When you find yourself with a few minutes or hours worth of idle time due to layovers at the Detroit-Metro Airport, here are the top five things you can do at the McNamara terminal to kill time:

Visit the Coolest Fountain of them All

In the middle of Concourse A, there is magnificent fountain that you might have seen in several TV shows or the movie Up in the Air.  While it's refreshing and relaxing to watch the fountain, behind it comes the view of the runway that's also a cool site to see.  You can also toss a coin and make a wish but well, it may not ensure that your delayed flight will magically turn around or you will find yourself upgraded from coach to first class, but it's a fun thing to do.  Wish for a Prada instead.  That's more likely to happen.

Here Comes the Train

It's also a good idea to explore the vastness of the Detroit-Metro Airport terminal via the terminal train.  This one is capable of commuting passengers from one end of the Concourse A to the other.  It's along train ride since there are 78 gates.  A little warning though: try not to jump off the train when you start hearing threatening animal sounds.  The airport uses them to scare away the birds that fly in the lines of the TSA.

Work up a sweat at the gym

Head to the Westin Hotel that is located right inside the Detroit-Metro Airport.  The Westin Hotel has an entrance near Concourse A.  Here, you can work up a sweat at the elliptical machines, weights, and treadmills.  Not only will you escape the buzzing terminal, the Westin Hotel has day passes for just $15, a great steal.  Now that's better than snacking on a large cookie and two orders of frappuccino.

Sushi, onegai?

Since the Detroit-Metro Airport is Delta's link to the East, sushi and other Japanese favorites are common at this terminal since a handful of Asian businessmen fly to and from this gateway.  Try Sora, they have a wide variety of sashimi delights.  If you're not a fan of raw fish before your flights, load up on carbs and try their noodle bowls that are famous in the winter season.  The reasonable price you pay at Sora is worth it when it comes to quality. They don't sell pre-packed crab rolls and most of the food here are darn tasty.  You can spot Sora just beside gate A35.

Explore the Tunnel Lights

If you've already explored the length of Concourse A, set off to explore B and C instead.  In order to get to the different areas in terminal, you go through a long tunnel that connects them all.  The walls of the tunnels are made of glass and beautiful LED lights.  They have sounds too and sometimes, it's fun to stop and listen to them, providing that you don't miss your flight.

For people who like to bask in the sun and have some fun in the water, a beach is the ideal destination for a short holiday. Different beaches around the world have unique characteristics that attract tourist and earn them patrons. Today, well be dishing out the news on the best beach destinations where you can catch a glimpse of your favorite movie star–six pack abs and all–taking a dip in the water. Start packing your bags and don’t forget your camera because here are the top ten celebrity beach spots of the season.

1. MALDIVES

CELEBRITY TRACK: Beyonce, Eva Longoria, Penelope Cruz, Kate Moss, Jude Law, and Jay Z

This group of island is a spot that you can truly call paradise; the beaches in the area are located right around the ancient and colorful coral reefs. If you want to hit the water, it’s a good idea to bring a snorkel with you so you can better appreciate the scenery below consisting of lots of fishing scurrying about and corals swaying to the current. If you’ve had enough of the scenery below the water, then it’s time to lay out the beach towel and admire the view of famous celebrities strolling along the beach.

2. MALLORCA, SPAIN

CELEBRITY TRACK: Catherine Zeta Jones along with hubby, Michael Douglas

Mallorca is the largest among the land features comprising the Balearic Islands. If you plan on working on your tan, it’s wise to visit the wide, sandy beaches by the northern and eastern coasts; rumor has it that these beaches are actually the best that you can find in the entire island of Mallorca. When you’ve achieved that perfect shade of brown, you can hop on a Vespa and take a short tour around the mountain range of Serra de Tramuntana. Along the way, expect to pass by olive groves and a lush forest of pine trees.

