Travel

President Obama plans to put $8 billion into high-speed and intercity rail this year. But many are skeptical about the investment. John Dimsdale reports that rail has not been a cost-effective transportation option worldwide.

Obese passengers who can't fit into their assigned seats on United Airlines flights will now be required to buy a second ticket -- even if there's an open seat. Jeremy Hobson reports.

With summer traveling season right around the corner, Kai Ryssdal speaks with airline analyst Richard Aboulafia about why earnings are expected to be down, and how consumers are helping the industry more than business travelers.

This week's violence in Thailand has hurt the country's tourism, which is already ailing from the financial crisis. Fortunately Thailand is effective enough with its PR to spearhead a rebound. Jennifer Collins reports.

Railroad CSX will announce first-quarter results later today, and analysts have scaled back predictions. Freight trains are carrying fewer cars these days, and rail can say a lot about the recession. Joel Rose reports.

With summer around the corner, the hospitality industry is worried more people might opt to stay at home instead of going on vacation. Sean Cole reports on how the vacation season is shaping up from Cape Cod, Mass.

Airlines saw fewer people on board last year, which meant a decrease in lost luggage and late flights. Caitlan Carroll reports which airlines would have been most likely to lose your bags or get you the most places last year.

To get consumers traveling again, airlines are slashing fares to compete with low-budget carriers like Southwest. As Tamara Keith reports, the low fares aren't hurting airlines as much as you may think.

Despite the city's notorious crime, some American tourists are successfully lured to Tijuana, Mexico to take advantage of a low-cost getaway. Phillip Martin reports how tourists and merchants alike are benefiting.

The economic downturn is causing some retirees to pick up and move out of the United States in search of a lower cost of living. Reporter Karen Weise journeyed to Panama where she met a retired parole officer originally from Detroit.