Russian Tourism
Less than six years ago, Russia was a closed, totalitarian society. The majority of its people trapped inside Soviet borders and news of the outside world kept to a minimum. But since the fall of communism Russians have been traveling abroad in record numbers and becoming, as we hear from Eric Engleman in Moscow, true citizens of the world.
Q&A I
Rudy answers listeners' calls.
Rudy mentioned the Cruise and Freighter Travel Association at 800-872-8584.
He also gave out information on Ballroom and Country Western dancing:
http://www.cowgirls.com
"Honky Tonk Guide to Dancin' and Romancin'," Ellen Sisk can be ordered through http://www.amazon.com
US Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association Orange County Chapter 714-532-4829 and web site http://members.aol.com/wmwally/index.htm
Cold War Tourism Interview
A Nevada nuclear test site may not seem like a dream destination, but with the Cold War a thing of the past, the government is now trying to turn the area into a tourist attraction. Once a month, several dozen people board a bus in Las Vegas for a free tour of the site about 100 miles northwest of the city. UC-Irvine history professor, Jon Weiner told me recently about what he saw when he took the tour.
Jon Weiner's story, "Cold War Tourism -- Western Style" appears in the October 7 issue of The Nation magazine.
If you're interested in taking the Nevada test site tour, call the Department of Energy in Las Vegas at 702-295-0944.
Death Museum
In one of his many essays, William Burroughs wrote "it's necessary to travel but it's not necessary to live." We weren't quite sure how to respond to that sentiment here at the Savvy Traveler, so we sent Michelle Kholos to San Diego's Museum of Death to find out about traveling to the great beyond.
You can reach San Diego's Museum of Death at 619-338-8153. Open 12-10 Sunday-Thursday and 12-11 Friday and Saturday.
Traveling Presidential Style
There are all kinds of travel but probably none as elevated as the style enjoyed by the president and his closest advisors. In his book, "Locked in The Cabinet," former Clinton Labor Secretary Robert Reich described how he learned to travel like, quote, a high maintenance muckety muck. And just in case I ever get to be a cabinet secretary Reich gave me a few pointers on how to travel as a true muck.
"Locked in The Cabinet," is $25 and is published by Alfred Knopf.
Q&A II
Rudy takes calls about listeners' most memorable seatmates.
Baywatch postcard
The TV show Baywatch is seen in 140 countries and broadcast in 32 languages--its scenes of beauty and the beach have drawn countless tourists from around the world to visit its California setting. But recently the show's cast abandoned its usual sandy haunts to head out to sea-- Fran Golden sends this postcard about the ride.
Fran Golden is cruise editor for Travel Weekly. By the way did you know the Baywatch cast uses more than 300 pounds of body makeup each season. I didn't.
The Baywatch cruise is on Princess Cruise Lines 1-800-774-6237.
Next Week on Savvy Traveler:
Mayberry Daze--a visit to the real-life inspiration for the TV home of Andy, Opie, Aunt Bea and Barney;
We hear confessions of a noisy guest in a quiet monastery;
We'll take a bike ride on the highest road in the world and hear your destinations where even once is too much
That and more in next week's voyage with the Savvy Traveler. I hope you'll join us.
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.
