International Travel News articles from September 2003

International Travel News archives from September 2003

2003/2004 Zegrahm Travel calendar.(Zegrahm Expeditions)
September 1, 2003... ZEGRAHM EXPEDITIONS is an innovative adventure travel company specializing in unique, expert-led expeditions and safaris to remote locations around the world, such as Antarctica, the South Pacific, and the Indian Ocean. 2003/2004 ZEGRAHM...

Boarding pass.(travel recommendations and warnings, International Travel News)
September 1, 2003... Dear Globetrotter: Welcome to the 331st issue of your monthly overseas travel magazine. A warning straight from the Federal Trade Commission--if you see an ad claiming you can buy an international driving permit (IDP) over the...

An oasis in the city.
September 1, 2003... Have you ever been in a big, busy city overseas, dodging traffic, recoiling from the noise and gasping for air when you came upon an oasis of calm and beauty in the form of a garden or park--a refuge of (relative) quiet and nature where locals...

Report cards: on-the-spot reports from around the globe.
September 1, 2003... 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, or e-mail...

Relaxing on the islands of Seychelles.(description and travel)
September 1, 2003... Following our 2-week Zegrahm Expeditions cruise around Seychelles, we flew from Mahe on the daily half-hour flight to Bird Island, the first of three islands on each of which we would stay independently for a week. An isolated dot in the...

Currency exchange in Ireland.(personal narrative, tourist)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... On a trip to Ireland in June '03, the banks I tried would not exchange US$100 bills unless I had an account with them! Travelers' checks were okay. For the people who want to carry cash, this can be a serious problem. I got around it by...

A lesson in buying French rail tickets.(personal narratives)
September 1, 2003... "But, monsieur, I cannot issue these tickets to you," the clerk behind the thick glass screen said. "I work for Swiss Railways, and this reservation is for SNCF" (the French national rail line). "So where is the SNCF office?" I asked,...

Tivoli, a tarnished treat.(Tivoli Gardens; Copenhagen, Denmark; travel)
September 1, 2003... If you've been saving your Danish kroner for a visit to Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, I suggest spending them on something else. For years, I'd wanted to visit this "fairyland of the north"--the lights, flowers, fountains, great restaurants...

'Looking forward to another volunteer vacation'.(teaching English in China, volunteer program; personal narrative)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Last year my husband and I contacted Elderhostel (Boston, MA; phone 877/426-8056 or visit www.elderhostel.org), who arranged for us to participate in a 2-week Global Volunteers program in Xi'an, China, in March '02, teaching English to school...

Mouthwatering in Crete.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations; restaurants)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Most of the small cafes in the Greek Islands seem to offer the same things. They all have moussaka, Greek salads, souvlaki, taramosalata, etc., which are quite good but can get repetitious. After spending a couple of weeks on several islands,...

Funniest thing.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Calls for funniest thing that ever happened to those traveling in a foreign country)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... 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...

Avoid Burundi.(News Watch)(Department of State orders departure of nonemergency personnel from U.S. Embassy in Burundi)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Due to intensified fighting between government and rebel forces, the Department of State has ordered the departure of nonemergency personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Burundi. Due to the uncertain security situation within Burundi and among...

Threats in Djibouti.(News Watch)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The U.S. Government has received indications of terrorist threats aimed at U.S. and Western interests, including civil aviation, in Djibouti. American citizens planning travel there are advised to reconsider. Americans within Djibouti should...

Embassy in Saudi Arabia.(News Watch)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The Department of State has authorized the return of all employees and family members to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Saudi Arabia. U.S. citizens are reminded of remaining security concerns and the potential for further terrorist attacks...

US lifts travel ban to Iraq.(News Watch)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The State Department on July 15 lifted its ban on travel to Iraq that had been in effect since the beginning of the Gulf War in 1991, but officials say Iraq remains too dangerous for casual travel. Department spokesman Richard Boucher said,...

Postpone Afghanistan.(News Watch)(Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The Department of State strongly warns U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan. The ability of Afghan authorities to maintain order and ensure security is limited. Remnants of the former Taliban regime and the terrorist Al-Qaida network as...

Current warnings.(News Watch)(State Department has travel warnings on 27 destinations)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... As ITN went to press, the State Department had travel warnings on 27 destinations: Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Burundi, Nigeria, Colombia, Indonesia, Liberia, Yemen, Kenya, Iran, Lebanon, Israel/the West Bank/Gaza, Pakistan, Algeria,...

