Thailand’s ban on smoking in public spaces was amended in February 2008 to include bars, restaurants, discos and marketplaces. The old policy covered only public buildings and closed-in, air-conditioned areas.

Individuals can be fined up to 2,000 baht (near $63) for not complying.

In the village of Cuada on Flores Island, part of the Western Group of the Azorean Islands, many villagers emigrated in the 1960s. Carlos and Teotonia Silva purchased and restored 14 of their abandoned stone cottages and now offer them for rent.

Each is furnished in period antiques and features a TV, stereo, phone and barbecue. Prices are €55 ($72) per night for a one-bedroom, €75 for a 2-bedroom and €180 for a 6-bedroom cottage in this town with rough stone paths (no cars allowed),...

The Open Skies Agreement went into effect in March 2008, easing restrictions on which airlines could fly into which airports and opening competition for flights between the U.S. and the European Union.

Travelers should expect more direct flights but also more congestion at airports, as several new airlines will be competing for gates. Ticket prices are NOT expected to go down (because of high fuel prices and the purchases of new planes to fly the added routes).