Around the World in 8 Days

The Tough Tactics to Avoid Luggage Check-In Fees

More travelers are carrying on or gate-checking bags, forcing fliers to change how they pack and airlines to alter boarding routines.

• Video | Podcast

Work or Plane, Packing's the Same

The head of footwear design at Puma Japan shares his thoughts on airline dining, bribery by chocolate and the virtues of colorful luggage.

A Guide to Los Angeles

Break La-La Land into bite-size pieces and you can go cocktail-crazy, beach-bonkers, art-happy and food-frenzied in one perfect long weekend

• Photos: Visiting Los Angeles

Cruise Crash Cuts Carnival Profit

Carnival Corp. estimates that the Italian cruise ship wreck will lower net income by $155 million to $175 million in fiscal 2012. Passenger bookings fell in January, but Carnival said it doesn't expect a significant long-term impact on its business.

• Video: Cruise Crash Will Sink Carnival's Profits

Ancient Sports Around the World

Long to be a gladiator or learn to hunt with birds of prey? Break out the bucket list—there are new opportunities around the world to experience ancient amusements.

• Video: Falconry, Gladiator Skills and Arcane Outings

New Zealand Luxury Golf Tour, Frank Lloyd Wright in Japan

Retired hedge funder Julian Robertson is offering a nine-day journey to his five-star golf resorts in New Zealand (at a price). A Frank Lloyd Wright-focused trip to Japan begins in March.

Marseille's Cultural Renaissance

Marseille's extensive waterfront is teeming with construction sites for new museums, concert halls and galleries as the city prepares to become a European Capital of Culture.

Mixing High and Low in Beijing

Beijing has long preferred its nightlife rough around the edges, but with money and mixologists pouring in, its upscale options have increased.

Within Portugal's Cradle

As one of Europe's 2012 Capitals of Culture, Guimarães, Portugal, is playing host to an invasion of the arts, including the latest ballet from Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, concerts by Grammy-winning Emerson String Quartet and a world-class jazz festival.

'Premium Coach' Gets Popular

There is an increasingly popular offering from airlines: a mid-tier class called premium economy. But every airline has a different take on what passengers get for the extra money.

• Podcast

Club Med Looks West For Fresh Powder

To cap a companywide renovation that started eight years ago, Club Med has chosen an unlikely destination: the ski slopes of North America.

• Video: Club Med's CEO on Expansion Plans

Adventures in Chilean Patagonia

Glacier-spotting, horseback riding, hiking and spa-going in Chile's remote and breathtaking southern Patagonia.

• Photos: A Patagonian Paradise

A See-Worthy Wreck

The U.S.S. Kittiwake, scuttled last year in calm, clear waters off Grand Cayman, is an exciting and accessible site for scuba divers and snorkelers.

Getting In on Fashion Week

The Carlyle hotel's February fashion package comes with access to runway shows, private archives, Zac Posen's studio and more

The World's Longest Flight, in Coach

Long-haul nonstop flights like the 15-hour one from Sydney to Dallas are increasingly popular among business travelers and high-end tourists who are willing to pay more to avoid a layover.

• Video: Making the Most of a 15-Hour Flight
• Podcast: Airlines Add Longer Flights
• Blog: The Middle Seat Terminal

Maui's Highway to Heaven

Maui's Hana Highway is lush, scenic, surprising—and one of the world's great drives.

Come to the Cabaret

The wild and decadent ways of the Weimar era are alive in Berlin's bars, theaters, galleries and hotels.

• Photos: The Cabarets of Berlin

New on the Ski Slopes for 2012

New offerings in the ski world include Arctic tours, a vintage train to the slopes in Canada and pampered private access to the Rockies.

Who's the Fairest Fare of All?

Dozens of websites claim to offer the best deals on airfare. But the prices can be out of date, unavailable or even misleading.

• Video: Best Way to Shop for Plane Tickets
• Vote: How do you shop for tickets?

Envoy to Belgium Sees All the Sights

Belgium is so small, you can see it all, which is what U.S. Ambassador Howard W. Gutman is trying to do.

'Land of Enchantment' Needs a Lift

State tourism officials are launching a $2.5 million effort to rebrand New Mexico as a place of charm and character, adventure, excitement—and mean green chili cheeseburgers.

Ex-U.S. Diplomat Writes How-To Book for India

A new book by a former U.S. diplomat advises India to protect its industries and to pressure Sri Lanka to kick out the Chinese.