Travelers' Intercom

I was planning a trip to Easter Island (Rapa Nui) on my own and did some research on various websites. I finally decided to use the reviews on Hotels.com to choose a place to stay and settled on the Inaki Uhi (Atamu Tekena St., Hanga Roa, Rapa Nui; phone +56 32 2551160 or 2100231). I stayed there July 18-25, 2012, having booked my reservation about two months earlier.

The hotel’s reviews all were good, and the description of the property on Hotels.com showed several amenities that fit my wishes perfectly, including that there was a snack bar, that breakfast was available for a...

After 17 years, in 2013 I paid a return visit to a truly unusual and interesting country. I was in Ethiopia in 1995 visiting the tribal south on a rugged tour, mostly camping. I returned with a friend, Jan. 6-21, to explore the unique rock churches in the Christian north. I found a changed country, with no starvation and with decent roads and a much-improved tourist infrastructure, in terms of hotels and restaurants. 

Our trip was superbly arranged by Red Jackal Tours (PO Box 28529, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; phone [+251] 111 559915). The land portion, including one internal flight,...

We stayed in an outstanding B&B in South Rustico, Prince Edward Island, in April ’12. The Barachois Inn (Prince Edward Island, Canada; 800/963-2194) was a splurge, at about $240 per night, but a memorable one.

We stayed in a building built near, and in the same style of, the original inn. There was a large, comfortable living area and a bed area with a refrigerator and microwave. The bathroom had both a shower and a Jacuzzi. There was also a deck.

The owners were friendly and helpful and served an unusually good breakfast. We were there before, in the fall, which is a...