Travel Roundup:Recession Chic, B.C. Fee Stops Amtrak, Couple Rips Off Taj Mahal and More

Welcome to “recession chic” — A report from the New York Times Travel Show says that hedonistic trips are out and customers are wanting “recession chic,” or travel that is value-conscious and experience-driven. Ritz-Carlton is offering their guests luxury accommodations and a half-day volunteering opportunity while other tour operators, like GoPhilanthropic, are creating tony vacations in Vietnam, India and Central America with a volunteer and conservation component. [Source: Reuters]

Amtrak’s second train to British Columbia blocked by fee – Amtrak, which has only one round-trip route from Seattle to Vancouver, B.C., may add a second train in time for the 2010 Olympics – but it’s being roadblocked by a $1,500 a day fee for Canadian immigration and customs. Amtrak Cascades, the Pacific Northwest arm of the rail service, doesn’t want to pay and so far there’s no resolution to the dispute. Canada’s Border Services Agency would not comment on the issue. [Source: Seattle Times]

Couple rips off $15,000 from Atlantic City casino — A New Jersey couple allegedly stole $15,000 from 60 soft-drink vending machines at the Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City. The couple reportedly were caught on tape using a master key to open the machines and clear out the cash. Both Philip Silvers, 28, and Crystal Studstill, 26, both of Millville, were identified from the tape and arrested. Both were charged with theft, vandalism and conspiracy, and were being held county jail. [Source: Associated Press]

Hilton Hotels unveils Project Global21 — Hilton Hotels Corp. will unveil its new ”global lifestyle brand,” called Project Global21 on March 10 at the International Hotel Investment Forum held in Berlin. The new brand is aimed at local movers and shakers, comfortable with technology and with a lot of disposable income. The Hilton press release calls the new brand “a sensuous retreat.” [Source: PR Newswire]