Travel Briefs

May 2011 issue

Italy at 150

The city of Turin, which in 1861 became the first capital of unified Italy, in 2011 is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Risorgimento (unification).

Events include art exhibits (such as “La Bella Italia,” 300 artworks from preunification capitals), the “Fare gli Italiani” historical exhibition, a Leonardo da Vinci exhibit, parades, sporting events, a series of Royal Dinners and a showcase of current artisans.

Most events run through November. For info and tickets (individual events start at €11.20; a Royal Dinner is €60), visit http://eng.italia150.it or contact...

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November 2011 issue

Global Greeter guides

The first all-volunteer Greeter guide service began in New York City in 1992. Now 22 cities worldwide have Greeter programs, the most recent being Moscow in June 2011.

Global Greeter guides meet with individuals or small groups (six people, maximum) and conduct free walking tours (donations welcome) of two to four hours. Instead of major tourist sights, you might see mom-and-pop stores, hole-in-the-wall eateries and other places of a resident’s daily life.

To find a Greeter in your destination city, fill out the online application at http://globalgreeternetwork.org.

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June 2011 issue

Copen­hagen discounts

The “cOPENhagen Card” provides free and discounted access to city museums and attractions (including Tivoli); free train, bus and metro transport, and discounts at selected restaurants, shops and sights.

The card can be purchased in the city at the airport, major train stations, tourist offices and many hotels or online (www.visitcopenhagen.com) up to 10 days before you plan to use it. A 24-hour card costs €31 ($46) adult, €15 child, and a 72-hour card, €62 adult, €30 child.

October 2011 issue

‘Farm Dinners’ in Jamaica

On the Saturday closest to the full moon, enjoy dinner at sunset in a field on a hilltop farm in Jamaica’s St. Elizabeth parish. The monthly dinner, prepared at tableside, has a rotating menu. Among dishes that have been served are local fruit cocktail, lamb with coconut milk and penne with lime basil.

“Farm Dinners” are offered by Jakes Hotel (Calabash Bay, Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica W.I.; phone, in the US, 877/965-3000), located at Treasure Beach on the south coast. You do not have to be a hotel guest to attend. $95 includes transfer from the hotel (...

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July 2011 issue

London 2012 Olympics

• Any remaining tickets to the 2012 Olympics in London, July 25-Aug. 12, are being sold in a random-selection ballot and in “hospitality packages” from Authorized Ticket Resellers (ATRs). The ATR for the US and Canada is CoSport (Box 905, Far Hills, NJ 07931; 877/457-4647 or 908/326-2660).

CoSport packages range from $8,080 for two people for three nights’ hotel with breakfast and tickets for two events (badminton and beach volleyball) up to $32,555 for two people for four nights, with tickets to several events and the Closing Ceremony plus transport and sightseeing. Visit www....

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September 2011 issue

Panama Stop-Over

Passengers on connecting flights through Tocumen International Airport near Panama City have an offer from Copa Airlines (800/359-2672) in conjunction with the Panama Tourism Authority.

When booking through Panama to one of Copa’s 52 destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean, mention the “Panama Stop-Over” and you can break your trip for up to a week in Panama at no additional charge for airfare. When booking, request info on lodging deals and local activities.

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September 2011 issue

Netherlands Fine Art Fair

The 25th European Fine Art Fair will take place March 16-25, 2012, at the Maastricht Exhibition & Congress Center (Forum 100, 6299 GV, Maastricht, Netherlands; phone 043 3838383).

Paintings, antiques, manuscripts and examples of applied arts will be on sale by 260 art and antique dealers from around the world. Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. March 16-24 and 11-6 Sunday, March 25. Admission, €55 ($80), includes a catalog. Child 12-18, €20.

European Fine Art Foundation (Broekwal 64, 5268 HD Helvoirt, The Netherlands; phone +31 411 64 50 90).

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May 2011 issue

Copenhagen app

The free app “Copenhagen Open” has information on the city’s restaurants, shops, attractions, events and more. The proximity of each site to your location is given along with a description, open hours, prices, contact info, etc.

From the city’s visitors’ bureau, Wonderful Copenhagen, preview the app on the website and download it to your smartphone by texting the code “cphopen” to +4522904000.