Travel Tidbits

In Baku, Azerbaijan, the two caravanserais, dating from the 14th and 16th centuries, are the finest I’ve seen anywhere in the world. They have been meticulously restored and are used in a most becoming manner. In their courtyards, trees thrive beneath vaulted roofs. Each of the former lodging chambers have been turned into tea stalls, restaurants and shops selling a variety of goods — all of these displaying a pandemonium of color, with enticing scents emanating from the kitchens. — ARLENE GOODHEAD, La Jolla, CA

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is like the city of one’s dreams — hundreds of beautiful skyscrapers 50 to 100 stories tall, all new and glistening. Gorgeous hotels, magnificent shopping malls, beautiful parks and landscaping. And unlimited affluence. — MARK STONE, Libertyville, IL

During a trip to South Africa with Big Five Tours & Expeditions (Stuart, FL; 800/244-3483, www.bigfive.com) in February ’08, we missed the peak whale-watching season (June-November) but were intrigued with another very popular activity, shark-watching. On a day cruise off the coast of Grootbos Nature Reserve, we saw boats with steel shark cages tethered to them and passengers in wetsuits right down at water level to view sharks. This didn’t appeal to me very much as something to try myself, but I did enjoy seeing a shark leap out of the water. — VERNON S. HOIUM, Columbia Heights, MN