International Travel News articles from January 1999

International Travel News archives from January 1999

BOARDING PASS.
January 1, 1999... Dear Globetrotter: Welcome to the 275th issue of your monthly oversea-travel magazine. It may not have been in your city's newspaper, or perhaps it was buried way in the back, or you may have been busy that day, so we'll mention that...

Swiss gear up for Fete des Vignerons -- a once-every-generation celebration.
January 1, 1999... 'Greatest folk festival in Europe' A quarter of a million visitors must know something worth knowing. On our first day in Switzerland's Lake of Geneva Region our press group was briefed on this year's largest-ever Fete des Vignerons...

Eilat's underwater observatory.
January 1, 1999... One of four in the world, the Eilat Underwater Observatory at Marine Park on Coral Beach in Israel allows you to watch sharks in action behind a big glass window. Other attractions include a circular underwater restaurant, an outdoor...

Tel Aviv bird park.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... In the Tzapari Bird Park ("Junga Junga") in Ganei Yehoshua, Tel Aviv, Israel, visitors will find thousands of birds from all over the world in tropical surroundings. The park also boasts a mini-train, an adventure playground and a theater...

Austria caution.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... The U.S. Embassy in Vienna has received credible information concerning the possibility of a terrorist act in the near future against U.S. affiliated facilities in Austria. Austrian authorities have been informed and are taking measures to...

Israel and Kuwait.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... According to the State Department, the Government of Iraq continues to, refuse United Nations representatives full access to inspect and verify Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program. The Security Council has demanded that the Iraqi actions...

Colombia kidnappings.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against unnecessary travel to Colombia. Violence by narcotraffickers, guerrillas, paramilitary groups and other criminal elements continues to affect all parts of the country. U.S. citizens have...

Zimbabwe work stoppages.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... The Zimbabwe Confederation of Trade Unions (ZCTU) announced plans to hold national one-day work stoppages, or "stayaways," every Wednesday until the government responds to its demands for higher wages and a rollback of fuel price increases. ...

Honduras shortages, curfew.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... The Department of State warns U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Honduras of the dangerous conditions existing in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch. Over 100 bridges were destroyed throughout Honduras by the storm, bringing land...

Nicaragua recovering.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... The Department of State warns U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Nicaragua of the dangerous conditions existing in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch. Many Nicaraguan towns, particularly in the north-central mountain and northern...

The World Travelers' INTERCOM.(traveler alerts)
January 1, 1999... 'Ultracautious' about luggage leaving Iran I arranged an independent 3-week tour of Iran with a private guide and a car and driver for June 18-July 10, '98. Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport has a service called CIP (Commercial...

The Funniest Thing.(travel tales)
January 1, 1999... This month's winner is NELSON BURACK of Woodbury, NY: Early in my youth I learned a word, jabony, and I have incorporated it into my vocabulary ever since. It refers to someone who does silly or stupid things or acts like a jerk. A...

Ancient wonders, legends abound in Ethiopia.
January 1, 1999... The hospitable people and stunning ancient wonders of Ethiopia are one of Africa's best-kept secrets. Legends of the Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant, churches built with the help of angels, and colorful monasteries filled with...

Van Dyck exhibition.(to be held in Antwerp, Belgium)
January 1, 1999... Sir Anthony van Dyck is known for developing a distinct genre in portraiture. In commemoration of the 400th anniversary of his birth in 1599, Antwerp, Belgium, is mounting an impressive exhibition to include some 80 works from the most...

Ramat Aviv museum.(Eretz Israel Museum offers tour)
January 1, 1999... Eretz Israel Museum in Ramat Aviv offers a 3-hour guided tour and a "hands-on" family tour including demonstrations of ancient crafts and a planetarium visit. Reservations are required. Call 03 641 5244.

Tagus's second bridge.(Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon, Portugal)
January 1, 1999... Europe's longest suspension bridge, and the second bridge to span the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal, opened in summer '98. The Vasco da Gama Bridge makes the areas to the north of the country, to the southern Algarve and east across the...

April in Paris (London too) -- and all in four days.(travel tales)
January 1, 1999... My daughter-in-law Jill and I were on Northwest Airlines' flight No. 50 (Detroit to Paris) early on an April morning as we prepared to enjoy our four-day adventure in Paris. April in Paris! Imagine our chagrin, upon leaving Charles de...

How to pick a tour.(Review)
January 1, 1999... Vantage Deluxe World Travel has published a new booklet called "How to Pick the Trip That Suits You Best -- A Checklist for Choosing a Tour or Cruise." The pocket-sized, 16-page, illustrated guide lists key items to consider when planning...

