photo was submitted by Chris R from New Zealand. The story behind the photo: “Roasting coffee beans in a coffee plantation in Bali. A picture of me and the old man that does it full time for a living, still done the old way, over a fire and the temp was about 30 degrees celsius. Then we got to have a cup of it, nice but very strong.” We appreciate your DIY approach to coffee making, and for finding a local to show you the ropes.

And in 3rd place it was a photo from Preema P in the USA. His story: “Enjoying ’see-food’ at a beach shack in Goa, India” Preema it was your smile that clinched 3rd place!

There was also a handful of notable entries that we really enjoyed. Top marks go to Luke C for his mouth-watering shot of pumpkin pie and ice cream in New York City; to Jordan D for the shot of his nephew eating a bug in Thailand; and to Vicki P for her shot of bugs on sticks in Beijing.

We’d also like thank people who submitted photos after the deadline. While we couldn’t include late submissions in our judging, some of the late entries are definitely worth sharing. So have a look.

Which reminds me to remind you not to let the current photo-submission deadline pass you by. Submit your photos in the current “Travel Signs Seen on the Road” contest to win one of three Viator.com gift certificates. The deadline is April 15, 2007. From street signs to bathroom signs to billboard ads, send us your best travel photos!

–Scott McNeely

Now I think most will agree that March is a fantastic month…the seasons begin to change, the days get longer or shorter depending on where you are in the world and St. Patrick’s day puts many in a celebratory mood.

What really makes March one of the best months of the year though is the NCAA basketball tournament. During the second week of March each year lines are drawn in the sand, brackets are created, people call in ’sick’ to work, competitive banter is heightened and the unimaginable can happen. In fact just today one of my friend’s offices had a half day since so many people were calling in ’sick.’

March Madness. The Big Dance. These are just two names that work to define the excitement of this tournament. The atmosphere is electric. The passion real. If a basketball team who is relatively unknown, makes a statement at the Big Dance, all of a sudden they are a household name. That is a beautiful thing, and inspires me to always shoot for the top. If you aren’t convinced below are quotes from a handful of people describing March Madness and what it means to them:

“March madness is the oil the lubricates my engine…without it I am nothing” -Matt

“There’s no other tournament, playoff game, or championship that creates the same excitement and buzz as March Madness. March Madness is something you wait for all year and never want to end.” -Lori

“I look forward to it every year! I love the office pools and hearing people in the office randomly yell or start clapping. You know that there is a close game going on. Go Cat’s!” - Jenny

“March Madness makes me thirst for both an exciting game and the beer that usually accompanies” -Erin

“March Madness makes me feel euphoric. The first two days of the tournament are so unpredictable and exciting, because your team has a 1 in 64 chance of shocking the world there is NO sporting event like it. It makes me feel like anything is possible.” - Chris

Having gone to the University of Arizona. A Pac-10 powerhouse school and the home to one of collegiate basketballs most legendary coaches Lute Olson you could say that this sporting event for me is comparable to Christmas or birthdays. I feel like a kid in a candy store when I think about these teams and their display of passion, sportsmanship and skill. The games whether blow-outs or nail-biters define the phrase ‘anything can happen.’

So why you may ask am I blogging about this on the Viator blog, well it seems that my colleagues do not share the enthusiasm I do when it comes to this sacred collegiate event. Not that they aren’t sports lovers they do enjoy that competitive spirit. It is my hope that when they read this they will understand a tiny bit more why these three weeks in March are defined as Madness (or at least why I am so uncommonly loud in the office).

Viator is global travel company. Sports worldwide has built bridges in helping people understand other places and cultures and basketball is a wonderful arena for international athletes. Like with music people can become fast friends (or enemies) when discussing sports. Next time you are traveling ask about the favorite local sport or team and attend a game, match, race or event. Think about checking out horseracing in Hong Kong, NASCAR Pepsi 400 in Orlando, Footy in Melbourne, or football in Manchester, Milan, Barcelona, Rome, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro.

–Liz P

I am not a gambler. Ok, so I did win $29 this week in Las Vegas, but I was waiting for my boss to meet me, and I decided to dedicate $20 to the Wheel of Fortune slots in honor of my mother, who loves them. Generally, my work trips to Las Vegas involve having great food at one of my favorite restaurants and maybe catching a show if I have time. And though it’s been right under my nose every time, I finally discovered that Las Vegas is a great place to shop, which is a much more fun way for me to part with my money.

This trip to Vegas I managed to hit two Las Vegas shopping meccas: The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian and the Las Vegas Outlets. The Grand Canal Shoppes excursion was a directed mission, on my last trip to Sydney I lost a favorite earring down the drain and found I could buy a replacement at Teno in the Grand Canal Shoppes. If you wonder what a nice mall would be like if transplanted to Venice, Italy, the Grand Canal Shoppes is your answer. It’s got all your favorite fashion stores, souvenir shops, snack spots, and even some more unique specialty stores, plus a mesmerizing am-I-inside-or-outside artificial sky and cobblestone street vibe, complete with Venetian garbed street performers. If you like to take a leisurely ramble through the shops, I recommend the Grand Canal.

