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Travelers heading to Europe this year can expect certain changes from years past. For one thing, countries in Eastern Europe are increasingly opening their borders, allowing for travelers to go from country to country without stopping for a passport check, and smoke-free sections in trains have become standard in much of Europe. CNN/Tribune Media Services (1/29)

The Caribbean, like so many other vacation spots, is offering cut-rate bargains, even during its peak season, as the region struggles with slow tourism amid a tough economy. Caribbean packages have been seen on the major online travel sites priced at 30% to 50% off, and the U.S. Virgin Islands has an Extended Winter Escape promotion offered through March. The New York Times (1/25)

The warm climate and the excitement of the Super Bowl are attracting many Pittsburgh Steelers fans to Tampa, Fla., travel agents say. AAA travel agency offered a package priced at nearly $4,700 per person, and demand for it was strong, even during the current economic downturn. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (1/29)

Government agencies are reportedly looking into violations of the a U.S. law that requires foreign-flagged cruise ships to make a legitimate call at a foreign port while running an itinerary that focuses on the U.S. The crackdown targets cruise lines that run itineraries between the West Coast and Hawaii and make a brief stop at a foreign port such as Ensenada, Mexico. ModernAgent.com (12/7)

From the Central Park Zoo to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, three days in New York may not be enough to see everything, but it gives a visitor the opportunity to at least sample the city. This Hemispheres magazine feature offers suggestions for places to eat, sleep, tour and experience. Hemispheres

Airlines, airport officials and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Thursday revealed 100 recommendations to solve congestion problems. Carriers and the Port Authority oppose proposals that would limit flights during peak hours. The propositions include improving flight routes and adopting updated technology, among others. The New York Times (12/7)

As part of a variety of last-minute policies that have been imposed by the Bush administration, the Department of Homeland Security will start collecting electronic records on foreign visitors, federal contractors, imported cargo and private planes. Companies are complaining that the measures are expensive and that sensitive information could get into the wrong hands. USA TODAY

Travel columnist Christopher Elliott says that while 85% of travelers say they are “environmentally conscious,” they are not willing to pay more for going green. Instead, travelers expect hotels, airlines and other travel suppliers to up their game. “Being green is so important that it shouldn’t become another marketing gimmick,” Elliott writes. “It should be a part of what you do every day — part of every travel company’s DNA.” MSNBC

The aviation industry wants to find an alternative to jet fuel after it got burned last summer. Continental Airlines is testing fuel made from the tropical shrub jatropha and algae. Air New Zealand flew a Boeing 747 last week with one of four engines running on a 50% biofuel mix. Specialists, however, say that the airlines may be just moving from one problem to another. The New York Times