International Travel News articles from March 2005

International Travel News archives from March 2005

Boarding pass.(Editorial)
March 1, 2005... Dear Globetrotter: Welcome to the 349th issue of your monthly overseas travel magazine. With this issue, ITN begins its 30th year of publication. A few months ago, Donald Bridgman of Lincoln, California, wrote to ITN, "I found this in...

Report cards: on-the-spot reports from around the globe.
March 1, 2005... FIRST, FAST & FURIOUS--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 the travel impressions are fresh in your mind. To...

Communing with the creatures of the night in Singapore.
March 1, 2005... Almost every visitor to Asia at one time or another passes through Singapore; be it on a shore excursion from a cruise ship or while changing planes. We did not plan to linger as we arrived there on our way home following a 2-week, September...

Beverly Shaver el Cerrito, CA.
March 1, 2005... Opened in 1994, the Night Safari park was designed to allow, under carefully controlled conditions, public viewing of nocturnal creatures, from fierce predators to timid forest dwellers, living in their authentic natural habitat under subtle...

Don't drive in London. Extra charges are levied and it's a horror!(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... Don't drive in London. Extra charges are levied and it's a horror! Did you know that at every metro in London they have a good, free map of the local metro area? You do have to ask for it, although often it is in front of the ticket window.--J....

Travel to Sri Lanka post tsunami.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... After the initial shock of and reaction to the unprecedented tragedy that hit South Asia on Dec. 26, it is important to present the traveling public with an accurate account of the current situation on the ground in terms of tourism. I have...

Around the world in 8 days.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I took an around-the-world trip in 7 1/2 days flying first class on Qantas, American Airlines and Cathay Pacific, Nov. 6-14, '04. I used One World's 'round-the-world fare. The ticket cost $9,100. I paid full price--no breaks. The fare was...

Paid for exit row on Virgin .(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... At Miami Airport I checked in for Virgin Atlantic flight No. 6 to London Heathrow and, putting on my nicest smile, asked if I could possibly have an exit row seat... for the stretch-out room. Imagine my surprise when I was told I could...

On Lufthansa seating.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... The reader's letter "Flights Spoiled a Good Cruise" (Jan. '05, pg. 26) regarding Edward DeCrappeo's July 17 Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Washington, D.C., inspired me to write. My wife and I took that same flight in June '04 and we...

Dealing with flights to Europe.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I read with interest the reader's comments in the letter titled "Flights Spoiled a Good Cruise" (Jan. '05, pg. 26), regarding the flights assigned by Grand Circle Travel (Boston, MA). We are also Grand Circle "Inner Circle" members. On the...

Funniest thing.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... 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, Mexico or the Caribbean.') The ITN staff will choose...

Indonesia cautions.(News Watch)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The Department of State recommends that Americans defer all nonessential travel to Indonesia. Those who choose to travel there should take vigilant personal security precautions, remain aware of the continued potential for terrorist attacks...

Thailand's SW coast.(News Watch)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... At press time, travel to the south-western coastal areas of Thailand, particularly Phi Phi Island and much of the Khao Lak resort area in Phang Nga province, remained difficult or impossible due to extremely heavy damage caused by the Dec. 26...

Kuwait clashes.(News Watch)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... In two separate incidents on Jan. 10 and 15, 2005, Kuwaiti security officials and militants engaged in fatal shootouts. The Department of State advises American citizens that the possibility exists of further Travelers should exercise...

You are the "I" in ITN.
March 1, 2005... International Travel News is written by its readers. Unlike some other travel magazines, we do not pontificate from the 50th floor of a Manhattan skyscraper. We are not sending down crumbs of knowledge to the masses. ITN is the...

Holy writ?
March 1, 2005... One of our Lifetime Subscribers, Helen Maxwell of Moville, Iowa, told us, "ITN is my travel bible." Now, we wouldn't claim ITN to be word from on high. Still, we're proud that for 29 years we've brought our readers up-to-the-minute news on...

Tajikistan risks.(News Watch)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Elements of terrorist groups allied with al-Qa'ida remain active in Tajikistan and still pose risks to travelers. In addition, Tajikistan is a known transit route for narcotics trafficking and therefore also presents all of the risks inherent...

East Africa alert.(News Watch)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The Department of State believes there remains the threat of future terrorist attacks in East Africa. Travelers should review their plans accordingly. The potential for threats against civil aviation continues throughout the East Africa region....