I’d heard a lot of good things about the Las Vegas Outlets, but they’re a little ways off the strip, and I once got totally confused about how to get there. It’s right by the freeway but the online maps are a little confusing about the best route. Luckily I got a ride this time (and you can too by booking a shuttle to the Las Vegas Fashion Outlets). Like any good shopper, I like a bargain, and I was not disappointed with the outlets. There were plenty of great stores, and the ones I visited had an awesome selection and some great deals (today I am wearing my $22 Lacoste sweater, which I believe was originally like $170, yes, I hit the jackpot). I did wish I could have stayed a bit longer to take in more, definitely give yourself a couple of hours here if you’re a serious bargain hunter.

As an added bonus here’s my five favorite restaurants in Las Vegas, to recharge at after hitting the shops, and to show off your newest purchases:

1. Nob Hill at MGM Grand - The lobster pot pie is unbelievable, great wine selection.

2. Bouchon at The Venetian - Delicious French bistro food, wonderful desserts.

3. Seablue at MGM Grand - Yummy seafood with a Mediterranean twist.

4. Little Buddha at The Palms - Good sushi, beautiful atmosphere.

5. Social House at Treasure Island -Some nice sushi, great drinks, you can dine outside.

If you’re not a gambler, enjoy the great shopping and wonderful food that Las Vegas has to offer instead, I always think I come out a little ahead (and sometimes even strike it rich).

– Kelly G

Check out the complete list of shopping tours in Las Vegas.

Travelers are Seeking out Experiences to Get them Below the Surface of their European Destinations

While Europe may be the second-smallest continent as measured by geographic landmass; the countries that make up the region are massive in culture, history and diversity. Evidence of this are the trends that are emerging from Viator’s customer booking patterns, which clearly illustrate a desire to submerge oneself in the local culture, to spend more time getting to know a destination, and to indulge in the traditional experiences for which certain cities have become most well-known.

“These are the types of trends that help the team at Viator validate the broad selection of destination activities we strive to offer to our customers,” said Rod Cuthbert, CEO and founder of Viator. “It is easy to stay on the path most-traveled, but it is a true ‘traveler’ who appreciates what is unique about their destination and does all he or she can to truly experience it.”

Digging Deep into the Culture
To truly experience a destination, whether a new city or old favorite, a deep connection needs to be made. More and more, travelers are choosing activities that help them go beyond their comfort zone and enable them to be moved, to be taught, to be in the moment. How better to learn about Paris than Dining with Parisian Hosts in a private home, discussing culture and unique experiences over a gourmet catered French meal? In the kitchen of a typical Florentine home in Italy, travelers are taught to prepare a traditional Tuscan meal and the appropriate wine pairings during the Tuscan Cooking Course and Dinner, before sitting down to indulge in their accomplishments. Private guided tours of museums like the Louvre, Uffizi and Accademia give travelers the opportunity to gaze upon masterpieces by Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli while listening to compelling narration detailing the impact of those artists and their work on European culture and history.

The Best of Both Worlds
With more than 2,000 activities in 40 European cities, Viator customers can create itineraries that are leisurely and independent, busy and group-focused, or a combination of both. More and more travelers are taking advantage of multi-day tours, in many instances to help them explore smaller, more remote cities, or to consolidate multiple journeys out of the city. Visitors to Dublin can become immersed in the Emerald Isle with the Three-day Rail Tour to Cork, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher. Territory throughout the dramatic Highlands of Scotland can be experienced from Edinburgh with the Three-day Isle of Sky Tour by Minicoach. Travelers to Spain who want to venture beyond Barcelona and Madrid can take a Four-day Excursion to Cordoba, Seville and Granada. With hopes of crossing borders with a group of fellow travelers, the Five-day Morocco Tour from Costa del Sol explores the exotic cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fez, Casablanca and Marrakech.

Tried and True
As more travelers branch out to create unique destination experiences, Viator Traveler Reviews and ‘most popular’ ratings also point to the continued significance of the perennial favorites which can also serve as an important part of the overall experience of a destination. Activities like the Tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel and the Papal Audience at St. Peter’s in Rome; Dinner and Show at the Moulin Rouge in Paris; viewing Da Vinci’s Last Supper in Milan; admiring the Queen’s Royal Collection during the Summer opening of Buckingham Palace; may seem conventional and expected but they continue to draw crowds and sell out on a regular basis. By purchasing these activities before departure, travelers avoid waiting on long lines or the dreaded sold-out sign upon arrival, ensuring their memories will be complete.

