Travel Briefs

March 2015 issue | Appears on page 69

Bullet train footbaths

The Yamagata Shinkansen bullet train, which runs between Tokyo and Shinjo¯ in Japan, introduced a footbath car in July 2014. It features two ahsiyu, or warm-water footbaths, on either side of the train so riders can soak their feet while watching the scenery. 

Another car on the train offers traditional tatami mats to sit on beside low, cherrywood tables, with a bar serving locally brewed sake.

A JR East Pass for the Yamagata Shinkansen line costs ¥22,000 (near $187) per adult...

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February 2015 issue | Appears on page 4

30-day India e-visas

India’s electronic visa program now includes the US, for a total of 45 countries.

To apply for a 30-day Indian visa online, go to https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html and complete the application on the website. The cost is $60. You also must email a front-facing photo and a scan of the first page of your passport. 

Within 72 hours you will receive an email letting you know whether or not your visa has been approved. If it has, print the Electronic Travel...

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February 2015 issue | Appears on page 4

China visas extended

A deal struck between the US and Chinese governments on Nov. 12 extends from one year to 10 years the validity period of tourist and business visas for US citizens traveling to China. The application process and the visa fee of $140 remain the same. Any traveler continuing to Hong Kong or Macau must get a multiple-entry visa in order to reenter China.

Chinese citizens benefit from new, 10-year tourism and business visas to the US.

February 2015 issue | Appears on page 4

Beijing smoking ban

In northeastern China, the city of Beijing passed an ordinance on Nov. 28 that will ban smoking indoors in all public buildings and buses and at outdoor locations near schools and hospitals by June 2015. It also will ban advertising for cigarettes in magazines, newspapers and films. Fines for violating the new rules range from CNY50 (near $8) to CNY200.

The capital city, a municipality of over 21 million people, has an estimated four million smokers.

February 2015 issue | Appears on page 4

Berlin sleeper trains cut

Along with sleeper-car service on rail routes from Berlin to Amsterdam, Prague, Basel and Copenhagen, the only sleeper-car-equipped train from Berlin to Paris made its last journey on Dec. 13, putting an end to an institution that predated WWII. Travelers who want to travel by train from Berlin to Paris now must change trains at Cologne.

Rail operator Deutsche Bahn revealed that the overnight Berlin-Paris service had been piling up monetary losses and pointed to a decline in passenger...

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February 2015 issue | Appears on page 4

Bus TravelPass in NZ

Visitors to New Zealand can use TravelPass bus passes offered by InterCity (Sky City Travel Centre, 102 Hobson St., Auckland, New Zealand; phone +64 9 583 5780).

InterCity TravelPass trips follow preplanned itineraries. TravelPasses are good for up to 12 months after purchase, and, for as long as the pass is valid, a rider can pause his trip and stay in one of InterCity’s destinations, then board a later bus to finish his trip. Passes also cover ferrying between islands (when...

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February 2015 issue | Appears on page 42

‘What is Luxury?’ in London

Exploring the nature and future of luxury and including items crafted of gold, gems, plastic and cloth, the “What is Luxury?” exhibit will be held April 25-Sept. 27, 2015, at the Victoria and Albert Museum (Cromwell Rd., London, SW7 2RL, U.K.; phone +44 020 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk).

The museum, near the South Kensington Underground station, is open 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m., Mon.-Thur. & Sat.-Sun. and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri. Admission is free.

February 2015 issue | Appears on page 65

Scottish barge golf sailings

On the 7-day, 6-night “Caledonian Canal River Cruise” from Muirtown to Banavie, Scotland, aboard the 8-passenger Scottish Highlander, golf enthusiasts can sign up for a golf-themed tour package on the May 10 and Oct. 4, 2015, departures.

Including local transfers, all meals and daily escorted excursions, the cruise fare ranges from $4,090 per person, double occupancy, to $5,450, with whole-boat charters starting at $22,000. 

For those wishing to play golf, a $900-per-person...

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