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
Bali, Indonesia
By Linda Tancs
In this week’s edition of Travelrific Travel Show, the topic is Bali, Indonesia. Where’s the best sunset in the world? Find out now at www.travelrificradio.com.
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The Bag Tax
By Linda Tancs
As environmental concerns drive consumers and businesses to forego the ubiquitous plastic shopping bag, international shoppers should be aware of certain disincentives–like bag surcharges–for the use of store-supplied plastic bags at the local grocery store. Ireland, for instance, charges 15 cents per bag, which apparently has folks lugging their own to the market. However, this practice is hardly new. There was a time, 20 or so years ago, when markets in the U.K. countryside routinely charged for in-house bagging and rare was the sight of a shopper without a bag or two–or even a cart–to take away their goods. Maybe it was the entrance of “express shopping” or mini-marts in the cities that caused the practice to abandon in favor of easy convenience for the time-challenged shopper. Whatever the reason, let’s cheer the return of those bygone days, even if we need a little tax to get there.
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Be One of the First to Fly A380
By Linda Tancs
There’s jumbo–and then there’s superjumbo. Jets, that is. A380, the largest passenger airplane in the world, is set to make its debut courtesy of Singapore Airlines in October. Starting on August 27, however, you can participate in a charity auction on Ebay sponsored by Singapore Airlines to win a seat on the historic maiden voyage, set to depart on October 25 from Singapore to Sydney. Return seating the next day will also be up for grabs. Visit www.singaporeair.com for details.
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Summer in Scotland
By Linda Tancs
In this week’s edition of Travelrific Travel Show, the topic is Scotland. You may not see Nessie, but you’ll delight in the urbane pleasures of city life or the tranquil views of the Highlands. Find out how at www.travelrificradio.com.
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Comparison Sites for Budget Conscious Travelers
By Linda Tancs
At some point in a traveler’s life it’s inevitable that someone–maybe in the seat right next to you–will disclose that great fare find that differs dramatically from one’s own. In the past, you might just chalk it up to experience, or luck, or a better travel agent. Now there are two Web sites to help the inexperienced, or unlucky, or agentless traveler get the best deal. One of those sites is www.farecompare.com, which offers trend analysis on various city pairings to help you “time the market.” Another site is www.farecast.com, which offers its own market analysis and a recommendation whether to buy or hold. Just one more way to level the field for all travelers, so take advantage of it.
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How to Find a Good Tour Company
By Linda Tancs
Granted, there hasn’t been much news lately of a tour company going belly up, stranding hundreds of passengers and stripping them of their tour and deposit monies–not to mention peace of mind. The majority of tour operators are stable and reputable, but do your homework nonetheless. Check with the Better Business Bureau in the city in which a tour company you plan on using is doing business. You can also download a list of members of the U.S. Tour Operators Association at www.ustoa.com. Each tour company member is required to carry $1 million in security in the form of a bond or letter of credit held in trust by the USTOA to reimburse travelers against the operator’s financial instability or other failures. With over $9 billion in sales volume, that’s a lot of money to look after so be sure to finish your homework.
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A Tour of India
By Linda Tancs
In this week’s edition of Travelrific Travel Show, the topic is India. India no doubt conjures up images of exotic spices and snake charmers. But there’s so much more to this diverse land bounded by the Indian Ocean to the south, the Arabian Sea to the west, and the Bay of Bengal to the east. So take a whirlwind tour of points north, south, east and west at www.travelrificradio.com.
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Biking It in London
By Linda Tancs
If cycling is your passion, then be sure to rent a bicycle during your London stay from Go Pedal (www.gopedal.co.uk). They’ll deliver your bike(s) to the address you provide. Discount pricing is available for multiple rentals and multiple days. Lights, child trailers and organized tours are available for a fee as well. Now, go pedal!
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Carry-On Rules Vary
By Linda Tancs
Is a monkey nestled in a hat an acceptable piece of carry-on luggage? Probably not, although it’s difficult to imagine how that one got by the Peruvian authorities. This incident does call to mind nonetheless the varying interpretations of what constitutes a piece of carry-on luggage. U.S. travelers know, or expect, that a carry-on means one piece of actual luggage, plus a purse, handbag or laptop bag or even a combination of them. Don’t try that in the UK, though. The UK Department of Transportation makes clear that one piece of cabin baggage means just that–one piece. A handbag can be stored within that one piece of baggage. The rules apply to flights departing from or transferring through the UK. So be warned, and watch out for those flying monkeys.
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Find An ATM Worldwide
By Linda Tancs
On safari in South Africa? Hot air ballooning over Stockholm? You’re sure to need some cash from an ATM while you’re there. MasterCard cardholders can find one by checking their Web site’s Global ATM Locator (www.mastercard.com/atmlocator) or use the phone menu for the number to call to find out the nearest ATM location at your destination.
Travelrific® Travel Journal 