Algeria safety measures.(News Watch)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Over the past several months, the city of Algiers and its immediate suburbs in Algeria have recorded a drop in the number of terrorist-associated incidents. However, random terrorist attacks still occur in rural and remote areas, on public...

Step toward peace in Sudan.(News Watch)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... A comprehensive peace agreement reached between Sudan's Islamist government and southern rebels has essentially put an end to Africa's longest-running civil war. The signing was attended by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. Not covered...

Libya travel status.(News Watch)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The U.S. lifted restrictions on the use of U.S. passports for travel to Libya in February 2004. While Libya has taken steps to cooperate in the global war on terrorism, the Libyan government remains on the U.S. government's State Sponsors of...

Crime in Fiji.(News Watch)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... In Fiji, after two separate incidents of assault and robbery on members of the Australian High Commission, Australia has alerted its citizens that foreigners in Fiji may be the victims of violent theft. Most of the incidents have occurred in...

Current warnings.(News Watch)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... As ITN went to press, the State Department had travel warnings on 26 destinations: Guyana, Algeria, Indonesia, Libya, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sudan, Burundi, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Cote d'Ivoire, Kenya, Israel/the West Bank/Gaza, Iran, Lebanon,...

Smoking policies changing.(Travel briefs)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... On Jan. 1, 2005, Italy became the third country in Europe to ban smoking in all public enclosed spaces (including restaurants and bars), joining Ireland and Norway. Many European countries have begun implementing nonsmoking policies that ban...

HK's Peak Tower revamp.(Travel briefs)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Hong Kong's popular Peak Tower is undergoing a $13 million makeover that will create a center with market-style shopping, dining and entertainment. The principal viewing gallery will move to the roof of the tower. Throughout the renovation,...

Buenos Aires--delving into the soul of the city.
March 1, 2005... When the rat race gets too hectic, the travel bug bites me and I yearn for exotic places and faraway lands. However, for 2004 my wife, Donna, and I were in a quandary about where to travel. We crossed Europe off our list because of the weak...

Thrill of America's cup race.
March 1, 2005... Enjoy the thrill of match-racing one of Australia's two most famous America's Cup yachts, Australia and Steak 'N Kidney, on a replica America's Cup course near Whitsunday Island off Queensland, Australia. During the two short races in the...

Missed tour due to communication snafus.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)
March 1, 2005... ITN subscriber Joyce Barnes of Los Angeles, California, was scheduled to join a tour of Burma led by Philip Hassrick of Lost Frontiers, Inc. (87 Park Rd., Fairfax, CA 94930. She had made her own flight arrangements to Burma. On Jan. 9,...

Hotel Toro transformation.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... A reader sent ITN a copy of a letter mailed to AMS Hotels (Parc Center, Boiling Ave. 8, 1119 Schiphol-Rizk, Netherlands) regarding a property in Amsterdam, as follows. I write to express my deep disappointment in finding that the Toro...

Marco Polo repeat passenger.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I read with a lot of interest the October '04 article by Lew Toulmin about the Marco Polo of Orient Lines (800/333-7300 or www.orientlines.com). Yes, he does a good job on the history of the Marco Polo, but we feel that the biggest reason the...

The Monet on the Adriatic.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... In late October '04 I boarded the Monet, a small cruise ship carrying a maximum of 59 passengers, at the San Basilio pier in Venice, Italy. Our itinerary was a leisurely 7-day cruise down the Dalmatian coast (formerly Yugoslavia), terminating...

'Waterways of the Czars'.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I went on a 14-day cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg in August '04. This was my first trip with Uniworld (Encino, CA; phone 800/257-2264 or visit www.uniworld.com) and I was very impressed with not only Russia itself but the spotlessly clean...

Dusseldorf and more.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I was in Germany for several weeks in June '04 and found a wonderful small hotel, Hotel Berlin Plaza, one-half block from the Ku'Damm in Berlin, I would recommend it. I think it's too small to have "groups," but the building did have two...

Fourth trip to China.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... For our fourth trip to China, in October '03, we selected areas of the country that had UNESCO World Heritage Sites that we had either read or heard about for many years. Our new destinations would be Shanghai, Tunxi, Huang Shan, Chengdu,...

Companies came through.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... * A promotion run in 2003 by Grand Circle Travel (347 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210; phone 800/221-2610 or visit www.gct.com) promised two $250 travel certificates applicable to your next GCT trip if you completed an extensive questionnaire on...

