Lithuanian castles along the Nemunas
The Nemunas River, the longest river in Lithuania, wends its way from the Lithuania/Belarus border north toward Kaunas, then westward across southern Lithuania to empty into the Curonian Lagoon.
Columns
Eating on the cheap in expensive cities
Oslo recently overtook Tokyo as the most expensive city in the world. That doesn’t surprise me in the least. The last time I was in Oslo, a plain cup of coffee cost $4. Beer, while very good, was $8 a glass.
Whether you’re in an outlandishly expensive country or just want to save money, there are plenty of strategies for stretching your food budget in Europe. Here are some tips.
Outside of Europe and US — Suggested tipping amounts worldwide
(Second of two parts)
The custom of tipping for various services varies from one country to the next. In this column last month, I listed the gratuities that are expected in the European countries. This month I provide guidelines on leaving gratuities in other parts of the world.
The information in this list has been culled from my experience, the Internet (including http://wikitravel.org/en/Tipping, www.lonelyplanet.com and www.tripadvisor.com) and more.
What's Cooking in... Ottawa
My husband, John, and I are always on the lookout for unique recipes, especially anything that is characteristic of a locality. On our visit to Ottawa in August 2013, we didn’t think we would find something uniquely Canadian, since the culinary cultures of Canada and the United States are so closely linked, but we did!
Chip-and-PIN or chip-and-signature, plus FAA electronics rules change
Dear Globetrotter:
Welcome to the 454th issue of your monthly foreign-travel magazine, the original international travelers’ forum.
The December issue is out, meaning the holidays are coming and it’s time to order ITN gift subscriptions for your traveling friends. Call 800/486-4968 and tell us when you want the gift cards to go out. Or visit our website and click on “Subscribe” and “Send a gift,” then select a subscription length.
Havana — the sea change
(1 of 3 parts on Cuba)
Vallarta Botanical Gardens in Mexico
It was a life-changing moment.
Newly moved to Puerto Vallarta, Bob Price answered his door to be faced by a vendor with a tray of orchids.
Europe — Suggested tipping amounts worldwide
(First of two parts)
The guide had been fantastic on our visit to Guilin, China, in October 2000. She had done a perfect job explaining everything in excellent English while a constant smile lit up her face. Although the girl seemed young for a guide, my wife, Flory, and I were so impressed that we decided to give her extra money, even though tipping is not customary in China. Subsequently, the girl became upset and refused to take the offered gratuity.
Port Vila, Vanuatu — What to do and where to eat
(Second of two parts)
In my humble, resident-expat opinion, the best places to visit around Port Vila, Vanuatu, are (in order)…
What a subscriber learned flying standby
Dear Globetrotter:
Welcome to the 453rd issue of your monthly foreign-travel magazine, the one YOU help write.
Michael J.E. Burge of Ventura, California, hopes that travelers might end up a little wiser by hearing his tale. Mechanical problems and acts of nature cannot be controlled, but certain decisions might be made differently to make things go a little more smoothly.