For the geographer or climatologist among you out there, Google has helped develop a fascinating time-lapse view of our planet. Just released today, the stunning perspective via Google Earth, and in collaboration with Time, NASA, and the USGS, offers the most comprehensive view of our planet over time ever.

As far as world beaches go, apparently many out there choose Cancun as the choice of beach getaways for Summer 2013. According to Orbitz the No. 1 international Summer beach hotspot is the legendary Spring Break destination in Mexico. Mexico and Central America are not only heating up temperature wise this Summer, but visitation wise.

“This war is not an ordinary war. It is the war of the entire Russian people. Not only to eliminate the danger hanging over our heads, but to aid all people groaning under the yoke of Fascism” – Josef Stalin – 22nd June 1941

Two news bits today concerning Germany’s disposition toward migrants and visitors draw further attention to key Schengen and visa discussion. A report via EurActiv speaks to one side of the German and EU PR aspect, the Roma people being the subject on the one hand. At the other end of Germany’s public relations woes, news that second generation Turks in Germany are headed home suggest the German state is in an exclusivity mood toward some.

Visitors to St. Petersburg interested in the arts will now be able to enjoy a fabulous new Mariinsky Theatre, a showplace reminiscent of the golden age of Russian arts. Opened last week by President Vladimir Putin at a star studded gala, the new building of the theater is considered by many a symbol of Russia’s re-emergence as a cultural and economic giant. Under the personal patronage of Putin, the Imperial wealth of Russia is somehow rejuvenated.

With 27 separate bits of airspace connecting European countries, is it any wonder the the old continent still seems fragmented and inefficient? Well, back in 1999 the European Commission launched a plan termed Single European Sky (SES), aimed at uniting all the airspace to fuel a more efficient air travel industry. The big question today it; “What happened to the plan?”

For the bored or down and out traveler out there, how about “inspirational travel” this Summer season? You don’t know what inspirational travel is, you say? Well, a company called Beach Tomato has launched a new online portal to inspire, and to help satisfy your wanderlust for sandy, seashore, and sunshine bliss this year. BeachTomatoVillas.com is a wide eyed beach stay showcase. Let’s look.

A recent conference in St. Petersburg, Russia saw the heads of the Baltic Sea States meet up to discuss protecting the already heavily polluted Baltic, and each country’s responsibility for the task. With environmental sustainability on every leaders lips these days, we thought we would take a look at the ups and downs of one of the world’s most fascinating seas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed his cabinet and the government of the Russian Ferderation to evaluate whether or not to re-establish the Moscow Museum of New Western / modern / art. Putin’s recent “Direct Line” conversations are said to be the stimulus for this move apparently aimed at reclaiming for Moscow elements of Russia’s glorious past form the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.

Reading news in travel technology this morning any interested party might be a bit confused over all the smoke signals going out from online players. The New York Times suggests simply “Fewer, Bigger Travel Sites”, Expedia stocks are down on the one hand, and their mobile app is revamped a superhuman helper on the other. Meanwhile a startup called Bookt LLC takes a shot at Airbnb.com and vacations. I guess the good news is, travel technology is really still alive and doing well.