International Travel News articles from August 2000

International Travel News archives from August 2000

Boarding Pass.(Brief Article)(Editorial)
August 1, 2000... Dear Globetrotter: In this issue, John Chatfield returns with his Africa column. It's good to have him back and know that he is well. We're keeping the door open for Carter Clements to return with his Hidden Travel Bargains column....

Journey to Jordan and Jerusalem.
August 1, 2000... Not long ago, I walked in the footsteps of Jesus, Moses and Mohammed, not to mention Bedouin shepherds, Alexander the Great, Roman soldiers, the Crusaders and even Lawrence of Arabia. All of us walked, at different times, on the land now known...

Hong Kong events.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... There's always a lot going on in Hong Kong, of course. Here are a couple of events in 2000. * First Hong Kong Open Luminous Dragon Dance Competition, Sept. 10. * Red Boat, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts -- Cantonese stage...

Travelers' Intercom.(travel experiences of readers)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2000... Readers' opinions, tips & recommendations Timing is everything! My wife, Betty, and I were on a May '00 scheduling of Grand Circle Travel's "Alpine Village Sampler" and delighted in reading Robert Wood's account of their September '99...

Funniest Thing.(experience in Chinese hotel)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... Tell ITN about the funniest thing that ever happened to you while traveling in a foreign country. There are no restrictions on length. (ITN prints no info on destinations in the U.S., Canada or Mexico.) The ITN staff will choose each month's...

Solomon Islands violence.(travel discouraged after attempted coup)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to the Solomon Islands due to an attempted coup in the capital, Honiara, and an increase in ethnic violence between rival militant groups. American citizens resident in the Solomon...

Laos incidents.(travelers to Laos cautioned after explosions)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... The U.S. Embassy in Vientiane reports that several explosions in public places have occurred in Vientiane since March 30. Several foreigners and Lao citizens were injured in separate explosions in the Morning Market and in the Nam Phu Plaza...

Threat in Jordan.(travel discouraged after embassy bombing)(Abstract)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... The U.S. Government has information concerning terrorist targeting of the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan. While the U.S. has full confidence in the Government of Jordan's demonstrated ability and willingness to address security threats, the full...

Liberia security situation.(travel to Liberia discouraged)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Liberia due to the unstable security situation. Since the armed clashes in September 1998, security conditions in Monrovia have improved and the city is calm and returning to...

Kyrgyz Republic caution.(travel discouraged)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... The Department of State cautions U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to areas of the Kyrgyz Republic south and west of the provincial capital of Osh. The security situation in the southern Kyrgyz Republic remains fluid and potentially dangerous....

Albania Crime.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the potential danger of travel to Albania. The security situation throughout Albania remains unstable. During the political and economic unrest in 1997, many weapons were looted from government...

Current warnings.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... As ITN went to press, the State Department had travel warnings on 30 destinations: Liberia, Sudan, Fiji, Albania; Serbia-Montenegro, Solomon Islands, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria,...

This year in Denmark.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... Following are some events still to take place in Denmark this year. * BRO (Biennial Region Oresund) Festival, Sept. 15-Dec. 15 -- To take place every two years, this 3-month joint cultural event will celebrate the two countries' artistic...

Macau music festival.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... The Macau Inter-music national Music Festival will take place festival Oct. 7-21, '00, with most performances at the waterfront Cultural Centre. World-class performers from all over will take part in this annual 2-week festival. Among...

50th anniversary of 'Romantic Road'.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... It was half a century ago that the 220-mile "Romantic Road" routing through southern Germany was conceived. The route includes half-timbered cities; picture-postcard villages, romantic castles and sweeping scenery -- and can be accomplished in...

Outdoor sports throughout Europe.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... "Action Guide Europe: The Directory of Outdoor Sports," compiled by Steve Watkins and Paul Grogan, lists over 300 organizations throughout Europe with which travelers can enjoy a range of adventure sports: cycling, kayaking, horse riding, ice...

In agreement -- it is 'the world's most beautiful sea voyage'.
August 1, 2000... It is advertised as "The World's Most Beautiful Sea Voyage." I would agree, and I have cruised about a wee bit. I can remember, back in 1954, being on a troopship from Inch'on, Korea, to San Francisco for 21 days -- not too comfortable but as...

Tour gives insight into life in HK.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... A "Lifestyles Tour" for visitors to Hong Kong is being offered by the Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) and organized by Grayline Tours. Departing every Tuesday and Friday, participants in Kowloon will be picked up from the lobby of the...

