Travelers' Intercom
Picturesque Madeira
An optional extension to Madeira proved to be the highlight of a trip my husband, Al, and I took this spring.
Global Entry program ‘how to’
Going through passport control and Customs when reentering the United States can involve long lines — not our favorite way to end a wonderful trip. Recently, my husband and I eliminated the need to stand in those long lines. Interested?
Crossing the Israel/Jordan border
Of the three border crossings between Israel and Jordan, the southern crossing, located in the desert between Eilat, Israel, and Aqaba, Jordan, is generally regarded as the quickest and easiest. It’s known in Israel as the Yitzhak Rabin Terminal and in Jordan as the Wadi Araba (previously Arava) crossing.
Impressed at Insight’s tour leader
That the 16-day “Treasures of Turkey” tour of Insight (Rye, NY; 888/680-1241) was sold out and there would be 40 travelers plus a tour director and driver on the motorbus was daunting news.
Brazil’s Lençóis Maranhenses
Our 6-week trip to Brazil, Jan. 26-March 8, 2011, was flawlessly organized by Clara Tort of SouthAmerica.travel (Seattle, WA; 800/747-4540, www.southamerica.travel).
Kudos for Azamara
A friend and I were on the Azamara Quest during the fire at sea that occurred the evening of March 30, 2012.
Indonesia with Friendship Force
I have traveled all over the world on various tours. My trip to Indonesia, May 3-27, 2011, introduced me to a new way of travel — as a member of Friendship Force International (Atlanta, GA; 404/522-9490).
Blindsided by AmEx’s demand
My wife, Charlotte, and I took a wonderful trip to the Middle East and Europe, Nov. 8-30, 2011, that included a 16-day cruise from Safaga, Egypt, to Barcelona, Spain, on Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Voyager.
Tuscany’s ‘Little Jerusalem’
My wife, Rosalie, and I were in Italy in June ’11 and visited the hilltop town of Pitigliano in southern Tuscany.
Jousting in Arezzo
My wife, Rosalie, and I were fortunate to be able to attend the Giostra del Saracino, the Jousting of the Saracen (tickets, phone 0575 3772 62 [or 60 or 63], fax 377464), in Arezzo, Italy, on June 18, 2011. This tournament takes place twice a year.
Woman driver in Bangkok
I had read about a taxi service in Bangkok, Thailand, owned by a woman, Rat Service (phone [66] 08 9108 2170, e-mail rat_bkk@yahoo.com), and decided to book her for my arrival transfer in November ’11. I contacted her a month ahead.
Princess’ pre-cruise London package
My wife and I decided to try the pre-cruise package offered by Princess Cruises (800/774-6237) before our “Top of the World” cruise from Dover, England, to Brooklyn, New York, July 20-Aug. 7, 2011.
BA police refused help
My husband, Stephen, and I had two days in Buenos Aires, Argentina, prior to boarding Oceania Cruises’ Insignia, so we hired a driver and also a guide, Monica Varela (phone 11/15 4407 0268 or e-mail monyliv@hotmail.com or varmonica@gmail.com), who was recommended in the guidebook “Frommer’s Buenos Aires” (thir
White Lodge, Richmond Park, London
The annual Open House London weekend provides an opportunity to see buildings in the city which have significant architectural value but which are not normally open to the public. Admission is usually free. The 2012 event will be held Sept. 22-23.
Autentica in Slovenia
Koper, Slovenia, was one of our last ports on a May-June ’11 cruise aboard the Nautica of Oceania Cruises (800/531-5619). Most of our shipmates who stayed in town or went on the ship’s tours were disappointed in this port of call, but our group of seven had a wonderful day.
Vintage cars in BA
I am writing to thank Jeremy Willinger of New York City for the great tip on visiting the vintage car museum at the Automóvil Club Argentino (1850 Avenida del Libertador) in Buenos Aires, Argentina (Aug. ’11, pg. 16).
On the tarmac with Qatar Airways
I was scheduled to fly Qatar Airways from Houston, Texas, through Doha, Qatar, to Delhi, India, on Oct. 27, 2011, and then return, Mumbai-Doha-Houston, on Nov. 13.
Charming San Marino
A tiny, picturesque country encircled by Italy, San Marino is the oldest surviving constitutional republic in the world, dating back to AD 301. It’s noted for its postage stamps and tax-free shopping.
Southern Africa with OAT
I took the “Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari,” April 28-May 17, 2011, with Overseas Adventure Travel, or OAT (Cambridge, MA; 800/493-6824), visiting Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta in Botswana; Kafue National Park in Zambia, and Hwange