I have been a member of the Travelers’ Century Club (TCC, travelerscenturyclub.org), but I was recently introduced to Most Traveled People (MTP, mtp.travel). MTP has broken down the world into 1,500 places versus TCC’s 330. Their list allows travelers to go beyond counting countries and dive deeper into regions, territories, and lesser-known destinations. I am now at 541.
Offering tips, maps and other assistance for visiting Zürich, Switzerland, the Zürich City Guide app can be downloaded for free on Apple or Android.
Dear Globetrotter:
During three months of heavy travel in late 2021, I experienced difficulties when it came to the COVID-19 testing, tracing and reporting requirements imposed by multiple countries. Here are some choice examples of what a nightmare it was to comply with a few countries’ COVID-entry requirements.
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After reading an article about the Mobile Passport app, I tried it in 2018. Using the app on my cell phone, I loaded my passport information, took a selfie and, on the night before a return flight to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) from abroad, completed the normal form required for entry to the US.
A new smartphone app, “Cliffs of Moher,” has been created for the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience (www.cliffsofmoher.ie) in County Clare, Ireland. Free to download, the app contains information on points of interest plus an interactive map and a 13-track audio guide on the geological and human history of the cliffs.
Years ago, I visited Ávila, Spain, which has a beautiful, well-preserved wall surrounding the entire city. Before I left my hotel in Madrid, I took a screen shot of the bus schedule going there and returning. I also calculated the time I needed to allow for getting back to Madrid an hour or two before sunset.
With the Radical Storage app, free for Apple and Android, travelers in cities in more than 70 countries can find locations nearby that will store their bags for small fees. Each bag stored with Radical Storage is insured up to €500 (near $592).
This month’s winner is LIZ (SARAH) FISCHER of Tarpon Springs, Florida:
In 2010 my husband and I did a 3-week self-drive trip through New Zealand. Armed with a good map and “Dora the Explorer,” as we affectionately called our first portable GPS, we set off to see this beautiful country. We didn’t realize that relying strictly on the GPS is not a good idea. You should also always refer to a good map.
When I took my first solo trip to Europe in 1973, I must have kept my parents on the edge of their seats.