Flanders Festival.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... Belgium's Flanders Festival encompasses eight cities year-round, but the grand main events will occur in Brussels and Ghent in September and October, taking advantage of settings such as the Cathedral of St. Bavo, historic town halls and...

Lamu, Masai Mara, Zanzibar -- a month in paradise.
August 1, 2000... In mid-April '99, using Nairobi as our hub, we visited the islands of Madagascar, Lamu and Zanzibar, and spent four days in Masai Mara National Park in Kenya. The tiny island of Lamu was our first stop. A small plane took us to Manda...

Truk Lagoon fishing.(Truk Blue Lagoon Resort, Micronesia)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2000... Located in Weno, Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia, the Truk Blue Lagoon Resort is offering avid and beginner fishermen two fishing packages. Both include fishing gear, charter boat, boat operator and guide. The "Trolling Tour"...

Where 'human rights' is a foreign idea.
August 1, 2000... In my June '00 "Boarding Pass" I revealed that when the government of Burma began rounding up several of the "long-necked women" of local tribes and placing. them in a tourist village a few years ago, ITN ceased printing articles about that...

ACCOMMODATIONS WORLDWIDE.
August 1, 2000... Hotels * B & Bs * Homestays * Apartments The following is a listing of some of the hotels, B&Bs, etc., in which ITN readers have stayed over the past year or so plus restaurants or sights nearby. Prices are those paid at the time of the...

Broome? -- One of Australia's pearls.(Broome, Australia, home to pearl industry)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2000... "Have you been to Broome?" Most Australians answered, "No. But I hope to get there." They knew that this small town on the northwest shore of their country might well become one of their leading tourist centers. The "old Broome"...

Gal[acute{a}]pagos discounts for children.(Galapagos Islands cruises)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2000... Metropolitan Touring welcomes families yearround to the Gal[acute{a}]pagos Islands with a 50% discount for children under 12. The 90-passenger Santa Cruz, renovated in 1998, has six triple and quad cabins. The Delf[acute{i}]n...

Malaysia homestays.(program offers taste of daily life in Malaysia)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2000... A homestay program in Kampung Pelegong Labu in Seremban, western Malaysia, offers visitors an opportunity to experience day-to-day life in a traditional Malay community. One such village, is Kampung Pelegong, a 30-minute drive from Kuala...

Sofitel Hotels & Resorts.(2000 directory published)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... Sofitel Hotels & Resorts has released its 2000 directory, which introduces 26 hotels new to its international network of 145 properties. New hotels are located in five countries new to Sofitel: the United Kingdom, Denmark, Jordan, Tunisia and...

ITN reader travel clubs...springing up across the country.
August 1, 2000... It's been a little over a year since we began running notices from readers interested in starting, or joining, travel clubs comprised of ITN readers. Recently, we wrote to all those whose notices have been printed and asked if they'd like to...

PORTUGAL.(exploring Portugal's pousadas)(Statistical Data Included)(Column)
August 1, 2000... Pousadas: lodgings with a special flair My wife of 39 wonderful years, with never a cross word, had recently completed chemotherapy and radiation treatment; now it was time for a treat instead of a treatment! Planning: some cost...

MADAGASCAR.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... After reading about health hazards in Madgascar in the September '99 issue and hearing about the disasters of three cyclones hitting the island this year with the result of possible malaria and cholera outbreaks, we were worried about our...

SAUDI ARABIA.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... We went to Saudi Arabia with Smithsonian Study Tours (1100 Jefferson Dr: SW, MRC 702, Washington, D.C. 20077-5643; phone 877/338-8687 or visit www.si.edu/tsa/sst) Jan. 13-27, '00. Our package tour cost $7,220 including round trip air (price...

TURKEY.(Treasures of Turkiye tour)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2000... In June '99 we enjoyed one of the best trips of our lives. It was a 15-day walk-and-sail tour with Treasures of Turkiye (P.O. Box 55504 or 17120 15th Ave. NE, Ste. 205, Seattle, WA 98155; phone 800/572-0526 or 206/368-8986, fax 306/368-9096 or...

TURKEY.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... I should like to share with ITN readers my experience of terrific traveling with Treasures of T[ddot{u}]rkiye (Seattle, WA). Our trip was $3,500 and took place Sept. 20-Oct. 11, '99. Have you ever wished, planned and plotted out a trip that...

