Antigua11 Feb
Air Jamaica announced that after February it plans to decrease flights to St Lucia and Barbados and will no longer fly into Antigua. American Airlines also recently announced that it would cut services to St Lucia, Antigua and Grenada unless the local governments arranged to subsidise the flights. The drop in air transport will severely affect these tourism-dependent Caribbean islands.

Argentina

11 Mar
The bones of a new species of carnivorous dinosaur have been discovered in southern Argentina, in the fossil-rich area of Rincon de los Sauces, about 1225km (760mi) south west of Buenos Aires. The 85 million-year-old bones are said to resemble those of North American Tyrannosaurus rex, and were found with the bones of a known herbivore, Titanosaurus.

17 Dec
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots is threatening to downgrade Argentina's
air safety rating unless it implements improvements to its air traffic control and safety systems. Even if it receives a lower safety rating, commercial airlines plan to maintain their current flights to the country. Latin America is second to Africa as the most dangerous region in which to fly.

Bahamas10 Jun
After weeks of work slowdowns, the Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union in Nassau called a strike on 4 June. Over 4000 strikers hit the streets and demonstrations blocked access to many of the major hotels and created traffic jams.

Barbados 11 Feb
Air Jamaica announced that after February it plans to decrease flights to St Lucia and Barbados and will no longer fly into Antigua. American Airlines also recently announced that it would cut services to St Lucia, Antigua and Grenada unless the local governments arranged to subsidise the flights. The drop in air transport will severely affect these tourism-dependent Caribbean islands.

17 Dec
The Caribbean nations of Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados have all issued a Dengue Fever Alert. Dengue fever has symptoms similar to flu and is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine or specific treatment available and some strains are deadly. While the other islands are reporting near epidemic numbers of people stricken with dengue fever, Montserrat has almost none. Health workers suspect that acids from volcanic ash have killed off most of the mosquito larvae. Since July 1995, Montserrat has experienced almost constant activity from the island's Soufriére Hills volcano.

Belize 29 Apr
Belize kicked off the beginning of its bicentennial celebration on 28 April. The celebration will continue until Belize National Day on 10 September. This holiday celebrates the British defeat of the Spanish Armada at St George's Caye in 1798 and the transfer of Belize from a Spanish colony to a British one. Belize received its independence from Britain on 21 September 1981, and celebrates this date as Independence Day.

22 Jul The Meso-American Caribbean Reef, the fourth largest reef system in the world and home to a broad range of marine life, is soon to receive an extra measure of protection. The governments of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico will sign a pact committing them to protecting the reef, which stretches from Yucatan Peninsula to the Bay Islands of Honduras. In the pact, the governments have all agreed to develop eco-tourism along their coasts, improve environmental controls and promote research and awareness of the reef and its marine life

Bolivia 15 Jul
The US State Department has issued an announcement expressing concerns about the safety record of Bolivia's Lloyd Aereo Boliviano (LAB) airline. The Bolivian authorities have grounded several of their aircraft for safety checks after recent problems on their domestic routes raised questions about LAB's safety practices. The announcement recommends that all American travelers exercise caution in the use of domestic air services within Bolivia - presumably the rest of us are immune to plane crashes.

27 May
Two earthquakes shook Aiquile, a village between Cochabamba and Sucre in southern Bolivia, early on Friday morning. The first earthquake measured 5.9 on the Richter scale, and the second earthquake, which struck 15 minutes later, measured 6.8. Eighty-four people have been reported dead, with 100 still missing and thousands now homeless. The earthquakes were felt as far away as La Paz, 563km (350 miles) away, and tremors continued in the region throughout Saturday.

8 Apr
Last week, the country's largest labor union, Bolivian Workers' Confederation, called for a general strike by all public sector workers to demand higher wages. Several people were killed in demonstrations that turned violent, and strikers have set up roadblocks on highways into the major cities. The government has threatened to declare a general state of emergency and call out the military to handle the crowds. Travellers in the country are advised to avoid all public demonstrations and to expect possible transport delays.

25 Feb
The gold-mining village of Mokotoro has been destroyed, and at least 59 people killed, in a huge mud slide and a flooded river fuelled by heavy rains. The disaster, which has devastated the small jungle town in the Tipuani-Guanay region east of La Paz, was made worse by the excessively heavy rains and storms that have resulted from El Niño. Other storms blamed on El Niño have hit Baja California in Mexico, leaving 14 dead in Tijuana and Rosarito.

28 Jan
A drunken army patrol stopped a busload of international travellers, raped two women from Argentina and beat eleven others. The attack took place in south-western Bolivia, near the border with Argentina. The government has jailed and intends to punish those guilty of participating in the attack.

Brazil 13 May
And on the flip side, a drought in north-eastern Brazil, the country's poorest region, is forcing people to steal food to survive. The drought, the worst in decades, has destroyed most of the region's crops, and almost 10 million people are suffering from hunger. The government has promised aid but many fear this is the beginning of a long and widespread famine.

6 May
In Brazil, good deals are hard to find but following the deregulation of the airlines many of them are offering fabulous discounts on their domestic flights. Although the government continues to set the fares, airlines are now able to offer discounts and make changes in their routes. Some airlines are responding to the new competitive arena with discounts of up to 50%.

15 Apr
Conservationists are calling for an international boycott of Brazil's most popular natural tourist attraction, Iguacu Falls, until a 20km (13 mi) road through Iguacu Falls National Park is permanently closed to car traffic. Residents of the villages near the falls have ignored the road's closure, protesting the damage to their businesses and the loss of contact between communities.

1 Apr
While Roraima in the north burns, you can thoroughly experience the rain forest by taking a walk through the treetops in Bahia. Opening in June, a suspended walkway, 105m (350 ft) long and 13-18m (45-60ft) above the ground, allows visitors a rare opportunity to experience the rich bio-diversity of an area adjacent to the Reserva Biol≤gica Mico Leπo de Una outside IhΘus, Bahia. The reserve is home to several threatened species and the walkway brings you up into the habitat of the golden lion tamarin, the maned sloth and the red-tailed parrot. The walkway is part of an effort to encourage the development of eco-tourism in Brazil.

25 Mar
The worst forest fires in the area's history continue to rage out of control in Roraima, the northernmost part of Brazil, between Venezuela and Guyana. The blazes have so far claimed more than 1.5 million acres (600,000ha) of drought-stricken farmland and pastures, and flames have begun to burn portions of the area's rainforest, seriously threatening the indigenous Yanomami people.

25 Feb
Brazil passed a new environmental law this past week that will improve the country’s legal protection for the Amazon and other natural resources. The law increases fines and sentences for poaching, pollution and illegal exploitation of natural resources. While previous regulations were inadequate because of weak penalties and ineffective enforcement, the government is committed to enforcing these new laws.

