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BoomerangIt (800/226-6648, www.boomerangit.com) offers a global “lost-and-found return service” in which PDAs, cell phones, laptops, luggage and even keys that are tagged may be returned to the rightful owners.
Anyone who finds a tagged item can contact BoomerangIt online or call an 800 number. Boomerangit arranges the return; the finder pays nothing to return the item and receives a reward.
Elderhostel (Boston, MA; 800/454-5768) has renamed its programs “Exploritas,” though the organization, itself, will retain its original name.
Focusing more on the excitement of lifelong learning and exploration and less on age, their adventures, whose participants are mostly over the age of 50, will include new programs and services designed to appeal to baby boomers.
International offerings will include shorter experiences for those who have limited time availability or budget concerns. These programs can be booked back to back.
United Airlines is offering an introductory annual subscription rate of $249 for its new “Premier Baggage” program, which allows subscribers and up to eight traveling companions (traveling on the same confirmation number) to check up to two bags each at no additional charge on domestic and international United- and United Express-operated flights for a one-year period. (Flights operated by another airline and connecting onto a United or United Express flight are subject to the standard fees of the originating carrier.)
Sally Wendkos Olds, a grandmother of five, talked to others about what they love to do with their grandkids, then printed their narratives — with ideas, how-to directions and helpful websites — in the book “Super Granny — Great Stuff to Do with Your Grandkids” (2009, Sterling Publishing, New York, NY. ISBN 1402757166 — 220 pp., $14.95).
Only a handful of the 75 stories refer to travel. Icons help in choosing an activity based on cost, energy level, creativity and a child’s age, even for those who live far away.
Out of Guatemala City, there’s a popular half-day trip 30 kilometers south to Volcan Pacaya, an active volcano with trails open to the public. After a two-hour steep hike, visitors can get very close to lava flows and roast marshmallows over hot rocks.
In Lyon, the Gadagne Museum Center (Renaissance Building, 1 place du Petit Collège, 69005 Lyon, France; phone 011 33 04 78 42 03 61, fax 78 42 79 71, www.gadagne.musees.lyon.fr), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has undergone a 10-year, €30-million restoration and reopened to the public. The complex houses the Puppets of the World Museum and the History Museum of Lyon.
From exhibitions on ingredients and spices to items such as a sausage-shaped sofa, the Deutsches Currywurst Museum (Schützenstraße 70 10117 Berlin; phone +49 30 88718647, www.currywurstmuseum.de/en) has a number of playful exhibitions about the popular German sausage currywurst. €11 adult, €7 senior/student, and free for children under six.
Eurail’s new website, www.eurailtravel.com, suggests itineraries throughout Europe focusing on culture, adventure, shopping, design, etc. Each has a map, city highlights and info on which Eurail pass will be needed. Eurail reps are listed on the “Book Now” page.
The original www.eurail.com still lists all the Eurail passes.
Rick Steves (425/771-8303, www.ricksteves.com) has four iPhone and iPod Touch apps for travelers: Historic Paris Walk & Tour, Louvre Tour, Orsay Museum Tour and St. Peter’s Basilica Tour. Content is from his guidebooks and PBS travel show, including info on hotels and restaurants (open hours, costs, etc.). A pull-down audio/video player offers audio commentary or a video feature for certain sites.
Apps cost $4.99 each and, once downloaded, are self-contained and do not use the phone’s data connection. A demo is available at www.ricksteves.com/iphonesupport
In northern Israel, the 4,000-year-old Abraham’s Gate at the Tel Dan Nature Reserve reopened to the public in March after extensive work by the Nature & National Parks Protection Authority.
Composed of sun-dried mud brick on a foundation of large basalt stones, the gate has been restored to its original height of 22 feet. It serves as a link between the two towers below its arches, the earliest complete arches ever found in the world.