Columns

January 2014 issue

Belarus’ Lithuanian heritage
By Julie Skurdenis
Castle hunting in Belarus, searching for the medieval and Renaissance past of what once was part of Lithuania (1 of 2)
February 2013 issue

EU nations' passengers' rights. Also, Frankfurt Airport traveler-friendly additions.
By David Tykol
This statue at Reichsburg Castle in Cochem, Germany, overlooks the Mosel River.

Dear Globetrotter:

Welcome to the 444th issue of your monthly foreign-travel magazine, the one you and your fellow ITN subscribers help write. (Tell us about your latest discovery outside of the US.)

Here’s an item of interest for those of you planning a visit to Europe.

As of Dec. 31, 2012, all passengers traveling by sea and inland waterways in European Union nations will have rights similar to those of travelers on planes and trains in those countries, whether citizens of EU member nations or not. The following rules will be enforced.

Adequate and accessible...

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December 2013 issue

Chip-and-PIN or chip-and-signature, plus FAA electronics rules change
By David Tykol
A bronze bust of Albania’s national hero, G.K. Skanderbeg, located at the National Museum inside Krujë Castle. Photo: ©ollirg/123rf
Is that a chip-and-PIN credit card you just ordered for use in Europe or a chip-and-signature card? Also, the FAA loosens rules on portable electronic devices on board.
September 2013 issue

How airlines rank in seat availability, plus low-cost airlines and long-haul flights
By David Tykol
How airlines rank in seat availability for someone purchasing tickets using frequent-flyer miles — the Switchfly Reward Seat Availability Survey. Also, what to remember when low-cost airlines offer long-haul flights.
July 2013 issue

European B&Bs provide a place to call home
By Rick Steves

Staying at a European bed-and-breakfast is a bit like having your own temporary mother while you travel. 

In the morning, your hostess might help plan your day, tipping you off to the best places for lunch and about the live folk music in the village pub that evening. She then sends you out the door with a smile, handing you an umbrella… just in case it rains. 

The best B&Bs ooze warmth and local color, making these some of my favorite accommodations in Europe.

B&Bs are generally small, family-run places with fewer amenities but more character...

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January 2014 issue

Santiago de Cuba awakenings
By Randy Keck
Santiago de Cuba, and reveling in the local performing arts (3 of 3 on Cuba)
August 2013 issue

A new online company helps people traveling in the European Union submit claims for compensation for transportation problems.
By David Tykol
Swallow’s Nest, a castle near Yalta in Crimea, Ukraine

Dear Globetrotter:

Welcome to the 450th issue of your monthly foreign-travel magazine. 450. Wow! That’s 37½ years — without ever missing an issue. 

Let me take a moment to acknowledge some of the people responsible for producing this magazine.

The publisher, Armond Noble, and his staff were working on the fourth issue when he hired me in 1976, and I took over as the Editor two months later. Sadly, Armond died last year in February, but  ITN continues.

From almost the very beginning, none of this would have been possible without the...

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September 2013 issue

Abkhazi Garden, Victoria, BC, Canada
By Yvonne Horn
Ponds were created in the natural indentations of granite boulders — Abkhazi Garden.
The romantic story behind Abkhazi Garden in Victoria, BC, Canada