Salem-News.com Travel articles Page 5

Oregon Roads are Icy!

Frosty conditions mean drivers need to slow down and be extremely careful.

(SALEM, Ore.) - It is that time of year again when our news mailbox begins filling up with news releases from police and fire agencies detailing the most recent icy road related crashes in Oregon. It is staggering to consider how frequently these often tragic accidents, could have been avoided.

Each year in Oregon, far too many people are severely injured and killed from crashes that result from drivers losing control on the ice. We are into that time of year when each morning, sections of streets and highways may be very slick. Depending on where you are, the conditions can last all day. Sometimes the ice melts off and refreezes again when the sun goes down.

Even the most experienced drivers have to direct maximum attention to driving on snow and ice. The most challenging driving conditions result from black ice; invisible on the roadways. Black ice often remains on shaded stretches of roadway when the road seems otherwise safe.

A Furry Friendly Holiday

Travel writer CeliaSue Hecht highlights for our readers, one of the best vacation spots on the west coast for people who like to travel with man's best friend.

(CARMEL, Calif.) - The holidays are approaching. You may not be wishing for a white or cold holiday but you'd like to have fun with the family. Problem is, what to do with your furry family members, Fido and Fluffy? This year, rather than leaving your pooches in a kennel, why not have a doggone good time in Carmel by the Sea, California, acclaimed as the most dog-friendly town in America.

Located a few hours south of San Francisco, the town of Carmel offers visitors many fun pet activities and accommodations for four-legged friends and their owners.

There are many businesses in this quaint California coastal town that cater to dog owners. Learn eight good reasons to mark Carmel down and your next getaway.

Are Roundabouts the Answer for Our Traffic Problems?

A different kind of revolution for American drivers.

(SALEM, Ore.) - I remember the first roundabout in Las Vegas and with it, the frustration and confusion of drivers unaccustomed to this European style traffic pattern.

The roundabouts at Summerlin, a few miles west of the famed "Las Vegas Strip", are in a semi rural part of Sin City; an area where 45 and 50 MPH speed limits meet two-way stops and crashes are grisly and often fatal.

There are no left hand turn or head-on crashes when traffic slows for roundabouts. And if a driver misses their turn, they can just keep going around until they reach it again.

While Las Vegas has mixed reviews of the Summerlin roundabouts, 50 have been built in Carmel, Indiana since 2001, and the city has seen a 78% decline in injuries related to traffic accidents. Those numbers seem hard to argue with. Modern roundabouts have an amazing level of safety and they save taxpayers big bucks.

AAA Says Gas Prices Decline to Lowest Level in 11 Weeks

Good news for consumers as they fill up their gas tanks. The national and Oregon averages continue to fall and prices haven't been this low since late May. The price of crude oil is also $27 lower than the record high of $147 set in July.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - "It's costing us less to fill up our tanks. Gas prices continue to fall and haven't been this low since late May. The national average drops seven cents this week to $3.87 a gallon, while Oregon's average declines eight cents to $4.06."

AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds says, "If the price of crude oil remains below $125 per barrel, we could see a national average around $3.75 by Labor Day. Larger declines will be in the works if oil prices plunge even lower than they are now."

Oil is trading today around $120 per barrel, down about $27 from the all-time high price of $147 per barrel set on July 11. The drop in energy prices is mostly due to shrinking demand for petroleum products in the U.S. and other countries as global economies have cooled.

Greyhound with 5-Year Old Aboard Boy Leaves Mom in Behind in Roseburg

Police reunite a mother with 5-year old son after they became separated during a Greyhound Bus trip.

(ROSEBURG, Ore.) - Oregon State Police say a 5-year old Vacaville, California boy spent some unexpected time with OSP troopers Friday after they found him at a Roseburg Greyhound bus station. The troopers say they located the boy after a report that the bus left without the boy's mother at the Grants Pass bus station.

New Bill Would Provide Relief from High Gas Prices

Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Transportation and Housing Options Endorsed by Leading National Environmental Group.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - A leading national environmental group today endorsed new bipartisan legislation in Congress that would offer Americans relief from high gas prices by providing expanded transportation and housing options.

Gas prices in the United States have tripled during the past seven years. As a result, Americans now spend an average of more than $2,000 a year on gas to commute to work. Transportation costs are now Americans' second largest average expense after housing.

Google Earth Connects World With Current Crisis, UN Says

Humanitarian Crises, Aid Can Now be Now You Can 'Googled' Through UN Agency View.

(GENEVA) - Computer users can now zoom down into displacement camps in Darfur, Chad, Iraq, Colombia and elsewhere on Earth in a new on-line program unveiled today by Internet search giant Google and the United Nations refugee agency.

Google Earth Outreach gives the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other humanitarian agencies the ability to use Google Earth and Maps to graphically bring home their work in some of the world’s most remote areas.

Gas Prices Back Off Slightly for Spring Break

Gas prices often climb during Spring Break, but both the national and Oregon averages are down slightly this week, dropping a few cents from last week's record highs.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - "Gas prices are coming down a few cents from the record highs we set in the past week." AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds says, "Even though it's spring break, a time when prices normally rise, the Oregon average for regular unleaded is down three cents this week to $3.43.

The national average also drops three cents to $3.26. The Oregon and national averages are both below their record highs of $3.462 for Oregon set on March 17th, and $3.285 for the national average set on March 16th.

Travel Channel to Film 15 Episodes About Oregon

TV Show Will Introduce Oregon People and Places to 48 Million Viewers in Europe.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Nearly 48 million Europeans will discover Oregon via their televisions when the European Travel Channel, in partnership with Travel Oregon, airs the 15-part series, "Oregon Uncovered." The show, to debut January 2009, will feature the attractions, people, and experiences of our state.

Deck the Halls with Bones and Catnip this Holiday Season

Pet expert suggests Six Tips for keeping Fido and Fluffy safe.

(CARSON CITY, Nevada) - There are approximately 74.8 million dogs and 90 million cats in US households according to the Humane Society of the USA. Americans spent approximately $3 billion on Christmas for their pets last year according to USA Today.

Since Fido and Fluffy are part of the family, pet expert and author Mary J. Getten suggests that it is important to make your home safe for your pets to ensure the holly jolly spirit is had by all.