Travelers' Intercom | International Travel News

September 2006 issue

Vladivostok

I was in Vladivostok, April 1-3, ’06. I booked my trip with Lucky Tours Co., Ltd. (1, Moskovskaya St., Vladivostok 690106, Russia; phone/fax +7 [4232] 44-99-44 or visit www.luckytour.com). For visa permit documents, airport transfers, a single room at the Hyundai Hotel and an evening city tour, and excluding meals, I paid $556.

Lucky Tours performed excellently, and the hotel was very nice, with good food but expensive drinks. I won 500 rubles in the casino, but since they paid out in 5-ruble coins I put it all back in the machines. (One ruble is about 3½¢.)

Lucky Tours could...

June 2006 issue

Lisbon security

Returning to the U.S. from Portugal, my husband and I flew from Lisbon to London on Oct. 13, ’05. While going through security at the Lisbon airport, I had with me two metal circular knitting needles and a crochet hook, along with part of a baby’s sweater on bamboo circular needles.

The two metal needles and the crochet hook were taken from me. The bamboo ones were almost taken too, but the guard (who was very nice) relented. I think when he saw that there was work on them and that they were wooden and that I was a senior citizen, he let me keep my work.

ANN KOEHLER Seattle,...

August 2005 issue

Tips for driving in Britain

Many visitors who in their home country drive on the right-hand side of the road can find driving on the left in Britain a daunting task, but with a little insider information, and by following a few golden rules, they usually get by unscathed.

It’s worth mentioning that, surprisingly, more people in the world drive on the left than on the right. We are often asked in fun, “Why don’t you change over to make life easier,” but the reply is always, “Why don’t you change over to conform with the majority?!”

Official government figures show accidents involving visitors to Britain...

November 2006 issue

Don’t let it spoil the trip

As a New Zealander, operating personal guided tours in New Zealand, I would like to comment from my own knowledge and observations on the reader’s letter “South Island a Speed Trap” (July ’06, pg. 18).

In my view, it was a purely random, unlucky coincidence that the reader copped a fine on the west coast of the South Island. The police often focus on particular areas which are prone to accidents.

On the ticket, it is mentioned that one can pay at a specific bank with a credit card. A visitor could do this and get it over with.

This incident should in no way interfere...

January 2006 issue

Guide in Cambodia

My sisters and I traveled to Siem Reap, Cambodia, independently in February ’05 and used Bun Pao Smith (e-mail bunpaosmith@yahoo.com) as a guide and driver.

He charged $25 a day for van transportation around Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. (We paid a little more to go to Beng Melea, which is a couple of hours away.) It was very nice to travel in his air-conditioned van, which was stocked with cold towels and bottled water.

Bun Pao took us wherever we wanted and also suggested interesting out-of-the-way temples and sites which we might have missed. He made dinner theater...

July 2006 issue

Galápagos aboard Polaris

My wife, Elizabeth, and I took a cruise in the Galápagos Islands, Dec. 9-18, ’05, visiting on average one new (volcanic) island a day. The ship, Polaris, and all its personnel were provided by Lindblad Expeditions. Arrangements for the trip, however, were beautifully made by Carol Larsen of Betchart Expeditions (Cupertino, CA; 800/252-4910). She is simply a joy to deal with and totally effective as a tour director/expedition manager.

At a cost of $4,180 each, the tour included overnight stays at modern Hiltons both before and after the cruise, and a Category 2 cabin on Polaris. An...

December 2005 issue

CDG Airport auto return

I read about the reader’s frustration in trying to find the rental car return location at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle International (Sept. ’05, pg. 46). I picked up a car and returned it there in late September ’05, and I found that if you watch the signs, it is not at all difficult.

I arrived and departed from Terminal 2, Hall F. It was very easy leaving, and on returning I just followed the signs for “Terminal 2” and “F.” You actually reach a circle where, should you miss the turn down, you can keep on the circle until you see the proper exit. There are many places to pull off and...

May 2005 issue

Insured for medical evacuation

I was deeply moved when I read the letter titled “Coping With the Red Tape of an Overseas Death.” It was incredible to read about the obstacles Mrs. Patterson had to overcome after her husband’s sudden demise. I offer my sincerest condolence.

I would like to add the following to Mrs. Patterson’s recommendations.

Be sure you know the appropriate country’s emergency phone numbers for medical emergencies and police. Having an operational telephone card is a sine qua non, although usually you can access emergency numbers from any phone without a telephone card.

To summon...