Travel & vacation planning tools, tips, destinations and ideas - CBS News 8 - San Diego, CA News Station - KFMB Channel 8

How Maryland's official state cake got its stripes

Smith Island Cake stands tall, smoothly coated in chocolate icing -- no swirls, no rosettes, no bling. Sliced and plated it reveals its genius: pencil-thin layers of pale cake, stacked and spliced with ample icing. It's delicious. And mysterious.

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Selfie fail: Five tourists tumble off a cliff in self-portrait screw-up

Here’s a tip for when you snap your next selfie: look behind you. 

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No vaping on planes, U.S. says in ‘final’ ruling

There's been some confusion over the use of e-cigarettes on flights, according to the government. In a bid to clear up the matter, it's just issued a "final rule" explicitly banning the use of the device on planes.

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Tips for traveling to the U.S. with medications

Traveling to the United States with medications? Here's what you need to know to avoid problems.

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3 reasons flying first class is worth every penny

How spending a bit more can turn your flight into a profit center.

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Airbus’s ‘bench-style’ seating may not be as horrendous as it sounds

Airbus has filed wacky patents for everything from windowless cockpits to butt-busting bicycle-saddle seating. 

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American Airlines sues Gogo over its ‘inferior’ in-flight Wi-Fi

Fliers are fed up with rotten in-flight Wi-Fi, and so is American Airlines. 

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10 steps to secure your finances before you travel

How to keep your money safe before leaving home.

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Binge-watch at 35,000 feet, thanks to new Netflix-Virgin America partnership

Long flights are getting more bearable, thanks to a new partnership between Netflix and Virgin America. Netflix subscribers on select flights will be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi on their smartphones, tablets, and laptops between now and March 2, 2016. More>>

Like AirBnB for yachts, GetMyBoat lets you rent the boat of your dreams

The latest feature of GetMyBoat, called “Sleep Aboard,” allows guests to be lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking motion of the waves beneath. More>>

Some hotels now offering perks to fight discount sites

Large conglomerates like Hyatt and Hilton are now offering various incentives to customers to book through the hotels directly, rather than going through sites like Expedia or other third-party discount travel companies. More>>

Hate traveling? Eat a "happy" meal at the airport

London’s Gatwick Airport is embarking upon the ingenious idea of offering their passengers literal “happy meals” chock full of mood improving hormones that should make for an all-around better travel experience. More>>

Attention frequent fliers: This app claims to lessen jet lag

For all you perpetually time-zone-confused, out-of-suitcase living, constantly jet-lagged frequent flyers, there may just be a light at the end of your runway.

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Self-healing airplane wings could fix cracks immediately after they form

All living things have within them a basic ability to restore, repair and heal their bodies -- but what if non-living things could restore and repair themselves too?

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Smoke and glory: Behind the scenes at Benton's Country Hams

Allan Benton's smokehouse in Madisonville, Tennessee, is a high temple of pork. More>>

Be a responsible camper

When you camp out, take steps to reduce your impact on the environment, experts advise. More>>

Welcome one, welcome all: Tucker's Restaurant

Tucker's Restaurant, a Cincinnati institution since 1946, serves up more than comfort food More>>

Where to visit in Richmond, Virginia

Ten don't-miss spots in the historic city. More>>

Set Ups: New Orleans' low-key, DIY bottle service

Why the Crescent City's best cocktails are those you make yourself. More>>

Best of the Blue Ridge

On Virginia's mountain highway, the sky's the limit for homegrown eats. More>>

City guide: Miami

A critical look at the old and new in an ever-evolving Magic City. More>>

4 honeymoon-worthy cruises to far-flung destinations

These four romance-focused cruises take you way off the charted course to locales both luxurious and exotic. More>>

Iconic eats: Louisiana

If you're traveling to Louisiana, don't miss out on any of these ten classic Louisiana specialties, from pillowy beignets to rustic, comforting gumbo. More>>

Dining like a rhinestone cowboy

The history of Las Vegas can be told through its steakhouses. More>>

Museums say no to selfie sticks in bid to protect exhibits (and humans)

If you've been thinking about heading to New York City's Museum of Modern Art with the intention of using your selfie stick to grab a shot alongside Pollock's One: Number 31, 1950, forget it – articulated monopods are now banned. More>>

This passport lets you use a selfie as the photo, no duck face allowed

Later this year, citizens of Ireland will be able to buy an official passport-style identification card that uses a selfie for the photo. More>>

Christmas on the Coast

In Portuguese-inflected Goa, the most wonderful time of the year is a joyous blending of traditions. More>>

