The Six-Year Rise of One World Trade Center

One  World Trade Center in April 2012.
(photo: EarthCam)

One World Trade Center is now taller than the Empire State Building to become New York City's highest skyscraper even though it won't be completed until next year. Construction began in 2006 on the site of the original World Trade Center Twin Towers that were destroyed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

When it is completed in 2013, One World Trade Center will stand at 1,776 feet compared to the Empire State which towers at 1,250 feet. It will become the tallest building in the United States and the third tallest in the world.

EarthCam, an international webcam technology company, has a released a video of the construction site since 2006. The film has put together a video from time-lapsed photography using images taken every 15 minutes.

Worst Airports for Connections in the USA

Philadelphia International Airport.
(photo: Getty Images/CNBC)

Some people prefer to connect on a flight rather than flying direct because it breaks down what can be very long journeys. But connections also leaves open the opportunity for a delay or missed connection not to mention leaving one wondering if checked bags make the flight as well.

CNBC reports that several factors come in play: "Some U.S. airports have more late or missed connections than others, depending in part which airlines use them and where they're located. Some airlines are notoriously unreliable, and some airports are in cities that take regular beatings from bad weather."

The ranked airports were based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation using statistics from worst records for on-time arrivals in 2011 and on-time departures covering 29 major airports (defined as serving at least 1 percent of total passengers boarding domestic flights in one year, excluding small airports). The report shows two figures, the first is the percentage of flights that arrived late and the second those that departed later than scheduled.

1. Newark Liberty International (NYC)  33.28% arrived late / 27.03% departed late.
2. San Francisco International   28.62% / 23.72%
3. LaGuardia Airport (NYC)  27.82% / 22.49%
4. Logan International Airport (Boston) 26.39% / 21.11%
5. John F. Kennedy International Airport (NYC)  24.66% / 22.49%
6. O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)  24.52% / 25.6%
7. Philadelphia International Airport  23.84% / 21.1%
8. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport  22.28% / 17.59%
9. Washington Dulles International Airport  21.39% / 20.19%
10. Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport  21.12% / 19.74%

Regarding #1 ranked Newark, the report says: "When it comes to on-time arrivals, Newark Liberty International Airport has the worst record of any U.S. airport. A whopping one in three flights -- 33.28% arrived late. It also has the worst record for on-time departures, with 27.03 percent taking off later than scheduled.

In a 2011 article on the Consumer Reports website, the two most chronically delayed flights in the U.S. both originate from Newark. Both flights go to Atlanta during rush hour, both flights have an average delay of one hour and 21 minutes, and both flights delayed between 50 percent and 60 percent of the time.

To add insult to injury, Frommer's give this unkind assessment of the Newark airport itself, particularly Terminal B: "The airport's idiotically puts security before individual piers in Terminal A and B, which means that rather than having a whole terminal's food and shopping to entertain you, you're stuck on a single pier."

Click HERE for the full report on the CNBC website.

Newark Liberty International.
(photo: Getty Images/CNBC)

"Sandworm" Rises on the Beach in Belgium

(photos: Nikita Wu)

It's environmental architectural art as attraction. Called "Sandworm," the organic structure on the dunes of the Wenduine coastline in Belgium, is 45 meters long and 10 meters wide and constructed entirely out of willow. Finnish artist Marco Casagrande and his team of architects and local experts took four weeks to create what he dubs as "weak architecture" (a human-made structure that wishes to become part of nature through flexibility and organic presence).

In news reports visitors are saying that Sandworm is like a willow cathedral and offers a spectacle of light of shadow. The inside space is used for picnics, relaxation and meditation. Visit archdaily.com for more photographs and information.

(photos: Nikita Wu)

Virgin Atlantic's New Upper Class Suites

(photos: Virgin Atlantic)

Sometimes a product seems so hip and now that it can't be ignored in the marketplace. It appears Virgin Atlantic Airways has found that product for its new Upper Class Suites that may be unrivaled in its design and look. Upper Class is the airline's premium business class product on their two-class Airbus A330 jets.

Introduced last weekend and currently flying exclusively between London Heathrow to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, the airline claims "We've re-engineered and reinvented our Upper Class Suite, creating a fabulous onboard experience with great new features":

• Recline increased up to 50% in the lounger configuration and 1.5 inches greater in width than the previous version.
• In lie-flat mode, the seats provide an 87-inch bed surface (at 7 feet 2 inches, it is longer than other airline's business class bed)
• New espresso color leather seats.
• A 12.1-inch touchscreen monitor with touchscreen remote.
• Adjustable reading light.
• A flip-down cocktail table and push panel armrest.
• Additional storage compartments featuring a new literature pocket and two ottoman storage areas.
• USB and other power port connections compatible with most international type plugs.
• Lumbar support functionality with "firm touch" buttons to prevent accidental activation.
• An "Aeromobile" system giving passengers the ability to make and receive phone calls and texts from their own mobile phones.
• In a herringbone pattern, four-seats across, all seats have direct aisle access.
• Each window seat has an one more window built into the wall that provides more light but opaque enough to allow privacy from passengers seated in adjacent rows.

