Crackdown on change fees
A Senate Commerce Committee report calls for a crackdown on airline passenger fees, recommending that airlines produce a standardized chart to disclose all extra charges. The report suggested that change fees be limited to a "reasonable amount" and be reduced or eliminated if a flier cancels with enough lead time to let the airline resell the seat. Los Angeles Times
Booking seats sooner
Thanks to growing demand, vacationers are being forced to book travel plans extra early. Window and aisle seats, on average, are being booked three days earlier this summer than last summer, an analysis by Booz Allen Hamilton found. Middle seats are 34 percent less likely to remain empty. Los Angeles Times
Cruise to New Guinea is offered
Discovery Cruise Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is offering a cruise to New Guinea, which it calls one of the least explored places. The 20-day trip aboard the National Geographic Orion, which can accommodate 102 passengers, departs Sept. 22 from Brisbane, Australia. The tour includes forays into largely inaccessible terrain where art, tribal life, biology and history intersect. The highlight is learning about the cultures of West Papua, Papua and Papua New Guinea and meeting Asmat and Trobriand islanders. Outdoor pursuits include snorkeling, kayaking and exploring coral formations in glass-bottom Zodiacs. Joining the crew of naturalists are guest speakers: a National Geographic photographer, an undersea specialist, a dive master and "Flags of Our Fathers" author James Bradley. Rates per person, based on double occupancy, begin at $11,543.
New York Times
Deal of the week
Autumn in the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands offer specials for fall island travel. With Expedia and the Fall Only in Cayman deal, save up to 30 percent plus receive other discounts at participating hotels. For example, the Cobalt Coast Dive Resort starts at $110, plus $25 tax, down from $200. The Westin Grand Cayman has a free fifth night, $100 resort credit and Red Sail Sports discounts, such as $35 off a waverunner safari. Deals also include the Only in Cayman savings card, with discounts on dining, diving, shopping and more. Book by Sept. 30; travel Sept. 1-Dec. 15. Info: expedia.com/cayman or onlyincayman.com.
Washington Post
Web Buzz
Get My Boat is the Airbnb of boats
Raise the sail on your adventures with the Airbnb of boats. GetMyBoat.com offers a searchable database of more than 33,000 boat rentals available worldwide. Boats range in size from kayaks and canoes to mega-yachts and fishing vessels. The number of choices is terrific. And a filter lets you choose the type of boat that suits your mood: power, sail, fishing, nonpowered or mega-yacht. You can also request a captain or no captain. If you're looking for a vessel to fit your budget or to host a large party, it has those options, too.
Los Angeles Times
