Columns

December 2008 issue

Nepal excursion
By Randy Keck
Patan is Nepal’s ancient city of beauty and art. Photos: Keck

(4 of 4 on India plus Nepal)

Kathmandu

During the latter part of my May 2008 visit to India, I had the chance to experience the Kathmandu Valley region of exotic Nepal. My short trip focused on some of Nepal’s prime historic locations, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Those who have more time likely would be well rewarded by venturing farther afield to some of Nepal’s rural cultural destinations. Seasonal hiking and walking tours of various grades abound.

Everest soaring

Why go to Nepal without seeing Mt. Everest up close,...

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September 2011 issue

“How have your overseas travels affected your day-to-day living?
By Armond Noble

It’s time to SHARE! Today’s question is “How have your overseas travels affected your day-to-day living?”

For example, are you a tea drinker? There are people who order tea made in China, India, Japan, Nepal, Sri Lanka or Taiwan from Upton Tea Imports of Holliston, MA; 800/234-8327. Upton has 420 varieties of tea. (That’s just a mention, not a plug. I don’t know anyone there.)

There are those who order their smoked salmon from Iceland. And many people have their coffee shipped to them directly from Costa Rica.

Do you buy men’s...

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November 2011 issue

Highway across the Serengeti? Cruise lines' tipping policies.
By David Tykol

Dear Globetrotter:

Welcome to the 429th issue of your monthly overseas travel magazine.

In editing Lew Toulmin’s article for this month’s “The Cruising World” column, I found a statement that contradicted one I made in my September ’11 column. He wrote, “… no new giant megaships are on the horizon.” I had claimed that four more would be launched by 2015.

I am changing my definition of what a “mega cruise ship” is and am throwing my hat in with Lew’s. To be considered a megaship, the main criterion is...

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May 2009 issue

Boarding Pass
By David Tykol

Dear Globetrotter:

Welcome to the 399th issue of your monthly overseas travel magazine.

There’s plenty to tell you about this month.

In October, ITN reported on armed attacks and robberies on main roads between Guatemala City and Tikal. Tourists were urged to drive the route in convoys or to travel with a group on a bus.

In late January in Guatemala City, during rush hours several drivers were robbed of valuables by two armed men on a motorcycle.

In February there were two incidents of private tour buses being boarded by at least five armed men, who...

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July 2009 issue

Summing up the single supplement scenario
By Randy Keck

In the April 2009 issue, ITN readers, including some tour operators, weighed in on the subject of “tour companies and single supplements.” A variety of opinions and explanations were expressed.

My objective in this article is to try to tie up what seemed to me to be a few loose ends and provide some clarification based on my many years in the tour industry. My general intention is to explain why the single supplement exists and is usually necessary. The issue of single supplements is anything but straightforward.

No free lunch

All travelers understand...

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January 2010 issue

What’s cooking in Dubai? Chabab and looqemat
By Sandra Scott

by Sandra Scott

Dubai is considered an expensive destination, but it doesn’t have to be. My husband, John, and I visited Dubai in January ’09, and our favorite evening turned out to be our least expensive.

After wandering through the spice souk with its aromatic smells, we hopped on board an abra, handed the boatman one dirham (27¢) and crossed Dubai Creek. Abras are flat-bottomed water taxis that ferry people across the creek.

We strolled along the waterfront promenade for 15 minutes to the Sheikh Saeed al-Maktoum House, the 1896 home of an early ruler. Admission...

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October 2011 issue

Crossing between Serbia and Kosovo. Cruise lines' smoking policies.
By David Tykol

Dear Globetrotter:

Welcome to the 428th issue of your monthly overseas travel magazine, the one largely written — in all candidness — by its subscribers.

I’m filling this page, however — with travel news.

If you’re planning a trip to both Serbia and Kosovo, be aware of the following.

You can cross into Serbia from Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina or Croatia but NOT directly from Kosovo unless you can prove, by having a Serbian Immigration stamp in your passport, that you first...

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November 2008 issue

Poison Garden a head twirler at Alnwick Castle
By Yvonne Horn

by Yvonne Horn

Visitors are encouraged to touch, smell and even nibble a berry or two as they stroll through Alnwick Castle’s walled 12 acres of shrubs, trees and flowers. . . until they reach the Poison Garden. Here some of the world’s most toxic and hallucinogenic plants are grown, some so virulent or hallucinogenic that they are incarcerated in caged beds.

Whirlwind of controversy

When the Poison Garden opened in 2005, the year of my visit, it was but the latest head twirler in a whirlwind of controversy swirling around the Duchess of Northumberland’s garden....

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