3. TURTLE ISLAND, FIJI

CELEBRITY TRACK: Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson

If we’re being completely honest about this, Fiji’s Turtle Island is the place where you’re most likely to spot a celebrity or two, provided that you are funded with generous amounts of money and well connected in the business. Turtle Island is actually a privately owned island, and allows no more than 28 guests to stay at the island at the same time. If you’ve got enough cash in the bank to cover your expenses, you can choose from among the 14 beaches on the island which one you would like to have reserved for your holiday.

4. SOUTH BEACH, MIAMI

CELEBRITY TRACK: Jennifer Lopez, Shakira

If you have a personal admiration for Latina celebrities, make your way down to South Beach in Miami and see the latest Latin beauties sizzling under the summer sun. If you want to see up close how rich people like to spend their time off, take your car down to Ocean Drive and see the opulent yachts lined up in the harbor including one or two celebrities playing at the beach. Celebs usually hang out at The Setai, where they can take a dip in the azure pools (they actually have three of those, you know); get pampered and have a relaxing massage at the spa; or take the out the jet ski for some fun in the water.

5. ANGUILLA

CELEBRITY TRACK: Courteney Cox Arquette plus husband, David Arquette

Anguilla’s unique feature is that despite the perpetual emergence of hotel chains and clubs, not to mention bars and restaurants, the area is still relatively undeveloped, giving it a quiet, peaceful and serene atmosphere. If you happen to come across your Hollywood idol strolling along the beach, perhaps it’s best if you don’t yell out their name and do a happy dance.

6. ST. TROPEZ, FRANCE

CELEBRITY TRACK: Jack Nicholson, P. Diddy, Lara Flynn Boyle

Don’t believe the rumors; P. Diddy does not own St. Tropez. However, he has managed to earn a stake in the St. Tropez social circle. Diddy is known to host yacht parties down at the beach every now and then; sometimes the partying even gets a little out of hand resulting in a bit of a ruckus.

7. LAKE COMO, ITALY

CELEBRITY TRACK: George Clooney

All right, we know we said we’re counting down the best beaches, but we’ve included Lake Como in Italy for a mighty reason: George Clooney. That being said, the lakeside is also rather beautiful. If you like being in the outdoors, there are a number of activities that you can engage in such as boating or perhaps you could try paragliding for the adrenaline rush and some added fun. If you’re an animal lover, you can also go horse back riding around the area.

8. BORA BORA

CELEBRITY TRACK: Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Sharon Stone

Bora Bora is a beach paradise located right in the middle of the French Polynesia, and is actually a romantic spot where you can spend your honeymoon. The beaches turn gold under the sun and the water is always pristine. You can spot a couple of celebrities housed safely inside their own private huts on the beach; while others prefer bigger bungalows that give them a beautiful view of the volcano and blue lagoons.

9. CABO SAN LUCAS IN MEXICO

CELEBRITY TRACK: John Wayne, Dustin Hoffman, Ernest Hemingway

Because it is located quite near the production studios in Los Angeles, Cabo San Lucas in Mexico often plays host to a number of big wigs in the movie production industry. Popular legends such as John Wayne used to frequent Cabo San Lucas; and also acclaimed writer, Ernest Hemingway. If you’re the adventurous type, you can try parasailing. For more traditional water adventures, snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas is always a wonderful experience and if you want to delve deeper into the water, you’re free to go diving.

10. BONDI BEACH IN SYDNEY

CELEBRITY TRACK: Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton, Hugh Jackman

Going now to the land down under, a popular spot among celebrities is Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Here, you can always bask in the sun and get working on your tan. Chances are, you won’t be able to keep yourself from taking a dip in the water; snorkeling is also popular in the area as well as surfing. Many travelers particularly like Bondi because it offers other activities aside from swimming in the beach; if you’ve got a rich boyfriend, you can always go sailing and probably make your way under the massive Harbour Bridge; or perhaps go and see the Coogee cliffs.

If you find yourself worrying about where you’ll be staying every time you go on a holiday out of town, considering traveling to Portugal. This country is far from being short of hostels that cater to all types of travelers. In Lisbon city, there are more or less 40 different hostels that you can choose from. So, fear not, dear traveler; you can be sure that you’ll have a roof over your head when you visit Portugal. Here are a couple that you might like to check out.

