With the 4th of July weekend just ahead, many Iowans will be declaring their independence from the pandemic by taking vacations for the first time in many months. Meredith Mitts, spokeswoman for AAA Iowa, says people are packing up for road trips and jaunts via airplane. Nationwide, more than … [Read more...]
Air travel continues rebound from COVID shutdown
The number of travelers at Iowa airports is rebounding from the impact of the pandemic, but is not yet back to normal. Just more than 92,000 people boarded flights at the Des Moines International Airport last month, about 70% of the number of passengers compared to 2019. Airport spokeswoman … [Read more...]
GOP budget cuts state support of Iowa airports
State taxpayer support of the 107 airports in Iowa will be reduced by nearly 40 percent in the next budgeting year under the plan Republican legislators crafted. The eight airports that offer commercial passenger flights will get about $600,000 less. Representative Dennis Cohoon, a Democrat from … [Read more...]
High speeds cited as factor in uptick in traffic fatalities
At least six people have died in traffic crashes in Iowa since the start of the Christmas to New Year's holiday period. That has increased the total number of roadway fatalities in Iowa this year to 397. Iowa State Patrol Sergeant Nate Ludwig says it's the most traffic deaths recorded in the state … [Read more...]
New byways for travelers through Iowa, to promote tourism
Three stretches of what could be considered "roads less traveled" in Iowa are now part of a state program that promotes tourism. Iowa DOT director Paul Trombino says newly-designated "byways" will take travelers to cultural sites and scenic areas. "The link between transportation and tourism is … [Read more...]
Pokémon Go game raises concerns for motorists, pedestrians
A popular new game played on smart phones may be endangering the lives of some Iowa drivers and pedestrians. Pokemon Go uses "augmented reality," where you switch on your phone's camera, look at your screen and see virtual creatures you're trying to catch superimposed over the real world … [Read more...]
Check your tires before heading on a summer road trip
It won't officially be summer for a few weeks yet, but many Iowans are already taking their summer road trips -- and some of them will be riding on underinflated tires. Anne Forristall-Lake, president of the Rubber Manufacturers Association, says only 17-percent of drivers surveyed know how to … [Read more...]
Record numbers expected to travel this holiday season
Almost one in every three Iowans is expected to take a trip for the year-end holidays, according to a survey. Gail Weinholzer, spokeswoman for AAA Iowa, says if the weather isn't too frightful, a record number of people will be on the nation's roads and bustling through airports, train stations and … [Read more...]
‘Flourishing’ flowers in Orange City for town’s 75th annual Tulip Festival
Orange City's 75th annual Tulip Festival begins today. "This is something that's really important to us as the Orange City community, to continue celebrating our heritage and our Dutch roots and we look forward to sharing that with everyone here and everyone who comes to visit," says Juliana … [Read more...]
Spring break travel vouchers are being rejected by airlines
Some Iowans who bought discount travel vouchers for far-away vacations this spring won't be flying anywhere. A wedding and event planner based in Omaha-Council Bluffs was selling the vouchers for thousands of dollars less than the retail price of airfares but now airlines are refusing to honor … [Read more...]