Travelers' Intercom
Madagascar with Far Fung Places
Because of our interest in travel, nature and other culture
A Novel Approach: Michener book on Hungary
Fred H. DeVinney asked for suggestions of books to read before visiting foreign places (July ’14, pg. 46).
Pay credit card charges in local currency
When paying by credit card in a foreign country, especially in the UK and some other European countries, you may be asked if you would like to be charged directly in US dollars (or Canadian, as the case may be).
Cape Town restaurants
While in Cape Town, South Africa, Aug. 1-4, 2014, on a post-trip extension after our trip to Namibia with Overseas Adventure Travel (Cambridge, MA; 800/955-1925, www.oattravel.com), my husband, Alan, and I enjoyed dinner at two wonderful restaurants.
Seoul walking tours
While in Seoul, Korea, in August 2014, I went on 10 or so free walking tours, each led by an English-speaking volunteer guide. Each tour lasted two to three hours.
Friendly encounter in Split
There are beautiful moments during a trip that become tomorrow’s wonderful memories.
Inside a volcano in Iceland
During a visit to Iceland in August 2014, I took a tour out of Reykjavik called “Inside the Volcano.” This tour of a hollow, dormant volcano has been operating for only about three years. I had read about it in ITN (July ’14, pg.
Last-minute passport renewal
With Sept. 9, 2014, as the departure date for a trip my husband and I were taking to France, it was on Sept. 1 (Labor Day) that I discovered that France requires a traveler’s passport to be valid for six months beyond the planned period of stay. This caused us considerable anxiety.
Vaporetti in Venice
During my stay near Venice, Italy, May 10-15, 2014, the weather was perfect for being outside, so that’s where I chose to be. Just walking… for hours.
Trying for preferred flight with flyer miles
My husband, Jim, and I have been accumulating miles with the British Airways Chase Visa card for several years. Recently, I spent time trying to obtain business- or first-class seats to London using my miles plus one companion voucher for Jim (who has bad knees).
Praise for Airbnb
In his letter titled “Apartment Rental Scam” (Sept. ’14, pg. 25), in which a subscriber described trying to rent an apartment abroad for his wife and himself, he said he ended up going with Airbnb (www.airbnb.com).
Safeguarding photos
A subscriber suggested labeling memory cards so they can be returned to you if they’re lost (Nov. ’13, pg. 54). That’s a good idea, but I also download all my pictures onto my iPad each night when traveling.
Dom. Rep. cab fare row
My girlfriend and I decided to take a brief vacation to the Dominican Republic, Dec. 6-10, 2013. We chose the Dominican Republic because we had heard that the weather there in December was warmer than Cancun’s.
Compiled travel journals
I strongly endorse Randy Keck’s recommendation to leave a travel legacy (June ’14, pg. 62).
Took grandkids on safari
I’ve read with interest the articles in ITN about traveling with grandchildren. One appeared in the November 2013 issue.
Six days in Siem Reap
My husband, George, and I made a 3-week visit to Southeast Asia, including a 6-day side trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia, Jan. 21-26, 2014. Our goal was to really see and photograph Angkor Wat and its environs.