National Parks … For Sale? Proposal Would Help Pay Off National Debt

Sometimes we come across a story that really gets our blood boiling, like Jaunted’s piece on a congressman who wants to sell U.S. national parkland. Get the scoop on that, plus an op-ed in defense of the TSA, and an infographic of the 10 most popular cruise ships in our regular roundup of the juiciest travel stories of the week.

Arthur Frommer Stands up for the TSA

Here’s something you don’t hear every day: “Every time I am patted down, I am grateful for security agents who take their jobs seriously.” Arthur Frommer takes a less-traveled approach to TSA bashing, which seems to be de rigueur in the media of late, on his blog. We’ll admit it: We’ve found a fault or two with the TSA in our time, especially when they’ve gotten caught, say, giving a pat-down to a toddler in a wheelchair. But we also try to see things from the agency’s point of view once in a while. For proof, read our recent Q&A.

Money Can’t Buy Everything … Can it?

According to Jaunted, Cliff Stearns, a Republican from Florida, wants to sell national parkland to pay off the country’s debt. Stearns issued “off the cuff” remarks about his evil plan, reports Jaunted, so no official proposal has yet been put forth. Still, as travelers, we’re a little unsettled by the notion of putting any part of protected lands like the Grand Canyon or Death Valley on the market. What’s next? Sponsored beaches? Oh, wait. We’ve already been down that road.

The 10 Most Popular Cruise Ships

Which cruise ship offers a 303-foot-long corkscrew waterslide? Where can I find an at-sea cupcake shop? If these questions keep you awake at night, head on over to our sister site Cruise Critic, which has put together a handy chart detailing the 10 most popular cruise ships. The chart makes things a lot easier for a traveler considering a cruise vacation, and you can check prices for each ship as well.

Did you read anything interesting travel stories this week? Tell us!