Travel Briefs | International Travel News

July 2007 issue

Rent lighthouse in Croatia

Apartments and houses attached to lighthouses can be rented on the coast in Croatia. Locations of accommodations range from remote islands to populated mainland areas. Prices range from €299 to €859 (near $400-$1,156) per week in the off-season to €640-€1,299 ($860-$1,750) in high season.

For example, 30 meters from the sea, Savudrija, one of the oldest lighthouses in the Adriatic, has a 4-bed apartment at €729-€1,099 per week. Apartments can be rented daily only in the off-season.

Contact Hrvoje Mandekic at Plovput (phone 00385 21 390609).

April 2011 issue

Tomato splattle, Spain

In Buñol, Spain, every year in the last week of August, thousands gather to throw 100 tons of overripe tomatoes at each other. La Tomatina lasts all week, with live music, cooking contests and fireworks, but in 2011 the actual tomato battle will take place 11 a.m. to noon, Aug. 31. Participants clean up in the river. 40,000 people attended in 2009. Visit www.andalucia.com/festival/latomatina.htm or contact Tourist Office of Spain (New York, NY; 212/265-8822).

June 2012 issue

Doomsday deal, Mexico

At any of four luxury hotels in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, book three nights or more (including Dec. 21, 2012) and get the room for free on the night the Mayan calendar ends. If the world ends, the hotel will repay you double your money.

Rates run $350 per night, double, for a one-bed, one-bath condo to $1,130 for 3-bed/3-bath with views. Contact Condo Hotels Playa del Carmen (866/479-2738). Festivities, Mayan ceremonies, tours and performances are planned.

February 2012 issue

Latvia tourist hotline

Dial 1188 in Latvia and the State Tourism Development Agency will provide support in emergencies, answer travel questions and trouble-shoot travelers’ issues, in English, 24 hours a day. In addition, the website (click on “EN”) has maps, information on services, a calendar of events, online ticket sales and discount coupons for attractions such as the Riga Zoo.

July 2004 issue

‘Movies Under the Stars’

Princess Cruises ships in the Caribbean now are showing up to three feature-length films a day on deck at poolside, using a 300-square-foot LED screen and a 69,000-watt sound system. Chaise lounges can be reserved. The first movie to be shown was “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

June 2004 issue

Day trips from Gleneagles

The resort Gleneagles is celebrating its 80th birthday in 2004 with “Classic Scottish Sojourns,” in which guests can explore Scotland via private chauffeur-guided tours.

The 3-night/4-day program costs $1,800 (guaranteed in U.S. dollars), based on double occupancy, and includes accommodation, full Scottish breakfast daily, one full-day tour OR two half-day tours and 17.5% VAT. Also included are one round of golf, one whisky tasting and one massage for each guest.

Accommodation will be upgraded if available at check-in. Guests booking four consecutive nights will be given the...

August 2011 issue

St. Petersburg Card

The St. Petersburg Guest Card, the first city discount card available in Russia, provides a free city tour by bus or boat, free entry into 17 state museums and a 10%-50% discount with participating hotels, restaurants, taxi services and cultural and entertainment centers.

Among special privileges it offers to travelers, at the State Hermitage cardholders may participate in tours and have the opportunity to take photos and video footage.

Valid within seven days from the date of purchase, the card costs RUB2,395 (near $85) and is available at train stations, Pulkovo Airport,...

January 2012 issue

‘Inspired by Iceland’

In the “Inspired by Iceland” program, hundreds of Iceland’s citizens invite visitors to participate in Icelandic experiences for free during their stay.

Milk cows with a farmer, visit the “Yule Lads” in Dimmuborgir, soak in a hot tub, attend a Viking religious ceremony, enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal, etc. Most events are two to four hours in length and take place in the hosts’ own homes. Visit www.inspiredbyiceland.com, click on “See the invitations” and link to each host’s Facebook page to sign up.