International Travel News

Travel Briefs

July 2014 issue | Appears on page 4

Sarajevo city hall reopens

Sarajevo’s historic city hall (Obala Kulina bana, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina), first opened in 1896, reopened on May 9, 2014, for the first time since 1992.

The reopening coincides with the centenary of World War I; it was the building Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife had left soon before they were assassinated in 1914. In 1949 it was converted into the national library. During the Bosnian War in the ’90s, it was shelled and burned despite its not being a military...

July 2014 issue | Appears on page 4

Irish masterpieces

Until Dec. 31, 2014, the exhibit “Masterpieces from the Collection” is being held in the National Gallery of Ireland (Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, Ireland; phone +353 1 661 5133). Irish paintings from the early Renaissance to the 20th century will be shown in 10 rooms of the Beit Wing; enter on Claire Street. A large selection of Jack Yeats paintings will be put on rotation.

Open 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 9:30-8:30 Thursday, 12-5:30 p.m. Sunday and...

July 2014 issue | Appears on page 4

HomingPIN item tracker

Baggage loops, key rings and stickers for phones, tablets and computers — all with unique numbers that help airport officials track them for the owners if they are lost or misplaced — are offered by HomingPIN (based in Stansted, England).

HomingPIN uses the WorldTracer system, in place in more than 2,200 airports worldwide. When the number is input into the system, the owner of the item may be immediately told where their item is and can be assisted in recovering it.

Purchase...

July 2014 issue | Appears on page 42

Swim with whale sharks, Cancún

Whale sharks migrate to the Gulf of Mexico each summer, and from mid-May to mid-September visitors to Cancún, Mexico, can swim with the world’s largest fish. Guests can spend up to 2½ hours in the water with the whale sharks plus, possibly, manta rays, dolphins and turtles.

The cost of a day boat tour (max., 10 passengers) is $150 adult or $130 child age 5-11. With hotel transfer, it runs from $169 adult/$140 child to $215 adult/$175 child, depending on hotel zone. A private VIP tour...

July 2014 issue | Appears on page 55

‘Romantic Road’ app

The app “Romantic Road,” from the German National Tourist Board, has info for anyone driving through 28 towns in Bavaria from Würzburg in the north to Füssen in the south. It covers 10 tourist highlights (such as the Pilgrimage Church of Wies), showing opening hours, GPS distances, admission prices and accessibility for the disabled. Visit the App Store or Google Play.

July 2014 issue | Appears on page 63

The Kelpies in Falkirk

At the mouth of a new extension of the Forth and Clyde Canal in Falkirk, Scotland, two 98-foot-tall horse head sculptures, called The Kelpies, opened to the public in April at The Helix outdoor recreational area. Made of stainless steel and weighing 300 tons each, the sculptures were built by artist Andy Scott.

Guided tours of The Kelpies operate daily and cost £4.95 (near $8) adult or £3 child. Buy tickets at www.thehelix.co.uk (under “Plan your visit,” click on “Book Kelpie tickets...

July 2014 issue | Appears on page 69

Dylan Thomas’ 100th

Marking the 100th birthday of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas (1914-1953), events celebrating his life and work are being held this year in England, Wales, Australia and the US.

Activities are centered on the city of Swansea, southern Wales, where he was born. The Dylan Thomas Festival runs Oct. 27-Nov. 9 (the dates of his birth and death). The Dylan Thomas Center (Somerset Place, Swansea; phone +44 01792 463980) will host a free exhibit of Dylan manuscripts and photographs, Sept. 5-Dec. 24...

July 2014 issue | Appears on page 70

Qing and Ming furniture

Until Dec. 31, 2014, in Beijing, exquisite examples of traditional Chinese furniture from the Qing and Ming dynasties (1368-1911) are on display at the National Museum of China (16 East Chang’an Ave., Dongcheng District, Beijing 100006, P.R. China; phone +86 10 6511 6400). The free exhibit “Splendid Art of Wood” includes elaborately carved beds, couches, screens and chests.

Admission to the museum is free, except for some special exhibits. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sun.