The city of Oslo is converting 80 municipal buses to run on biomethane captured from human waste, a novel, if somewhat disgusting, approach to cutting CO2 emissions and meeting Norway's ambitious plan to be carbon-neutral by 2050.

Beginning in September, the two sewage treatment plants in Norway's capital will collect methane, a byproduct of the microbial process that breaks down sewage, and pump it into city buses. City officials say the switch will cut fuel costs and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by both the treatment plants and the buses.

"Oslo aims to be one of the most environmentally sustainable capitals in the world," project manager Ole Jakob Johansen told the Guardian. "Using biomethane makes sense. Not only would the biomethane otherwise be wasted, but the reduction in emissions per bus will go a long way to achieving our carbon-neutral target." Biomethane advocates say using the wonder gas — keep those jokes to yourself, please — for fuel not only improves air quality, it can turn rural communities into alt-fuel producers. California's pro-biomethane camp claims collecting methane from the state's 1.7 million dairy cows would produce eight billion cubic feet of methane a year, the equivalent to more than 150 million gallons of gasoline. Of course, that's less than half the 390 million gallons of gasoline the United States sucks down each day, but it's still nothing to sneeze at.

Poo-to-pump fuel may sound gross, but it isn't like there are guys in hazmat suits shoveling raw sewage into gas tanks. Biomethane is produced during a four-phase process called anaerobic digestion that uses microorganisms to break down everything from human waste and leftover food to lawn clippings and stuff swept from the slaughterhouse floor.

Until now, much of the methane produced by Oslo's sewage treatment plants was flared off into the atmosphere, releasing about 17,000 tons of CO2. But with the city concerned by a big jump in transportation-related air pollution, which has climbed 10 percent since 2000 and contributes to more than half of the country's annual CO2 emissions, officials decided to capture the stuff and burn it in buses. It's a net-zero carbon equation because the carbon originally came from the atmosphere, city officials say. Even when you account for the electricity used to make the gas, the switch will save 44 tons of CO2 per bus per year.

Setting up the initial infrastructure required for biomethane production ain't cheap, but the gas that gets produced is. Bean counters in Oslo say that on average biomethane gas will be €0.40 ($0.50) cheaper per liter than diesel, while conversion will require only minor modification to the buses.

And it turns out Oslo has more than enough sludge to work with. The city's two sewage plants can crank out enough biomethane to power all 80 of the buses involved in the trial. Should the program succeed, it will be expanded to all 400 city buses by producing methane from household and restaurant food waste.

If you've ever tried to book a multi-destination airfare online or a round-the-world ticket, you know that it's not as easy as a basic point to point flight. In fact, travelers often tend to book more complicated airfares through a bricks and mortar travel agency or if they do attempt to book online, they proceed by purchasing individual sectors separately, possibly paying a lot more for one-way fares and forgoing frequent flyer points.

To ease the burden and encourage travelers to stay loyal to their global frequent flyer program, Oneworld -- which includes American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Malev, Qantas and Royal Jordanian -- has introduced a special section on its website (www.oneworld.com) to make a multi-stop trip on its ten member airlines a seamless booking experience. The round-the-world booking tool allows you to plan and/or book either a round-the-world trip or a multi-city itinerary through six continents with multiple segments and relatively few restrictions.

Before you get started, you will need to have Flash version 9 or higher installed on your computer (or be willing to download it through the link provided) and allow pop-ups/cookies (I learned the hard way. because if you don't allow pop-ups, you will lose all your research when you try to make the booking). Also if you don't think you can complete your itinerary in one session (or are browsing for a later booking date), make sure to save your itinerary, either to your computer or to the Oneworld website, if you want to access your work again later.

You can also choose to save your itinerary and send it directly to your favorite airline or travel agency if you would prefer to book directly through them. To start, choose whether you would like a round-the-world search, round-the-world search plus booking, or a multi-city itinerary. Then, the first screen that comes up is a world map with hundreds of destination dots (unfortunately the screen isn't large enough to show the entire world so you need to know your geography a bit and scroll across, up and down). You begin by choosing your departure city and then click on subsequent cities that you want to include.

A great feature that I particularly like is that you can actually identify whether you wish to fly between sectors or will travel by surface, for example you may want to fly from Boston to London, then to Prague but want to drive to Paris before flying to Spain and then home. You then choose your flights based on airline (if multiple airlines service that route) departure time and flight time. Check seat availability and type of aircraft you'll be flying -- even your terminal departure and arrival locations appear so you can be fully informed.

