Have you always wanted your own golf course?

If so, I have the deal for you. Buy this very good course and you not only become superintendent, director of golf, and all around clubhouse head honcho, but you can be mayor and sheriff as well.

A few months ago I wrote about unique Lajitas, a resort in the middle of nowhere on the Texas/Mexico border fashioned from an entire historic Old West ghost town. Developers turned it into a luxury resort with a new golf course, spa, and tons of amenities, all while preserving the cowboy character, right down to wooden sidewalks and original saloons.

Well I’m sticking to my guns when I say Lajitas is a fun and one of a kind place, but, at 250 miles from the nearest commercial airport, maybe it was just a tad too hard to get to. The 25,000 acre, 92-room resort went on the auction block last week after the original developer filed for bankruptcy, and for the right price, the golf course ownership dream could be yours. Creditors are hoping for a price of around $20 million (the previous owners have about $14 million in outstanding loans after buying the town for $4.5 million). The sale is being handled by Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services in Phoenix.

Photo courtesy Lajitas

Get ready for six major new ships in 2008

Starting to plan your cruises for 2008?

If new ships is your thing, you're in for a treat. No fewer than six new vessels will launch during the year -- one each from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Holland America and Celebrity, and two from MSC Cruises.

Four of the six ships, moreover, are entirely new designs.

For profiles of the newcomers, along with launch dates, itineraries and pricing, see my story in today's USA TODAY travel section, posted here. Then come back to this Cruise Log post and leave your thoughts on the new crop of vessels. Got a specific question about one of them? Ask away, and I'll answer in coming days.

Europe’s best kept golf travel secret

There are so many golf courses in Europe, it is hard to comprehend, and that includes a lot of legitimate hidden gems even in the most "discovered" places, like Ireland and Scotland. That is why any serious golf traveler who crosses the pond should get a copy of the Peugeot Golf Guide. This is to golf courses what the Michelin Guide is to restaurants. The green volume covers what it considers the top thousand courses in Europe, which is a lot, requiring about a 1000 pages for a pretty comprehensive (I have only failed to find a courses once or twice) list of every country in Europe. Each course is described and rated one a scale of 1-20 for excellence, with details on getting there, hours, rates and lodging and dining options. It is far better at what it does than any of the American books of its type, like Golf Digest’s Places to Play or the Zagat Survey, yet for some reason it remains unknown on these shores. It is updated bi-annually and the 2007/2008 edition is out now. You can get it at any major bookstore in Europe, or through Amazon for less than thirty bucks.

Holidays may bring harmony at Sea-Tac

After the brouhaha over Christmas trees placed in its main terminal last year, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will go secular during the upcoming holidays.

The new decoration chosen by the airport, by local designer Randy Trostle, will include a set of 18 concrete-and-cardboard birch trees — the tallest one is 30 feet — sitting on a bed of synthetic snow.

The display also features several hanging panels in the ticketing area that will depict local images: Mount Rainier, the San Juan Islands and a cityscape. The design is meant to convey harmony and peace, the airport says.

Last December, airport officials took down Christmas trees after a local rabbi asked to also place a menorah at the airport. His request triggered a national controversy over religious objects in public spaces.

The airport put the trees back up but formed a committee to consider a new design for this year.

AKRON, OHIO

Get a flu shot before you fly

Passengers can now get flu shots at Akron-Canton Airport. The clinic, operated by QuickClinic of Akron, is on the main concourse. Flu shots cost $35. Pneumonia shots cost $45. The clinic is open 5 to 11 a.m. daily. The service will be available for about 90 days.

LOS ANGELES

Smaller buses to serve FlyAway routes

Los Angeles International will begin using smaller buses in December for its FlyAway program, a public transportation system that links the airport to three stations in Southern California.

The larger buses typically weren't full, says airport spokeswoman Katherine Alvarado.

Wait times shouldn't lengthen after the switch, she says.

The new 21-passenger buses will use compressed natural gas instead of diesel fuel.