18 Feb
Last Friday, a fire destroyed Rio de Janeiro's domestic airport, Aeroporto Santos Dumont. Flights were quickly rerouted to the nearby international airport, Galeao. Santos Dumont is one of Brazil's busiest airports and, less than a week before the world-famous Carnival begins on 21 February, is also in its busiest travel season. Although the terminal was destroyed and will take months to repair, the runway was unharmed and officials hope to make arrangements to continue using it to handle the high volume of air traffic to the city.

11 Feb
Last Wednesday, a group of bandits hijacked a tourist train outside Rio and robbed the passengers at gun point. The train was returning from visiting the Cristo Redentor, or Christ the Redeemer, statue on top of Corcovado. Although no one was hurt, the passengers, which included an international group of teenage exchange students, were badly frightened.

Canada

25 Mar
Halifax is experiencing a moment in the spotlight thanks to the popularity of the movie æTitanicÆ. It was from this town in 1912 that rescuers headed out to the site of the Titanic to recover the bodies of victims. Today, visitors are coming to honour the memory of the almost 150 unclaimed and often unknown victims buried in local graveyards. The local Maritime Museum of the Atlantic also offers an exhibit of artefacts recovered during the rescue attempt.

4 Mar
Riding the tidal wave of Titanic fever, a British travel agency, Wildwings, is offering the opportunity to tour the actual wreckage of the Titanic. The week-long trip includes a deep-sea dive, using two submarines holding four people each, to view the wreckage. The tours cost a mere US$33,000 and begins in August.

18 Feb
The government has asked the high court to determine whether Quebec has the constitutional right to secede from the Canadian Federation. Quebec, Canada's only French-speaking province, has held several separatist referendums in the past decades. In the last vote, held in October 1995, the referendum lost by only a tiny margin. A new vote is expected to be held by September 1999 and the federal government hopes the outcome of the court case determines that Quebec's citizens will remain with the federation.

Canada has signed an agreement with Cuba to expand air travel between the two countries, thus increasing North American access to the Caribbean nation. Cuba is suffering under the US imposed boycott and relies heavily on its expanding tourism trade to support its faltering economy. Canada has maintained a close relationship with Cuba despite protests from the US government.

4 Feb
The border is down! Amtrak and Via Rail Canada have teamed up and are now offering a North America Rail Pass. Travellers can now travel through both the United States and Canada by train on the same rail pass. The rail pass allows unlimited stops and is valid for 30 days of travel.

Chile 12 August
Australians no longer require a visa to enter Chile. The new visa-free arrangement came into effect on July 22 1998. But Australians arriving at Santiago International Airport will be required to pay a US$20 administrative fee. Travellers arriving at other airports in Chile or overland are not required to pay the fee.

8 Jul
National Airlines, one of the main domestic carriers, has announced that it will be handing its portion of the domestic market to recent start-up, Avant Airlines. National plans to concentrate on improving its international service, primarily to the Caribbean and Florida.

10 Jun
Chile has a privatised and very competitive telecom system and lots of mobile phone users. Like everywhere else in the world they like to use them when driving and as in many other places that's illegal. But a recent police blitz on telephoning drivers revealed that one third of those stopped were actually using fake mobile phones and just pretending to talk.

20 May
Severe pollution levels in Santiago have forced city officials to declare a state of emergency. New regulations confining operation of public and private vehicles to certain days and times will be in effect until the crisis passes, so expect new schedules and routes for all city transport.

6 May
A new toll highway built to connect the Pacific coast with Santiago is slowly strangling the economy of Pomaire, a small town outside Santiago. The town, famous for its cheap and beautiful pottery, is a favorite day trip from Santiago. In attempting to capitalise on the town's popularity, the new toll highway requires visitors to pay a toll each way, and has also blocked the shorter of the two roads leading to the town. With these added hurdles, fewer visitors are making the trip, and pottery sales, and the economy, are starting to dry up.

25 Mar
Health authorities in Chile have issued a formal warning against eating raw or partially cooked eggs and egg products, after 86 guests at a wedding party suffered salmonella poisoning from eating fresh mayonnaise prepared from eggs. In response to the warning, many Chilean bars and hotels have stopped serving some traditional cocktails, such as pisco sour and vaina, that are often prepared using raw eggs. Stopping short of a moratorium on omelette consumption, authorities urge that all eggs be well cooked before eating until the outbreak can be contained.

25 Feb
Forest fires are raging out of control in southern Chile and forcing visitors to head for the cities. Dry summer conditions and winds are helping the fires spread rapidly through the region, destroying large stretches of virgin forests in many national parks. Officials suspect that the illegal grass fires started the flames.

14 Jan
Government health officials suspect that cholera caused several recent deaths near San Pedro de Atacama, a popular tourist destination in northern Chile. The government is conducting tests and based on their findings, may quarantine the town.

Colombia 12 August
Local flights into the cities of San Jose Del Guaviare and Uriba (approximately 150km/90mi southeast of Bogota) have been canceled due to a renewal of violence by guerrilla forces in the area. The resurgence of violence is considered by some to be a final farewell to departing President Semper. President Andres Pastrana was inaugurated on Friday and has promised top priority to peace talks with the rebel military groups. The government is considering creating a demilitarized peace zone in the area of San Jose Del Guaviare and Uriba for the talks. The zone would encompass the area south to Macarena and San Vicenta del Caguan.

28 Jul
After several years of restoration work, Colombia reopened Simon Bolivar's Bogota home earlier this month. Simon Bolivar, commonly referred to as æEl LibertadorÆ, is famous because he led Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador to independence from Spanish rule in 1811. The villa is now a museum and national monument, furnished with period pieces and filled with the memorabilia of Bolivar's life.

8 Jul
Andres Pastrana, who won the recent presidential elections, placed peace negotiations with guerilla groups as his number one priority. Changes are starting to happen, although Pastana does not take office until 7 August. The main guerilla groups, the ELN and FARC, have both agreed to participate in peace negotiations and will meet with civil representatives in Germany on 12 July. Colombia is considered one of the most dangerous countries to visit due to violence, kidnappings and murders carried out by the rebel military groups.

22 Apr
FARC rebels have released an Italian bird watcher, one of four held hostage since 16 April. The rebels have requested a US$5 million ransom for the remaining three hostages, all US citizens. The freed hostage was injured seriously in a fall.

1 Apr
A guerrilla group, members of the FARC, continue to hold four Americans and one Italian hostage. On 23 March the FARC kidnapped almost 30 people from a roadblock set up on a major highway 48km (30mi) outside Bogotß. Most of these hostages were released by 27 March. The FARC has accused the US government of supporting the Colombian army's efforts against the guerrilla forces. The US State Department fears that other US citizens will be targeted for kidnapping and warns against unnecessary travel to Colombia.

11 Mar
Congressional elections went ahead this weekend despite violent attacks from guerillas. The rebels blocked roads, cut power lines and attacked polling booths in an attempt to disrupt the electoral process. Several soldiers and rebels have died in the conflicts.

