California houses the headquarters of the world's top social media sites - Facebook, Twitter, Google, LinkedIn, Myspace - they're all here in the golden state. Tripl, a Sweden-based social travel startup, whipped up a lengthy infographic called "The Social Travel Revolution." Their studies note the impact of 'social' on travel. more ›

If you're planning on traveling outside the United States you'll need your passport, and if you need to get one or renew the one you've got, be advised that passport book and card fees will be going up this week. Effective Tuesday, July 13th, a basic passport will cost $135, which is a $35 increase from the current fee. more ›

In the final phase of a federal security transportation initiative, our borders are tightening even more beginning Monday. Those traveling by land or sea, will have to present a Passport or the newish Passport Cards when re-entering the states from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Similar rules have already been in effect for air travel after September 11th prompted the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. What if you mess up and don't have either after a weekend of debauchery across neighboring international lines? We will not deny entry to noncompliant travelers," a spokeswoman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection told the Chicago Tribune. However, those travelers will probably be put into secondary inspection as officers verify their identity. more ›

Back in 2004, Congress approved the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. It dictated that in order to cross the border back into the country from either of the United State's two neighbors, a passport would be required. Today, that law goes into effect.

Beginning today, Americans returning from Mexico and Canada must show valid passports, a sharp departure from previous regulations that let U.S. citizens use only a driver license as proof of residency. more ›