Travel Briefs

August 2008 issue

Bike Portugal’s Costa Azul

Explore Portugal’s Costa Azul on a one-, 3- or 7-day self-guided bicycle tour with Blue Coast Bikes (Setúbal, Portugal; phone +351 96 819 8872, www.bluecoastbikes.com… or write P.O. Box 837, Twin Lakes, WI 53181).

Example — on the 7-day/6-night “Essence of the Coast” bike tour, for one to 16 people, start at Zambujeira do Mar, ride along the Atlantic through Arrábida National Park and past the Bay of Setúbal to Azeitão. €1,750 (near $2,726) per person (single supplement, €540) includes 21/27-speed bicycle and helmet; breakfasts and one dinner; accommodations (4- or 5-star pousada,...

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October 2009 issue

Demolitions in Kashgar

In the ancient Silk Road trading city of Kashgar, the government of China plans to level about 85% of the oldest mud-brick buildings in the Old City and build earthquake-resistant buildings, apartment buildings, public plazas and schools. Many of the 13,000 families are being moved. Relocation and demolition began in July 2009. 

The media has reported dissatisfaction with the planned changes and suspicion that they are designed to repress separatist protests in the largely Uyghur community. The UNESCO World Heritage Foundation called Kashgar’s Old City one of the “best preserved...

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January 2008 issue

Plot pix on maps

The GPS-CS1KS is a small GPS module that allows photographers to plot their digital photos onto Google Maps.

The module can track a photographer’s location for 10 hours on AA batteries. Later, with a computer, the software generates an interactive map overlaid with thumbnail pictures, each picture placed where it was taken. Users can zoom in and out, etc.

Measuring 3x1x1 inches and weighing eight ounces, the device retails for $150 and is available at Amazon.com or from Sony (877/865-7669, www.sonystyle.com/gps).

July 2008 issue

Bike Thai vineyards

On a 2-day/one-night “low-intensity” bike tour in Thailand, ride in Khao Yai Park (with a short jungle trek) and through Asoke Valley to two wineries for tastings. Day two, bike to a restaurant, then back to the resort for a swim before the 2-hour drive back to Bangkok.

Departs every Saturday. 6,750 baht (near $209); single supplement, 900 baht ($27). Spice Roads (14/1-B Soi Promsi 2, Sukhumvit 39, Klongtan Nua, Wattana, Bangkok, Thailand 10110; phone 66 02 712 5305, fax 5306, www.spiceroads.com).

May 2008 issue

Crystal smoking policy

On ships of Crystal Cruises (888/799-4625, www.crystalcruises.com), the lounges, bars and entertainment areas have been primarily nonsmoking for years. A new policy prohibiting smoking on the verandahs of all staterooms and suites will go into effect May 7, 2008, for the Crystal Serenity and May 25 for the Crystal Symphony. Cigarette smoking will still be permitted inside private accommodations.

September 2009 issue

‘Turner and the Masters’

The exhibit “Turner and the Masters” at the Tate Britain (Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG, U.K.; phone +44 20 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk/britain/information) pairs some of JMW Turner’s greatest paintings with works by old masters such as Canaletto, Rembrandt and Rubens as well as contemporaries such as Constable and Bonington.

10-5 daily, Sept. 23, 2009-Jan. 31, 2010. Entry to the Tate is free but to the special exhibit, €12.50 adult or €10.50 senior.

August 2010 issue

Happy feet

Injini Travel Toesocks — over-the-calf socks with five toe “sleeves” — provide light compression that aids circulation during long plane flights. Available at outdoor gear and footwear stores or online at www.injinjistore.com ($24 plus $7.55 shipping; with orders $40 or more, shipping is free).

October 2010 issue

Uganda park lodges

In Uganda, to encourage investment and to increase access to national parks, the government is allowing more hoteliers to build new lodges nearby. Those places that may gain accommodations are Queen Elizabeth Park, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo and Semuliki National Parks.