The Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on Dec. 12, 2012 took steps to enhance motorcoach safety by updating its safety plan and by making it easier for consumers to file complaints about unsafe companies and drivers.
The updated Motorcoach Safety Action Plan (MSAP) reflects the integrated activities of several of the department's agencies and their collaborative efforts to improve the safety of the motorcoach industry.
western travel buzz
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United Airlines said it expects its first 15 gates at the new Terminal B south concourse at George Bush Intercontinental Airport at Houston, Texas to be fully operational by May 1, 2013, and the airline will add 15 more gates by the end of the year.
Read more... The new facility has been open to limited flight operations since April 15 when United Airline officials previewed the concourse to Houston Mayor Annise Parker and other area civic and business leaders. With more than 25 years of guiding experience, 12 years in the Sedona area, Stephen Ritson has been named as the new hiking guide for El Portal Sedona Hotel in Sedona, Arizona.
Read more... "We wanted to offer our guests a complete Sedona experience at El Portal; to hike Sedona and give them an opportunity to see places that the regular visitor doesn't get to see," said Steve Segner, owner of El Portal, on April 26, 2013. "That's why we teamed up with Stephen Ritson." California-based Virgin America airlines launched new daily nonstop flight service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) with a red carpet welcome for guests onboard its inaugural flight on April 22, 2013. Delta Air Lines has announced plans to increase service at Los Angeles International Airport with daily year-round and seasonal service to 14 destinations, several of then Western destinations including expanded service to New Orleans, and service to eight new markets.
Read more... With the goal of broadening awareness of Kauai's Wailua to Kapaa corridor as an attractive and historic destination in Hawaii, a group of nine dedicated property managers on Kauai's east side have recently put their resources together to unite and organize as the Royal Coconut Coast Association (RCCA).
Read more... The organization is pointing to convenience, centrality and moderate lodging rates as a key attraction to potential travelers. A recent supportive effort by Kauai County's Office of Economic Development and the Kauai Visitors Bureau has spurred its formation. In a Texas-sized welcome, the Houston Airport System (HAS) served the needs of hundreds of Carnival Cruise Line passengers who flew into George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Feb. 15, 2013 on chartered flights operated by Delta Air Lines.
Read more... The flight operations were managed by a team of aviation professionals who created a plan on February 14 to offer a warm and seamless arrival to ease the processing. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, ordered Scapadas Magicas LLC, a passenger carrier operating in the United States, to immediately cease operations, and declared the carrier to be an imminent hazard to public safety.
Read more... Delta Air Lines will add three daily flights between Los Angeles and Seattle, beginning April 8, 2013, operated by its Delta Connection carrier SkyWest Airlines.
Read more... Delta is rapidly growing Seattle as an Asian gateway and recently received approval for new service to Shanghai for summer 2013. The airline currently offers international service to Beijing and Osaka, Japan. As another year draws to a close, the San Francisco Travel Association has assembled a list of fun events focusing on the last few days of 2012, setting stage for some fresh starts and some favorite places for a New Year's Eve toast.
Read more... Public transit is highly recommended when traveling around San Francisco. For bus schedules and information on San Francisco's cable cars, historic streetcars and light rail system, visit www.sfmta.org or call 511 (www.511.org) or (510) 893-8729 if calling from outside area code 415. And remember, Muni rides are free from 8 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2012 until 6 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2013. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be coming to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Read more... The announcement was made Dec. 6, 2011 by Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts. The two companies are partnering to bring the enormously popular themed entertainment experience to Southern California. No date was announced for the start of the new Harry Potter project at Universal Studios Hollywood. Virgin America, the California-based domestic airline, has launched its first domestic lounge with the opening of the stylish new Virgin America Loft at Los Angeles International Airport's (LAX) Terminal 3.
Read more... Not to be confused with sister-branded airline Virgin Atlantic's premium international Clubhouses designed for longer-haul travelers, the new Virgin America Loft will offer Virgin America's guests a sleek and modern retreat within LAX. Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts began operating the Olympic National Park destination, which is only steps from the Pacific Ocean, in late September. Since then it has begun offering lodging packages and other discounts while adding its own touches, including new room amenities, a new restaurant menu and stepped up environmental conservation efforts.
"Kalaloch Lodge is a wonderful place in the winter with the waves crashing the rugged coast of the peninsula as you take it all in from the lodge on the bluff," said Walter Kochansky, general manager at Kalaloch Lodge. "Many of our accommodations feature sweeping views of the majestic Pacific Ocean and the driftwood beaches. As most people know, it is a very unique national park setting." The classic seaside retreat features full access to the pristine beaches, wilderness and forests of the nearly 1 million-acre Olympic National Park in the Pacific Northwest. Recreation opportunities abound with hiking, beachcombing, fishing, and bird watching, as well as seasonal whale watching and razor clamming. The lodge features 64 rooms - spread between the charming main lodge, Seacrest Building and various comfortable cabins. Megabus.com, the first city-to-city, express bus company with fares from $1, has announced expansion to California and Nevada, with frequent daily service beginning Dec. 12, 2012.
Read more... California and Nevada residents will be able to travel express to/from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Calif., Riverside, Calif., Las Vegas, Sparks/Reno, Nev., Sacramento, Calif., and San Jose, Calif. for as low as $1. Customers can now begin booking travel at www.megabus.com. Another season of Silver Dollar City's World Fest got underway April 7, 2011 at the Branson,Mo.-theme park with guests to the 1880s theme park enjoying performers from all around the globe who bring their music, dance, culture and foods to middle America.
Read more... "World-Fest literally brings the world within reach of so many people. The camaraderie among performers, and the interaction with guests, especially kids, really opens your eyes to how important it is to bring authentic cultures to America's heartland," said Janet Oller, Director of Marketing for Silver Dollar City Attractions. Following a multi-million dollar renovation, the Silvertree Hotel and Conference Center has reopened as the Westin Snowmass Resort in Snowmass, Colorado. Grand Canyon Railway has added a completely refurbished, full-length dome car to its rolling stock and named it in honor of Fred Harvey, an 1870s railroad restaurateur who became a legend in the Old West for bringing good food, civilized service and attractive, honestly run eating houses and hotels to travelers.
Read more... Gray Line of Alaska is now taking reservations for its 2013 tour packages and has added four new "add-on" tours to enhance any Alaska and Yukon vacation.
Read more... Gray Line is also offering a special early booking discount of $600 per couple for trips booked by Nov. 30 that are six days or longer. The Port of Seattle Commission has given the green light for the final design for an estimated $230 million renovation of the north satellite at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to better serve passengers.
Read more... The project will include modernizing facilities, seismic upgrades, enhanced traveler amenities, three new gates and a new roof-top lounge for Alaska Airlines, soon to be the sole tenant in the north satellite. Holland America Line said for the 2013 cruise season it is increasing its presence in Alaska's waters with more departures and more guests than in previous years.
Read more... Although the number of Holland America ships deployed in Alaska will remain at seven - the same as 2012 - ms Amsterdam will double its departures on new seven-day roundtrip sailings from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. |
