Travel Briefs | International Travel News

June 2011 issue

Reims Cathedral at 800

In honor of the 800th anniversary of Reims Cathedral in Reims, northeastern France, special services, concerts and exhibitions are being held May 6-Oct. 23, 2011.

A free light show, “Dream of Color,” projects lights onto the cathedral’s façade, highlighting details of statues and showing colors once visible. A 20-minute loop runs on selected evenings: in June, Thurs.-Sun. at 11 p.m.; July, Tues.-Sun., 11; August, Tues.-Sun., 10; September, Thurs.-Sun., 9, and October, Fri.-Sun., 8:30.

October 2011 issue

Zambia under the stars

In Zambia’s remote South Luangwa Valley, you can take a “Return to the Wild” sleepout safari with Norman Carr Safaris (Mfuwe, Zambia; phone + 260 216 246025).

It costs $200 each (four guests, maximum, ages 12 and up) and is available during the dry season (May 25-Oct. 31) as part of a three-night or longer stay in one of their bush-camp sites ($480-$550 per person per night, double occupancy) or the Kapani Lagoon House ($455-$525 per person, double occupancy).

Mid afternoon, walk to the dry, wide Luwi riverbed, where each guest sets up his mosquito-net tent...

September 2011 issue

Hurricane season

The Department of State alerts travelers to the hurricane season in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. In general, hurricane season in the Atlantic begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15 and ends Nov. 30.

If a situation requires evacuation from an overseas location, the Department of State will not provide no-cost transportation but does have the authority to provide repatriation loans to those in financial need. The State Department recommends obtaining travel insurance to cover unexpected expenses...

August 2011 issue

Belfast airport smoking fee

In Northern Ireland, Belfast International Airport (phone +44 0 28 9448 4848) has constructed a smoking area inside the terminal. The area, located by the Bar des Voyageurs, can be accessed using a coin worth £1. This is the first smoking area within the airport’s security zone, past the checkpoints.

July 2011 issue

Cayman Motor Museum

On Grand Cayman, the Cayman Motor Museum (864 North West Point Road, West Bay, Grand Cayman KY1-1202, Cayman Islands; phone, in the US, 345/947-7741), near Boatswain’s Beach, has 80 vintage vehicles on display. This private collection includes the “very first automobile ever produced,” an 1886 Benz, and the original Batmobile from the 1960s television show.

Open 9-5 Mon.-Sat. $15 adult or $7.50 child under 12.

December 2011 issue

Sri Lanka requires ETA

As of Jan. 1, 2012, travelers to Sri Lanka will have to apply and pay for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance of arrival. (Citizens of Singapore and the Maldives are exempt.)

The ETA-processing fees are $25 for a seven-day, single-entry transit; $50 for a 30- or 90-day single- or double-entry “tourist purpose,” or $60 for a 30- or 90-day, multiple-entry business purpose. Fees are nonrefundable.

The citizens of 79 countries (including the US, UK and Canada) will NOT also need a visa, while others will need a visa (fees vary). For the list of...

June 2011 issue

Berlin lights fest

During Berlin’s seventh annual Festival of Lights, Oct. 12-23, 2011, landmarks and monuments will be illuminated and international artists and lighting designers will present light installations, art and designs. Cultural events are scheduled.

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Kurfürstendamm and, during the festival, buildings on the famous boulevard will be artistically illuminated.

The festival is a free event that draws millions of visitors. For info on events and touring options, phone +49 30 25 00 25 or visit http://festival-of-lights.it. LightSeeing tours are...

October 2011 issue

Britain bike route cards

Those exploring Britain by bicycle can use a collection of pocket-sized map cards called “Cyclist’s Britain in a Box” (2011, Interlink Publ,. ISBN 1566568579 — 50 cards, $19.95).

Each card has a cycling route fully illustrated, with directions, plus info on transportation and points of interest. Routes vary in difficulty, and many begin near transportation hubs in towns.