Travelers' Intercom
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).
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.
Holy Land and Mediterranean with Princess
My husband, Mike, and I took a 27-day segment of a ’round-the-world cruise with Princess Cruises (Santa Clarita, CA; 800/774-6237).
Almabtrieb in Austria
My wife, Rosalie, and I were fortunate to be staying near Russbach, Austria, Oct. 4-6, 2013, during the Almabtrieb, a ceremonial cattle drive marking the end of summer.
Faces of Romania
Romania’s many faces were readily accessible and wonderful to see during our 2-week visit, Sept. 2-16, 2013. The cost of the trip was €4,800 (near $6,520), which included accommodations, breakfasts, all driving and guiding, airport/hotel transfers and all museum admission fees.
Embassy’s help may be limited
At the end of the letter “Ethiopia Tour Did Not Go As Planned” (Dec. ’13, pg. 23) is an editor’s note with a tip for travelers about carrying the phone number of, among other offices, the American Embassy.
Air travel tips
Ouch! What a horrifying story (Nov. ’13, pgs. 2 & 66) — four-and-a-half days in transit from India to California! I commend the Burges for their self-restraint and resilience.
My Guest Roma
Following a 10-day self-arranged tour of southern Italy, my wife, Jean, and I stayed in a splendid boutique hotel in Rome, May 31-June 4, 2013.
Michelin Benelux map
In the letter “GPS Travails in Belgium” (Nov. ’13, pg. 17), a subscriber wrote, “At the tourist office (in Aalst), we explained that we would like to travel some of the ‘gray’ (secondary) roads shown on the maps.
Tips for a St. Petersburg-Moscow cruise
Wanda Bahde’s letter “Waterways of the Czars” (Feb. ’13, pg.
Communication aids
When my wife, Bonnie, and I travel, I take along a Berlitz language phrase book and dictionary. There is one book for each language. It is small, about 4"x5"x½", and is divided into sections, such as Eating Out, Shopping, Making Friends.
Mongolia in August
Americans do not need a visa to visit Mongolia, and there are no entrance or exit fees. The best time to travel there is summer, since by September the nights are getting cold. During my trip, Aug. 19-30, 2013, day temperatures were in the 70s and nights in the 60s.