Virgin America completes rollout of faster Gogo ATG-4 Wi-Fi across fleet

Want fast Wi-Fi speeds at 35,000 feet? Get on a Virgin America flight. The carrier announced that it is the first to offer the faster ATG-4 inflight Wi-Fi service from Gogo across its entire fleet.  More>>

Delta Airlines security glitch lets you access anyone's boarding pass

The holidays are a hectic time for airlines and airports, as they try to deal with the large influx of people visiting loved ones. The last thing anyone wants happening is some sort of security glitch that will ruin their holiday. More>>

Study shows why expert pilots are experts

Expert pilots process visual information more efficiently than less experienced pilots, which explains why they make better decisions during landings, a new study shows. More>>

How a computer glitch brought London's airports to a standstill

 If the weather doesn't delay your flight, then a computer bug might.
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Forgotten coast: The Florida Panhandle

Among the pleasures of a scenic trip along the Florida Panhandle -- plump oysters, tender shrimp, crispy fried mullet, and classic Deep South dishes. More>>

Trip Advisor couple fined $150 by hotel for negative review

If you've ever left a negative review of a place on Trip Advisor, hopefully you haven't been hit with a fine for your efforts. More>>

What?! If you post a photo of the Eiffel Tower on Facebook, you could be fined

Copyrights probably aren't the first thing you think about when you're on vacation in Paris, but it turns out that some landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower, are actually protected by copyright laws. More>>

From mile-high Wi-Fi to mobile boarding passes, which airline has the best tech?

Although pretzels and leg room may be shrinking, one amenity the airline industry offers has been growing: tech in the air. More>>

Almost family

At a Louisiana restaurant, a father-son bond is celebrated and forged again. More>>

Five major U.S. airports to screen travelers from West Africa for Ebola

Five major U.S. airports will begin screening travelers entering the country from the three West African nations hit hardest by the ongoing Ebola epidemic, federal health officials announced Wednesday. More>>

Season of plenty: China's mushroom harvest

From remote mountain forests to bustling urban markets, in China's Yunnan Province, mushrooms are foraged treasure. More>>

Two perfect days in Camden, Maine

Where to eat, what to do, and where to stay in this quaint, midcoast town. More>>

World's first 'smart' cruise ship features robot bartenders, virtual balconies and more

Dubbed by its owner as “the world's first smartship,” Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship could be just the ticket for tech fans keen to indulge their passion while sailing on the high seas. More>>

WHO urges screening of travelers to contain Ebola outbreak

African nations hit hard by the Ebola outbreak should start screening all passengers leaving international airports, seaports and major ground crossings, the World Health Organization recommended Monday. More>>

Cape Town's classic shake

This avocado-mint milkshake from South Africa makes a cooling summer treat. More>>

Maine's latest seafood star

Cold northern waters are providing some of the best oysters you're likely to taste. More>>

If your phone isn’t charged, you could get banned from flights

Flying to the US anytime soon? If so, you’d better make sure your electronic devices are charged because if they’re not, they could be confiscated.
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5 new ways to vacation in Paris

Headed to the most romantic city in the world? Obviously, you’ll scale the Eiffel Tower, lunch on the Seine in a bateau mouche, and ogle priceless art at the Musee D’Orsay, but there’s plenty for those who prefer rock ’n’ roll and brewskis to Renoir and Bordeaux. More>>

4 hidden honeymoon spots

Opt for one of these low-key hideaways less than an hour from a major air hub. More>>

Traveling in Canada? Don't park with your windows down

Vaguely written laws sometimes remain on the books for years, and can be enforced, if an officer feels so inclined. More>>

Plan an affordable vacation without going into debt

Stay within your means and still have fun.
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Google adds 12 World Cup stadiums to Street View and Maps

Google added 12 World Cup stadiums in Google Maps Street View. Not only can you check out high-res panoramic imagery of the venues, you can also view the iconic painted streets – a Brazilian World Cup tradition – and hundreds of new images of interesting landmarks and locales across Brazil. More>>

Luscious layovers

Airports are upping their gastronomic game, giving food-minded travelers a reason to linger between flights. Check out this list of five great airports to eat in. More>>

A dozen things to do in Nantucket

This classic East Coast vacation spot has much to offer, both on- and off-season. More>>

Cruise honeymoons: Two if by sea

Show up, check in, have a blast -- those are pretty much the only requirements for a post-wedding cruise. More>>

From Western waters

A drive along Oregon's coast reveals soaring sand dunes, enchanting fishing towns, and some of the most memorable seafood dishes you'll likely find anywhere. More>>

Marseille, city by the sea

A new generation of chefs builds on the rich culinary legacy of the French port of Marseille. More>>

