Travelers' Intercom
Novel Approach: Hyderabad insights
I always try to read something about the history of where I’m traveling. In many cases, it’ll be military history (a hobby of mine).
Mexico and Guatemala + Honduras
My husband, Jerry, and I took a 7-week trip to Mexico and Guatemala, April 23-June 8, 2013, that focused on the Mayan world and also took in nine Spanish-colonial cities.
Cruise Critic helpful
My husband, David, and I took a cruise up the Norwegian coast in September ’12. We got a wealth of information from the Cruise Critic website.
A short visit to Easter Island
Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is so remote that it is not “on the way” to anywhere else, which is why it took me over 30 years to finally get there. Prior to a tour of South America, I visited Oct. 24-28, 2012, reserving a hotel online and booking tours upon arrival.
B&Bs in France
When taking road trips in Europe, my wife, Liz, and I look for B&Bs with kitchen facilities for guests because that enables us, if we choose, to prepare a meal at the end of a long day of sightseeing.
BushBaby Safaris in Southern Africa
My husband, Jim, and I had been thinking of visiting Southern Africa for many years. When we read the Feature Article by George Anderson, “Spending 20 Fantastic Days in Southern Africa” (Feb. ’13, pg. 46), we knew we had found our trip.
Are city folk all business?
Jo Ann Michetti’s letter (Jan. ’14, pg. 49), reflecting her visit to Morocco in 1992 and referencing Steven Emmet’s experience in 2011 (Nov. ’13, pg.
Slovakia genealogist/guide
To make use of our genealogy research and visit the four villages where my wife’s ancestors lived, my wife, Claire, and I followed up a Bucharest-to-Budapest river cruise with a visit to Košice, Slovakia, May 14-15, 2013.
Turkmenistan — dangers and annoyances
Turkmenistan was one of the “five ’Stans” that I visited on a group tour of Central Asia, Oct. 4-27, 2013. If you are planning to travel there, you may wish to take note of my experiences.
Traveling & Giving: Ribbons and lace
When planning to travel through Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet for the whole month of January 2012, I knew we’d be going to some very remote villages. I wanted to take something different to the people who have to walk, for example, six hours just to get to a main road.
Nepal/Bhutan private tour
I spent 11 nights in Nepal, Oct. 22-Nov. 2, 2012, and four in Bhutan, Nov. 2-6, with a private guide and driver in each country. The trip was arranged by Himalaya Holiday Service (G.P.O. Box No.
Friendly Amsterdammers
During my 10-day visit to Amsterdam, Sept. 5-16, 2013, I did six to seven hours of walking each day and had many exceptionally lovely “brief encounters.”
Side sights in Paris
Paris is still our favorite city, and my wife, Josie, and I still manage to find new things to see. One that surprised us in September ‘13 was how many people were riding those little, 2-wheeled, foot-powered scooters called Razors. Adults, too!
Hired guide for Naples
While in Naples, Italy, in September ’13, my husband, Peter, and I had the privilege of having Dr. Piña Esposito (phone +39 366 6228217 or +39 338 7634224 or email annamariaesposito1@virgilio.it) as our guide.
Bulgaria guide ‘wonderful’
After a stay in Munich for Oktoberfest, my husband, Steve, and I visited Bulgaria, Oct. 1-4, 2013, which is not just a country to check off your list. It has a lot to offer.
Priceline’s imprint on KAYAK
Ever since November 2012, when Kayak.com — the long-used, independent travel search engine — was purchased by Priceline.com, I have no longer been depending on it as an independent source of the best airfares.
The Corinth Canal
The dinner bell rang early for the evening meal aboard the small ship Athena, owned and operated by Grand Circle Cruise Lines (Boston, MA; 800/221-2610).
Copán, Honduras
I traveled to Copán, Honduras, in October ’13 to visit the Copán Ruins, and I can highly recommend the hotel I stayed at, Hotel Marina Copán (Copán Ruinas, Honduras, C.A.; phone [504] 2651 4070, fax 2651 4477).
Warning on acetaminophen
Anyone who develops a rash, blister or some other skin reaction while taking acetaminophen should stop using the drug and seek medical care immediately because the painkiller poses the risk for three rare but potentially fatal skin disorders, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced.