Travel Briefs

February 2009 issue

Argentina tourist fee

CORRECTION — After reading the item “Argentina Tourist Fee” (Dec. ’08, pg. 19), a reader pointed out that he had never had to pay a visa-application fee to get into Argentina as a tourist.

ITN called the Argentine consulate and was told that it is true that travelers have not had to pay a visa application fee, even though the consulate and embassy website states that the fee for a “holiday” visa application from the US is $30. The spokesman said that, while a visa is still required, the $30 fee applies only to “diplomatic holiday visits.”

However, as of Jan. 1, 2009, US...

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December 2010 issue

Ale Trail, Northeast England

On the website www.visitnortheastengland.com, the interactive “Ale Trail” map pinpoints 11 locations to try local brews in Northumberland and Durham. Click on a numbered balloon to reach a brewery’s website. To find the map from Visit North East England’s homepage, click on “Explore,” “Visitor itineraries,” then “Ale Trail.”

September 2008 issue

Eiffel tower renovation

The Eiffel Tower will be getting a $267-million renovation over the next 10 years.

Plans call for upgraded elevators, improved handicapped access, a larger restaurant with lower prices, a champagne bar and more shops.

In 2009 the government will introduce Internet prepaid ticketing for groups, in preparation for a system in which all visitors will reserve 30-minute time slots on the Internet instead of waiting in line.

March 2008 issue

Berlin museums night

Twice a year, about 100 of Berlin, Germany’s, museums open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Patrons can see the art and also sample lectures, music, theater, culinary events and more. “Long Night of Museums” takes place Aug. 30, 2008, and Jan. 24 and Aug. 29, 2009.

One ticket gives unlimited access to all venues and use of a special shuttle. A 25-page PDF program listing the events, performances and where to catch the shuttle can be downloaded from www.lange-nacht-der-museen.de.

The price is €12 (near $18) adult or €8 senior for prepurchased tickets or €15/€10 on day of event; children...

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August 2008 issue

Oz Tracks Pass

For travel until March 31, 2009, Great Southern Railway (422 King William St., Adelaide, S.A. 5000, Australia; phone reservations 13 21 47, www.gsr.com.au) has an Oz Tracks Pass for AU$690 (near $663) that allows users 14 city-to-city trips in six months of travel on the Ghan, Indian Pacific and Overland rail routes, which cover Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Alice Springs, Darwin, Melbourne and other stops. 

January 2008 issue

Inspect hotels from home

The website www.TVTrips.com offers video tours of many hotels in Europe. On city maps, visitors to the site can click on a numbered hotel and a video pops up showing the surrounding area, the hotel’s public areas and each class of room. Sample prices are listed.

July 2008 issue

Laos highway

The last link on a cross-border road system leading from Singapore to Beijing, a new all-weather highway, Route 3, opened in Laos in March 2008 between China’s Yunnan province and northern Thailand. The previous highway was closed for four months each year during the rainy season.

May 2008 issue

Augustus’ palace

After decades of restoration, the garden and some of the public spaces of Emperor Augustus’ palace on Palatine Hill in Rome, Italy, have reopened to the public. The 2,000-year-old palace is next to the House of Livia, built for Augustus’ wife. (Inquire about times of tours visiting the garden and receiving hall.)

Open 8:30-4:30 (depending on season). Palatine Hill tickets cost €10 ($15) for same-day admission to the palace, Colosseum and Roman Forum (entry to which as of March 10 is no longer free). The ticket center is at the Largo Romolo e Remo. Phone 06-39967700.