Zambia Visas

As expected the government of Zambia has announced that all visas must be paid for in cash (!) on entry into the country. For US citizens the fee is $135 each for a standard visa. Regulations have not yet been announced for one-day or multiple entry visas.

Needless to say, tour operators who normally pay this for the traveler in advance are attempting to lobby the government to rethink this potentially serious problem. Can you imagine trying to find the exact cash amount while standing at the border? What happens if someone only has $125? Where do they send that person?

Kenya Part III

Clashes continue as do negotiations and mediation. The assassination of a key opposition leader didn't help much. The Tourist Board stresses that NO safaris or tourists have been affected. However, the unrest must certainly leave a tinge of tension in the air.

If you have a trip planned, you should know that it is at times like these that government takes extra specially stringent measures to be sure the tourists are safe.

Africa Steam Journey on Rovos Rail

April 2008

Rovos Rail is offering a unique opportunity to Luxury Steam Train enthusiasts worldwide to travel on board The Pride of Africa under steam haulage for almost the entire journey. The locomotives used at various stages will include the well known 19D and 25NC.

The 9 night/10 day journey from Victoria Falls to Pretoria is NOT a regular scheduled routing operated by Rovos Rail and being hauled entirely under steam makes it unique and exciting. En route you will stop at Hwange, Matobo Game Reserve and Antelope Park for game drives and visit the Bulawayo Rail Museum before entering Botswana en route to South Africa. The train will be comprised of Pullman Suites and Deluxe Suites (68 passengers maximum), a lounge car, dining car and observation car.

This may truly be a once in a lifetime chance to see some of the best parts of southern Africa and experience vintage steam travel. Offered through travel agents who specialize in Africa.

Extreme Adventure

"Five of the world's greatest adventures in seven amazing days" says their ad. A US-based trip that gives even the biggest adrenaline junkie a thrill. 1) Simulated combat sortie 2) Free-fall skydiving 3) Rock climbing, rappelling and hiking 4) Driving an Indy-style race car 5) Military-developed ropes challenge course.

Couch potatoes need not apply but if this is your thing, it sounds legit to me. I spoke with the owner at length last month.

Hawaii's Merrie Monarch Festival

The festival is a week-long cultural event beginning with a Hoolaulea (music festival) at the Hilo Civic Center on March 30, 2008. The festival includes art exhibits, craft fairs, demonstrations, performances, a parade that emphasizes the cultures of Hawaii , and a three-day hula competition.

They must be doing something right because this is the 45th Merrie Monarch festival. Definitely worth the drive to Hilo!

Kenya -- the beat goes on

Despite high hopes for calm, there continue to be clashes around the country. None have affected tourists or planned safaris but the general climate of (in my estimation) of tension persists even during the mediation of Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General.

This is a major reason that taking a planned safari is always your best bet. You don't have to be with hundreds or even tens of other people. You can be with one to eight others if you like. But you are traveling with a driver and a guide from a recognized and in-country safari operation. Do it!

Fiji codeshare flights

Not only are rival airlines Qantas and Air New Zealand now sharing space on a plane owned by Air Pacific (which, in turn, has a minority ownership in it by Qantas), but so too are the two airline alliances that QF (Oneworld) and NZ (StarAlliance) belong to also sharing on the same plane. Can you imagine the inflight announcement? Welcome to ........... :)

Fiji, by the way, is a lovely country, not nearly as strife torn as the media might lead you to believe. Completely different from Tahiti and the Cook Islands. Now with its first resort offering true over the water bungalows at a price much lower than those in French Polynesia.

Chocolate in France

What is the latest rage? How decadent can you be?

Try a lovely spa treatment consisting of a nice massage finishing up with a chocolate wrap. The latest France Guide says, "Used for body-wraps and facemasks to increase wellbeing and absorb stress, it is a true pleasure which smells wonderful."

Yes, but how do you resist licking your lips?

Military Tattoos on this side of the Pond

I am one of those people who has always wanted to go the Edinburgh Tattoo but haven't made it yet. If you are too, you could consider a couple of alternatives closer to home.

The Virginia International Tattoo draws thousands of spectators each year to Norfolk. It is the largest tattoo in the US. This year it is scheduled to be held on April 18-20. With 850 performers, it will be a tribute to Veterans. It will include an exhibition of marching bands, massed pipes and drum teams, gymnasts, Scottish dancers, choirs and more.

Another alternative is the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax July 1-8, 2008. It is one of the world's premiere cultural and entertainment spectaculars featuring pipes and drums, massed bands, historic reenactments, dancers, acrobats, comedians, choirs, military displays and competitions.

As you can tell, if you have never seen a Tattoo, you have missed quite an experience. If you cannot get to Scotland, you might try one of these.

15 Places Children Should See

Budget Travel, which belongs to Frommers, has come out with a list of "15 places every kid should see." I completely agree. I'm sorry to say I've missed 4. How many have YOU been to?