18 Feb
In Puerto Asis, a major port town on the Putumayo River, almost 50 citizens have died during the past two weeks, murdered by paramilitary groups. Officials suspect the townspeople were murdered for supporting local guerrilla troops of the FARC. The military is denying all involvement despite contradictory reports from witnesses and further claims that troops are only in the area attempting to locate several soldiers being held hostage by the guerrillas.

17 Dec
Despite efforts by Colombia's President, Ernesto Samper, rightist guerrilla forces
continue their campaign of terror in Colombia. Massacres and kidnappings happen almost weekly and the groups are responsible for several hundred deaths this year.

Cuba 22 Jul
Following the relaxation of the embargo in March, the US government has once again agreed to allow direct flights from Miami International Airport to Cuba. Nine companies (mostly small charter airlines) including American Airway received permission to offer flights. During the two years of the restriction, airlines had to stop off in either Mexico or the Bahamas before heading on to Cuba. This turned the normally 45 minute hop into a three-hour trek.

1 Jul 1
The US government has granted several airlines and charter companies permission to start direct charter flights to Cuba. Although US citizens are still not allowed to travel to Cuba without special permission, the government did cut back on the embargo in March to allow for humanitarian missions.

15 June
Cuba has designated the historic Hotel Nacional in Havana as a national monument. The hotel, opened in 1930, is a architectural landmark in the city and was renovated in 1992. These luxurious surroundings has hosted important luminaries such as cigar-aficionado Winston Churchill, Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra and continues to be Cuba's premier five-star
accommodation.

6 May
Cuba's main import is travellers. With over half a million visitors to the island this year, tourism has rapidly become Cuba's economic mainstay. With close to a million and a quarter visitors in 1997, a 15% increase over the previous year, Cuba is now the fourth most popular Caribbean destination and quickly gaining on the top three, the Dominican Republic, Bahamas and Jamaica.

22 Apr
This September, many of those who followed in ColumbusÆ footsteps will gather in Cuba for the fourth congress of the CIM, the world's largest federation of Italians living abroad. In Cuba, according to unofficial figures, there are between 500 and 700 Italian-born residents and 5000 of Italian descent. Altogether 60 million Italians live in over 100 countries, around three million more than in Italy itself.

18 Mar
A proposed ferry service will link Cuba and Mexico starting late this year. The ferry will leave from Puerto Morelos, near Cancun, and carry passengers and cars to Cuba. In recent months, the Central American countries have opened and strengthened their diplomatic and economic ties to Cuba and this is yet another expression of friendship.

4 Mar
In response to the concerns raised by Pope John Paul during his visit in January about human rights violations in Cuba, the government has released almost 300 prisoners from gaols in the past few weeks. Although many freed prisoners were originally detained for political reasons, the government has stated that it will not release any prisoners considered dangerous to the current government unless they leave the country. In a move to strengthen its friendship with Cuba, Canada has offered to welcome these ‘prisoners of conscience.’

Ecuador12 August
A pair of earthquakes shook up the coastal towns of the province of Manabm last Tuesday. The earthquakes, measuring 7.1 and 5.7, were centered on the small port town of Bahma de Caraquez near Portoviejo. The quakes caused many buildings to tumble down and interrupted electrical and water service; only three people were reported dead. Many of the towns were evacuated. The region is still attempting to recover from the ravages and floods of this past winter's El Niño.

15 Jul
Jamil Mahuad emerged victorious from runoff elections for president last weekend. Harvard alum and mayor of Quito, Mahuad survived a close, dirty race against Alvaro Noboa, local millionaire and the favored candidate of ousted and exiled president Abdala Bucaram. Mahuad's early lead fell to a dead heat after a bruising smear campaign by Noboa. In the end, Mahuad's six highly acclaimed years as the mayor of Ecuador's capital carried the day. The new president will take office on 10 August.

1 Jul 1
Quito is experiencing a recent increase in violence, much of it focused on travelers. In the period between 15 May and 15 June, 72 travelers were robbed. The attacks ranged from purse-snatches to assaults, took place during the day and mainly targeted solitary travelers. The main areas to avoid, or at least take special precautions in, are Gonzalez Suarez, El Tejar, Parroquia San Sebastian, la Mariscal and Avenida Cristobal Colon.

18 Mar
The Ecuadorian government has announced that it is raising its value-added tax from 10% to 14%. The increase is to provide revenues to help pay for damages caused by El Niño and to counter the decrease in oil sales.

El Salvador 15 Jul
Rail riders rejoice - Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras are planning a railroad system that will link these three Central American countries with Mexico. With a rising interest in travel to Central America, local governments are cooperating to present the entire region as a desirable destination. The new railroad will improve transportation within and between the countries, with future plans to extend it down to Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.

Grenada 17 Dec
The Caribbean nations of Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados have all issued a Dengue Fever Alert. Dengue fever has symptoms similar to flu and is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine or specific treatment available and some strains are deadly. While the other islands are reporting near epidemic numbers of people stricken with dengue fever, Montserrat has almost none. Health workers suspect that acids from volcanic ash have killed off most of the mosquito larvae. Since July 1995, Montserrat has experienced almost constant activity from the island's Soufriére Hills volcano.

Guatemala22 Jul
The Meso-American Caribbean Reef, the fourth largest reef system in the world and home to a broad range of marine life, is soon to receive an extra measure of protection. The governments of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico will sign a pact committing them to protecting the reef, which stretches from Yucatan Peninsula to the Bay Islands of Honduras. In the pact, the governments have all agreed to develop eco-tourism along their coasts, improve environmental controls and promote research and awareness of the reef and its marine life.

15 Jul
Rail riders rejoice - Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras are planning a railroad system that will link these three Central American countries with Mexico. With a rising interest in travel to Central America, local governments are cooperating to present the entire region as a desirable destination. The new railroad will improve transportation within and between the countries, with future plans to extend it down to Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.

15 June
Help wanted: travelers heading to Antigua, Guatemala. Traveler's diarrhea is the curse of world adventurers, but Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health thinks it may have it licked with an oral vaccine. They are in the last stages of testing and are seeking 400 volunteers heading to Antigua for at least three weeks this summer. If you would like to participate in the study, contact the vaccine testing unit. Participants will receive two dosage to be taken prior to departure and will be paid $400 at the end of the test for their participation.

27 May
The volcano Pacaya, a popular hiking destination near Antigua and Guatemala City, continues to spew lava and debris. The volcano, active since 1962, erupted two weeks ago and is producing lava with the occasional violent eruption. Last Wednesday, the Guatemala City International Airport, 24km (15 miles) from the volcano, closed for several hours to remove rocks and dirt from the runways.

13 May
A man has been arrested for the murder of Roman Catholic Bishop Juan Jose Gerardi. The 75-year-old bishop was mysteriously killed last week, days after delivering copies of a 1000-page report on human rights violations committed during Guatemala's decades-long civil war. Civic groups from around the world are questioning the arrest, insisting that Guatemalan police have arrested the wrong man.

