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.
Map-printing challenge
For every place my wife and I plan to visit, I always want a printed map, and I want to get that map months ahead to help me plan.
Hotel Milenij, Croatia
After viewing HGTV’s “House Hunters International” episode about the Croatian city of Makarska, a delightful resort located south of Split and north of Dubrovnik, my husband, Josip, and I were lured there in August 2013.
Journey Beyond Travel in Morocco
For about a year, my wife, Louise, communicated with Thomas Hollowell and Fazia Farrook of Journey Beyond Travel (Avenue Lalla Amina, Residence Afifa, Apt.
Travelex vs Discover re delayed bag
After being mugged while traveling in Naples, Italy, in 2011, I was quicky reimbursed by the travel insurance company Travelex (800/228-9792), recouping my stolen/damaged property costs (less depreciation).
EatWith.com
My husband and I had a Mediterranean cruise coming up in October when we read the travel item “EatWith locals program” (Aug. ’13, pg. 77) about a website, www.eatwith.com, that lists hosts in various countries who are willing to cook a meal for visitors to their city.
Guide in Bavaria
I had the most wonderful experience in May ’13 traveling in Bavaria, Germany, with Mr. Ernst Gartner (Eisvogelweg 35, 81827 München, Germany; phone +49 176 23898956 or email saseg-reisen@gmx.de). I had seen his classified ad in ITN’s Mart section.
Public transit an option
Here’s something my husband, David, and I learned on a 2012 trip to Europe: don’t be afraid of public transportation, even when you are pressed for time. There are times when it really is your best option.
Noise complaint on Celebrity Silhouette
With our Adriatic cruise on the Celebrity Silhouette, May 20-June 3, 2013, sailing from Venice to Rome, with port calls in other cities in Italy as well as in Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Malta, my wife, Alma, and I completed our 64th cruise. The itinerary was great.
Budget lodgings in Turkey
This is in response to the request for lodging information from those of us who travel “on a shoestring.” I traveled independently in Turkey in May of 2012. I left my wheeled suitcase at the Coşkun Pension in Istanbul and traveled for three weeks with only a backpack.
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).