Money Matters

Regarding the article on an otherwise very enjoyable trip to London (July ’16, pg. 18), I must comment on the theft that unfortunately occurred after the author’s wife placed her backpack/purse on the back of her chair in a pub.

This is not a good idea even in one’s hometown. Unfortunately, there are opportunists all over the world.

When I travel, I never put anything in my backpack or handbag that I can’t afford to lose. My passport, credit card and money all go into a money belt.

I read the subscriber’s letter “South Caucasus Comparisons” (July ’15, pg. 15) with interest, as I visited Georgia and Armenia in 2009. I, too, enjoyed my visit, although my opinion of the museums there was not as high as the writer’s.

I was stunned at the cost of the tours the subscriber took, however. I found both countries to be excellent budget destinations, where it was possible to travel very cheaply, if not always very comfortably. Also, I did not find it necessary to travel with a US tour company.

Tell us about the funniest thing that happened to you while traveling in a foreign country. (ITN prints no info on destinations in the United States.) There are no restrictions on length. ITN staff will choose each month’s winner, who will receive a free one-year subscription to ITN. Include your full mailing address. Entries not chosen cannot be acknowledged. 

This month’s winner is JAMES E. McGEE of Sun City, California:

Dear Globetrotter:

Welcome to the 479th issue of your monthly foreign travel magazine.

In planning upcoming trips, I have been surprised how often payments can be made using PayPal.com; it’s common when booking tours. Planning for a trip that would begin in July 2015, I used PayPal to pay for the Blue Line Ferry from Ancona, Italy, to Split, Croatia, and to pay for a tour in England that would include a visit to a home in the Cotswolds for lunch.

Be aware that if you choose to use PayPal, there will be a 2.5% currency-conversion fee when making purchases not in dollars*. 

On July 13, Greek and Eurozone negotiators came to terms regarding a new bailout for Greece to help prevent its economy from collapsing further and a Greek exit from the Eurozone.

The plan includes a loan of up to €86 billion (near $95 billion), which includes €10 billion to be immediately used to refinance Greek banks. 

8 days, 7 nights. Departures through Dec. 21, 2015. Highlights: Head from San José to Arenal area/visit country’s most active volcano, next to Lake Arenal/Arenal National Park, home to monkeys, toucans/in Guanacaste province, Tamarindo beach on the Pacific. Land, $997 ppdo or $1,690 single. Tara Tours (Miami, FL; 800/327-0080, www.taratours.com).