8 Apr
An American railroad company is restoring Guatemala's state railway system, with the goal of running the rails soon from Guatemala City to the Atlantic port towns of Puerto Barrios and Santo Tomas - about 403km (250 mi) of track. The rail system has been out of operation for two years. Guatemala's government will receive 10% of the revenue generated by the renewed transportation of commercial goods.

11 Feb
Responding to demands from both tourists and residents for increased security, the Guatemalan government announced that it is creating a plan to increase safety in cities and rural areas. Guatemala's high crime rate came to international attention last month following an attack on a group of US students by armed bandits.

28 Jan
In south-western Guatemala armed bandits attacked a group of American students and their professors early last week. The men robbed everyone in the group and then raped several of the women. Local officials have apprehended the criminals. The incident brings international attention to Guatemala's rising crime rate and is expected to negatively affect tourism.

Guyana 12 August
After much discussion and political maneuvering Guyana and Suriname have agreed to run a ferry service connecting Georgetown in Guyana and Paramaribo in Suriname. Currently the only way to get between the two is to drive down the coast and catch the passenger ferry between Corriverton (Guyana) and Nieuw Nickerie (Suriname) on the Corentyne river.

1 Jul
Political protests in Georgetown have turned violent and both the US and Canada have issued travel advisories. Supporters of the People's National Congress (PNC) are protesting against President Janet Jagan, who took power earlier this year. Although independent auditors have determined that the election was fair, the PNC is still claiming that President Jagan's election to her post was illegal and are demanding her immediate resignation. The travel advisories recommend deferring non-essential travel to Guyana.

29 Apr
Trinidad and Tobago's BWIA International Airways and Guyana Airways have announced an agreement to share routes in an effort to consolidate costs. Both airlines are experiencing financial difficulties and hope that this cooperation will help both airlines continue.

15 Apr
A national emergency has been declared in Guyana, where the lack of rain has caused forest fires and is threatening the supply of drinking water.

8 Apr
Guyana has declared a state of emergency because of a massive drought. With rainfall 90% below normal, the government was forced to declare strict water rationing in Georgetown three months ago. The drought has caused crops to fail and livestock is beginning to die. In addition, several deaths have been caused by dengue fever and health officials have issued a warning.

Haiti5 August
Travelers to Haiti who plan to foment revolution, razz the Haitian National Police or otherwise tempt fate should know Amnesty International has reported that human rights violations 'continue to flourish' in the country. Among the lingering causes for 'serious concern' are torture, extrajudicial executions, and 'killings in suspicious circumstances'. Despite four years of nominal democracy, efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice have yielded 'little real progress'.

Honduras22 Jul
The Meso-American Caribbean Reef, the fourth largest reef system in the world and home to a broad range of marine life, is soon to receive an extra measure of protection. The governments of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico will sign a pact committing them to protecting the reef, which stretches from Yucatan Peninsula to the Bay Islands of Honduras. In the pact, the governments have all agreed to develop eco-tourism along their coasts, improve environmental controls and promote research and awareness of the reef and its marine life.

15 Jul
Rail riders rejoice - Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras are planning a railroad system that will link these three Central American countries with Mexico. With a rising interest in travel to Central America, local governments are cooperating to present the entire region as a desirable destination. The new railroad will improve transportation within and between the countries, with future plans to extend it down to Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.

8 Jul
Hondutel, the national phone company, has changed Honduras telephone numbers from six to seven digits to expand the amount of available numbers. For Tegucigalpa numbers add a 2 at the beginning, San Pedro Sula a 5 and La Ceiba and the Bay Islands a 4.

15 June
In Honduras, the Garifunas, descendants of West Africans and Carib Indians and with strong cultural and community ties, are opposing a proposal for tourism development along the Northeastern coast. Currently less accessible, the government wants to invite foreign investment to expand the tourism infrastructure so that Honduras can take a larger piece of the booming tourism industry in Central America. The Garifuna fear over-development will destroy their communities and way of life and the natural beauty of the . They are making a counter-proposal that would emphasis locally-owned and sustainable tourism options.

27 May
Utila is one of the top destinations for divers, but the large numbers of visitors the island receives are damaging the coral reefs that attract them. In response, the local residents have created a new diving site by sinking an old freighter just outside the harbor. Underwater, the freighter becomes an artificial reef that attracts local marine life and a wreck site that attracts divers.

25 Mar
Anthropologists have found ruins of a pre-Columbian city in southern Honduras. The scientists havenÆt yet worked out whether this was a Mayan city or belonged to another ethnic group, and are tight-lipped about its exact location, hoping to thwart looters. The remains of Copán, a Mayan city that dates from 1200 BC and is one of the earliest examples of civilisation in Honduras, have been drawing travellers to the country for over a century.

18 Mar
The new Tropical Butterfly Farm and Gardens near La Ceiba opened on Sunday, 15 March. The park is 50 acres (20ha) of rainforest, offering plenty of opportunities to not only learn about butterflies but also to explore and enjoy the diverse and fascinating local ecosystem. The park offers wonderful birdwatching possibilities, great jungle tours and the opportunity to simply relax in a beautiful tropical environment.

Jamaica 8 Jul
The Jamaican government is working on a Coral Reef Action Plan to save their coral reefs. The reefs that ring much of the island are responsible for Jamaica's world-famous beaches, which in turn are responsible for Jamaica's favorite import - tourists. Most of the reefs are dying from over-use by divers and fishermen, soil and sewage runoff from the coastal developments and damage from hurricanes. The plan will expand protection of both marine and coastal areas necessary for the preservation of the reefs, starting with the creation of two new marine parks at Negril and Port Antonio.

20 May
The Jamaican government has approved plans to establish tourist æsafe zonesÆ at popular tourist destinations in order to alleviate harassment by street vendors and beggars. The new clean streets policy will be enforced by increasing both the local police force and the fines charged for accosting tourists.

15 Apr
Visitors to the Ocho Rios resort on Jamaica's north coast should be on the lookout for local hustlers. The situation has become so bad that several cruise lines are threatening to boycott the island's most popular cruise port if it doesn't improve.

8 Apr
The government has given final approval to restoring Port Royal, a small town across the Harbor from Kingston. During the 17th Century, Port Royal was a favourite port for pirates, and called by some æthe wickedest town on earthÆ. God may well have judged it so, because a massive earthquake in 1692 sank most of the town. Jamaica plans to capitalise on the town's fascinating history by creating a living history museum, illuminating it as both a centre of trade and haven for pirates. The plans include a special tour boat with underwater portholes that will allow visitors to view the remains of the sunken town.

4 Mar
Visitors to Dunns River Falls, Jamaica’s best-known attraction, may soon find themselves attempting to swim through a picket line. Hundreds of workers are striking in protest against what they claim is the unfair dismissal of two of their co-workers. They are not keen to let anyone - even travellers - cross their picket line.

Mexico22 Jul
The Meso-American Caribbean Reef, the fourth largest reef system in the world and home to a broad range of marine life, is soon to receive an extra measure of protection. The governments of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico will sign a pact committing them to protecting the reef, which stretches from Yucatan Peninsula to the Bay Islands of Honduras. In the pact, the governments have all agreed to develop eco-tourism along their coasts, improve environmental controls and promote research and awareness of the reef and its marine life.

