Travelers' Intercom
Private arrangements in Vietnam
My wife, Carol, and I wanted a custom tour of Vietnam so we could include five days on our own in the Mekong Delta city of Vinh Long where I had taught English a couple of years ago. We also wanted a tour that would emphasize contact with people rather than visits to temples and monuments.
The Orkneys and Shetlands
Wanting to take a 2-week trip into lesser-known territory of the U.K., in September ’04 I covered a lot of ground, first visiting London, the Isle of Man and western Scotland (April ’05, pg. 16 & May ’05, pg. 79). At long last, I was leaving by ship for the Orkney and Shetland islands.
Worth their weight in gold
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.
Help the recovery in Thailand
The killer tsunami of Dec. 26 devastated parts of Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India and even reached African shores. The total loss of life may never be known. Thailand’s six southern provinces along the Andaman Sea also were battered by the tidal waves.
Social centers in India
All Hindu temples in India seem to be places where devotees and their families can congregate — take a nap on the stone floor, have a picnic, sell flowers or trinkets and visit with friends. Children’s heads are shaved on their first visit to the temple and an antiseptic paste is rubbed on.
Choosing a cruise
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.
Rude awakenings on cruise
ITN was mailed a copy of the following letter, sent by a reader to Holland America Line.
A novel approach to travel
Here are some of the novels whose images and ideas motivated my wife and me to travel.
Central Portugal base
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.
Lucky passport
The April ’05 “Discerning Traveler” column deals with getting a second passport. There is one significant group of people that has the chance to get a legitimate foreign passport: people who have one grandparent born in Ireland. If you are in this crowd, you are entitled to become an Irish citizen.
Iran visit ‘marvelous’
Our 16-day trip to Iran in September-October ’04 was absolutely marvelous in all respects, and our concerns about what it might be like, based on “information” published in the States, were totally baseless.
Driving in France
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.
Reviewers’ Corner
“Knopf Mapguides: The Italian Lakes” (2004, Knopf. ISBN 0375710442 — 48 pp., $8.95).
Better rate for large bills
While my wife, Joan, and I were in Thailand in February ’05, our guide told us that as of that month, all Thai banks charge a fee of 33 baht (near 87¢ U.S.) for each travelers’ check cashed, so it’s cheaper to carry 100-dollar checks than 20-dollar checks.
AESU smooth recovery
Seeing the news item titled “Carmen in its Natural Settings” (Dec. ’03, pg. 21) prompted us to contact AESU, or American European Services Unlimited (3922 Hickory Ave., Baltimore, MD 21211; phone 800/638-7640 or visit www.aesu.com), to learn more about it.
The Turkish bath experience
The Cagaloglu Hamami (Turkish bath) is the oldest bath in Istanbul — over 300 years old — and I arrived at about 3 o’clock one afternoon in July ’04 after a day of sightseeing and shopping in the Grand Bazaar.
Re Icelandair gift certificates
For our 50th wedding anniversary in June ’04, my wife and I were each given a $400 gift certificate for Icelandair travel.
Insured for medical evacuation
I was deeply moved when I read the letter titled “Coping With the Red Tape of an Overseas Death.” It was incredible to read about the obstacles Mrs. Patterson had to overcome after her husband’s sudden demise. I offer my sincerest condolence. I would like to add the following to Mrs. Patterson’s recommendations.
Restaurants in Turin
Travelers to Turin, Italy, who stay at the Holiday Inn Express will find a clean, modern, comfortable hotel at a reasonable price (€75, or about $97.50, per night for two, including a lavish breakfast), but it is located rather a ways from the center of town and in a neighborhood surprisingly bereft of
Wheelchair passenger concern
I was one of a group of five relatives who took a tour of Ireland and then drove around Italy in July ’04. Our flights were on Aer Lingus as well as British Air, but to get from Dublin to Venice we had to go through London, with the leg from London’s Heathrow airport to Venice on British Midland Airways.