Tokyo Skytree, the World’s Tallest Tower, Opens

Construction for this 634 meter feat of human ambition began in 2008 and finished this spring. Progress was momentarily slowed by the Tohoku earthquake in March of 2011, but the Tokyo Skytree is officially open to the public only two months behind schedule.

However, don’t expect to simply walk in! Tickets to the observation decks have been sold out for months. Travelers buying their tickets today can plan for a mid-July ticket date.

Tokyo Skytree’s main purpose is to serve as a radio and television transmission station, but will also serve as an aquarium, academic institute, theater, heating and cooling facilities, and general mass tourist attraction.

Tickets are starting at ¥2,000 for adults, ¥1,500 students, ¥900 children, and ¥600 for preschoolers. 

Check out progression pictures of the tower here

Egypt's Tourism Industry Recovering Despite Political Unrest

Though violence has continued in Egypt, tourists have been gradually returning since the initial outbreak. Numbers are still dismal in comparison to the state of the industry in the year prior, but there is certainly encouraging news for those who depend on tourism to make a living.

The violence in Egypt is the result of Egyptian politics; as a result, tourists are not targeted- though it is still something to consider when thinking of visiting a country undergoing difficult political transitions.

Here is an article from travelweekly regarding the tourism situation in Egypt in more depth: http://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Egypt-tourism-recovery-continues/