Travel Briefs

April 2009 issue

Travel with Spirit

Looking at travel from a Christian perspective, the magazine Travel with Spirit (Box 1318, Sunset Beach, CA 90742; 888/518-7571, www.travelwithspirit.com) was launched in January. Published by Travel Network Group, LLC, it offers faith-based travel, mission and ministry articles. The cost is $9.95 for four issues per year.

February 2009 issue

Versailles’ Petit Trianon

Located on the grounds of Versailles, about 25 kilometers southwest of Paris, the Petit Trianon — the small château commissioned by Louis XV for his mistress and used by Marie Antoinette — has officially reopened to the public after more than a year’s restoration.

The Petit Trianon is open daily, noon to 5:30, Nov. 1- March 31 (low season), and 12-7 p.m., April 1-Oct. 31 (high season), except holidays. 

Adult admission to only the Domaine de Marie-Antoinette (where the Petit Trianon is located) costs €5 (near $6.30), low season, or €9, high; under 18, free. A day pass to the...

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March 2008 issue

Venice’s vaporetti

The vaporetto (water bus) line numbers in Venice, Italy, have changed.

The main circular line around the heart of the city is still Line 1. Line 2 (formerly No. 82) is now the express line. Line 3 is now for Venetian residents only and not for tourists. Check the signboard on any boat before boarding.

August 2008 issue

BMW Museum, Munich

 In Munich, Germany, the BMW Museum (Am Olympiapark 2; phone +49 [0] 180 2 118822, www.bmw-museum.com) reopened on June 19 after four years of redesign and construction. Located next to BMW World, it is closed Mondays. €12 ($19) adult.

January 2008 issue

Zambia visas

Zambia has waived visa fees for travelers visiting on package tours. The government hopes to grow the country’s tourism industry.

February 2009 issue

Country health / medical ratings

Available only in conjunction with any of their travel insurance or medical evacuation plans, Medex Global Group, Inc. (Baltimore, MD; 800/537-2029 or 410/453-6300, www.medexassist.com) offers analyses of the quality of health care and medical facilities in any of 237 countries.

Each 360°m Global Medical Monitor report covers one country’s current medical alerts, top diseases, required vaccinations, health care conditions and medical risk ratings and also lists local preferred hospitals and Medex emergency contact information.

Example — the Travmed International Medical/...

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July 2008 issue

New Barcelona museum

The Francisco Godia Foundation (Diputació, 250, 08007 Barcelona, Spain; phone 93 272 31 80, fax 31 81, e-mail info@fundacionfgodia.org) opens in Barcelona in October 2008 with more than 100 pieces from the 12th century on.

The focus is on medieval art, ceramics and contemporary painting, and it includes works by Joan Miró, Picasso and Ramon Casas. Open 10-8. Closed Tuesday. €6 ($9) adult, €4 student/senior.

September 2008 issue

Self-drive Thailand

Eight self-drive itineraries to the center, north and south of Thailand, including accommodations, are offered by Asian Trails, Ltd. (9th Floor, SG Tower, 161/1 Soi Mahadlek Luang 3, Rajdamri Road, Lumpinee Pratumwan Bangkok 10330, Thailand; phone 66 2 626 2000; fax 66 2 651 8111, www.asiantrails.net).

Example — the Chiang Mai-Sukhothai Loop offers views of the Yom River, Kamphaeng Phet and Mae Sot. The 6-day package costs $223 to $381 per person, double occupancy, depending on the car chosen. The single supplement is $120.