International Travel News

Travel Briefs

March 2015 issue | Appears on page 39

20th C. Latin American art

Open until Aug. 20, 2015, in Buenos Aires, the exhibit “Latin American Art of the 20th Century” is showing works of some of the most important Latin American artists from the early 20th century through 1999, including pieces by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Antonio Dias.

The Museum of Latin America (Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3415, C1425CLA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; phone +54 11 4808 6500, www.malba.org.ar/en [mostly in Spanish]) is open 12-8 p.m. Thurs.-Mon. and 12-9 Wed. Closed Tues. ...

March 2015 issue | Appears on page 44

Berlin beer fest

In Germany, the world’s longest beer garden and bar will stretch more than a mile on Berlin’s Karl-Marx-Allee, Aug. 7-9, 2015. The Berlin International Beer Festival will have 340 breweries from 87 countries serving 2,400 types of beer, plus 20 stages with live music. Free entry. Visit www.bierfestival-berlin.de (in German).

March 2015 issue | Appears on page 49

‘Best of the Burj’

In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the dhow-sail-shaped landmark hotel Burj al Arab Jumeirah (toll-free in the US, 877/854-8051, www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/burj-al-arab) is offering a “Best of the Burj” package that includes a one-way transfer from the airport in a Rolls-Royce, a 2-story suite, daily breakfast en suite and a private butler.

The package rates start at AED7,990 (near $2,175) per person, double occupancy, per night. Minimum, 2-night stay.

March 2015 issue | Appears on page 62

Current warnings for August 2015

As ITN went to press, the State Department had travel warnings on 38 destinations: Afghanistan, Algeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, El Salvador, Eritrea, Haiti, Honduras, Iran, Iraq, Israel/West Bank/Gaza, Kenya, North Korea, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Republic of South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela...

March 2015 issue | Appears on page 68

India visitors’ helpline

To be used only for nonemergency help and information, a helpline for visitors to India was launched by the India Tourism Ministry on Dec. 25, 2014. Operators will offer information on sites of interest and can help with complaints and concerns.

Currently available only in Hindi and English but with eight more languages to be added, the number 1800 111 363 can be called toll-free 24 hours a day from any phone in India.

Also, the tourism ministry plans to pass out Welcome Cards...

March 2015 issue | Appears on page 68

Year of Yeats

Ireland is celebrating poet William Butler Yeats in 2015, the 150th anniversary of his birth.

The celebrations center on the town of Sligo, where Yeats spent his formative years. In Hargadon, one of Sligo’s oldest pubs, a poem of Yeats will be read at 1 p.m. every day, as well as at 6 p.m. on Sunday, in 2015. Sligo will also commemorate Yeats’ birthday, June 13, with a 4-day festival, June 11-14, which will include poetry, drama, music and crafts.

Other events include showings...

March 2015 issue | Appears on page 69

‘Around the World in 50 Years’

In the book “Around the World in 50 Years: My Adventures to Every Country on Earth” by Albert Podell (2015, Thomas Dunne Books — 384 pp., $26.99), the author describes some of the most compelling and dangerous situations he’s encountered. In a unique, wry style, using colorful asides, he candidly reports the adventures and obstacles he faced as a traveler. The book is available in bookstores and online at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

March 2015 issue | Appears on page 69

Brussels’ Ommegang

The traditional summer procession in Belgium known as the Ommegang (Old Flemish for “walking around”) will be held on June 30 and July 2, 2015.

The procession, which was first held in 1549, will begin at Parc de Bruxelles (Brussels Park), where an entire medieval village will be created, and end with a show at the Grand Place. More than 1,400 performers dressed in medieval costume will participate.

Access to the medieval village and points along the route is free. Tickets to...