Following an opening beset by problems, the musical ‘Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark’ has now created history by making nearly $3million at the box office across just nine performances.

Two years ago the expensive $75million musical was given a big “thumbs down” by the critics, while the production was also delayed. That is not to mention the unfortunate injuries to actors performing in the show.

The festive period has really proved to be bountiful, beating ‘Wicked’ to the top spot with regards to the show with the largest gross takings within the space of a week.

The Broadway musical starring Reeve Carney may be taken on the road in the future, due to the success in New York.

It is certainly surprising when the fourth largest carrier in the world goes into Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States, but for all those who fear the worst, it is not all over for the airline’s many worldwide passengers.

The flights shouldn’t really be affected for now, although staff of AA may not be quite so enthusiastic, as they mull over their futures with the airline.

And this situation is nothing new as many of the players in the airline industry including the likes of United, Delta and Continental have gone through the same process since September 11 and have come through.

With the company paying around $600 million per year more than its competitors, it is likely the restructure will mean that the AA brand is set to continue, albeit with a few more unhappy customers and employees.

On 17th October 1989, the people of San Francisco were faced with a powerful earthquake which left 63 dead and more than 3,500 injured.

In this disaster around 100,000 buildings were damaged, leaving the city with a huge clean-up operation.

It is now 22 years today since the earthquake struck and the City of San Francisco has had to undergo extensive repairs over the immediate years following this event.

Even though the devastation was terrible, it could have been worse as many workers in the city had already gone home (17:04 local time) to watch the baseball World Series that particular day.

Southern California certainly has more to offer the tourist than simply Hollywood, Beverley Hills and the area around Los Angeles. San Diego is a place located just across the border from Mexico and this delightful city is one such destination you should definitely visit if you ever get chance.

As well as boasting beautiful beaches and bays, there are many nice little bars and restaurants to be found along the shoreline. Local attractions include San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld, with the Gaslamp Quarter recommended as the place to go for top entertainment.

Travel here by car and you can make the most of an amazing coastal road trip.

After the runaway success of The Hangover, despite the fact that it centred on a stag party that went too far, all I hear and read about is people jetting off to this Nevada city in search of entertainment.

Having been to Las Vegas myself, albeit 13 years ago, I can confirm that it does live up to the hype in terms of its 24/7 lifestyle, with so much to see and do while you are there.

The Sin City has always been popular anyway with those looking to win big in the casinos and party all night; however, this seems to have been taken to a whole new level, especially with Brits hoping to experience their own ‘Hangover’ moments.

My friend has recently returned from a dream holiday to the US with his girlfriend where they flew to San Francisco and then made their way down the coast in a Ford Mustang. This sounds like my perfect road trip.

Once you have acclimatised after the flight and seen all the amazing sights San Francisco has to offer (the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz island and the chance to ride on one of the city’s famous cable cars) you can travel towards Los Angeles to fly back home from there, or go wherever takes your fancy.

With the breath-taking beauty of the Yosemite National Park and endless highways to drive on, you can plan out the perfect road trip without it having to cost you the earth. If you do have some cash to burn, you could even make a detour to Las Vegas!

Whenever I got to New York I always use the website menupages.com as it provides an excellent guide to the many eateries in Manhattan and New York City’s outer boroughs.

If, for instance, you were looking for a place near to your hotel to get a belly-busting American diner breakfast, by using this website you could find exactly what you are looking for, comparing prices between establishments as well as the quality of food.

One of my all-time favourite places to grab a great tasting milkshake and delicious burger is Shake Shack in the Upper West Side (close to Central Park).

But there are so many opportunities in the city to grab Mexican food, sushi, kebabs and of course pizza!

I have been to New York now too many times to mention. I’m not sure exactly what keeps drawing me back to this overcrowded and hectic city, but maybe it is a fascination with the lifestyle of its inhabitants.

If you go to stay in Manhattan during the cold winter months you will get quite a surprise. Yes, it is great for Christmas shopping and the fairytale image as seen in the movies is still certainly true, however it is bitterly cold and can get very windy around the shoreline of the Hudson River.

Like this time, I prefer to go at the end of the summer season, at the start of September. It won’t be as hot and humid as the sticky summer months but should still be warm enough to do plenty of outside activities and find things to do.

As I’m travelling with friends who have never been to the city before, it should be a really good trip and a bit different (I’ve still never done some of the more touristy things like go up the Empire State Building).

What better place to spend time discussing the importance of worldwide travel than the famous US city that acts as a symbol for tourism?

It has recently been announced that Las Vegas will be the venue for the annual international tourism summit as it hopes to attract travel industry leaders and government figures from all over the world.
The event will take place at the Aria Resort & Casino where the importance of international travel is at the top of the agenda.

The World Travel & Tourism Council based in London decided on Las Vegas following recent discussions. The city will be following on from Beijing, which is hosting this year’s summit.

If you are thinking of going to the US for a last minute deal this month or are considering a trip in September, then keep a lookout for the many deals that are going around currently.

American Airlines announced its sale this week and many of the top flights from London and Manchester to New York have been snapped up already. In addition to the Big Apple, flights are also available to LA, Dallas and Boston. You have until 22nd April to book your flights.

As well as AA there are also flight sales at the moment with Delta, KLM and Air France, so if you are thinking of going to the States anyway this year, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to bargain flights.