Travelers' Intercom
Wine and dine in Chile
From a few days in Chile, including Easter Island, Oct. 29-Nov. 8, 2009, here are our recommendations.
Funniest Thing for Feb '10
Tell ITN about the funniest thing that ever happened to you while traveling in a foreign country. (ITN prints no info on destinations in the United States.) There are no restrictions on length. The ITN staff will choose each month’s winner, who will receive a free one-year subscription to ITN.
Princess pirate drill
I was on the last voyage of Princess Cruises’ Tahitian Princess from Cape Town to Singapore, Oct. 18-Nov. 19, 2009. The ship went into dry dock when it reached Singapore, and it will come out as the Ocean Princess.
Getting away
Hallelujah for John Putman’s letter “Cutting All Ties, Temporarily” (Nov. ’09, pg. 52)! Finally, someone agrees with me.
Shroud of Turin to be shown
Is it a fantastic forgery or a miraculous image? Either way, the Shroud of Turin is one of the most researched and most mysterious artifacts in the world. Thoroughly studied, yes, but rarely seen — in the past 300 years, the enigmatic piece of linen has been on public display only 17 times.
Traveling in Ethiopia
On my trip to Ethiopia in September-October ’09, I found that having a local travel agent is a godsend.
Seven Bridges in Amsterdam
Strolling through the flower-lined canal streets in Amsterdam is a great delight in summer, particularly if you’re staying in a hotel that makes casual sunrise and sunset walks convenient.
Online London dining guide
While in London in September ’09, we used the website www.restaurant-guide.com regularly to check out restaurants and to find special offers. We have been pleased with the recommendations and the “two entrée for one” offers.
Innovative Immersion Tours
I have taken several tours with Innovative Immersion Tours (11664 National Blvd., Ste. 277, Los Angeles, CA 90064; 916/709-3249, www.iitours.com), most recently to Bali, Indonesia, June 17-July 2, 2009.
Pleasant layover work-over
If you have a long layover, even when flying domestically, seek out the international terminal or check out another international terminal.
Highlights of Nicaragua
Just our luck! My husband, Frank, and I picked the rainiest week of the year when we visited Nicaragua in October ’08. Fortunately, almost every day had some sun, except the Sunday we watched an NFL game in our room during a sideways rainstorm.
Keep paperwork plus notes
In March ’09 I received a promotional e-mail from American Express stating that if I opened a credit card account (and met other requirements), I could get 25,000 air miles with Delta Air Lines plus two passes to Delta’s airport lounges.
Railpass insurance
I write regarding the letter “Staged Distraction” from the gentleman whose railpass was stolen from his jacket on the seat (Nov. ’09, pg. 51).
Freighter around Europe
I traveled on a Grimaldi Lines freighter, Grande Spagna, June 6-July 5, 2009. From Valencia, Spain, we sailed past Gibraltar to England, Holland and Belgium.
Water bottle Aquaclip®
My wife, Jo, and I took a trip to Borneo in February ’09 with smarTours, and there was a couple in our group with their water bottles on Aquaclips®.
Buying gas in Europe
My wife and I spent September ’09 driving in France and Italy.
Leases Europe autos with Kemwel
The subscriber’s letter about leasing a car for 30-plus days in Italy (Nov. ’09, pg. 51) led my husband, Klaus, and me to contact the agent at bonvoyagebycar@yahoo.com. The agent claimed he could get us a better price than we would with a lease/buyback via Peugeot or Renault.
Refunding made disadvantageous
After booking, on Air Berlin’s website (www.airberlin.com) on Feb. 9, 2009, a round-trip flight between New York and Düsseldorf in May, I unhappily discovered that reserving two economy seats would cost an additional €60, or $86, round trip. Nevertheless, on Feb.