TSA Regulates Lithium Batteries

Two different releases on 12/28 outline regulations to take effect on January 1, 2008.

PLEASE call your local electrical engineer and THEN check out http://safetravel.dot.gov/whats_new_batteries.html

Thank you.

Oh, and happy new year TSA.

Travel: More on the 3 Cunard Queens

On Sunday, January 13, 2008, Cunard Line will, for the first and only time, sail their three luxury liner Queens - flagship Queen Mary 2, famed Queen Elizabeth 2 and the new Queen Victoria - together out of New York harbor.

The regal fleet is scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m. Queen Mary 2 will depart from her home port, Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, while QE2 will depart from Pier 92 and Queen Victoria will depart from Pier 88 both at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

The three Queens will rendezvous and sail past the Statue of Liberty during a spectacular fireworks celebration at approximately 7:00 p.m.

Tidbit: Most requested feature on cell phones

If you are a cell phone fan, as many people are these days, one feature that is invaluable if you are also a travel nut has recently been rated the most requested feature: A GPS. Driving or even walking around the old towns of Europe or traversing the sparsely marked roads of the Outback can get you confused in a hurry. Make sure that new cell phone gadget thing you get has built in GPS.

Tidbit: Swiss Francs

Switzerland has long been considered an "expensive" destination but with the appreciation of the Euro, Switzerland is looking better and better. Using Oanda conversions, 10 USD equals 6.7 Euros but 11.6 CHF (Swiss Francs). It's one of the few places in Europe where you can get MORE for your money. Sounds like a good time to learn to yodel and see those beautiful Swiss Alps!

Oberammergau Passion Play 2010

It may be Christmas Eve but it's a good time to point out that tickets for the Oberammergau Passion Play (held once every TEN years) are available beginning in January 2008. Naturally, they are through tour operators who include them in their tours through Germany (and Austria in some cases). Given the popularity of this event, it's not a bad idea to sign up now with the appropriate cancellation insurance along with the tour deposit. Reservations without a tour (if any are to be had) will not be available until January of 2009.

The play itself is a fulfillment of a 1633 oath made by survivors of the Black Death plague during the Thirty Years' War. Each performance of the life of Christ takes six hours and is done in two parts of the same day by more than 2,000 residents of Oberammergau, Germany.

The Hobbit films to be made

Newsflash straight from Middle Earth: Sources close to It's A Fine Day report from the middle of the South Island of New Zealand that Peter Jackson has at last announced firm intention to make the long-anticipated Hobbit movies. Confirmed by the Times Online (UK), two films will be made for release in 2010 and 2011 with Jackson as producer. Travelers to New Zealand still marvel at the stunning scenery made famous by Jackson in Lord of the Rings and visit the "Hobbiton" still standing on the North Island.

Tip: Windows on Aruba

A seven-night or more booking at the beautiful Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort will earn an "evening of fine dining" at the Windows on Aruba, a spectacular restaurant overlooking the greens and the ocean beyond. As with all guests of Divi in Aruba, you may also take advantage of the amenities at the neighboring Tamarijn and Divi Resorts: 12 bars, water sports centers, swimming pools, shuttle to the Alhambra Casino, and if you have signed up for the All-Inclusive Suites option, the 11 additional restaurants.

This was my latest "out of country" trip and I can tell you that this restaurant *is* truly spectacular.

Tidbit: Singapore Observation Wheel

The world's tallest observation wheel will open in Singapore in March 2008. The "Flyer" consists of a 492 foot high wheel built over a three-story terminal building, giving it a total height of more than 541 feet (the height of a 42 story building). It will beat the Star of Nanchang (currently the tallest) by 16 feet and the London Eye by 49 feet. The state of the art luxury wheel will feature 28 capsules (each customizable and capable of holding nearly 30 people, that will provide panoramic views of Marina Bay and the Singapore financial district skyline.

TravelTip: We of the Never Never

Highly respected Savanna Guide Mike Keighley is reprising the very popular reenactment of the first trip on the Ghan up through the "Never Never" in the center of Australia. For anyone wishing to experience a true part of Australia's history, including the richness of the real aboriginal experience. Several departures in 2008.

TravelTidbit: The Three Cunard Queens

On January 13, the three Queens will sail past the Statue of Liberty together. The new Queen Victoria will be departing on its first world cruise and the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2 will be in New York although all the ships will be docked at different places.

If you like old-time elegance and get a chance to see any videos of the interior of the new Queen Victoria, do have a look. It's stunningly gorgeous. I can almost see Leo DiCaprio on the grand staircase......

Back from a Year of TRAVEL!

I am the TravelGal not only because I help you travel to fun, different, or unusual places but because I travel quite a bit myself. This year has been a great one. Read on. Interspersed with travel tips and tidbits, you'll see what's up in the world of Interesting Trips for Intelligent People!