August 2004

When at the Honolulu International Airport, I enjoy the gardens there. You will see them from above, but go downstairs and walk through them.

We traveled to Italy, April 27-May 1, ’04.

In June’s “Boarding Pass,” on page 121, Carol Vorchheimer’s plea for handicapped-accessible-travel outfits struck a note with us.

• Yes, shore excursions on cruises can be a problem (as we found on our April ’04 trip in Brazil), but the America West Steamboat Company (2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 1150, Seattle, WA 98121; phone 800/434-1232) was so great in Alaska last year, we planned a trip with them on the Columbia River this summer.

On a trip to the Balkans my husband and I took in May ’04, we had wanted to travel by bus and find accommodations as we went. As soon as we arrived in Tirana, Albania, we realized that language problems would require us to have a car and driver.

In three hours, Sadik Malaj of Sondor Travel & Tours (sondor2002@hotmail.com) made all the arrangements. Our driver was his son, Dorien Malaj, who spoke English very well and was an excellent driver. The car and driver for eight days cost €1,250 (near $1,530), and we paid our own meals and hotels.

My wife and I took a trip to Europe in May ’04. Here are some tips for travelers to Prague.

I spent two weeks in Portugal, May 12-27, ’04, staying only at pousadas. These are government-owned hotels, usually converted castles, palaces or monasteries. While there, I found a brochure titled “Special Programs.” It stated that if you are over 60 years old you can get a discount of 35%, or if your stay is for three nights you can get it for the price of two nights, or if you are under 30 you can get 20% off, etc.

On GREECE, June ’04. . .

Dear Globetrotter:

Welcome to the 342nd issue of your monthly overseas travel magazine.