They will also offer reclining seats and free wireless Internet.

The system, with buses that run every 30 minutes, connects LAX to Union Station downtown, Westwood in west Los Angeles and Van Nuys in the San Fernando Valley.

Fares are $4 one way for adults. The stations also offer remote baggage check-in for air travelers.

ANCHORAGE

Concourse B getting an upgrade

Ted Stevens Anchorage International closed its nine-gate Concourse B in the South Terminal last week for a renovation project that will take two years. Several flights by Northwest and Alaska airlines have been moved to other gates on Concourse C, and United Airlines flights have been moved to Concourse A.

Also closed are several restaurants and shops: Burger King, Cloud Hopper Bar and Upper One lounge and a food court. They will reopen in 2009.

The two security checkpoints in the South Terminal will be consolidated into a larger area.

LITTLE ROCK

More food offerings booked

Concessions manager HMSHost plans to spend $2.3 million to upgrade food and beverage offerings at Little Rock National.

To be completed by fall 2008, the project consists of a new restaurant/bar after security that will feature some locally known menu options: Lindsey's Barbecue, Diamond Bear beer and Yarnell's ice cream. A Quiznos Sub shop and a second Starbucks will be installed near baggage claim.

National Park Service suspends popular Hawaii bike tour

HONOLULU (AP) — The National Park Service has suspended commercial bicycle tours within Haleakala National Park after the third fatal bike accident there in a year.

The bike trips are one of the most popular tourist activities on Maui. About 90,000 tourists a year pay $100 to $150 for the thrilling ride down the world's largest dormant volcano. They are driven by a van to the 10,000-foot summit of Haleakala. Without much pedaling, the tourists get on rented bicycles and take a downhill scenic ride for about 38 miles along a two-lane, bending highway.

The suspension order was to take effect Oct. 10 and would last at least 60 days while officials analyze the situation.

The suspension affects seven companies that hold permits to operate within Haleakala. The permits, known as commercial use authorizations, were terminated.

The order does not ban bicyclists from riding in the park on their own.

Park Superintendent Marilyn H. Parris said the Park Service needs to make a determination if bicycle tours can safely operate in the park.

"Administratively, I feel we've done all we could do," she said. "We required safety plans. We've put more regulations. We've been enforcing more and yet the severity and the number of accidents continue."

Roberta Blake of Amherst, Ohio, was killed in October when she lost control of her bicycle while on a tour and crossed the double yellow line into the path of an oncoming van.

Blake, 65, was on a tour with Maui Mountain Cruisers. The vehicle that struck her was owned by another tour company, Maui Downhill.

In March, a 44-year-old woman was killed when she went off the roadway, and in November, a man died after falling off his bicycle, the National Park Service said.

Two people were also seriously injured in May in separate incidents when they ran off the road and crashed into rocks. One was an experienced downhill bike tour guide.

Haleakala Chief Ranger Mark Tanaka Sanders said the last three accidents occurred during good conditions.

Ben Hall, owner of Haleakala Bike Co., expects a boost in business from the suspension. His company is just one of two bike tour operators with a permit to operate vehicle tours in Haleakala. He will continue operating guided tours inside a van and allow patrons to bike downhill near the park entrance, at about the 6,800-foot elevation.

The Park Service said operators will have 30 days to respond and provide information before it makes a final determination on the future of bike tours within the park. Parris would not rule out a permanent ban.

10 great places to discover Italy — in America

There'll be amore and more in Italian neighborhoods across the USA this Columbus Day weekend. MarioBatali, award-winning chef, TV personality and restaurateur (Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca in New York), shares his favorite Little Italys.

