Guide:

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Breaking News

• Google tools offer exploration of New York
  26 January 2009
  The New York City tourist board has teamed up with internet giant Google to offer some new facilities for visitors to the US destination. At nycgo.com, the official resource for the experiences and sights on offer in New York, Google Maps now provides guides to hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues in the city, as well as information on promotions and special offers. Users of the site can also find directions to major attractions in the city and even have them sent to their mobile phones. Another feature of the cooperation between the New York tourist board and Google is the new tourist information centre at 810 Seventh Avenue, between 52nd and 53rd streets. The centre boasts interactive map tables powered by Google Maps, allowing visitors to create personalised itineraries to their destinations of choice, which can be printed, emailed or sent to mobile devices. Source: www.justtheflight.co.uk close
• Mexico Travel Update
  05 May 2009
  The Mexican government believes the worst of the swine flu outbreak has past as officials and the fledging tourism industry cautiously plan to reopen closed tourism sites and restaurants on Wednesday. Conflicting advice from governments and agencies have left would-be-tourists unsure if it is safe to travel to Mexico. The US Center of Disease Control had advised cancelling all but essential travel to Mexico although the World Health Organisation is advising against any travel restrictions. Airlines are still running between Mexico and most countries. A recent tally of the infection in Mexico was risen to 701 infected patients and 26 deaths although there is an encouraging drop in the number of new cases. So far, traveller's have mostly decided to postpone their vacations resulting in nearly empty hotels and deserted tourist attractions. On everyone's mind is 'When is it safe to reschedule trips to Mexico?' According to Mexico's health minister, restaurants and tourist sites will open Wednesday although entertainment businesses such as bars and clubs in Mexico City will remain closed. Many hotels and airlines have offered temporary no-charge rescheduling options or a choice of other destinations. close
• Whole cruise quarantined
  18 June 2009
  A Pullmantur cruise ship with 1,200 people on board has been quarantined for a week off the coast of Venezuela after three crew members were confirmed with the H1N1 virus and 43 had symptoms, reported Reuters. Grenada and Barbados would not let the passengers on to their land. close
• Tourists not deterred in Palau
  18 June 2009
  Tourists fond of Palau's first rate tropical diving are not scared away from the tiny island nation's acceptance of relocated ex-Guantanamo detainees reported the AP. The Uighur men were found not to be enemy combatants by the US but cannot return to China for fears of persecution and have recently been given homes in Palau. close
• Pilote of Boeing 777 dies at wheel
  19 June 2009
  A pilot died while flying a Boeing 777 to New York from Brussels, reported the BBC. The pilot died of natural causes and two co-pilots successfully took over the controls. The 227 passengers were unaware of the incident until emergency services greeted them at the airport. close
• Dog bathrooms at airports
  19 June 2009
  Dog bathrooms are the latest in American airport amenities with similar services available in Texas, Arizona and Missouri reported the UPI. Representatives of the airports said the service is comforting to pet owners and service animals. close
• 9 die in DC Metro crash
  23 June 2009
  The worst Metro crash in Washington D.C. history killed nine people and injured 75 others when two trains collided during rush hour commutes Monday afternoon, reported the New York Times. One train was waiting for clearance to move when it was struck from behind by another. close
• Sears Tower opens view
  03 July 2009
  Chicago's Sears Tower opened a glass enclosed sky deck jetting out over the city from its 103rd floor Thursday, reported the Telegraph. The tower is the tallest in the US and attracts 25,000 visitors on nice viewing days. close

Overview

The Star-Spangled Banner © www.freedigitalphotos.net

America was stumbled upon by Columbus in 1492 and for more than 500 years people have travelled here seeking a better life in the 'land of opportunity'. The land was fought over by colonial powers for centuries and finally won its independence from Britain in 1783. Despite the near annihilation of the Native American population, one of the bloodiest civil wars the world had seen, and ingrained racism (Native Americans were not granted citizenship until 1924 and racial segregation was the norm until as late as the 1950s), the American people have succeeded in forging one of the worlds most united, democratic and tolerant nations, a fascinating melting-pot of cultures, and the undisputed military and economic heavyweight of the world.

The country is made up of 48 neighbouring states of the continental USA, plus the huge state of Alaska, northwest of Canada, and the volcanic islands of Hawaii, 2,000 miles (3,219km) out into the Pacific. There are also the US territories, which include Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Midway Islands and the US Virgin Islands. Tourism is focused mainly in the great cities such as New York and Washington, as well as sunshine states such as California, Florida and Hawaii where millions of tourists congregate each year to enjoy the fine beaches, natural wonders and man-made attractions such as Disneyland, Universal Studios and Hollywood. Too many miss out on the mind-blowing landscapes of the interior which can found in the wealth of magnificent National Parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Adirondacks, as well as spectacular sights like the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains. With all this on their doorstep, it's easy to understand why most Americans have never bothered getting a passport.