Travel Briefs

August 2004 issue

Avis free phone

Avis, through their “Stay in Touch” program in Europe, offers car renters the newest global cell phones free for the first seven days.

Avis renters call 800/698-5674, book their car, request their telephone and provide their credit card information seven days prior to departure. Renters pay all airtime charges, optional theft/damage insurance ($2 per day) and $30 for the overnight delivery and collection. After the first free week, renters pay $4.99 a day.

November 2010 issue

Bangkok-airport express

Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport introduced a 17-mile Express Service train in August that connects the airport with Bangkok’s Makkasan area.

The 15-minute nonstop ride costs THB150 (near $4.80), while the City Line, with eight stops, takes 30 minutes and costs THB15-THB45 (50¢-$1.50). Visit www.bangkokairporttrain.com.

July 2012 issue

Berlin lauds Nefertiti

To mark the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the Nefertiti bust at Akhetaton, the exhibit “Amarna 2012 — 100 Years of Nefertiti” will be held in Berlin’s Neues Museum (Bodestrasse 1-3, 10178 Berlin, Germany; phone 030 266 42 42 42), Dec. 7, 2012-April 13, 2013.

Four hundred objects from the Akhetaton dig will be shown, presenting a picture of life in Egypt during the “Amarna period” (1343 to around 1334 BC). They include ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, architectural elements, and pigments and tools used by artisans. Most of the items have not been exhibited before.

Open 10...

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July 2007 issue

Lighthouse and penguins

Montague Island, off the coast of Narooma, New South Wales, Australia, has a historic lighthouse and a nature reserve which seals and seabirds, including little penguins, call home.

On a one-night tour of the island, visitors stay in the lightkeeper’s quarters and can opt to assist in a seabird and penguin research project. The price includes boat transport from Narooma; meals; a night in the guest house; a tour of the lighthouse and museum, and wildlife viewing with a naturalist — Aus$415 per person, twin, or Aus$475 single (US$341/US$391) during peak season and Aus$370 ppt or $430...

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April 2011 issue

Champagne festival

During La Route du Champagne en Fête (website in French only), a festival in several towns in the Aube department of France, Aug. 6-7, 2011, a number of cellars open so visitors may taste champagne. Events and exhibitions are also held.

June 2012 issue

Lough Derg trails app

For Android and Apple devices, the free app “Lough Derg Trails” describes 21 walking itineraries in Ireland, with photos. Itineraries may be downloaded to the phone for use without a data connection.

February 2012 issue

Dominica zip-line

A zip-line course has been opened on the Caribbean island of Dominica by Rain Forest Adventures (Miami, FL; 305/704-3350). The three-line course includes a ride over the 350-foot Breakfast River Gorge. The zip-line ride can be purchased with either a tour of the Chattannier Nature Trail ($50) or a ride on the Rainforest Aerial Tram ($99).

July 2004 issue

Relais & Châteaux

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2004, Relais & Châteaux includes 450 privately owned hotels and restaurants in 50 countries around the world, each establishment adhering to the association’s quality charter.

Gift certificates, in denominations of $50, $100 or $500 and valid for two years, can be used for gourmet dining, hotel accommodations, spa treatments and other amenities and may be purchased by calling 877/334-6464 or visiting www.relaischateaux.com/gift.

To order the international guide ($8 shipping and handling fee), call 800/735-2478.