British Isles.(travel tales)
January 1, 1999... * We enjoyed a quiet and restful overnight stay at Mrs. Hazel Rhodes' Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast (Weaners Farm, Bears Lane, Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk, ENGLAND CO10 9RX; phone 01787 247310). Very quiet location, one mile in from the main...

Europe.
January 1, 1999... After staying in small hotels and B&Bs in Europe, we found that standard mealtimes in these types of accommodations did not suit our schedule. In the mornings we frequently would be long gone to catch a train or bus before the "included"...

Asia.(Bali)
January 1, 1999... * Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort -- overlooking the famous Tanah Lot temple on the southwest coast of BALI. A 5-star. property with 278 rooms integrated with an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course. Lowest '98 rack rate is...

Pacific.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... * Tambua Sands Beach Resort (P.O. Box 177, Sigatoka, FIJI ISLANDS; phone 679 500 399, or fax 679 520 265) -- on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu between Sigatoka and Pacific Harbor. Delightful, low-key beach resort. Peaceful with a real sense...

Africa.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... * Anna's B&B (13 Norman St., Strand 7140, Republic of SOUTH AFRICA; phone 27 21 853 2192) -- within one block of beautiful beaches and within three to five blocks of very good restaurants. A delightful small B&B. The rooms are comfortable...

Latin America.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... I visited Arequipa, PERU, with several archaeologist friends and would like, to pass along a specific recommendation. * Our group stayed at the Mansion Dorada Hostal (Calle 28 de Julio Nr. 505, Vallecito, Arequipa; phone 011 51 54 222336,...

South America sampler -- cruising around Cape Horn.
January 1, 1999... In February 1998, my wife and I went around the southern third of South America the easy way. We used the Nieuw Amsterdam, a Holland-America ship, as our transportation with seven shore excursions to five different countries. The travel...

Idyll's Untours.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... In an Untour, travelers stay in a private, fully furnished apartment, with the freedom to pursue their own interests at their own pace. There is no daily itinerary. Untours are available in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany,...

Amelia Tours International.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... In the July '98 issue, page 56, Beverly Bruninga wrote a glowing report about TUNISIA and the wonderful vacation their party had there. For some reason, few Americans have experienced the pleasures of this most hospitable country. In late...

Anitours.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... I took the 15-day "SWISS Alpine Rail" tour offered by Anitours (81 New Road, Ste. 144, Parsippany, NJ 07054; phone 800/243-8264 or 973/299-8180, or fax 973/3346277) in August '98. It was one of the best tours I have taken, and I have traveled...

Cross-Culture, Inc.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... In May '98 we took the "Sojourn in Southern ITALY I," in combination with the "Roman Holiday I," offered by Cross-Culture, Inc. (52 High Point Dr., Amherst, MA 01002-1224; phone 413/256-6303, or fax 413/253-2303, or visit...

Holiday Travel World.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... I toured CROATIA and SLOVENIA, June 10-July 9, '98, on a trip arranged by Holiday Travel World (251 Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604; phone 800/899-8717 or 201/288-4330, or fax 201/462-0887). The trip included a week in each of three...

Holts Battlefield Tours Limited.
January 1, 1999... I took a trip to Gallipoli, the scene of a disastrous invasion of TURKEY by British and French forces in 1915, offered by Holts Battlefield Tours Limited (Golden Key Building, 15 Market St., Sandwich, Kent CT13 9DA, United Kingdom; phone 011 44...

Kutrubes Travel.
January 1, 1999... In early October '98, my wife, Pat, and I took a one-week trip to LEBANON and SYRIA arranged by Kutrubes Travel (328 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02116; phone 800/878-8566 or 617/426-5668, or fax 617/426-3196, or e-mail ktravel@world.std.com) in...

McIntosh Tours.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... My husband, Jack, and I enjoyed a leisurely trip to Southeast ASIA, Feb. 2-March 1, '98. Iweeta McIntosh of McIntosh Tours (3028 Fondren Dr., Dallas; TX 75205; phone 800/23-CHINA or 214/696-9868, or fax 214/750-7721) made the arrangements for...

Planet Expeditions.
January 1, 1999... For the past five summers I have taken my two grand-sons, ages 12 and 15, to historical places. I am doing this before they want to spend their summers with their local friends or maybe work a summer job. June '98, I said, was going to be...

Select Tours International.
January 1, 1999... We returned September '98 from a trip to IRIAN JAYA and PAPUA NEW GUINEA that was arranged by Cipora Kronen of Select Tours International (Box 210, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; phone 800/356-6680 or 310/374-0880, or fax 310/318-2325, or e-mail...

