Travel Briefs

October 2016 issue | Appears on page 4

Sydney Opera House refit

In Australia, renovations and remodeling of the interior of the Sydney Opera House, starting in early 2017 and expected to take over four years, will improve the sound quality of performances. Some areas of the Opera House will be closed to visitors during the renovations. No work will be done on the iconic exterior.

October 2016 issue | Appears on page 4

Uganda e-visas

Uganda now requires travelers to apply online for e-visas before visiting. To receive a single-entry e-visa, visit visas.immigration.go.ug and fill out the application, attaching scanned copies of your passport biopage, a recent passport-sized photograph and proof of vaccination for yellow fever. The application fee is $50. If approved, your e-visa will be emailed to you as an attachment.

October 2016 issue | Appears on page 4

New banknotes

A new polymer-plastic £5 banknote went into circulation in the United Kingdom on Sept. 15. The bill is more durable and more secure than traditional cotton-paper currency. Starting May 17, 2017, the old paper £5 notes will no longer be accepted by merchants, though holders always will be able to exchange them for the plastic notes at any Bank of England location. Plastic £10 notes are to appear in summer 2017, with £20 notes by 2020. Australia released a new, polymer AUD5 note on Sept. 1....

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October 2016 issue | Appears on page 4

Montréal at 375

Montréal, QC, Canada, will celebrate its 375th birthday in 2017 (visit www.375mtl.com) with events throughout the year, such as… • Highlighting outdoor activities like ice skating, curling and sledding, the winter festival Les Hivernales will be held each weekend in February in Parc Jean-Drapeau, Old Montréal and Quartier des spectacles. • Each night in July, any of 60 street performance groups from around the world, such as street musicians and theatrical groups, will perform citywide — 800...

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October 2016 issue | Appears on page 4

Martin Luther & Bach in Leipzig

The year 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, and Leipzig, Germany, is celebrating it and Martin Luther with events throughout the year. For a downloadable brochure of Reformation events in Leipzig (and those of city native Johann Sebastian Bach), visit www.leipzig.travel/en/Download_Centre_2139.html and click on “In the Footsteps of Luther and Bach.”

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October 2016 issue | Appears on page 4

Prague tower tickets

In Prague, Czechia (aka Czech Republic), visitors now can pay for entry to the Old Town Hall Tower by scanning, with the cameras on their smartphones, the QR-code on any of the information signs located around Old Town. Once done, the receipt on the phone is used as a ticket. Admission to the 14th-century tower costs CZK110 (near $4.50).

October 2016 issue | Appears on page 5

Prague galleries pass

As of July 4, entry to six of Prague’s National Gallery locations can be procured with one ticket. Costing CZK300 (near $12) and valid for one week from the time of purchase, the pass is good at the Kinský Palace, Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia, Trade Fair Palace, Sternberg Palace, Schwarzenberg Palace and Salm Palace. (Wallenstein Riding School is not included.) Visit www.ngprague.cz.

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October 2016 issue | Appears on page 5

Vienna Pass

Visitors to Vienna, Austria, can purchase a one-day, 2-day, 3-day or 6-day Vienna Pass providing fast-tracked access to more than 60 museums and attractions plus passage on a hop-on, hop-off tour bus. A travelcard add-on includes unlimited rides on bus, tram and subway lines. 

Among sites accepting the pass are the museum Albertina, the Schön­brunn Palace & Zoo and the homes of composers Haydn, Schubert, Strauss and Beethoven.

The cost of a Vienna Pass for one day...

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