Travel Briefs | International Travel News

July 2004 issue

Hampton Court Palace gardens

Hampton Court Palace, the former home of King Henry VIII, has a new permanent gardens exhibition. Situated off the East Front Gardens, it shows how the palace gardens evolved from the early 16th century up to the present day.

On Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 26, 2004, costumed interpreters dressed as courtiers in the days when William III and Mary II were in residence will lead 30-minute tours of the East and South Front gardens.

Contact Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AV, England; phone +44 (0) 870 752 7777.

March 2012 issue

Solar eclipse over Australia

If weather cooperates, it will be possible to view a total eclipse of the sun on Nov. 14, 2012, from land locations in Queensland, Australia, including beaches around Cairns (anywhere between Cooktown and Innisfail) and areas of the Great Barrier Reef. For a detailed map, visit http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov. A festival and other events are planned. For info, visit www.destinationqueensland.com/eclipse or www.eclipse2012.org or contact Tourism Australia (6100 Center Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90045; 310/695-3200). Cruise lines will have ships in the area as well.

August 2012 issue

Big Ben’s tower renamed

In honor of Queen Elizabeth II — on the occasion of her 60th year since ascending to the throne — the tower in London’s Palace of Westminster that houses Big Ben (which is the name of the Great Bell inside the 4-faced clock atop the Clock Tower) has been renamed the Elizabeth Tower by the House of Commons.

March 2004 issue

Tower of London salutes

A number of parades, salutes and rituals are coming up in which traditional ceremonies will be held at the Tower of London. April 21 — at 1 p.m. a 62-gun salute for HM The Queen’s birthday. June 2 — at 1 p.m. a 62-gun salute for the anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. June 10 — at 1 p.m. a 62-gun salute for HRH Prince Philip’s birthday. June 4 — at 1 p.m. a 62-gun salute for HM The Queen’s official birthday.

August 2004 issue

Golf hotels in Britain

The hotel group Best Western has a website that features hotels around Britain with excellent golfing facilities. Tee times can be arranged online. Visit www.bestwestern.co.uk/hotelsforgolf or phone 0845 6340 559.

November 2010 issue

Cruising guide

With reviews of 285 ships, the “Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships - 2011” by Douglas Ward (www.berlitzbooks.com — 688 pp., £16.99 [near $29]) compares lines’ cabin facilities, food and service; reveals common ripoffs (such as hidden gratuities and overpriced bridge tours); offers tips on value; covers specialty cruises, and more.

July 2012 issue

Malaysia Air corrals kids

In June ’11, Malaysia Airlines banned infants from flying in the first-class sections of its 747s. In July ’12, the airline became the first carrier to have a “no-kids zone” in one section of economy class.

For A380 Airbus flights, children under 12 flying economy class are restricted to the lower deck. In fact, the online-reservation system will not display upper-deck seats to passengers buying tickets for young children.

Malaysia Airlines offers some perks for families traveling with children: early boarding, special meals, onboard entertainment and, in some airports,...

July 2007 issue

Crystal Cruises specials

• The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra will play nightly on select 2007 “Big Band and Ballroom Dance” theme cruises aboard the Crystal Serenity. There also will be afternoon dances, swing lessons and talks on big band history. Prices for a 10-day cruise from Lisbon to Miami, Nov. 9-19, 2007, start at $2,995 per person.

• On two Panama Canal cruises, children 11 and under can cruise for free when sharing a room with two adults. The Serenity sails from Miami to Caldera, Costa Rica, Nov. 19-30, for from $3,380 to $18,675. The Symphony sails Caldera-Miami, $2,195-$14,545.

Contact Crystal...