Travel Briefs

July 2004 issue

Magical NZ

ATS Tours is offering discounted “Magical New Zealand” packages of 10 to 15 days, beginning at $1,299 per person out of L.A.

For example, on the 11-day/8-night independent vacation “New Zealand Movie Magic,” from $2,849 (including savings of $235), “Lord of the Rings” fans can explore the locations that provided backdrops for the Academy Award-winning films.

Included are airfare from Los Angeles to Christchurch and return from Queenstown, eight days’ Hertz compact automatic car rental, a “Lord of the Rings” guidebook, private car transfer upon arrival in Christchurch, a full...

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March 2012 issue

Singapore app

A new offline app, “Singapore: The Savvy Guide,” offers recommendations on Singapore sights, dining and off-the-beaten-path experiences plus photos, YouTube links (Internet access required) and GPS tracking. Available for download for $3.99 in the App Store, it is iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch compatible.

January 2012 issue

Israel’s Jesus Trail

Visitors to Israel can hike on the Jesus Trail, which follows the path Jesus is believed to have walked from Nazareth to Capernaum at the Sea of Galilee.

The full, self-guided hike along the main, 60-kilometer (37-mile) route takes three to five days. (Maps of short segments for day hikers are available.) The trail passes Mount Tabor, Cana, the Horns of Hattin, Mount Arbel, Magdala, Tabgha and the Mount of Beatitudes, with paths branching off to points of interest.

There is no fee to walk the trail, but two national parks along the way charge entry fees. Estimated travel...

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August 2004 issue

London open house

The glass building affectionately known as the “Gherkin,” at 30 St. Mary Axe, is among 500 of London’s contemporary or historic buildings open to the public Sept. 18-19, 2004. Called London Open House, the free event includes access to private homes, arts spaces, offices, banks, government buildings and the new Wembley Stadium. Phone 020 7267 7697, fax 020 7267 2822 or visit www.londonopenhouse.org.

November 2010 issue

Beijing snack palace

In Beijing, China, Wan Feng Xiaochi (Snack Shop) (No. 306 Wan Feng Rd., Fengtai District; phone 6488 6868), is the only place where the cuisine of all 56 of China’s ethnic groups is represented. The three-story, more than 172,000-square-foot food palace seats 2,000, and its stalls have 3,000 selections, including samosas from Xinjiang, Tibetan wine and mutton from Mongolia.

In addition, folk art and jewelry are for sale and craftspeople demo cooking techniques.

July 2012 issue

Costume Museum, Madrid

Since 2005 in Madrid, the Museo del Traje, or Costume Museum (Avenida Juan de Herrera, 2, Madrid, 28040, Spain; phone +34 91 550 47 00), has displayed items from its collection of over 160,000 costumes, drawings and accessories.

From medieval garb to contemporary fashions, the museum has sections devoted to historic attire, religious clothing, jewelry and Spanish fashion houses. Open 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Tues.-Sat. and 10-3 Sun. €3 ($4).

July 2007 issue

Tours of the Royal Mews

Built in the 1820s, the Royal Mews at London’s Buckingham Palace is not only one of the finest working stables in the world, it is the department responsible for all road travel by Queen Elizabeth II and members of the Royal Family, whether by historic carriage or modern car. Throughout the day, guided tours are conducted by wardens in scarlet and navy livery.

The Royal Mews is home to the Cleveland Bay and Windsor Grey horses which pull coaches on ceremonial occasions, and it houses the royal collection of historic carriages and coaches, including the massive Gold State Coach,...

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April 2011 issue

Whatchya­Got bags

Ten interior elastic loops for holding prescription and vitamin bottles: this is one of the features of a WhatchyaGot bag (801/810-5587).

Each 11¾"x3½"x8½" water-resistant bag has zippered pockets (including one insulated for hot or cold items); two mesh pockets; a zippered closure, a cell phone pocket, a removable zippered bag, handles and a shoulder strap. $59.97 plus $10.95 shipping in the US.