Barcelo Restorts Coupons

^{Photo courtesy of The Daily English Show, via Flickr}

In an effort to resuscitate Japan's tourism industry after the recent tsunami and nuclear disaster, the country's tourism agency announced plans this week to offer 10,000 free flights to Japan in the coming year. Travelers interested in taking advantage of the offer will need to submit an application to the agency.

^{By Cezary p (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons}

Tired of revisiting the same old beach year after year on the routine and always predictable family vacation? Do your all your trips seem to bleed together in haze of souvenir shops, theme parks and too much driving? It's time to get away from the typical rotation of vacation spots and discover something new.

International travel might seem intimidating at first glance, but there's a whole world beyond crowded waterparks and gaudy tourist traps--and it's more accessible than you might think.

^{Image courtesy of sontag1 via Flickr}

If you live in southern California, you've no doubt heard about next weekend's "Carmageddon," when a 10-mile stretch of the 405 freeway will be closed for construction. From July 15th through 17th, the 405 North will be closed between the 10 and the 101.

If you or anyone you know has been to the Big Apple, you know how expensive hotel rooms can be! Generally, hotel rooms in New York City are two to three times more expensive than anywhere else. But you don't have to pay those ridiculous prices!

Here are some ways to save on lodging in NYC.