A hands-on study program grants special access to the art treasures of Russia's Hermitage Museum.
March 1, 2005... If you are fascinated by the art treasures at the Hermitage and are not content with a typical 2-hour tour with hard-to-hear commentary, an extraordinary opportunity awaits you in St. Petersburg, Peter the Great's gleaming city on the Gulf of...

While in Finland in 1996, my friend and I had a difficult time locating a toilet.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... While in Finland in 1996, my friend and I had a difficult time locating a toilet. We tried asking for the W.C., toilet, bathroom, rest room, lavatory... But, overseas, "bathroom" can mean where you take a bath, "rest room" is where you can...

Travel insurance industry response to the South Asia tsunami.
March 1, 2005... How did the travel insurance industry respond to the Asian tsunami disaster in December 2004 and how did this affect travel insurance coverages for this period and for subsequent travel? General travel insurance policy coverages Claims...

Europe.(Accomodations worldwide: hotels * B&Bs * homestays * apartments)(Directory)
March 1, 2005... 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 visit and conversion rates are approximate. ...

Careful attention to detail makes the most of a customized Botswana safari.
March 1, 2005... Inspired by a positive review in International Travel News by Charles R. Cusack (Nov. '02, pg. 82), we chose Fish Eagle Safaris (phone 800/513-5222 or visit www.fisheagle safaris.com) for our ninth African safari--the second to Botswana. ...

Libya on itinerary.(Travel briefs)
March 1, 2005... Oceania Cruises has added a second Mediterranean voyage to Libya and Tunisia aboard the 5-star, 684-passenger Insignia. The 10-day voyage sails from Athens to Barcelona on Nov. 17, 2005, calling on Benghazi, Tripoli, Valletta, La Goulette,...

Venice barge cruise.(Travel briefs)
March 1, 2005... Go Barging is introducing a river/ canal/lagoon cruise of the River Brenta, Venice and some of the smaller islands in the Venetian lagoon aboard the hotel barge La Dolce Vita from April 2005. With daily excursions to historic sites, the...

Discover Adelaide.(Travel briefs)
March 1, 2005... Visitors to Adelaide, South Australia, can purchase a Discover Adelaide Card for Aus$48 (near US$34) that offers up to 50% off the price of admission to 14 attractions in and around the city plus bonus offers. The card includes eight passes to...

Following the locals to Croatia's choice coastal towns.
March 1, 2005... Guidebooks point travelers toward the more internationally known Croatian islands and cities on the Adriatic: Hvar, Korcula, Split, Opatija and Dubrovnik. For this holiday, however, my husband, Josip, and I were searching for a destination...

Visit to Transnistria.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... My wife, Arlene, and I spent a few hours in a little-visited part of the world that is well worth seeing because of its complex history and location. Transnistria (Trans-Dniestria or Transdniester) is a self-proclaimed autonomous republic...

Pleased with global phone.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... A discovery! I purchased a GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) phone for a trip to Egypt/Jordan in November '04. Although there was no need for lengthy conversations with my progeny, I did feel a need for a phone should a crisis of...

Calling on IsCard.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... This is a follow-up to my letter in the February '05 issue, page 16, regarding making phone calls through Iscom, Inc. While calls can be made with the IsCard FROM the U.S. to Austria (Country Code 43) at the rate of nine cents per minute...

Foul first impression.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... A trip we made to Kenya was a near disaster. On Sept. 29, '04, I drove us from Arusha, Tanzania, into Kenya. A tourist visa cost $50. After a noon lunch in downtown Nairobi, we were blocked in traffic on busy Kenyatta Avenue, surrounded by...

Driving Spain.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Correction Notice)
March 1, 2005... CORRECTION--In the third paragraph of my letter on paradores in Spain (Nov. '04, pg. 81), the line should read, "When picking up your rental car, ask the company whether they are supplying two emergency breakdown triangles and a fluorescent...

'Guerrilla Travel Tactics'.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... In his review of "Guerrilla Travel Tactics" by Levinson and Brandt-Sarif (Nov. '04, pg. 92), ITN Contributing Editor Chris Springer seems determined to criticize what may be the best book of its kind on the market right now. I've been...

