D.C. Metro, America's 'Best' Subway, May Shut Down For Months

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More than 829,000 people ride Metro on an average weekday...for now.

Officials announced that the Metro needs a massive overhaul that could take months.

A mere month ago, Washington, D.C.'s public transportation system, known as Metro, was rated the best in the country based on its efficiency. But that crown may be in jeopardy: yesterday, Metro officials announced that the aging subway system is in such dire need of repair that entire lines may be shut down for up to six months.

D.C.'s Metro is the country's second-largest subway system by ridership, with 271 million riders annually. It does not run 24 hours a day, and until now, most repair work has been done at night when the subway is closed, or on weekends. Officials, however, say it is not enough to address all the problems. "The system right now, in order to do the maintenance that needs to be done, cannot be done on three hours a night and on weekends. It just can’t," said Metro Board Chairman and City Council Member Jack Evans, at an invitation-only summit.. "So in order to do repairs that are necessary, it may come to the point where we have to close the entire Blue Line for six months. People will go crazy. But there are going to be hard decisions that have to be made in order to get this fixed."

In the meeting that included high-ranking city officials, business executives and transit experts, Evans twice singled out the Blue Line, which runs from Northern Virginia to Lake Largo in Maryland and stops at popular tourist destinations like the Smithsonian museums and Foggy Bottom, but made sure to emphasize that any of the system's six lines could be subject to long-term closures. At the same meeting, officials emphasized the "dire" need for an increase in annual funding of $1 billion; adding that they expect to decide on closures within a month to six weeks.

D.C. residents were given a preview of the mayhem that unfolds without its subway, when on March 16 the entire system was closed for the day for emergency track maintenance. After the one-day shutdown led to increased congestion both on the road and in the bike lane, officials have vocally expressed concern about what it could mean for commuters if the system was even partially closed for months. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser, who was reportedly not given advance warning of the one-day closure, expressed her concerns in a very Washingtonian (read: ambiguous) way: "Shutting down Metro for one workday was an inconvenience; shutting it down for months at a time will have far-reaching consequences for riders and the entire region,” said her spokesperson Michael Czin. Bowser herself called it a "Homeland Security event," likening it to a blizzard or hurricane.

Written by Sebastian Modak, www.cntraveler.com

Travelore Tips: Free Things To Do In Washington, D.C.

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Towering columns and arches line the perimeter of the National Building Museum's lobby.

Photograph by Tyler Metcalfe, National Geographic Travel

Washington, D.C., is full of memorials and museums to visit, many of which are free to explore. But dig a little deeper, and you'll find even more activities and sites that don't cost a thing. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Attractions

The National Building Museum, acclaimed for its architectural splendor, celebrates the history and methods of architecture, design, and engineering through exhibitions and hands-on activities. There is a fee to see the exhibitions ($8 for adults; $5 for those under the age of 17, seniors, and students), but access to the Great Hall is free, as are tours of the historic building, offered every day at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m., based on docent availability. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prearranged guided tours of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms of the Department of State are conducted Monday to Friday at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 2:45 p.m. While touring the rooms used for official functions hosted by the secretary of state and other government officials, visitors learn about the 18th-century American furniture, paintings, and other decorative arts housed in the rooms. Reservations must be made at least 90 days in advance.

The U.S. Supreme Court offers public lectures every hour beginning on the half hour, Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on days when the Court is not sitting. On certain Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from October to April, visitors may listen to an oral argument heard by the Supreme Court. Seating is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Refer to the calendars posted online for a schedule of arguments and court sessions.

The National Mall and Memorial Parks are some of the most famous free attractions in D.C. Try visiting the monuments—such as the Lincoln Memorial,the World War II Memorial, and the FDR Memorial—at night to enjoy dramatic lighting and smaller crowds. The monuments are open 24 hours a day; rangers are on duty from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. to answer questions.

