Tough news for owners of Dell and Apple Laptops: Virgin Atlantic, Qantas and Korean Air have banned in-flight use of batteries from these companies’ laptops. The airlines have chosen to allow laptop use via electrical cords only (and outlets are often only available in Business and First Classes) due to the recent scare over combustible batteries and the subsequent recall efforts put in effect late this summer by Dell and Apple. Of course, not all Dell and Apple laptops contain deffective or questionable batteries, but the Wall Street Journal ran an article today pointing out one unwelcome side effect of the ban: airline employees cannot necessarily tell the difference between the recalled laptop batteries and other ones, so they may likely refuse to let passengers with any Dell or Apple laptops use them during flight. Bummer news if you were counting on using your laptop during your next flight on Virgin Atlantic, Qantas or Korean Air. If you think your laptop might be under scrutiny, check with the airlines directly before your next flight.

Perhaps you’re jonesing for some of that French rap you heard in gay Paris or the Afro-Peruvian beats you soaked in on Peru’s coast. Hey, you may get back there someday to hear your favorite international music genres in person, but in the mean time, check out National Geographic’s World Music department. You can listen to a bajillion genres you’ve never even heard of, listen to and download your favorites. And there are free downloads offered each week. Cool beans.

I learned of this new development via World Hum. Must give credit where credit is due.

The AAA is warning would-be travelers abroad not to fall prey to international driver’s permit scams, which can result in fake licenses for as much as $350. Why would you want to fork over a hunk of change when a real international driver’s permit costs only $10?

All you need to get your international driving permit is your U.S. license, $10 and two original passport-size photos (or let them take ‘em for you at the AAA office). You can apply for your permit in person or by mail.

The permits are valid - as long as you have your U.S. license to show alongside the international permit - in 150 countries for up to one year. They also have your information printed in 11 different languages - helpful if you’re traveling outside English-speaking countries.

AAA International Driving Permit

Rumor alert! Aussies Nicole Kidman and singer Keith Urban have allegedly booked a large block of rooms at Sydney’s Intercontinental Hotel for guests of their wedding, which is supposed to be taking place this coming weekend. So if you’re star hungry, this would be this week’s hotel to loiter outside of with camera in tow.

The sad thing is, I think some people actually do that.

Intercontinental Hotel Sydney official site

Check it out: Singapore Airlines has added 4 more flight routes (for a total of 7) with wi-fi service. For $26.95, you can surf for 24 hours and on different legs of your flight. Not bad for unlimited access to the internets. The service is now available on the following routes:

San Francisco-Hong Kong-Singapore
Singapore-Hong Kong-San Francisco
Los Angeles-Tokyo-Singapore
Singapore-Tokyo-Los Angeles
New York-Frankfurt-Singapore
Singapore-London
Singapore-Sydney

Singapore Airlines Broadens Reach of Inflight Connectivity

I love this pic of the Sydney skyline. Though TravelPoster jolyonc was a bit disappointed in the city, they’ve got tons of great shots from their Round the World & Back Again!… itinerary. My other favorites are the breathtaking landscapes of Te Anau, New Zealand. Check ‘em out!

Sunrise at Aussie landmark Ayer’s Rock from TravelPoster simonpridding. Click the pic 4 more.

I don’t know why they’re so fascinating, but they are. Something about them being so furry and fat and up in the trees. This was TravelPoster earth2marina’s first koala sighting on her four month trip around the world. You know what to do. Clic pic 4 more.

Okay, unless you’re going to Hawaii, Marriott’s Stay For Breakfast summer promo isn’t being offered in the U.S., but it is good for Marriott hotels in the UK, Australia, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Africa. Here’s the deal: Book a two-night stay at a participating Marriott, JW Marriott or Renaissance hotel with your Visa card between May and September, have breakfast at the hotel, and you’ll receive a $100 pounds, Euro, etc., toward a future stay. The deal is also good for Marriott Courtyards, but you’ll only get $50. There are some pesky restrictions, but regular Marriott guests should take note.

Marriott Stay For Breakfast promotion

Admittedly, the dunes do get bigger than this. But I do love an action shot every now and again. This one features TravelPoster jolyonc on a grainy adventure in Kalbarri, Australia. What’s sandboarding like? Jolyonc says, Think Snowboarding meets Lawrence of Arabia! Click the pic for more insights from Jolyonc….