Spirit of India.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... Having taken the ultimate high-country trip to INDIA's spectacular Himalayas in July/August '98, I highly recommend this trip as a lifetime adventure. With its snowbound recesses, vistas of unsurpassable beauty, green meadows, forests rich with...

Tombs and tradition off the beaten track in Anatolia's timeless town of Amasya.
January 1, 1999... The insistent voice from the principal mosque rises straight as a slender minaret piercing the dawn. A chorus undulates from 31 lesser mosques, rising and falling until absorbed by the day. The audience is everyone in Amasya, for Amasya is set...

Swissair plus 'Wind Spirit' to Greek isles.
January 1, 1999... An adventure to the Greek isles in May '98 produced mixed emotions about both Swissair and Windstar Cruises. Swissair has become a second-class international carrier, in my opinion. We flew business class only to discover its quality is...

'Upgraded' to noisy cabin on 'Balkan Beauty'.
January 1, 1999... We took a trip on the lower Danube, July 2-14, '98, with Educational Travel Resources, Inc. (6845 Elm St., Ste. 514, McLean, VA 22101). We had taken two other cruises with them and thoroughly enjoyed them. On this trip, booked through...

Cruise to Croatia.
January 1, 1999... Having visited much of what was once the Roman Empire, including Greece and Turkey, and having spent time in Venice and Ravenna, my friend and I were interested in seeing Istria and Dalmatia in what is now the new nation of Croatia -- two...

St. Petersburg/Helsinki tour/cruise.
January 1, 1999... In June '98 a friend and I embarked on a trip to St. Petersburg, Russia. We flew on Finnair from New York to Helsinki, where we boarded the Finnish ship Christina Regina, an older but comfortable small liner which advertises a visit to St....

'Odysseus' along South America.(Royal Olympic Cruises)
January 1, 1999... We took a cruise with Royal Olympic Cruises (One Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020; phone 212/397-6400). We opted for back-to-back legs, the first being 12 days from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires, sailing Dec. 22, '97, and the second, 14...

Wheelchair traveler well tended on Yangtze cruise.(Uniworld offers travel for the disabled)
January 1, 1999... We went on the "Treasures of China & Grand Yangtze Cruise," July 28-Aug. 14, '98, with Uniworld (in Encino, CA; phone 800/653-4464). For the cruise portion they used Victoria Cruises (in Woodside, NY; phone 800/348-8084). At $3,943 per...

Barges in Cambridgeshire.(Westover Boat Co.)
January 1, 1999... On Sept. 27, '98, my wife and I began a week-long barge trip through the canals of Cambridgeshire, England, with the Westover Boat Company. This trip was most relaxing and very enjoyable. The barges Peggotty and Barkis took us to the...

A perfect duo: Danube cruise and independent in Vienna.(Saga tours)
January 1, 1999... I love to travel independently; however, I wanted to cruise on the Danube. So, why not try a tour? After the tour, I spent a week on my own in Vienna. I found both choices exactly right. Free time in Vienna Choosing the "land only"...

America's s Cup challenge in Auckland.
January 1, 1999... The international sporting spotlight will be on Auckland in February 2000, when Team New Zealand takes on the challenge for yachting's most prized possession: the America's Cup. The Challenger Elimination Series, to determine who will...

Which cameras are best for travel?
January 1, 1999... First, I will speak about the most suitable camera, since there are many quality cameras from which to choose. Back in the '30s, when I made professional photographs for sale, I traveled with heavy cameras: Plaubel and Linhoff. Nowadays,...

Festival of the Winegrowers in Vevey.(Switzerland)
January 1, 1999... Held once in a generation in Switzerland, La Fete des Vignerons (Festival of the Winegrowers) will take place in 1999 from July 29 to Aug. 15. The open-air pageant will be presented on the huge market square situated in the heart of Vevey and...

'World Weather Guide'.(Review)
January 1, 1999... Want to know what weather conditions you may encounter on your trip overseas? Fodor's "World Weather Guide," edited by E.A. Pearce and C.G. Smith, is the most thorough reference tool for predicting climate, anywhere on Earth. From...

Barbados Heritage Passport.(allows special access to tourist sites)
January 1, 1999... The Barbados Heritage Passport provides visitors with special access to natural attractions and many National Trust sites. The document is issued at no cost to visitors. When the passport holder pays full admission to visit Andromeda...

Special Lido matinees.(Paris)
January 1, 1999... Paris' famed Lido nightclub, located directly on the Champs-Elysees, is offering a select number of matinee performances this winter of its $15 million stage production "C'est Magique." Visitors to Paris can attend special Sunday afternoon...

