Travel Tidbits

 A resort in southern Argentina, the town of Bariloche is a gem. During an August trip we took, it was winter (about 40˚F) and there was snow on the surrounding mountains. Lots of children from Buenos Aires were there for vacation, making it a very lively place. Bariloche has the best chocolate and ice cream I have ever tasted, even better than those in Europe. — KEVIN O’BRIEN, Tybee Island, GA

The Trans-Siberian Express is a first-class private train operated by a British company. On our 8-day trip across Siberia to Moscow in July ’04, booked through MIR Corp. (Seattle, WA; 800/424-7289, www.mircorp.com), accommodations were comfortable — two lower beds in a small cabin, air-conditioning, a comfortable lounge car, separate well-equipped shower car, and a great dining car with excellent Western and Russian food and drink. Along the way, we made numerous stops for tours — Ulan Ude, Lake Baikal, Irkutsk, Ekaterinburg and an ice cave. A great trip! — DEAN & JACKIE EVANS, Media, PA

Helsinki, Finland, has many museums and attractions. You could spend quite a bit of time there. The Helsinki Card guidebook (download for free at www.helsinkiexpert.fi/helsinkicard, call +358 [0] 9-2288-1703 or pick one up at the Helsinki Tourist & Convention Bureau, Pohjoisepolandi 19, FIN-00100) offers discounts and various attractions. The card costs €29 ($36) for 24 hours, €42 for 48 or €53 for 72. Just by picking up the free guidebook, you’ll get a lot of information about Helsinki. — MARY K. TAYLOR, Rockport, TX
  

In Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand, one March, we walked up to Rob Roy Glacier and saw kea parrots and falling glaciated ice. Mt. Roy itself is lots harder to hike, but you are rewarded with an incredible view. Near Murchison, we did the entire walk around Lake Rotoiti. We strongly suggest taking a water taxi from the south dock to the car park. — JOHN & NANCY OSTHEIMER, Fort Collins, CO
  

On our tour of Thailand in March ’04 with Overseas Adventure Travel (Cambridge, MA; 800/955-1925), we drove through the rice- and tapioca-growing country. Along the way, our driver noticed some activity at a village temple. He backed up to let us see. It was an ordination ceremony for a monk. We were urged to join everyone as they danced around the temple three times as part of the ceremony. Much joy! — PAULA HEBARD & NANCY FRY, Roseburg, OR