Ardeche correction.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Editorial)
March 1, 2005... I am indebted to ITN reader Michel Quenon of Saratoga, California, for pointing out that, in my article on the French Ardeche (Feb. '05, pg. 100), my invitation to visit Cave Chauvet was incorrect. He wrote, "Cave Chauvet is not open to the...

Milan trattoria.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... Travelers to Italy looking for a trattoria near the Milan train station can go with confidence to Trattoria La Baita (phone 02-6694173), just around the corner from the station at Via Lepetit 27, corner of Via Vitruvio. On the night we were...

Florence repasts.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I was in Florence, Italy, on a Christmas-in-Florence tour, Dec. 21-28, '04, and found several good places to eat in the Centro Storico area. Both are on the street that is about one block from the famed Ponte Vecchio. * On Borgo Santi...

Dining in Croatia.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... On a trip to Croatia in June '04, we found three restaurants which were excellent. In Krk Town on the island of Krk, we recommend Konoba NONO (Krckih iseljenika 8, Krk, Croatia; phone +3 85 [0] 5 1222 221). It's just outside the Old City...

Hired driver in Hungary.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... In need of a driver on our September '04 trip that included Hungary, we were turned on to Gabor Stem (e-mail seszter@hdsnet.hu) by the Hungarian National Tourist Office (e-mail info@gotohungary.com). A very pleasant man with acceptable...

Travel clubs bulletin board.
March 1, 2005... * A new "ITN travel club" is starting on The Peninsula south of SAN FRANCISCO. If you live in San Mateo County and would like to join us once a month for programs in members homes, contact me for dates, times and locations. Welcome!--Bobbi...

All aboard!
March 1, 2005... Palm Express You've seen it dozens of times in movies and on TV: a bird's-eye view of a red sports car screeching through hairpin curves one after another, racing down a precipitous granite mountain with a thousand-foot plunge below into...

The cruising world.
March 1, 2005... QM2 = WOW! We reclined comfortably, looking up at the thousands, of brilliant stars overhead. The ship swayed slightly as she drove forward at 25 knots. Suddenly the stars shifted dramatically, galaxies appeared and great streaks of...

Spain on horseback.(Tours: a selection of escorted tours)
March 1, 2005... SPAIN ON HORSEBACK--6-day/7-night "Andalusian Coast & Villages Trail." On an Andalusian horse, explore marshes, meadows and villages along Gulf of Roses/feudalera Castello d'Empuries/Museo del Castell de Peralada for ceramics, glass, art....

"13-day romantic Italy.".(Tours: a selection of escorted tours)
March 1, 2005... Among highlights: Lake Como and Bellagio/Sforza Castle and da Vinci's "Last Supper" in Milan/Venice walking tour/glassblowers' island of Murano/Pisa/Florence, including Accademia ("David"), Ponte Vecchio, Baptistry/medieval Perugia/St....

"Predators of the serengeti".(Tours: a selection of escorted tours)
March 1, 2005... "PREDATORS OF THE SERENGETI"--14-day mobile camp safari in TANZANIA ("light" activity level). May 22-June 4 & Oct. 16-29, 2005. Among highlights: Game drives in Ndarakwai Ranch on west slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro--zebras, eland, elephants,...

"Guatemala adventure".(Tours: a selection of escorted tours)
March 1, 2005... "GUATEMALA ADVENTURE"--9-day "moderate-level" trip departs weekly on request. Among highlights: Hike Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera Nature Reserve amidst waterfalls, orchids and ancient trees and seek the resplendent quetzal/raft class 3-4...

Economy Class Syndrome--not just for coach passengers.(Travel & health)
March 1, 2005... That cramped feeling you get from sitting in economy class could be a very real ailment. For the last couple of years, Economy Class Syndrome--known as ECS--has been featured on evening newscasts and in a variety of health journals. ...

'Da Vinci Code' package.(Travel & health)
March 1, 2005... Through Dec. 25, 2005, Concord Hotels' boutique Hotel du Louvre, located next to the Louvre Museum in Pans, is offering a "Da Vinci Code" package based on the best-selling thriller. For $545 per night (normal rate is 700 [euro], or approx....

Rick Steves' Europe[c].
March 1, 2005... Visit the Vatican, for Pete's sake Located at the heart of Vatican City, St. Peter's is a cocktail of religion and art, culture and history, gawkers and pilgrims. The basilica represents the power and Splendor of Rome's 2,000-year...