The U.S. Botanic Garden is a great place to visit, rain or shine. Find permanent exhibits such as the primeval landscape of ferns inside the Conservatory, walk through the home landscape demonstration garden of Bartholdi Park, or experience the National Garden, which focuses on mid-Atlantic plants. Check the website for a list of free events, including tours and lectures. Some preregistration is required. The Conservatory and National Garden are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Bartholdi Park opens at 10 a.m. and closes at dusk.

The National Geographic Society headquarters is home to the National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall. View changing photography exhibitions on a variety of scientific, geographic, and cultural themes daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The full gallery spaces are ticketed and charge admission for entry.

Visitors are welcome to tour the Islamic Center of Washington, D.C., which includes a library and mosque. The center offers free Arabic classes and courses on Islam. Contact the center through its website for details and schedules.

The African American Civil War Memorial and Museum offers free tours and lectures about the role of African-American troops in the Civil War. Reservations are suggested for groups of 20 or more. Open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Admission is free at the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, which exhibits collections of American historical objects and more than 30 period rooms displaying antique furniture from the 17th to the early 20th centuries. The museum gallery is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Docent-led tours are every hour and half hour Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The period rooms are accessible for self-guided tours Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At the Kennedy Center, take a free guided tour of the Hall of States and Hall of Nations, the main theaters, and view the artwork and sculptures donated to the center by foreign countries. Tours depart approximately every ten minutes from the tour desk on the A level and are available Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On the first Sunday of every month, the National Museum of Women in the Artsoffers Free Community Days. View the museum's diverse permanent collection of art by women from the 16th century to the present and see rotating special exhibitions, such as a recent show that explored womanhood through Renaissance and baroque-era works depicting the Virgin Mary. Admission is always free to anyone age 18 and under. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Eastern Market, located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, welcomes visitors to browse a flea market, farmers market, and arts-and-crafts market. The farmers market is open Tuesday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The flea market is open Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Culture

At the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, see free performances of all types, from the National Symphony Orchestra to Afghan music and dance, daily at 6 p.m. A free shuttle bus transports guests from the Foggy Bottom Metro station to the Kennedy Center. After the show, take the elevator up to the roof for a free 360-degree view of the city lit up at night.

The Smithsonian Institution provides free admission to most of its 19 museums and the National Zoo. Many of the following also offer films, workshops, craft demonstrations, special tours, gallery talks, lectures, seminars, and/or performances (check each museum's website for details and schedules): the Anacostia Community Museum, the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, theNational Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of African Art, theNational Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Postal Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museumand the Renwick Gallery, and the Smithsonian Institution Building, also known as the Castle.

Take a guided tour of the Folger Shakespeare Library building, including a glimpse of Shakespeare's First Folio. The Folger is open to the public Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Docents lead tours Monday to Friday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. The reading room is open to the public every Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. At 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. every first and third Saturday of the month from April to October, docents lead tours of the Elizabethan Garden, the design of which was inspired by the Bard's plays.

The Library of Congress offers guided tours of the Thomas Jefferson Building Monday to Friday starting on every half hour from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and Saturday at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Visitors should arrive at least 15 minutes early for a security check.

Walk along the stretch of Massachusetts Avenue between Dupont Circle and the National Cathedral known as Embassy Row, and pass by many of the foreign embassies located in the District. Kids can go trick-or-treating at most of the embassies on Halloween.

The Carnegie Institute of Washington hosts free monthly lectures on timely scientific topics. These Capital Science Evenings were launched in 1990 to make science more accessible to the general public (and are now also available via webcast). Check the website for details and schedules; registration is recommended.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company's Happenings Happy Hour at the Harman Center for the Arts presents free monthly performances featuring local musicians, dancers, actors, and puppeteers, including the Washington Balalaika Society and Liz Lerman Dance Exchange. No reservations required; check the website for details.

Admittance to the National Gallery of Art Sunday Evening Concerts is on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating begins at 6 p.m.; concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of every month from May to October.

