Travelers' Intercom

May 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Beautiful Ljubljana

Stunningly beautiful: that is how we found Ljubljana, Slovenia, on our trip there in May ’05. Every building was eye candy, tinted in lovely pastels, embellished with contrasting adornments.

A statue of Joze Plecnik, the Slovenian architect who masterminded this delightful city, stood in the main square, a naked woman on his shoulders. A friendly tourist office was nearby, and daylight hours offered a tram that spiraled its way to the hilltop where the ancient castle steadfastly was...

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May 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Saint’s best friend

In Salta, Argentina, Iglesia San Francisco, with its prominent campanario (bell tower), is a landmark church. On Aug. 16, 2005, as we approached it, there were people coming from every direction, bringing their meticulously groomed dogs who were adorned with red ribbons. The crowd was so thick, about 2,000 people, it was difficult to get up to the church entrance to obtain a picture spot.

A band arrived, playing all the way. Eventually, a priest appeared on the threshold of the church...

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April 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Motorhome tour in Europe

We traveled on a 30-day guided motorhome tour from Germany to Switzerland, Austria and Italy, May 1-30, ’06, with European Motorhome Tours, or EMT (PMB C 9813, 3590 Round Bottom Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45244-3026; 520/205-0841, www.rvtoureurope.com).

This is a unique and convenient way to see European sights. We had to unpack and pack only once, and we met interesting people of many nationalities at various markets and campgrounds.

An experienced European wagonmaster couple guided...

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April 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Interbus in Costa Rica

Over a year ago my daughter, Lisa, and I planned a 2-week trip to Costa Rica after I read of such an adventure in ITN (Aug. ’05, pg. 80).

In the original plan, we were going to do our own driving and thought this would be a fun way to experience the country with its wide variety of offerings. As time passed and we read of some of the weather conditions, crime, poor quality of roads and lack of direction markers, we asked for input from readers and then decided to seek an alternative...

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April 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

A note on cash advances

I asked my Paris bank about travelers’ checks and they told me that since they are paper and must be shipped while other transactions are carried on electronically, they have to charge more for the travelers’ check transactions. My young lady at the bank said they are just too much trouble in this electronic age.

Secondly, I made a foolish mistake a few months ago. I have two Visa cards, one a Chase/Continental credit card and one a debit card at my brokerage firm, and I accidentally...

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April 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

ATM card plus cash

Concerning the “ideal travel wallet,” I agree with Jeanine Healey (Jan. ’07, pg. 2). I have heard too many stories about travelers not being able to cash travelers’ checks or receiving a poor rate of exchange when they can cash them. I have always received the best exchange rate by using my ATM card.

Ms. Healey recommended taking a small amount of cash. This depends on what countries are to be visited. I usually take $700-$1,000 in cash, depending on the length of the trip.

I...

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April 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

100s questioned

I read the reader’s letter “Exchanging Money Abroad” (Jan. ’07, pg. 17) and have an experience to share. I was in Normandy, France, in March ’06 and tried to change a newer (not torn or anything) 100-dollar bill for euros. I went to several places in Caen and nobody would take the bill.

Finally, someone who was fluent in English told me that there were too many counterfeit hundreds around and they would be glad to take 50s or 20s but not 100s. Or if they did take them, they would send...

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April 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Withdrawals overseas

The letter “Credit Card Surprise” (Oct. ’06, pg. 12) prompts this note I have put off for years.

I have two accounts with Washington Mutual bank, one of which taps ATMs for cash. Before an April-May ’06 trip I called their fraud department four times, telling them of my impending travel. Two bank representatives told me my card would not work in Western Europe and two told me it would work.

Within two weeks of a longer July-September ’06 trip, I called their fraud department...

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