You search for flights by dates but if you'd like to change the date, you don't need to scroll back or enter all the information again -- just a simple click on the calendar and you can change your dates for any sector. You can click on the "Fare Estimate" tab at any time to gauge the cost of each sector of a multi-city itinerary or the total. Prices are obviously the same as those offered on the individual airline's websites, in fact when you click on "make a booking" at the end of your search, you will be taken to your local country's Oneworld alliance member's website (in our case, American Airlines) to complete the booking.

The multi-airline, round-the-world ticket, or Explorer as it is known, is Oneworld's most popular product. The Explorer generated the largest portion of the $725 million earned by the alliance last year. There are certain restrictions with this ticket, but the website walks you through the process with ease. Cities on the map that are valid appear as green dots, whereas cities that are invalid (not part of the fare regulations) appear as red diamonds. You will notice that once you have chosen a "green" city, it will turn red as you cannot visit the same city twice. If a direct flight is not available between two cities chosen, the website will route you through a central hub automatically.

The Explorer allows you 16 stops traveling to at least three Oneworld continents, or four from the Southern Hemisphere and Africa. Your route from one continent to another must move forward in a continuous westward or eastward direction, however, there are no backtracking restrictions so you are free to roam locally at will within a continent as long as you don't go back to your point of origin. I chose this (dream) sample itinerary and the entire process took me approximately ten minutes to complete: Los Angeles to Honolulu, Honolulu to Auckland, Auckland to Sydney, Sydney to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to New Delhi, New Delhi to Amman, Amman to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Rome, Rome to Madrid, Madrid to New York and then back to Los Angeles.

A four continent trip like this one in economy class is priced from $4, 400 plus taxes (this actual itinerary, traveling in April and May 2009 totaled $4,922 including taxes), a three continent itinerary is priced from $3,900 plus taxes, five will cost you $5,100 plus taxes and the big daddy of them all -- the six continent adventure will set you back around $6,000 plus taxes -- a bargain considering that it the ticket is valid for a year and you can fly in and out of 16 cities around the world. All up I found the research and booking process using the Onworld round-the-world- tool rather simple, once I played around with it for a while.

My only hiccup on the above itinerary is that I needed to forgo one of my desired destinations (Tahiti) as it was not covered on the route I was taking, and a few cities I chose within Europe required flying through London and I could only fly through London once so I had to remove them. Otherwise, the world was at my fingertips and within a reasonable budget. It seems that the "Oneworld" alliance is living up to its name, creating one website that gives you world access.

The bad news: The economy shows few signs of improvement. The good news: Our world is still as interesting and entertaining as ever. To strike a happy medium between saving and traveling, book one of the great deals below.

All prices are per person unless otherwise noted. See "The deal," "How much," and "When" for details about associated taxes, fees, and travel restrictions. Note that "How much" is our best estimate of what the trip will cost and that taxes and fees can vary based on point of departure and travel dates. Deals are subject to availability, so confirm before booking.

New York City

The deal: The boutique Buckingham Hotel's "SupercalifragilisticexpealaSavings Package" is perfect for the family: It includes a two-night stay for four people in a deluxe one-bedroom, four tickets to Broadway's Mary Poppins, and a CD of the show's music. Amenities include high-speed internet and a 24-hour fitness center.
How much: Starting at $798.
When: Whenever "Mary Poppins" plays (show dates are scheduled through July 5).
Typical cost for a similar trip: Around $1,160, depending on show seats.
Find it: www.buckinghamhotel.com/specials_and_packages/super_package.cfm or tel. 888/511-1900.

Las Vegas

The deal: JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa's "Kisssable Getaway Package" is the perfect way to show your love this Valentine's Day. The one-night stay includes accommodations for two in a deluxe guest room, a three-course dinner for two in Ceres restaurant, complimentary access to Aquae Sulis Spa, and an arrival amenity of champagne and chocolate kisses. Note that the resort is located in Summerlin, a 20-minute drive from the Strip.
How much: $199, not including tax.
When: Offered Feb. 12 to 15.
Typical cost for a similar trip: $349, not including tax.
Find it: www.jwlasvegasresort.com or tel. 877/869-8777.
Promotion code: PKGV

Paris

The deal: AMA Waterways' 14-day "Europe's Heartland Cruise" starts in Paris and ends in Prague with stops in Bernkastel, Wurzburg, and Bamberg. It includes three nights in Paris hotels including daily breakfast, seven cruise nights in an outside stateroom, all cruise meals, unlimited wine, transfers between boat and hotels, two nights in Prague hotels including daily breakfast, a daily sightseeing program, bicycles to use, and all local taxes.
How much: From $3,199 with no airfare; from $3,949 with airfare to France (based on double occupancy), not including a $98 port charge.
When: Departures from Apr. 22 through Oct. 29.
Typical cost for a similar trip: About $500 more.
Find it: www.tourvacationstogo.com/tour.cfm?npid=13556&nr=df3 or tel. 800/510-4002.