Explore Mexican culture and art at the Mexican Cultural Institute, a mansion turned art gallery. Open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. (only during exhibitions).

During the week, admission to the permanent collection at the Phillips Collection is by donation only (Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The cost of admission to a ticketed exhibition is $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. (The museum has extended hours every Thursday from 5 to 8:30 p.m.)

A dozen or so art galleries in Dupont Circle hold open houses on the first Fridayof the month from 6 to 8 p.m.

Experience the song, dance, performance, crafts, and food of diverse cultural traditions at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, held on the National Mall for two weeks every summer (overlapping the Fourth of July holiday).

The Folger Shakespeare Library celebrates Shakespeare's birthday on a Sunday in April from noon to 4 p.m. A variety of entertainment is offered, including performances, lectures, poetry readings, sword-fighting lessons for kids and, of course, birthday cake. Check the website for the date and full schedule of events.

The ethnically diverse Adams Morgan neighborhood hosts the Adams Morgan Day Festival on the second Sunday in September, offering food, crafts, and entertainment to celebrate the multicultural area.

Food/Drink

Enjoy complimentary wine tasting every Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bistrot Lepic's wine bar on Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown.

Check out Bar DC for a comprehensive listing of drink and food specials throughout the city.

Kids

The National Theatre hosts free performances for children Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Past shows include an interactive presentation of the story of baseball great Jackie Robinson by Bright Star Touring Theatre. Seats are limited; tickets are distributed 30 minutes before each show.

Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Zoo charges no admission. Giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian and their cub Bao Bao are the big attractions. The grounds are open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and exhibits are open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The National Building Museum hosts free annual family festivals featuring hands-on activities and performances. Check the website for the dates of the Discover Engineering Family Day, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Day, and the Big Build.

D.C.'s beloved Politics & Prose Bookstore holds occasional readings for children, as well as author talks for adults and other events that are free and open to the public.

The Smithsonian Institution offers many programs for children and families, including storytelling, special tours, family days, arts and crafts, and other hands-on activities. At the Imaginasia Family Program at the Freer and Sackler Gallery, children and adults view an exhibition and then make a craft related to the exhibit.

See an active beehive, a "water-wise garden," and other environmental exhibits at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center's planetarium presents shows exploring the solar system and galaxy on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Free tickets are available at the nature center's information desk a half hour before the show. Monthly evening stargazing sessions are hosted from April to November.

Outdoors

Walk, bike, or cycle the Mount Vernon Trail, an 18-mile stretch that runs from Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island and borders the Potomac River on the Virginia side, offering a great view of the D.C. skyline.

Dedicated to the 26th president—an avowed naturalist who loved to hike in the region's "wild" areas—Theodore Roosevelt Island offers roughly two and a half miles of peaceful pathways on boardwalk and gravel. Check the website for free ranger-led programs.

Explore 446 acres of gardens at the National Arboretum, including the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum (open Friday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the National Herb Garden, and the National Grove of State Trees. The arboretum grounds are open Friday to Monday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At Arlington National Cemetery, watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The guard changes every half hour from April 1 to September 30 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. and every hour for the rest of the year between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Explore the many offerings of Rock Creek Park, including the historic Peirce Mill and Barn, open Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. See a demonstration of corn grinding on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The park also offers free ranger-led programs through different trails and sites.

Dumbarton Oaks, a research institute run by Harvard University, includes ten acres of formal gardens. Although admission is charged from March 15 to October 31, you can visit for free from November 1 to March 14 between 2 and 5 p.m. The museum is open from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is always free. Closed Mondays.

Experience the famous National Cherry Blossom Festival in late March and early April. Highlights of the festival include a parade (grandstand tickets are $20, but viewing along the route between 9th and 15th Streets NW is free) and the Blossom Kite Festival, which showcases kites from around the country. Didn't bring one? Kids can make their own kites at an activity station. Some events are ticketed; check the website for details.

