Recently in International Travel Category

By Charyn Pfeuffer

Never fear: cocktail culture is alive and well in Melbourne and imbibing has never been better. Speak-easy style hideaways are blossoming, transforming impossibly small spaces into intimate watering holes. Smart development of outdoor spaces has expanded and literally elevated the places in which drinking habits can be indulged. A transition back to vintage cocktails, such as the Bellini, Side Car and Negroni thrives.

Bar goers are becoming more cocktail chic demanding quality spirits, fresh squeezed juices and local ingredients whenever possible. And following in the footsteps of the recent artisanal food revolution, the fine art of mixology is finally getting the props it deserves and consumers are becoming increasingly savvy about taste.

Finding many of Melbourne's bars may require the sleuthing skills of Nancy Drew, but creep down a few laneways, wander into a few hole-in-the-walls and make friends with the locals.

Raymond Benjamin, Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization, announced the ban on creams, gels and liquids for air travelers will likely end in the next two years.

Upgraded equipment capable of detecting explosives in water bottles, makeup kits or toothpaste tubes should be installed at most airport security checkpoints by 2012. Does this mean TSA's 3-1-1 guidelines will become a thing of the past? I sure hope so.

After an incident when airline security confiscated my perfume, a half drunk bottle of water, cough syrup - you get the idea, I learned to check all my questionable items before I left the house.

Until the ban is lifted, you can check out this handy page that TSA created, which tells you just about everything you are permitted to bring in your carry-on. The page is called "Can I Bring?" and in addition to confirming your beloved items can make the trip (or not), you can check the security check point wait time at every terminal at every US airport!