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On the Caribbean islands of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, 25 accommodations (hotels, condos, house rentals) and seven activity companies, including Cayman Luxury Charters and Indigo Divers, are offering a “Worry Free Hurricane Guarantee” for the hurricane season, June 1-Nov. 30.
Now that Thalys runs a direct high-speed train daily between Brussels International Airport and Paris Gare du Nord (Jan. ’12, pg. 47), travelers from India, Canada or the US to Brussels flying Jet Airways can take advantage of a new code-share to transfer to Paris at no extra charge (or land in Paris and take the train to Brussels). When a traveler books his flight, a code-share number for the Thalys ticket is automatically included. The one-hour 47-minute train trip normally would cost €78 (near $104) first class or €66 second class.
Hong Kong is full of wonderful “secret” corners to explore. Of course, there are the “must sees” — Victoria Peak, the Star Ferry, Aberdeen, Stanley and the Temple Street Night Market, among many others — that most visitors with four or five days wouldn’t want to miss. But for those with more time in this exciting, frenetic city, there are special places that remain uncrowded and unhurried and are perfect for anyone interested in the past and wanting a glimpse into life in present-day Hong Kong.
In 2012, York celebrates its 800th year as a city. On July 9, the date when York’s royal charter was granted, choirs and musicians will perform a specially commissioned musical piece at the Eye of York, a lawn by the city’s 18th-century administrative buildings.
From the summer Olympics to the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking, several major events will make the British Isles a popular destination in 2012.
In the box on the right are steps that will help you arrange a trip overseas. Last month I elaborated on the first four. I continue.
The competitive world of travel insurance just got more competitive. Two more travel insurance providers switched their medical benefits to primary-payer coverage.
My 93-year-old mother, who loves to cook, often says, “Nothing I make tastes like what my mother used to make.” She complains, “Today tomatoes are unblemished and red, but they have no flavor. Nothing tastes like it used to when it was home grown the old-fashioned way without fancy fertilizers and chemicals.”
$600-per-couple discount on any of 70 tours, if paid in full by Aug. 31, 2012. May be combined with other discounts. Examples (price is per person before discount) — “Across the Andes,” 10 days/nine nights, from $5,499. “From Japan’s Inland Sea to the Alps,” 11 days/10 nights, from $4,799. “A Week on the Emerald Isle,” eight days/seven nights, from $3,299. “South Africa & Botswana Explored,” 14 days/13 nights, from $7,399. General Tours (Keene, NH; 800/221-2216).