During the summer, bring your blanket and picnic supper to the National Mall and view classic films at the outdoor Screen on the Green. These free film screenings are shown at sunset every Monday from July to August.

Contributed by http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/

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OpenTable's 2015 Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants In America Revealed

After another long winter, OpenTable, the world's leading provider of online restaurant reservations, today unveiled the 2015 Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America. These awards reflect the combined opinions of more than 5 million restaurant reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners for more than 20,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

New restaurants made a strong showing in this year's awards, including 42 that opened in 2014 and one as recently as 2015. The complete list features award-winners in 25 states and Washington, D.C., and includes Gato in New York, RPM Steak in Chicago, and Spoon and Stable in Minneapolis. California boasts the greatest number of winning restaurants with 22, followed by Florida and New York with 13 each. Illinois and Texas have 11 and seven, respectively. Nevada has five winning restaurants, and Tennessee and Georgia have four. Louisiana, Minnesota, and South Carolina claim two winners apiece.

Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. are represented as well.
Global fare menus are fashionable, with standout restaurants serving Asian, Basque, Korean, Latin, Mediterranean, Mexican, and Polynesian dishes, among others. American cuisine, sushi, and steak are also popular.

"Whether they're new or well established, there's an intoxicating buzz in and around each of these restaurants," said Caroline Potter, OpenTable Chief Dining Officer. "With inspired concepts, energetic atmospheres, and incredible food and drink, these hot spots are where diners will experience delight and excitement in the year ahead."

The Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America are generated from more than 5 million restaurant reviews collected from verified OpenTable diners between March 1, 2014, and February 28, 2015. All restaurants with a minimum number of qualifying reviews were included for consideration. Qualifying restaurants were then sorted according to a score calculated from each restaurant's average rating in the "hot spot" category along with a minimum "overall" rating.

Based on this methodology, the following restaurants, listed in alphabetical order, comprise the Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America according to OpenTable diners.