22 June
When it rains it pours, just not in the right place. While extreme drought conditions continue in the northern states, the south-central areas of the country experienced a torrential downpour this weekend. In some areas, particularly along the Pacific Coast, residents were forced to leave their homes due to high flood waters.

10 Jun
Following the publicity Mexico received from ousting human rights observers from Chiapas, the government has established some guidelines for these visitors. Non-government organizations are allowed to have 10 observers who can stay for 10 days. All must apply for the special permit at their Mexican consulate 30 days in advance of their planned arrival.

13 May
With crime on the rise and tourism in decline in Mexico City, hotels have decided to do something about it. Starting in June, several of the city's top end hotels will offer æcrime insuranceÆ for an additional $2 added to the bill. If all goes well, this service will soon be offered at most of the city's accommodation.

Mother Nature must have something against Mexico, delivering it a deadly one-two punch of exceptionally dry weather with virtually no rain, and 100 forest fires. The country has suffered over 9000 forest fires so far this year.

29 Apr
Octavio Paz, a Mexican poet and essayist and winner of the 1990 Nobel Prize, has died in Mexico City. He was 84. He had written perhaps the most probing examination of Mexico's myths and the Mexican character in æThe Labyrinth of SolitudeÆ.

22 Apr
The government of Mexico expelled 12 foreigners last week for violating the terms of their visas. Government officials claim that the expelled visitors were actively involved with the Zapatista rebels, but the visitors claimed they have been merely observers in Mexico in the hope of preventing human rights abuses.

15 Apr
Twelve foreigners were arrested in southern Mexico after 750 Mexican police and soldiers raided Taniperlas, a town in Chiapas. The foreigners were arrested for being sympathetic to the area's Zapatista rebels. Mexico has a constitutional ban on foreign interference in politics.

15 Apr
Trying to control travel traffic across the Mexican border, the US is replacing old border-crossing documents with new laser visas that include digital fingerprints and digital photos. The old documents have been used by millions of Mexicans for decades, authorising travel within 40km (25mi) of the border for 72 hours and allowing more than 100 million legal border crossings each year by business people, tourists and shoppers. The US has tried to assure Mexican applicants that holders of the old documents will qualify for the new. The laser visas, which cost US$45, replace business and tourism visas and border-crossing cards, and will be valid for 10 years. All Mexican citizens who visit the US will be required to carry laser visas.

25 Feb
Mexico expelled over 15 foreigners during the past few weeks for violating the conditions of their visas. The foreigners were all working as journalists or international observers in or around Chiapas but travelling on tourist visas. Police are viewing all foreign visitors to the region with suspicion and are bringing many of them in for questioning. Government officials contend that foreign involvement or ‘meddling’ is escalating the potentially explosive political situation in Chiapas.

Mexico City sank 10m (33ft) in the last century, and is currently sinking at a rate of up to 45cm (18in) a year, according to a National Water Commission report. The capital was built on the remains of Tenochtitlan, an ancient Aztec city. It continues to sink each year as the water-table is drained to supply the population of 20 million.

18 Feb
A museum of Tex Mex stars is to be opened at San Nicolas de los Garzas, north of Nuevo Leon, this Friday. The first of its kind in Mexico, and possibly the world, the museum will house instruments and other memorabilia from stars such as Bobby Pudido, Los Temorarios, Los Bukis, Los Rancheritos, Ramon Ayala and Ana Barbara, among others. The local press expects 25,000 spectators to attend the opening ceremony.

28 Jan
Due to budget cuts, SECTUR, Mexico's Secretary of Tourism, is closing its international tourism offices at the end of February. The tourism department runs seventeen around the world that answer questions and offer travel information to potential tourists. Many in the travel industry fear that closing these offices will hurt tourism to the country.

24 Dec
An American tourist was shot in Mexico City on December 15 during what was apparently a botched taxi robbery. The US State Department strongly advises that visitors to the city exercise extreme caution when hiring a taxi, using only those summoned by telephone or tourist taxis recommended by your hotel and when arriving at the airport, using only the yellow 'airport' taxis.

Montserrat 17 Dec
The Caribbean nations of Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados have all issued a Dengue Fever Alert. Dengue fever has symptoms similar to flu and is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine or specific treatment available and some strains are deadly. While the other islands are reporting near epidemic numbers of people stricken with dengue fever, Montserrat has almost none. Health workers suspect that acids from volcanic ash have killed off most of the mosquito larvae. Since July 1995, Montserrat has experienced almost constant activity from the island's Soufriére Hills volcano.

Nicaragua14 Jan
Nicaragua has opened a new airport at the resort town of Montelimar. Former President Somoza and other government officials originally used the runway to escape during the Sandinista revolution in 1979. The government hopes the new airport will help promote tourism to Nicaragua.

Panama 29 Apr
This week the government will commence rationing power by instituting a daily two hour blackout. The power company is unable to supply enough energy because of falling water levels at its two hydro-electric plants.

15 Apr
President Ernesto Perez Balladares has introduced an administrative reform bill to ensure that anyone who 'incites violent protest' against his government will be arrested, fined and jailed. The press and most likely everyone else is nervously awaiting the bill's passage through the legislature.

Peru5 August
In a senseless act of blind destruction, a group of tourists recently drove a pickup truck across a section of Peru's Nazca Lines, damaging at least three of the Lines and leaving behind trash and tire tracks in their wake. The Nazca Lines, huge designs drawn in the desert and visible only from the air, are among Peru's chief tourist attractions. Their patterns run from the purely geometric to representations of a variety of giant animals, such as a condor with a 130m (425ft) wingspan and a 90m (300ft) monkey with an extravagantly curled tail. The damage comes just a few weeks after the death of the Lines' longtime protector, Maria Reiche, a German mathematician who spent decades studying the area.

22 June
Peru has reached an agreement with the US that will slowly expand the number of flights to and from the US. The agreement allows for an immediate addition of 20 flights, with another, gradual, increase over the next few years. Peru is beginning to attract more visitors with its expansion of ecotourism.

21 Jan
Last week an avalanche of mud covered several small towns near Machu Picchu, the famous Inca ruins in the Cuzco area of Peru. Flooding from a local lake caused the mudslide. El Niño, which has caused flooding and mudslides throughout both Peru and Ecuador, also damaged a Río Zarumilla bridge, which serves as the border crossing between Huaquillas, Ecuador and Aguas Verdes, Peru.

Puerto Rico5 August
Dengue fever is on the rise and the worst is yet to come, warns the Centers for Disease Control. The most recent epidemic in 1994 left 9000 people hospitalized and infected 25,000 overall. Dengue is transferred via mosquitoes which bite during daylight hours. There is no vaccine or treatment for the illness, which can be fatal to children, so prevention is the key.

