Travel Briefs

In December 2007, Air France began a 6-month test allowing e-mail and text-messaging service to cell phones while in flight (no voice calls yet). Only one Airbus A318 plane is testing the program, and no one will know ahead of time if it will be used on their flight.

The service works only with GSM cell phones. Calls will be billed directly to users by their own providers at “international roaming rates.”

New “No mobile” lights will be installed next to the “No smoking” signs aboard the equipped planes.

As of Jan. 1, 2008, the U.S. Department of Transportation has new rules regarding loose lithium-ion batteries in travelers’ airline baggage. (This rule does not affect alkaline batteries.) The ruling is to prevent any possible fires from accidental overheating or short-circuiting.

In carry-on luggage, any batteries actually installed in electronic devices (cameras, laptops, etc.) are allowed, but only two more rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are allowed as spares and they must be packaged in a plastic bag or the original retail packaging.

China has issued a warning that thieves have been stealing items from overhead compartments during flights throughout the country. The crooks count on travelers not paying attention when someone rises to rummage in the bags.

Police advise passengers to be alert while on board. One suggestion — keep valuables on your person if you plan to nap.

The GPS-CS1KS is a small GPS module that allows photographers to plot their digital photos onto Google Maps.

The module can track a photographer’s location for 10 hours on AA batteries. Later, with a computer, the software generates an interactive map overlaid with thumbnail pictures, each picture placed where it was taken. Users can zoom in and out, etc.

Measuring 3x1x1 inches and weighing eight ounces, the device retails for $150 and is available at Amazon.com or from Sony (877/865-7669, www.sonystyle.com/gps).

Trackstick II is a personal GPS data logger that uses the Google Earth 24-satellite network to store its location at preset intervals. It can record your position every five seconds or up to once every 15 minutes.

About the size and weight of a Swiss Army knife (4½"x1¼"x¾" and 1.48 ounces), it comes with all the software needed to download your route onto your computer after your trip. You then can view the data on a 3-D Google Earth map. 

On Shikaribetsu Lake in western Hokkaido, Japan, a kotan (village) of snow is built every year, with igloos, ice houses and an ice bar (with ice glasses). The village, open Jan. 27-March 31 in 2008, also offers outdoor hot springs on top of the frozen lake.

Contact the Japan National Tourism Organization (515 So. Figueroa St., Ste. 1470, Los Angeles, CA 90071; 213/623-1952, www.jnto.go.jp).

Downloadable to iPods and MP3 players, iJourneys are narrated walking tours featuring commentary, historical context, humor and travel tips for a number of cities in Europe (Rome, Paris, Barcelona, etc.). A map is included. Each tour takes about one to two hours and costs $14.95. Visit www.ijourneys.com.

Lonely Planet has released three pocket-sized phrase books: ”Fast Talk French,” “Fast Talk Italian” and “Fast Talk Spanish.” Each has essential tourist phrases plus an audio CD so travelers can actually hear the phrases.

Each book costs $6.99 and is available at http://shop.lonelyplanet.com or at booksellers like Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com. The books are also offered in MP3 format to download off the website for $5.50 each.

A series of free, downloadable travel guides aimed at cruise passengers gives information on things to do and see during short-stay port calls. Along with local history and essential background info, topics covered include public transport, local tours, recreational activities, shopping and eating out.

Available for over 200 destinations, each “A Day In™” guide can be downloaded from the website www.a-day-in.com either as a complete document or in separate sections. Detailed local maps also are available.

Travelers to Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel in the Azores, can explore the city and the surrounding area by trolley and see historic and natural sites. Riders can choose any of five tours: Historical, Heritage, Gardens, Outskirt and Beach. All include an English narration.

The trolley departs from Lagarta’s quisque (kiosk) on Avenida Infante D. Henrique and runs 9 a.m.-7 p.m. in winter and 9-11 in summer. Tickets, €4 ($6). Contact Lagarta (phone 296 629 446, www.lagarta.net/en/index.html).