February 2021

Located in what is now central Iraq, Babylon, founded in 2300 BC, was the capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire from 626 to 539 BC. Nebuchadnezzar II, who ruled that empire at one point, is credited with ordering the construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Pictured in our December mystery photo is a reconstructed portion of gates of the ancient city of Babylon. The site is near Hillah, capital of Babil Governorate (Babylon Province), about 70 miles south of modern-day Baghdad.

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Dear Globetrotter:

"I wanted to give a shout-out to one of ITN’s advertisers, Flo Tours. ... I was booked with them to travel to the five ’Stans, Sept. 7-25, 2020. Due to COVID-19, they had to cancel the tour on Aug. 4. I was offered a credit to another of their tours anytime through 2022.

"I requested a refund of my deposit instead, on Aug. 6, and they graciously credited my credit card the next day." (excerpt of letter from Mary Anderson, Littleton, CO)

Israel’s flag design is based on the tallit, a shawl worn by Jewish men during prayers.

Thanks to the ongoing quality contributions of our loyal readers, we herein offer Part 11 of our series of On-the-Road Travel Tips (each followed by my own comments). We went a bit over the 125-word limit on a couple this month, but that’s the number we ask you to try for when sending in your tip, which is anything that makes the travel experience work better for you while actually traveling.