7 things you can only get in Indianapolis

For some reason, sports in Indianapolis get all the attention. But instead of focusing on the Indy 500 or the Colts, we should start paying attention to the Midwestern capital city's food scene. Innovative chefs, a thriving craft beer scene, and milkshakes to die for -- these days, Indianapolis has a lot to offer. More>>

Finding a tomato in winter

A trip to Sarasota, Fla., means sunshine, beaches, and best of all, beautiful produce. More>>

FAA's new rules let you use gadgets during takeoff and landing

The days of being forced to turn off your gadgets before takeoff and landing will soon be a thing of the past. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration announced today that it will allow airlines to permit the use of most portable electronic devices during all portions of flights.
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Guide to restaurants in Nebraska

Where to eat and stay in the Omaha area. More>>

Family-friendly historical trips

Looking to plan a family vacation that is both entertaining and educational? Go historical.
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My Spanish sanctuary

The first time I fell for the market in Cádiz it was because of the annealing sensuality of its produce and the friendship I found there. The second time I discovered an equally intense but more studious passion. More>>

Travel guide: Galilee, Israel

Where to stay, where to eat, and what to do during your visit.
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4 best train trips in America

When you think about it, a family vacation by train is a no-brainer. The price is right, the scenery terrific, and everyone’s in a good mood.

 
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Pack like a celebrity stylist

Check out this list of what all fashion fiends should include in their getaway suitcases this season. More>>

Top 12 vacation money savers

Whether you’re hopping in the car with the family for a weekend getaway or flying across the country, you can follow these simple tips to total vacation bliss. More>>

Travel guide to best travel apps

In the movies, you can get lost in the Luxembourg Gardens and encounter your soul mate. In real life, your face will be buried in a map too long to ever see him. What you need is a travel guide. More>>

Honeymoon help 101

What's the best way to score honeymoon deals? Should you book a honeymoon package or plan excursions on your own? World-renowned travel planners answer these questions. More>>

Best beaches for families

Here are five sandy locations that offer something for everyone. More>>

Travel guide: Houston

Chef Chris Shepherd gives his take on what to eat, where to go, and what to do in his city, from family-run dim sum and BBQ joints to a pristine local farm. More>>

7 bizarre Airbnb rentals that are almost too weird to believe

Weird accommodation options are part of Airbnb's charm, so we'd like to propose seven current listings that should be verified immediately. If these folks are offering what they say they're offering, we just might book a night or two. More>>

New Orleans: Eating in the Big Easy

The best dishes, grandest places, and most colorful culinary history. The heritage of Big Easy dining is alive, well, and thriving. More>>

A guide to the oyster regions of Virginia

Virginia is now once again a place that raises many happy oysters. More>>

10 tips to avoid vacation weight gain

After days of sampling every dish that your destination has to offer, it should come as no surprise when your jeans begin to feel tight. In order to avoid weight gain, try these 10 tips. More>>

Billionaire unveils plans for Titanic replica, can't promise it won't sink

Would you fancy sailing on the replica of a ship that 100 years earlier sank with the loss of more than 1500 lives? More>>

7 foods you can only get in Wisconsin

For one Madison, Wis., native, a visit home always evokes a sort of a happy anxiety—so much to eat, so little time. More>>

Have a healthy vacation

Here's how to keep the family healthy while you're away -- plus what to do if sickness does strike. More>>

How to actually have a vacation on vacation

Ever find yourself saying you need a vacation after your vacation? Here's how you can truly relax while you're away. More>>

What to pack for your summer getaway

Summer clothes are so lightweight and versatile, you won't even need to check a bag, whether you're spending a weekend at the beach or a week in Paris. More>>

Two people, one car and a 23-year, 500,000 mile journey around the world

This Mercedes Benz G-Wagen, affectionately named Otto, has carried Gunther Holtorf and his wife Christine on an incredible 500,000 mile journey around the world. More>>

Is taking tech on vacation an intrusion or improvement?

From poolside smartphones to on-demand movies anywhere, technology has changed what it means to "get away from it all," for better and worse. More>>

How to turn your hotel keys into luggage tags Video included

Got a collection of plastic hotel room keys from your last vacation? Don't throw them away because they'll actually come in handy for your next trip. More>>

The best camping gadgets for technology lovers

Today's explorers want to stay connected even in the wilderness. And they can thanks to a wide range of products that let campers stay in touch with music, media content and more. More>>

Vacation travel advice for parents with young kids

Without question, traveling with young children over an extended period of time requires planning. Here are some tips to help you get over the river and through the woods without too much anxiety.
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Airport X-ray body scanners banned in Europe over cancer risks

The controversial "backscatter" X-ray body scanners will no longer be used at European airports due to health risks associated with the technology. More>>

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