2015 Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America

*Opened in 2014
**Opened in 2015

Adega Modern Mediterranean* – Cleveland, Ohio
Andrea's – Las Vegas, Nevada
B.B. King's Blues Club – Memphis, Tennessee
Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits* – San Diego, California
Bâoli Miami – Miami Beach, Florida
Barton G. The Restaurant* – Los Angeles, California
Bathtub Gin – New York, New York
The Bazaar by José Andrés at SLS Hotel South Beach – Miami Beach, Florida
Beauty and Essex – New York, New York
Bestia – Los Angeles, California
BO-beau kitchen + roof tap* – Long Beach, California
Buccan – Palm Beach, Florida
Buffalo Proper Plate & Pour* – Buffalo, New York
Cantina La Veinte* – Miami, Florida
Catch – New York, New York
Chino Latino – Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Church Key – West Hollywood, California
Ciccio's / Water – Tampa, Florida
Cleo-SLS* – Las Vegas, Nevada
Commissary at The Line Hotel* – Los Angeles, California
Cooks & Soldiers* – Atlanta, Georgia
Cork & Pig Tavern #2 – Odessa, Texas
Dirty French* – New York, New York
do Restaurant at the View – Atlanta, Georgia
Drunken Dragon* – Miami Beach, Florida
Edmund's Oast* – Charleston, South Carolina
El Camino Mexican Soul Food & Tequila Bar* – Delray Beach, Florida
El Vez – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Fat Rice – Chicago, Illinois
Fig & Olive* – Chicago, Illinois
Fixe Austin* – Austin, Texas
Gato* – New York, New York
Geronimo – New Haven, Connecticut
Girl & the Goat – Chicago, Illinois
Gjelina – Venice, California
Graffiato* – Richmond, Virginia
The Grey* – Savannah, Georgia
Grille 401 – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
HG SPLY CO – Dallas, Texas
The Hudson Room* – Peekskill, New York
Hydraulic Hearth* – Buffalo, New York
Ironside Fish & Oyster* – San Diego, California
Juju Asian Tapas + Bar** – Durham, North Carolina
Juniper & Ivy* – San Diego, California
Katana – West Hollywood, California
Kettner Exchange* – San Diego, California
Koi – West Hollywood, California
Kona Grill* – El Paso, Texas
La Esquina – New York, New York
The Lark – Santa Barbara, California
Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar – Boston, Massachusetts
Matador Room-The Miami Beach EDITION* – Miami Beach, Florida
Mercantile Dining and Provision* – Denver, Colorado
Momotaro* – Chicago, Illinois
MUA – Oakland, California
The Nest – Indian Wells, California
O-Ku – Charleston, South Carolina
Odd Duck – Austin, Texas
OSO* – Sonoma, California
Parachute* – Chicago, Illinois
Pitch Coal-Fire Pizzeria – Omaha, Nebraska
Prohibition Restaurant & Speakeasy* – Miami, Florida
Pump* – West Hollywood, California
The Purple Room – Palm Springs, California
Red Ginger – Traverse City, Michigan
Republique – Los Angeles, California
RoCA* – Des Moines, Iowa
Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar – Orlando, Florida
Rose. Rabbit. Lie. at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas* – Las Vegas, Nevada
RPM Italian – Chicago, Illinois
RPM Steak* – Chicago, Illinois
Shakou Sushi – Libertyville, Illinois
Sinema* – Nashville, Tennessee
Social Southern Table and Bar – Lafayette, Louisiana
Spoon and Stable* – Minneapolis, Minnesota
STK-NYC-Meatpacking – New York, New York
STK-The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – Las Vegas, Nevada
STK-Washington, D.C.* – Washington, D.C.
Sub Zero Vodka Bar – St. Louis, Missouri
SumoMaya Mexican-Asian Kitchen – Scottsdale, Arizona
Sunda – Chicago, Illinois
Sur Restaurant – West Hollywood, California
Sushi POP – Oviedo, Florida
The Sutler* – Nashville, Tennessee
Tao Downtown – New York, New York
Tao Restaurant and Nightclub – Las Vegas, Nevada
Teak on the Hudson* – Hoboken, New Jersey
Three Dots and a Dash – Chicago, Illinois
Three Muses – New Orleans, Louisiana
Toku Modern Asian – Manhasset, New York
TORO – New York, New York
The Tropicale – Palm Springs, California
Uchi – Houston, Texas
Ulele* – Tampa, Florida
UMI – Atlanta, Georgia
Union 50* – Indianapolis, Indiana
Untitled – Chicago, Illinois
Virago – Nashville, Tennessee
Vitello's – Studio City, California
Whiskey Cake* – San Antonio, Texas

Etihad Airways to fly Boeing 787 to Washington, DC.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will deploy a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on its daily Washington, DC service from March 11, 2015, marking the US debut of its next generation First, Business and Economy class products.

The airline's acclaimed interiors for the Boeing 787-9 include eight First Suites, 28 Business Studios and 199 Economy Smart Seats, offering superior levels of comfort, entertainment and in-flight connectivity. Onboard décor and lighting have been inspired by contemporary Arabian design, complementing Etihad Airways' new 'Facets of Abu Dhabi' livery design.

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "As the most technologically advanced aircraft in its class, the Boeing 787 will reduce the operating costs and carbon emissions on our Washington, D.C. route and provide maximum efficiency and reliability. Importantly, we have customized the aircraft with the world's most innovative and sophisticated First, Business and Economy class cabins, providing our guests with superior levels of comfort and attention to detail not previously enjoyed by the modern air traveler."

Etihad Airways commenced its daily non-stop flights between Abu Dhabi and Washington, D.C. in March 2013, creating the first direct air link between the two capitals. The service has attracted strong demand from government and business travellers, and has also supported the continued growth of leisure travel between and beyond the two cities.

