International Travel News

Travel Briefs

September 2011 issue | Appears on page 74

Paris flea markets

There are many flea markets in Paris, but the most famous is Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, or, as it is usually called, Les Puces (“The Fleas”). About 6.5 kilometers* (four miles) north of the Paris city center, just outside the 18th arrondissement, it’s located between Métro stops Porte de Clignancourt and Porte de St-Ouen.

Covering 17 acres, it has more than 15 specialty markets and 1,500 shops and stalls. Items range from attic junk to rare antiques and fine art. In...

September 2011 issue | Appears on page 75

‘Visit Korea’ app

For iPhone and Android smartphone users, a free “Visit Korea” app provides Korea travel info, recommended itineraries and travel tools (including exchange rates and local weather). It is gps-integrated, so users can find the nearest tourist information center. By linking to the “1330 call center” feature, travelers can reach information and interpretation services. Download at the Apple App Store or the Google Android Market by searching for “Visit Korea....

September 2011 issue | Appears on page 75

Rent a Harley overseas

Harley-Davidson has established rental locations throughout the world, including in many port cities. All rentals are late-model motorcycles, maintained to strict company standards.

At most international rental locations, riders must be 21 years of age or older; have a valid heavyweight motorcycle operator’s license; have a major credit card, and possess the skills and knowledge to operate a heavyweight motorcycle.

Harley-Davidson Authorized Rentals® will provide the...

September 2011 issue | Appears on page 75

Rent a bike in London

The central London location of Hertz (35 Edgware Rd., London; phone 0843 309 3049) is offering rentals of electric bicycles, which increase pedalers’ speed. They are powered by rechargeable batteries that last for a day of riding. For multiday rentals, an ordinary wall outlet can recharge the battery.

A bike can be rented for £19.99 (near $28) per day, which is less than the full-day fee of £51 ($72) with the city’s bike-sharing program.

September 2011 issue | Appears on page 75

Pack For A Purpose

Pack For A Purpose, a nonprofit founded in 2009, suggests that travelers to any of 100-plus destinations on five continents pack at least five pounds of helpful supplies in their luggage to be delivered to a community in need.

In the area you’re visiting, find a participating hotel or lodge and drop off the supplies at the reception desk. (You are not required to be staying at any of the lodgings, most of which are high-end.)

Five pounds is the weight of 400 pencils, five...

September 2011 issue | Appears on page 76

Narrow gauge in Latvia

Travelers to Latvia’s northern Vidzeme Province can ride the only functioning narrow-gauge diesel-engine train in the Baltics. The line was originally built in 1903 and covered 212 kilometers, but only 33 kilometers of the original track remain, connecting the towns of Gulbene and Aluksne.

Three restored diesel-engine locomotives, built in the 1920s, 1960s and 1980s, as well as several restored passenger carriages are used on the one-hour-and-25-minute route. There are two...

September 2011 issue | Appears on page 76

DC-6 Diner, Coventry

At Coventry, England’s, AIRBASE Living Air Museum, a converted (and nonflying) 1958 Douglas DC-6 prop liner has been converted to a diner. The fuselage seats 40, and visitors can summon servers by pushing the stewardess call button.

The DC-6 Diner (Coventry Airport, Coventry CV8 3 AZ, U.K.; phone 024 7688 2604) serves dinner nightly and serves lunch Wednesday through Saturday. The bar remains open till midnight all week.

The average lunch entrée costs £8.95 (near $...

August 2011 issue | Appears on page 14

UK dining discounts

Visitors to the UK can enjoy savings of 50% on meals throughout the country with a new dining card, the Tastecard. Valid at over 5,000 restaurants, the 14-day Tastecard costs £25 ($40) and covers two people.

It is available at the Encore desk of the Britain & London Visitor Centre (1 Regent St., London). A list of participating restaurants is at www.tastecard.co.uk.