TURKEY.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... In May '99 I traveled 23 days in eastern Turkey with Treasures of T[ddot{u}]rkiye (Seattle, WA). I can highly recommend this agency as perhaps the best I have ever dealt with. As an experienced traveler who has lived in Turkey five years...

FRANCE AND SPAIN.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... I've taken two walking tours with Walking Softly Adventures (Box 86273, Portland, OR 97286; phone 888/743-0723 or 503/788-9017, fax 503/788-0463 or visit www.wsadventures.com). I highly recommend them for those who like hiking in the mountains...

Touring Korean battle sites -- and more!
August 1, 2000... When I left South Korea in 1965, it was a nation struggling to recover from the still undeclared war. Active combat had ended in July 1953 with an uncomfortable cease-fire along a demilitarized zone (DMZ). A police-state atmosphere throughout...

All Aboard!
August 1, 2000... New Thalys to Geneva The new daily Thalys train, introduced for the summer timetable on May 28, is the first-ever direct service between Brussels and Geneva. It saves you changing trains and train stations in Paris and cuts your travel...

The new Millennium of Celebrity Cruises.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... On Monday, June 26, 2000, at the passenger ship dock in London, England, a large bottle of champagne at the end of a long ribbon was sent crashing against the bow of the newest and largest ship of the Celebrity Cruises fleet, christening her...

Cruise Cavalcade.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... Upcoming ocean, sea, river or canal cruises Magic in Provence If you've read "A Year In Provence" or simply dreamed about spending a week in France's haven of fine food and great wine, the opportunity is here. EuroCruises has...

TOURS.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... A selection of escorted tours "CASTLES, MANORS AND MANSIONS" is a 7-day chauffeur-driven tour of SCOTLAND, ENGLAND and WALES. Your personal driver/guide meets you at either the London or Edinburgh airport in an air-conditioned Jaguar,...

CORRECTION.
August 1, 2000... An incorrect price was printed for Exotic Journeys' "Rajasthan & Pushkar Camel Fair 2000" tour of INDIA, Nov. 4-18, '00 (July '00, pg. 139). The price of $1,790 per person, double, does not include round-trip airfare from New York, which is an...

Reviewers' Corner.(Review)
August 1, 2000... The latest travel-book reviews Here is one of the latest travel-book reviews written by ITN readers. "The Treasures and Pleasures of India: the best of the best" by Ron and Caryl Krannich (2000, Impact Publications, 9104 Manassas Dr.,...

Carribean Corner.(travel packages and resorts)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... Caribbean Indulgence The "Leading Offers... Caribbean Indulgence" program enables guests to enjoy two or more outstanding Caribbean resorts and also includes attractive value-added amenities. Participating hotels include Little Dix...

Sites added to G.B. Heritage Pass.(British Tourist Authority's Great British Heritage Pass)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... A 13th-century Scottish castle, a 1930s Art Deco palace in London and the home of 19th-century naturalist Charles Darwin are among historic homes offering free admission to holders of the British Tourist, Authority's Great British Heritage...

National Trust properties.(Review)
August 1, 2000... "The National Trust Handbook 2000" gives copious details of more than 300 National Trust properties throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Current through February 2001, the 336-page book includes complete descriptions of the...

'Abbeys & Monasteries'.(Review)
August 1, 2000... "Abbeys & Monasteries," by Derry Brabbs, is a collection of photographs celebrating the history, the settings and the graceful forms of the abbeys and monasteries that once dotted England's landscape. Subjects range from the...

National Botanic Garden of Wales.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... From a distance it looks like a spacecraft embedded in the heart of the Welsh countryside. Perhaps just as curiously, it houses a perfect Mediterranean landscape with ravine, rock terraces, waterfalls and a lake. In fact, this spectacular dome...

Rick Steves' Europe(c).(Prague, Czech Republic)
August 1, 2000... Czech out Prague It's amazing what 10 years of freedom can do. Prague has always been historic. Now it's fun. No place in Europe has become so popular so quickly. And for good reason: the capital of the Czech Republic -- the only major...

European Potpourri.(travel news from Europe, Versailles declines offer of trees from Georgia, music festivals, the Haydntage, and more)
August 1, 2000... Snatchings in Portugal The front page of the English-language weekly Anglo-Portuguese News warns, "Drive with windows closed, doors locked say police." The article continues, "Pedestrians are advised not to wear valuable rings or...

