February 2014

This interactive crossword puzzle is no longer available online.

In a 4-year remembrance project mirroring notable dates of World War I, which lasted from July 28, 1914, until Nov. 11, 1918, events timed to the 100-year anniversaries of various events are being planned in the Flanders region of northern Belgium. For a list of events, contact Tourism Flanders-Brussels (1a Cavendish Sq., London W1G 0LD, U.K.; phone 020 7307 7738).

While most travelers to northern Italy are familiar with its beautiful Lake District and the many villages and villas that line the two most popular lakes, Lago Maggiore and Lago di Como, there is a hidden gem located on the shores of the smaller, less-visited Lago di Orta.

“Hand Made in Hong Kong,” a day tour exploring traditional manufacturing, is available through HS Travel (phone +852 3759 7022).

By tram, ferry and on foot, participants will visit the workshops of Hong Kong’s master craftspeople, from shoemakers to sign makers and tailors, then go on a trip to the Ladies Market in Mong Kok. 

Breakfast and lunch are included in the 8-hour tour, which costs HK850 (near $110) and departs Tues., Wed. and Thurs. at 9:15 a.m.

In Leipzig, Germany, the Mendelssohn House (Goldschmidtstraße 12, Leipzig) will reopen Feb. 3, 2014, with a new floor of exhibits.

Devoted to the composer Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), the museum, located in his last apartment, now includes interactive exhibits and a library with audio and video material. Admission, €4.50 ($6). Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Concerts held Sundays at 11 a.m.

(First of three parts)

(Second of two parts)

These days, “budget European travel” includes point-to-point flights within Europe. When I started traveling, no one spending their own money bought one-way air tickets within Europe. It was prohibitively expensive. Nowadays, before buying any long-distance train or bus ticket, I look into flying, and, routinely, it’s cheaper to fly than to make the trip on the ground, especially when you consider all the advantages of flying.

(2 of 2 on Paris) 

Anyone who develops a rash, blister or some other skin reaction while taking acetaminophen should stop using the drug and seek medical care immediately because the painkiller poses the risk for three rare but potentially fatal skin disorders, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced.