Tourism Busts Pre-9/11 Record

(NEWSER) - Fewer Americans visited Canada last month than at any time since record-keeping began in 1972, as new passport controls and a weak US dollar kept tourists away. One-day car trips dropped 26% from May to June, and US tourists in Canada fell to half their number 5 years ago. The dramatic drop has dealt a blow to the tourism industry on both sides of the border, reports the Globe and Mail. Only 30% of Americans have a passport, which is now required for driving north of the border. More»

(NEWSER) - Countries are tightening borders and stepping up containment methods as the swine flu body count continues to rise, the New York Times reports. The disease is suspected in 152 deaths, all in Mexico; 50 US cases are now confirmed from California to New York City. Health officials in Japan and at least eight other Asian countries are now screening anyone arriving from North America. More»

The dollar may be down—but that isn't keeping Americans from spending their money abroad

(NEWSER) - Money may not be flowing the way it once did, but Americans are traveling more than ever. Forbes Traveler lists the top 20 destinations for Yankee jetsetters:

1. Mexico
2. Canada
3. UK

But Afghan mission loses support of Japanese ships ordered home

(NEWSER) - Some 250 Taliban fighters are surrounded by coalition troops just 15 miles north of the Taliban’s old power base of Kandahar, the AP reports. Villagers fled as the insurgents took over their homes. “They’re surrounded and in big trouble,” said Kandahar police. But the coalition lost the support of Japanese fuel ships, Reuters reports, which Tokyo withdrew today over political deadlock. More»

Bush meets neighbors, Calderon leaves early, protests turn violent

(NEWSER) - President Bush met with his counterparts from north and south yesterday at a Canadian summit overshadowed by Hurricane Dean and greeted with violent protests. The so-called "Three Amigos" met in a Quebec château ringed by a huge security wall, outside which police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters. The summit continues today, but Mexican President Felipe Calderon is leaving early to oversee the hurricane response. More»