December Report Cards

FIRST, FAST & FURIOUS — The following is a sampling of reports received from ITN readers around the globe. ITN invites you to join our corps of reporters — just drop a card in the mail while the travel impressions are fresh in your mind. To obtain your ITN Report Cards, send a self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope to ITN Report Cards, 2116 28th St., Sacramento, CA 95818. You will receive eight cards.

Readers who are computer savvy can click here to access access the online form. Pass along your hot travel tips!

On LITHUANIA, October ’06

• Novotel Vilnius (Gedimino Ave. 16, LT 01103, Vilnius, Lithuania; phone 370 6266-6200) — well situated real close to main sights of the city, including St. Anne’s Church, Gedimino Tower, the Presidential Palace, Vilnius University, the Old Jewish Quarter and the Old City itself.

159 rooms on nine floors. 413.40 litas (about $159) per night for a double room. Free Internet and wireless connection. Spa and steam room. 4-star eating.

— Ed Lifset, Oceanside, CA

On GERMANY, October ’06. . .

• Hotel NH Berlin-Mitte (Leipziger Strasse 106-111, D-10177, Berlin, Germany; phone 49-30 20-37-60) — well located. Close to elegant Friedrichstrasse shops, Checkpoint Charlie, Unter den Linden, Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, numerous churches, a concert hall, opera house, the Holocaust Memorial and the Jewish Museum.

3½-star hotel, six years old. Well appointed and clean. €108 (about $138). Free Internet access and numerous amenities, including a spa and restaurant.

— Ed Lifset, Oceanside, CA

On AUSTRALIA, August ’06. . .

• Red Mill House (Daintree 4873, Queensland) — in Daintree Village in the North Queensland rainforest area. Daintree Village, about a half hour north of the large community of Fort Douglas, is charming and just one block long.

The rooms in this bed-and-breakfast are comfortable, well appointed and airy. Aus$135 (about US$110) for a double.

The owners, Trish and Andrew Forsyth, are avid birders, and the several units look out on their tropical garden which attracts all kinds of wildlife.

They are very gracious hosts and cook an excellent breakfast. They know the best local guides for walks in the forest or boating on the river.

Daintree Village has two excellent restaurants (providing one isn’t closed on Monday night when the locals get together to play cards there).

— Jerry & Mary Coleman, Belmont, CA