Les Baux, France, is a medieval hilltop town that is still spectacular in its ruined state.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... Les Baux, France, is a medieval hilltop town that is still spectacular in its ruined state. Louis XVII destroyed the town in 1632 to squelch the rebellious residents. There is a reconstructed portion of the city with tourist facilities where we...

Focus on archaeology.
March 1, 2005... In search of Chinggis Khan (Second of two parts) In January's ITN, Julie explored remnants of Chinggis Khan's empire. Naadam Festival The Naadam is Mongolia's biggest holiday of the year. Held on July 11, 12 and 13, on the...

In Egypt, Abu Simbel should not be missed even if you have to pay for an "optional extra" on your tour.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... In Egypt, Abu Simbel should not be missed even if you have to pay for an "optional extra" on your tour. The relocation of the magnificent world-class temples of Ramses II and his queen Nefertari above the waters of Lake Nasser was a tremendous...

Timeless roads of the Mideast & Mediterranean.
March 1, 2005... Toledo to Capileira With a camera over my shoulder (Part 6 of 6 on Spain) As the seven of us placed our suitcases in the 8-passenger van being driven by Don Lyon, chief guide and outfitter for Close-Up Expeditions, the weather...

African airlines safety record.(Travel briefs)(Correction Notice)
March 1, 2005... CLARIFICATION--In response to the item titled "African Airlines' Poor Record" (Feb. '05, pg. 108), regarding the poor safety record of aircraft throughout Africa in 2004, ITN received a call from Deborah Urquhart of Wild African Ventures, Inc....

Heathrow-London.(Travel briefs)
March 1, 2005... For 20 months from Jan. 7, 2005, travelers who would be going from Heathrow's Terminal 4 into London on the underground's Piccadilly line will be using a dedicated bus shuttle at Hatton Cross instead, as the line's extension to a new fifth...

'The Railway Children'.(Travel briefs)
March 1, 2005... 2005 marks 100 years since the publication of the children's fiction book "The Railway Children" by Edith Nesbit. Events will be held at the National Railway Museum in York, England, Oct. 22-30. Visit www.nrm.org.uk.

Person to person: reader-to-reader info exchange.
March 1, 2005... Planning a trip overseas and need specific info? Let your fellow ITN readers provide the answers. Send your question to Person to Person, c/o ITN, 2120 28th St., Sacramento, CA 95818, or e-mail editor@intltravelnews. com (include your...

24-hour pubs law in UK.(Travel briefs)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Starting Feb. 7, 2005, Britain's pub and restaurant owners may apply for licenses allowing them to remain open and serve alcohol around the clock. For the few that are expected to apply, the extended hours will go into effect in November. ...

Fawkes and Tower of London.(Travel briefs)
March 1, 2005... * At the Tower of London, May 28-30, 2005, and July weekends, costumed interpreters will recreate Guy Fawkes' plot to use 36 barrels of gunpowder from the Tower of London to blow up King James I in the Houses of Parliament 400 years ago in...

Glasgow showcase.(Travel briefs)
March 1, 2005... * The Glasgow Art Fair, the largest art fair outside London, will mark its 10th year, April 28-May 2, 2005. Galleries, dealers and artists will fill pavilions in George Square. * A 12 million [pounds sterling] refurbishment of the Old...

National Trust basecamps.(Travel briefs)
March 1, 2005... Families and other groups who don't mind doing without luxuries can stay in one of the National Trust's 32 basecamps in converted buildings in scenic areas in Britain, including a barn near Helston in Cornwall, Craflwyn Hall at the foot of Mt....

South Australian cooking.(Travel briefs)
March 1, 2005... Until June 30, 2005, Chef Peter Milosevic will demonstrate the preparation of South Australian cooking (produce, meats, seafood and local products) in an interactive kitchen in Pete N Peppa, a giftware and homeware store in Adelaide's Rundle...

Order travelsize items online.(Travel briefs)
March 1, 2005... The online Web store www.minimus. biz sells a broad range of travel-size items. Minimus carries, in travel sizes, beverages such as cocoas, coffees and teas; food products such as cereals, condiments, dressings and jellies; personal-care items...

Prague mayor catches crooked cabbies.(Travel briefs)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Prague's taxi drivers have a reputation for overcharging tourists. To see for himself, the mayor recently dressed in disguise (as an "Italian," with hair dyed black and slicked back plus a fake moustache and sunglasses) and took a few rides....