Travel News & Deals - latimes.com

On the Spot: Travelers need money alternatives when going abroad

By Catharine Hamm — Sun, 19 May 2013 08:00:00 PDT

Many U.S. credit cards use a magnetic stripe and are less secure, and though technology is changing, travelers should keep several tools handy.

In last week's On the Spot column, letter writer Nancy Jones said she was going to London and expressed concern about whether her credit cards would work because they are not Chip and PIN (personal identification number). She said she didn't want to carry a load of cash. What should she do? It turned out to be a more complicated answer than I expected, but I did find a card that I think will work.

Web Buzz: GlobalAdventuress.com for traveling women

By Jen Leo — Sun, 19 May 2013 06:30:00 PDT

There's an adventuress in every woman just waiting to come out.

Travel tips: Why you should pack Drano, check ATMs and carry wipes

Sat, 18 May 2013 07:00:00 PDT

On surf trips to Baja take a roll of toilet paper in a zip lock plastic bag, a small bottle of Drano, and cheap rubber shower sandals. While unpacking your vehicle, pour a couple of ounces of Drano in the shower drain. Wait five minutes to turn on the hot water. Away goes trouble down the drain.

Readers Recommend: Art museums in London and Paris

Sat, 18 May 2013 08:00:00 PDT

Instead of the giants, instead visit the Courtauld and the Royal Academy in London, and the Musée Marmottan Monet and Musée Delacroix in Paris.

I've just returned from a two-week visit to London and Paris. If you're heading over and art is important to you, avoid the giant museums and think small.

Gear: Garmin's newest GPS helps you hit the road

By Judi Dash — Sat, 18 May 2013 07:30:00 PDT

Garmin ’s newest GPS superstar, the Nuvi-3597 LMTHD, has a crisp, high-resolution color 5-inch display screen and is packed with neat features in a half-inch-thick, 7-ounce body.

Your Scene: Eye to eye with a turtle in Oahu

Sat, 18 May 2013 06:30:00 PDT

Earlier this year Alexandria Shankweiler spent three weeks island hopping in Hawaii. As she was hunting for sea glass on Oahu's Mokuleia Beach, she spotted a large rock that looked out of place. As she approached, she realized that it was a sea turtle, perhaps on the beach to escape the 12-foot waves. Shankweiler approached cautiously, she said, and lay on the sand to photograph the turtle. The Los Angeles resident photographed the majestic reptile with a Nikon D700.

China: $942 round-trip to Guangzhou on China Southern

Sun, 19 May 2013 07:30:00 PDT

You can fly round trip from LAX to Guangzhou, China , in late summer and part of the fall for $942, including all taxes and fees.

Viking Cruises will begin ocean cruises on Viking Star in 2015

By Mary Forgione, Los Angeles Times Daily Travel & Deal blogger — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:51:00 PDT

Viking Cruises announced Friday that it's getting into the ocean cruise market -- in a small way.

Global Entry: Help may be at hand for those who wait to get OK'd

By Catharine M. Hamm — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:00:00 PDT

If you’re waiting…and waiting…for an interview appointment to complete your application for the Global Entry fast-pass-through-customs program, help may be at hand.

American Airlines allows fliers who pack lightly to board early

By Mary Forgione — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:45:00 PDT

American Airlines rolled out a new boarding policy Thursday that allows passengers with one carry-on item that fits under the seats to board planes earlier than others who require overhead bins.