Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for international travel
Do CPAP Machines Cause Baggage Woes?
By Linda Tancs
Statistics indicate that over 12 million people in the U.S. alone suffer from sleep apnea, an obstructive sleep disorder. So it shouldn’t be surprising that travelers want to take their CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines onboard to use during long flights or at their final destination. Needless to say, one must determine in advance of flight whether the device will be considered part of normal carry-on items. FAA regulations, for instance, permit medical devices as an additional piece of carry-on luggage. But if you can bring it on board, can you use it? International carriers’ policies can vary widely on the subject. Some airlines may permit, or prefer, battery-operated devices and not require medical clearance. Others may require medical clearance by their experts in advance of flight regardless whether the device is powered electrically or by battery. Best not to leave this one up to chance, as any delay in flight arrangements may not be recompensed by insurance when it’s the passenger who is delayed rather than the plane.
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A Bridge to Somewhere
By Linda Tancs
In a decade or so there’ll be a shorter commute between Hamburg and Copenhagen. That’s when one of the most ambitious bridge-building efforts in Northern Europe–the Fehmarn Belt Bridge–is due to be completed. Linking the German island of Fehmarn with the Danish island of Lolland, the 12-mile long span in the Baltic Sea consisting of four road lanes and two rail tracks will reduce rail travel time between Hamburg and Copenhagen by about 1 hour. The Danes haven’t seen a project of this scope since the opening of the much-heralded Øresund Bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö. Despite some opposition, the latest connection should be just as popular.
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Get Ready for the Prom
By Linda Tancs
The BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall, held from July through 13 September this year, are one of the most beloved classical musical events in the world. No less so for the Last Night, beginning with the singing of old English folk songs. In addition to the usual festivities for the masses in Hyde Park, the season’s swan song will be concelebrated in Glasgow, Belfast and Swansea with a mix of Scottish, Irish and Neopolitan ensembles. Come on and join the party.
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Take it Slow on the Uptake
By Linda Tancs
Does the dizzying array of travel information on the Web have you in a tizzy? Slow down on the uptake before you hit that “book now” button. Uptake synthesizes travel information in a user-friendly format that goes beyond price comparisons. After all, money isn’t everything.
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Pony Express Travel
By Linda Tancs
In Germany travelers can relive that bygone era of horse-drawn mail coaches. Enjoy the syncopated rhythm of a dual horse-powered cab reminiscent of those delivering royal Saxon mail in the 19th century. At a leisurely pace of 5 kilometers per hour, you can choose a short jaunt around Bad Schlema, a half-day excursion to Albernau or a full day’s enjoyment of the natural resources at Talsperre Sosa. Relax and enjoy the ride.
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Festive Munich
Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is perhaps best known for its festive beer halls. But the city is equally prized for its Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque-styled buildings, its royal boulevards and outdoor markets. The city’s motto is “Munich Likes You.” Find out why at Travelrific® Travel Show.
Aircraft Bling
By Linda Tancs
Luxaholics will no doubt feel like they’ve died and gone to heaven after an experience with Air Emirates’ A380. For those who have been sleeping, the Airbus A380 is the largest passenger airliner in the world. Its girth isn’t the only thing that’s supersized, though. This super jumbo has enough amenities to make old Concorde look like budget travel. Just ask the folks at Telstar Logistics, who wrote an eye-popping account of their invitation to scope out the digs. Photos included. Reminds me of Shakespeare’s observation: “Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy.”
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Take a Chic Picnic in London
By Linda Tancs
London’s newcomer, Sofitel London Heathrow, offers a gourmet picnic and late checkout now through 31 August. Enjoy the dog days of summer with your sweetie on the green with a bottle of bubbly. Bring earplugs–this is an airport hotel, after all. Better yet, visit the meeting rooms commemorating cities around the world, and let your imagination be your guide.
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Racing Around the World
By Linda Tancs
Start your engines, motor sports enthusiasts! In light of the IndyCar Series’ recent announcement on the 2009 schedule, let’s look at race car museums around the world. Just 30 minutes outside the Las Vegas Strip, the Vintage Race Car Museum in Henderson, Nevada surveys different eras in racing, covering sprint cars, midgets, Indy Race League cars and engines. Across the country, Philadelphia’s Simeone Foundation Museum recently opened an exhibition of racing cars from World War I to the latest 21st century NASCAR. For a European flair, head on over to Hamburg’s Prototyp for a view of a Le Mans race prototype and the Mercedes Benz world record car. Best thing is, you don’t have to fill up the tank.
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