What's new in travel this week - and tips for making the most of it:
See some college football for a slice of American life
From our US travel editor, Robert Reid:
Visitors to the US this fall should consider making their way not to NFL (pro league) games or stadiums, but college football games (which starts this weekend). Amidst orange and yellow leaves, college towns transform on Saturdays, with tailgating parties, profane chants, and throwback uniforms and traditions like pony-led wagons taking the field after scores. It's great in places like Tuscaloosa, Alabama, or Gainesville, Florida, where the high-pitch roars of the crowd on mid-way insignificant plays tells you of the passion: and of the roughly 50:50 male:female mix.
This fall, Lonely Planet is joining the fray - by creating the Lonely Planet College Football Poll, which debuts in week two - you know, after teams have actually played.
Commonwealth Games: To be or not to be
From our Asia-Pacific travel editor, Shawn Low:
At the Commonwealth Games in Delhi this year, 73 nations are expected to send more than 4000 sports people to compete across 285 events in Delhi, India, from the 3 October. Or are they?
If you're heading to Delhi, there are some issues you might want to be aware of - construction efforts are behind schedule, and ticket sales have been slow, but hopefully everything should even out in time. Otherwise, if you've planned a trip (either as an athelete or a fan), you might want to contact your travel agent to see if there are provisions for a refund.
If you are in Delhi, check out our forum's advice on what to expect during the games, plus our author-recommended 20 unmissable things to do in Delhi.
And in other travel news from around the world:
When to buy a ticket – economists crack the code - NileGuide
Get moody: abandoned theme parks open for exploration - NileGuide
New and refurbished museums - LA Times
Twang! The Grand Ole Opry reopens in Nashville - Huffington Post
Tips for avoiding hurricanes - Huffington Post
That's it for this week - check back next week for more, or post anything you'd like to share below.