Travel Briefs

November 2009 issue

United’s Premier Travel

Travelers on United Airlines now can add a package of amenities formerly available only to elite-level (loyalty) flyers. Premier Travel, which starts at $47 one way, can be booked online at www.united.com or purchased from an airport EasyCheck-in kiosk.

Perks include Economy Plus seating; early boarding; priority security line access (in the 15 US airports that offer this benefit; see website); premier check-in line access; bonus miles equal to 25% of flight miles, and the first two checked bags free.

The price depends on the route. Examples — Washington-New York one way, $47...

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February 2008 issue

Buckingham banquet table

During the 2008 summer opening of Buckingham Palace in London, July 31-Sept. 29, visitors for the first time may see the spectacle of the Ballroom set up for a state banquet.

The horseshoe-shaped table will be dressed with silver gilt, jeweled cups, ivory tankards, chased dishes and sconces, with shields and basins arranged around the room.

£15.50 (near $30) adult, £14 senior/student. Call (020) 7766 7321, www.royalcollection.org.uk.

October 2008 issue

Travel Bookshelf: “Kiwis Might Fly”
By Jane Albusche

 “Kiwis Might Fly” by Polly Evans (2007, Bantam Dell. ISBN 13978038533994 0 — 309 pp., $13).

In her second book, following her witty and engaging tale of cycling through Spain, “It’s Not About the Tapas,” Evans takes on New Zealand, this time from the back of a 650cc motorcycle.

The best travel books take you where you want to go and help you “see” the experience more fully, and this book does that well. From sheepshearing to geyser gazing or from jetboating up the Waiatoto River to collapsing into a puddle of pleasure in a Rotorua spa, Evans enjoys herself thoroughly, and we...

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June 2009 issue

Drive race routes

Including photos, captions and maps, the book “Classic Motorsport Routes” by Richard Meaden (2008, Publisher Motorbooks. ISBN 9780760334317 — 224 pgs, Hardbound, $40) shows 30 of the circuits, roads and tracks across four continents that have helped shape more than a century of racing, including the Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio, Grossglockner, the rallies of Monte Carlo and Spain, the Grand Prix circuits from Monaco to Germany and the Frankfurt-Darmstadt Autobahn. All routes are on public roads and can be driven by travelers today.

February 2009 issue

Rare ritual in Nagano

A sacred ritual that takes place once every seven years will take place April 5-May 31, 2009, at the 1,400-year-old Zenkoji Temple in central Nagano: a window of the three Buddha statues will be opened. The temple is the largest wooden structure in Japan and houses the country’s oldest Buddhist statue, from the sixth century. For info, contact Japan National Tourist Office (213/623-1952, www.japantravelinfo.com) or visit (in Japanese only) www.gokaicho.com.

September 2008 issue

Raffles Hotel Museum

Noel Coward, Charlie Chaplin and Queen Elizabeth II have stayed there, and its Long Bar saw the birth of the cocktail known as the “Singapore Sling.” It’s the Raffles Hotel (1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673; phone +65 6337 1886, http://singapore.raffles.com), and its rich history is showcased in the Raffles Hotel Museum.

Located on the hotel’s third floor, the museum houses photos, memorabilia and postcards from The Golden Age of Travel (1880-1939). China, furniture and equipment from the hotel’s 120-plus year history are also exhibited. Open 10-7 daily. Admission is free.

March 2008 issue

Berlin Tempelhof to close

Historic Tempelhof International Airport (aka Berlin Templehof) is scheduled to close in October 2008 due to reduced use and rising costs.

One of the world’s oldest, still-operating commercial airports it began operation in 1923. It once served international long-haul airliners but in recent years has been handling mostly commuter flights. Its buildings — prominent among examples from the Nazi era — will be preserved.

August 2008 issue

Australia youth air pass

In Australia, travelers with an International Student Identity Card, International Youth Travel Card, YHA Membership or Nomads membership may purchase a Backpacker Pass from Rex Airlines (P.O. Box 807, Mascot, NSW 1460, Australia; phone +61 2 6393 5550, www.rex.com.au) that allows unlimited flights on the regional airline for one month (AU$499, or near US$442) or two months (AU$949, or US$841).

The price includes all taxes and charges. The first flight must be confirmed at time of booking, and other flights must be confirmed 48 hours before departure.

The airline flies out of...

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