The futuristic onboard bar is now separate from the cabin giving passengers not wishing to socialize more privacy. The bar has new mood lighting but still have the Virgin Atlantic accents of red and Swarovski crystal.

Estimated roundtrip airfares from the carrier's website for a weeklong trip in May varies from a low of $3,988.20 for a restrictive ticket to a high of $10,470.20 for a fully flexible and refundable reservation for flight VS003 (Heathrow to JFK) and VS004 (JFK to Heathrow) that are offered six days a week. As the airline takes possession of more Airbus A330 planes in 2012, additional destinations will be added offering the Upper Class Suites. The seats will be added to their order of Boeing 787s in 2014.

Click HERE for an interactive tour. Visit virgin-atlantic.com for more information. Virgin-Atlantic Airways is owned by Richard Branson's the Virgin Group and Singapore Airlines and operates between the United Kingdom and North America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

Insider Secrets to Booking a Cheap Airfare

(graphic: simviaje.com)

No matter how often I've had to book an airfare, finding that elusive bargain is still a challenge. Often the constraints on when and how long I can travel as well as my choice of airline are the ultimate road blocks in finding that great airfare price. But with that in mind, it's still worthwhile to know these insider tips from Joe Brancantelli (of travelwebsite JoeSentMe.com) in a report from U.S. News and World Report.

Brancantelli states a common truism: For the airline's it's about getting you to pay the most you're willing to pay, which is the opposite of what the consumer wants. On a single flight, there can be more than a dozen price categories. On a 150-seat plane, there could be 150 prices. Here are his eight insider tips:

Book six weeks in advance: Passenger pay the lowest price, nearly 6 percent below the average fare, if they buy six weeks before their flight.

Best time to buy is Tuesdays at 3pm Eastern:
The recommendation is only for domestic tickets. However one critic argues that the deal can vary frequently and there's no specific day or time of the week to buy.

Cheapest day to fly is Wednesday:
The day with the more empty seats required for discounting. Other low-cost days are Tuesdays and Saturdays. The most expensive are Friday and Sunday.

Fly out early:
The cheapest is typically the first flight of the morning. The next-cheapest are during or after lunch or at the dinner hour. The absolute cheapest is on limited routes with red-eyes.

Check low-cost airlines individually:
Comparison sites like kayak.com don't necessarily do all the work for you. Some airlines in the U.S. and in Europe don't allow their tickets to be quoted on such popular comparison websites.  Also check what fees are added to drive-up the cost.

Sign-up for free alerts on AirfareWatchdog.com:
Almost every airline offers this surface even if the fare drops only $2. But AirfareWatchdog uses people to vet deals rather than computer systems. The website only issues updates when they think they've found a good deal.

Build a relationship: 
If you have an elite membership or credit card with the airline, you have a leg-up on other travelers. The more an airline knows you, the more it tailors its pricing for you. Credit cards tied to airlines offers perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding and seat selection.

Click HERE to view the full article on the U.S. News and World website.

Hangover Heaven Bus Cruises The Las Vegas Strip

Lounge onboard Hangover Heaven bus.
(photo: hangoverheaven)

Anesthesiologist Jason Burke launched a service on April 14th that seems to fit like a glove for its location. The Hangover Heaven bus roams the Las Vegas strip for those in need of a cure for a night of imbibing.

This appears to be a first class service using a 45-foot bus as the moving clinic. It can accomodate 10-14 people at one time and includes a front and rear lounge, kitchenette, consulting room and four private bunks. The two lounges have flat-screen TV with stereo sound system.

Several therapies are offered to those in need. Hangover packages include:

REDEMPTION (BASIC PACKAGE) – $99

The Redemption package is our basic service and is very effective at reducing the symptoms of a hangover and can be performed on just about anybody. It includes intravenous hydration which can help flush the toxins from your system. Many people say they feel more energized and “crisp” after this treatment. It is also useful to improve skin appearance in this dry desert climate.

SALVATION (PREMIUM PACKAGE) – $159

This is our most effective service. It includes intravenous hydration, anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory medications. These medications act to directly resolve the effects of a hangover. This package also includes vitamin supplementation. These vitamins help to clear your body of the toxins resulting from a heavy night of drinking and can improve your generalized state of health. They also make you feel better quickly since they are very rapidly absorbed and can remain in your system for days after the therapy.

