Russia's 'second city' rich in art and elegance

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) -- Glorious on one block, dismal on the next -- St. Petersburg is a chalice holding the extremes of Russia's history.

Southwest co-pilot arrested on alcohol charges

(CNN) -- Authorities in Utah ordered a Southwest Airlines co-pilot out of the cockpit of his Arizona-bound jet shortly before takeoff Sunday morning and jailed him on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol, FBI and airline officials said.

National Zoo puts on a panda party

WASHINGTON (AP) -- One year ago, he was nearly hairless, pink and weighed about four ounces, less than most bagels. On Sunday, his first birthday, giant panda Tai Shan is an active, 56-pound cub and the star attraction of the National Zoo.

Cruising the British Isles

OUTER HEBRIDES, Scotland (AP) -- There are islands in the Hebrides and Orkneys where only one man lives, an island unto himself and maybe a thousand sheep. And there are others with no one in residence at all -- where wild sheep share the scenery with otters and eagles and vast colonies of nesting sea birds.

Four questions on ecotourism

(Budget Travel Online) -- The basics of ecotourism are fairly easy to grasp: Businesses that cater to tourists follow special policies to protect the environment, aid the local community and educate travelers.

Storied military ship, museum to be renovated

NEW YORK (AP) -- The USS Intrepid is steeped in history: the aircraft carrier took part in major battles and withstood repeated kamikaze attacks during World War II, and later saw duty in Korea and as a recovery ship for NASA.

Great Eastern Trail a hiker's dream

SODDY-DAISY, Tennessee (AP) -- In the depths of the Little Possum Gorge, a footpath strewn with the tools that built it suddenly emerges through a forest of hemlock and magnolia to a breathtaking waterfall.

Saudis promote sun, scuba diving

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Saudi Arabia seems an unlikely destination for fun in the sun.

Nature, not neon, in Red Rock Canyon

RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA, Nevada (AP) -- Round a bend on a highway less than a half-hour's drive from the Las Vegas Strip, and a panorama of red rocks, green cactus, gray mountains, blue sky and white clouds opens before you.

O'Hare surpasses Atlanta as traffic-heaviest airport

CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) -- O'Hare International Airport was the nation's busiest airport in terms of air traffic during the first half of 2006, surpassing Atlanta's, according to government statistics released Monday.

Leave work behind while on vacation

(CNN) -- As summer heats up, more business travelers are veering off their regular schedules for some much-needed time off.

America's best spa values

(Budget Travel Online) -- Where are the best values in spa vacation? Budget Travel magazine picked their favorites in different regions around the nation.

Choosing a good spa

(CNN) -- When that extra piece of chocolate or glass of wine is no longer helping you unwind, you may decide to hit the spa for some professional care and a little "R and R." But how do you choose the right spa, and what do you do once there?

Spas: Not just for the rich and famous anymore

(CNN) -- Spa experiences for a wider range of tastes and budgets are springing up all over the world, and weary Americans are taking note.

Modern media meets Colonial Williamsburg

WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia (AP) -- Thomas Jefferson isn't about to start listening to an iPod, with telltale earbud wires dangling from beneath his three-cornered hat as he walks the streets of Colonial Williamsburg.

Florida's 'Forgotten Coast'

(Southern Living) -- Locals call this part of the Florida Panhandle "the Forgotten Coast," but spend a weekend in Apalachicola, and you'll never forget it. This unspoiled town of roughly 3,000 residents boasts adorable boutiques, cozy dining nooks and quirky oyster joints. It's the perfect place to hide away for a few days and blend in with the locals.

George Washington's worries part of new exhibit

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The United States is at war and fears are being raised about the possibility of biological attack.

First official Beatles stage show opens

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) -- Lucy swoops on a trapeze across a sky twinkling with diamonds, Mr. Kite presides over a psychedelic circus of stiltwalkers and acrobats, and the unmistakable voices of John, Paul, George and Ringo fill the surround sound-equipped arena.

Flashpacking clicks with great outdoors

NEW YORK (AP) -- There's a new type of backpacker roaming the globe -- the flashpacker.

Frequent flier programs straying off course?

ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- Mark Erickson is the kind of flier that airlines love. Every Monday, he leaves for New York or California for his job as a master chef for the Culinary Institute of America. He returns to Atlanta on Friday night and does it all again two days later.