Murray Hill
Cleveland

"Corbo's Bakery has the best cassata (cake) I have tried in the USA," Batali says. "Every August, the Feast of the Assumption is celebrated in Little Italy with a four-day party." Don't overlook the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Botanical Garden, theater at Playhouse Square Center, Cleveland Orchestra and enough ethnic restaurants to eat your way around the globe without leaving town. littleitalycleveland.com

Little Italy
Manhattan

"Even though it no longer resembles its 19th-century heyday, there is still a great deal that is authentic here. On Grand Street, stop by Di Palo Fine Foods for a Ph.D. lesson in the various ages of Parmigiano Reggiano. Stroll down the street to Caffe Roma on Broome Street for the ultimate Italian pastry and a perfect caffè corretto, a shot of espresso with a shot of liquor, usually grappa, brandy or sambuca," Batali says. littleitalynyc.com

Federal Hill
Providence

"Stop by Scialo Brothers Bakery and then head to Venda Ravioli for a beautiful lunch with fresh pasta made every day from scratch, all served in a delightful little piazza with opera music blaring from tiny speakers in a Fellini-style setting," Batali says. Stay at the ultra-modern Hotel Dolce Villa on the same little piazza, then catch one of the season's final WaterFire events, spectacular bonfire displays on the river. goprovidence.com

North Beach
San Francisco

"Palermo Delicatessen has imported foods from Sicily and other regions of Italy. Folks line up for the Dungeness crab salad sandwich and toasted focaccia," Batali says. "Stella Pasticceria e Caffe, also in the neighborhood, was a favorite of Pavarotti. Have the prized sacripantina cake, a spongecake made with rum. Two other local favorites: Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store, which serves delicious meatball focaccia sandwiches, and Molinari Delicatessen, famous for its salami and other dried meats." sfnorthbeach.org

Arthur Avenue
The Bronx

"Less touristy than its downtown counterpart, here are a few great spots you must try in this vibrant Little Italy," Batali says. "Many of the city's best chefs buy their seafood at Cosenza's Fish Market, where people enjoy the outdoor clam bar and oyster bar. Biancardi's butcher shop sells everything from prime steaks and chops to whole baby goats and tripe. Around the corner on 187th Street at De Lillo Pastry Shop, the anise-scented biscotti are among my faves." ilovethebronx.com

Little Italy
Chicago

"All along Taylor Street, the main thoroughfare here, you'll find a bunch of Italian restaurants — from bakeries and sandwich shops to fine dining," Batali says. "Taylor Street also has the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. The Original Ferrara Bakery on Taylor Street is still here. Sixteen-year-old Salvatore Ferrara brought the art of Italian pastry-making and confectionery with him when he emigrated in 1900. Ferrara's has some of the best cannoli in the city." choosechicago.com

9th Street Italian Market
Philadelphia

"This outdoor market epitomizes the quintessential foods we associate with Little Italy, with stalls selling roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella, cannoli, fresh pasta," Batali says. "John's Water Ice, two blocks over on 7th and Christian Street, is a South Philadelphia institution. It's a favorite spot for water ice, a combination of fruit or syrup and shaved ice." Also in the 9th Street corridor: Philly's dueling cheesesteak establishments, Geno's and Pat's. phillyitalianmarket.com

The Hill
St. Louis

"After playing a round of bocce ball at the courts in Berra Park, stop by Adriana's on Shaw Avenue for poetic caponata, a Sicilian eggplant dish, the famous pasta pie with a meat crust special and other Sicilian delights. Then find the deep-fried city treasure, toasted ravioli, at Mama Toscano's," Batali says. explorestlouis.com

Little Italy
San Diego

"Assenti's Pasta on India Street makes their pasta fresh here on a noisy contraption in the back room, and Roberto and Luigi Assenti will sell you any one of 44 varieties," Batali says. The annual Little Italy Precious Festa, Oct. 13-14, featuring music, food and more, draws 130,000-plus visitors. littleitalysd.com

The North End
Boston

"The best and most acclaimed cafe in the area is the deluxe Caffè Vittoria on Hanover Street. The décor is a mixture of pretension and authenticity. The coffee is remarkable, and the gelati are superior. Coconut and chocolate are top-selling flavors," Batali says. "Mike's Pastry, down the street, is another great spot." Order the lobster tail, a crusty baked pastry shell with a sweet, creamy filling named for its shape. northendboston.com

Discount All-Business Airlines Soaring

here is another sign that the discount all-business class airlines flying between the lucrative New York market and two London secondary airports may be taking business away from the major carriers.

