Columns

Once in a while, it’s appropriate for me to allow our readers to share their thoughts and experiences regarding topics I have explored in this column. Such is the case regarding the subject of my December 2012 column, “Giving the Gift of Travel.”

The responses of two readers seem particularly worthy of sharing. While these examples involve grandchildren, hopefully they will inspire others in giving the gift of travel both within and outside their own families.

(1 of 2 on Ireland)

(Second of two parts)

Penang was a British possession from 1786 until 1957, when it became part of the Federation of Malaya. Located in the Strait of Malacca west of the Malay Peninsula, today this Malaysian island is a popular beach resort destination.

Dear Globetrotter:

(First of two parts)

Bali Ha’i will whisper, on the wind of the sea, ‘Here am I, your special island. Come to me, come to me.’ — “South Pacific”

Despite France’s reputation for fine restaurants and grand cafés, one of my most memorable meals was actually a picnic on a bench in Chartres. Munching my baguette with Emmentaler cheese and sipping my box of juice in front of the floodlit cathedral, I acknowledged the bum on the next bench.

A few years ago, John and I were in Montenegro, which is a new name for an old country. Montenegro was once part of Yugoslavia and then in union with Serbia, but in 2006 it declared its independence. Today tourism along the coast is developing rapidly, with many new high-rise hotels being built.

We stayed at one such hotel, The Queen of Montenegro (Ul. Narodnog fronta bb, BečIć/Budva 85310, Montenegro; phone +382 33 662 662 or fax 33 662 633), where we paid $150 per night, including breakfast.

Dear Globetrotter:

Welcome to the 443rd issue of your monthly foreign-travel magazine.

Many ITN readers are privileged enough to have opportunities, and the means, to travel frequently to exotic international destinations of their choosing. It is easy to take for granted one’s good fortune in this regard as past journeys are pleasingly checked off travel “bucket lists” and the next adventures are planned.