The Viator Europe Trip Planner and the Viator Travel Blog are useful resources for anyone planning a trip to Europe, whether first-timers or return visitors, featuring suggested itineraries, first-hand accounts and Traveler Reviews.

Planning a trip to Melbourne?

Avoid feeling like you’ve got kangaroos loose in the top paddock (Australian for intellectually inadequate) with a few ideas from a fair dinkum (genuine) Aussie insider. Rod Cuthbert, founder of Viator, has a rucksack full of travel tips to the place he calls home, Australia.

Melbourne for Travellers

Melbourne is the sporting capital of the country. And that’s sport with a capital “S” – Melbournians are passionate (borderline obsessive?) about sport.

Yet it is possible, dare I say it, to visit Melbourne and pay no attention to this city’s fascination with sport. For starters there’s the Melbourne Fringe Festival (Sept 26 – Oct 14, 2007), the Melbourne International Arts Festival (Oct 11 - 27, 2007), the Melbourne International Film Festival (July 25 - Aug 12, 2007) and the Melbourne Food and Wine Festinval (March 16 - 30, 2007).

Still not ready for the sport? Melbourne is situated amongst some of the finest wine country in the world, located just a short drive from the Yarra Valley, known especially for its production of fine pinot noir, chardonnay, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. For the novice seeking to develop a better palate, the wine lover who likes to pair fine dining with his swirls, or the seriously dedicated foodie looking for an award-winning gastronomic experience accompanied by some of the best vintages, there are numerous options to experience the region that fall just shy of jumping in the grape barrel barefoot.

Or you can jump in a basket and enjoy the wine tasting and epicurean delights of the Yarra Valley after starting off the day with a hot-air balloon ride.

If you’re looking for a day trip near Melbourne, the coastal scenery surrounding Philip Island is not to be missed, not to mention its array of wildlife including Australia’s largest fur seal colony, koalas and families of little penguins. The Great Ocean Road is another must-see, with limestone cliffs towering over sandy beaches where strolls are mandatory.

Did we mention sport in Melbourne?

OK, we can’t hold off any longer talking about sports. Cricket. Tennis. Surfing. Formula One motor racing. Australian Rules Football. Rugby Union. Horse racing, the list goes on. Ask a Melbournian about any of these sports and you’ll likely find you’re talking to an expert. If you can make it to one of these events you’ll begin to understand why.

But if you only have a few days in town, you can still experience what it’s all about by taking in venues like Rod Laver Arena, home of the Australian Open Tennis, or “The G” (Melbourne Cricket Ground), home to the 1956 Olympics. As the source of Australian Rules Football and home to 9 of the 16 teams in the league, arranging to see a match is a great way to truly experience the local culture. (In case you missed this, we also posted the entire AFL footy schedule in an earlier blog post).

OK. That’s enough to get you started. If you need more tips check out Viator’s complete list of things to do in Melbourne. Or read more suggested itineraries in Melbourne.

–Rod Cuthbert

What is the world buzzing about this week?

Thinking of surprising that special someone with a trip abroad? The Sydney Morning Herald gives us a cautionary tale that might have you thinking twice. If you’re still going ahead with it, consider taking in a show at Milan’s recently refurbished La Scala opera house. The SMH Travel Blog cordially invites you to nominate places that constitute ‘essential Australia’. The punters are already weighing in on their favorite airports. The blog also has some sage advice about what guidebooks are good for - and what they’re crap at.

The San Francisco Chronicle proves that it is possible to hit all four Walt Disney World parks in a single day - though at a cost. The site also surveys superlative California and Bangkok’s cafes. Warhol fans may want to read up on the big exhibit in Reno, Nevada.

Is it possible to do Dubai on a budget? Absolutely, says the New York Times. San Francisco’s dreary Lombard Street making a comeback? Improbably, yes. Boutique hotels in Shanghai? Once again, the Gray Lady stumps the incredulous. And lastly, what is ethical travel, and is it feasible? We won’t spoil the surprise….

Twenty-five years after the war, the Guardian returns to the Falkland Islands. The site is also reporting that the UK saver fare might be going up. The UK is creating a national register of historic places, and a super jumbo airliner is on the drawing board in China. And for those who are concerned about using the hotel swimming pool, the Guardian offers some eco alternatives.

The LA Times has tips and tricks for applying for a US passport and for getting the best seat on the plane. The site also has a series of articles on Chiang Mai, Thailand, including shopping, accommodation, and restaurants.

Elsewhere, the BBC covers the impending Scottish rail strike. MSNBC reflects on the difficulties foreign travelers face at US immigration and customs - and why they’re staying away more and more. Upgrade report that Air Canada are offering a monthly pass for unlimited travel to and from the US and Canada. And we sadly report that The Stardust, Vegas icon, is no more.

-Bruce Melendy