International Travel News

Travel Briefs

July 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Cutty Sark fire

A fire on May 20 burned for over two hours aboard the historic 19th-century Cutty Sark, kept in dry dock at Greenwich in southeast London. The skeleton was substantially damaged and much of the deck was destroyed.

The damage could have been worse; the masts, the coach house and half of the planking had been removed for restoration. The figurehead was rescued.

July 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

King Henry VIII

Celebrating the 500th anniversary of King Henry VIII’s accession to the throne, Hampton Court Palace, London, opened on June 28 a permanent exhibition telling the story of his early reign. There are historic paintings from the Royal Collection plus audiovisual and hands-on displays.

Open daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., March 25-Oct. 27, and 10-4:30, Oct. 28, 2007 to March 2008 (arrive one hour before closing). £12.30 (near $24) adult, £10 senior, £8 child. Contact Historic Royal Palaces (...

July 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

The Paris Shopping Companion

“The Paris Shopping Companion” by Susan Swire Winkler with Caroline Lesieur (fourth edition, 2006, Cumberland House Publishing, Inc. ISBN 13978581825121 — 257 pp., $14.95 paperback).

“Paris in your pocket” is the back-cover blurb, but I question whether this sizable book (5½"x9") would really be convenient to take on a shopping expedition. Also, the black-and-white photos are surprisingly mundane, given the plethora of pricey goodies on display. The maps, however, are good, as is the...

July 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Clock Museum in Portugal

The town of Serpa, in southern Portugal, has a clock museum housed in a former 14th-century convent. The collection includes more than 1,700 watches and clocks dating from the 17th century, including many rare Portuguese watches.

Contact Museu do Relógio (Convento do Mosteirinho, Rua do Assento, 7830-341 Serpa, Portugal; phone 284543194).

July 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Tewkesbury central

In Tewkesbury, England, the 16th-century half-timbered property known as The Hat Shop is now a Tourist Information Centre and the hub for all events, walks and tours. Visit www.tewkesbury.gov.uk or www.cotswolds.com.

July 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Christmas museum

The German Christmas Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber features old-time Santa Clauses, nutcrackers and Christmas decorations and describes the history and customs of the holiday. Entry €4 ($5). Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April to Dec. 23 and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 24-31. German Christmas Museum (Herrengasse 1, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany).

July 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Golf in Thailand

Through Oct. 31, 2007, Laguna hotels in Phuket, Thailand, have a “Golf Unlimited Package” offering unlimited daily rounds at the Laguna Phuket Golf Club; breakfast, and free transport between all six Laguna hotels, the golf club and shopping center.

Per-night prices range from a suite at Allamanda Laguna Phuket for $85 single or $100 double to a villa at the Banyan Tree Phuket for $370 single or $380 double.

Contact Laguna Resorts & Hotels (Bang Tao Beach, 390/1 Moo1,...

July 2007 issue | Appears on page 0

Extended Thailand stay

Through the Thailand Longstay Company, travelers can arrange with the Thai government for stays of up to a year after a standard 30-day tourist visa expires.

The company has many packages, ranging from the 6,000-baht (near $183) “Silver Package,” which includes a mobile phone with SIM card plus fast-track at both Suvarnabhumi and Phuket airports, to the 72,000-baht ($2,200) “Blue Diamond” package, offering the mobile SIM, a multireentry visa for one year, accident and health insurance...