June 2005

by Lew Toulmin

by Jay Brunhouse

I’ve noticed that some readers disdain the use of travel agents. My wife and I have traveled extensively (several trips yearly, to a total of 75 countries) and we’ve found our local travel agent invaluable and well worth the modest air travel booking fees.

There are rotten agents, so-so agents and excellent agents, and a traveler would do well to solicit recommendations for the latter from other travelers.

A terrific highlight of our September/October 2000 trip to Southeast Asia was Angkor near Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The small town of Nadadouro was our base in Portugal during a stay in 2001. Ninety kilometers north of Lisbon, this area is ideally located for exploration of central Portugal, including the towns of Óbidos, Fátima, Nazaré, Tomar, Peniche, Sintra and all points north as far as Porto, a 2-hour drive.

From April 1 to May 15, ’04, we spent four weeks on our own in the Czech Republic and Hungary and then another two weeks in Romania, ending up back in Bucharest.

Two weeks before Christmas 2004, my husband and I decided to take a much-longed-for trip to the Middle East. Where to go for information? Our ITN magazine, of course. There we spotted a small ad regarding customized trips to the Middle East via Caravan Serai Tours (3806 Whitman Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103; phone 800/451-8097 or visit www.caravan-serai.com). After only three or four back-and-forth phone conversations, a very friendly and capable travel rep, Maha, put together a fabulous trip for us, Dec. 28, ’04-Jan. 11, ’05.

What factors do I consider when choosing a cruise?

Time of year and itinerary are on top of the list. I go between September and May (no holidays). Prices are lower and there are fewer families.

ITN asked readers how they go about selecting a cruise (Oct. ’04, pg. 4). When choosing a cruise, my wife and I start with the ports of call. If we haven’t been there as yet and desire to go, we book the cruise.

If it is on a ship line where we are past passengers, it is an added bonus.

If the cruise contains a port of call previously visited but at which we missed some of the excursions, we will add that as a bonus.

Dining is another category we consider. Great cuisine is a good incentive.

Booking a cabin within our budget is a must.

For a first-time visitor to France, a tour may be the best bet. A single traveler will do well with a railpass, but for two or more persons who want to explore France more thoroughly, a car is best.