Travel Briefs

August 2008 issue

Mawson huts, Antarctica

The 27-day “Icebergs & Emperors” voyage, departing Hobart, Australia, on Dec. 12, 2008, visits the wildlife oases of the sub-Antarctic islands, the east coast of Antarctica and the historic huts of Sir Douglas Mawson, with his great-granddaughter Emma McEwin on board.

Cruise-only prices aboard the 100-passenger ship Marina Svetaeva range from $12,290 to $23,190 per person. Contact Aurora Expeditions (182 Cumberland St., The Rocks, NSW 2000, Australia; phone +61 2 9252 1033, http://auroraexpeditions.com.au).

January 2008 issue

Ice village, Japan

On Shikaribetsu Lake in western Hokkaido, Japan, a kotan (village) of snow is built every year, with igloos, ice houses and an ice bar (with ice glasses). The village, open Jan. 27-March 31 in 2008, also offers outdoor hot springs on top of the frozen lake.

Contact the Japan National Tourism Organization (515 So. Figueroa St., Ste. 1470, Los Angeles, CA 90071; 213/623-1952, www.jnto.go.jp).

July 2008 issue

Self-drive boats in Europe

European Boating Holidays (86 Averyville Lane, Lake Placid, NY, 12946; 866/606-5278, www.europeanboatingholidays.co.uk or call a travel agent) offers self-drive boating vacations in the waterways of France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Italy and Poland. No experience necessary — training is provided. All boats have fully equipped kitchens and entertainment systems.

Prices range from $50 to $100 per person per day, depending on the boat selected and the group size (two to 12). Example — a week-long rental for up to six people on Ireland’s Shannon River in spring or fall costs about $2,...

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May 2008 issue

Open Skies Agreement

The Open Skies Agreement went into effect in March 2008, easing restrictions on which airlines could fly into which airports and opening competition for flights between the U.S. and the European Union.

Travelers should expect more direct flights but also more congestion at airports, as several new airlines will be competing for gates. Ticket prices are NOT expected to go down (because of high fuel prices and the purchases of new planes to fly the added routes).

September 2009 issue

Neues Museum, Berlin

When the Neues Museum opens in Berlin on Oct. 16, 2009, after an 11-year, $255-million restoration, it will be the first time in 70 years that all five museums on Museum Island will be open to the public.

Originally opened in 1855, the Neues Museum (Bodestraße 3, 10178 Berlin, Germany; phone +49 [0] 30 20 90 55 44, www.egyptian-museum-berlin.com) has been closed since its aerial bombardment in World War II. New, modern wings have been combined with the partially destroyed building, and it once again will house the Egyptian Museum & Papyrus Collection (including the bust of Queen...

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August 2010 issue

Kurhaus, Netherlands

The Steigenberger Kurhaus Hotel (Gevers Deynootplein 30, 2586 CK Den Haag, Netherlands; phone +31 [0] 70 4162636, fax 646) has hosted heads of state, painters, film stars, etc. Built in 1818, the monumental, North Sea beachside resort hotel has withstood fire, wars and getting trashed during a Rolling Stones concert.

With VAT but excluding city tax and breakfast, nightly room rates range from €295 (near $360), superior, to €1,050 ($1,282), Presidential Suite. Packages available. 

October 2009 issue

Monkeys’ pig-out

To thank monkeys for attracting tourists, over 2,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables are set out for monkeys to consume at the Monkey Buffet Festival, held on Nov. 26 every year in front of Pra Prang Sam Yot temple in Thailand’s Lopburi province, 94 miles north of Bangkok. About 600 monkeys normally arrive for the massive buffet, watched by hundreds of people.

January 2009 issue

Brussels’ antiques

In Brussels, the antique market at Place du Grand Sablon is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 9-2 Sunday. For info, contact Marché des Antiquaires du Sablon (32, rue Remi Soetens, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; phone/fax [02] 478 23 16, www.sablonantiques market.com).

The 54th annual Brussels Antiques & Art Fair (Tour & Taxis building, avenue du Port 86 C/ B - 1000, Brussels, Belgium; phone 32 02 513 48 31, fax 32 02 502 06 86, www.brafa.be) will be held Jan. 23-Feb. 1, 2009. Entry, €20 ($25). Catalog, €10. Guided tours daily at 3.