* ZIKA UPDATE: U.S. ISSUES SINGAPORE TRAVEL ADVISORY (Condé Nast Traveler). Though the largest outbreaks of Zika have been in Latin American and Caribbean countries, there have also been cases of the virus, which can be transmitted by mosquitos, reported in parts of Southeast Asia. Until recently, however, those have been isolated instances.
That changed last week, when confirmed cases of Zika in the city-state of Singapore rose to 82.
In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued an advisory recommending that pregnant women not travel to Singapore, because the virus can cause microcephaly in newborns (symptoms are mild for almost everybody else who contracts it).
In addition to the warning from the U.S., Australia, Taiwan, and South Korea have also advised their citizens to be careful about visiting Singapore, which gets about 15 million tourists each year.
* VIDEO APPEARS TO SHOW VANDALS DESTROYING BELOVED OREGON ROCK FORMATION (NPR)
From the this-is-why-we-can't-have-nice-things department:
* VIDEO APPEARS TO SHOW VANDALS DESTROYING BELOVED OREGON ROCK FORMATION (NPR)
From the this-is-why-we-can't-have-nice-things department:
Video has surfaced that appears to show vandals in coastal Oregon destroying an iconic rock formation by pushing it over.
Located in Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, the 7- by 10-foot pedestal, commonly known as "the duckbill," was originally thought to have toppled due to erosion and weather.
But then a guy named David Kalas came forward with his footage suggesting otherwise.
The frequently photographed rock was separated by a fence and warning signs that were supposed to keep visitors away, but the barrier and postings were frequently ignored—on some occasions leading to fatal falls from the surrounding bluffs.
Park officials and state police say they're investigating the video to determine how to respond. Anybody who might have helped destroy the rock could face a fine of up to $435.
* LONDON DOUBLE-DECKER BUS CONVERTED INTO HOTEL ROOM (The Metro)
Let's say you want to sleep inside an iconic symbol of London.
* LONDON DOUBLE-DECKER BUS CONVERTED INTO HOTEL ROOM (The Metro)
Let's say you want to sleep inside an iconic symbol of London.
The royal residences are likely out of the question, until you can get Prince Harry to return your calls. And there's probably a night watchman at the British Museum to expel you if you linger past closing.
A better alternative: spend the night in a classic red double-decker bus that's been converted into a swanky hotel room.
That's the offer on the table at the South Causey Inn in County Durham, England, where owners Susan and Philip Mosier have turned a 1960s-era London bus into a luxurious—though somewhat cramped—two-story accommodation with one bedroom, a living room, a bathroom, and even a hot tub out back.
As you can imagine, the interior had to be gutted, but a few of the vehicle's original features remain, including the steering wheel and some seats.
A stay on the bus, which comfortably sleeps two, will set you back £220 (US$296) per night during the week or £250 (US$336) per night on Fridays and Saturdays.
Of course, for a lot less you could always buy tickets for one of London's myriad double-decker bus tours and just sleep through that.
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A photo posted by Katy Wheeler (@katyjourno) on Aug 11, 2016 at 9:38am PDT
Our Travel Briefing appears each weekday morning, Monday to Friday. Catch up on past installments by clicking here. For more updates, as well as vacation photos and travel tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