American Airlines has announced it will add a second daily flight from New York to Stansted Airport in May.

Three discount carriers -- Silverjet, Eos and MaxJet -- are flying to Stansted and Luton, both uncongested airports 25 miles outside central London. All three airlines feature lie-flat or nearly lie-flat seats for 48 to 100 passengers on big planes designed to carry up to 220.

Silverjet, the latest entry, flies Boeing 767 wide bodies configured with 100 lie-flat seats from New York's Newark Liberty Airport to Luton. Its fares are less than half of the usual business class fares on major carriers, which can run $5,000 or more.

These major carriers fly mostly into Heathrow, which has been beset this summer with a toxic combination of congestion, delays, long security lines and lost luggage. Silverjet reports that its passenger load factor during the summer was a whopping 80 percent; the airline has now added a second daily flight to Newark.

On a recent trip on Silverjet, it was easy to see why. Check-in and luggage check at Newark take place in a lounge, followed by a fast track, hassle-free trip through security.

Upon arrival at Luton Airport immigration, baggage retrieval and customs took under 10 minutes. A rail link is just a five minute shuttle ride away, and the express trip to Kings Cross Station takes 21 minutes. The reverse commute was equally smooth.

Onboard, the cabin crew seemed genuinely interested in their passengers' comfort, and both the outbound and return flights operated within minutes of schedule.

British Airways Bumps Up Fleet

British Airways has announced its long anticipated aircraft purchase to upgrade its aging and gas guzzling fleet of long-haul jumbo jets, including the 747-499. This is good news for Boeing and even better news for the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

Hawaiian Air granted approval to fly to Philippines

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaiian Airlines says it has received approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to fly non-stop between Honolulu and the Philippines.

Hawaiian will launch the service in March 2008 using its 264-passenger Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. It will be the only carrier with direct service between Honolulu and Manila.

Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian's president and CEO, said considering the cultural and historic ties between Hawaii and the Philippines, he is confident there will be great demand for the flights.

Hawaii has nearly 300,000 residents of Filipino descent, representing 23.5% of the population, according to Hawaiian.

Qantas, Jetstar start C02 offset programs for passengers

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) — Australia's flagship Qantas Airways Ltd. and its popular budget carrier Jetstar have launched a program allowing passengers to offset the carbon dioxide emissions their flights cause.

The scheme allows travelers to calculate the per-passenger emissions of their flights and buy carbon dioxide credits that would be paid to a variety of environmental projects, the airline said in a statement.

A flight from Australia to Los Angeles generates around 1.4 tons of greenhouse gases per passenger, which the airline says can be offset by paying about $14.50 (U.S. currency) per flight.

The money would be spent on government-approved carbon dioxide abatement schemes, including grants for renewable energy sources, tree-planting projects and improvements to energy efficiency.

The aviation industry accounts for about 2% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions and has come under increasing pressure from environmental campaigners.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Australia | Quantas Airways

Qantas and Jetstar are the latest airlines to join the rush to improve their green credentials. Australia's second-largest carrier, Virgin Blue, launched a similar program earlier this year.

Critics say carbon offset programs do not have a major impact on greenhouse gas emissions, but make consumers to feel better about polluting the environment because they pay a fee.

To launch the program, Qantas said it would plant 90,000 native eucalyptus trees across Australia to offset the carbon dioxide emissions for all its domestic and international flights.

Qantas Chief Executive Geoff Dixon said Wednesday's so-called "Fly Carbon Neutral Day" would offset some 40,000 tons of greenhouse gases from around 950 short and long-haul flights.