AP Travel Columns

DES MOINES - Several art fairs and festivals are taking place around the Midwest this summer and into September. Full Story »

GATLINBURG, Tenn. - The ancient blue-green mountains with breathtaking vistas and distinctive mists are home to salamanders and black bears, 19th century log cabins, rippling streams, waterfalls and more than 800 miles of trails, including a large section of the Georgia-to-Maine Appalachian Trail. Full Story »

NEW YORK - Rough Guides has issued two new books as part of its "On a Budget" series: "The Rough Guide to South America On a Budget" ($31.99) and "The Rough Guide to Central America On a Budget" ($24.99). Full Story »

WASHINGTON - Looking for a trip that will make a difference? Full Story »

BERKELEY, Calif. - A new guidebook offers recommendations for exploring Michigan's Upper Peninsula region. Full Story »

NEW YORK - The Fontainebleau in Miami and 12 other U.S. properties were included on a list of the best 45 new hotels around the world, chosen by editors from Travel + Leisure magazine. Full Story »

WASHINGTON - A scientists' group has put together a guide to green travel to help you determine which modes of transportation have the smallest carbon footprint, and the group, the Union of Concerned Scientists, says some of the greenest choices can also save money. Full Story »

NEW YORK - Finances are weighing heavily on the minds of Americans as they consider whether to take a roadtrip this summer. An AP-Gfk poll found that 56 percent of Americans don't plan to take a leisure trip this summer. A majority of those people said they cancelled a trip for financial reasons. Full Story »

MONIEUX, France - On a road trip through the south of France last summer, I hoped to find the place I'd come to love from reading Peter Mayle's "A Year in Provence" and his other books. But I worried that the Provence of my dreams might be over-commercialized and overrun by tourists. Full Story »

Intercity bus travel has taken off in the last few years. Now a new Web site makes it easier for riders to find their routes. Full Story »

GOLDEN, Colo. - Eric Peterson says California "just might be the greatest state for road trips." And he's written a new book to prove his point: "Ramble California: A Wanderer's Guide to the Offbeat, Overlooked, and Outrageous." Full Story »

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - Partially built into the base of a mountain and largely surrounded by trees, Monticello's new visitor center blends into the central Virginia landscape. Full Story »

DUBLIN, N.H. - Beaches, mansions, hikes and pizza — these are a few of Yankee magazine's favorite things about New England for summer travel. Full Story »

There is white water to ride on California's American River, and it flows through the mountain scenery of the Sierra Nevada and some of the state's historic Gold Rush country. Full Story »

BERKELEY, Calif. - Whether you are recovering from an illness, getting over a lost love, exhausted from everyday stress, celebrating a milestone or reinventing yourself, a new book called "Travel Therapy: Where Do You Need To Go?" has suggestions on destinations and activities that match your frame of mind. Full Story »

NEW YORK - Hotels and resorts from Israel, Mongolia, Peru, Slovenia and Zimbabwe made it onto Conde Nast Traveler's 13th annual "Hot List" in the magazine's May issue. Full Story »

Travel season is upon us and the Northwest is beckoning, especially that scenic area of Oregon where the Columbia River approaches the sea and the city of Portland offers hospitality and attractions that include the nation's largest rose show. Full Story »

NEW YORK - It's an alluring vacation idea in a recession: To beat pricey hotel rates, you swap homes with a family in the city you want to visit. Full Story »