Travel Briefs

March 2010 issue

St. Paul’s Cathedral

The London landmark St. Paul’s Cathedral (phone 020 7246 8357) turns 300 years old this year. Construction of the Anglican cathedral, designed by architect Sir Christopher Wren, began in 1675 and took 35 years.

Its restoration and cleaning of the stone interior has just been completed after four years at a cost of $64 million. One grimy slab of stone near the west entrance was left untouched. Open to sightseers 8:30-4, Monday-Saturday. £12.50 adult, £11.50 senior.

February 2014 issue

TSA Preê for US citizens

Adding to sites in over 100 airports, the Transportation Security Administration announced in December that it will be opening more than 300 centers across the country at which US citizens can enroll in the TSA Pre√™ (Pre-check) system, which allows for expedited security screening at airports for approved travelers. 

By submitting an application and a fee of $85 (good for five years), a traveler may be certified for the program after providing background interviews, fingerprints and other biographical information.

Certification allows access to special security lanes where...

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May 2010 issue

North Korea tours

In January, North Korean officials announced that Americans now may visit at any time of year for up to seven days. Previously, Americans could visit only during the Arirang Mass Performances, August-October, on five-day tours.

Travelers (even a party of one) still must have a guide. Currently, 16 companies can arrange tours to North Korea; visit http://wikitravel.org/en/North_Korea. The only US company currently offering tours is Asia Pacific Travel (Kenilworth, IL; 800/262-6420).

April 2010 issue

Snail racing, England

The World Snail Racing Championships have been held for more than 25 years in Congham, England, 50 miles north of Cambridge. About 300 snails compete for the title “fastest in the world.” In 2010, the contest will be held July 17 at 2 p.m.

January 2014 issue

Chariot races in Jordan

In the restored hippodrome of Jerash, Jordan, reenactments of Roman battles, gladiator contests (not to the death) and chariot races are staged twice a day at the Hippodrome, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday-Thursday. JOD12 (near $17) adult and JOD2 child.

Roman Army & Chariot Experience, or RACE (Jerash Heritage Co., Ltd., P.O. Box 1074, Jerash 26111, Jordan; phone +962 2 634 2471, fax +962 2 634 2481).

February 2010 issue

Torino + Piemonte Card

The Torino + Piemonte Card offers free admission to over 160 museums, monuments, castles and royal residences in Turin and Piedmont, Italy; free travel on above-ground public transport; 10%-20% off guided tours and tourist trains, and 20% off Avis car rentals.

Covering one adult and one child under 12, the card costs €20 (near $30) for two days; €25 for three; €31, five, and €35 ($53) for seven days. A two-day pass for those under 18 costs €10 ($15).

It can be purchased at any of the three offices of Turismo Torino e Provincia (phone +39 011 535181), located at the Porta...

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March 2010 issue

Copenhagen podwalks

Copenhagen X, a project of the Danish Architecture Center (Strandgade 27B, DK 1401 Copenhagen K, Denmark; phone +45 3257 1930, fax +45 3254 5010), offers free downloadable MP3 audio tours and printable maps of the city at www.cphx.dk.

The first, a two-hour tour, covers the recently revitalized inner harbor area. The second is a three-hour tour of new architecture in the city.

February 2014 issue

Handmade in Hong Kong

“Hand Made in Hong Kong,” a day tour exploring traditional manufacturing, is available through HS Travel (phone +852 3759 7022).

By tram, ferry and on foot, participants will visit the workshops of Hong Kong’s master craftspeople, from shoemakers to sign makers and tailors, then go on a trip to the Ladies Market in Mong Kok. 

Breakfast and lunch are included in the 8-hour tour, which costs HK850 (near $110) and departs Tues., Wed. and Thurs. at 9:15 a.m.