Rundown for the week of October 03, 1998
Travel Update
- The New Jersey Vietnam Vets Memorial Foundation's educational center
is in Holmdel, New Jersey: 800-648-8387.
- For on-the-scene reports of the damage from Hurricane Georges, check
out www.gobeach.com.
Llama Trek
Bred as beasts of burden in South America for more than 6000 years,
llamas are not only the world's most sure-footed bellhops, they also
happen to be extremely friendly critters who love kids and make great
traveling companions. That's why several llama-trekking operations
have popped up in Vermont in recent years offering day hikes through
the glorious fall foliage in the company of these affable animals. The
Savvy Traveler's Tom Verde struck out to do some autumn leaf peeping
with his wife, two children, and several llamas in tow.
By the way, it's the peak of Vermont's leaf peeping season right now.
You've got about another week if you want to see the state in its
prime autumn glory.
Q & A I -- Star Sightings
Rudy talks to listeners about meeting celebrities while traveling -
whether it was an actress on a plane or a country star in the
Nashville airport.
World Wildlife Interview
It's human nature to buy souvenirs when you travel, especially if you
go to exotic places. But you have to be careful about the things you
buy, says Simon Habel of Traffic North America, the trade monitoring
division of the World Wildlife Fund...
"If they're made from plant or animal products--hide, feathers,
teeth or shells--they may be seized by customs inspectors when you
return to the U.S."
This means that instead of decorating a shelf in your home,
your keepsakes will end up on a shelf in the customs office.
And you could also be subject to a substantial fine. Simon joins us
with some "know-before-you-go" advice. To get the brochure
"Buyer Beware":
Lebanon
Americans still tend to think of Lebanon as a land of kidnappings and
air raids. In fact, the northern part of the country has been peaceful
for some time. And tourists are starting to return to Lebanon,
particularly to Baalbek, a town that contains the world's largest and
best preserved Roman ruins. Reese Erlich made the journey to Baalbek,
about a two hour drive northeast of Beirut.
If you're interested in visiting Beirut, you can get there by flying
to Paris, Frankfurt or other European cities and catching a connecting
flight. As Reese mentioned, the U.S. State Department has issued a
warning against travel to Lebanon.
According to the consular information
sheet, "assistance in emergency cases such as arrest or death may
not, therefore, always be provided in a timely manner." But if that
kind of thing doesn't bother you, you can obtain a tourist visa for
the Lebanese embassy or consulate in the US, or buy one at the Beirut
airport when you arrive. You won't be allowed in Lebanon, however, if
your passport indicates that you've visited Israel, even on a previous
trip.
Deal of the Week: Explore America by Rail
Roam around America for only $299...AMTRAK is offering Explore America
Fares that let you stop in as many as three cities anywhere in the
U.S. . For less, you can choose a specific region of the country.
For example, see any three cities in the Eastern U.S. for only $179.
Other regions are Florida, the West, and Central states.
- If you're 62 or over, you get another 15 per cent off the special
fares.
- Kids between 2 and 15 travel half price with an adult.
- Buy your ticket 14 days ahead of time.
- Sale ends November 14, though you don't have to complete your travel
`til mid-December.
Q & A II -- General Questions
Rudy takes listeners' general questions about travel and mentions:
Venezuela's Gran Sabana Plateau Region
- This is a very remote area where tourists are a rarity, so if you're
considering a visit you should train hard, open your mind, tread
lightly, and be prepared for discomfort, including extremely
high amounts of rain.
- Last Frontiers
organizes tours to the Tepuis (the word for "mountains" in a
local language), arranging anything from air safaris to lodging in
hammocks. Call them at 011-44-1844-208405.
- You might want to pick up In Trouble Again by Redmond
O'Hanlon, a book about the region.
Pantomime Theatre in England
- It's more like The Rocky Horror Picture Show than
sophisticated theatrical production.
- In Bath, the tourist center number is 011-44-1225-477-101.
- For London info, call the British Travel Authority at 800-462-2748
or the Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford at 011-44-1789-295-623.
Colorado Culture Postcard
Is it possible to wander into a strange town and volunteer to help out
in one of the local establishments? Let's ask Wendy Paris ...
"Not where I live. Ha! If I offered to help in New York, I'd
be laughed out the door. It'd violate health codes. There'd be tax
complications. I might slip on a slice of cheese and sue."
But she's not from Colorado...and she did in fact lend a helping
hand there recently and discover the advantages of small town life.
Wendy lives and writes in New York City.
The Savvy Traveler Newsletter
For information about or to subscribe to 888-Sav-Trav and hit
extension 3.
Next Week on The Savvy Traveler
Next week we see what happens when two very different cultures try to
coexist, as we follow one British woman's journey to discover how
much of her country's legacy remains in India.
"The Indians were darker in complexion compared to the British
people, so the British called this part The Black Town..."
The ties that still bind in India...and if you think that sounds
exotic, just wait `til we head over to Wisconsin!
" It's been called the France of the upper Midwest. Really? Yeah,
you'll see a lot of topless women if you look in the right
windows."
Wisconsin wisdom and humor from Michael Feldman, host of public
radio's popular show, Whad'Ya Know. And we're hearing your
calls about the best deals you've ever found while traveling; that's
all in next week's edition of The Savvy Traveler. I hope you'll join
us.
For tapes of the show...
If you want your very own copy of The Savvy Traveler, order an audio
cassette. It's easy. Just call 303-823-8000. The price is $15. As Rudy
says, it's a steal.
