Travelers' Intercom
Adriatic ports a unique combo
For years I toiled to put together for myself a land tour that would include Bosnia & Herzegovina plus Montenegro and Albania, but the inaccessibility of air flights between these countries combined with border crossing technicalities made the process too complex.
Bill shock in Dubrovnik
We had a surprise in Dubrovnik, Croatia, that hopefully others who read this can avoid. My husband took me out for a belated birthday dinner in May ’09 at Restaurant Nautica (Brsalje 3, 20 000 Dubrovnik, Croatia; phone +385 [0] 20 44 25 26), an excellent restaurant just outside the city walls.
Guide in Armenia
For a stay in Yerevan, Armenia, the week of Sept. 13-20, 2009, I hired a private car (Mercedes) and driver from Beau Monde Service (Republic Square, 1 Amiryan St., Yerevan, 0010 Armenia; phone 374 10 59 99 64, fax 99 65, www.rentcar.am), located in the Marriott Hotel where I stayed.
Booking flights for a tour
My wife, Joan, and I travel all the time, and on some of those trips we use tour companies, but we also fly independently and book tours once we arrive at our destination. We find either option acceptable, although I suppose it does depend on one’s comfort zone.
Lost money for unused part of rental
For a stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in December ’08, my husband, Roger, and I rented a flat for 13 nights on Anchorena. During our stay, Roger had a medical emergency that required us to leave early.
In London and Kent
My husband, Tom, and I were in London the second week of September ’08 and stayed in the southern suburb of Penge in an old home turned B&B: Melrose House (89 Lennard Rd., London, SE20 7LY, U.K.; phone 0208 776 8884, e-mail melrosehouse@supanet.com or visit www. melrosehouse.com).
Rail fares lower in person
I read the subscriber’s letter “Venice to Munich by Train” (Aug. ’09, pg. 40) lamenting the fact that, for a first-class DB Bahn rail ticket from Bolzano to Munich, she paid €93 by ordering it while in the US instead of getting it in Italy for €75.
Vicenza, Marostica & Bassano del Grappa
In northern Italy, the communes of Vicenza, Marostica and Bassano del Grappa are commonly touted as “very wealthy.” Well, I wouldn’t know about that part, but in early May ’09, after a week’s stay in Venice, I was certainly happy to have discovered all three.
Royal rumble through Rajasthan
While in India for five weeks in February-March ’09, my companion, Frank, and I decided to experience the northwestern state of Rajasthan, land of maharajas, palaces and ancient forts.
Getting into Bethlehem and Palestine
I traveled to Israel/Palestine under the auspices of the United Methodist Church, so I am writing not to recommend a tour company but to urge travelers to see all of this beautiful and historical area — not just what the Israel Government Tourist Office wants you to see.
Christmas gratuities
My mother and two sons will be taking our third Christmas cruise in 2009 and would like to share a method that works very well for giving the staff a holiday gift.
Galápagos Travel & Ecuador guide
Following a fantastic 11-day trip in May ’09 with ITN advertiser Galapagos Travel (783 Rio del Mar Blvd., Ste.
Bag-retriever tags
The June ’09 “Departure Lounge” mentioned Magellan’s Retriever Tags. My husband and I have used them on our luggage for years. Fortunately, we have never had to put them to the test. On the other hand, we have taken advantage of the excellent service of Magellan’s (800/962-4943, www.magellans.com).
Japan tour’s ‘extras’
My husband, Ken, and I went on the 15-day tour “Japan’s Cultural Treasures” with Overseas Adventure Travel (Cambridge, MA; 800/493-6824, www.oattravel.com), April 25-May 15, 2009.
Allow extra time at CDG
Near Paris, it is fine to arrive at Charles de Gaulle International Airport (Roissy CDG), but we have found departing and making connections there to be very difficult.
Guide in Casablanca
In her article on Morocco (April ’09, pg. 24), I was pleased that Elaine Lavine wrote about Casablanca and Fés and included a photo of the Jewish Cemetery in Fés.
On flight arrangements
Adding to readers’ comments about making flight arrangements for tours (Dec. ’08, pg. 41 & June ’09, pg.