St Kitts & Nevis 28 Jul
The residents of Nevis will vote on 10 August to determine if they will secede from their union with St Kitts. The islands function under a federation with both populations represented by an elected National Assembly and a Prime Minister. Nevis also operates its own, internal, home government with a separate legislature.

St Lucia 11 Mar
Cruising to St Lucia? Then be prepared to shell out a US$1.50 "environmental levy" from 1 May. This raises the island's cruise tax to $6.50. Other islands in the region are considering a price hike despite threats of boycotts from some cruise operators.

11 Feb
Air Jamaica announced that after February it plans to decrease flights to St Lucia and Barbados and will no longer fly into Antigua. American Airlines also recently announced that it would cut services to St Lucia, Antigua and Grenada unless the local governments arranged to subsidise the flights. The drop in air transport will severely affect these tourism-dependent Caribbean islands.

Suriname 12 August
After much discussion and political maneuvering Guyana and Suriname have agreed to run a ferry service connecting Georgetown in Guyana and Paramaribo in Suriname. Currently the only way to get between the two is to drive down the coast and catch the passenger ferry between Corriverton (Guyana) and Nieuw Nickerie (Suriname) on the Corentyne river.

Trinidad & Tobago29 Apr
Trinidad and Tobago's BWIA International Airways and Guyana Airways have announced an agreement to share routes in an effort to consolidate costs. Both airlines are experiencing financial difficulties and hope that this cooperation will help both airlines continue.

17 Dec
The Caribbean nations of Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados have all issued a Dengue Fever Alert. Dengue fever has symptoms similar to flu and is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine or specific treatment available and some strains are deadly. While the other islands are reporting near epidemic numbers of people stricken with dengue fever, Montserrat has almost none. Health workers suspect that acids from volcanic ash have killed off most of the mosquito larvae. Since July 1995, Montserrat has experienced almost constant activity from the island's Soufriére Hills volcano.

Uruguay4 Feb
Taking advantage of the speed and efficiency of the World Wide Web, Uruguay's post office, El Correo, is now offering a unique service: Correonet. Customers can go to El Correo's web site and type a message on-line and the service will then print out a copy and send it ‘snail mail’ for you. The service is available for international and local customers. All postage fees are charged on a credit card and a US$3 subscription fee is required.

USA

28 Jul
The Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz has installed a new ride, Top Skater, for painless skateboarding. The ride allows you to simulate the exhilaration of skateboarding without a single scrape or bump.

In an effort to promote consumers' concerns regarding service quality on airlines, ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) has created the Air Travelers' Bill of Rights. Some of the rights outlined in the Bill are truth in advertised prices, a comfortable seat, and assistance in making connections. The organization is also conducting a survey of recent complaints and abuses. If you'd like your chance to speak out, go to their Web site at http://www.astanet.com/www/ asta/pub/travelersrights.htmlx

Following FridayÆs shooting at the Capitol building in Washington DC, Congress is considering establishing a new underground visitors centre that will allow increased security. The Capitol, which is home to Congress, receives around 18,000 visitors every day.

22 Jul
Across the southern and western states, a heat wave is breaking records. Pueblo and Grand Junction, CO reported 104°F (40°C) over the weekend, Sacramento, CA reached 110°F (43°C) on Sunday and Dallas, TX is expecting to go into its third week of temperatures topping 100°F (37°C). The heat wave has already claimed over 100 lives and authorities are recommending that people stay indoors, refrain from excessive physical activity during the day and drink plenty of liquids.

Los Angeles International Airport is adding a fast lane through immigration by installing two INSPASS kiosks. INSPASS is an automated validation system used to expedite the processing of frequent travelers; the system uses a hand scan and ID to verify identity and then validates the necessary documents within about a minute. The system is already in use in several airports including Miami, Newark, JFK and Pearson International in Toronto, Canada, and there are plans to add it to the Dallas airport this year. The ID is valid for one year; contact the Immigration & Naturalization Service to check eligibility and to obtain an application.

15 Jul
California's rivers are giving rafters and kayakers a wild ride this year. The rivers are running deeper, faster and colder than normal as the heavy Sierra snowpack melts into the rivers. Following several deaths in the early part of the season, the California Department of Boating and Waterways has issued a safety advisory. They recommend that you check local conditions before you go, always take an experienced person with you, dress appropriately and take the proper safety precautions.

With the recent backlash against smoking, the Museum of Tobacco Art and History is also calling it quits - going cold turkey on 24 July. Located in downtown Nashville, TN, the museum, a fabulous collection of smoking and tobacco related objects with everything from cigar-store Indians to ivory snuff boxes, relates the important role tobacco has played in the history of the USA.

Despite protests from Hawaiian travel agencies, the Bank of Hawaii has started selling Hawaiian Airlines flight coupons. The coupons, which are purchased through the bank's ATMs, are accepted as tickets for flights between the major Hawaiian islands. The coupons cost US$51.50, which is cheaper than the same tickets offered by travel agents, and are valid for 12 months.

A recent study by Citibank has revealed most customers who travel prefer to use ATMs to access local currencies rather than travel with travelers cheques. In the study, travelers cited security as the main reason they prefer ATMs. Travelers cheques were introduced more than 100 years ago but Citibank predicts they won't be around for much longer as the availability of ATMs worldwide increases.

8 Jul To represent the breadth and depth of the Pacific Ocean's diversity of life is quite a challenge. It's a challenge the new Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA is prepared to accept. The new aquarium, one of the largest in the country, opened this June. The aquarium has 17 major exhibits containing 10,000 creatures in 4.5 million litres (one million gallons) of sea water. Three permanent exhibits represent the major geographic areas of the Pacific with a focus on the conservation issues in each region. Southern California and Baja are represented by a sea lion and seal exhibit, sea otters, giant octopuses and giant spider crabs inhabit the Northern Pacific exhibit and a coral reef and lagoon were created for the Tropical Pacific.

1 Jul 1
Now only for the early birds: the National Park Service has announced that it is only allowing visitors who arrive on the first morning ferries to climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty. With the summer heat and the 354-step climb to reach the top, afternoon temperatures in the stairwell are hitting an uncomfortable 38°C (100°F). The new schedule will be in effect until 7 September.

Wet winter weather has prompted an increase in the deer mouse population, the primary carrier of hantavirus in the south-western states. Identified in 1993, hantavirus is transmitted to humans who inhale dust contaminated by mouse droppings or urine. The main symptom is difficulty breathing, caused by a build-up of fluid in the lungs. Chances of catching the disease are extremely low and it is safe to travel in infected areas. If you're traveling in the south-west, don't enter unused cabins or other buildings, use a tent with a floor, don't pitch your tent in areas with mouse burrows, and store your food in rodent-proof containers.

22 June
If adventure travel is too tame for you, give Mother Nature a different whirl with a storm chasing tour. Several tour operators, most of them advertising on the internet, now offer guided trips through "Tornado Alley" (Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Arkansas) in search of the next big
one. If you'd like to plan for next year, storm season begins in early March and extends through August. For the rest of us, we'll be happy to stay at home and watch Twister, the movie.