London

The deal: Experience Tours is offering a Wimbledon package that includes a reserved seat for one day at the championships, a luxury one-night stay with daily full English breakfast, return transfers from Southfields Underground Station to the Championship Club, an information pack containing a one-day London Travel Card, and admission to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum.
How much: From $858 (based on double occupancy), including tax.
When: Book and pay by Feb. 15 for travel between Jun. 22 and Jul. 5.
Typical cost for a similar trip: About 30% more.
Find it: www.keithprowse.com or tel. 800/669-8687.

Los Angeles

The deal: The Ayres Hotel Manhattan Beach is offering discounted rooms on January weekends; a one-night stay includes breakfast, use of a fitness center and swimming pool, and internet access.
How much: $99, double occupancy.
When: Weekends through Jan. 31.
Typical cost for a similar trip: $149.
Find it: www.hotels.com/hotel_ayres-hotel-manhattan-beach-lax_216606.html

Miami

The deal: The new Epic Hotel's grand-opening package includes one night's accommodations for two in a deluxe room, daily breakfast for two, and a free dessert with the purchase of an entrée in Area 31 restaurant.
How much: From $209.
When: Book by Jan. 23 to stay through Mar. 31 (blackout dates: Feb. 13-15).
Typical cost for a similar trip: More than $500.
Find it: www.kimptonhotels.com/landing-pages/promo_epichotel_2008.aspx or tel. 800/546-7866
Promotion code: EPIC

Hong Kong

The deal: Cathay Pacific's All Asia Pass includes roundtrip airfare between Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York to Hong Kong and up to four other Asian cities within 21 days.
How much: $1,499, not including tax.
When: Mon. through Wed. departures through Dec. 1.
Typical cost for a similar trip: Up to $3,000 or more.
Find it: www.cathayusa.com/offers/AllAsiaPass

Rome

The deal: Sceptre Tours' six-night all-inclusive journey to Rome, Florence, Naples, and Pompeii includes round-trip airfare, upscale hotel accommodations, private airport transfers, most meals, and two days of guided sightseeing in Rome.
How much: $1,799 (based on double occupancy).
When: Through Feb. 13, 2009 (departure dates from Feb. 14 through Mar. 31 cost slightly more).
Typical cost for a similar trip: Upwards of $2,400.
Find it: www.sceptretours.com/vacations/rome-all-inclusive or tel. 800/221-0924

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The deal: Riu's two Cabo resorts are all-inclusive, with buffet restaurants, nightclubs, a pool bar and sports bar, internet cafe, tennis courts, and fitness center - and they're offering an extraordinarily good deal.
How much: $102 per night.
When: Book through Jan. 30 to stay between Apr. 13 to 30.
Typical cost for a similar trip: Up to 30% more.
Find it: www.riu.com or tel. 888/RIU-4990.

When it comes to 2009's hottest travel destinations, think cheap--but there's no reason to think that will equal chintzy.

To keep visitors coming, top-shelf destinations no longer have top-shelf price tags. This year, four- and five-star hotels are offering unprecedented deals at in-demand spots like

What would you expect to pay for accommodations in a palatial, elegantly decorated suite in one of London’s most famously posh neighborhoods? One that occupies an entire floor of a regal Victorian building, just a cobblestone’s throw from ritzy boîtes, exclusive restaurants, and one of the world’s most glorious antiques markets? And one that allows you to entertain your own guests—buzzing them inside for cocktails with a private doorbell, as you would at your own apartment? Perhaps $300 a night? $400? How does $160 a night sound? It’s true: staying at Main House, an intimate boutique property in Notting Hill—one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Europe, if not the world—is almost cheaper than staying home. And it’s not the only hotel of its kind. For those who know where to look, there are actually lots of petite, extraordinary, wallet-friendly lodgings (where low prices reflect the property’s modest size, not a deficiency in style or a low-econo

Chic boutique lodgings—for under $250 a night—in the world’s most lavish metropolises

Fashion & Style CruiseAsia

Description: Yes fashionistas, pack your Prada and Manolo Blahniks. Experts will be onboard this China/Japan cruise offering a history of Asian fashion and providing shopping tips. Hear from Hong Kong–based shopping specialist Carole Klein, among others.
Why We Love It: Onboard activities include lectures, fashion-themed dinners, and even a showing of movies that feature fashion. And there’s a jewelry trunk show of creations by London-based jeweler Gerry Summers, who draws influences from ancient cultures. Onshore, you can explore the markets and fancy shopping malls guided by professional shoppers. Style is a focus, too—in Hong Kong, cruisers learn about such things as purchasing home furnishings made from traditional silk jacquards and velvets.
Details: April 5–20, 2009, on Crystal Serenity, Beijing to Hong Kong, visiting Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Osaka. Fare: $5,995 to $32,545 per person. (Annual cruise, but destinations change.)


