Author: Travis Schlepp

The plane had departed SFO around 6:53 a.m., and was scheduled to arrive in San Diego around 8:30 a.m.

Alaska Airlines launched its first-ever nonstop flight to Europe on Tuesday, connecting Seattle and Rome in a move that marks the carrier’s transition into a major global airline.

With only two weeks left until LA Metro officially opens its long-awaited D Line extension into West Los Angeles, the transit agency has restocked and released new apparel with its viral “Ride the D” slogan.

Metrolink, Southern California’s regional passenger rail system, has been forced to scale back its service for the foreseeable future due to budget shortfalls and equipment issues. On Monday, Metrolink announced that it’s reduced service schedule*, which has been in place since March 23, will become the full-time operations schedule indefinitely. Metrolink was forced to take many of its trains out of service for maintenance that had previously been put off; some of those train cars and engines are in need of parts that Metrolink has been unable to source. The reduction in service was initially meant to be in place…

The U.S. State Department announced this week that a new, limited edition passport will be released in honor of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. The passport, officials said, will feature President Trump’s face.

Expedia says this year’s top travel trend is “destination dupes,” aka, booking a trip to one destination that has the look and feel of a more expensive one.

Mallorca, Spain, has been identified as the premier destination for travelers seeking a high-end resort experience, according to a March report by Maui Elite Property. The study analyzed global luxury hubs based on safety, scenic views, pricing and wellness amenities to determine which locations best replicate the elite lifestyle often depicted in popular culture. The luxury travel sector is currently expanding at a rate faster than the broader industry, with more than 70% of tourists indicating a preference for resort-based vacations. Researchers evaluated destinations against the aesthetic and service standards of wellness retreats like those featured in the television series…

The U.S. Federal Government is seeking proposals to improve safety at railroad crossings across the country, which are responsible for hundreds of deaths every year. Last week, the Department of Transportation announced it was soliciting proposals for a current $1.1 billion in available funding earmarked for safety infrastructure at railroad crossings. Unprotected railroad crossings are among the highest contributing factors to deadly interactions betweens trains and pedestrians or vehicles. According to the DOT, there are more than 2,000 incidents at railroad crossing each year, and as many as 300 lives are lost during these unwanted occurrences. Read More: LA Metro…

The Outrigger hotel on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu will be undergoing a $100 million restoration and renovation to bring the historic property up to 2026 luxury standards, the hotel’s parent company announced this week. Outrigger Hospitality Group said the iconic Oahu hotel will be reimagined as a “design-led, barefoot luxury destination more deeply connected to the ocean, surf culture and sense of place” that is unique to the Waikiki neighborhood. “This stretch of Waikīkī is both culturally significant and foundational to Outrigger’s identity,” CEO Jeff Wagoner said in a news release. “Our role is to steward this iconic resort with…

Avianca Airlines is making major moves this summer with its updated U.S. routes.