IN-ROOM THERAPY – $400 (first person) $200 (each additional)

In room treatments are available from 8am to 4pm seven days a week, staff and schedule permitting.

If in-room service is not available due to scheduling, we have a VIP suite on the bus where treatment can be administered.

The in-room treatment consists of an actual doctor coming to your room and administering two bags of IV fluids, IV anti-nausea medicine, IV anti-inflammatory medicine, and IV vitamins. It is our premium service and will have you feeling better before you know it. The complete treatment takes approximately 45 minutes.

Other services offered include Myers Cocktail ($99), a nutrient drink administered with IV fluids, and B12 Shots ($20). Cures take about 45 minutes.

How about the safety? In a CBS News report:

"For the most part, it sounds safe," said Dr. Daliah Wachs, a family practice physician and national satellite radio medical talk show host based in Las Vegas. "But this is kind of gutsy. He's taking a risk."

A patient could have an allergic reaction, Wachs said, or fail to fully report their medical history. For people with pre-existing conditions, Toradol can affect the kidneys, she said, and Zofran can trigger abnormal heart rhythm. Still, Wachs said, emergency room physicians and clinic doctors have for decades provided hangover sufferers with IV drip "banana bags" - so named for their yellow color.

"I think many doctors are kicking themselves because they didn't think of this first," she added.

Visit hangoverheaven.com for more information and to book a reservation online; treatment at hotels available. Hours of operations varies. Summer hours: Mon-Thu 9am-1pm; Fri-Sun 8am-4pm.

The actual bus parked on near the Las Vegas Strip.
(photo: odditycentral) 

"Patients" being cured.
(photo: AP) 

America's Worst & Best Airports Ranked by T+L

La Guardia Airport (photo: jimcintosh/flickr)

Another report from Travel & Leisure reveals the best and worst airports in America. The magazine's readers rated the airports based on flight delays; design; amenities; food and drink; check-in and security; service; and transportation and location.

The worst list is always more interesting since we tend to argue because of how we vary in our determination of what constitutes a "best" airport. I'm disappointed that my favorite DFW is on the worst list and surprised that LAS is on the worst list.

Worst Airports in the USA:
1. New York (LGA)
2. Los Angeles (LAX)
3. Philadelphia (PHL)
4. New York (JFK)
5. Newark (EWR)
6. Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
7. Washington Dulles (IAD)
8. Boston (BOS)
9. Houston (IAH)
10. Atlanta (ATL)
11. Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)
The magazine reports regarding number one worst ranked La Guardia (LGA): "Dilapidated La Guardia hasn't aged well. The airport has the dubious honor of ranking the worst for the check-in and security process, the worst for baggage handling, the worst when it comes to providing Wi-Fi, the worst at staff communication, and the worst design and cleanliness. If there was a ray of hope, its location, was considered superior to six other airports."

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
(photo: rmpenguino/flickr)

Best Airports in the USA:
1. Minneapolis (MSP)
2. Charlotte (CLT)
3. Detroit Metropolitan (DTW)
4. Orlando (MCO)
5. San Francisco (SFO)
6. Baltimore (BWI)
7. Las Vegas (LAS)
8. Seattle (SEA)
9. Denver (DEN)
10. Miami International (MIA)
11. Phoenix (PHX)
The magazine reports regarding number one ranked best ranked Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP): "This may be the cheeriest and most welcoming airport in the nation. T+L voters loved the shopping and food and drink options at this mini-mall of an airport, and when it came to ease of check-in and security, Minneapolis also took the No. 1 spot. It came in second for design and cleanliness, baggage handling, staff communication, and airport location. Only its Wi-Fi offerings were lackluster (11th place), but that still left this midwestern oasis as the clear winner."

Click HERE to view the full article and analysis of each ranking on the Travel & Leisure website.

Hawaiian Airlines First Class on the A330-200 Part 2

Vegetable chips and lemongrass coconut soup.
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

Hawaiian operates at least three departures daily from McCarran International Airport. This flight from Las Vegas to Honolulu HA17 departs at 1:55am. Despite the unusual time, the gate agents announce its a full flight and would appreciate if passengers remain seated until their row number is called.

The business organization paid for the ticket but that doesn't mean I couldn't take advantage of situation and with a call a couple of days earlier to the airline, I upgraded again from a coach to a first class seat by redeeming 25,000 miles from my Hawaiian Miles account.

It should be noted that the call center for Hawaiian Airlines operates from the Philippines but the service is thorough and polite. Anybody expecting no waiting has never ever called a call center. But once I got a service agent, the request was expedited.

