International Travel News

Travel Briefs

March 2008 issue | Appears on page 26

Peter Deilmann Cruises

The no-smoking ban aboard the MS Deutschland as well as the other nine European river ships of Peter Deilmann Cruises (Alexandria, VA; 800/348-8287, www.deilmann-cruises.com) has been extended to all indoor areas. Smoking on board now is confined to the outside decks only.

March 2008 issue | Appears on page 45

Venice’s vaporetti

The vaporetto (water bus) line numbers in Venice, Italy, have changed.

The main circular line around the heart of the city is still Line 1. Line 2 (formerly No. 82) is now the express line. Line 3 is now for Venetian residents only and not for tourists. Check the signboard on any boat before boarding.

March 2008 issue | Appears on page 86

Passport price

On Jan. 31, 2008, the price of a United States passport increased from $97 to $100 for an adult and from $82 to $85 for anyone under 16. The new, limited-use passport card (for land or sea crossings but not for air travel) now costs $45 adult and $35 child.

March 2008 issue | Appears on page 92

FAA demotes Philippine Air

The Federal Aviation Administration has downgraded the status of Philippine Airlines to Certificate 2, citing a lack of regulations that comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s safety standards.

Philippine Airlines can continue its schedule of 33 weekly flights to the USA under increased FAA scrutiny, but it cannot expand or change the types of planes flying its routes.

The Philippine government is working to develop a Civilian Aviation Authority designed to...

March 2008 issue | Appears on page 102

U.S. border crossings

As of Jan. 31, 2008, all persons crossing land borders or sea borders into or out of the United States must show appropriate documents proving citizenship and identity.

Acceptable documents include a passport, a Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST) or a military ID with travel orders. If a passport is not available, then U.S. citizens can show a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) and a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.

Border...

March 2008 issue | Appears on page 102

Berlin Tempelhof to close

Historic Tempelhof International Airport (aka Berlin Templehof) is scheduled to close in October 2008 due to reduced use and rising costs.

One of the world’s oldest, still-operating commercial airports it began operation in 1923. It once served international long-haul airliners but in recent years has been handling mostly commuter flights. Its buildings — prominent among examples from the Nazi era — will be preserved.

March 2008 issue | Appears on page 102

Berlin museums night

Twice a year, about 100 of Berlin, Germany’s, museums open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Patrons can see the art and also sample lectures, music, theater, culinary events and more. “Long Night of Museums” takes place Aug. 30, 2008, and Jan. 24 and Aug. 29, 2009.

One ticket gives unlimited access to all venues and use of a special shuttle. A 25-page PDF program listing the events, performances and where to catch the shuttle can be downloaded from www.lange-nacht-der-museen.de.

The price...

February 2008 issue | Appears on page 22

China in-flight thefts

China has issued a warning that thieves have been stealing items from overhead compartments during flights throughout the country. The crooks count on travelers not paying attention when someone rises to rummage in the bags.

Police advise passengers to be alert while on board. One suggestion — keep valuables on your person if you plan to nap.