U.S. urges caution in Oaxaca

THE U.S. State Department urged Americans to “carefully consider the risks of traveling” to the city of Oaxaca in southern Mexico because of what it called “increasingly violent demonstrations” by teachers, students and other groups.

What began as a teachers strike in May has grown into widespread unrest in the capital of Oaxaca state, whose distinctive colonial architecture, museums and arts and crafts are popular with tourists.

Noting reports that protesters may try to close airport facilities and highways, the State Department’s public announcement, effective until Sept. 24, said visitors should monitor news reports. It also urged them to avoid downtown Oaxaca during demonstrations.

For updates, visit www.travel.state.gov and click on “Public Announcements” or “Consular Information Sheets.”

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Turkish violence being monitored

CRUISE and tour companies last week were monitoring the security situation in Turkey after bombs in two Mediterranean resorts killed at least three people and injured dozens of tourists. No American casualties were reported.

Kurdish militants claimed responsibility for the blasts in Antalya and Marmaris.

On Tuesday, the U.S. State Department issued a public announcement on Turkey, advising U.S. visitors to “exercise caution and to closely follow media reports.”

Travcoa, based in Newport Beach, had no plans to cancel a 16-day Turkey tour, which is to depart Monday and includes Antalya, director of marketing Alexandra Mager said last week. But the company could adjust routing as needed, she said.

Neither Silversea Cruises, which will call on Turkey on Sept. 27, nor Crystal Cruises, which will sail there in October, planned cancellations, their representatives said.

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London-to-Vegas route for MaxJet

MAXJET AIRWAYS, a new all-business-class airline serving London’s Stansted airport, plans to start twice-a-week nonstop flights Nov. 2 between London and Las Vegas. Round-trip fares start at $1,999.

The airline, based at Dulles airport in the Washington, D.C., area, began service to London out of New York’s JFK airport in November and added Dulles in April.

Chief Executive Gary Rogliano said MaxJet may also add service to L.A., San Jose and San Francisco.

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A hotel room on wheels

IS it a tent? A hotel room? Travelodge UK’s new mobile room is a bit of both.

The British company is testing a 155-square-foot structure with double bed, lights, carpeted floor, dressing table and toilet (but no shower or tub) that can be wheeled into service at music festivals, sporting events and other outdoor venues.

The furniture is encased in a clear polycarbonate box with curtains. The company hopes to deploy the units for customers next year, charging about $49 per night.

Jane Engle

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jane.engle@latimes.com