Ice caves inaccessible
The National Park Service says it's still too dangerous to explore the Apostle Islands ice caves off the Wisconsin shore of Lake Superior. The Park Service says it's not known if or when the ice will be safe enough this season. A large area of open water developed last weekend from Little Sand Bay to Sand Island. And officials say there's a finger of open water developing off Romans Point extending toward Eagle Island. The caves drew more than 138,000 tourists in 2014 when a deep freeze made the caves accessible. - Associated Press
More basic-economy fares
American Airlines has announced it will sell no-frills tickets that limit carry-on bags to those that fit under a seat. The new basic-economy tickets will go on sale Feb. 10 in select domestic markets. American, United and Delta Air Lines are all rolling out lower fares with few amenities to compete with low-cost carriers such as Spirit Airlines. United said it will debut its own basic-economy fare in Minneapolis later this quarter on service to nearby foreign markets such as the Caribbean. Delta already sells similar offerings, although it allows purchasers to use the overhead bins. - Bloomberg
Carnival in Trinidad
Trinidad is mecca for Carnival in the Caribbean. The riotous, multicultural spectacle starts with the pre-dawn J'ouvert (daybreak) on Feb. 27, when people throw paint on one another. It culminates with Parade of the Bands, where several thousand scantily clad costumed revelers dance to pulsating soca. Tour companies like Banwari Experience (banwaricaribbean.com) will help you "play mas," which means you don a costume and march in the parade. They also can set you up to be part of fetes, Carnival-themed parties held all over the island. Consider the Hilton Trinidad (hiltoncaribbean.com), within walking distance of Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, where many events are held. Carnival rates begin at $500 a night. - Chicago Tribune
Family fun in Colorado
Consistently ranked a top winter destination for families, the cowboy town of Steamboat Springs, Colo., is known for its champagne powder and casual, down-home atmosphere. In addition to a full complement of free programs for children, Steamboat has kids-only lifts and instruction areas with easy-to-access Magic Carpet lifts. Graduates move onto the Rough Rider Basin, where tepees, a fort and a kids'-style terrain park keep young rippers happily engaged. Check out February's festive Winter Carnival, now in its 104th year. Wyndham Vacation Rentals offers special Winter Carnival lodging deals (steamboat.com; steamboatchamber.com; wyndhamvacationrentals.com). Dallas Morning News
Bye-bye, circus
After 146 years, the curtain is coming down on "The Greatest Show on Earth." The owner of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus said that the show will close forever in May. The iconic American spectacle was felled by a variety of factors, company executives say, including declining attendance, high operating costs and prolonged battles with animal rights groups. The final shows will be in Providence, R.I., on May 7 and in Uniondale, N.Y., on May 21. The circus has been a staple of entertainment in the United States since the mid-1800s. Associated Press
