Travel Briefs

January 2008 issue

Venice’s 2-tier pricing

In Venice, Italy, every bar, restaurant, café and hotel is required by law to post a price list, but many do not, and some charge tourists more than locals, adding small surcharges to the bill. The Guardia di Finanza has investigated hundreds of complaints. According to The London Sunday Times, one couple was charged $720 for lunch in St. Mark’s Square.

Those who feel they have been overcharged should request a copy of the bill or a printed receipt (say, “Mi proti il conto”), which provides evidence to submit with a complaint.

Overcharging is common in water transport as well...

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February 2009 issue

River rafting in Iceland

Hestasport-Activity Tours (Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland; phone +[354] 453 8383, fax 8384, www.rafting.is) offers whitewater rafting trips in northern Iceland. From May until Mid-July, the region has sunlight 24 hours a day, which allows for rafting at midnight, not to mention a mid-ride stopover for pancakes and hot chocolate with rum.

A 4-hour trip on the West Glacial River includes 1½ to two hours on the river, costs ISK6,500 (near $68), with drysuits, booties, gloves and helmet, and must be arranged in advance.

September 2008 issue

Tokyo fish market

At Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Market, the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world, as of April 1, 2008, tourists can watch tuna auctions only from a designated area and only from 5 to 6:15 a.m.

Traders had complained that tourists were interfering with auctions by distracting them and touching and photographing the 600-pound fishes.

March 2009 issue

Perfume Museum

After a 4-year renovation and expansion project costing $16 million, the Musée International de la Parfumerie, or International Perfume Museum (8 place du Cours, F-06130 Grasse, France; http://en.museesdegrasse.com), reopened in Grasse on Oct. 18, 2008. Housed in the former Hugues-Aîné perfumery built in the 19th century, exhibits trace the 4,000-year history of perfumes, soap and cosmetics. 

Open 10-5 daily June-August and Wednesday-Sunday October-May. €4 ($6).

August 2008 issue

Helsinki tram tour

In Helsinki, Finland, for about €2 ($3) you can hop on Tram No. 3 (in either direction, T or B) and do a figure-8 through the city. The self-guided tour lasts about an hour. Among stops are South Harbor’s Market Square, the Opera House, the Natural History Museum, the Rock Church and Senate Square. Tickets good for one hour can be purchased from the driver.

For more info and a downloadable route map, visit www.hel.fi/wps/wcm/resources/file/eb950102caf5a17/3T_english_2007_net.pdf.

October 2009 issue

Lhasa urban redesign

In March 2009, China announced plans to make Lhasa, Tibet, into “a coordinated and distinctive modern metropolis by 2020,” with a target of 10 million visitors per year.

The plan includes the building of many parks, green spaces along the roadsides and renovation and expansion of seven urban roads. All buildings facing Beijing Road, the major road through the city, are to be renovated to “feature local ethnic characteristics.”

The State Council plans to cap the downtown population at fewer than 450,000 and constrain urban development to within 75 square kilometers. Local...

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January 2009 issue

Tourist hotline in Israel

Visitors in Israel now may dial *3888 from any cell phone or landline in the country for directions or to get information on local attractions, airports or visas plus assistance in emergencies. For more info, contact the Israel Government Tourist Office (New York, NY; 212/499-5650, www.goisrael.com).

July 2008 issue

Free Kyoto tours

In Kyoto, Japan, the 80-member Good Samaritan Club (www.geocities.jp/kyoto_samaritan) provides free day tours in English. Comprised of college students studying international communication, the club was established in 1961.

To book a tour, e-mail samaritan-reservation@h.vodafone.ne.jp or call 090 6684 0167 from noon to 1 p.m. or 5 to 6 p.m., Japan time.

Include in your message your name, the gender, nationality and age of each participant, the name and phone number of your hotel and any special requests.