15 June
With record low gas prices expected to continue through the summer, its a good time to hit the road. If you're looking for inspiration, the Federal Highway Administration this year added three new "All-American Roads" to its National Scenic Byways program. Chosen as the best of America's open roads based on their scenic beauty, historical and geological interest and recreation facilities, the three new routes are the Columbia River Gorge, which passes through Portland, OR, the Washington State Route 410 which crosses the Cascade Mountain Range, and Oregon's "Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway" which starts at the California border and goes north along Klamath Lake to end at Crater Lake National Park.

10 Jun

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh celebrated the grand opening of its Alcoa Foundation Hall of American Indians with a powwow this weekend. This is the newest and one of the largest permanent exhibits of Native American culture. The exhibit was created in cooperation with representatives from the major tribes and reflects their historical and contemporary experiences. This is one of the few exhibits to look closely at the present condition of Native Americans in the USA.

3 Jun
If you want to avoid tourists, keep away from California and New York City. According to a recently released report from the Commerce Department's Tourism Industries Office, California received 6.4 million visitors with second place Florida entertaining 6.1 million and third place New York State trailing with 5.3 million visitors. The top city destination, New York City, received 5 million visitors, while Los Angeles had only 3.9 million and Miami, with a mere 3 million tourists, trailing far behind.

A series of storms during the weekend has flattened large chunks of the United States. The storms, which included several tornadoes, stretched from the northern plains state of South Dakota through Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania into New England and New York State. Over 15 people were reported dead and more than 1 million people were affected by power shortages. Buildings and homes were destroyed by tornadoes in Pennsylvania, Vermont and in South Dakota, where an entire town, Spencer, was completely levelled.

20 May
New York's JFK Airport has unveiled its new Terminal One, scheduled to open to the public at the end of May. Air France, Lufthansa, Korean Air and Japan Airlines will occupy the beautiful metal and glass space. A new international arrivals building is also in the works.

New York City's mayor, Rudolph Giuliani, toughened regulations on taxi drivers in the city only to find them all on strike for 24 hours. Giuliani is trying to make New York's streets safer for pedestrians, who have had to suffer the consequences of a 40% rise in taxi accidents in the 1990s. The cabbies have threatened a slow down in service over the next few weeks.

13 May
The Federal Aviation Administration has demanded immediate inspections of all older Boeing 737s, about 15% of the planes registered in the US. The inspections were prompted by concerns that wear is affecting the wiring system in these planes. Worn wiring is the suspected cause of the TWA flight 800 crash. Any plane not passing the inspection will be immediately grounded until the necessary repairs are made. Although a few flights have been delayed and some cancelled, most travellers have not been affected by the inspections.

6 May
The new Alaska Sea Life Center in Seward, Alaska celebrated its grand opening last weekend. Created to combine research and rehabilitation with educating the public on the marine life of the Northern Gulf of Alaska, the center is home to living displays such as sea lions, anemones and puffins, and informative exhibits such as the one explaining the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill and the slow recovery of Prince William Sound. And with the introduction of a new ferry to the fleet that travels the Alaska Marine Highway, it is now easier to reach Seward. The first ocean-going ferry, the Kennicott, sails through the Gulf of Alaska, connecting the southeastern and southwestern routes. The ferry makes seven stops starting at Bellingham, WA, the southern terminus of the route, and travels to Juneau and then up to Valdez and Seward.

Northwestern Airlines has issued a public apology to its customers for recent delays and cancellation of flights. Employees started conducting work slowdowns a few weeks ago to protest corporate foot-dragging in contract negotiations. Mechanics, pilots and flight attendants are all working under contracts from 1993 containing some special conditions agreed upon to save the airline which was then threatened with bankruptcy. Negotiations for the new contract began in late 1996 and are now, hopefully, in the final phases.

6 May
A new air pass for travellers from the United States visiting Europe will be available this summer. The EurAir Pass allows for air travel with nine airlines and can be used for travel to 50 cities in Europe. The pass, consisting of a pack of three or more coupons, each costing US$90.00, can be used to travel to cities in Belarus, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. The EurAir Pass cannot be purchased in Europe, it must be purchased in the United States prior to travel and reservations are recommended.

29 AprThe six major airlines in the US are currently working on partnership agreements: Northwest and Continental joined forces in January, American Airlines and US Airways are talking, while discussions between United Airlines and Delta may have stalled. The airlines are creating alliances to expand their customer base by merging frequent flier programs, simplifying flight transfers between airlines and expanding routes, but some critics fear that this decrease in competition will increase fares.

22 Apr
The new National Prisoner of War Museum has opened in Andersonville, Georgia. The museum honours more than 800,000 US citizens who have been prisoners of war, starting with the Revolutionary War. Andersonville was itself the location of the infamous Andersonville Prison where over 13,000 Union soldiers died from malnutrition and disease during the Civil War.

In the past two weeks, a series of tornadoes has struck the southern states of Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, killing more than 50 people, destroying homes and downing power and telephone lines. The latest storm hit Nashville on Friday, causing many injuries but no deaths. The region has been declared a disaster area.

A hotel firm has leased the old General Post Office in Washington DC and plans to convert it into a hotel. The Post Office, a classically influenced marble building, built in 1839, was abandoned in recent years as the 7th Street neighbourhood experienced a decline.

15 Apr
US Senators have threatened to take action if major airlines don't stop trying to undermine smaller carriers. Smaller airlines testified in front of a senate subcommittee that bigger carriers are unfairly pushing them out of markets by cutting back prices and boosting flights. Once the smaller airlines step aside, the big guys up their fares and cancel flights.

Airlines are being urged to rewire their aeroplanes or risk the type of fuel tank explosion that two years ago destroyed a TWA plane after takeoff from New York's JFK airport. The wiring recommendation is expected to apply to Boeing 727s, 737s, 757s and 767s.

15 Apr
Trying to control travel traffic across the Mexican border, the US is replacing old border-crossing documents with new laser visas that include digital fingerprints and digital photos. The old documents have been used by millions of Mexicans for decades, authorising travel within 40km (25mi) of the border for 72 hours and allowing more than 100 million legal border crossings each year by business people, tourists and shoppers. The US has tried to assure Mexican applicants that holders of the old documents will qualify for the new. The laser visas, which cost US$45, replace business and tourism visas and border-crossing cards, and will be valid for 10 years. All Mexican citizens who visit the US will be required to carry laser visas.

8 Apr
American Airlines and United Airlines announced last week that they will soon require passengers to wear their seat belts during flights. Both airlines explained that this move would improve safety by protecting passengers during unexpected air turbulence, and they plan to begin the program this summer.

For an African safari in the US, head to Florida. Two theme parks, Busch Gardens in Tampa and Disney World near Orlando, have created African animal parks. Both Busch GardensÆ æEdge of AfricaÆ and DisneyÆs æAnimal KingdomÆ offer visitors the chance to experience an African wildlife safari. Additional exhibits allow visitors close contact with animals and provide education on conservation issues.

