February 2011

As my wife, Judy, and I traveled for 37 days in Central Europe, late August through early October 2010, we found a number of restaurants we would recommend.

When my wife, Diane, and I travel, we always advise our credit card and ATM card issuers of our travel plans, even when we leave California to visit other states. We belong to separate credit unions.

Regarding the payment of bills while traveling (Dec. ’10, pg. 12), my husband, Foster, and I have for 10 years been clients of Paytrust. For the sum of $10.95 per month, we are currently having about 15 bills regularly paid by them.

I agree with those who reassure travelers that driving here in the UK — on the left-hand side of the road — is not too difficult (“Embrace Left-side Driving,” March ’10, pg. 52). I would add one warning concerning our roundabouts: whilst the official line is to give way to traffic on the roundabout, the practice is that we give way to traffic approaching from the right.

Having read of the purchase of a 240-dollar rail ticket from London to Glasgow with Virgin Trains (Sept. ’10, pg. 46), I thought readers would like to know how to purchase tickets at a more reasonable rate.

I travel between London and Glasgow or Edinburgh more than eight times each year. I am in standard class sometimes but in first class frequently and always with a reserved seat. At the end of August 2010, I paid £34 (about $55) for first class on Virgin between London and Glasgow.

We’ve been members of The Affordable Travel Club (6556 Snug Harbor Lane, Gig Harbor, WA 98335; 253/858-2172) for several years. With members in the US and abroad, it’s a hospitality exchange club for people over 40.

Members offer to host other members in their homes during their travels. For a yearly membership fee, members receive a list of all the club members and details of their accommodations. The fee is $65-$80, depending on what format(s) you want your list in.

by Brita Bishop, Dallas, TX

“You are American?” asked the young man behind me in the passport control line at the Damascus airport. “We get few Americans. You will be very welcome.”

The two men checking my passport echoed this sentiment. “American? Welcome, welcome!” 

So started an exciting trip to Syria in April 2010.

REPORT FROM MALTA…

Dear Globetrotter:

Welcome to the 420th issue of your monthly overseas travel magazine.