Travel Briefs
‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ villa
Villa Laura, the actual property used in the filming of “Under the Tuscan Sun,” has been painstakingly restored and is available for rent through Doorways, Ltd. (Bryn Mawr, PA; 800/261-4460, www.villavacations.com).
Ale Trail, Northeast England
On the website www.visitnortheastengland.com, the interactive “Ale Trail” map pinpoints 11 locations to try local brews in Northumberland and Durham. Click on a numbered balloon to reach a brewery’s website.
On George Ferris
The book “Circles in the Sky” and the website www.ferris-wheel.org relate the history of George Ferris and Ferris wheels. Included is a short section on 32 of them around the world that people can ride (on the website, click on “Map of Wheels”).
Big time in Mecca
In Mecca, Saudi Arabia, one minute after midnight on Aug. 11, 2010, the beginning of the holy Islamic month of Ramadan was marked by the start of the world’s largest clock. The Mecca Clock sits atop the 2,000-foot-tall tower five of the seven-tower Abraj Al Bait complex, scheduled to be completed in fall 2011.
Aerial tram in Armenia
Armenia has the world’s longest aerial tram,* as of October. With terminuses near Halidzor and Tatev Monastery and crossing the Vorotan River Gorge, Tatevi tever (Tatev wings) stretches 3½ miles.
Azerbaijan entry visa
Azerbaijan has ceased providing transit and short-stay single-entry visas (for up to 30 days) to visitors. (There are exceptions for diplomatic and official visitors.) Travelers entering at Heydar Aliyeve International Airport in Baku must obtain a transit visa in advance through an Azerbaijan embassy or consulate.
Travel safety site
The US Travel Insurance Association website trip.ustia.org (Travel Responsibly, Informed & Protected) offers articles, tips and links on various aspects of staying healthy, safe and secure while traveling.
Beerseum in England
The National Brewery Centre (Horninglow St.; phone 01283 532 880, national brewerycentre.co.uk.), an interactive museum and visitor center showcasing England’s brewing heritage, opened Sept. 21 in Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire.
Tel Aviv ‘app’
The iPhone application “Visit-TLV” provides images, descriptions and locations of museums, restaurants, bars, parks and hotels in Tel Aviv, Israel. It is updated weekly re concerts, exhibitions and street fairs and also lists free guided tours and walking routes. For a free download, visit the Apple iTunes store.
Bangkok-airport express
Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport introduced a 17-mile Express Service train in August that connects the airport with Bangkok’s Makkasan area.
Bhutan visitors to triple
The kingdom of Bhutan, which first welcomed tourists only in the 1970s, announced it will nearly triple the number of visitors allowed into the small country, from 30,000 in 2010 to 100,000 by 2012.
Hiroshima lights fest
During the “Hiroshima Dreamination” festival in Japan, Nov. 6, 2010-Jan. 3, 2011, the city center will be strung with more than 1.3 million colored lights, and designers will compete at creating lighted “monuments” (a dozen or so).
Cruise West closes
Cruise West (Seattle, WA), a USTOA member, ceased operations on Sept. 18, canceling all cruises in 2010 and beyond. Their partner, Canodros (www.canodros.com), which operates the Galapagos Explorer II, is working on alternatives for passengers booked in the Galápagos in 2011.
Kyoto events, 2011
The year 2011 marks, respectively, 750 years and 800 years since the deaths of Shinran and Honen, important founders of two Japanese Buddhist sects. Memorial services will be held in Kyoto, Japan, March through January, with many events from March to late April. Most daily events will not be open to non-Buddhists.
Cruising guide
With reviews of 285 ships, the “Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships - 2011” by Douglas Ward (www.berlitzbooks.com — 688 pp., £16.99 [near $29]) compares lines’ cabin facilities, food and service; reveals common ripoffs (such as hidden gratuities and overpriced bridge tours); offers tips on value; covers s
Mont-St-Michel project
The long-term project to turn Mont St. Michel, France, back into an island is progressing. The estuarine tidal island — a granite pinnacle located a kilometer off of Normandie in northwest France — is famous for its abbey that was carved deep into the rock from the 11th to 15th centuries.
Hippos die in Uganda
At least 83 hippopotamuses died in Queen Elizabeth National Park in southern Uganda in June and July. An outbreak of naturally occurring anthrax was blamed. The park is home to over 5,000 hippos, and officials are working to prevent the spread to other animals.
Germany, UK airline taxes
Starting Jan. 1, 2011, Germany will levy a new Air Passenger Duty (ADP) on flights departing from German airports. Based on the distance to be traveled, the ADP will be €13 (near $17.50) for flights under 2,500 kilometers (about 1,553 miles) and €26 for longer trips.
Galilee water and light
In Tiberias, on the Sea of Galilee in Israel, a 15-minute, Vegas-style light show is held three times a night, year-round, weather permitting.
Beijing snack palace
In Beijing, China, Wan Feng Xiaochi (Snack Shop) (No. 306 Wan Feng Rd., Fengtai District; phone 6488 6868), is the only place where the cuisine of all 56 of China’s ethnic groups is represented.