Travel Briefs | International Travel News

April 2014 issue

Undersea room, Zanzibar

A guest room lying 13 feet below the surface of the Indian Ocean is part of a structure floating over a clearing in a coral reef 250 meters from Pemba Island in the Zanzibar Archipelago, off the coast of Tanzania.

Spotlights outside the room’s eight windows illuminate any sea life swimming by. Guests can climb a ladder to a lounge and bathroom at water level and continue up to the roof to sunbathe or stargaze.

Per-night rates are $1,200 for two people or $720, single, or, after June 30, $1,500 or $900, respectively. Book through the proximate Manta Resort (phone +255 776 718...

May 2010 issue

Closed, open in Prague

In Prague, Czech Republic, the “Golden Lane” is an alley lined with small, colorful 16th-century houses, part of the Prague Castle complex. Number 22 Golden Lane was home to author Franz Kafka from 1916 to 1917. The passage will be closed for renovations until May 1, 2011.

Also part of Prague Castle, Rosenberg Palace, built in the 16th century and rebuilt in the Baroque style as the Residence for Noblewomen in 1756, opened to the public for the first time on April 6. The palace’s Holy Trinity chapel has unique frescoes. Palace entry is included with castle admission.

April 2010 issue

Little Edo, near Tokyo

In Japan, Kawagoe, or Little Edo, is an old castle town with a river running through it. Full of pre-WWII architecture, the streets still show traditional merchants’ warehouses and temples.

It’s a 24-minute train ride from Tokyo to Ikebukuro Station by JR Yamanote Line plus another 33 minutes to Kawagoe Station by Tobu-Tojo Line (regular express), for a total cost of ¥640 ($7).

In the fall (on the third Saturday and Sunday of October), the Kawagoe Festival — one of the largest in the nation — offers live music, theatrical performances and a parade of lavishly decorated floats...

January 2014 issue

Get My Boat rentals

The new company Get My Boat (San Francisco, CA; 415/365-6383) lists a selection of boats around the world to rent, either from companies or individuals. 10,500 boats in over 1,000 cities in 70 countries are listed. Some come with a skipper.

Prices vary from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per day, depending on the size of the boat, and some rentals require a deposit. Example — a 38-foot sailboat that sleeps seven is available for rent in Marseille, France, for $294 per day or $2,064 per week.

January 2014 issue

Truffle-hunting in Provence

In southeastern France, the organic Provençal farm Les Pastras (Les Pastras, 84160 Cadenet, Provence; phone 06 26 05 30 49) offers truffle-hunting tours.

Professionals teach guests how to identify the mushrooms. The hunt is followed by a sampling of truffle hors d’oeuvres and champagne.

Tours last two hours, take four to twelve people and are available May to September and mid-November to mid-March. They start in winter at 4 p.m., in summer at 6 p.m. and on weekends by reservation. Tours cost €60 (near $81) per person in summer, €70 ($95) in winter.

June 2010 issue

Stamps of Macau

At the Macau Communications Museum (Estrada S. Maria II No. 7, Macau SAR, China; phone +853 2871 8570), more than 100 years of stamps are on display, many relating to the city’s history.

The museum is open 9:30-5:30 Tuesday-Sunday. MOP10 ($1.25) adult, MOP5 child or senior.

February 2010 issue

Schumann at 200

In honor of Robert Schumann’s 200th birthday, a concert will take place at Schumann-Haus (Inselstraße-18, 04103, Leipzig, Germany; phone 0341 393 96 20, fax 96 22, www.schumann-verein.de [in German]) on June 8, 2010. Ticket, €12 ($18).

• Schumann-Haus, the 16-year residence of Robert and Clara Schumann, has exhibits on their lives and work. Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. €3 ($4.50) adult.

• The Robert Schumann Festival will be held in Düsseldorf, Germany, May 28-June 14, featuring 10 performances of the composer’s works. Tickets run €15-€140 ($23-$211), depending on...

March 2010 issue

St. Paul’s Cathedral

The London landmark St. Paul’s Cathedral (phone 020 7246 8357) turns 300 years old this year. Construction of the Anglican cathedral, designed by architect Sir Christopher Wren, began in 1675 and took 35 years.

Its restoration and cleaning of the stone interior has just been completed after four years at a cost of $64 million. One grimy slab of stone near the west entrance was left untouched. Open to sightseers 8:30-4, Monday-Saturday. £12.50 adult, £11.50 senior.