To Singapore on a shoestring by being an air courier.
January 1, 1999... Where would you expect to find a sign reading "Please do not carry banana and your camera all in one hand"? Elsewhere, we found this warm greeting: "Welcome to Singapore! Death to Drug Traffickers!" That was the first sign I saw upon...

Malaysian rail.(Ekspres Rakya)
January 1, 1999... The Ekspres Sinaran Pagi and the Ekspres Sinaran Petang, which operate between Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth, Malaysia, as of July 1, 1998, began running on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. The Ekspres Rakya, which runs from Butterworth...

Malta's Valletta.
January 1, 1999... Our first excursion while visiting Malta in May/June '98 took us to Valletta, which lies between the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour. The city of Valletta itself is a contrast between austere exteriors and ornate interiors -- the...

AIR FRANCE'S CONCORDE.
January 1, 1999... With Air France's new Exclusive Supersonic Travel Fare, passengers can save money and fly faster than the speed of sound for less than the price of a business-class ticket. Through March 31, this special promotion -- with fares starting at...

THERE'S A CATCH.(Air Tech Flight Pass)
January 1, 1999... An Air Tech Flight Pass offers a cheap way to fly. For example, the fare to Europe from the West Coast is only $199, and the return fare's the same. Passengers also can leave from a different European city than the one in which they arrived,...

AIR MAURITIUS.
January 1, 1999... How about a balmy winter vacation well off the beaten path? Check out an 11-day "Escape to Mauritius" package that includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations for seven nights, most meals, guided sightseeing and transfers for $1,680...

EL AL ISRAEL AIRLINES.
January 1, 1999... El Al Israel Airlines is offering the opportunity to experience the riches of Jerusalem in luxury with a special value package. The offer includes round-trip coach-class airfare on El Al and six nights' accommodations at the deluxe Laromme...

VACATION EXPRESS CHARTERS.
January 1, 1999... Vacation Express has announced that it will expand its existing seasonal charter program to Costa Rica to include Louisville and Nashville as departure cities for 1999. These cities will add to 1998's charter cities of Atlanta and Charlotte to...

More go smoke-free.(Grupo Taca airlines becomes smoke-free)
January 1, 1999... Smoking became outlawed on all Grupo Taca aircraft as of Sept. 1, 1998. Frequent flyers, as well as those who fly occasionally, suggested that the airline enforce the no-smoking rule in the air. Thus, Grupo Taca joins with other...

Correction.(Singapore Airlines corrects departures for "Japan Holiday" packages)
January 1, 1999... In the December issue of ITN on page 121 it states that Singapore Airlines' "Japan Holiday" 7-day packages starts at $999 per person, double, from Los Angeles (slightly higher from the East Coast). The press release was in error -- there are no...

EuroCruises selection.
January 1, 1999... Since first being introduced to computers and the Internet over a decade ago, we have always been somewhat surprised that most of the cruise lines which have chosen to make their presence known on that medium have done such a Poor job of...

NCL to homeport new ship in Seattle.(Norwegian Cruise Line)
January 1, 1999... Norwegian Cruise Line recently announced that it had reached an agreement with the Port of Seattle to homeport their new 78,000-ton cruise ship Norwegian Sky out of the newly developed Bell Street Pier for a 3-year period of Alaska cruising,...

An apology!(Holland America Line cruise from Japan to British Columbia, Canada not available)
January 1, 1999... In our October 1998 column, we informed our readers of a very attractive opportunity for a voyage aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam of Holland America Line from Osaka, Japan, to Vancouver, B.C., Canada, in May of 1999. We were informed by a nice...

Small-ship adventures.(from INTRAV)
January 1, 1999... INTRAV has announced an extensive program of worldwide small-ship cruises for 1999 in a new catalog, "INTRAV Small-Ship Adventures." Travelers can choose from 32 different voyages that visit virtually all parts of the globe on a selection of...

No single supplement on Antarctic cruise.(Marine Expeditions)
January 1, 1999... Adventurous single travelers now can follow in the footsteps of the famous Antarctic explorers Shackleton, Amundsen and Scott more affordably than ever with Marine Expeditions' guarantee of no single supplement on its Antarctic voyages. Waiving...

Southeast Asia value.(from Malaysia Airlines)
January 1, 1999... Fly from Los Angeles to Singapore on Malaysia Airlines and sail on the Sun Vista (Bahama registration) for eight days and seven nights, embarking from and returning to Singapore. Countries visited will be Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand,...

New Norwegian Coastal Voyages.
January 1, 1999... Two new air/sea programs feature the Norwegian Coastal Voyage along the spectacular, 1,250-mile west coast of Norway. The voyage, between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes in the north, is seven days northbound, six days southbound and 12 days...

