As we wind to closing out 2011, a look back at the top stories read this past year on ConsumerTraveler.com shows us a mix of topics from passport rules and regulations to consumer problems and travel rules to Top 10 lists. These stories are either stories that evoke the most passions at the moment, and change the course of Washington bureaucrats, such as our coverage of passport issues in the spring, and pats on the back to airlines when they go beyond the call of duty as in the case of Southwest airlines last January.

Ten places to spend at the end of the world, scholar determines when safety risk is highest, El Al adds fuel surcharge to airfare