Inle Lake, Myanmar Real-life Waterworlds? In most of these water villages and towns, houses are built on stilts over the water and residents travel by boats, forming picturesque scenes that appeal to tourists. Their locations may be somewhat inaccessible and travelers may want to stay away during poor weather, but visiting these floating island communities offers a glimpse into a unique way of life that makes for a one-of-a-kind experience. After years of military rule that sparked a tourism boycott,...

Seen is an image photographer Mike Brodie snapped while train hopping across the U.S. (Mike Brodie) At 17 years old it only took jumping on one train in the wrong direction to inspire Arizona native Mike Brodie to try and travel across the U.S. by hopping on trains, hitchhiking and other modes of free transportation. It wasn't until he discovered a Polaroid camera in 2004 that he began taking pictures of his travels, giving others a snapshot into the lives...

(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File) WASHINGTON -- The head of the Transportation Security Administration told lawmakers Thursday he stands by his plan to allow passengers to carry small knives onto planes despite a growing backlash against the proposal. It's unlikely in these days of hardened cockpit doors and other preventative measures that the small folding knives could be used by terrorists to take over a plane, TSA Administrator John Pistole told a hearing of the House Homeland Security Committee. On the...

The Carnival Legend, a 2,100-passenger, 960-foot-long cruise ship arrives at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in this Nov. 8, 2002 file photo. Carnival Cruise Lines says another of its ships has experienced problems and is heading back to the Port of Tampa. (AP Photo/Carnival Cruise Lines, Andy Newman, File) TAMPA, Fla. -- Carnival Cruise Lines says another of its ships has experienced problems and is heading back to the Port of Tampa. Late Thursday, the company said "a technical...

Whether you’re native to Vermont or guest of The Green Mountain State, there are many opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Consider celebrating the season at one of Vermont’s top winter events. Selected by a panel of independent judges, these blue ribbon activities are chosen for their creativity, diversity, and widespread appeal. This year’s Vermont Chamber Top 5 Winter Events feature time-honored traditions as well as contemporary experiences across all regions of the state. Stowe Tour de Snow Where:...

(Brian Schott photo, courtesy of Lone Mountain Ranch) Big Sky, MT beckons to the family who loves to ski and play together. Big Sky Resort, Moonlight Basin and Lone Mountain Ranch combine 5,532 acres of unforgettable ski terrain, 4,450 vertical feet, 400 inches of annual snowfall, more than 80 kilometers of groomed ski trails with no lift lines, and sweeping panoramic mountain views to create a winter wonderland like no other. Big Sky boasts family-friendly activities for those of all...

When those winter blues start to creep up on you, it’s time for the blue skies and turquoise waters of The Palm Beaches. This charming stretch of South Florida became America’s First Resort Destination® back in 1894 for good reason. The Palm Beaches are the best way to experience Florida. Over 47 miles of pristine beachesYou won’t fight overbearing crowds, loud music or miles of traffic in this charming seaside locale. Instead, you’ll relax on tranquil stretches of the whitest...

a professional nature photographer from Amsterdam, travels the globe snapping pictures of the incredible world around him. While at art school for advertising and graphic design, Oosten never cared too much about photography calling it too “artsy-fartsy.” But while he was an art director he grew to appreciate “the power of still images.” Eventually, turning his photography hobby into a passion. “I really like the unpredictability of nature photography,” Oosten said over e-mail to Weather.com. “One moment it can be...

Disney Springs, as shown in this conceptual rendering, will feature a new gateway with a signature water tower and grand entry. (Credit: Walt Disney Parks and Resorts) LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Walt Disney World Resort announced plans Thursday to build an expanded outdoor retail complex called Disney Springs on the site of what is now called Downtown Disney. Construction will begin in April and new areas will open in phases with completion expected in 2016, the company said in...

Travelers who have “been there, done that” may want to check out the two-year, around-the-world vacation being offered on British luxury website, , which promises a trip to all 962 . Touted as the world’s most expensive vacation package at £990,000 (approximately $1.5 million), the website’s “Every Heritage Site in One Holiday” offer takes travelers through 157 countries, and includes stops at the Taj Mahal in India, Cambodia’s Angkor temples, Alhambra in Spain, Machu Picchu in Peru, and Petra in...

The National Park Service marked the 50th anniversary of the closure of the Alcatraz federal penitentiary on Thursday with an exhibit of recently discovered photographs of the prison's final day on March 21, 1963. Once known as "The Rock," Alcatraz became a national park in 1972 and is one of California's most popular tourist attractions with about 1.5 million visitors a year. What was America's premier maximum-security prison is now home to stunning fauna and flora and sanctuary for numerous...

Due to sequestration cuts, small airports such as Opa-locka, Fla. which is a popular spot for corporate jets to land, will close its control tower in April to save federal transportation dollars. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) CHICAGO — Under orders to trim hundreds of millions of dollars from its budget, the Federal Aviation Administration released a final list Friday of 149 air traffic control facilities that it will close at small airports around the country starting early next month. (VIDEO: )...