Description: Fans of the legendary British band combine fun in the sun with a concert experience featuring the band Think Floyd USA: The American Pink Floyd Show, a four-year-old cover band. They’ll perform a retrospective of Pink Floyd’s classics accompanied by an elaborate light show and music. The real band’s singer and guitarist, David Gilmour, has even heaped praise on this group. Why We Love It: You won’t see a giant floating pig (which would be hard to pull off on a ship), but you will hear all the classics and a full performance of Dark Side of the Moon. Pink Floyd trivia contests, Pink Floyd–themed parties, and special guests (names not yet announced) will remind you why you came onboard. Details: May 1–4, 2009, Carnival Imagination, round-trip from Miami, with a port call in Nassau. Fare: $389 to $889 per person. (First-ever cruise.)


Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Star Trek Cruise
Western Caribbean

Description: Prepare to be slain. Or boldly go where no cruise has gone before. Or both. This cruise offers side-by-side Slayer Cruise and SeaTrek fan conventions—a week of immersion including stars from the cult TV shows.
Why We Love It: You get not only signed photos of all the celebrity guests but also a group photo of you and the stars. Your badge gets you into both conventions. Don’t miss the star-studded karaoke night and hysterical improv session. Book early and you may even dine with a cast member—Robert Picardo (The Doctor) and Ethan Phillips (Neelix) from Star Trek: Voyager and Amber Benson (Tara) from Buffy have appeared on past cruises.
Details: June 20–27, 2010, on Carnival Valor, round-trip from Miami, visiting Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belize, and Roatan (Honduras). Fare: $1,749 to $3,389 per person. (One-off cruise.)

Spotlight on Chocolate
Caribbean

Description: Yes, chocoholics, this is a cruise for you. Chocolate experts are onboard, and there are a plethora of chocolate-eating activities. Pastry chefs offer cooking demos, and wine experts advise on what to drink with white chocolate as opposed to dark.

Why We Love It: It’s a chocolate lover’s dream. And some of the lectures actually focus on the healthy and restorative qualities of chocolate—no guilt here. You can interact with chocolate experts (including a noted chocolatier, but no names yet) and learn more about the product. Don’t miss the special chocolate tea held one afternoon.

Details: November 30–December 11, 2009, on Seven Seas Navigator, round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, visiting the Bahamas, Grand Turk, Tortola, St. Maarten, St. Bart’s, San Juan, St. Thomas, and Antigua. Fare: $3,795 to $11,495 per person. (Annual cruise.)

Cruises are directly associated with the leisure activity of cruising. It refers to traveling, staying and living in a ship, with all kinds of luxury. Cruises are associated with seas and oceans, but river cruises are also getting popular. The ships sail through exotic locations, while the people enjoy themselves in the atmosphere, with full luxury and comfort. The ships or large boats in certain cases of river cruises are equipped with beautifully decorated cabins.

These cabins are provided with beds, toilets and other things for convenience. There are facilities for doctors, nurses, and other emergency services. The food is one of the best of its kind, and is prepared keeping different tourists in mind. These cruises are available all through the year, and cover different locations in the world. Today almost all the developing countries in the world, with a coastline provide the facility of cruises. Many of these cruises are booked for a longer period, and can extend up to a few weeks. Exploring the oceans and seas in a luxury cruise is one of the best holidays that a person can desire.

Today cruising has become a popular holiday for many people around the world. Cruises are available for several destinations, but the most popular destinations are Singapore, Australia, Sri Lanka, South Pacific Islands and the Netherlands. On the western coast the popular cruise destinations are Gulf of California in winter and the islands of Washington State in summer. Cruising has become very popular in America.

There is a huge rush for Central America Cruises along the Pacific coast. Here the climate is humid with lush vegetation. Here the tourists also get the opportunity of scuba diving, or can traverse the Panama Canal. River cruising is gaining popularity, as sea and ocean many fear cruising. In the United States the river cruises is a real treat, as the boats sail through the scenic locales of America.

The cruising season begins in March till May and again from September to November. Humans knew ships since very long time but deep sea traveling was not much popular. These were thought to be suitable for sailors and other travelers. With the passage of year's man started becoming adventurous and fearless and slowly started navigating the deep seas.