Travel Briefs

November 2016 issue | Appears on page 4

New US passport features

As of Nov. 1, 2016, eyeglasses are no longer allowed in US passport photos. Existing passports containing photos with eyeglasses will not have to be replaced until they expire.

Beginning in late 2017 and early 2018, US passports being issued to travelers will have clearer photos as well as patterns and ink that are more difficult to counterfeit plus RFID chips coated in polycarbonate to help prevent identity theft, among other new security features.

November 2016 issue | Appears on page 4

Affirm finances airline tickets

Online travel broker CheapAir.com has partnered with the financing company Affirm (San Francisco, CA; www.affirm.com) to allow travelers to finance their airline ticket purchases by choosing 3-, 6- or 12-month repayment plans. 

To take advantage of financing, visit www.cheapair.com and, after selecting a flight, choose “Monthly Payments” at checkout. You will be forwarded to an Affirm credit application, on which you will provide  information such as your name,...

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November 2016 issue | Appears on page 4

Qatar transit visa extension

Air travelers transiting through Doha, Qatar, now can receive a free, 96-hour transit visa when arriving at Hamad International Airport (DOH); this is double the previous 48-hour limit. Proof of onward journey, whether by plane or cruise ship, is required to receive the transit visa.

November 2016 issue | Appears on page 4

Uber in China

In order to maintain a presence in China, ride-sharing company Uber (www.uber.com) sold its Chinese operations to China ride-sharing company Didi Chuxing. Uber customers in China will still use the Uber app to hail a ride and should not see any difference in operation. Uber has operated in China since 2013, and its ride-sharing is available in 37 cities there, including Beijing, Nanjing and Shanghai.

November 2016 issue | Appears on page 4

Slovenia transport pass

On Sept. 1, Slovenia introduced “integrated public passenger transport” (IPPT), and now a rider can travel on all of the country’s interurban public transportation systems, including national trains and buses, and on urban transport in the cities of Ljubljana and Maribor without having to buy separate tickets.

The prepaid card is available for free at any ticket office in the IPPT system, and the holder loads it up with a desired amount of money. When purchasing a...

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November 2016 issue | Appears on page 4

Amsterdam Light Fest

Worldwide artists’ and architects’ works of art incorporating high-tech light installations will be displayed along two routes at the fifth annual Amsterdam Light Festival, to be held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in December 2016 and January 2017.

“Water Colors,” Dec. 1-Jan. 22, will exhibit monumental works meant to be viewed from boats in a canal. “Illuminade,” Dec. 15-Jan. 8, will have interactive art along a walking route in the Plantage...

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November 2016 issue | Appears on page 4

New Zealand Art Deco fest

On the southeastern coast of the North Island of New Zealand, Napier was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 and rebuilt in the popular style of the time, Art Deco, thus the small city of 65,000 has one of the largest concentrations of Art Deco buildings in the world. 

The Tremains Art Deco Festival, held there each year in the third week in February, whisks visitors back to the 1920s and ’30s and celebrates everything Art Deco. The 29th edition, Feb. 15-19, 2016, will have...

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November 2016 issue | Appears on page 5

Ayers Rock concert

In Australia’s Northern Territory, the Australia Chamber Orchestra (ACO) will perform three outdoor concerts at Uluru (Ayers Rock) in 2017, one on the evening of June 2 plus matinee and evening concerts on June 3. Attendance at the ACO Uluru Festival is limited to 400 people. 

A ticket costs AUD495 (near $379) for a standard seat or AUD595, premium, each granting entry to all three concerts. With a ticket, cultural tours and exclusive meals can also be booked. Visit www....

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