September 2009 - Sightseers' Delight

Distracted driving poses problem

September 30, 2009 The Travel Trolley

An estimated 6,000 people were killed last year in crashes involving a “distracted or inattentive driver,” according to new data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). More than 500,000 people were also injured in such crashes, the data shows. “Every single time someone takes their eyes or their focus off the road – even for just a few seconds – they put their lives and the lives of others in danger,” Transportation Secretary

Orbitz says fare thee well to change, cancellation fees on hotel bookings

September 29, 2009 The Travel Trolley

Good news for anyone who needs to make a change to their travel reservation. Orbitz announced that it will no longer charge fees to change or cancel hotel bookings. Company officials say the change – on reservations made anywhere in the world – will make it easier for travelers to change their schedules as needed. “We are totally obsessed with ensuring Orbitz.com is the best place to book a hotel on the Web,” Barney Harford,

Report: Rome’s Colosseum needs refurbishment

September 28, 2009 The Travel Trolley

The Roman Colosseum needs more than $7 million in renovations, according to Italian government officials, The Telegraph newspaper reported. “Some bits of it are falling off,” Francesco Giro, the government’s undersecretary for culture and heritage, said, according to a report in The Telegraph. The historic edifice needs “immediate restoration.” Started in 72 AD, the Colosseum is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. This incredible building has lasted generations and is the best and most

Chili’s Create-A-Pepper

September 28, 2009 The Travel Trolley

Chili’s Create-A-Pepper: Eat out for a good cause.

Survey: Room rates down compared to 2008

September 27, 2009 The Travel Trolley

A new survey reveals that during the first six months of 2009 the average price of a hotel room in the U.S. fell 17 percent compared to the same time frame in 2008. The new hotels.com Hotel Price Index indicated that room rates were $115 per night during the first six months, a decrease from $139 a year earlier. “This is by far the most significant change in prices we’ve seen since we created the

College Football Hall of Fame moving to Atlanta

September 26, 2009 The Travel Trolley

ATLANTA – The College Football Hall of Fame is moving from South Bend, Ind., to Atlanta. “Atlanta is a true mecca for college football. It’s our way of life, and we’re passionate about it,” Gary Stokan, president and CEO of the Chick-fil-A Bowl, said in an article on the Hall of Fame’s Web site. “Atlanta will showcase this national treasure like never before and provide fans superior access and an improved experience.” The Hall of

Photo Essay: ‘The smallest church in America’

September 22, 2009 The Travel Trolley

Chili’s restaurants helping ‘Fight Childhood Cancer’

September 22, 2009 The Travel Trolley

Special to The Travel Trolley St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is receiving a boost from Chili’s Grill & Bar thanks to the launch of the sixth annual Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer campaign. Now through Sept. 30, Chili’s restaurants around the country will observe National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by inviting guests to support the St. Jude mission to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases through research and treatment. Guests

Survey: Seat belt use on the rise

September 21, 2009 The Travel Trolley

SMYRNA Ga. – An estimated 84 percent of people nationwide wear seat belts, according to the latest National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS). That’s an increase from 83 percent in 2008. According to a report on the Web site of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), NOPUS is “the only survey that provides nationwide probability-based observed data on seat belt use in the United States.” Officials say seat belt use has been on the

Bill helps promote U.S. as ‘top international travel destination’

September 19, 2009 The Travel Trolley

The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation earlier this month to create a “public-private partnership to promote the United States as a top international travel destination,” according to a news release from Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev. The Travel Promotion Act of 2009 would be funded through “private sector contributions” and $10 “user fees” paid by international visitors. The bill does not rely on American taxpayer dollars and would result in a $400 million Travel Promotion Fund,