25 Mar
Information access will soon hit the streets of San Francisco: the city has made an agreement with ObjectSoft Corp to trial their SmartSign kiosks. The kiosks are computer terminals with touch screens allowing users to access local information such as transport maps, local services and tourist information.

18 Mar
Nebraska is not considered a vacation hotspot but in fact, it's just that for birds. Every spring, millions of birds take a break in their northward migration and stop off at the Platte River, a broad shallow river winding through the plains. This spot is especially inviting to several rare and endangered birds including bald eagles and whooping and sandhill cranes. This is the largest gathering of cranes in the world and a spectacular sight, with over 500,000 sandhill cranes (80% of the world population) and approximately 150 whooping cranes (the entire population) making the layover. Birdwatchers also flock to this mecca with the expectation of catching their first sight of one of the many rare bird species.

11 Mar
If you think museums are boring, check out LA's revamped and renamed California Science Center. The museum officially reopened early last month and offers hands-on experiments and interactive displays, including a high-wire bicycle act that visitors test-ride themselves.

4 Mar
Pan American World Airways declared bankruptcy last Friday and ceased operations with very little warning, leaving many passengers stranded at airports. Although Pan Am has requested that other airlines honour their tickets, only Kiwi International Airlines has so far agreed, offering a special standby fare for Pan Am ticket holders. The new Pan Am has struggled since it began business in September 1996, after buying the venerated Pan Am name. The original company went under in 1991 in the wake of the 1988 terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in Lockerbie, Scotland.

25 Feb
Utah will have a new telephone area code from 22 March 1998. Salt Lake City and the nearby cities of Provo, Ogden and surrounds will retain the old 801 area code, and the rest of Utah will have the new 435 area code.

One hundred years ago, thousands flocked to the Klondike in Alaska and the Yukon in search of gold. Now visitors head to the region to experience the fascinating historical past and fantastic natural beauty of the region. Among the special events and exhibits planned to celebrate the centennial of the Klondike Gold Rush is the return of the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. Originally built during the gold rush, this is the longest operating narrow gauge railroad in North America and offers passengers the opportunity to follow the path of the original gold rush.

18 Feb
A recent report, commissioned by the major airports and based on passenger surveys, declared Tampa, Florida the best airport in the nation followed closely by Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Charlotte, North Carolina. The study was based on several criteria including baggage delivery, gate accessibility and easily understood signs. And those airports best avoided? Boston's Logan, New York's JFK and Detroit's airports bumped along at the bottom of the list.

11 Feb
Northwest Airlines and Continental Airlines have agreed to a partnership that will combine their routes and also involve Northwest's trans-Atlantic partner, KLM Airlines. Continental is the US's fifth largest airline but also the fastest growing. In other airline news, Denver's Western Pacific announced that it will shut down, leaving Frontier Airline as the only low-cost carrier flying out of Denver. United Airlines has offered to honour all of Western Pacific's outstanding tickets.

The National Park Service announced that a new service for camping ground reservations will begin operation on 15 March 1998 - just in time to plan for summer vacations. With the new service, visitors may make reservations up to three months in advance. For a reservation at Yosemite National Park in California call 800-436-7275, and for all other National Park camping grounds call 800-365-2267.

4 Feb
The border is down! Amtrak and Via Rail Canada have teamed up and are now offering a North America Rail Pass. Travellers can now travel through both the United States and Canada by train on the same rail pass. The rail pass allows unlimited stops and is valid for 30 days of travel.

21 Jan
For some in California, New Years Day signalled an end: effective on 1 January 1998, a California state law bans smoking in bars, casinos and nightclubs. This is the second phase of a 1994 labor law that eliminates smoking in public places in an effort to guarantee employees the right to a smoke-free environment.

Hawaiian Airlines announced that flight coupons for its inter-island flights will soon be available for purchase from Bank of Hawaii ATMs, and major credit card will also be accepted. The ATMs will only act as distribution points, and customers still need to contact a Hawaiian Airlines representative for flight information and seat reservations.

17 Dec
Delta Airlines announced that it is expanding flights to South and Central America. The airline
currently has service to Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil and will start service to Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Panama this spring. Most flights will leave from Delta's home airport in Atlanta, offering an alternative gateway. Most current Latin American flights originate in
Miami, Florida.

US Virgin Islands 28 Jul
The Virgin Islands National Park, a 12,600 acre (5040ha) reserve on the island of St. John, now requires fees for its top two sites to help offset the cost of improvements and upkeep. Laurence Rockefeller gave the park to the US National Park Service in 1956 with the stipulation that it remain free to visitors. You will now pay $4 to visit Trunk Bay, famous for its beautiful beaches and one of the first marked underwater snorkeling trails, and $4 for the Annaberg Sugar Mill ruins, a former sugar plantation and mill established in the late 1700s.

Venezuela 12 August
A native group protesting the building of a high capacity power line between Venezuela and Brazil built a log road block on the El Dorado-Santa Elena road, the main highway linking the two countries. Construction of the power lines would disrupt the lives of the Pemsn Indians and damage some of Venezuela's most beautiful and unique natural areas, primarily the isolated Canaima National Park, home of Salto Angel, the world's highest waterfall, and La Gran Sabana. The two governments signed a formal agreement to build the lines on Tuesday, 11 August.

22 Jul
MTV kicked off a new human-rights campaign, co-sponsored by Amnesty International, this weekend with a huge concert in Caracas, Venezuela. MTV filmed the day-long festival, which included performers such as Ruben Blades and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, and plans to air it throughout Latin America on 1 August. They hope to raise awareness of human rights issues and plan to continue the campaign through the year.

22 June
Venezuela is experiencing an increase in the number of dengue fever cases and has issued a health warning. Following the unusually heavy rains of this winter, mosquitoes, the carriers of the disease, are experiencing a population explosion. The symptoms of dengue fever are similar to flu with aching joints, fever and a headache. If you have these symptoms, report to a doctor immediately. Although the common form of dengue fever is not particularly dangerous, the more severe kind, haemorrhagic dengue, is extremely dangerous.

3 Jun
With much celebration, the Sambil Center in Caracas officially opened last week. At only half the size of the Mall of America, the Center is still the largest shopping center in Latin America. The mall offers movies theaters, a bowling alley, an art museum, a shark-filled aquarium and almost 500 of the requisite shops.

20 May
VenezuelaÆs Central Bank proposes to release several new coins which will replace the lowest three denomination notes - Bs 50, 100 and 500 - as well as a new Bs 10,000 note. With inflation at 103% over the past years, many of Venezuela's current coins are relatively worthless and seldom used.

health

10 Jun
The rains of El Ni±o are fuelling a population boom among the mosquitoes of Central America and with them, an increase in dengue fever and malaria. If you are travelling to the region, take extra precautions with your mosquito repellents. After several cases of dengue fever were reported, Costa Rica declared a state of emergency last week, hoping to raise awareness and help combat the disease.