Screening doesn't catch all
A study finds that airport screening procedures to stop the spread of infectious diseases miss half to three-quarters of infected travelers who make it to their destinations. Researchers at UCLA published their findings last month in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Elife, shortly after a measles outbreak and an Ebola scare put more Americans on high alert.Los Angeles Times
Keep photos to yourself
"Selfie sticks" have now been banned at Versailles palace in France, Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., and the National Gallery in London, joining a growing list of tourist attractions to take such measures. The devices are used to improve snapshots, but critics say they are obnoxious and potentially dangerous.
Associated Press
on the web
Read, eat, repeat, wherever you go
Love to eat? Love to read? The two don't have to go hand in hand, but in this case the two traits make for delicious city guides. EatThisPoem.com is a literary food blog that gives you the inside scoop on foodie haunts, best indie bookstores, libraries, coffee shops, literary conferences and more in 47 cities across the United States. EatThisPoem goes way beyond large cities to include small and midsize American towns. Each city guide is written by someone who has a relationship with the city. They review destinations with tips such as favorite bookstores and places to write. There are suggestions that could appeal to general travelers too, such as the guide's favorite views, a superior hiking trail or their favorite place for seasonal organic breakfast fare. Minnesota city guides include St. Paul, Minneapolis and Duluth, with shout-outs to Trampled by Turtles, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Micawber's Books and the New Scenic Cafe in Duluth, at left.
Los Angeles Times
Deal of the week
Cruise the Nile in luxury
Sanctuary Retreats has a special on a Nile River cruise from Luxor to Aswan. With the Majestic Egypt Offer, save up to 30 percent on a three- or four-night cruise aboard one of three luxury river boats. The trip starts at $408 per person double in the winter season (through April and October-December, excluding holidays) and at $292 in the summer (May-September). Price includes full-board meal plan (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner); all sightseeing, guide and entrance fees; and taxes and service charges. By comparison, the typical rate is from $583 and $417, respectively. Info: 1-630-725-3449, www.sanctuaryretreats.com.
Washington Post
Hotel check-in
Free nightcaps at some Kimpton hotels
The hotel industry has increasingly been adding new charges for an assortment of services and extras — parking, Internet and resort fees — to squeeze bigger profits out of each room. So, it's news when a hotel offers a freebie. It's bigger news when that giveaway is booze. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, based in San Francisco, has launched a Nightcap Program that treats guests at 17 boutique hotels to a free nighttime swig — dubbed a "wee dram" — accompanied by a bedtime snack. The drinks will vary by property, and include brandy, scotch, cognac and port, along with a bite of shortbread cookies, nuts or chocolate. The Grand Hotel in Minneapolis, a Kimpton property, is not currently participating. Los Angeles Times