Travel Briefs
Portuguese toys museum
In the village of Ponte de Lima, Portugal, toys made in Portugal between the late 19th century and the 1980s — including dolls, children’s furniture and zinc and wooden cars, planes and trains — are on display at Museu do Brinquedo Portug
Floriade Expo ’22
In Almere, Netherlands, the Floriade garden expo, held once every 10 years, is scheduled for April 14-Oct. 9, 2022. It will feature flowers and plant-growing innovations from more than 40 countries, and visitors will be able to sample and buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
Russian czar palace
In Tsarskoye Selo, Russia, near the Catherine Palace, about 15 miles south of St. Petersburg, the Alexander Palace opened as a museum on Aug. 13, 2021.
Delta Air Lines miles change
Delta Air Lines has removed the ability to earn miles in its SkyMiles program on Basic Economy fares. On Dec. 9, members of its frequent-flyer program ceased earning miles for Basic Economy seats purchased on or after that date on flights departing on or after Jan. 1, 2022.
New France bike route
A 250-mile bike route following the river Seine in France from Paris to Rouen to the shores of Le Havre, Normandy, was completed in 2020. La Seine à Vélo is split into 12 stages — the longest being 29 miles — all suitable for casual cyclists.
FAA fines and Pre√
An agreement between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), announced on Dec. 22, allows the FAA to share, with the TSA, information identifying passengers facing fines for unruly behavior.
World’s (hypothetically) longest train trip
On Dec. 2, 2021, a train connection between Kunming, China, and Vientiane, Laos, was completed. With that, it now is possible to travel from Lagos, on the southern tip of Portugal, to Singapore entirely by train (allowing for short treks between train stations in some cities).
Passport cost increase
The cost of renewing a US passport book increased by $20, to $130, on Dec. 27. For those over the age of 16 applying for their first passport, or for those replacing an existing passport that is lost or has no empty pages, an additional $35 will be charged for a total of $165.
Roman mausoleum reopens
In Rome, Italy, the Mausoleum of Augustus, former resting place of the first Roman emperor, reopened to the public in March 2021 after 14 years of restoration. The circular structure, dating back to 28 BC, was also the burial place for other members of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, which lasted until Nero died in AD 68.
Croatia to join Schengen Zone
On Dec. 9, the European Union (EU) agreed to allow Croatia into the passport-free Schengen Zone Agreement. Croatia has been a member of the EU since 2013, but because it was not a member of the Schengen Zone, travel between Croatia and EU or Schengen countries still required passport control.
Scotland e-bike rentals
Travelers can rent e-bikes and equipment throughout Scotland with eguide Scotland (Aboyne, Scotland, UK; www.eguidescotland.com).
Oldest vegetarian restaurant
In Zürich, Switzerland, the restaurant Haus Hiltl (Sihlstraße 28; phone +41 44 227 70 00, hiltl.ch/en) holds the the Guinness World Record for oldest continually operated vegetarian restaurant, having served only meat-free dishes since 1898.
Palace mosaic in Palestine
One of the world’s largest floor mosaics was unveiled on Oct. 29 at Qasr Hisham, or Hisham’s Palace, in Jericho, West Bank Palestine, after a 5-year restoration. The more than 1,000-year-old mosaic depicts animals such as lions and gazelles as well as repeating geometric patterns.
Thailand beach reopening
The beach at Maya Bay, a famous swimming spot in Thailand’s Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, is scheduled to reopen on Jan. 1, 2022, after having been closed since June 1, 2018, to allow the cove’s sea life to regenerate (May ’18, pg.
Tokyo accessibility guide
Anyone with mobility issues visiting Tokyo, Japan, can view or download for free the 53-page “Tokyo Sightseeing Accessibility Guide 2021.” Including information about accessible transportation, as well as tips, it maps out suggested routes for visiting popular historical, natural and cultural sites.
Marriott to disclose fees
Marriott International (marriott.com) announced on Nov. 24 that it would begin disclosing any and all resort fees, as part of the nightly rate quoted, before a room is booked. It is the first major hotel chain to decide to reveal these fees up front.
Dartmoor Line reopens
In southwest England’s Devon County, the Dartmoor Line (dartmoorline.com), the first line to be reinstated in the country’s “Restoring your Railway” initiative, reopened on Nov. 20, 2021, after having ceased regular passenger service back in 1972.
Canyoning in Scotland
At Dollar Canyon, 45 minutes from Edinburgh in southern Scotland, visitors can take a 3-hour canyoning course with The Canyoning Company (Perthshire, Scotland, UK; phone +44 7725 813 729,
US land borders reopen
The US opened its land and water crossings along the Mexico and Canada borders to vaccinated foreign travelers, regardless of their countries of origin, on Nov. 8. The borders had been closed to all foreigners except essential workers since March 2020.