Guests travelling to Washington, D.C. experience the unique benefit of arriving having pre-cleared US Customs and Border Protection at Abu Dhabi Airport. The process allows passengers to pass through all required checks including US customs, immigration and security before they board their flight to the US, enabling them to avoid queues on arrival.

Another key benefit of US preclearance is that baggage security screening meets United States TSA security standards, allowing air travellers who connect onto a domestic flight in the US to have their baggage checked through from Abu Dhabi to their final destination.
Guests travelling from Washington, D.C. have the convenience of an attractively timed evening departure, allowing them to travel after completion of their business day.

Etihad Airways' premium guests are also provided with access to the airline's lounge at Dulles International Airport. The split-level facility offers soothing relaxation spaces, elegant fine dining areas, state-of-the-art business amenities, family entertainment areas, and luxurious bathrooms with invigorating shower facilities. With a prime location next to Etihad Airways' departure gate in Terminal A, it also provides unfettered and convenient direct access to the aircraft without having to go through a traditional departure gate.

Washington, D.C. is one of six destinations served by Etihad Airways in the United States, alongside San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago and New York.

Mr Hogan said: "Etihad Airways operates 45 flights a week to and from the US and connects the country with our extensive global network, including 34 destinations in the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. We continue to experience strong demand for travel between the US and India, where we serve 11 cities in our own right and 15 in combination with our partner Jet Airways, providing unparalleled reach into the country. In addition, our guests benefit from some of the fastest journey times in the industry from Washington D.C. to popular destinations such as Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai."

Etihad Airways' order for two variants of the B787 (-9 and -10), is one of the largest for the type, totalling 71 aircraft. The lightweight composite materials used in the aircraft mean that the B787 uses up to 30 per cent less fuel than other aircraft in its category and therefore produces a comparable reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. New technologies are also used to ensure its noise footprint is more than 60% smaller than other aircraft of its size.
Etihad Airways schedule for Washington D.C. flights, effective March 15, 2015:

Flight No. Origin Departs Destination Arrives Frequency Aircraft
EY 131 Abu Dhabi (AUH) 11:30 a.m. Washington D.C. (IAD) 6:45 p.m. Daily B787
EY 130 Washington D.C. (IAD) 10:50 p.m. Abu Dhabi (AUH) 7:45 p.m.+1 Daily B787
Note: All departures and arrivals are listed in local time.

Long Layover? The HotelsByDay App Will Book You A Daytime Stay

Credit: © HotelsByDay.com

By Nikki Ekstein

If you've ever had a long layover, taken a one-day business trip, or spent a day channeling Don Draper, you’ll appreciate the value proposition of HotelsByDay, a new app that allows travelers to book hotel rooms without having to pay for the full night’s stay. Available free for Android and iOS, it’s the first app to offer “intra-day” reservations—that is, bookings between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., after early check-out passengers have departed and before late check-in travelers arrive. It’s a great idea—founder Yannis Moati says roughly 34 percent of all 3- to 5-star hotel rooms go unoccupied during the day, and there are more than a handful of reasons why travelers would want to buy in.

So far, the app is available in five markets: New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., though a few searches outside these parameters did yield results (an indication that the app will likely expand quickly). In New York, for instance, we found availability at an airport hotel ($140 for eight hours) and at the design-centric GEM hotel, in Midtown ($65 for an 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. reservation)—ideal options for that unexpected layover or mid-day meeting. In Miami, an as-yet unsupported market where we might want to freshen up between a flight and a cruise departure, a Renaissance hotel showed up for $95, conveniently located right next to the port. Clearly the HotelsByDay team has carefully thought through the demands of each market.

We’ll tip our hat to Moati and his team not just for launching a well designed, considered app, but for finding a way to innovate in a space where we’d thought we’d seen it all.

Nikki Ekstein is an Assistant Editor at Travel + Leisure and part of the Trip Doctor news team. Find her on Twitter at @nikkiekstein.

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