Rome bans snacking in some areas

If you plan to visit Rome's historic wonders this summer, don't pack a lunch.

The city has issued a ban on snacking near the sites in the city's historical center under penalty of fines ranging up to $80 US.

The reason: Too much litter and too many drunks and loiterers.

The ban was issued July 10 and goes into effect this weekend, running through the end of October. It follows an earlier crackdown on street vendors.

The no-snacking-near-monuments policy may be difficult to thoroughly enforce. Through the first five months of this year, an estimated 7.6 million foreign tourists have visted Rome.

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ON THE WEB
• Rome Historic Sites & Interpretive Centers
• Dowd's Guides

US Airways dropping in-flight flicks

US Airways will stop showing movies on flights beginning in November.

The airline cites improved fuel efficiency as the reason since the movie systems weigh about 500 pounds each. In addition, since it costs $5 per person to rent headphones, usage has dropped as airfares have increased.

Movies now are shown only on flights scheduled to last 2½ hours or more.

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ON THE WEB
• Dowd's Guides

World's top 10 'bargain' hotels

Rising airline prices and gasoline costs are making travel a lot pricier for most people these days, but that doesn't mean you still can't get good lodgings at reasonable prices.

The top 10 list of best hotels charging $250 or less per night, compiled from reader responses to an annual poll by Travel + Leisure magazine, has just been released. (You can get all the categories online here.)

1. Domaine des Hauts de Loire
Onzain, France (shown above)

2. The Balsams Grand Resort
Dixville Notch, NH

3. Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver
Vancouver, Canada

4. Inn at the Market
Seattle, WA

5. Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Bangkok, Thailand

6. Fairmont Acapulco Princess
Acapulco, Mexico

7. Hotel Vintage Plaza
Portland, OR

8. Mena House Oberoi
Cairo, Egypt

9. Richmond Hill Inn
Asheville, NC

10. JW Marriott
Bangkok, Thailand

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ON THE WEB
• Dowd's Guides