Travel Briefs

August 2013 issue

Cliffs of Moher trail

Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher, a 3-hour drive west of Dublin, have a new coastal walking trail that cost €400,000 to establish.

Starting at the Cliffs of Moher visitor center (phone +353 65 708 6141, www.cliffsofmoher.ie), the 12-mile trail offers views from the cliffs, which reach up to 700 feet above the sea below. The path, at points, has steep ascents, no handrails and narrow flagstone steps. Facilities include a restaurant, a café, a gift shop, toilets and picnic areas. No dogs allowed.

Guided walks must be booked in advance (phone +353 0 86 08229913) and depart at 10 a.m....

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January 2014 issue

Allure of the Seas dry-docked

The largest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas, will be put in dry dock on Feb. 24 to repair its propulsion units. Booked passengers can apply for a 100% refund or rebook other itineraries with RCI at the same rate. 

The propulsion units, called pods, can swivel 360 degrees independently to propel or stabilize ships. The pods have been prone to problems, resulting in ships having to decrease speed or risk losing propulsion power. On several ships, the bearings used to enable the swiveling have shown rates of wear that preclude the ships’...

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May 2013 issue

Christ­church quake exhibit

In Christchurch, New Zealand, the Canterbury Museum (99 Cashel St) has an exhibit about the 6.3-magnitude earthquake that hit the city in February 2011. “Quake City” explores the seismic activity in the region, runs films and displays objects damaged in the quake, notably the fallen spire of the ChristChurch Cathedral. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Entry, NZD10 (near $8.40).

November 2012 issue

Marseille and Košice in 2013

Košice, Slovakia, and Marseille, France, are the European Capitals of Culture for 2013.

Planned events in music, drama, art, history and literature in Košice are listed at www.kosice2013.sk.

The French government’s website and a blog written by supporters include info on Marseille events.

Note: Marseille has a low rate of violent crime against tourists but is known for its high rate of petty theft and purse/jewelry-snatching crimes. As the city prepares for an expected influx of visitors, police are struggling to lower crime.

December 2013 issue

Duck boats dry-docked

Two of the  amphibious DUKW (Duck)boats used for land-and-water tours in London and Liverpool have been temporarily banned after accidents put passengers at risk during the boating part of the excursion. 

No passengers or crew were injured when one of the Liverpool boats sank or when another caught fire in London. Investigations pointed to problems with the foam used to improve buoyancy.

London Duck Tours is cooperating with investigators and has contracted the water portion of their tours to regular boat companies. 

April 2013 issue

Munch at 150

In 2013, Norway is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its most famous artist, Edvard Munch, with painting and photography exhibitions, commissioned works of music, tours of sites where Munch lived and more.

A short guided tour of the first house Munch bought, in Åsgårdstrand on the Oslo fjord, can be taken June 1-Aug. 31 for NOK50 (near $9).

The performance “Of Lifeblood” (NOK480, or $84), combining tableaux, original music and dance, will happen in and around Munch’s Hvitsen home, June 2-23.

“Munch 150,” the most comprehensive exhibition of his works ever...

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November 2013 issue

Richard III Walking Trail

In Leicester, a Richard III Walking Trail features eight sites around the city center that had importance in the king’s last days. Richard (1452-1485) was the last king of the House of York. 

A map, with descriptions of each site, can be downloaded for free here or bought for 50p at the Leicester Visitor’s Center (51 Gallowtree Gate, Leicester, England, LE1 5AD, U.K.).

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June 2013 issue

Camping, huts in England

Deepdale Farm, a working farm on the Norfolk coast in England’s southeast, has a large, undeveloped area where travelers can camp or stay in a yurt, teepee or hostel or, now, one of two shepherd’s huts. Each hut, 6 by 11½ feet, sleeps four and has a woodburning stove (fuel is provided) and an outside barbecue for cooking. 

Minimum, two nights. For one or two people, the per-night cost in low season is £50 (near $76) midweek and £60 weekend or, in high season, £80-£90 ($121-$136). For three or four people, in low season it’s £60 midweek and £70 weekend and, in high, £110-£120. 

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