The Taj Mahal: Never on Friday
Part of the joy of overseas travel is observing the differences in cultures and lifestyles. But those differences can also lead to questions. For instance: When should you avoid shopping in southern Europe or visiting the Taj Mahal? When is the best time to visit Kyoto, Japan, or the best time of day to see wildlife in Africa?
The U. S. Tour Operators Association, whose member companies send 11 million people annually on vacation, asked its members for insider tips on trips to various parts of the world. Below are some of the tips, along with their sources.
Southern Europe. In some parts of southern Europe, shops and restaurants close for siesta in the afternoon, reopening in the evening and staying open late. Travelers should plan accordingly so they are not disappointed. (Avanti Destinations)
Italy. The nation's climate in Italy can vary from 15-20 degrees in all seasons. So bring a sweater, clothes that can be layered, and an all-weather jacket, plus comfortable walking shoes. Also, some religious sites may require modest dress to enter, meaning no shorts, short skirts or sleeveless tops. (Gate 1 Travel)
Where can you dine at a 350-year-old restaurant in Rome? La Cisterna, one of Rome’s oldest restaurants, is in the city’s Trastevere section. The restaurant’s origins date to 1630. (Tauck World Discovery)
Ireland and Scotland. To see Ireland on your own terms, choose an open voucher program that provides the first night’s stay at a pre-booked hotel, and remaining nights wherever you want, such as at bed-and-breakfasts. In between, explore on your own. (Celtic Tours World Vacations)
To mark the 250th anniversary of poet Robert Burns' birth, with the celebration going on now through Nov. 30, Scotland is hosting numerous events, including the first annual Homecoming, which focuses on visitors with Scottish heritage. (Go Ahead Tours)
Australia. One U.S. dollar buys $1.25 in Australian currency. Not only will travelers save money while visiting due to the favorable exchange rate, but the trip itself will cost less. (Goway)
U.S. citizens need a visa for entry into Australia. But that visa is inexpensive and easy to obtain. (Explorica)
Botswana and South Africa. Animals are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, because they avoid the midday sun. (African Travel, Inc.)
No immunizations are required for travel to South Africa, unlike other parts of the continent. And while the official languages of South Africa are Afrikaans and English, there are 11 officially recognized languages. Guides and bush trackers all speak English well. (International Expeditions)
India. Avoid visiting Agra and the Taj Mahal on Friday. The Taj Mahal is closed every Friday. (SITA World Tours)
Japan and Vietnam. The best times to see Kyoto, Japan, are during its festive summer season; or visit in autumn to see the foliage. (Signet Tours)
If you’re going to Vietnam, enhance the experience by adding on a tour to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. (Brendan Vacations)
The U. S. Tour Operators Association, whose member companies send 11 million people annually on vacation, asked its members for insider tips on trips to various parts of the world. Below are some of the tips, along with their sources.
Southern Europe. In some parts of southern Europe, shops and restaurants close for siesta in the afternoon, reopening in the evening and staying open late. Travelers should plan accordingly so they are not disappointed. (Avanti Destinations)
Italy. The nation's climate in Italy can vary from 15-20 degrees in all seasons. So bring a sweater, clothes that can be layered, and an all-weather jacket, plus comfortable walking shoes. Also, some religious sites may require modest dress to enter, meaning no shorts, short skirts or sleeveless tops. (Gate 1 Travel)
Where can you dine at a 350-year-old restaurant in Rome? La Cisterna, one of Rome’s oldest restaurants, is in the city’s Trastevere section. The restaurant’s origins date to 1630. (Tauck World Discovery)
Ireland and Scotland. To see Ireland on your own terms, choose an open voucher program that provides the first night’s stay at a pre-booked hotel, and remaining nights wherever you want, such as at bed-and-breakfasts. In between, explore on your own. (Celtic Tours World Vacations)
To mark the 250th anniversary of poet Robert Burns' birth, with the celebration going on now through Nov. 30, Scotland is hosting numerous events, including the first annual Homecoming, which focuses on visitors with Scottish heritage. (Go Ahead Tours)
Australia. One U.S. dollar buys $1.25 in Australian currency. Not only will travelers save money while visiting due to the favorable exchange rate, but the trip itself will cost less. (Goway)
U.S. citizens need a visa for entry into Australia. But that visa is inexpensive and easy to obtain. (Explorica)
Botswana and South Africa. Animals are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, because they avoid the midday sun. (African Travel, Inc.)
No immunizations are required for travel to South Africa, unlike other parts of the continent. And while the official languages of South Africa are Afrikaans and English, there are 11 officially recognized languages. Guides and bush trackers all speak English well. (International Expeditions)
India. Avoid visiting Agra and the Taj Mahal on Friday. The Taj Mahal is closed every Friday. (SITA World Tours)
Japan and Vietnam. The best times to see Kyoto, Japan, are during its festive summer season; or visit in autumn to see the foliage. (Signet Tours)
If you’re going to Vietnam, enhance the experience by adding on a tour to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. (Brendan Vacations)
General advice. Carry all prescriptions and over the counter medicines in their original containers. (Abercrombie & Kent) Schedule transfers with your travel agent prior to your arrival in a foreign destination to avoid long lines and language issues. (Travel Bound) On cruises, purchase optional shore excursions before boarding the ship. Doing so will help you avoid long lines and allow you to disembark earlier than those buying excursions at the last minute. (Homeric Tours)
More Information. For more information on the U. S. Tour Operators Association, and for a list of member companies serving destinations around the world, visit: www.ustoa.com, www.ustoa.travel, or see a travel agent.
More Information. For more information on the U. S. Tour Operators Association, and for a list of member companies serving destinations around the world, visit: www.ustoa.com, www.ustoa.travel, or see a travel agent.
Worth quoting
"The Americans are a noisy nation. ... They do not seem able to enjoy themselves unless there is a tremendous noise going on about them all the time."
-- Canadian author L.M. Montgomery, after a visit to Boston
The fine print in JetBlue's unlimited-flight offer
At first glance, JetBlue's new offer of unlimited flights sounds great, and for many travelers it will be. But here are some things to keep in mind: Flights must take place Sept. 8-Oct. 8; do you have a lot of destinations you want to go to in that time span or will you just be flying to take advantage of the deal? JetBlue flies to 57 destinations, which obviously isn't everywhere you might want to go. If you change your mind after booking, there is a $100 penalty for no-shows. Taxes and fees of up to $127.60 each way are not included for trips to Puerto Rico or international destinations.
Visit www.jetblue.com or call 800-538-2583.
Fascinating fact
A Boeing 747 can carry 57,285 gallons of fuel.
Facebook fans, how good is your geography?
Geo Challenge, a popular game on Facebook, lets you challenge your friends to see who knows the most countries, flags and cities of the world.
Click here.
An Iceland air-hotel package for $499
Icelandair has announced a $469 per person package in November that includes airfare from New York or Boston, two nights' lodging in three star hotels in the historic center of the capital city of Reykjavik, and big Scandinavian-style breakfasts for two mornings. The same package in October is $90 more, and although September travel is slightly higher, travel costs are still generally 20 to 30 percent lower than peak season rates. (Of course, there are taxes and other restrictions.)
Visit www.icelandair.com.
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