Africa.(author visits Abu Simbel, Egypt)(Brief Article)(Column)
August 1, 2000... Egypt's Abu Simbel After a prolonged recovery period because of a heart attack and open heart surgery, I am now on the recovery trail and will resume my Africa column. Although ITN covered a trip to Egypt in the April and May issues,...

Timeless Roads of the Mideast & Mediterranean.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... Anjar, Lebanon The seventh- and eighth-century Umayyad city of Anjar lies in a grove of pine trees on a gentle hillside overlooking Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. Most likely due to its location, Anjar is seldom mentioned in travel books or...

FOCUS ON ARCHAEOLOGY.
August 1, 2000... Los Monticulos of Costa Rica Mention Costa Rica and most people will say, "Oh, that's the country that's a nature lover's paradise, isn't it?" And they would be right. This small Central American country, bordered by Nicaragua and...

Far Horizons.
August 1, 2000... Olympics update & other Sydney treats Having returned in early June from Australia, where I attended the annual Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) as part of the hosted Visiting Journalist Program, I can report the following: the stage is...

Kilroy Was Here!(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... News from all over... From time to time, traveling friends send unusual stories from around this spinning globe. Some are startling: While the bands played and night lights danced on the waters, Mr. Vijkner entered Tivoli Gardens in...

Australia by train.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... The Indian Pacific spans the Australian continent from Sydney to Perth, while The Ghan takes travelers from either Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide to Alice Springs and the heart of the Outback. The total number of passengers on each train is...

Youthpass discount from DER.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... DER Travel Services is offering 50% off all BritRail Youth-passes purchased in conjunction with a Euro or Eurail Youthpass, throughout the year. BritRail Youth-passes are available as a Classic or Flexipass and are available to travelers ages...

German Railpass from Rail Europe.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... Rail Europe is now, selling all German Railpass products. Available in first or second class, German Railpasses offer unlimited train travel in Germany for four to 10 days within a one-month period, depending on the validity purchased. A...

'Heidi's Switzerland'.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... Rail Europe has a new rail-and-hotel package called "Heidi's Switzerland," focusing on sites of Heidi's story in eastern and southern Switzerland. Available for US$470 per person, double, it is an independent, un-escorted package that...

A Wolsey Lodges welcome.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... Wolsey Lodges, a nonprofit organization owned by its members, is a consortium of privately owned country homes that welcome guests. Guests are made welcome as friends and often dine with the hosts. The 2000 Wolsey Lodges brochure added 18...

Istanbul/Jerusalem combo tour.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... In recognition of the co-operation of Israeli and Turkish governments for joint promotion of tourism in their countries, Sunny Land Tours has developed two specials. "Jerusalem Express" is a 6-day tour, starting from $999, with air from...

Indonesia cooking.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... Offering insight into local culinary culture and disclosing the ingredients and techniques used to prepare authentic Indonesian dishes, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is offering a 2-day "Rasa-Bumbu Culinary Adventure" the first Friday and Saturday of...

The ITN 100 Nations Award.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... If you have been to 100 or more of the countries (other than your own) on the list below, you are eligible (for a 5-dollar processing and handling fee) to receive a special certificate suitable for framing: the official ITN 100 Nations Award....

'Your Guide to Japan'.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... The brochure 'Your Guide to Japan" has useful information on seasonal activities, weather, major attractions, festivals and events and other general information on accommodations and transportation. For a free copy, contact the Japan...

Visit digs in Malacca.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2000... Visitors are invited by the Museums & Antiquities Department in Malacca, Malaysia, to watch them carry out open archaeological digs on St. Paul's Hill and St. John's Hill. The excavations are in progress to find buried artifacts from the...

Know your etiquette.(Review)
August 1, 2000... Did you know that in Switzerland, a kiss on the cheek could be either expected -- or deeply offensive? Did you know that if you don't want to share in after-dinner drinks in Hungary, you'd better have a good excuse; like doctor's orders? Did...

Viewfinders.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
August 1, 2000... Share your special travel photos The four-eyed frogs showed up at sundown. Pushing effortlessly through the waters of Trinidad's Caroni Swamp, leaving scarcely a ripple, these tiny creatures, called anabups, would have been invisible...

Report Cards.
August 1, 2000... On-the-spot reports from around the globe The following is a sampling of reports received from ITN readers around the globe. ITN invites you to join our corps of reporters -- just drop a card in the mail while your travel impressions are...