1. NAME: LISBON LOUNGE HOSTEL

PLACE: LISBON

PRICE: 17 EUROS

The Lisbon Lounge Hostel is quite popular among backpackers because of its semi luxurious ambiance. Numerous times, it managed to win the title Number One Hostel in the World. The common rooms in the hostel are big, spacious, beautiful and clean. In the lounge, for example, there is so much space that you can hang out with a bunch of other guests without feeling cramped and claustrophobic. The white walls are lined with huge windows that offer an unobstructed view of the streets below; there are also a number of couches where you can sit and relax, perhaps to read a book or talk with some of the other guests staying at the hostel.

The designers who were in charge of the hostel’s overall look made sure that they used some of the building’s old parts and incorporated them in the hostel’s modern design. The result? The rooms still have big fireplaces (you can’t use them, though) that provide your quarters with a homey atmosphere. At night, you can also groove to the music being played by the DJ and indulge yourself at the mojito bar.

2. NAME: GOOD NIGHT HOSTEL

PLACE: LISBON

PRICE: 14 EUROS

The Good Night Hostel is also another popular spot among travelers staying in Portugal; it is situated in Baixa Chiado, Lisbon. At first glance the hostel will attract you with its adorable, quirky design and also the friendly faces. At the main room, don’t be shy and mingle with the other guests. Usually, the people who stay here are the types who like to party and be warned if you planned a full day ahead of you because these parties can last well into the night. The hostel’s owner is a 30 year old guy who’s also addicted to traveling. His experiences in other countries have helped him improve his business operations which in turn earn him appreciation from his guests; he even thought about the different things that can be quite annoying to a tired and weary traveler and thought of ways to improve them.

For example, you can get one brand new towel for just two Euros and stop fretting about the towel you left at the previous hostel that you stayed in. When you open the fridge; you will come across an assortment of beverages; guests can help themselves to some juice or perhaps tea the whole day. Do remember that when you check in, you are entitled to one free beer courtesy of the house. Another plus is the well stocked DVD room that kind of makes you want to stay in instead of exploring the city outside.

3. NAME: NICE WAY HOSTEL

PLACE: SINTRA

PRICE: 17 EUROS

The Nice Way Hostel located in Sintra is a fairly new place; in fact, it just opened its doors to guests last month. The charming hostel has two storeys; the floors are laid with wood; and there is a common room upstairs where you can chill and hang out with the other guests. Before the Nice Way Hostel was opened, the premises used to operate as a daycare for parents who weren’t able to hire a nanny for their kids.

Pedro, the owner of this joint, is a no nonsense, simple kind of guy. If you need help about anything, don’t be shy to ask Pedro for help; he’ll be eager to assist you in your predicament and if possible, sort things out.

4. NAME: PENICHE HOSTEL

PLACE: PENICHE

PRICE: 18 EUROS

If you’re a surfer dude making your way around Portugal, try checking in at the Peniche Hostel where you’re sure to feel right at home. You can find this hostel on the 2nd floor of one of the local buildings downtown. Most of the guests here are surfers, so it’s no surprise to find boards lying around on the empty bunks and a couple of wetsuits hanging out to dry in the garden.

The activity inside the hostel is relative to the waves in the sea. When the waves are high, you can expect to find a quiet, deserted hostel; but when the sea is calm, the place is packed with a number of half naked guests lounging around. The Peniche Hostel is a really small business and actually feels much more like your home than a hostel; there are around 20 beds where guests can crash for the night. But before lights out, there is usually a small party in the living room. Because of the small living space, you will most likely have to rub elbows (literally) with other guests in the kitchen. However, the close quarters help you bond with the other guests and perhaps even earn you a couple of new friends.

5. NAME: YES! HOSTEL

PLACE: LISBON

PRICE: 13 EUROS

If you’re a budget traveler who wants to make the most out of your money head straight to the Yes! Hostel in Lisbon. The rooms here are big and spacious, which offer a relaxing atmosphere to a traveler who has been scuttling across the country for days. The bathrooms are quite spacious, too; which is always good especially if your shoulders are aching from carrying your big backpack and you want to take a long, hot bath. At the end of the day, you can expect to rest your spine on the fluffy mattress and immediately drift off to sleep. The hostel is also equipped with three Mac computers, so you can check your mail, Skype your relatives or check your plane bookings.

