Travelers' Intercom
In the Hindu Kush of Pakistan
Ever since 9/11, Pakistan has not been considered a tourist hot spot, but it is a mix of many cultures, with thousands of years of history and some awesome landscapes.
A favorite flat in Chelsea
Since London is one of our favorite cities, my friend Mary and I add a visit there to the beginning or end of any tour in the area.
Cab fare scam, Istanbul
While in Istanbul, Turkey, Sept. 16-24, 2015, my wife and I were scammed by a taxi driver. He had palmed a 20-lira bill, and when we paid with a 100-lira note, he flashed the 20, claiming that that is what we had given him, and demanded more for the fare.
Exploring Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of my favorite spots to visit, and I’ve stayed in hotels there in most years since 1969. A Special Administrative Region of China, on its southeastern coast, Hong Kong is a multicultural city.
Talking your way into the rice house
When my companion and I travel, it’s the personal experiences that we remember most, the chances to talk to or share time with locals and to bring out kids’ smiles. How can you find these people-to-people moments? Ask, and ask again!
‘Impressed and happy’ with Hurtigruten
In a letter about the Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten (Bellevue, WA; 866/552-0371, www.hurtigruten.us), a reader complained about their policy of not permitting guests to take their own water to the dinner table
Conacul lui Maldăr in Romania
Every year, I try to travel by car to a different destination in Romania. During my April-May visit in 2015, I made a 3-hour drive from Bucharest to Măldărești. Part of that drive was on a beautiful highway, which gave way to magnificent mountain scenery.
Battle of the Bulge tour
Having completed a privately guided tour of WWII Battle of the Bulge sites in Belgium in September 2015, I would like to share some observations for those considering a visit to that historically significant area.
Beware of email links
In the Editor’s November 2015 “Boarding Pass” column, he warned of an online-hotel-booking scam, and I must take friendly issue with advice given on page 58 that describes what to look for after clicking on a link
Thalys from Paris to Amsterdam
The Gare du Nord in Paris is a beautiful rail station. Having arrived there early by taxi from our hotel on May 8, 2015, my daughter Linda and I enjoyed watching the proceedings from the long balcony on the second floor, including the departure of the Eurostar.
Injury from seat belt
Heading to Dubrovnik, Croatia, on May 30, 2015, I was sitting in Premium Economy Class on a Lufthansa flight from New York to Frankfurt. Without having removed or even loosening my seat belt, I leaned forward in my seat to talk to my daughter, Dorie, who was sitting in front of me, and I bruised my liver!
Checking daily for a flight’s lowest fare
My letter about the best day on which to book certain domestic flights on United Airlines was printed under the title “Wednesday’s Fares” (Aug. ’15, pg. 50).
Max. passport pages + Traveler’s Aid Int’l
I saw the item stating that travelers no longer will be able to get pages added to their US passports after Dec. 31, 2015 (Aug. ’15, pg. 58).
Peru with Tara Tours
My husband and I generally are independent travelers, but for our customized 20-day, 19-night trip to Peru, April 20-May 9, 2014, we used the services of ITN advertiser Tara Tours (Miami, FL; 800/327-0080, www.taratours.com).
Homeaway rentals in Portugal
My wife and I spent two weeks in Portugal, mainly focusing on Lisbon and Porto, in September 2015. In each city, we rented an apartment for six nights. I would highly recommend these apartments, both of which were booked through Homeaway.com (www.homeaway.com).