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L.A. Times Travel zeitgeist: 2007 hot topics

There was hardly a dull travel moment in 2007. While there was plenty for outbound Southern California travelers to gripe about (see your comments below) this year, my contention — along with the likes of travel writer Pico Iyer) — is that we are fortunate to live during a rare golden age of travel.

Has global mobility ever been more accessible to the masses and more inexpensive or safer per mile traveled? I think not. Perhaps mass accessibility is the root cause of many of the complaint-inducing stresses. I may advocate for zero-population growth, but when it comes to travel, I say the more the merrier.

Here’s to another year of adventurous, humbling, inspirational journeys. Bon voyage, all aboard!

Here are some of the topics that piqued the interest of you, our dear readers, this last year.

Top 11 most-commented-on posts

Southwest Airlines ends pre-boarding for families? (200+ comments)
Pro: “SWA = Skies With Adults-only, or Skies Without Annoyance — ban the brats and I’ll fly every week!!!” — Dr. G

Con: “If you object to sitting near children while flying, try having to sit with a completely unattended two-year-old whose parent is three rows down.” — Leigh

Zagat rates airports + airlines; LAX not so good
Pro: “Given the age of many of the facilities at LAX and the volume of passengers run there, it is an amazingly efficient airport.” — Daniel

Con: “I haven’t been anywhere that has taken me as long to check in and get through security as LAX. It’s disgraceful in a city that aspires to world-class status.” — Kate

Tips on tipping at Las Vegas hotels
“I’m from The Netherlands, where they sort of ‘invented’ being cheap. In Vegas, this attitude doesn’t work.” — Dirk

2007 Miss Universe crowned in Mexico City hotel
“Congratulations Miss Japan. You’re refreshing, down to earth and natural … Miss USA was absolutely wonderful in the way she picked herself up and continued her walk.” — Susan

Hawaii Superferry $5 inaugural fares (service suspended)
“If this is environmentally damaging then so is every cruise ship and cargo vessel that docks in Kauai.” — Frank

Down to earth Monterey Bay Aquarium
“Traveling has more and more become a luxury for the wealthy, while the middle class steps closer and closer to the end of the bread line.” — spoonido

Disappearing fast: Route 66, Chicago-Los Angeles
“Angelenos wanting to find the Mother Road need look no further than their own backyards.” — Scott Piotrowski

Peter Greenberg: Frequent flier mile booking scheme
“Remember — the chef always leaves out one or two ingredients when sharing a recipe.” — Jane

Deal, No Deal? Palmdale airport an LAX alternative
“I understand the politics of the LAX region, but the reality is that Palmdale International airport is needed and wanted.” — Marian Strauss

LAX: Long-term parking options
“Whenever I go through LAX to pick someone up it is a crap shoot on whether you get stopped.” — Patrick

Priceline saved me money, how about you?
“If I am willing to travel at odd times from airports at inconvenient locations and am willing to spend more time traveling because of the multiple stops, I can usually save $$.” — Liz

Bon voyage! Here’s to another year of sustainable adventure,
— Andrew D. Nystrom
Senior Editor/Producer, Los Angeles Times Travel

[Photo: Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times]

This entry was posted on Monday, December 31, 2007 at 10:54 am by Andrew and is filed under Good Morning, News, Tips & Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.