Most of the guests here usually hang out at the common area. When the clock hits 10:01pm the beers sell at three for two which you can enjoy while watching a movie on the big screen. The delicious dinner costs 8 Euros and includes three glasses of wine absolutely free of charge.

6. NAME: THE YELLOW HOUSE

PLACE: PORTO

PRICE: 16 EUROS

The Yellow House hostel that is located in Porto is actually owned by James guitarist, Saul Williams. From the outside, the place does not look grandiose at all, sitting discreetly along one of the local side streets. But the minute you step inside, you’ll feel like you stepped into a totally different place in time. There is a winding staircase that will lead you to two additional floors dedicated to rooms for the guests. Most of the rooms have about six bed bunks so if you’re traveling in a group, you can just opt to stay in one room.

The floors are laid with wood and there are high ceilings that make the place even more charming. In the living room, you will find a big chandelier; and in the kitchen, get used to the huge painting of a really old guy glowering over you as you cook and eat. The Yellow House is usually packed with travelers during the summer months, with guests occupying even the garden at the back, drinking wine and just chilling out. If you’re feeling a bit hungry, kindly as Bruno if he could whip you up some risotto.

The British Airline Pilots' Association or Balpa, has contacted the Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd to pause its so-called "last ditch" meetings in order to save themselves from a long confrontation regarding the pilots' over time benefits.

Pilots of Virgin Airlines have shown their resentment over the changes in their leave benefits and arrangements.

Their previous agreement involves guaranteed leaves of 120 days a year apart from holidays off to compensate their work during bank holidays and weekends.

The pilots' union said that airline has broken their previous agreements.  According to sources, the union's members are ready for what could possibly be the very first union strike in the history of Virgin Airlines, a threat that could cause a grave inconvenience to the management and the air travelers.

According to a reliable source, if the pilots' strike would push through, Virgin Airlines would most likely cease its operations for the very first time in history until the issue is resolved.

Balpa's general secretary, Jim McAuslan, has been advised that an "overwhelming" vote toward industrial action could be expected.  McAuslan said in a statement that the British Airline Pilots' Association has been doing everything they can to help airlines to get through tough times as they have done with many airlines, including Virgin, these past few years.  He added that knowing that Virgin has breached an agreement and denied their pilots their due days off is "a real slap in the face."  Moreover, he added that it is a slap they could not accept.

On the other side, Virgin Airlines said that they haven't received any announcement of any strike movement.  The airline said that they hold a monthly meeting with their pilots and that they would discuss any problem that will come up during their next meeting.

When sixty members of a gang took hostage of the thirty-five guests staying at the InterContinental Rio de Janeiro hotel last week, it's totally unnerving to even imagine what the guests and the staff went through.

The InterContinental Rio de Janeiro hotel located in São Conrado beach is situated on a high-class neighborhood.  It has been reported that the gang just came from a party in a nearby slum area.  They were brandishing their guns just when they saw the police.  Panic-stricken, some of the armed men ran into the InterContinental Rio de Janeiro hotel.

According to the New York Times, ten gang members ran into the InterContinental Rio de Janeiro hotel at roughly 8:30 in the morning.  Roberto Falcão reports that these armed men took hostage of five European guest as well as thirty staff and they forced them to go the kitchen on storey below.

Three hour's worth of shoot-out killed one gang member and injured four policemen.  After the ordeal, the hostages were released unharmed.

The hostage taking at the InterContinental Rio de Janeiro hotel is bad publicity for Rio where the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be held as well as the 2016 Summer Olympics.

On the other side of the world, we have received news that the hotels in London have been enjoying a steady rise as the city prepares for the 2012 Olympics.  We are just hoping that despite the hostage taking, the same good news will come to Rio in time for the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the 2016 Summer Olympics.  Of course, they have to improve and strengthen their security measures first.