Travel Briefs

February 2009 issue

Antarctic ship grounded

While in Antarctica’s Gerlache Strait on Dec. 4, Antarpply Expeditions’ MV Ushuaia struck a rock, which damaged the hull and grounded the cruise ship. All 122 passengers and crew were safely transferred to another ship, and a limited amount of fuel oil leaked out.

The ship was refloated in four days and made its way under its own power to Paradise Bay. A week later it entered dry dock in Punta Arenas, Chile, where it was expected to be back in operation out of Ushuaia, Argentina, on Jan. 7.

September 2008 issue

Tel Aviv at 100

Tel Aviv, Israel, celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2009, with ceremonies on April 4 and special events, entertainment and exhibits into December. Call the Israel Government Tourist Office (New York, NY; 888/774-7723 or 212/499-5650) or visit www.tlv100.co.il or www.visit-tlv.com.

March 2009 issue

Nara’s free museums

In Nara, the first capital of Japan, as of Sept. 6, 2008, international visitors receive free tickets at four museums simply by showing their passports.

A 30-minute train ride from central Kyoto, these include Nara Museum of Art (17th-century Ukiyo-e woodblock prints), Nara Complex of Manyo Culture in Asuka Village (Manyoshu, Japan’s oldest collection of poetry), Nara Museum of Folklore (Machiya-style houses, tools) and Archaeological Institute of Kashihara (items from 1938 excavation of Fujinoki Burial Mound). 

Open 9-4:30 Tuesday-Sunday. Visit www.pref.nara.jp/nara_e/area01...

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August 2008 issue

Moscow airport train

Shortening the trip from Moscow’s city center to Sheremetyevo International Airport, new Aeroexpress trains began service June 11. What was at least a 2-hour bus trip now takes 35 minutes.

The trains depart from Savolovsky station downtown and debark at the airport’s Terminal 2; shuttle service is available to Terminals 1 and the new Terminal C.

A train ticket costs RU250 (about $11) or, for first class, RU350 ($15). (Cab fare could cost $35 to $100, depending on the driver.) For the schedule, visit www.sheremetyevo-airport.ru.

January 2008 issue

Ponta Delgada trolley

Travelers to Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel in the Azores, can explore the city and the surrounding area by trolley and see historic and natural sites. Riders can choose any of five tours: Historical, Heritage, Gardens, Outskirt and Beach. All include an English narration.

The trolley departs from Lagarta’s quisque (kiosk) on Avenida Infante D. Henrique and runs 9 a.m.-7 p.m. in winter and 9-11 in summer. Tickets, €4 ($6). Contact Lagarta (phone 296 629 446, www.lagarta.net/en/index.html).

July 2008 issue

TSA ‘Diamond’ lanes

To reduce the overall delays at security gates, the Transportation Security Administration (www.tsa.gov) has started a system of Diamond Self-Select security screening lanes at select U.S. airports.

Travelers decide if they are “Expert” travelers (need minimal screening or assistance), “Casual” travelers (know the procedures but have multiple items needing screening) or “Family/Special Assistance” (need more time or help).

The new lanes are marked with signage similar to ski resorts: black diamond for expert, blue for experienced and green for beginners.

The program is...

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May 2008 issue

Thai smoking ban

Thailand’s ban on smoking in public spaces was amended in February 2008 to include bars, restaurants, discos and marketplaces. The old policy covered only public buildings and closed-in, air-conditioned areas.

Individuals can be fined up to 2,000 baht (near $63) for not complying.

September 2008 issue

Victoria Falls dinner train

Departing from the Royal Livingstone Hotel at Victoria Falls, the antique locomotive Royal Livingstone Express offers a 6-course dinner aboard and chances to spot elephants, buffalo and other wildlife on a 12-mile, 3-hour trip along the Zambezi River and through Mosi-Oa-Tunya Game Park in Zambia.

The train has a lounge car, an observation car, a kitchen car and two dining cars with wooden interiors plus tables with damask linens, crystal glassware and silver cutlery.

At a cost of $150 per person, including hotel/train station transfers, the trip takes place Wednesday through...

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