Take a chance; save $$ on France cruise.(from IST Cultural Tours)
January 1, 1999... For 1999, IST Cultural Tours has a "Beyond Cruising" offer for France-bound vacationers with adventurous spirits and a desire to save up to $1,000 per couple. Passengers are invited to reserve the week they prefer to savor the splendors of...

Roads to discovery.(from World Discovery Tours)
January 1, 1999... * "SCOTLAND's Highlands & Islands," an 8-day/7-night inn-to-inn walking tour. After arrival in Fort William, continue by minibus to the Glenelg Peninsula for a gentle, introductory hike to a 2,000-year-old "brock." Then take a ferry to the...

"Rick Steves' Great Britain & Ireland 1997".(Review)
January 1, 1999... "Rick Steves' Great Britain & Ireland 1997" (John Muir Publications, Box 613, Santa Fe, NM 87504 -- $15.95, 311 pgs.). Rick Steves' brag is that he tells it like it is -- that is, that he gives you the information you really need. And, by...

"Turkish Odyssey: A Traveller's Guide to Turkey and Turkish Culture".(Review)
January 1, 1999... "Turkish Odyssey: A Traveller's Guide to Turkey and Turkish Culture" by Serif Yenen (1998. Order from Serif Yenen, PK 14 Acibadem, 81020 Istanbul, Turkey; fax +90 (216) 326456, or e-mail yenen@turkishodyssey.com -- $29.50, 560 pgs.). The...

"Australia and New Zealand by Campervan and/or Car with Stopovers in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Hawaii and Tahiti".(Review)
January 1, 1999... "Australia and New Zealand by Campervan and/or Car with Stopovers in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Hawaii and Tahiti" (1998, ETC Publications, 700 E. Vereda del Sur, Palm Springs, CA 92262--$19.95, 128 pgs.). What a challenge! That was my first...

Leipzig reborn.
January 1, 1999... (Last of six parts on Germany) My last stop on my recent trip through what was once the heart of the former East German Republic (the DDR, once backed by the Communist forces of Russia) was the wonderful, old city of Leipzig. After the...

Royal Windsor itinerary.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... The best heritage attractions, gardens and sporting venues of England's Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead are included in an 8-day discovery tour of the region. A leaflet outlines a choice of itineraries and gives suggestions for places...

Cottages & apartments.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... Looking for accommodations in cottages and apartments in geographically central villages? Home At First has been offering vacation homes as part of travel packages in the British Isles as well as Ireland, Europe and New Zealand for over 20...

Edinburgh's newest attraction.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... The Former Royal Yacht Britannia, which could accommodate 500 people, will be permanently docked at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh. It is housed in a new on-shore center, the centerpiece of which is the Royal Barge. Opened to the public on...

Baden-Baden -- splash with class in the Black Forest's premier spa.
January 1, 1999... Of all the high-class resort towns I've seen, Germany's Baden-Baden is the easiest to enjoy in blue jeans and with a picnic. Located deep in the Black Forest, this resort was the playground of Europe's high-rolling elite 150 years ago....

Museum of Old Musical Instruments, Vienna.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... Though the Museum of Old Musical Instruments is not my only favorite museum in this city, it is the museum that I frequently visit due to its easy location just off the Ringstrasse. (Take stop No. 2 on my Ring-Kai-Ring map, or take the...

'Die Fledermaus' at the Kammeroper.
January 1, 1999... A good way to celebrate the 'Year of the Waltz King 1999" (Dec. '98, pg. 145) would be to attend Strauss' best-loved operetta, "Die Fledermaus," which will be given at Vienna's Kammeroper through Feb. 13,'99. This operetta was written by...

Palazzo Barberini back to its original splendor.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... In Rome, Italy, the Palazzo Barberini houses the National Galerie of Ancient Art with some 1,500 paintings, among which is found Rafaello's famous "Fornarina." I saw in a recent news item that this palace, which is considered the...

Rome museum passes.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... Week-long passes to Rome's various museums are now available for L25,000 ($16). The passes also make visitors to the Eternal City temporary members of the Roma Caput Mundi (Rome, the Head of the World), an association devoted to preserving this...

New Picasso museum.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... The house where Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, Spain, in 1881 has been turned into a museum, with King Juan Carlos officially inaugurating it. More than the equivalent of a million dollars has been spent in converting this 5-story house...

Historic towns in Germany.(Brief Article)
January 1, 1999... Here is a list of 12 historic towns in Germany that are listed in a booklet put out by the tourist office in Heidelberg. As they are towns that are not on everyone's itinerary, they are worth noting. Augsburg -- Bavarian city dating back to...