Golden Gate Bridge toll?

Golden Gate Bridge officials are again floating the idea of charging bicyclists and pedestrians to use the famed span's sidewalks. The bridge district released a plan last week to keep the agency solvent that includes the toll. Public comment will be sought if it moves forward. The bridge is facing a $33 million deficit.

North Korea airport rises

Pyongyang isn't exactly an international travel hub. But attracting more tourists is one of North Korea's top agenda items, so thousands of soldier-builders are working feverishly to give the capital a fancy new airport, now in its final stages. It's the latest of North Korea's "speed campaigns," mass mobilizations of labor aimed at finishing projects in record time. Associated Press

Hotel check-in

Luxury in the Old South

At Zero George Street, the overall tone is opulent, laid-back Old South, but the details are modern luxe at this contemporary boutique hotel that opened early last year with 16 plush guest suites spread over five early 19th-century buildings in a quiet corner of historic Charleston, S.C. The Federal-style buildings, complete with wide verandas perfect for sipping wine in the moonlight, are set around an intimate courtyard filled with towering palms, cast-iron statues and lush green shrubbery. The hotel's name is derived from its address, which actually is Zero George Street. Rates are from $379 for a queen bedroom with a shared veranda. The hotel's Zero Restaurant serves wine, cocktails like a Palmetto Express (ginger bourbon, hibiscus syrup, ginger beer and lemon) and dishes from tempura local vegetables to pan-roasted wreckfish. In addition to a super-attentive concierge, the hotel had a spacious and beautiful model kitchen off the lobby where a chef holds cooking lessons.

New York Times

Deal of the week

Kids sail free on cruise promo

MSC Cruises is offering several promos, including cabin upgrades, kids sail free, drink coupons and included gratuities. For example, a balcony cabin on MSC Divina's seven-night cruise, which sails from Miami on Nov. 29, now starts at $1,596 (with taxes) for a family of four with two children younger than 12 — a savings of $600. Book a cabin at the Fantastica level and receive 24 drink vouchers per couple ($144 value). The promos apply to select sailings of MSC Divina departing through October 2015, and select sailings of MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia departing November through April 2015 in the Mediterranean. Book by Oct. 31. Info: 1-866-545-8091; www.msccruisesusa.com.Washington Post

Travel trend

Where are cab fares highest?

Nevada taxi regulators have approved a rate hike that would make cab rides in Las Vegas and surrounding areas the second most expensive among U.S. metropolitan areas with tourism-based economies. A report commissioned by a coalition of cab companies shows rates will be higher than those in New York or San Francisco, but lower than Atlantic City's. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports the Nevada Taxi Authority approved a more than 8 percent rate increase Monday, although it's unclear when the new prices will take effect. The base taxi rate will rise from $3.30 to $3.45, while each extra mile will cost $2.88, up from $2.60. It's first time the rates have changed since 2008.Associated Press