Nepal visa fee waived.(Travel briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Nepal has waived the visa fee for any tourist visiting that country for up to three days. The government had previously opened more mountain peaks for climbing and new rivers for rafting. In addition, the provision of a liaison officer has...

Rijksmuseum reopens.(Travel briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... After being partially closed since April 2003 because of asbestos problems, the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam reopened its doors on July 4, except for the west wing (because of planned renovation later this year) where the Print Room and Sculpture &...

Society Expeditions purchases World Discoverer.(Travel briefs)(Buys cruise ship)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Society Expeditions has purchased the 160-passenger expedition cruise ship World Discoverer. The ship will resume its scheduled Alaska and Russian Far East itineraries. The company had chartered the ship from a British investment group,...

Crystal Cruises 2004 savings.(Travel briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... In its 2004 Value Collection sailings, Crystal Cruises is offering savings of up to 51% off regular cruise fares aboard Crystal Harmony, Crystal Symphony and, debuted in July '03, Crystal Serenity. Typically involving shoulder seasons or...

Flexible rail-and-car combo in Britain.(Travel briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Here's a plan. Use a special 2-Day BritRail FlexiPass to travel over long distances in England, Scotland and Wales, then pick up a 3-day Avis car rental for local sightseeing--all at one price. The 5-day BritRail/Avis combo could work this...

Euro-Vacations' 'Great Rail Getaways'.(Travel briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... "Great Rail Getaways," customizable vacation packages from Euro-Vacations, use one of 10 major cities in Europe as a hotel base and provide a railpass for day trips to other towns and attractions. The packages include round-trip...

FirstClassFlyer.(Travel briefs)(FirstClassFlyer.com is a newsletter and Web site)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... FirstClassFlyer. com is a newsletter and website featuring deals and promotions on business- and first-class travel as well as strategies for making the most of frequent-flyer miles to get upgrades. An example of a listing--two-for-one...

Prague's Aria Hotel.(Travel briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The music-themed Aria Hotel opened in Prague Aug. 15. Set in the Mala Strana, just steps from the Charles Bridge, the hotel has 52 rooms and suites saluting the greatest composers and performers of all time, each honoring an artist, composer or...

Having a 'grand time' at Munich's Oktoberfest.
September 1, 2003... Have you ever been invited to a party for someone you didn't even know? Ever go anyway and end up having a great time? Last October the Lowenbrau company invited me to the final weekend of Oktoberfest 2002 in Munich, Germany. My husband and...

Looking for legroom.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Legroom on Air France plane)
September 1, 2003... A reader mailed to ITN a copy of a letter he sent to Air France, as follows. On March 31, 2003, my wife and I flew Air France to Paris from Los Angeles, returning on flight 68 from Paris on April 22. Prior to leaving the U.S., I phoned...

Not happy with assigned hotel room.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Four-week trip in France included two nights at 3-star hotel in Paris)
September 1, 2003... During a 4-week trip to France in September '02, we spent the last two nights at the Concorde Louvre Residence Hotel (5 rue Cambon, 75001 Paris). The rate was 133 [euro] (near $143) per night for a double room with one bed, including breakfast....

Cell phone didn't work in Croatia.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)
September 1, 2003... In November 2000 my wife and I traveled to Croatia and Slovenia. Both countries were beautiful and worth visiting. Our only bad experience involved the international cell phone that we rented from Omnipoint/ Voicestream. Having previous...

Assisting during an emergency.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)
September 1, 2003... During an emergency like Joel West's sudden heart attack ("Celebrity Cruises 'Oustanding' During Emergency," Dec. '02, pg. 40), many people want to help but don't know what to do. And if professional help is there, they often stand by idly...

Special weekend in the Netherlands.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)
September 1, 2003... Usually when we have taken any tour, we like to do some traveling on our own afterward. After a tour of France and Italy, April 19-May 1, '03, we took the high-speed train Thalys from Paris to Amsterdam. I have read ITN readers' differing...

China tour highlights.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)
September 1, 2003... The following were the main highlights of our October-November 1998 tour of China with Grand Circle Travel (Boston, MA; phone 800/221-2610). BEIJING--In Beijing, a pedicab tour ($18) through the city's hutongs (a section of the old city...

