Airfare, car rental costs fall

The average domestic airline ticket fell to $372 in the third quarter of 2015, a 6 percent drop from 2014, according to the Department of Transportation. The average car rental rate for business travelers in the fourth quarter of 2015 was $38.88, a 13.6 percent drop over 2011, according to Minnesota-based Travel Leaders Corp.Los Angeles Times

Titanic II might sail in 2018

The Titanic could have a sequel — in the form of a replica called Titanic II, according to Australian billionaire Clive Palmer. Titanic II would be as close to a perfect replica as possible, with modern amenities such as air conditioning and updated emergency features. Palmer hopes to launch the Titanic II in 2018.

LA Crosse Tribune

Death Valley bracing for possible 'super bloom'

Death Valley's usually barren landscape is springing to life in a rare display of green stalks, purple blossoms and fields of yellow flowers. And it's only expected to flourish. "We hope it will become a 'super bloom,' which is beyond all your expectations. Those are quite rare, maybe once a decade or so," said Park Ranger Alan Van Valkenburg in a video podcast. The last "super bloom" in Death Valley was in February 2005. It takes the "perfect storm" of conditions to create the massive wildflower blooms. The National Park Service reports that the bloom is still "basically localized," but it's beginning to spread beyond the southeastern part of the park. And reports about the size of some of the plants are "mind-boggling," according to park's latest wildflower update. It describes "Jack-in-the-Beanstalk stems of Desert Gold (Geraea canescens)" and "Notchleaf Phacelia standing nearly 3 feet high." Van Valkenburg said he's "very excited" about the potential for a super bloom this year. "It could be a once in a lifetime opportunity." Washington Post

Eat Here Now

Buenos Aires' first Jewish-cuisine restaurant

On a recent Friday night, a small group stood outside Mishiguene in Buenos Aires after an opulent 12-course tasting menu. A fellow diner opened the door and bellowed: "Come back in, you have to see this!" The restaurant's chef, Tomás Kalika, had momentarily stopped dinner service to introduce an accordionist and a clarinetist who began to play joyous klezmer songs. Mishiguene (mishiguene.com) has generated significant buzz as the first restaurant in Argentina to offer modern Jewish cuisine — drawing inspiration from Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In a city known almost exclusively for its (excellent) barbecued meats and pastas, Mishiguene's success points to a culinary renaissance. New York Times

Web Buzz

Travel the world while crafting

Calling all crafters: CraftTours.com connects craft instructors with those who would like to combine travel with their passion for crafting. Its tours make it possible for crafters to visit workshops and meet artisans around the world. A 10-day Crocheting in the Emerald Isle tour includes a morning workshop with a Celtic crochet project, a sheepshearing demonstration on a farm and tours of the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney and more. An eight-day Cake & Sugarcraft Tour includes the Cake Bake & Sweets Show in Sydney. A nine-day Scrapbooking & Mixed Media Tour in Italy combines morning workshops with afternoon sightseeing in Tuscany, the Cinque Terre, Florence and more. Los Angeles Times