So unlike the first class meal service on HA18 that I flew to Vegas, the return trip had a different service. What do you serve at 2am in the morning? The flight attendants still distributed a menu but there was only one selection which reads as follows:

Moemoe menu
Light, quick and delicious, this snack features the tastes of Hawai'i and is perfectly proportioned to enjoy just before a restful sleep.

- CRISPY VEGETABLE CHIPS
  Featuring carrots and taro

- CREAMY LEMONGRASS COCONUT SOUP
  With chicken, mushrooms, green onions and brown rice.

There was something comforting about this snack. It's warmth and light flavors was satisfying for the remainder of this six hour flight. There is no dessert or salad course but drinks still are poured freely.

Adding to the comfort is the mood lighting in blues and purples. No harsh fluorescents. I attempted to watch a movie "The Descendants" in an attempt to pass the time. The Airbus A330 is Hawaiian's newest jet and every seat has a personal monitor. In coach they are located on the seat backs. In first class they are in the arm rest and pop out with a gentle push.

Soothing mood lighting fills the entire cabin.

The personal entertainment center in first class.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Slot Machines at the Airport

(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

Hawaiian Airlines departs from the "in need of an upgrade" Terminal 2 at McCarran International Airport. The word is airlines operating at these gates would be moved to the other terminals. The newly construction Terminal 3 is set to open in the coming months. Korean Air and AeroMexico are among the few airlines that operate at Terminal 2.

Each time I have visited Vegas, I always thought that finding slot machines in the terminal and near the departure gates seems like a punchline to vacation here. It's the last chance anyone here has to empty your wallet. I'm not tempted especially for a 1:55am departure when I'd rather be sleeping in bed.

At Night: The View From A Room at the Paris Las Vegas

Through this canyon made by the Paris Las Vegas and Bally's is a view of
the Bellagio and the Strip. See the top of the Eiffel Tower at left.
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

My expectations were rather low when I learned at conference I would have attend was at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. Things turned out for the better when after a first night in a room for smoking I was re-assigned a room that was on the 30th floor and corner room with spectacular views.

Over the course of my stay, I attempted to capture the view from my room at night. Compare these night views with the ones taken during the daytime by clicking HERE. (photos below: TheHopefulTraveler)

Every time the Bellagio fountain show made its big giant finale splash,
it sounded like thunder from my 30th room floor.

Above & below: Another view from the window facing west.

Above & below: The view from the north window of the corner room.

Above & below: The Venetian, Palazzo and Wynn are seen in
the distance.

(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

The Bellagio Las Vegas At Night

Still more time to spare before having to return to my room at the Paris Las Vegas and check-out so I take in another opportunity to take in the views offered at the Bellagio this at night. Click HERE for more photos and read the post "The Vegas Wonder of the Fountains of Bellagio." (photos below: TheHopefulTraveler)

Like a match match made in heaven it seems like the song "Time to Say
Goodbye" performed by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman was made
to accompany the dance of the Bellagio fountains.

The garden in front of the main entrance to Bellagio offers a romantic
respite from the Las Vegas crowds.

Within this garden at the Bellagio is a serene fountain and a view
of the Paris Las Vegas.

It never ceases to amaze me when the fountains burst accompanied by song. 

(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

A City of Light: The Paris Las Vegas at Night

The Eiffel Tower rises above the Paris Opera House facade.
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

With only a few hours left in my visit to Las Vegas, I take the time to view the Paris Las Vegas Hotel at night. I have to admit, I've largely dismissed this hotel as a poor facsimile of the city. But after staying at this property and being able to really see and admire the extravagant details, I've come to appreciate the design and architecture of the entire endeavor. No doubt my visit here was helped by the fact I was assigned at great room at the hotel.

So rather than go on, I'll just let these photos speak for themselves. As much as possible I've attempted to take similar photos to previous ones I have posted that were take in the daytime.

The Montgolfier Balloon lit up for the Las Vegas Strip.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler) 

The constant movement of cars at the hotel give the impression of a
real roundabout around the replica Arc de Triomphe.

The porte-cochere lit up for the evening.

The hotel's Arc de Triomphe.

The Paris Las Vegas Hotel tower.

The hotel's tower rises above the replica Paris Opera House (left) and
Arch de Triomphe.

The Las Vegas version of the Paris Opera House.

The hotel as viewed from the Bellagio. 

The Paris Las Vegas glimmers above the Bellagio lake.

The Strip in front of the Paris looking south.

North view of the Strip fronting the Paris.

One more picture of the hotel's glowing Eiffel Tower.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)