Visiting Vienna, a Baroque city with a modern edge.
September 1, 2003... To celebrate a 40th birthday, best friends Dan Gifford and Steve Shaffer undertook a 52-day around-the-world tour. This is the second article from their adventures. I will refrain from making any puns about fixing something that is...

Accommodations worldwide: hotels B&Bs homestays apartments.
September 1, 2003... 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. ...

ITN reference index, January-June 2003.(International Travel News)
September 1, 2003... Below is an index of articles that appeared in ITN in the first half of 2003. This reference is meant to help with your travel planning. Not listed are some dated items such as airline/ hotel packages and scheduled cruises and tours. ...

Bhutan.(Viewfinders: share your special travel photo(s))
September 1, 2003... Attending a Bhutanese Buddhist festival is certainly a highlight when visiting the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. In September 2002 I witnessed two festivals: the final day of the 4-day Thimphu Tsechu Festival, one of the biggest festivals...

A sweep through Tanzania, including historic Zanzibar.
September 1, 2003... On June 7, 2002, my wife, Ginny, and I flew out of Dulles Airport for Arusha to join an Elderhostel tour of Tanzania. Following a 20-hour flight, we landed after dark to learn that Ginny's suitcase was still in Amsterdam. It arrived on the...

A convoy through Ireland.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)
September 1, 2003... In January '03 my wife and I, our daughter and son-in-law (who were expecting a baby) and his parents all took advantage of bargain fares during the shoulder season to meet in and travel through south/central Ireland. Through Sceptre...

Helpful notes for a West Africa visit.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)
September 1, 2003... I led two back-to-back trips to West Africa--Ghana, Burkina Faso and Mali with an extension to Cameroon--Nov. 10-Dec. 12, '02, and Jan. 26-Feb. 26, '03. ITN readers should know that the region is one of the safest places to visit in...

South Africa's Winelands.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Correction Notice)
September 1, 2003... In the article "Savoring South Africa's Winelands" (July '03), an incorrect website was listed on page 10. Correctly, for more information on South Africa's Western Cape Province, log on to www.capetourism.org. --Editor

Silver Shadow 'has no equal'.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2003... Embarking from Rio on March 3, 2001, for a 14-day cruise aboard the brand-new Silversea Cruises ship Silver Shadow was exciting. The cruise, "Across the Southern Sea," was just that. We moved into a roomy Veranda Suite with a private balcony...

Reefseekers.(Travelers' intercom: readers' opinions, tips & recommendations)
September 1, 2003... During a May 2000 visit to Gili Air, a small island off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia, we were disappointed to not find our favorite dive center, Reefseekers. Alas, I dove with the company which had taken over their location and the...

Encountering wildlife--on land and underwater--on a Panama-Costa Rica cruise.
September 1, 2003... The not knock knot is not only nautical but a notice to the crew not to knock. So, if you're planning to nod off, put your knot on the knob and no one will come a'knockin'. This is an excerpt from the passenger Orientation my husband, John,...

Tours: a selection of escorted tours.
September 1, 2003... The 2,500-year-old Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon (Yangon), Burma. "IRELAND'S 'TREASURES' HOLIDAY"--Seven nights. Departures through Nov. 21, '03. Highlights include Shannon Cliffs of Moher/Bunratty Folk Park/Limerick/Ring of Kerry/the...

A 4-week trip through South India (second of three parts).(The Discerning Traveler)
September 1, 2003... The following are excerpts from my daily journal during our 4-week trip to South India, December 2002-January 2003. Here is the next installment of my travelogue, covering the state of Kerala. KERALA Up to now we've been traveling...

Reader survey.
September 1, 2003... (We know that some can be difficult decisions, so you may split your vote with a half-vote each if you pick two or one-third each if you choose three.) My all-time very favorite country:-- My all-time least favorite country: (Whew! I...

Rick Steves' Europe [c].(tips for enjoying European art museums)
September 1, 2003... Art without exhaustion Europe is a treasure chest of magnificent art, with many of the world' s greatest museums. Still, they can be overwhelming. These tips will help you make the most out of your art-absorbing time. First, study your...

Silky Oaks dreamtime.(Far Horizons)(Product/Service Evaluation)
September 1, 2003... Imagine an ancient land--hilly, tropical, jungle-like rainforest sloping down to a magnificent gorge anointed by a sparkling, pure river with gentle rocky shallows and deep clear pools. Imagine the sounds of water trickling hypnotically over...