Ellis Island Museum, Lincoln Memorial, Colonial Williamsburg, USS Arizona Memorial, Grand Canyon National Park, National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Redwood National Park, Monticello, Gettysburg, The Alamo, Ground Zero, Niagara Falls, Freedom Trail in Boston, Independence Hall, Disney World.

Updating Kenya

Jan 18 was the last day of the 3 days of street protests called for by the opposition. It is hoped that calm will prevail from now forward. The Kenya Tourist Board North America notes that no tourists were caught in any demonstrations. Nevertheless, look for deals to Kenya this spring--even while they try to upgrade their image from a mass market destination.

The Great Migration between Kenya and Tanzania is something you must see at some point in your lifetime. To look out from your vehicle and see half a million animals, stretching to the horizon. It's truly awe-inspiring.

Celebrity Solstice, Golfing on the Green

Celebrity Cruises announces The Lawn Club, a half acre lawn for putting and bocce ball on its new ship, the Solstice. Can't wait to see how this "plays out." Fore! Conked heads? Or, more to the point, which grass did they choose (apparently after extensive testing) to withstand huge foot traffic, sun, salt air, and the humidity of the Caribbean?

Better Day for Kenya and then maybe not

The Kenya Tourism Federation reports that Kenya Parliament opened peacefully on January 15. There was a heavy police presence but tourists passed the building safely to safari and returning to the airport. The opposition has a majority of seats--105 to 102 for the government so it is hoped change will be wrought diplomatically rather than in the streets.

edit: Spent this evening at a seminar on Africa with a woman who spent much of the day on the phone with friends in Nairobi. All is peaceful, despite the calls for demonstrations (regardless of what you see on CNN), but the parliament has been dissolved as the opposition managed to win election of one of their candidates as the equivalent of speaker of the house. Back on the brighter side, apparently both sides have now agreed they must get together to find a workable solution.

Revised Cruise Check In Regulations

PLEASE be aware that passengers MUST check in one hour prior to departure, effective February 18, 2008. You may be denied boarding if you check in late. Even if you are standing in line, if you check in late, you may not be allowed onboard. Why? Because the US Customs and Border Protection requires the dock to transmit the list 60 minutes prior to sailing. Say that the other way. The ship cannot sail for at least 60 minutes after the list is transmitted. If you show up 20 minutes prior to the announced departure and they decide to let you on, it will be because the captain has decided that he can hold the entire ship for another 40 minutes after you arrive. Some cruise lines are requiring 90 minutes. Get it? Get there at least 2 hours prior to departure and fill out your passenger information form online at least 24 hours prior for easiest processing.

British Airways back to 2 carry-ons--mostly

If you are flying on British Airways through Heathrow, the news is good. You may now carry on two items of "hand luggage" so a laptop is not so problematic for ladies with purses or gents with briefcases. Several other airports have passed the security measures required to allow two pieces of carry on but be certain to check carefully because it is a double-bind. Not all airports served by BA allow 2 pieces and not all airlines at Heathrow allow 2 pieces.

Emirates offers First US Airbus 380 Service

Emirates Airlines will be offering Airbus A 380 service between New York and Dubai starting the end of October and seats are available for sale on their website at www.emirates.com This will be the first scheduled service for the A380 superjumbo to the US.

Note: this aircraft was at LAX in November where I saw it from the air as I took off. Even from that distance, it is immense. Flying on it should be quite the experience.

Thailand Mourns

Thailand has begun an official 3-month mourning period for Her Royal Highness Galyani Vadhana, sister of His Majesty the King. Some of the major events may be postponed or cancelled. Events that continued as scheduled may see some activities altered. Please check prior to departure if you are planning a trip to include a specific event.

China Visa

For those planning to visit China this year, Olympic bound or otherwise, please note that the fee for a visa is now $100--plus any processing fee by the service of your choice.

No visa is required for Macau or Hong Kong but you will need a double entry China visa if you return to the mainland after visiting either of those two after starting on the mainland. There is no extra fee but if you neglect to apply for the correct visa, there will be lots of extra hassle.

TSA Clarification (?)

Effective January 1, passengers can no longer pack loose batteries in checked bags. Unlimited loose batteries are allowed in carry-on bags, though they recommend separating them in individual zippered bags or compartments if not in their original packaging. There is one exception: Passengers carrying lithium batteries that have 8 to 25 grams of equivalent lithium content are limited to two uninstalled batteries in each carry-on. Most electronic items such as laptops, digital cameras and cellphones use batteries that fall far short of that content.

Travel Tip: Rupees only at Taj Mahal

The Indian Tourism minister said earlier today that US dollars will no longer be accepted at the country's heritage tourist sites such as the Taj Mahal. Because of the fall of the dollar against the rupee (down 11%) the loss was more than the tourism industry could accept. Only rupees will be accepted.