Travel Briefs

July 2012 issue

Narrow-gauge in Latvia

The last operating section of Latvia’s historic Stukmaņi-Valka narrow-gauge train line, which opened in 1903, runs through picturesque countryside between the towns of Gulbene and Alūksne. Departs Gulbene daily at 1 and 6 p.m., reaching Alu¯ksne at 3:25 and 7:55 p.m., respectively. 2.40 lats ($4.30) each way. Purchase tickets on board.

July 2007 issue

Helsinki Citybikes

During summertime (from mid-May to September), Helsinki offers Citybikes. Find one of the 26 Citybike stands in the city center, pay a deposit of €2 ($2.65) and tour as you please on one of the bright green bikes. After you have finished, return the bike to any Citybike stand and your €2 deposit is returned. There are well-marked bike paths throughout Helsinki and in scenic districts such as Töölö Bay. Visit www.hel.fi/hkl.

For info on Finland, call the Finnish Tourist Board at 800/346-4636 or 212/885-9700.

April 2012 issue

Rick Steves’ Europe app

For iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Android, the free app “Rick Steves’ Audio Europe” (www.ricksteves.com/audioeurope) contains hundreds of hours of content organized into geographic-specific playlists.

There are 25 self-guided audio tours that include museums, historic walks and city tours. Maps, diagrams of buildings and extensive details on each sight can be accessed by touchscreens. Once files are downloaded, they are saved to the device and can be viewed offline.

June 2012 issue

EU passenger-data deal with US

In April, the European Union Parliament ratified an agreement with the United States on the sharing of EU Passenger Name Record (PNR) information with US authorities.

PNR info includes the full name, birth date, passport number and credit card info for each passenger flying into the US. The US Department of Homeland Security requires this data to be collected by airlines at the time a ticket is sold and uses it to screen incoming visitors for security risks.

Replacing a 2007 agreement, the new agreement 1) limits the use of PNR data to “the prevention, detection,...

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February 2012 issue

Global Pass in Slovakia

As of Jan. 1, Slovakia is covered by Eurail’s Global Pass, which allows unlimited rail travel in (now) 23 European countries within specific time periods.

Prices range from $630 for the 15-day Adult Saver Pass to $2,049 for a three-month standard Global Pass (can ride every day). Groups of two or more get 15% off, and youths under 26 get 35% off.

Eurailpasses must be bought before arrival in Europe and activated within six months of purchase. Contact Rail Europe (800/438-7245).

June 2004 issue

Classic cars in Coventry

The Coventry Transport Museum relaunched in March following a major refurbishment. It displays the world’s largest collection of British vehicles, with over 230 cars and commercial vehicles, 90 motorcycles and 250 cycles. It’s open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and admission is free.

Contact Coventry Transport Museum, Hales St., Coventry, CV1 1P, U.K., phone 024 7683 2425.

July 2004 issue

Sail to eclipse in South Seas

Passengers on the MV Discovery will have the best vantage point to witness a rare annular total solar eclipse in the South Pacific near Polynesia on April 8, 2005. The ship will maneuver to find clear skies under the 15-mile-wide path of the eclipse.

Discovery World Cruises’ 19-night “South Pacific Eclipse” cruise-tour departs April 2 and visits Papeete, Moorea, Pitcairn Island, Easter Island and, in Peru, Pisco and Lima. A team of eclipse lecturers will be on board.

Priced from $3,795 per person, double occupancy, the cruise-tour includes 15 days aboard ship and a 2-night...

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June 2004 issue

Turkey lowers visa fee

The visa fee for American citizens wishing to travel to Turkey was reduced on April 1, 2004, to $20, down 80% from its previous cost of $100.

Application forms can be found on the Internet at www.turkishembassy.org/consularservices/forms, or travelers can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival in Turkey or at any of the five Turkish Consulates in the U.S. (Washington D.C., New York, Chicago, Houston or Los Angeles). For info on Turkey, call 877-FOR-TURKEY.