Keck's beyond the garden wall.(Far Horizons)
September 1, 2003... "The caretakers and visitants seemed real. We spoke, laughed, shared vicissitudes. This is how I rationalize that my brief, soulful sojourn Into this minute menage of nature's perfection Was not merely a silken dream from which...

Tapas, Porthole magazine ...(Kevin Keating's Kilroy Was Here!)
September 1, 2003... Tapas are the wonderful little restaurant treats you come across in Andalucia, Spain's, sunny south. Local barmen once gave them away. Tapa means "cover" or "lid," and to keep customers from drifting to the saloon across the street, some clever...

10% off at Galeries Lafayette.(Travel briefs)(France)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Through Dec. 31, 2004, Galeries Lafayette--Paris' largest and most prestigious department store--is offering a 10% discount on all purchases made by foreign visitors. The discount can be combined with the 12% Tourist Tax Refund that all...

Learn salsa in Cuba.(Travel briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Before the new U.S. ban on educational travel to Cuba takes effect Dec. 31, 2003, a final dance trip by the Salsa Dance Cuba Organization will take place Nov. 22-29. The trip's focus is contemporary Latin dancing, including authentic...

ITN Globetrotters.(Travel briefs)
September 1, 2003... The following ITN readers are the latest to receive the ITN Globetrotter Award. Congratulations go to... * TERRY BAXTER, RIVER RIDGE, LA * PENNY & SOL DAVIDSON, PALM BEACH, FL * DR. ALMA L. HERTWECK, OCEANSIDE, CA * DR. E....

More on Machu Picchu train.(Travel briefs)(Peru)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... In a follow-up to the item on new train service to Machu Picchu in Peru (Aug. '03, pg. 119), the Hiram Bingham will depart Cusco at 9 a.m., arriving at Machu Picchu at 12:30. Departure is at 6:30, with return to Cusco at 10. A ticket costs...

World Traveler Award winners.(Travel briefs)
September 1, 2003... The following ITN readers are the latest to receive the World Traveler Award. Congratulations to go... * EVELINE B. KYLE, SUN CITY CENTER, FL * ERVING K. VAN RIPER, WICHITA FALLSS, TX

Hampton Court Palace ice skating.(Travel briefs)(rink opens in London)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... At Christmas-time in Tudor days, "frost fayres" on the ice of the frozen river Thames were regular events. This year, for the first time, Hampton Court Palace will have its own outdoor ice skating rink. In a traditional setting at the west...

Person to person: reader-to-reader info exchange.
September 1, 2003... 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. cam (please include your...

The ITN 100 Nations Award.
September 1, 2003... The following ITN readers are the latest to have qualified for and received their 100 Nations Awards. Congratulations go to... * DONALD DEBENEDETTI, VALLEJO, CA * LOUISE DEBENEDETTI, VALLEJO, CA * BEN & CAROLE PALMER,...

Time-zone travelers.
September 1, 2003... The following ITN readers are the latest to have qualified for and received their "Trod the 24" awards. Congratulations go to... * WILLIAM DEE BAKER, LA JOLLA, CA * JOHN W. CARPENTER, JR., WALLOON LAKE, MI * C. RUTH HORN,...

Continents Award winners.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The following ITN readers are the latest to receive the Seven Continents Award. Congratulations go to... * BILL & MARY CARSTEDT, BEVERLY SHORES, IN * JEANNE M. COE, SPRINGFIELD, OR * JOSEPHINE M, COE, SPRINGFIELD, OR * ROBERT...

During an October '02 cruise of the Pacific Islands of World War II aboard the Regal Princess (Princess Cruises, www.princess.com) we stopped at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shikina-En, the second-largest residence of the Ryuku Royal Family.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... During an October '02 cruise of the Pacific Islands of World War II aboard the Regal Princess (Princess Cruises, www.princess.com), we stopped at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shikina-En (above), the second-largest residence of the Ryuku...

July's photo.(Where in the World)(Correction Notice)
September 1, 2003... July's photo is of the Chapelle St. Aubert on the isle of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France. Fifteen readers correctly identified it. The winner of the drawing is WILLIAM SARGENT of Duluth, MN. Thanks to Alvin Epstein of Dallas, TX,...

Departure lounge.
September 1, 2003... Hugh Wilkes, Watervliet, NY, e-mailed, "While on a recent trip to Europe, I met a lady who does not read ITN. After I was singing its praises, she became interested. Please send her a sample copy." Hugh did something very important and we...